Firstly, I got a package in the mail. My giveaway win from Pink Sky Studio came in! It's so cute- I am now ready to make a little teapot tea towel with her sweet little embroidery pattern. Oh interwebs, how kind you can be!
I also have been getting busy on the sewing front. My machines are HOME though I still haven't plugged them in. Baby steps. I did wash all of my gorgeous Heather Ross fabrics, and they're in the dryer now. I started ironing everything for my next big project, the super secret gifts I am making for my bridesmaids. No photos on the blog, methinks, but I am very excited to get going on them! And I went to JoAnn's today to pick up a few patterns. And fabric. G came with me, and we selected two really lovely home dec fabrics to use in Project Nest! Now I've cleaned up most of the windows, it's time to hang some curtains. Although there are curtains in the guest room, courtesy of one of George's former renters, and some in the master bedroom... the rest of the house has bare windows. I picked up a nice burgundy silk (ok, a polyester silk look-alike, but it's washable). That will look really swank in our dining room, when we take down the paper over the chair rail and paint the top part of the wall silver. The bottom is currently a nice colonial blue, but instead of keeping the blue we might change up the look and go with a steel blue or even a real gray- I think with the deep curtains it will look very modern in there, and I am sure will give us great pleasure on the rare nights we don't just eat in the living room!
I also picked out a cutesy big plaid in cream, two shades of sage green, and shades of deep pink for my craft room. I could repaint the room cream again, or I could go with the very pale sage. Either way, all the colors look very nice with my deep gray sofa (and I can make rose-colored pillows to match!).
We had a pretty big yard sale today. Massive amounts of our duplicate belongings, extraneous kitchenware, and lots of other things are all gone- some sold, the rest donated to Goodwill. We feel so much lighter, and the basement and garage are suddenly much more navigable.
As if all that were not enough excitement for the day, I made a delicious chicken, cauliflower, and potato curry... and finished Clapotis. My third, but who's counting? It's delightful, and I think I will not block it, to keep it's subtle drape. My resident photographer has promised me some photos tomorrow, once he returns from a birthday party and I come back from the Quilters Unlimited quilt show at the Dulles Expo Center. So exciting!
On one final note, I wanted to recommend a little local establishment. Instead of cooking the curry last night, G picked me up from the metro and we went to Yorktown Bistro, here in Arlington and not far from the house. It's very open inside, with nice enough decor, and the cuisine is fairly traditional Italian. Oh oh so delicious! My chicken parm was one of the best I've had, and G enjoyed his three cheese ravioli. The homemade tiramisu was stellar, and we were particularly entranced by their specials on wine bottles. All in all? The perfect date night. They do takeout and rent out space, as well... we might have more decisions to make than we originally thought, when it comes time to plan our rehearsal dinner!
Showing posts with label sewing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sewing. Show all posts
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Sew Mama Sew sewing machine meme: Redux
Sew Mama Sew is hosting Sewing Machine Month in June. I thought it might be fun to participate in their sewing machine meme. Of course, I have two machines... so this is post two of two!
What brand and model do you have? Singer Rocketeer (501A or 503... I should look that up)
How long have you had it? This was my first machine- my aunt Barbara gave it to me upon graduation from college. Spring 2003! I took it with me to Indiana.
How much does that machine cost (approximately)? Again, it was a gift. You can find them on eBay and Craigslist in the 200-300 dollar range, sometimes much cheaper.
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? I used the Rocketeer for eeeeverything when I first got it. Home dec, bags, hemming, piecing, clothing, you name it. It's greatest glory was when I decided to cosplay at Otakon one year, and spent a good part of a summer sewing EVERY DAY on my costume. It was my first time dealing with all sorts of crazy fabrics (sateen? gauze? tulle? none of them could take down my Rocketeer). Have I mentioned that when I get going on a sewing project, I go crazy?
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get? See above. When in a serious sewing mood, I can sew 10-12 hours a day. But then I go back to ignoring my machine for 8 months. Unpredictable is my middle name. I should change the needles more though, the more I think about it!
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name? I love my Rocketeer. Like my Athena, she goes by her model name. She's futuristic, but very much situated in the past. What a workhorse.
What features does your machine have that work well for you? She isn't snazzy like my (comparatively) new Athena. But she has some verve! The Rocketeer will handle ANY fabric. And when I say any, I mean bring on the denim and sailcloth. She handles it like a charm. Just try that with most modern machines- 4 layers of denim and you'll be breaking a needle every seam. With my baby Rocketeer? Like butter. Slow-moving but definitely smooth butter.
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? For some reason my Rocketeer hates to go more than half an hour without just chopping up some thread. Despite endless playing with the tension, it just snips right through it for no apparent reason and I end up having to rethread the needle. Argh.
Do you have a great story to share about your machine? This machine just gets it done- no buzzers and whistles, but a solid machine. I can oil it myself, and it doesn't break down as horrifically as my Athena.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why? Absolutely. It's a fanastic first machine, and solid enough to handle any basic project. It would be perfect for a beginner sewer, without being complicated.
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine? Same as in my last post. Think about your purpose. Do you want to sew crazy heavy weight fabric? Get a machine that is NOT electronic. Spare yourself some pain, and stick with an oldie-but-goodie like my Rocketeer. Aiming for a machine that has fancy stitch patterns and runs quietly? Pick a different model.
Do you have a dream machine? I actually don't just want a Bernina. I want a serger, too. George would love that- I'd be able to mend his old tee shirts speedily! But I don't need one yet, so it's still just a dream machine for now.
So there you have it- my two Singer ladies, my sewing room dream team. I picked both of them up from the repair shop and can't wait to try them out. This was an awfully expensive servicing, due to the Athena being a lot more broken than I thought. But with new gears and a few other parts, hopefully she'll be sewing like new. I guess I've learned my lesson- I can take care of the Rocketeer ok on my own, but I really need to get the Athena in for servicing more regularly!
What brand and model do you have? Singer Rocketeer (501A or 503... I should look that up)
How long have you had it? This was my first machine- my aunt Barbara gave it to me upon graduation from college. Spring 2003! I took it with me to Indiana.
How much does that machine cost (approximately)? Again, it was a gift. You can find them on eBay and Craigslist in the 200-300 dollar range, sometimes much cheaper.
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? I used the Rocketeer for eeeeverything when I first got it. Home dec, bags, hemming, piecing, clothing, you name it. It's greatest glory was when I decided to cosplay at Otakon one year, and spent a good part of a summer sewing EVERY DAY on my costume. It was my first time dealing with all sorts of crazy fabrics (sateen? gauze? tulle? none of them could take down my Rocketeer). Have I mentioned that when I get going on a sewing project, I go crazy?
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get? See above. When in a serious sewing mood, I can sew 10-12 hours a day. But then I go back to ignoring my machine for 8 months. Unpredictable is my middle name. I should change the needles more though, the more I think about it!
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name? I love my Rocketeer. Like my Athena, she goes by her model name. She's futuristic, but very much situated in the past. What a workhorse.
What features does your machine have that work well for you? She isn't snazzy like my (comparatively) new Athena. But she has some verve! The Rocketeer will handle ANY fabric. And when I say any, I mean bring on the denim and sailcloth. She handles it like a charm. Just try that with most modern machines- 4 layers of denim and you'll be breaking a needle every seam. With my baby Rocketeer? Like butter. Slow-moving but definitely smooth butter.
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? For some reason my Rocketeer hates to go more than half an hour without just chopping up some thread. Despite endless playing with the tension, it just snips right through it for no apparent reason and I end up having to rethread the needle. Argh.
