Happy Sewing, Happy Knitting

I've moved--->

2010-05-24T16:39:00.000-06:00

Everything is half done.

2010-02-02T16:42:00.004-07:00

I committed to intswemodo2010 on Ravelry, basically 12 sweaters/tops/vests in 12 months. My first sweater is a beautiful lace number which is taking a very long time. To take a break, I cast on this:

Pattern: Shirtwaist Pullover by Teva Durham

Yarn: Tahki Yarns Sky in Leaf

The yarn worked out perfectly weight wise, although the color is a little light for my skin. I get darker in the summer, so it'll look better then. I just have to figure what to wear with it. It's too short in the body for my jeans, so I'll need a skirt that sits at the waist. Time for a fabric diving expedition in my closet of shame. I can't visualise what colors (other than white or brown or purple) would go well with this. I probably have prints that would suit, but they're mostly floral and I think that'll look twee.

It's so relaxing to have a quick project that I've put a stop to stashing fingering yarns. I've got enough of that weight to last quite a few years worth of knitting.

On the sewing front, I meant to review a LBD. But the dress is so wrinkled looking in the photos, I'm too embarrassed to show it. Back to the ironing board.

Too make up for lack of sewing, I've resorted to classic make-up stashing:

These are from Lucy's Fabrics: one of the prints is for my son (guess which one!) and the others are just basic cotton lycra knits. The gold one is a brushed knit, slightly beefier and would make a great dress or spring time hoodie.

This set is from Fashion Fabrics Club: quilted outerwear from Patagonia and a super wide Japanese wool/lycra knit. The last one had some beautiful colors that sold out in a flash. I missed out on a gorgeous deep rust and the black. Boo.

I've got some pyjamas and workout pants that just need hemming and I can share more of my glamorous life.

Say Cheese!

2010-01-17T19:31:00.006-07:00

Every year, I pick a new skill to try. Some work out better than other. Five years ago, I started crocheting, which led me back to knitting. Today, I have two stashes in which I can be buried. Six years ago, it was Italian. I can barely say howdeedo and can't even find some of my CD's to re-start.

This year, I wanted to improve my photographic skills. I replaced my dodgy old camera with the new Nikon Coolpix d360. I dithered between getting a digital SLR and a regular digital camera and opted for cheap(er) and portable. It's an awesome little camera, with a lot of options for customisation beyond its point and shoot capabilities.

Thing is, I've forgotten how to use a camera properly. I learnt with my Dad's fancy SLR about 20 years ago, but since getting a point and shoot in the mid-90's, haven't given it much thought. So I got "Digital Photography" by Jim Miotke. It's in simple enough language that I'm not getting bored and it has exercises to improve your skills. (It's for both point and shoots and digital SLR's).

Tonight, I made a mini light box. I've been sitting on this information for about a year and finally got motivated to make one. It's incredibly simple and fast.

The effects are amazing:

I made mine much smaller than suggested for the minimum sizes and I need some more side lights. If you do try to make it, leave a good 2" on the edges you cut. It leaves the box more stable and easier to tape the tissue paper.

I have a lot of new aspirations for this year, but this is the new skill set I'm building. One of my aspirations is to spend less empty time on the computer, so I'm planning to make my computer time more productive, ergo re-starting the blog.

Happy New Year!

FO: Burda WOF 01-2007 109

2009-03-15T19:28:00.006-06:00

I bought this "harajuku in London" thermal knit from The Fabric Fairy, after I saw Stacy's super cute thermal top from a sister print. Off to Burda I went to find the right pattern. I don't remember paying any attention to this pattern when I first saw the January '07 issue of Burda, but it looked perfect for a fun little top.

I made a size 42 and the fit is almost perfect, just a touch loose around the waist. The shoulders are gathered with sewn over elastic thread in 5 rows. I opted to use clear elastic in 4 rows to get the same effect. This creates a faux sweetheart neck, which is flirty, but not too low.

The hardest part was the front band and underlap. I read and re-read it about ten times, before I got it.

The front part is faced with interfaced self fabric.

The back part has a flap sewn to the cut line.

Then the whole neckline is finished with binding. It came out a lot nicer than I expected with my fabric.

I used donut shaped snap fronts as I didn't have any with a good color match and it worked perfectly. I'll show the snaps and tools in a later post.

The sleeves have a high arch shape, but I finger eased them very easily. Everything, in fact, went together very smoothly, bar two little issues.

First, for a slouchy top, as they've styled it, it's actually a little short. It's the perfect length for a T, but I should have remembered to add another inch or two for more cohesive look.

Second, the front overlap wants to pull open. I thought this was because of my bust, but even on the mannequin, it pulls open. I imagine pulling the binding a little tighter on the neckline (between the snap bands and the gathering) would take care of this, by making the neckline hug the body. I'm going to just hand sew the snap bands together, since they're not necessary to take the top off or put it on.

This is a great pattern to pull out of the archives.

FO: Climbing Vines Pullover

2009-03-08T17:46:00.003-06:00

Pattern: Climbing Vines Pullover

Source: Interweave Knits Winter 2008

Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted in Rojo Vivo

On Ravelry: Climbing Roses

This was love at first sight. The pattern is very similar to one from Phildar, which has a reverse stockinette base instead of stockinette. IK made theirs in a tweed yarn, with a lot of ease. It was cute but kind of slouchy and frumpy. So, I made changes:

yarn - yummy, tone-on-tone Malabrigo

neckline - lowered by 2" and the ribbing is now the same width as at the body hem (1.75")

ease - 0" ease. I should have had more negative ease, but my swatch lied. (All my swatches lie. I just make them now so I know what won't happen in my knitting! Rat Bastards!)

vine pattern - I moved my from left to right of the front (accidentally).

vine pattern 2 - I repeated the lovely leaves on the left sleeve and it's just gorgeous.

It's the first time I've knit clothing with Malabrigo and it really is dreamy stuff. It felt so good, I didn't want to put it down, even during the stockinette stitch. All in all, it took 4.25 balls, so it's a very economical sweater too.

I knew that Malabrigo grows with blocking. Oh, but how it grew. It went from size 41" bust to 45" bust and grew about 5" in length. It was ghastly. I had two choices: cut it down to the right size and re-sew it (on a sewing machine) or shrink it in the dryer. Given that slighly felted wool is easier to cut and sew, I tried the dryer first. Five minutes in one minute increments and it's back to its original size. It's not even felted. The stitches and vine pattern are as distinct as before.

I'm so happy with this. I have a hard time finishing big projects and I'm chuffed with myself over this. I just wish it would snow one more time so I can wear it. It's just too hot right now for a wool sweater, even such a pretty one.

Sewing Plans for March

2009-03-03T22:35:00.004-07:00

I have more commitments than time, so I'm trying to scale back some of my project ambitions.

These are two poly/lycra knits waiting to be made up into Vogue 8553, with the plain black as the trim. I'm hoping to use this for spring, since the poly will be really uncomfortable in the Colorado summers. If it still fits right, I can use it later in the fall.

This next one is a thermal knit from The Fabric Fairy, recommended by Stacysews. I had to dig through my Burda WOF stash to come up with something just right.

