The state of things

I know it's been crickets over here latey. Here's a recap of what's been going on behind the scenes. I'm nearly done with my frou frou sweater. I'm a little amazed and relieved that it actually looks like a sweater.

I've also dusted off the sewing machine and have something in the works.

Oh, and I'm loving my new fall shoes.

Duds

There are two reasons why I haven't been posting. First, our AC broke a month ago and our landlord hasn't replaced it yet. This wasn't really a problem until it hit 90 degrees. I don't know many people that want to do much of anything when it feels like 95 degrees inside. Second, the things that I have sewn lately are duds. I'm so used to showing garments I'm actually proud to wear on this blog that it didn't dawn on me until late this week that I should post the duds too. I've learned to sew mainly through trial and error and I'm still learning. I bring you my most recent example:


Butterick 4973. I intended to make this dress with some black matte jersey. Instead of measuring twice and cutting once, I just cut the size I normally cut for Simplicity patterns. Not such a good idea. As soon as I tried on the bodice I knew I had made a mistake. I would show you, but I don't want to show that much skin on this ol' blog. Instead, I illustrated the problem in the picture above. See that white line across her bodice? That is where my fabric ends, right at the very bottom of my bust. If I were to continue sewing even with a small seam allowance the seam would fall across my bust. I don't think that's flattering for any figure. Lesson learned, measure measure measure!

Am I bummed by the experience? Nah. If I were really excited about the pattern or the fabric, I might be a little upset. Maybe that's why I didn't measure enough. Hmmm, perhaps that's the real lesson, only sew patterns and fabric you're excited about. Something to ponder...

Don't hate me because I'm beautiful

I got it!

I finally got my ravelry invite! I've only had a chance to browse briefly through the site, but I've already seen something I want to make. Work on my frou frou sweater is slow though and I don't want to pick up another crochet project until I finish the one at hand.


Have a great weekend folks.

Work in Progress

A week without sewing equals a week's worth of crochet. I'm currently working on the Frou Frou sweater from Stitch n' Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker. I've never crocheted anything beyond a bag or scarf, so I feel like I'm taking a big leap here.


Let's hope it at least resembles the pictured garment when I'm finished.

8 things

It may have been quiet on this blog but it hasn't been quiet in real life. Last weekend Peter and I decided to rearrange the apartment, including new furniture and all. Ikea always seems like a good idea until fourteen hours later when you've put the front beams on the back side of an entertainment center. My sewing "room" is a secondary storage area until we find the fifty hours to put the remaining items together. So while I can see my sewing machine over all the boxes, I can't actually use it in the apartment's current state.

What a perfect time for a meme. Christina tagged me to tell you eight things about myself. Here goes...

1. I get extremely cranky when I'm hungry. Like, monster cranky. I carry granola bars in my purse in case I'm stuck somewhere and can't get to food in time. Sad, right?

2. I'm terrible at small talk.

3. I was born on the same day as my Dad. He also happens to be a twin so I share my birthday with my Aunt as well.

4. I started running four years ago. I was having a hard time falling asleep because I was so antsy with energy. One evening I decided to run around the block to get rid of some of my energy. It worked and I've been running ever since. I don't consider myself a runner runner though. I'm not hard core about it.

5. I have a Masters in Survey Methodology. If you are scratching your head thinking, "what the bleep?", don't worry, you're not alone. About 99% of the people I tell have the same reaction.

6. My boyfriend says I'm "at-risk" of becoming a vegetarian. I'm extremely picky about meat, especially processed meat. Oddly I'll eat tuna and crab out of a can, but nothing else.

7. I've never been camping. My friends are always surprised when I tell them this because they say I seem like the person who would like camping. A camping trip is on my "must do this Fall" list. We'll see how well my friends know me!

8. I would usually rather be sewing, crocheting, or some sort of crafting rather than doing the activity at hand.

Now I'm tagging these people who I'd love to know eight things about:

Katie
Diann
Mimi
Raesha
Mari

Don't feel obligated to dish though.

This post is also a good time to acknowledge the Rockin' Blogger award Cidell gave me in August. Thanks Cidell! I'm supposed to pass on the torch, but so many people have gotten this award I can't keep it straight who hasn't.