Do you have a great story to share about your machine? This machine just gets it done- no buzzers and whistles, but a solid machine. I can oil it myself, and it doesn't break down as horrifically as my Athena.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why? Absolutely. It's a fanastic first machine, and solid enough to handle any basic project. It would be perfect for a beginner sewer, without being complicated.
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine? Same as in my last post. Think about your purpose. Do you want to sew crazy heavy weight fabric? Get a machine that is NOT electronic. Spare yourself some pain, and stick with an oldie-but-goodie like my Rocketeer. Aiming for a machine that has fancy stitch patterns and runs quietly? Pick a different model.
Do you have a dream machine? I actually don't just want a Bernina. I want a serger, too. George would love that- I'd be able to mend his old tee shirts speedily! But I don't need one yet, so it's still just a dream machine for now.
So there you have it- my two Singer ladies, my sewing room dream team. I picked both of them up from the repair shop and can't wait to try them out. This was an awfully expensive servicing, due to the Athena being a lot more broken than I thought. But with new gears and a few other parts, hopefully she'll be sewing like new. I guess I've learned my lesson- I can take care of the Rocketeer ok on my own, but I really need to get the Athena in for servicing more regularly!
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Sew Mama Sewing Machine Meme
Sew Mama Sew is hosting Sewing Machine Month in June. I thought it might be fun to participate in their sewing machine meme. Of course, I have two machines... so this is post one of two!
What brand and model do you have? Singer Athena 2000
How long have you had it? Since I moved back from Indiana and into my second apartment, I believe- summer of 2005.
How much does that machine cost (approximately)? A quick google search didn't give me any idea. My mother purchased it in the mid-70s, but it was gifted to me.
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? My Athena is my main garment sewing machine, and my quilting machine now that I quilt. I've made clothes for myself on it, and bags, etc.
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get? Lately, I don't sew at all! This is because my Athena stopped working properly last fall. I would say in heavy sewing periods (for example, at the end of last summer), I sew for many (many many) hours over the weekend and a few during the week. When I'm not in the middle of obsessing over a project, I sew very infrequently.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name? I call her Athena, for obvious reasons, or my little Sewing Goddess. I do love her, but I am not as comfortable with her as I am with my other machine. I just need more time getting to know her.
What features does your machine have that work well for you? My mother often remarks that she regrets ever giving me this machine- it has the best button-holer of all of our collective sewing machines.
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? OH the curses I have lashed out since it broke down last fall. It turns out that it needed some serious repairs (I suspected it, but was afraid to give in and bring it in for repair). Apparently it had some broken parts, and I'm in for a $180 bill very shortly. Sigh.
Do you have a great story to share about your machine? Well, this is my mother's old machine, the one she used to make all the crazy matching shorts and hawaiian shirts for my sister and me in our childhood. The Disney World outfits we had in NEON green were pretty awesome. In an 80s-tastic way. We always wore whatever Mom made for us, and we sure were easy to spot.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why? I do recommend it! It's electronic, but still basic enough to handle anything. I love older machines, and again... it's got the button-holer of doom.
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine? I think you should gauge how you are going to use the machine as the most important factor. For me, I wanted to be able to sew apparel, and to do basic fixes on ready-to-wear (the Athena also is very good at hemming). I wouldn't have chosen it for a quilting machine, but it does a fine job at that, as well.
Do you have a dream machine? I want a Bernina. I am completely in love with my aunt's Bernina. It sews like a dream, and I can only imagine how awesome it would be for free-motion machine quilting. Someday I'll get one of my own!
What brand and model do you have? Singer Athena 2000
How long have you had it? Since I moved back from Indiana and into my second apartment, I believe- summer of 2005.
How much does that machine cost (approximately)? A quick google search didn't give me any idea. My mother purchased it in the mid-70s, but it was gifted to me.
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)? My Athena is my main garment sewing machine, and my quilting machine now that I quilt. I've made clothes for myself on it, and bags, etc.
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get? Lately, I don't sew at all! This is because my Athena stopped working properly last fall. I would say in heavy sewing periods (for example, at the end of last summer), I sew for many (many many) hours over the weekend and a few during the week. When I'm not in the middle of obsessing over a project, I sew very infrequently.
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name? I call her Athena, for obvious reasons, or my little Sewing Goddess. I do love her, but I am not as comfortable with her as I am with my other machine. I just need more time getting to know her.
What features does your machine have that work well for you? My mother often remarks that she regrets ever giving me this machine- it has the best button-holer of all of our collective sewing machines.
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? OH the curses I have lashed out since it broke down last fall. It turns out that it needed some serious repairs (I suspected it, but was afraid to give in and bring it in for repair). Apparently it had some broken parts, and I'm in for a $180 bill very shortly. Sigh.
Do you have a great story to share about your machine? Well, this is my mother's old machine, the one she used to make all the crazy matching shorts and hawaiian shirts for my sister and me in our childhood. The Disney World outfits we had in NEON green were pretty awesome. In an 80s-tastic way. We always wore whatever Mom made for us, and we sure were easy to spot.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why? I do recommend it! It's electronic, but still basic enough to handle anything. I love older machines, and again... it's got the button-holer of doom.
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine? I think you should gauge how you are going to use the machine as the most important factor. For me, I wanted to be able to sew apparel, and to do basic fixes on ready-to-wear (the Athena also is very good at hemming). I wouldn't have chosen it for a quilting machine, but it does a fine job at that, as well.
Do you have a dream machine? I want a Bernina. I am completely in love with my aunt's Bernina. It sews like a dream, and I can only imagine how awesome it would be for free-motion machine quilting. Someday I'll get one of my own!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Summer Sewing
My fiance is a doll. Case in point? He's taking in my two sewing machines for repair today, so I can get going on summer sewing.
Both the Athena and my Rocketeer gave up the dust while I was working on my Storm at Sea. So it's not done. And I would REALLY love to bring that bad boy to my quilting retreat in September as a finished top, not in pieces!
I also have some very important projects to work on this summer. I have three gorgeous gifts to make for some very special ladies. And yesterday I received the most amazing fabric in the mail. I may be 28 years old (I'm going to keep saying that, because I keep forgetting and thinking I'm 29 already)... but I can still wear unicorns if I want to. This fabric is from Heather Ross's "Far Far Away" collection. I also bought some of her Mendocino fabric (with mermaids! and kelp!). The Far Far Away fabrics are doubleweight gauze, while the Mendocino are a standard quilting cotton. Don't know how I'll use all of them yet, but the unicorns on the blush background are going to become something like this:
Photo (and tutorial) courtesy of Sew Mama Sew.
Both the Athena and my Rocketeer gave up the dust while I was working on my Storm at Sea. So it's not done. And I would REALLY love to bring that bad boy to my quilting retreat in September as a finished top, not in pieces!
I also have some very important projects to work on this summer. I have three gorgeous gifts to make for some very special ladies. And yesterday I received the most amazing fabric in the mail. I may be 28 years old (I'm going to keep saying that, because I keep forgetting and thinking I'm 29 already)... but I can still wear unicorns if I want to. This fabric is from Heather Ross's "Far Far Away" collection. I also bought some of her Mendocino fabric (with mermaids! and kelp!). The Far Far Away fabrics are doubleweight gauze, while the Mendocino are a standard quilting cotton. Don't know how I'll use all of them yet, but the unicorns on the blush background are going to become something like this:
Photo (and tutorial) courtesy of Sew Mama Sew.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
October-land
I am so pleased with the Red Sox. Huzzah! And I was even home to watch the game this evening, which is a super bonus.