This is from January 2007 - 109. Isn't it adorable? I love the gathering on the shoulders, to give it a sweetheart neckline. Instead of zigzagging over elastic, I'll sew over invisible elastic bands to get the gathers. I always found the way suggested in Burda such a bear. In 2o years, I haven't been able to do without tears and disappointment.

Oh, and taxes. My annual March whine. Taxes.

FO: Burda WOF 12-2008 113

2009-03-03T20:54:00.003-07:00

I love this wool jersey. It's a panel print of orange giraffes outlined in raised gold. It's so funny. I had to get a piece of another black jersey for the sleeves and used that for the neck binding, to tie the two shades of black together.

I think it works. Because of the length of the panel, I made this into a tunic, the hem just skimming the top of my thighs. Anthropologie says tunics are in this season, so who I am to argue?

I made a straight 44. With the gathers on the front, I didn't even need to do a full bust adjustment. Still, I'm losing weight (an ounce here, an ounce there), so the shoulders and decolletage are a little loose. I think I'll have to start cutting a 42 at the top. And believe me, I'm not complaining.

This is the first version I made from cotton jersey - a soft nightgown for Christmas. I used a picot edge elastic for the neckline and much deeper hems. Is it too mumsy? I am Mom, so that's not too bad sometimes.

I think it'll be loverly in a knit flannel for winter time. I feel my hair greying as I type.

Patternreview:

On a cost cutting urge, I didn't renew my FoPR membership last January. I haven't been sewing much this past year and I spend most of my time on Ravelry. But I signed up again. It's actually a really good deal, and now I don't go to my local sewing studio, it really is my only sewing community.

I just wish the message boards had Rav's agree/disagree/love.... options and more variety. This girl is super spoiled by the splendors of Ravelry.

My Valentine

2009-02-13T21:28:00.004-07:00

Pattern: Corazoncitos Amigurumi Hearts (On Ravelry)

Yarn: Cascade 220

Time: 30 minutes

I have a new obsession: amigurumi! I know I'm late to the party, but this is the kind of crochet I can get into.

This was a gift for my son and has a safety pin on the back, so he can wear it.

"Amigurumi World, Seriously Cute Crochet" is a lovely book with very clear instructions and, yes, seriously cute crochet. Meet Yertle:

Pattern: Tiny Turtle (On Ravelry)

Yarn: Cascade 220

Time: 40 mins

Isn't he adorable? It's really addictive, even without recipients in mind. Of course, if you know any kids, real or eternal, you even have a good excuse.

The author, Ana Paula Rimoli, has an etsy store, and patterns for zodiac amigurumi in the latest knit1. And hers is just the tip of the iceberg. Check out the links at the end of the Wiki entry for the topic.

Petersburg, Rowan 42

2009-02-09T16:48:00.006-07:00

My commitments are showing. I've finally finished a KAL project.

This is Petersburg, originally done in Cocoon, from Rowan 42. It looked really pretty over fitted, long sleeve tops, and the cables are really delicious. They're predictable, but not boring.

I cheaped out by using Knitpicks Swish Bulky, only 4 hank

s, for the 38" bust. It's actually a pretty resilient yarn - I frogged, tinked, cut, mangled and treated it pretty badly and it held up really well. But, it's just not in the same league as Rowan's Cocoon.

The KAL is this quarter's project for the The Sexy Knitters' Club on Ravelry. I think it's the first time there has been a technique topic rather than a pattern, which made it a lot easier for me to commit. I'm excited to see what comes up next.

Next, I'm working on a top from Burda 12/08, in this knit:

Yes, glittery giraffes. Oh, the subtlety.

New Blog Name

2009-02-09T16:43:00.003-07:00

Since I've barely sewn anything this past year, I felt the title should reflect my, uh, other distractions.

I was looking at Purl Bee's new Blog Arena, the Purl Beehive, when it occurred to me that rather than starting a new blog, I should re-commit to the one I have. So blog and I are renewing are vows.

Even more knitting! With sewing application!!

2008-06-03T11:17:00.004-06:00

Pattern: "Jatta" by Norah Gaughan.

Yarn: Elann Peruvian Highland Wool, felted (& roving for needle felting)

Lining: Amy Butler cotton

This was my first felting project and it sat uncompleted for almost a year, because I was to chicken to try needle felting.

Needle felting is both easier and harder than it looks. Easy to do and hard to make perfect.

It takes quite a few needle pounces to secure the roving and this can create 'bruised' fabric. I think this is another reason that it's recommended to turn the fabric over and pounce the design from the back - to make it flat again.

Also, (and this is pretty obvious) the roving, once it's felted into the fabric, takes up a smaller area than as free roving. So, you have to figure on the design, eg the petals, becoming smaller once it's felted.

Of course, you can needle felt onto any wool fabric. I practiced on some worsted wool coating (with some nylon content) and it looked really beautiful. It's definitely a lovely add-on for fabric embellishment, on lapels or pockets, or bags.

D.I.V.O.R.C.E

2008-06-03T11:13:00.003-06:00

No, not Tom and me. We're lifers.

My Bernina store and local fabric store got divorced. Bernina moved out of town and is unapproachable. The fabric store is still local but kind of lonely and depressed, putting on a brave face.

I can't just drop by and browse fabrics because I feel obligated to buy something. And, I'm not going to drive 10mins out of town to go to the Bernina store, because I can't be bothered to take classes there.

Divorce sucks and one won't even talk to the other.

I think I'll have to join a knitting group.

Knitting FO's

2008-05-23T19:17:00.003-06:00

I've had a bit of bumper month with finished knitting projects. Our kitchen was being re-modeled and that's right next to my mac. So, instead of buying stuff online, I've been making stuff with my stuff.

Little Leaf Scarf

Pattern: Little Leaf Scarf, from Classic Elite's "Make It Modern"

Yarn: Rowan's Purelife Cotton (Brazilwood)

This is the most ridiculously soft cotton I've touched. It's organic from source through to the dye and knits beautifully at 22st/4". The plies are a little loose, but I didn't have a problem with splitting.

It took less than half a ball of yarn and turned it out beautifully. I think it'll be a perfect gift for my son's amazing Montessori teacher.

I'll keep on posting the rest of the FO's throughout the week.

Rebecca x2

2008-05-23T10:58:00.002-06:00

I got to open a backlog of mail this week and guess what I found?

Lovely Marji had a "50 at 50" giveaway last month. I (very quickly) asked for this issue of 'Rebecca', which I've been wanting for a very long time.

So she sent it to me.

So did my Mom.

Huh! Anyway, I'm forwarding the generosity. I'll mail one of these to the first person who asks for it. Leave a contact in the comments.

Jalie 2794

2008-05-06T14:19:00.004-06:00

So, the poor Avs lost rather spectacularly. The Red Wings were just too good. Boo. Worse than watching your team lose, is watching your team lose live with hundreds of other depressed fans. By the third period, there were more Red Wings fans in the stands.

At least, I had the nicest t shirt there. They really don't make attractive women's shirts. Either they're cut like men's shirts or they're sparkly pink. Gah!

I used Jalie 2794 for my t shirt makeover. The original was a size XL. I managed to cut out most of a size AA from the fabric. The front yokes are cut from some matching burgundy cotton tube knit, as are the bands.

The size is pretty much perfect. I think in a more stretchy fabric, it might even be a touch loose.