One skein scarves

Lately all I've been wanting to do is crochet. I'm sure it's the changing seasons.

Yarn always brings the kitties out. Sorry, Kitty, these aren't for you!

Have a great weekend folks.

Pattern information: One Skein Scarf from Stitch N' Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker

Yarn used: Patons Classic Merino Wool

Pattern rating: Easy Peasy!

No longer afraid of knits

Remember this debacle? I have to be honest and say I was more than a little disappointed. The experience put a little doubt/fear of knits in my mind. So this pattern sat cut out for a few weeks before I rallied up the courage to make another attempt at sewing knits. I used a lot of the advice I received after my first failed attempt. In particular, I used a walking foot and ditched the stretch stitch in favor of the zig-zag stitch and overlock stitch on the serger. Guess what, it was a success! I can't say I feel comfortable sewing knits. I think I need a few more successful knit garments before I can say that. I can say, however, that I can sew knits.

It definitely helped that I used a good pattern, Simplicity 3678, View A. I had to take in a few inches at the waist and hip, but that was the only alteration I made. I'm happy I faced up to my fear of knits because I love this dress. The cut is so flattering and so comfortable. I have plans to make View B and C, at least sometime before next spring.

It's here, right?

When I walked by an open window this morning, I felt it. There's a definite chill to the air. Fall! I can't really put into words how I feel other than excited. I love this season, I truly do. I'm giddy thinking about sweaters and pumpkins, scarves and hot cocoa, holidays and friends. I'm even more excited about Fall this year because it's the first Fall that I don't have school. This means I can do a lot of fall sewing and celebrating this year. I've got grand plans for apple picking trips and scary movie nights. I can't wait. Does anyone else feel this excited about the upcoming season? Speaking of Fall sewing, here's what's on my short list (subject to change as inspiration hits):


Simplicity 3622, View D. I actually cut out the fabric for this last night. I'm slightly concerned about my fabric choice, but I'm just going to see what happens and hope for the best.


Simplicity 3678, all views. I actually made the short sleeve version this week. Look out for a pattern review and pictures soon. You can probably figure out that I liked the pattern if I plan to make the other long sleeved views.

McCall's 5466, View C.


McCall's 5477, View C. I plan to sew this up in velvet or corduroy. Diann has this on her short list too.

I've also been itching to make a quilt for a while. I am having the hardest time choosing the fabrics though (too many choices!). I may just give in and buy a quilt kit. Would that be so horrible?

Happy Saturday everyone.

Turning three

A very special girl (my niece) turned three last week. To celebrate the occasion, I made her something extra special.

A patchwork bag! But wait, what is that peeping out of the top?

Why, it's Olive and Archie! They were excited about meeting Corinne. Would she accept them with loving arms, they wondered?

I think she did.

Doll Pattern: Olive and Archie from Wee Wonderfuls

Fabric Used: Quilting cotton and flannel from Joanns

Pictures tell a thousand words

I know you all have been on the edge of your seats waiting for these pictures. To see more, visit my flickr page.

I feel like I've finally gotten back into the groove of things around here. I've been sewing and have plenty to show, but you'll just have to wait on the edge of your seats for those too. Don't worry, you won't be waiting long.

Back from Greece

Greece was beautiful. The food was delicious. The people were friendly. Luckily, Athens and the islands we visited were unaffected by the fires happening on much of the mainland. We traveled to three different islands. Each island was so different from the other that I really can't decide which one I liked the most.

The picture above is a view from our hotel in Santorini. Incredible! I made the skirt I'm wearing out of some linen using a pattern I made from "Sew What Skirts!". This skirt and the dresses I made were perfect for the hot breezy weather. I'll be posting more pictures of our travels this week after I catch up on things around here (sleep being number one).

Ready to go

The knit dress didn't happen. I did figure out how to properly sew with knits, but unfortunately I strayed too far from a pattern and ended up with a very maternity looking dress. That's ok, I still have this and this. Yesterday I stitched up these eye masks from Amy Butler's In Stitches to help us sleep on the flight to Europe. I have never really been one to sleep well while travelling, but these give me hope (along with ear plugs). This was my first time quilting anything. Who knew it could be so fun?