I was not feeling very well today (in fact, quite the opposite), but I was able to recover from my sniffles and hoarse throat and so forth enough to sew like mad. I've been pretty successful! I finished the petticoat for my costume. Is it sad if this is my second petticoat- I guess now I have one in black as well as white. I also made the poodle skirt- because, yes. Jess was totally right, and I'm going as a 50s chickie. I have not added the applique yet, however, and I think I still need to cut off at least 2 inches of the skirt. 5 inches off was apparently insufficient, I am so darn short. The applique... should be interesting. It is not a poodle.
The 50s costume is particularly appropriate because it will match my new specs. They are pretty spiffy. Let's just not discuss how bad my old prescription was, or how suddenly I can see people's faces again. And read alarm clocks. Now I know- if I can't read the alarm clock from bed WITH the glasses on, they really need new lenses.
Hope that I feel better tomorrow. I am feeling rotten mentally as well as physically, for skipping out on the numerous things I was supposed to do today (volunteering this morning, seeing Fools & Horses tonight, hanging out with friends). I didn't even manage laundry. Sewing is a pretty good feeling-sick activity, actually- it is very distracting, and requires you to get up and down a fair bit but doesn't actually make you move too much. I finally got a folding cardboard cutting mat to put on the kitchen table, so I didn't even have to cut everything out on the floor. This may cause me to sew more in future.
One final note about this sewing stuff... the Athena is definitely still dead. Very very dead. On the plus side, I pulled out my Rocketeer, and it is working like a champ. Maybe I'll try quilting tomorrow, since all work stopped on my Storm at Sea when the Athena went kablooey last month...
I was not feeling very well today (in fact, quite the opposite), but I was able to recover from my sniffles and hoarse throat and so forth enough to sew like mad. I've been pretty successful! I finished the petticoat for my costume. Is it sad if this is my second petticoat- I guess now I have one in black as well as white. I also made the poodle skirt- because, yes. Jess was totally right, and I'm going as a 50s chickie. I have not added the applique yet, however, and I think I still need to cut off at least 2 inches of the skirt. 5 inches off was apparently insufficient, I am so darn short. The applique... should be interesting. It is not a poodle.
The 50s costume is particularly appropriate because it will match my new specs. They are pretty spiffy. Let's just not discuss how bad my old prescription was, or how suddenly I can see people's faces again. And read alarm clocks. Now I know- if I can't read the alarm clock from bed WITH the glasses on, they really need new lenses.
Hope that I feel better tomorrow. I am feeling rotten mentally as well as physically, for skipping out on the numerous things I was supposed to do today (volunteering this morning, seeing Fools & Horses tonight, hanging out with friends). I didn't even manage laundry. Sewing is a pretty good feeling-sick activity, actually- it is very distracting, and requires you to get up and down a fair bit but doesn't actually make you move too much. I finally got a folding cardboard cutting mat to put on the kitchen table, so I didn't even have to cut everything out on the floor. This may cause me to sew more in future.
One final note about this sewing stuff... the Athena is definitely still dead. Very very dead. On the plus side, I pulled out my Rocketeer, and it is working like a champ. Maybe I'll try quilting tomorrow, since all work stopped on my Storm at Sea when the Athena went kablooey last month...
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Getting Ready for Halloween
I need two Halloween costumes this year. One needs to be sweat-friendly, because my sister and I are running a 5k together in Dayton. This will be my first 5k (and possibly only my second time running with anyone besides myself!)... so I'm scared, but excited. And I'll probably walk a fair bit, since I'm not exactly training as hard as I could desire. No matter. This first costume, for running, is apparently going to be a somewhat naughty pirate costume. Including fishnets. My sister picked it out- she's going to be a "naughty nurse" which is fitting for a new RN. Neither costume should be overly risque... after all, we'll have our running clothes on underneath!
My second costume should be equally entertaining. It's not finished yet. And by not finished, I mean not started. But it includes the following materials:
Hot pink felt
black tulle
black net
black lining fabric
various small felt pieces
black sweater
white button-down shirt
black stockings
Any guesses as to what it could be? I'll give a few bonus hints over the weekend.
I will get to wear this costume to a party on the 25th, and again after the run on the 31st. I'm very excited to get to wear it twice!
My second costume should be equally entertaining. It's not finished yet. And by not finished, I mean not started. But it includes the following materials:
Hot pink felt
black tulle
black net
black lining fabric
various small felt pieces
black sweater
white button-down shirt
black stockings
Any guesses as to what it could be? I'll give a few bonus hints over the weekend.
I will get to wear this costume to a party on the 25th, and again after the run on the 31st. I'm very excited to get to wear it twice!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Toodling around the House
I finally did a massive housecleaning this past week- cleared out all the junk accumulated in the "front hallway" and tidied up the kitchen, did tons of dishes, and vacuumed the "whole place." The quotation marks are requisite, since my apartment is not exactly large. And the front hallway is... a couple feet of space between the front door and the living room bookcases, but no matter! It's growing on me. I loved my home in Bloomington best of all, because it was big and had great light and I had a sewing room slash study. This Arlington home isn't bad though- I still miss having a real bedroom, but I do love having it set up with distinct "rooms" and seeing the TV from bed those rare times I do that.
What did I do the second I got it all pretty in here? I decided to tear through all my sewing supplies, fabric, and patterns to try and organize things. I didn't finish a lot of organization, but I did find some entertaining things. I have two copies of two different costume patterns- but at least I know why I have duplicates. And I have an amazing vintage dress, in the right size approximately, but I'm still too scared to try making it.
I made my first eBay order in years - to get 30s reproduction quilting fabric. Or rather, little pre-cut squares. They came in beautifully laundered, ironed, and cut to 4 inches, and I need to get some subtle white patterned quilting fabric to make my pinwheel quilt. This should be a really quick project, once I find the background fabric. In fact, I think I started this whole sewing supply expedition to determine if I already had any! I also wanted to try playing with fabric while watching Project Runway- which is infinitely better this week than last.
Et voila, a bunch of sorted stuff:
I found a bunch of patterns I already have the fabric for and should be ready to work with ASAP: a spiffy long denim skirt in a swishy bias cut (dark denim inherited from my Mom needs to be washed); tons of a burgundy cotton blend I bought at Walmart months ago for a new RenFest skirt; and a quilted handbag (all the fabric is already cut out- beautiful pink and yellow Asian prints).
It's never all sewing around here. An updated sweater back:
And from just after I started the sleeves:
What did I do the second I got it all pretty in here? I decided to tear through all my sewing supplies, fabric, and patterns to try and organize things. I didn't finish a lot of organization, but I did find some entertaining things. I have two copies of two different costume patterns- but at least I know why I have duplicates. And I have an amazing vintage dress, in the right size approximately, but I'm still too scared to try making it.
I made my first eBay order in years - to get 30s reproduction quilting fabric. Or rather, little pre-cut squares. They came in beautifully laundered, ironed, and cut to 4 inches, and I need to get some subtle white patterned quilting fabric to make my pinwheel quilt. This should be a really quick project, once I find the background fabric. In fact, I think I started this whole sewing supply expedition to determine if I already had any! I also wanted to try playing with fabric while watching Project Runway- which is infinitely better this week than last.
Et voila, a bunch of sorted stuff:
I found a bunch of patterns I already have the fabric for and should be ready to work with ASAP: a spiffy long denim skirt in a swishy bias cut (dark denim inherited from my Mom needs to be washed); tons of a burgundy cotton blend I bought at Walmart months ago for a new RenFest skirt; and a quilted handbag (all the fabric is already cut out- beautiful pink and yellow Asian prints).
It's never all sewing around here. An updated sweater back:
And from just after I started the sleeves:
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Moving right along
With good friends you can't lose... oh wait, this isn't the Muppets.