I left off the the center front elastic because it would have interfered with the logo. Also, the bands were too long to really pull in the back neck sufficiently against my neck. That's an issue others have also noted.

All in all, this is a great pattern. I love it so much that it's already getting re-cut it in a linen knit.

The back?

Why, yes, I am a Forsberg fan.

Btw - what's up with hockey groupies? Have they never smelled hockey gear??

Stash Storage

2008-05-06T14:16:00.004-06:00

Alas, I'm not 50 gram sized. More like 40 grams.

Vogue 8506

2008-04-20T16:44:00.003-06:00

I'm, I guess, content with my bag. It looks good and is functional, but I get so frustrated by the 'home-sewn' quality of notions that I can get my hands on and my lack of experience sewing bags finely. My bags always look home-sewn to me. Gah!

I think it's a combination of materials chosen, notions available, sewing machine techniques and pressing equipment. I've seen a very few beautifully sewn bags on PatternReview, but they've been rare. I just wish I could make that skill leap.

Happy things instead.

I've been gathering Rowan yarns for a Kaffe Fassett cardigan from Rowan 31. This is it on Ravelry. It's a lovely combination of wide stripes of purples and reds. A lot of the colors are discontinued, so I'm approximating madly.

They're like candy kisses.

Summer Bag

2008-04-17T14:28:00.004-06:00

I decided to join in the PatternReview Bag Contest. I've never quite completed anything for any kind of sewing contest or sewalong. But a bag? Surely even I can commit to a bag in a month. Because if I can't, I really have a serious problem.

This is a print from Kokka Fabrics (Japanese), for View D from Vogue 8506.

It's a lightweight print, so I fused it with Vilene H410 and used muslin for interlining. I'm hoping it's the right combination for a semi-structured bag like this. A PR member mentioned using many layers of fusing to get just the right texture and weight for a handbag. It had never occurred to me before to do this, but so far it's working out right.

The pattern is great, bar a few problems. It's clear without being verbose (you hear me, Amy Butler???)

Meanwhile my winter project is languishing without a hem. This is Vintage Vogue 2884.

I changed the lapel roll and it's beautiful. But everytime I try to buckle down and sew up the hem, the sun comes out and the temperature hits the 70's. So I grab the cottons and linens. And then it snows. Aye!! This is the sad lot of the procrastinators.

Mood Fabrics

2008-03-25T21:21:00.002-06:00

I didn't get to go the PR West Coast get together two weeks ago, but I got to visit LA on Easter weekend. It was mostly time at the beach and with Mickey, but I did get one glorious hour in Mood, which was deserted.

I did pretty well, I think:

This is a Nanette Lepore wool, 2.25 yds. I know the big woven tweeds are pretty much done now, but it's so beautiful and visually appealing that I couldn't stop myself. At the rate I use up my fabric, it'll be in vogue again before I get to it. It makes me very happy.

This is a soft rayon lycra, which will be perfect for a summer top. (Summer 2008 that is!)

This is a Cavalli print in 1.75 yd panels. The colors there are all my favorites: cream, gold, red, black and green. There are gold metallic dots outlining some areas and it's gorgeous. This will take a little planning to make the best of it.

This one is a designer print, but I can't remember who. It is a textured cotton/lycra, heavyweight but just right for a summer and fall dress.

And, last is a double layer cotton lawn, brown under layer, pistachio top layer. They are sewn together in a large paisley pattern with cutouts to show the brown. This one was very expensive, so I got enough to make a loose, short sleeved summer top.

Since I got into knitting heavily last year, my time is very divided between fabric and yarn, but I'm moving into some kind of balance.

I'm finishing up my winter projects, so I'll have some finished objects to show soon. But spring is knocking hard on our door and I'm having to hurry up.

Mojo Shopping

2007-11-27T10:10:00.000-07:00

I've lost my sewing mojo - it's probably somewhere under the overwhelming mass of patterns - so I've been stashing. I think I'm hoping something will snag at me and I'll be a sewing fool again.

This is Amy Butler's new Sophia carry-all and some of her heavier weight cotton. I'm excited about the challenge of making a professional handbag. So many handbag patterns are so very homemade and they have their place. But I've always enjoyed the kind of patterns that Vogue puts out.

I've also been drooling over this Japanese quilt and craft book, featuring Kaffe Fassett's fabrics. It has a few quilts, slippers, coasters, decorations and such, all delightfully Japanese.

Look at this piece of loveliness:

If you're familiar with the books by Kumiko Sudo, this has the same gentleness and fun to it. If you're not familiar with Sudo, her "Omiyage" books is lovely, with lots of beautiful small pieces, like flower purses, little fabric boxes, decorations and such. They require some skill to make well but are very eye-catching.

I buy my Japanese magazines from this ebay seller. She's fast, packages beautifully and the prices are good. The shipping is free too and it takes about 7-10 days to get to me in Colorado. I bought the latest Mrs. Stylebook also, although more for inspiration. I'm too tentative about my drafting skills.

Little Miss NoJo Knits a Hat!

2007-11-10T17:45:00.001-07:00

Finally, a Finished Object:

Pattern: Center Square from Knitty

Yarn: Lion Brand Wool Ease (doubled)

Size: Humongous, 'cause swatching is for losers!!

This is an adult sized hat, but my son is just more gorgeous than me.

I've been itching to do some fair isle knitting. My first attempt, Nordic style wrist warmers, didn't come out too well. Even though I spread my stitches when changing colors, I still had some pulling in a few areas.

So I tried a bigger gauge and I did much better. This hat is a great practice piece. The double stranding in the fair isle makes it really warm and it took me only a couple of hours to make. It would be a fun gift.

It's also the perfect project to break my run of dithering and goof ups. I think I have my mojo back.

I have too many UFO's lying about, both sewing and knitting. I generally can't start up any new projects when there are too many other ones left abandoned, but then I get snitty about finishing up the ones that are getting in the way. I've crafted myself into a corner. But one FO really gets me motivated.

In knitting, I'm almost done with my Central Park Hoodie and then I'll finish up Connor's cardigan. Which will leave me free to stop buying yarn and knit some goodies up.

In sewing, oyyy! I have three pieces undone; two of them unloved, the third a coat for Connor. The coat is easy and if I finish that, I can think clearly about the other two - whether to pitch them or finish them.

Motivation. I need motivation.

My Own Private Azkahban

2007-09-07T15:39:00.000-06:00

Two weeks dreading, two weeks visiting, two weeks unravelling - that's the cost of visiting my parents. I'm not sure how after 37 years, time alone with them can still cause such despair, but it does.

Anyway, I've spent the last two weeks eating chocolate and compulsively shopping, so all is well again. Enough grumping!

And, I'm sewing again. Something simple, but pretty, a last hurrah for the end of summer:
The dress is the designer exclusive from Burda's 06/2007 issue, #139, and the fabric is an Alexander Henry print, "Pink Bird Seed":

It' s a little hefty for the pattern, which is for batiste (lightweight cotton), but it's such a happy print, I couldn't resist. It's my second time making clothes from quilting cotton, the first being a wrap A-line skirt. Honestly it feels odd - I'm neither in my 20's, nor have a kooky sense of style, so I don't know if I can pull it off.