Is it sad that when we started planning our vacation, I was worried about being without a craft activity for too long? I have been saving these crochet projects for a few weeks now so that I could bring them on vacation. I'm not sure if it's ambitious to have three projects in mind, but I'm sure I'll get through at least one.

I wish you all a very happy end of August. See you in September!

All about my bodkin (well, almost)

Wouldn't this be the perfect dress for Greece? I thought so too, so I made my own version.

I used New Look 6696 and some linen blend fabric. The dress was really easy to put together, especially with the bodkin I received from the creative Caroline. What a silly name for such a handy tool! A bodkin, in case you don't know, is a little set of tweezers that you can clamp shut over elastic so you can easily pull it through casings. This pattern calls for five casings on the back, so the bodkin came in extra handy.

I'm really happy with the finished dress and can't wait to wear it on the streets of Santorini.

Thanks for all of your suggestions about working with knits from my last post. I was finally able to make a decent stretch and zig zag stitch, but I do have a bit of doubt still leftover. I will definitely be taking a sewing with knits class this Fall. Unfortunately I had to throw in the towel on the wine colored jersey dress because I completely bonked up one of the bodice pieces and didn't have any extra fabric. I wouldn't be a true fabricholic if I didn't buy two colors of jersey though, now would I? I have some black jersey that I will make a second attempt on this weekend.

It's not you, it's me, I think

Dear Sewing Machine,

We've had some times, haven't we? You were my rebound after I was forced to break up with my old machine. We've sewn many bags together, and we're starting to get up there with clothes, aren't we? For the most part, you've been pretty good to me. There was that time when I pushed you too far (read: sewing multiple layers of vinyl) to which you retaliated by throwing off your timing (side effects: wonky stitches and buttonholes). Fortunately, after a day in the sewing machine spa, you were as good as new. Since then I've been sure to use you according to your manufacturer's guidelines. That's why I'm blaming myself for the wonky stitches you sewed this evening when I attempted to sew up the jersey dress. This is the first time I've ever sewn jersey so in all honesty I have no idea what I'm doing. However, I do know enough to know that the stretch stitch you made tonight was just unacceptable. What I don't understand is why it worked wonderfully on my scrap piece, but on the actual garment it was a complete disaster (DISASTER!). Before I put all the blame on you (read: throw you out the window), I'm going to sign up for a sewing with knits class. Maybe I'll learn some tricks that you'll appreciate. If not, well, I just don't see a future in us if we can't make a good knit garment together.

Sincerely,

Stephanie

Yes, people, my first attempt at sewing with knits was a complete disaster. Looks like the jersey dress that would be so perfect for Greece isn't going to happen. Any one out there have suggestions on working with knits?

Oh la la

Can you believe I've had this shirred fabric all summer but only sewed it up last week? One seam and a hem, it doesn't get easier than that.

I almost caved in, but not quite

We're back from Cleveland (the drive, the city, and the wedding were all great), but not for long. We're leaving soon for a long vacation in Greece. I am very very excited. Everyone keeps telling me it's beautiful and I have no reason not to believe them. After the tickets were bought and the hotels were booked, the big question arised: What will I wear?

Last week during an unavoidable trip to the mall (oh how I loathe the mall), I found this great jersey dress at Gap. This dress would be perfect to just roll up and throw in the suitcase, and it's the perfect weight for warm climates. Even though I signed The Pledge, I must admit I considered buying it for about a second. One look at the price tag ($39.50) was all I needed to find the resolve to make the dress instead.


I'll be using Simplicity 3831 for the pattern and some super soft rayon jersey from Fabric.com. I have a few other sundresses I've made over the past couple of weeks as well. I'll be showing pictures this week so stay tuned.

Speaking of dresses, have you seen the amazing version of Simplicity 3835 made by Lula Louise? I'm adding that pattern to my collection.