It's 1:30 in the morning, and I have no desire to locate my camera. In the backpack? In a random purse? Right here on the table in the living room, which is current covered in random things because I haven't tidied up in a while? Who knows.
All I do know is that the fronts and back of my Cotton Bam Boo Sweater are DONE. And I already cast on for the sleeves.
I also finished the main sewing-up of my muslin for the dress I am attempting to sew. I paused it after last weekend because I couldn't figure out how to sew in the pocket, or the pooch pouch. Once I decided to ignore the pocket completely, it only took a few more hours to seam the whole thing up. Detailed inspection shows that it, unfortunately, does not quite fit. It's pretty close... but I have to do some thinking about how to fix it. I was so excited to finally fit a pattern size without alterations (even a pattern that already has done the Full Bust Adjustment for me). But I'm just a fraction too petite for the regular, and way too narrow in the back and shoulders compared to what the pattern company imagines for someone of my bust and waist. It's loose in the hips, too, but I actually quite like that!
I originally planned to make the muslin with 3/4 length sleeves, to get more practice with fitting them. If I get the main sheath part of the dress to fit, I'm going to just make it sleeveless. The cotton blend is so soft and cool, that even my cheap fakey muslin would be the perfect little summer dress. Again, if I can get it to stop gaping strangely in the bust and back... I have these hopes that installing a zipper will help, but I have definitely sewn enough to know that it isn't the panacea I could dream of.
This should be a very crafty weekend and week ahead. All I have on my calendar during the week are the Kabbalah class (more on that to come), and of course running. This weekend I'm checking out my neighborhood Saturday farmer's market for the first time, having dinner with a neighbor, and seeing BATMAN. Lots of time in between for working on sweater sleeves. The quicker I can finish them, the quicker I can do some steam blocking, sew it up, and do a whole bunch of ribbing for the neck and button bands! This sweater has to be done before the Olympics, so I am quickly running out of time.
It's 1:30 in the morning, and I have no desire to locate my camera. In the backpack? In a random purse? Right here on the table in the living room, which is current covered in random things because I haven't tidied up in a while? Who knows.
All I do know is that the fronts and back of my Cotton Bam Boo Sweater are DONE. And I already cast on for the sleeves.
I also finished the main sewing-up of my muslin for the dress I am attempting to sew. I paused it after last weekend because I couldn't figure out how to sew in the pocket, or the pooch pouch. Once I decided to ignore the pocket completely, it only took a few more hours to seam the whole thing up. Detailed inspection shows that it, unfortunately, does not quite fit. It's pretty close... but I have to do some thinking about how to fix it. I was so excited to finally fit a pattern size without alterations (even a pattern that already has done the Full Bust Adjustment for me). But I'm just a fraction too petite for the regular, and way too narrow in the back and shoulders compared to what the pattern company imagines for someone of my bust and waist. It's loose in the hips, too, but I actually quite like that!
I originally planned to make the muslin with 3/4 length sleeves, to get more practice with fitting them. If I get the main sheath part of the dress to fit, I'm going to just make it sleeveless. The cotton blend is so soft and cool, that even my cheap fakey muslin would be the perfect little summer dress. Again, if I can get it to stop gaping strangely in the bust and back... I have these hopes that installing a zipper will help, but I have definitely sewn enough to know that it isn't the panacea I could dream of.
This should be a very crafty weekend and week ahead. All I have on my calendar during the week are the Kabbalah class (more on that to come), and of course running. This weekend I'm checking out my neighborhood Saturday farmer's market for the first time, having dinner with a neighbor, and seeing BATMAN. Lots of time in between for working on sweater sleeves. The quicker I can finish them, the quicker I can do some steam blocking, sew it up, and do a whole bunch of ribbing for the neck and button bands! This sweater has to be done before the Olympics, so I am quickly running out of time.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
The things you do when you don't do what you should do
I had a huge to-do list for this weekend. Yesterday I blew most of it off. I chose instead to go for a run at the gym (day one of week 5!), and then I did some ab work- I can actually see a tiny bit of difference in my middle already, which is pretty fantastic. After I got back from the gym I moseyed upstairs to the pool, realized I forgot a towel, but managed to find one and get back up to the roof and take a dip despite my apparent lack of mental acuity post-run. The pool felt so delightful, though I only paddled about a few minutes and then read a bit in the sun. I am not a sun-worshipper by any means, but sometimes I just love to spend a half hour soaking it in. After my dip, I went straight to Silver Spring and watched The Muppet Movie at the AFI Silver. It was fantastic, though my pal Ben and I were about the only adults there sans kiddies. Nobody sang along, which I found a bit upsetting. We walked over to Downtown Silver Spring for dinner, and came upon a concert in progress. Live music outside- entertaining. We ate at Lebanese Taverna (oh the deliciousness) and had a nice chat, and cupcakes from CakeLove, before heading home.
After all that fun, I figured today would be chore day. I did manage to do four loads of laundry, and I changed the linens and cooked sloppy joes for dinner. I did some dishes, too. Other than that? Not a single thing crossed off the to-do list. Sure, I finished a book and read a comic. I worked a tiny bit on the sweater back, but am still a good 4 cm away from the back neck shaping (so maybe 5 or 6 cm from finishing the darn thing). I wasn't just sitting around watching DVR without being productive, however. I pulled out one of my sewing projects and got to work!
I realized this afternoon that the main reason I haven't been sewing is that I have no space in which to sew. In Bloomington I had a second bedroom to use as a study and sewing room- an entire bedroom that I could cut fabric in, a sewing machine on its own table, and plenty of room to have my ironing board set up full-time. In a studio, this is a bit more difficult. My big PC died a hard death last week, however, so I haven't been using my big desk at all since then. And I hardly ever use my balcony, so I decided it would be worthwhile to block off the doors by sticking the ironing board in front of them. Et voila, a fully functional workspace!
I didn't get super far on the dress, but that's because I got stymied by the directions for the front pocket. After looking up some reviews on Pattern Review, I realized not only that everyone had the same issue, but most people decided not to add the pocket anyway. Who wants a massive pocket right in the middle of the tummy- a pooch in front of the pooch, so to speak. I definitely am not doing enough crunches to feel comfortable with that myself, so hopefully putting the rest of the dress together should be a breeze this week! I'm making a muslin first, out of some fabric my mom gave me years ago- it's a light blue-green. It will probably be a wearable muslin, assuming the sizing works.
To review, this is the pattern I'm working with:
And here's my new and improved sewing space:
Now, to finish the muslin, make the dress, and finally vacuum and tidy the apartment. And do all those other things I decided not to bother with, in order to sew instead. Here's a sneak peek at what my "living room" looks like when I don't actually bother to tidy up on a weekend. On the sofa- two finished sweater fronts, a nearly-done sweater back, a sweater that needs ends woven in. On the table- 3 books finished this weekend, 7 library books to read, one in progress. Measuring tape. Pita chips and marshmallows (it's been a cocoa week). And next to the coffee table is a cross stitch project and the stain-guard I really need to use on the sofa!
After all that fun, I figured today would be chore day. I did manage to do four loads of laundry, and I changed the linens and cooked sloppy joes for dinner. I did some dishes, too. Other than that? Not a single thing crossed off the to-do list. Sure, I finished a book and read a comic. I worked a tiny bit on the sweater back, but am still a good 4 cm away from the back neck shaping (so maybe 5 or 6 cm from finishing the darn thing). I wasn't just sitting around watching DVR without being productive, however. I pulled out one of my sewing projects and got to work!