2 Burda Dresses & TTFN

2007-08-07T11:04:00.000-06:00

Burda 5/07 - 123 Dress

This is one of the sleeper dresses from the May issue. It's a simple pattern for wovens, with gathering on the center front bust, side seam bust and along the side fronts, below the shoulders. I opted to use a buttermilk, which made it all so much easier and quicker.

The fit is fantastic, it looks stunning and it's very boob enhancing. At under 2 yds of fabric, I'll be making this pattern again and again for sweet little dresses.

Size: 44
Fabric: Buttermilk from Gorgeous Things
Mods: Added a small scootch on the side seams at the bust.

(Bodice details:)

Burda 4/07 - 127 Dress

I haven't worn anything so 'precious' since I was 9 or so, but, hey it's red and has 'loves', as my little guy calls them.

This is another summer dress than I almost overlooked. It's for sheer wovens, with a shoulder yoke, shaped dropped waistline, bias cut skirt and small ruffles along the neckline and yoke. I was going to describe the neckline as rather modest on this, but given I lived on a topless beach for a year, I may be a little skewed.

Size: 44
Fabric: Heart shaped red borderie from Gorgeous Things, lined with batiste (dyed red with Rit).
Mods: Lowered the bust dart and added a scootch on the side seam bust. I should have done a proper FBA, but I was in a rush. I also added vertical bust-waist darts after the dress was completed to nip in the front waist more.
Verdict: This is a very feminine summer dress and a lot of fun to wear. The ruffles can be omitted, but I found they're rather low-key on this fabric. I'm really enjoying wearing this, although it might be too bright for dear old London.

(Ruffle detail:)

TTFN

I'm off to London to visit my parents for two weeks, with a side trip to Paris, to eat crepes with Connor. Given the exchange rate, I'd have to be foolish to buy anything, but the sight seeing is more fun.

Have a lovely summer y'all.

Burda July '07 - 115 Pencil Skirt

2007-08-02T19:59:00.000-06:00

Cute, huh? After so many experiments, it's relaxing to make something that I *know* will work on my body. This is a tapered (pencil) skirt, with pockets, panelled back and a surprise in the back.

I wouldn't usually wear a top tucked in, but I wanted to show how high the waist comes on this skirt.

Size: 46
Fabric: Pant-weight cotton/lycra twill from Fabric.com.
Mods:

Added 0.5" to length at the hem.
Used waistband instead of waist facing. I typically need to tighten up the waistline on clothes. I stretched out the waistband during stitching to pull the fabric waist in.
Made a turned up hem instead of fringing it as in the original.
The skirt has large pockets. These would bulge out because of my large belly, so I faked them. I cut a facing for the pocket opening, sewed and turned. Then I cut a modified pocket piece that didn't include the extra fabric needed for an actual pocket. I topstitched the faced opening onto the pocket itself:

The wrong side:

Finished pocket from the right side:

Surprise: This isn't shown online, but the back has three panels and the center panel is gathered at around the back of the knee. This has two effects: first, it accentuates the pencil silhouette; and, second, it cups the tushy. In fact, it makes my tush look a lot more wonderous than it is. I can't get a picture of it on me, and sorry for the wrinklies, but this is the back:

The Cons:

Because of the high waist, you need to fit the waist very well. I could have done better fitting for my sway back, but it gets hidden by my tops.
The side seams are to the front on this skirt, and I'm not sure if it's intentional or not. Given the pocket style, I think it's poor drafting. I've never had this problem on a size 46 before. So sew-er, beware.

I did finish this in July, which makes for two patterns from the issue in the current month. Yay for me.

Norah Gaughan - Jatta Bag

2007-07-26T15:26:00.000-06:00

Felted knitting always struck as me as a willful pursuit of destruction. Now, I get it. It is such a rush to stick a piece of knitting in hot water and squeeze the life out of it. Look what happens:

Before, 21" x 13"

After, 14" x 7"

The fabric has become spongy and heavy, it's all really quite beautiful.

Changes:
Yarn substituted with Elann Peruvian Sierra Aran. I didn't swatch and mine is bigger than the design specs.
I backstitched the two pieces RS together.
When it came to the bottom stair stepped shape, I just stitched on a curve, to make a more pleasing line.

The pattern is sewn WS together and I don't know how you would deal with the square step corners or if they would "disappear" during felting.

Next, I'm going to try a different felting technique on it. Inspired by this lovely Japanese felting book/magazine:

I'm going to needle punch circles along the bottom, as in the cover picture. And then, line it and find handles.

This is the original by Ms. Gaughan:

I have a serious knitting crush on her. You know how some designers just move you with their work? Her work has re-oriented my perspective on knitted fabric.

Burda July '07 - 122 Butterfly Top

2007-07-25T18:24:00.000-06:00

What do you think? Behemoth or whale?

This is the Burda's pattern from this month's issue. The top size is 42/44 and I fit in the upper range of 44.

The original has lovely shirring along the midriff, front and back, and is cut to about the waist. It would look beautiful on a slimmer or less wobbly midriff, but on me, the shirred section would just slide up to the narrower part of my bodice, below the breasts. Also, without the shirring, the midriff is pretty close in measurement to mine, making shirring essentially pointless on me.

I left the midriff longer than in the original and experimented belting the waist, to effect a soft blouson style. In the mirror, it didn't look too bad, a little blousy maybe. But DH told very kindly suggested that I may not want to look 'bigger'. Hee hee.

He's right, though! In the pictures I can see it makes me look matronly and huge. And in the trash it went.

The fabric was some Anna Sui satin striped chiffon from Fabricmart - pricey but unloved.

At least I'm on goal with sewing up a Burda pattern from each current issue. I have the skirt 115 from July's issue under way right now, in a green stretch twill. I think that'll work out much better on my body type.

HP7 - Done

2007-07-22T21:16:00.001-06:00

Maybe I should go and talk to my kid now.

No Fair!

2007-07-12T15:11:00.000-06:00

My hi-tech paean to moderation:

After stuffing a closet for the past week:

That's pretty much all the fabric. I have about 100lbs that need, uh, re-distribution. I'm taking as much of the good stuff as I can to my Mom in London later this year. She can take it back to to family even later this year. Fabric in the Mid East can be very expensive and most people go to see tailors or make their own.

There's a yarn hanger to the right of this picture, with more yarn in a corner cabinet and drawers. I'm tempted to pass on the non-loved stuff there too.

And the patterns - aye!! They're still in the basement. I'm probably going to ditch most of the butterick/mccalls/simplicity/new looks. I really prefer burda, with patrones and vogue as back ups. Sheesh.

I'm exhausted, but I feel *lighter*. I'm also losing weight - hopefully all this is signaling a much needed psychological shift.

So you think cats are trouble!

2007-07-03T16:13:00.000-06:00

He filched three skeins of silk/alpaca. Sheesh!

Happy 4th July!

Lazy Summer

2007-06-30T22:59:00.001-06:00

I just can't find the energy to do anything new. It is hot, hot, hot! So I've been puttering around, unpacking my fabirc to go into the sewing room closet. With every box I lug upstairs from the basement, I feel virtuous. With every box I unpack, I feel overwhelmed. There really is too much and most of it, I love. I'll see how that ends up.

Everything else is going backwards, but in good ways.