Kathy's bag

I made this bag nearly a year ago for my sister Kathy's birthday. She has always been a big fan of my creative endeavors. When I decided to start selling my bags last year (which I've since put on hold in order to take care of this business), she was right behind me with a ton of ideas and support. She's pretty crafty herself. For example, she made her own curtains and she made my niece's and nephew's crib bedding, which she literally put sweat and tears into. She also has an amazing house which she's worked very hard on. Currently her and her husband are building their very own potting shed! For her birthday she requested a bag with a zipper closure, something I had never done up to that point. I've always designed my own bag patterns, so it never occurred to me to consult a pattern. It took a little time to get my head around how I would construct it properly, but after a little thought I figured it out. I also designed the bag so that she could change the ribbon up for a completely different look. The bag was a huge success. She still loves it and uses it as her primary bag to this day.

Peter and I are heading to Cleveland this weekend for a friend's wedding. I didn't have any trouble packing my bags. I'll be rockin' the handmade dresses: I'm wearing this to the rehearsal dinner and this to the wedding.

Next week I promise to share photos of all the projects I've been working on. Have a great weekend folks.

A room without a view but with some very cool stuff

This is the view from my kitchen to the backroom. This room may not look like much, but it holds things very dear to my heart: my sewing machine, fabric, and even Bo is there more often than not. Peter and I reorganized the apartment last weekend and the backroom became my new sewing room. Oh to have four walls! No more sewing in a dark corner in the dining room for me.

I have plans to really spruce this space up. Those plans are on hold though until after I get back from vacation. Sewing sundresses for vacation is the priority around here these days (see that one on the ironing board?).

Celebrate your accomplishments (Part Two)

I am truly inspired by all the comments left on this post. The accomplishments you shared ranged from learning a new craft, starting to exercise more, finishing a project, raising children, making that phone call, and following through on a dream. This proves you don't have to climb Mt. Everest to accomplish something. We accomplish things everyday. Indeed, I think the best accomplishments are those which oftentimes go unnoticed by most. I think we ought to give ourselves more credit, don't you?

Without further ado, using the Random Number Generator, I drew the number 1. Tiffany, this sweet bag will be on it's way to you very soon.

Thank you all for your comments and for taking the time to read this little ol' blog.

Biased question

Do you pre-wash packaged poly/cotton bias-tape? The label says it' colorfast, but it says nothing about shrinking. Your two cents are appreciated.

I took the pledge

I, Stephanie, pledge that I shall abstain from the purchase of "new" manufactured items of clothing, for the period of 2 months. I pledge that I shall refashion, renovate, recycle preloved items for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract. I pledge that I will share the love and post a photo of my refashioned, renovoated, recylcled, crafted or created item of clothing on the Wardrobe Refashion blog, so that others may share the joy that thy thriftyness brings! Signed, Stephanie.

Celebrate your accomplishments

As most of you who have been following this blog for the past couple of months know, I completed my Masters a few weeks ago. I suspected that in a few weeks time, it would slowly start to sink in. My suspicions were correct. No. more. school. Time. Oh precious time! Time to create and to read and to do whatever I please. Time to do things that I would normally feel guilty doing because I always had a paper to write or an article to read or an exam to study for hanging over my head. Don't get me wrong, I think education is a wonderful thing. I was just ready to be done.


With all my new found time, I whipped up this summery tote using some Amy Butler fabric I had in my stash. I am giving this bag away to one random winner. To be entered for the drawing, please leave a comment by 10 pm EDT, Sunday August 5th. As this giveway is celebrating an accomplishment, feel free to write about an accomplishment in your life. Good luck!

Fall sewing

I know I'm not the only one thinking about fall. This weekend I picked up this Fall Fusion magazine at Joann. It's filled with a lot of fall sewing inspiration. As a bonus, it tells you the pattern number(s) and even the fabric they used (Joann fabric of course) for each outfit.

I love this work outfit. I've been afraid to sew pants. However, I have been training for a triathlon (in two and a half weeks) and as a result I have been holding my pants up with safety pins. I really need to suck it up and make some or buy a new pair.

This dress is from Simplicity 3622, view D. I bought the pattern intending to make view B. Now I am thinking I might be making view B and D.


Is it just me or is Joann's knit fabric selection getting better? I actually passed up this fabric over the weekend, but if it's still there when I go back I am going to grab it up.

I'm not sure I like this print (actually, I'm certain), but I love the pattern, Simplicity 3678. This view in particular, view A, can be worn through the rest of summer and into fall. I've had this in my stash for a few weeks. It's near the top of my to do list. Speaking of, time to work on making that list shorter...