I realized this afternoon that the main reason I haven't been sewing is that I have no space in which to sew. In Bloomington I had a second bedroom to use as a study and sewing room- an entire bedroom that I could cut fabric in, a sewing machine on its own table, and plenty of room to have my ironing board set up full-time. In a studio, this is a bit more difficult. My big PC died a hard death last week, however, so I haven't been using my big desk at all since then. And I hardly ever use my balcony, so I decided it would be worthwhile to block off the doors by sticking the ironing board in front of them. Et voila, a fully functional workspace!
I didn't get super far on the dress, but that's because I got stymied by the directions for the front pocket. After looking up some reviews on Pattern Review, I realized not only that everyone had the same issue, but most people decided not to add the pocket anyway. Who wants a massive pocket right in the middle of the tummy- a pooch in front of the pooch, so to speak. I definitely am not doing enough crunches to feel comfortable with that myself, so hopefully putting the rest of the dress together should be a breeze this week! I'm making a muslin first, out of some fabric my mom gave me years ago- it's a light blue-green. It will probably be a wearable muslin, assuming the sizing works.
To review, this is the pattern I'm working with:
And here's my new and improved sewing space:
Now, to finish the muslin, make the dress, and finally vacuum and tidy the apartment. And do all those other things I decided not to bother with, in order to sew instead. Here's a sneak peek at what my "living room" looks like when I don't actually bother to tidy up on a weekend. On the sofa- two finished sweater fronts, a nearly-done sweater back, a sweater that needs ends woven in. On the table- 3 books finished this weekend, 7 library books to read, one in progress. Measuring tape. Pita chips and marshmallows (it's been a cocoa week). And next to the coffee table is a cross stitch project and the stain-guard I really need to use on the sofa!
Sunday, June 01, 2008
The new addition
I have been waiting three months for a very special delivery. My sofa finally arrived on Friday, and it is even better than I hoped for!
Here is my living room, revised and finally furnished:
There's still plenty of room for a few lamps and my bookcases, and the thing is LONG. The cushions alone measure about six feet- long enough for the boyfriend to lie flat. Perfect! I, of course, don't take up that much room.
Now I finally have something comfortable to sit on and knit. I've been enjoying it all day, today, while working on my pretty rosey cotton sweater and watching DVRed episodes of The Daily Show.
I should be receiving an OttLite in the mail on Monday. I haven't cross stitched in years, due to my fairly abysmal eyesight. I'm hoping the bright clarity of the OttLite will allow me to try samplers again. And today has been a very good craft day in general- I pulled out the ironing board and ironed up some muslin in between ironing work shirts. This allowed me to cut out the fabric for a neo-Victorian vest. Rather, the muslin prototype of one for my boyfriend. I found the little slip of paper with his measurements, and laughed again at my analysis... "Jamie is itty bitty." At least he doesn't require much fabric.
Not a bad Sunday. Laundry done, groceries purchased, apartment... half cleaned. And I saw Sex and the City yesterday, drank a few martinis, and got to spend time with my new sofa and my hilarious boyfriend. What an overall win! I'm ready to go back to work, though. After this much success, I can only imagine I'll rock up the writing tomorrow.
Here is my living room, revised and finally furnished:
There's still plenty of room for a few lamps and my bookcases, and the thing is LONG. The cushions alone measure about six feet- long enough for the boyfriend to lie flat. Perfect! I, of course, don't take up that much room.
Now I finally have something comfortable to sit on and knit. I've been enjoying it all day, today, while working on my pretty rosey cotton sweater and watching DVRed episodes of The Daily Show.
I should be receiving an OttLite in the mail on Monday. I haven't cross stitched in years, due to my fairly abysmal eyesight. I'm hoping the bright clarity of the OttLite will allow me to try samplers again. And today has been a very good craft day in general- I pulled out the ironing board and ironed up some muslin in between ironing work shirts. This allowed me to cut out the fabric for a neo-Victorian vest. Rather, the muslin prototype of one for my boyfriend. I found the little slip of paper with his measurements, and laughed again at my analysis... "Jamie is itty bitty." At least he doesn't require much fabric.
Not a bad Sunday. Laundry done, groceries purchased, apartment... half cleaned. And I saw Sex and the City yesterday, drank a few martinis, and got to spend time with my new sofa and my hilarious boyfriend. What an overall win! I'm ready to go back to work, though. After this much success, I can only imagine I'll rock up the writing tomorrow.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Sometimes it's hard to be a (busty short-waisted petite but a bit hefty) woman
I rather enjoy sewing. I mean, there are moments I hate. Hemming anything, ever, is frankly on my list of despicable chores to be avoided at all costs- I rationalize paying for others to hem my suits when necessary because if something costs nigh on 200 dollars on sale, I can spend the extra few dollars to make sure the hems are done tidily. I really enjoy piecing quilt tops and wall hangings. In fact, I'm signed up for a quilting retreat with my mother and aunt in September, which should be a blast and a half. The three of us in a cabin may in fact make the world implode with crafter goodness and hilarity. I'm not much of a quilter, but I suppose part of going on a quilting retreat is to learn something- and boy do I have a lot to learn about hand quilting. Because I really suck at it. Really.
Besides hating hemming, and loving piecing quilts, I love the idea of sewing clothing for myself. But as the title states- I am simply not proportioned the way patterns are. I haven't been a B-cup since I was 11. I'm petite, but my arms aren't really that short and my legs are just a bit long for a petite (though still seriously shorter than normal people's). I can't draft my own sewing patterns, and I have not yet figured out how to do alterations other than shortening the dreaded hems... so I've been at a bit of a standstill on growing my sewing skills. But when I went to G Street to look at fabrics this evening (it's a sale, I can't help myself), I cruised the pattern books and found the neatest thing! Simplicity is now making patterns in association with Threads (a sewing magazine) that are supposed to be very step-by-step... and they are sized with different pattern pieces for B, C, and D cups. This means I may be able to make a shirt that fits my bust, without needing to do major alterations or go up 4 sizes from my waist size! So I immediately bought two patterns and fabric for both. I'll probably try a muslin first, to determine what size I really need to make and which cup measurement, but in general I'm delighted at the prospects. The fabric is nifty, too!
The first project is a nice button-down shirt with a yoke, crisp collar, and deep v-neck styling. It also has long cuffs, which I adore for under a suit. I found a great slightly stetchy cotton fabric- crisp white with subtle black stripes, and the neatest pearly black buttons to match. Since I need shirts very badly with my new all-suit-every-day job, I am hopeful that this will fit and I can make a whole bunch of them in easy care fabrics, so I can avoid doing laundry and going to the dry cleaner so darn much. I plan to make the view that is second from the left, with a nice yoke (skipping the lace, most likely), and the long sleeves with deep cuffs.
My second project is... a dress! Dresses are even harder for me to fit to my body than shirts, since my measurements are hourglass-ish but not as balanced as the pattern companies seem to expect. This dress actually has the bust measurement separate (B, C, or D!), so I'm excited to try it out. I think it looks a little bit 60s mod, but I'm making the more contemporary view (the one on the far left) with below-the-elbow sleeves and an at-knee length. The nice gentleman at G Street helped me select a navy linen blend which is washable (KEY!) and shouldn't wrinkle much. They had some stunning linens as well, but I hate ironing finished garments almost as much as I hate hemming unfinished ones. Pure linen is therefore rarely a good choice for me.