Skirt that didn't work into a couple of retro aprons:

Scarf that didn't work into 3 beautiful skeins of Rowan kidsilk haze:

And look at my 'care package' from London: Patrones and fresh Himalayan saffron. Heavenly:

And on a proud-yet-whiny note, how come he can grow a garden in his sandbox and I can't grow *$&^ ?

Burda June '06 - 120 Top

2007-06-30T22:26:00.000-06:00

It's been a very long time since I made a Burda pattern in the same month that the magazine was issued. In fact I made two!

This is a pattern for a sleeveless bias (or not) top, with pleated neckline and long neckties.

I cut a size 44 and did an FBA on the front, slashing vertically through the bust point to add width - and - horizontally to add length. I rotated the darts to the three pleats, slashing and spreading them.

The fabric is a squirrelly, lovely tencel herringbone weave, that got even more squirrelly on the bias.

I used fusible interfacing on the front facings and the collar/ties. The armscye binding, the hem and the ties are all hand stitched, which was a lot faster than struggling to topstitch the fabric. To stabilise the buttonhole area before machining, I hand basted a rectangle, to help keep the bias face fabric anchored to its fused (stable) facing:

Hint - When I'm going to be machining over basting stitches, I'll use silk thread for basting. It's a lot easier to pull out and less likely to split and leave fibers in the stitches.

Mid sewing I tried this on and the weight of the fabric, on the bias, had pulled the bodice down, to the point where I was completely hanging out. So I took up the shoulders by 0.5" front and back. Otherwise, the fit is pretty good, although I had to take out 1.5" from the lower front side seams.

This is so comfortable to wear and very cool in the heat, but the three pleats along the neckline are too obvious for me. They just beg for attention, especially because of the qualities of the tencel. It looks to my eye like too much detail, what with the pleats, the ties, the collar.... So I won't be making it again.

I also made these pants - 126:

I made a muslin and had it fitted by my teacher. It needed very little attention, just some more crotch room at the inseam. The above pair is from a rough linen, which bags out really badly. My third (full length) pair are from a navy linen/rayon, so I think I'll line them to the knee. My plan is to get 2-3 pants from this pattern until I lose enough weight to cut out a new one.

Burda: Love!

Estes Wool Market

2007-06-16T22:07:00.000-06:00

There were the mountains. There were furry, sofffft, goofy looking critters,

lots of them, in different sizes;

fun things to try: now my son knows how to weave, (I don't);

and a modest numbers of yarn stalls. This was my loot for about $140. Worsted wool/mohair/silk in black, kid mohair in red and alpaca in darkest walnut:

They're all soft and luscious and going straight into stash until I can figure out what to knit.

Grrr!

2007-06-12T20:02:00.000-06:00

What can I say? I have a 4 year old.

Grrr face cloth from the latest knitty. I made mine with less than half a ball of Lily's Sugar'n Cream. I think it took all of an hour.

I did do mine quite differently. I used an easier loop stitch from knittinghelp.com. (Find the video here under decorative stitches.) Also I just purled on the WS rows. I knit Eastern/Combination style and stocking stitch comes easier. It gave a nice nobbly texture on the back.

It's being test driven in a bubble bath right now.

Onto Sewing:

I've cut out Burda 6/07, bias top 120 and am half way through it. This is my fabric, a very drapey, squirrelly tencel rayon blend. Pretty stuff.

Because it's a little heavy, however, it's dragging down on the bias and has brought the center front V neck towards the bottom of my bra band. So I have take up the shoulder seams and re-sew the neckband seams. All of this is easy, but I'm finding knitted lions just a touch easier.

I wish I was more driven!

How To: Finish the Neckline on a Sleeveless Lined Top

2007-06-09T17:34:00.000-06:00

This method works just as well for sleeveless top with lining or with combination facing (neckline and armscye combined). The seams have to be cut accurately or you should be able to fudge creatively!

Sorry about the tiny writing, this is my first HOW TO. If you click on the picture, it opens up to full size.

1. The side seams are sewn separately in the fashion fabric and lining. They are placed RS facing, matching armscye and neckline seams.

2. Machine the armscye seam all the way around. Machine the neckline seam (front and back) to 2-3" shy of the shoulder seam line.

3. Trim the seams, understitch if preferred, press and turn right side out.

4. Opening up the shoulder, match front shoulder to back shoulder, right sides together. Make sure the armscye seam line lines up perfectly. Pin or baste. Machine the shoulder seam.

5. Trim the shoulder seam and press. Turn right side out. Turn in the neckline seam allowance and slip stitch the seam together.

It's a good idea to practice the slip stitch. It should be indistinguishable from a machined seam.

Patrones 02/2007 - Cacharel Top

2007-06-06T20:42:00.000-06:00

This is the first piece I've actually made for the PR SWAP competition. It's from the February 2007 Patrones and is a Cacharel design. (I had no idea they made anything other than gorgeous lingerie.) The top has very narrow shoulders and a gathered neckline with a ruffle along the front neckline only.

Size: I cut a 48 with no adjustments - this seems to be the equivalent of size 44/46 in burda which I use these days.

Fabric: Burnout cotton voile from India. I originally made this into a maternity dress, which never got worn. This top is from the skirt (same lining) and the ruffle is from the waist ties on the dress. I didn't even have to hem it.

Adjustments:

None for size.
The line drawings in Patrones seem like wishful thinking at times: the armscye is very low, but in the line drawing it looks high and tight. Always look at the pattern layout illustration - those pictures are much more representative of the pattern. Anyway, I made a quick muslin to confirm my suspicion. The shoulders on this are also really narrow - too narrow to cover my bra straps. So I added 1.5" all along the armscye, front and back. Almost perfect. Just over 1" would have been better.
I don't read Spanish - heck I don't read instructions (must be my testosterone-y side busting out), so I gathered the neckline to look flattering and gathered the ruffle to look pretty (to me) and hand sewed it on. This way I can take if off if I change my mind.

It's perfect for summer and fall.

Original Design:

Fanciful line drawing:

Vogue 8249 - Top

2007-06-06T19:58:00.000-06:00

Holding that dang grin until the self-timer goes off is not part of my skill set.

This is version A of Vogue 8249.

Fabric: green burnout cotton from my local independent fabric store.
Size: 14 with an FBA
Adjustments:

I added length and width in the front at the bust point, feeding the excess into the gathers at the yoke.
Collar opening: to put in the yoke section, I sewed the right side yoke (interfaced with organza) to the front bodice, turned, trimmed and pressed. Then I basted the yoke facing to the yoke along the marked lines, sewed part way down the center front, stopping about 3" from the point of the V. I cut down between the machined lines only and tried on the top to see where the point of the V would be most flattering on me. (I wiggled a pin into the collar to make sure the center of my bra would be covered.) My low point is actually 1" higher than the design.
I lengthened the top by 2".
I hand finished the yoke facing, hems and armhole binding. The very fine fabric is worth the effort.

Full bust adjustment:

Raised point of V in the yoke:

Young Talent

2007-06-01T14:55:00.000-06:00

Can you guess how happy and proud I am right now? He's only 4 1/2 years old.

I've been coming down in the mornings to my sewing room, with my machine is various stages of threading and with different feet on. When I found he'd changed the bobbin (successfully), I figured he needed his own machine.