The one in which the second wasn't easier than the first

This shirt isn't new to the blogosphere (see Amy's and Anina's recent versions). I made this shirt about two weeks ago out of some cotton gauze and loved it. That same week I won some of this dreamy fabric from Sew Mama Sew and decided to make another shirt with this pattern (Simplicity 3887). Since the first one went together so easily, I must have gotten a little cocky and didn't take the usual measures I normally do with the second try. Thus, I cut out the sleeves exactly the same (the sleeve pattern is not symmetrical). That was mistake number one. Mistake number two happened when I modified the pattern by cutting about half an inch off the sides for more bust definition and didn't into take into account my rump's circumference.


But all was not lost. Sure, I have a scant 1/4 seam allowance on the bottom side seams and I have an extra sleeve with no place to go (thankfully I had enough fabric to cut out an extra sleeve), but the end result is as I envisioned.

Now I can't decide what to do with the rest of the day: sew or catch up with Harry Potter? Oh, decisions decisions.

Payin' it forward

I signed up for this last week via Raesha. Now it's my turn to pay it forward. Here's how it works:

"Pay It Forward. The first three people that leave a comment and pledge to pay it forward to three others on their blog will receive a handmade gift from me within one year (July 20, 2008) of this posting. I will read your blog and get the essence of who you are to come up with an idea."

I've got a lot of ideas brewing in my head so I'm really looking forward to this endeavor. Go ahead and leave a comment if you want to join in.

Because I've been too lazy to learn to knit

I decided to expand my crochet skills beyond the granny square. I was doing one of my favorite activities the other evening, browsing through the craft books at the bookstore, and picked up this book. Wow! It is filled with some really cute and cool patterns.


I'll be browsing the yarn section instead of the fabric section at the craft store this weekend. Really, who am I kidding? I'm sure I'll come away with more yarn and fabric.

P.S. Thanks for all the granny square clutch love from my last post!

"Don't tease, aim to please"

So the bottom of my beercap read last night. I thought it a fitting title for this post, since I haven't been teasing you over the past week with WIP pictures of my latest project. As much as I love sewing, sometimes I just want to have a project that I can work on while sitting in front of the tv. Thus, last week I picked up a crochet hook and some yarn and just did whatever my hands told me. Since I only know how to do a chain stitch and a granny square, it's not surprising that they started making more granny squares. I already have a granny square bag, so I wasn't sure where the project was going. Luckily, as soon as I finished the first square, an image popped into my mind. Thus, the granny square clutch was born.


I wanted to make it sturdy in my hand, so I sandwiched Timetex in between the inner and outer lining of the bag. So there are actually four layers to this bag: the outer crochet layer, brown lining to hide the timetex, timetex, and then a peek-a-boo polka dot inner lining. To keep my goods in the bag, I used a zipper closure. Check my flickr page for more detailed pictures.


I finished the bag in perfect time for Sew Mama Sew bag month. While I did use crochet in this project, there was still plenty of sewing.

I'm pleased with the end result. Are you?

Finally

I'm freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! I'm done with school. When I eventually recover from two nights of celebrating, I've got grand plans to sew, paint, and do whatever else I feel like without a worry about school on the mind.

I'm planning a little giveaway to help celebrate. Stay tuned...

Waiting

Three days and counting...


In the meantime, I'm waiting for this fabric to tell me what it wants to be...a shirt? a dress? a skirt? I'm hoping I figure out what I want to do with it before the summer is over.

What is summer without seersucker?

I finished this dress two weekends ago but only now got around to taking a picture. It was inspired by a dress from JCrew I found about two months ago (it's no longer on their site).

I used Simplicity 3803 for the pattern. Overall I found the pattern fairly easy. In all of the reviews I have read (check out Pattern Review if you haven't already...you'll be glad you did), I am surprised no one has mentioned the difficulty of sewing that point in the middle of the bodice. It wasn't hard, just more of a pain in the butt. Maybe it's just me. Other than that, everything went together pretty smoothly. I'm happy with the result and looking forward to wearing this out soon.

P.S. Ummm, the boob really isn't messed up as it appears in the picture. I just need to wear a better bra when I actually wear this out.