I realized that I have transitioned my entire life over to my new Lady B bag from Lexie Barnes but never posted to this site about it! I love it wholeheartedly. It's roomy and full of pockets and not too bulky to carry on the metro. The straps stay on my shoulders, which is highly unusual. My shoulders are quite narrow or sloped or something, purses are forever falling off. The first day I used it I was peeved to the extreme because there was no place for my keys. I couldn't believe such a nice bag wouldn't have a key fob, or a little exterior pocket for them. But it does in fact have a little zippered pocket near the top of the bag, on the exterior side with the big pocket- so I had no need to complain. The bag is just about perfect. And did I mention I can use it to metro to work??
I am in love.
Besides hating hemming, and loving piecing quilts, I love the idea of sewing clothing for myself. But as the title states- I am simply not proportioned the way patterns are. I haven't been a B-cup since I was 11. I'm petite, but my arms aren't really that short and my legs are just a bit long for a petite (though still seriously shorter than normal people's). I can't draft my own sewing patterns, and I have not yet figured out how to do alterations other than shortening the dreaded hems... so I've been at a bit of a standstill on growing my sewing skills. But when I went to G Street to look at fabrics this evening (it's a sale, I can't help myself), I cruised the pattern books and found the neatest thing! Simplicity is now making patterns in association with Threads (a sewing magazine) that are supposed to be very step-by-step... and they are sized with different pattern pieces for B, C, and D cups. This means I may be able to make a shirt that fits my bust, without needing to do major alterations or go up 4 sizes from my waist size! So I immediately bought two patterns and fabric for both. I'll probably try a muslin first, to determine what size I really need to make and which cup measurement, but in general I'm delighted at the prospects. The fabric is nifty, too!
The first project is a nice button-down shirt with a yoke, crisp collar, and deep v-neck styling. It also has long cuffs, which I adore for under a suit. I found a great slightly stetchy cotton fabric- crisp white with subtle black stripes, and the neatest pearly black buttons to match. Since I need shirts very badly with my new all-suit-every-day job, I am hopeful that this will fit and I can make a whole bunch of them in easy care fabrics, so I can avoid doing laundry and going to the dry cleaner so darn much. I plan to make the view that is second from the left, with a nice yoke (skipping the lace, most likely), and the long sleeves with deep cuffs.
My second project is... a dress! Dresses are even harder for me to fit to my body than shirts, since my measurements are hourglass-ish but not as balanced as the pattern companies seem to expect. This dress actually has the bust measurement separate (B, C, or D!), so I'm excited to try it out. I think it looks a little bit 60s mod, but I'm making the more contemporary view (the one on the far left) with below-the-elbow sleeves and an at-knee length. The nice gentleman at G Street helped me select a navy linen blend which is washable (KEY!) and shouldn't wrinkle much. They had some stunning linens as well, but I hate ironing finished garments almost as much as I hate hemming unfinished ones. Pure linen is therefore rarely a good choice for me.
I realized that I have transitioned my entire life over to my new Lady B bag from Lexie Barnes but never posted to this site about it! I love it wholeheartedly. It's roomy and full of pockets and not too bulky to carry on the metro. The straps stay on my shoulders, which is highly unusual. My shoulders are quite narrow or sloped or something, purses are forever falling off. The first day I used it I was peeved to the extreme because there was no place for my keys. I couldn't believe such a nice bag wouldn't have a key fob, or a little exterior pocket for them. But it does in fact have a little zippered pocket near the top of the bag, on the exterior side with the big pocket- so I had no need to complain. The bag is just about perfect. And did I mention I can use it to metro to work??
I am in love.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
And she can sew!
I have been exceedingly inspired by Last Minute Patchwork & Quilted Gifts. The birds were adorable. I also thought that the patchwork tablecloth project was nifty, and would make a great housewarming gift. I'm a bit belated on the housewarming, but I did decide to finish it up as a birthday gift for my dearest vegan friend, Sharyn.
The results are not bad in the slightest! I got a bit photo-happy, since this was very large and a bit difficult to photograph. If I had a rectangular table, all would be different!
The set:
The napkins:
The tablecloth:
Pretty fabrics:
Lucky for me, Sharyn and her wonderful husband have already been converting to using fabric napkins and such. Hopefully these colorful additions to her home will provide many years of use... at least until she can't stand the prints anymore and I make her a new set!
The results are not bad in the slightest! I got a bit photo-happy, since this was very large and a bit difficult to photograph. If I had a rectangular table, all would be different!
The set:
The napkins:
The tablecloth:
Pretty fabrics:
Lucky for me, Sharyn and her wonderful husband have already been converting to using fabric napkins and such. Hopefully these colorful additions to her home will provide many years of use... at least until she can't stand the prints anymore and I make her a new set!
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
A day of knitting adventures, and a bit more family fun
Today was an overall great knitting sort of day. I didn't knit on the metro, since it was standing room only, but I did get to read more Anne of Windy Poplars for the Anne-a-long. I emailed the local lunch knitters at l'Enfant Plaza, only to hear they were going on a field trip to a local yarn shop and a craft store by Eastern Market instead of knitting in their office. I can make up an hour of time at work, I thought to myself, and I joined them! We checked out Ipso Crafto first, which has the makings of a really cute craft shop. I loved their little fabric selection (at prices half of what I'm used to seeing at G Street... and tons of PINKS). I also checked out a cross stitch book which may get me back into that craft, and may have to go back for it, since I can't locate it online. We then went to Stitch DC- a location I haven't been to, yet. And I've been having this hankering for black kidsilk haze, to knit a shawl for my holiday party. As surely I've said before. Let's ignore the fact that I just bought something for this purpose yesterday- it might not be as nice as the Rowan! And anyways, 4 balls of black laceyweight mohair is surely better than two. I can make two of them! But I'm getting ahead of myself.
This evening I went to SSK after work, which is a pleasant metro ride up to Silver Spring. After my usual cabernet burger (delish) but no wine, which is less usual, I hunkered down for some serious chatting and knitting. I worked on Hanami and definitely got caught up on local knitting gossip. I also met a girl who I had already corresponded with on Ravelry, so that was overall delightful.
I got home after eleven, which is a bit absurd, and decided to finally just choose a shawl to wear to this party. I selected Wisp, in the end. It just looked so simple, so fast- and I really want to knit River, as well, but maybe I'll make that with the other two skeins of black mohair... AFTER the holiday party. This is one beautiful version of River, for reference.
Having finally selected a pattern, days after starting to think about it, I figured I'd cast on. And then I thought it would be silly to stop without knitting the garter ridges. And then the first lace row. And then the first five rows of the pattern, just to get to the eyelet row. And boy oh boy am I hooked. 40 minutes of knitting or so, and I have over two solid inches of knitting. This is what I'm talking about! I should have this finished in no time, and be able to get right back to Hanami and all my other pretties.
I think this has definitely been my year of lace. Although there were bobbles and cables, too, they have been supplanted in the apple of my eye by yarn overs. What can I say, I like a bit of variety in my obsessive knitting.
I do more than just knit. Want to see one of my biiiiirdies?
This was not a simple project. I do not think I'd recommend it for a beginning sewer, due to the relative difficulty of the curved seams and getting the bits to fit well. Mom's experience making bears, and her bear stuffing tools, cannot be underestimated! Mom and I sewed quite a bit while I was in Raleigh, though I freely admit I spent a good bit of time hunkered over Hanami. Especially after midnight, with the gentle accompaniment of a podcast and the otherwise still and quiet house. I love visiting my parents, in large part because my mom is a night owl most of the time, but I can usually sneak a few hours of solitude into every day. And that's the best kind of vacation- the kind that allows lots of fun and family and a bit of reflection.