It's a Janome Mini Sew, an honest-to-goodness real sewing machine, with zigzag and straight stitch, and reverse sewing. It has the cutest little foot pedal and weighs 5lbs. It makes very nice seams.

He loves it. Everyday, he has wanted to make something. So far, we've kept it to rectangular things. He's in charge of the presser foot, hand wheel and the foot pedal. I guide the fabric, because he doesn't want to get near the needle - which is a *good* thing. 4 year old fingers are tiny.

Just adorable.

Swap Update

2007-05-17T18:04:00.000-06:00

Jacket - Eyelet Cardigan:

Well, I have one sleeve done. I wouldn't normally start with a sleeve for a knit, but the pattern gives gauge only in pattern (rather than stocking stitch). Bah Humbug! I'm on the back now.

On the fabric front, I've sorta, kinda finalised my choices.

Bottoms:

Brown tencel and Olive cotton/lycra twill

Dresses:

From left to right, my patterns are: Butterick 5029, Vogue 2960 and Vogue 8379.

Tops:

Here's where I have too much choice. I'm moving towards (from left to right) the brown floral print, the green/tan geometric voile, the vanilla tencel and, uhm, ....... I did order some fuschia rayonl/lycra from Gorgeous Things, and if it falls in the color parameters, I'll use for an extra pop of color. Given I spend most days in reds, this palette is a little demure for me.

VK Cabled Tank

2007-05-11T20:32:00.000-06:00

Vogue Knitting Spr/Sum '07 - Cabled Tank

The front is stocking stitch with two cables running vertically - I made these mirror images, unlike in the pattern.

The back is a 4x4 rib. No, I don't have back chub at my waist. And sorry, about the dress sleeves poking out.

I used about 4 balls of Rowan Summer Tweed in Berry. It's the oddest yarn I've handled so far - it feels mostly like paper ribbon to knit, but the fabric itself is very comfortable and cool in our 80 degree weather. It's not as fitted as it's supposed to be - the instructions have you knit a size with considerable negative ease. My bust is 43" and the top has a finished measurement of 38", but it doesn't feel at all tight.

This is my first knitted item of clothing for myself in a very long time. So, I'm ridiculously proud. I've now got the Eyelet Cardigan on the needles, and Sahara in gold yarn. Both should fit in with my SWAP.

SWAP Summer 2007

2007-05-05T13:56:00.000-06:00

Patternreview has started its summer SWAP competition. I usually have little follow through with the concept of a SWAP - I like to be able to move around. Also, I'm losing weight regularly, so I'm not invested in making a keeper wardrobe. I need elastic waists and easily adjusted clothes. And, I don't want to use my more precious fabric.

It's just a lot of fun to be part of the group endeavour. Realistically, I'll probably get 1/3 done. But I've found even a mini SWAP can have a lot of impact in my wardrobe.

Maybe if I post regularly on the SWAP thread, I'll be more committed.

Btw, my jacket is the Eyelet Cardigan, a pattern from Blue Sky Alpacas. It's small enough that I'm optimistic about finishing it.

The Golden Compass

2007-05-04T11:02:00.000-06:00

For those of you in love with the books, go find your daemon. Here's mine:

Some Sewing...

2007-04-28T16:31:00.000-06:00

My ledger is a little empty of completed projects. But here are two Burda patterns from last month - one hopeful and one loser:

Burda 7907

I made View B as a muslin for View C - the dress with the wide straps. The muslin looks awful frumpy on me, doesn't it? But it's actually a good look.

I lengthened the bust piece vertically and widened the lower curved portion of it. The widening was actually too much and the resulting gathers are just too thick even for the thin muslin fabric.
On the other hand, I could have lengthened the piece by 3/8" more.

This is the line drawing:

The shape of the decolletage is really pretty on me and with the wider straps, I believe the dress, in a mid-weight cotton, will be a winner for summer.

And the loser:

Burda 8269

This is the plus version of 8407. I haven't compared the two to see if the hip curves are more emphasized on the plus version.

I cut this out in a size 46 last summer, from a stretch velveteen. I'd washed and dried the fabric, which gave it a (permanent) crushed look.

The lines are really interesting and the trumpet shape should be a winner on an hourglass figure like mine. But it looked so awful on me. Maybe it's the length. The curve around the hips, followed by the flare around the calves just emphasized fat curvy to my eyes, instead of luscious curvy.

From this angle, it looks good doesn't it, but from the front, I just looked wide. I could make it in a drapier fabric, but then the lines would be lost, so the pattern is getting moved to a better place.

Btw - this makes Fabric Mart bundle fabrics 0 for 5. I think I should jettison all the bundles I got from them. No matter how nice, they just have never worked for me. I don't know if it's guilt from buying so much or lack of respect for their neverending yards, but they all end up duds.

Sportacus Take 2

2007-04-24T20:00:00.000-06:00

For Halloween 2005, I made Connor a Sportacus costume. I got an email from a Canadian lady a couple of weeks ago, asking if I would make an adult version for her daughter's birthday. Today, I mailed if off to Canada.

To be honest, I don't enjoy making costumes. They're more fun than home dec (which makes me want to cry), but not a whole lot better. And, superhero costumes are so bitty and fiddly, especially in nylon/lycra.

This is 'my' Sportacus (gratuitous cute kid shot):

This is the real Sportacus:

Isn't he delish? :)

I ordered the dancewear nylon/lycra from Denver Fabrics and used Kwik Sew 3029:

Lots of fiddling about and steam-a-seam, we have:

I tried on the pieces to stress test them and they performed very well. I'm not too thrilled with the badge I made, but I sew, I don't craft.

Natasha, the Mom, promised pictures from the party. I have my fingers crossed that the costume performs well. It's my first adult male dance costume.

The WTH of the whole experience.

I tried on the pants to make sure it looked right. How come my tush (not male, not dance-y, not size medium) looked like a million dollars in them? Years, countless yards of paper and fabric, and I find size M KS men's pants is where I should be. Seriously, what's with that?

I am miffed at Debbie Bliss's pattern.

2007-04-13T11:13:00.000-06:00

Edit: I had to change the title from "I hate DB" to " I'm miffed at DB's pattern" - because there's too much bad energy out there - & because - really I'm as much to blame as the pattern.

My little guy in a gansey-style sweater from "How to Knit". The yarn is a beautiful and silky (although a little splitty) Luxury Cotton DK from Rowan.

My temper has cooled a little on Ms. Bliss, because it's really just my fault. I borrowed the book back in August of last year. I thought it'd be a great practice sweater to learn Western knitting. (I'm an Eastern style knitter.)

I looked at the size chart and thought, "Wow, these are HUGE for kids" and so made the 2-3 year old pattern for my 4-5 year old. Guess what? It's still huge for a 4-5 year old. And mine is a big 4-5er. But, get this, the neckline is for a 3 year old.

So, what are my choices? Connor loves it, but says it's the arms are too big. I could just wait the body out for a year and re-knit the neck appropriately sized for his age. Or - frog the whole thing, treat the yarn for the kinks and knit him something else. Gah! I think I'll let it rest for a while.

I'll take him to my LYS and get some yarn for the quicko cheapo. The poor kid just wants a sweater to wear.

Oh - why all the negativity? She specialises in kids' knits - beautiful designs. Why the ridiculous sizing? It's true to gauge, knit correctly, blocked right, so there should have been some logic to the sizes. That's why I sort of trusted it, but I really should have just gone with my gut and left it alone. As it is, I'm leaving her patterns alone.

A little decadent, no?

2007-04-04T17:45:00.000-06:00

You are The Empress

Beauty, happiness, pleasure, success, luxury, dissipation.

The Empress is associated with Venus, the feminine planet, so it represents,
beauty, charm, pleasure, luxury, and delight. You may be good at home
decorating, art or anything to do with making things beautiful.

The Empress is a creator, be it creation of life, of romance, of art or business. While the Magician is the primal spark, the idea made real, and the High Priestess is the one who gives the idea a form, the Empress is the womb where it gestates and grows till it is ready to be born. This is why her symbol is Venus, goddess of beautiful things as well as love. Even so, the Empress is more Demeter, goddess of abundance, then sensual Venus. She is the giver of Earthly gifts, yet at the same time, she can, in anger withhold, as Demeter did when her daughter, Persephone, was kidnapped. In fury and grief, she kept the Earth barren till her child was returned to her.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Thanks Melody!

So I did a happy dance...

2007-03-29T17:17:00.000-06:00

All of them, y'all.

And we're moved into our lovely home, complete with original German Goth styling circa '73.

I've even been sewing. I just finished burda 7907 - I'll post photos as soon as I can find my nude bras.

Curly Wurly

2007-03-08T16:07:00.000-07:00

Or 'ribbon scarf' as they have it in Handknit Holidays. The color is actually a deep red with the red lurex accent, the same colors as in the pattern. Because I'm that inventive.

Mine is 75% the original's length and works better as a ruffly, romantic cravat kinda thing than a regular scarf. It'll be great for those open necked winter coats. Of course, it's in the 60's now. As they say, winter comes every year. (Reminds me, I need to do our taxes!)

I've now got almost 2 balls of the Classis Elite 'Lush' yarn and quite a bit of Rowan's 'Lurex'. So maybe a hat? Would it be too darned much? Maybe all together with a pirate jacket? Huh?

Slow posting...

2007-03-02T19:14:00.000-07:00

I made a goal when I started this blog to get something up at least once a week. Moving cross country dealt a blow to that goal last fall. Now we're moving again. We just closed on a lovely house in Boulder, which we will stay in forever (maybe at least 10 years). But it means moving one more time and renovating the house (and still selling the albatross in MA).....

We should be all moved in by end of March, so hopefully I can sew regularly again then.

Meanwhile, here's a picture of me on a Segway or "robot scooter" as Connor calls them:

Really - I was laughing the whole time, despite my face in the photo. They are so darned cool, I'd give up buying fabric and yarn for a year to buy one.

We went to a robot exhibition in London, where they had some great stuff. I do miss being near a real city (sorry Denver). But it is home.

Lookit - yarn cakes!

2007-03-02T18:58:00.000-07:00

Guess what I got for myself! My yarn stash has now reached the point where hand winding the skeins is actually time consuming.

Here's an action shot of the yarn winder:

I got both the yarn winder and the swift at Joann's, where both are discounted and the shipping is free, so it was a great deal. The swift is Laci's brand and both are easy to use and as good as any in a LYS. And it leaves me more moolah for yarn, from the LYS.

So True...

2007-02-21T15:23:00.000-07:00

Heehee.

I'm back from London. I'm now 37 (17th of February). We're moving again next month (we bought a lovely house and will *stay* for at least a decade). I have to do our taxes.

But I have a great family and life, and, I'm sewing again, so yay.

Stitches and Sticks

2007-01-31T15:18:00.000-07:00

Chicks with knitting stitches and the Avalanche with hockey sticks, that is. Interweave Knits, based here in Colorado, had a special promotion for knitters/crocheters willing to donate a red scarf to the Orphan Foundation of America. The red scarves will be included in Valentine Day's gift bags for kids heading off to college - very cool indeed.

My husband still plays hockey, but it was the first live game for Connor and me. It would have been even better if they had won, but they chose to lose to the Coyotes. So depressing to watch.

Anyway, this is what I made:

I saw this made up by Liana (Sew Intriguing - hers is 2/3 way down the Dec '05 entries) and the pattern is here. Isn't it cute? It look less than half of skein of worsted (LionBrand Wool Ease). I was so nervous that I wouldn't get it finished in time, that I started at the beginning of January. It took 3 very short evenings and I'll have to make up a few more. Don't the ends look like hearts? Thanks Liana.

Noro Transitions Hat

2007-01-31T14:49:00.000-07:00

This is a pattern from Wendy of Wendy Knits Blog:

It takes one skein of Noro Transitions Yarn, which is just lovely to work with, (containing 55% Wool, 10% Silk, 7% Angora, 7% Cashmere, 7% Alpaca, 7% Kid Mohair, 7% Camel). It's very comfortable to wear. The color gradations are a little surprising and beautifully combined:

The pattern is a simple 3x3 rib on circular needles and super quick. Just in time for the rest of our never-ending winter.

Rattler Scarf

2007-01-23T13:37:00.000-07:00

This is the second kit I bought from Morehouse Farms. The colorway is described as purple! Hmphhh! It has as much toxic yellow and poisonous green as bruised purple. Which, of course, makes it a great rattler scarf for a 4 year old boy.

Here's the young Master in all his knitted glory:

Marfy Spring/Summer 2007

2007-01-17T15:44:00.000-07:00

These are the free patterns in the new catalogue:
*I updated to add the sizes they come in.*

Wrap top (pink), peasant top (green) and pink hotpants -
All in sizes 42, 44, 46

Cowl neck top (peach) and kimono topper (swirly red) -
Both in sizes 42, 46, 50, 54

Fitted jeans -
In sizes 42, 44, 46

Dress and short jacket (broderie anglaise) -
Both in sizes 42, 44, 46, 48

Vogue Spring Patterns

2007-01-15T13:54:00.000-07:00

I've been really enjoying the direction Vogue pattern has taken in the last year. There are a lot of pattern that I love. Some of these I can't or won't wear, but quite a few of them have come home with me - some to actually be made up.

This new set of patterns has some real gems:

1. Issey Miyake two piece - 2952

It seems you either love or hate his patterns. I'm a lover and this is gorgeous. It looks gentle and vaguely conventional in the front, but then you check out the back. There are square flaps on the side seams that are brought to the half back and laced together. Beautiful.

The skirt is great too, and it's a mock wrap - just a little peekaboo of leg.

2. Anna Sui Dress - 2940

This has the potential to be poofy around my belly. But I'm loosing weight and by the time I get to it, I should be trim enough to carry the dress.

3. DKNY wardrobe - 2941

Three pieces: an easy jacket with contrast shawl collar and cuffs, a bias camisole and a yoked, gored, (lightly) bubbled skirt. The jacket and top will be useful for wardrobe repeats.

These two I probably won't ever make up, but I'll give them a good home:

4. Belville Sasson dress - 2943

It looks so much like the copy of the Mouret dress, but just look at the back seaming. There are are two sections either side of the center back seam, angling upwards towards the center, like cathedral windows. Divine. And the front sections curve and flatter.

5. Donna Karan jacket and dress - 2942

Another one for the collection. The silouette is so japanese and stylised, it's not something I've come to expect from Karan in her vogue patterns.