I also really want to take photos of the tablecloth and napkins I made, but they are not yet trimmed and edged and therefore are far from done. I also need to get cracking on a waistcoat for the boy. And yet, somehow, all I see in my immediate future is Kidsilk Haze, in the Wicked colorway, which just makes it all the more delicious. Switching from metal needles to my Denise needles made all the difference, by the way- it's so easy to see the black fuzzy yarn on gray needles!
One other vacation photo for the road. This shows certain things, such as my Air Force nurse sister looks nothing like me (we are opposites in every way). Also that I may need to invest in larger sweater sizes if I don't get down to business with some exercise soon. Thank goodness I don't knit sweaters quite this unflattering- and now I know not to wear it for family photos again!
I look more like my grandmother every day- though I hope I'm not yet desirous of a girdle. She lived a long and happy life, and was a force to be reckoned with. She also was a completely obsessed knitter, who could polish off a baby sweater between naps on the couch and Hershey Kisses in a day or two. I will always regret not taking up my needles before her death- but I hope she somehow knows that I finally shaped up and took up a useful craft. I came to it a bit late- but I'm making up for lost time!
This evening I went to SSK after work, which is a pleasant metro ride up to Silver Spring. After my usual cabernet burger (delish) but no wine, which is less usual, I hunkered down for some serious chatting and knitting. I worked on Hanami and definitely got caught up on local knitting gossip. I also met a girl who I had already corresponded with on Ravelry, so that was overall delightful.
I got home after eleven, which is a bit absurd, and decided to finally just choose a shawl to wear to this party. I selected Wisp, in the end. It just looked so simple, so fast- and I really want to knit River, as well, but maybe I'll make that with the other two skeins of black mohair... AFTER the holiday party. This is one beautiful version of River, for reference.
Having finally selected a pattern, days after starting to think about it, I figured I'd cast on. And then I thought it would be silly to stop without knitting the garter ridges. And then the first lace row. And then the first five rows of the pattern, just to get to the eyelet row. And boy oh boy am I hooked. 40 minutes of knitting or so, and I have over two solid inches of knitting. This is what I'm talking about! I should have this finished in no time, and be able to get right back to Hanami and all my other pretties.
I think this has definitely been my year of lace. Although there were bobbles and cables, too, they have been supplanted in the apple of my eye by yarn overs. What can I say, I like a bit of variety in my obsessive knitting.
I do more than just knit. Want to see one of my biiiiirdies?
This was not a simple project. I do not think I'd recommend it for a beginning sewer, due to the relative difficulty of the curved seams and getting the bits to fit well. Mom's experience making bears, and her bear stuffing tools, cannot be underestimated! Mom and I sewed quite a bit while I was in Raleigh, though I freely admit I spent a good bit of time hunkered over Hanami. Especially after midnight, with the gentle accompaniment of a podcast and the otherwise still and quiet house. I love visiting my parents, in large part because my mom is a night owl most of the time, but I can usually sneak a few hours of solitude into every day. And that's the best kind of vacation- the kind that allows lots of fun and family and a bit of reflection.
I also really want to take photos of the tablecloth and napkins I made, but they are not yet trimmed and edged and therefore are far from done. I also need to get cracking on a waistcoat for the boy. And yet, somehow, all I see in my immediate future is Kidsilk Haze, in the Wicked colorway, which just makes it all the more delicious. Switching from metal needles to my Denise needles made all the difference, by the way- it's so easy to see the black fuzzy yarn on gray needles!
One other vacation photo for the road. This shows certain things, such as my Air Force nurse sister looks nothing like me (we are opposites in every way). Also that I may need to invest in larger sweater sizes if I don't get down to business with some exercise soon. Thank goodness I don't knit sweaters quite this unflattering- and now I know not to wear it for family photos again!
I look more like my grandmother every day- though I hope I'm not yet desirous of a girdle. She lived a long and happy life, and was a force to be reckoned with. She also was a completely obsessed knitter, who could polish off a baby sweater between naps on the couch and Hershey Kisses in a day or two. I will always regret not taking up my needles before her death- but I hope she somehow knows that I finally shaped up and took up a useful craft. I came to it a bit late- but I'm making up for lost time!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Forgot one thing
Mom came up for a very quick visit the other day. I think she really only drove up for the lamb at Wegman's.
She stayed the night, and was appropriately pleased with my recent projects. However, my (very little) attempted hand-quilting of the wall hanging did not pass muster. I'm not saying I'm a failure at hand quilting, I'm just saying that I suck really badly so far. I'm ok with this. I have a sewing machine. It can quilt for me.
In the meantime, my wall hanging has been whisked off by her accomplished quilting hands, and it's out of my hair. I don't mind this in the slightest- if she quilts it, the darn thing will finally be done. And I don't know who is going to keep it- Mom should, but I might end up with it hanging in my house. We'll see.
She did, however, compliment my general sewing. I think she has more faith in me than I do. Then again, I really did some perfectly lovely stuff when I was a kid- you don't ever really forget how to do neat and tidy seams. I still take suit pants in to be hemmed professionally, but that's because I hate hemming lining as well as the pants themselves. Completely reasonable.
I do wish I lived closer to her- we have so much fun crafting together. And we are very good at different sorts of crafts (she can do everything I can, and I have a lot to learn from her. But I'm by far the more obsessed knitter). How lucky I am to get to see her next week, for an evening, and then again over my vacation in December. Chanuka with the whole family- it should be a blast. And there will be much in the way of crafting. Maybe I'll bring my second wallhanging project with me? That one just begs to be machine quilted, once it is pieced... it's already cut out and ready for piecework, too!
She stayed the night, and was appropriately pleased with my recent projects. However, my (very little) attempted hand-quilting of the wall hanging did not pass muster. I'm not saying I'm a failure at hand quilting, I'm just saying that I suck really badly so far. I'm ok with this. I have a sewing machine. It can quilt for me.
In the meantime, my wall hanging has been whisked off by her accomplished quilting hands, and it's out of my hair. I don't mind this in the slightest- if she quilts it, the darn thing will finally be done. And I don't know who is going to keep it- Mom should, but I might end up with it hanging in my house. We'll see.
She did, however, compliment my general sewing. I think she has more faith in me than I do. Then again, I really did some perfectly lovely stuff when I was a kid- you don't ever really forget how to do neat and tidy seams. I still take suit pants in to be hemmed professionally, but that's because I hate hemming lining as well as the pants themselves. Completely reasonable.
I do wish I lived closer to her- we have so much fun crafting together. And we are very good at different sorts of crafts (she can do everything I can, and I have a lot to learn from her. But I'm by far the more obsessed knitter). How lucky I am to get to see her next week, for an evening, and then again over my vacation in December. Chanuka with the whole family- it should be a blast. And there will be much in the way of crafting. Maybe I'll bring my second wallhanging project with me? That one just begs to be machine quilted, once it is pieced... it's already cut out and ready for piecework, too!
Half done, photo proof
Palm up:
Palm down:
I think I like it just the way it is.
Also, these are the fabrics for some upcoming projects. First, beautiful cottons to make bird Christmas tree ornaments for the Roommie and me (and maybe a few other people):
And blues for a gift project:
It may be cheating to just use lots of fabrics from the same line, but I was too in love with these to care. They are all Asian-inspired, with fish and symbols of joy and happiness, and of course peonies. We all need peonies in our lives. Can't wait to get working on it!
Palm down:
I think I like it just the way it is.
Also, these are the fabrics for some upcoming projects. First, beautiful cottons to make bird Christmas tree ornaments for the Roommie and me (and maybe a few other people):
And blues for a gift project:
It may be cheating to just use lots of fabrics from the same line, but I was too in love with these to care. They are all Asian-inspired, with fish and symbols of joy and happiness, and of course peonies. We all need peonies in our lives. Can't wait to get working on it!
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Thoughts on relative difficulty and multi-crafting
I have not been working on my fair isle sweaters. Shame on me. Not even a gauge swatch. I've done this, though:
It's really quite large. I've already completed the first "V" section. The pattern is pretty simple, and this is my second time doing it- and my third baby blanket covered in Vs. I just love the "Victory" going through my fingers, I guess- there's something so natural about double crochet, chain, double crochet repeated.
I went to the "Un-Craft Fair" in Bethesda, held by the DC Craft Mafia. That was a blast- I was sad not to pick up a pirate onesie, but my cousin would probably not appreciate the admonition to eat one's "arrr peas and carrots." I did get a cute little pin (boyfriend purchased it for me), and I picked up a bunch of handmade soaps from a local crafter.
I also have spent a lot of time thinking about sewing. This is, in part, because I picked up a book at Border's after my knitting group last week and fell in love. It's this: Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts. Most of the projects are very simple, but completely elegant. Some look insanely easy, and some make me cringe at the thought of all that hand-quilting (this is the girl who STILL has not really begun quilting the wall hanging I made this summer, on vacation with my mom). And the more I think about these projects, and the ones I would really like to make, the more I think I'm going about certain things the wrong way.
I tend to buy pretty patterns, the more complicated the better, because they work with how I envision the end product looking. Which is fine, but realistically? I am a relative sewing novice. I may scoff at the super-simple projects I see on occasion, but the people who are making those very same simple projects are actually MAKING them. I have nifty patterns, some cool fabrics- even some of them cut and ready to sew- and yet I don't. I'm not saying I'm incapable of doing them- my RenFest skirt (two years in the making) is surely not difficult. It's a matter of setting the sewing as a priority, and knowing I can do it and do it quickly. I need some confidence builder projects, to remind me that I do know my way around a sewing machine, and the basic tips and tricks of the trade. My mother has probably been saying this to me all along- I surprised her by being pretty good at piecework right off, but she was right in general about me being too ambitious with my projects and my time tables. So here's the new goals. I'm talking sewing here, but they really apply to knitting, too.
1- Set reasonable time limits- or better yet, set none at all. Does it really matter whether I get that wallhanging to my friend this winter, or next fall? I may feel a bit sheepish about it, but frankly he doesn't know it's coming anyways. No harm done. Holiday gifts don't need to be done for this holiday season- there's always next year. This year? Just buy them a book or a cute handmade thing on Etsy. Who cares?
1a- The corollary to Rule 1 is, not to promise things unless they're actually finished. Seriously.
2- Pick the simple project, and only ONE simple project at a time, and it should be SMALL. That means I may actually get to it, make it a priority, and finish it.
3- Nice fabric is worth it. Again, something I learned on the wall hanging. The border green fabric was cheap- it felt cheap, it didn't hold its shape well, and it was very difficult to piece nicely. If you're doing the simple and small project, the fabric cost really won't be an issue. You can make an ornament out of a quarter yard of fabric- in fact, a flock of them. So 8 bucks a yard for decent fabric isn't really that big an issue- that comes down to less than two dollars, even if you only make one!
4- Be inspired. Read Dallas's blog for project ideas (after all, Dallas- you are probably my inspiration for getting back to sewing at all). Read LOTS of blogs for project ideas. If I can look at hundreds of knitting blog posts, surely a few quality sewing blogs wouldn't go amiss.
5- Don't get too tempted by quilting. Some projects that would be really great to do? A simple skirt. An apron. They don't require any hand quilting, and would be functional. Wouldn't it be nice to wear a hand-knitted sweater and handmade skirt to work next spring?
6- Explore color. Lately, oranges and turquoise have been really jumping out at me. Why not play with them? There's nothing wrong with pink and blue and black, but that's hardly the full spectrum.
In other crafting news, my boyfriend is a crafty dude himself. Check out his new toy:
You can read a bit more about it from him here: Electrographic Beacon Projector
It's really quite large. I've already completed the first "V" section. The pattern is pretty simple, and this is my second time doing it- and my third baby blanket covered in Vs. I just love the "Victory" going through my fingers, I guess- there's something so natural about double crochet, chain, double crochet repeated.
I went to the "Un-Craft Fair" in Bethesda, held by the DC Craft Mafia. That was a blast- I was sad not to pick up a pirate onesie, but my cousin would probably not appreciate the admonition to eat one's "arrr peas and carrots." I did get a cute little pin (boyfriend purchased it for me), and I picked up a bunch of handmade soaps from a local crafter.
I also have spent a lot of time thinking about sewing. This is, in part, because I picked up a book at Border's after my knitting group last week and fell in love. It's this: Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts. Most of the projects are very simple, but completely elegant. Some look insanely easy, and some make me cringe at the thought of all that hand-quilting (this is the girl who STILL has not really begun quilting the wall hanging I made this summer, on vacation with my mom). And the more I think about these projects, and the ones I would really like to make, the more I think I'm going about certain things the wrong way.
I tend to buy pretty patterns, the more complicated the better, because they work with how I envision the end product looking. Which is fine, but realistically? I am a relative sewing novice. I may scoff at the super-simple projects I see on occasion, but the people who are making those very same simple projects are actually MAKING them. I have nifty patterns, some cool fabrics- even some of them cut and ready to sew- and yet I don't. I'm not saying I'm incapable of doing them- my RenFest skirt (two years in the making) is surely not difficult. It's a matter of setting the sewing as a priority, and knowing I can do it and do it quickly. I need some confidence builder projects, to remind me that I do know my way around a sewing machine, and the basic tips and tricks of the trade. My mother has probably been saying this to me all along- I surprised her by being pretty good at piecework right off, but she was right in general about me being too ambitious with my projects and my time tables. So here's the new goals. I'm talking sewing here, but they really apply to knitting, too.
1- Set reasonable time limits- or better yet, set none at all. Does it really matter whether I get that wallhanging to my friend this winter, or next fall? I may feel a bit sheepish about it, but frankly he doesn't know it's coming anyways. No harm done. Holiday gifts don't need to be done for this holiday season- there's always next year. This year? Just buy them a book or a cute handmade thing on Etsy. Who cares?
1a- The corollary to Rule 1 is, not to promise things unless they're actually finished. Seriously.
2- Pick the simple project, and only ONE simple project at a time, and it should be SMALL. That means I may actually get to it, make it a priority, and finish it.
3- Nice fabric is worth it. Again, something I learned on the wall hanging. The border green fabric was cheap- it felt cheap, it didn't hold its shape well, and it was very difficult to piece nicely. If you're doing the simple and small project, the fabric cost really won't be an issue. You can make an ornament out of a quarter yard of fabric- in fact, a flock of them. So 8 bucks a yard for decent fabric isn't really that big an issue- that comes down to less than two dollars, even if you only make one!
4- Be inspired. Read Dallas's blog for project ideas (after all, Dallas- you are probably my inspiration for getting back to sewing at all). Read LOTS of blogs for project ideas. If I can look at hundreds of knitting blog posts, surely a few quality sewing blogs wouldn't go amiss.
5- Don't get too tempted by quilting. Some projects that would be really great to do? A simple skirt. An apron. They don't require any hand quilting, and would be functional. Wouldn't it be nice to wear a hand-knitted sweater and handmade skirt to work next spring?
6- Explore color. Lately, oranges and turquoise have been really jumping out at me. Why not play with them? There's nothing wrong with pink and blue and black, but that's hardly the full spectrum.
In other crafting news, my boyfriend is a crafty dude himself. Check out his new toy:
You can read a bit more about it from him here: Electrographic Beacon Projector
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