And, again, what was I thinking?

2007-01-13T10:15:00.000-07:00

So, here's another clothing reflection of my state of mind while living in MA. It obviously wasn't doing as well as I thought.

Simplicity 4020, Version A:

I really loved Liana's top, so I dragged out some lovely purple velour. I've never had much success with velour; I can't suppress it's creeping tendencies. As I was cutting this out, I *knew*, just KNEW, that the doubled over cuffs and waist would creep like crazy, but did I stop? Nooo. I knew, I did it anyway and it creeps. So the top is a wash.

I didn't wear this style in the 80's, so I didn't realise how big I'd look, especially with the shiny, furry fabric. I look like a big, juicy plum. So the style is a wash.

I also liked view D/E, which Stacy reviewed. Of course, she has a slim waist. I suspect that with my extra pounds and large bust, the style would be unattractive on me. So the pattern is a wash.

Of course, this might be a subconscious way of ridding myself of fabric that just isn't suitable - Darwinism for stash.

Neue Mode 23230

2007-01-11T20:35:00.000-07:00

I started this dress last summer. It's version A of NM 23230 - it's a little bit country and not at all rock'n'roll. I'm not sure why I got seduced by it. After all, it looks frumpy in the line drawing and, sadly, it's kind of frumpy in real life. But I loved the fabric, so I'm not tossing it.

It has merits: the bateau neckline with the well-designed facings, the side zipper, pretty A-line skirt, bust darts, waisted and easy fitting.

I've been going through an odd year, with all the moving about, lost, questioning my life.... a pre-mid-life crises, if you will. It's coming out in my pattern choices.

Anyway, it's there in the catalogue, a few years old already, ignore, just a little old-fashioned house dress. I'm hoping it's really not me at all.

Simplicity 4045 - Dress

2007-01-04T18:30:00.000-07:00

This is the dress version of this pattern. It's basically the top, lengthened.

1. The fabric is a silk georgette, lined it with olive ambiance to take away some of the yellow tones.

2. As in the original top, I cut a 14 in the shoulders and sleeves and 18 on the side seams.

3. I originally lengthened the dress by 5" to get it below my knees, but forgot to take into account the bias drape. I wound up taking off 4.5" to get the final length.

4. I sewed the side seams of fashion fabric and the lining separately, then pinned them them together at the neckline and armholes.

The sleeve hems were finished with bias strips and sewn into the body.

The neck yoke was interfaced and sewn to its facing. I then pinned the finished yoke to the body and sewed the seam, trimmed it to 1/4" and zigzagged the allowance.

4. There is a rolled hem on the fashion fabric and a zigzag 1/4" away from the edge on the lining.

And that's it. It's bias folks, and minimal finishing is ideal. It took all of 2 hours to sew up. I wore it twice and might even pull it out again this winter.

Late Resolve

2007-01-04T18:05:00.000-07:00

I don't really subscribe to new year resolutions - they have too high a failure rate for me. But I've had so much fun reading other people's, that I'm just going to commit myself, darn it!

The theme is reduction:

1. Reduce my fabric stash by 30%.

This has taken me four whole days to come up with, 'cause I was so busy negotiating with myself. Also I just ordered a few yards for workout clothes. Ahem!

And the leather I got from Ebay over Christmas.

Erm.. and the small! box from Fabric Mart.

Probably just getting rid of the Fabric Mart bundles from last year will strike out 15%, leaving not much more to be worked over.

I'm selling, sewing, donating.

2. Reduce my body by about 20%.

Should be easier than the fabric. All I need is to get off my hiney and hit the gym hard 3 days a week.

3. Reduce our real estate holding by 100%.

And then increase by same. Gotta sell the danged albatross in Concord and buy here in Boulder.

4. Reduce crazy, bad moods by 90%.

Easily done by sticking to 2. and increasing my shut eye per night by 10%.

All good, achievable resolutions.
I like math.

Happy Holidays!

2006-12-23T22:54:00.000-07:00

So, three days homebound! It was mostly by choice, because I do love staying in. I made my green Simplicity 4045 dress, a Thomas-Snow-Globe shirt for Connor and finished a dress from NM 23230. I know the last one looks awfully cheesy, but it's turned out cute. My camera is packed away, so I'll post pictures next weekend.

We're off to Denver International Airport tomorrow to fly to Hilton Head Island. We're spending Christmas week with my in-laws on the 9th hole. No, not playing - what I mean is that they live on the 9th hole. Hopefully the crazy backlog at the airport will have abated somewhat and we'll have smooth sailing. It'll be great to get away from the snow. Knowing Boulder, it'll probably all have melted by the time we get back.

I wish you all a joyful time with whichever celebration you have.
I'm thinking of maybe adding a pole to the festivities next year.

Happy Holidays and Happy Sewing.

Snow Day

2006-12-20T16:53:00.000-07:00

Eight years in Colorado and I'm still unused to snow storms. We've had over a foot already and more coming. I don't think we'll be driving tomorrow. Fortunately I'm married to a (former) mountain man, so I can send him out on foot to get supplies.

We have light, heat and food - we're blessed, and mountains of fabric, so yay? I also have a 4 year old, so snowmen, cookies and games it'll be. Really, no complaints.

Christmas Projects

2006-12-19T14:45:00.000-07:00

I don't exactly look for kids' projects, but they sneak up on me. For example, a Thomas stocking for Thomas-loving boy:

How can I say no? The panels are from Equilter and it's lined with stash flannel. I made the letters for his name with cotton backed onto Wonder Under - magic stuff, because I couldn't be bothered to break out the embroidery attachment for my Bernina.

Which is another thing I'll never buy: embroidery attachments and the hellaciously priced software.

We also got to use my new Kandi Kane hot iron to embellish the stocking with hot fix crystals. It's addictive for a glitter-addict like myself. Watch out world! One thing I learned about the Kandi Kane is to use it like a regular hot fix iron:

1. Place crystal on project.
2. Use a smaller concave head than the crystal size.
3. Hold hot tip on crystal for 12 seconds.

When I used the Kandi Kane method, the crystal would get stuck (glued into) the concave head, hence the smaller size. Also their method has you holding the crystal in the hot head until the glue bubbles, then planting it on the fabric by tapping it. It's crazy inefficient and that drives me nuts.

I also made a pair of Santa pyjamas and a pair of corduroy pants. His loveliness has deigned to wear the former for the holiday period (only), but has refused the latter, as too baggy for his style. Anyway, two shirts to go for him and I'm done until the next kid project gets me.

This one is for me. It's the fabric I'm using for the dress version of Simplicity 4045. The fabric is a silk georgette from Fabric Mart, that's way too wild to be ignored. I'll line it with olive green ambiance to cut out some of the yellow tones. But check the print - it actually has leopard, tiger, cheetah and a fourth mystery cat cobbled together.

Hey, maybe I can put hot fix crystal all over it. Hmmm?!!

Mittens Complete!

2006-12-12T14:56:00.000-07:00

The mittens for Connor are felted and finished. If you're nervous about knitting with double points, this is the perfect starter project. I used 7" needles, which were a little fiddly with the tiny thumbs, but still easy to do.

The yarn is a new one for me. It looks like roving stretched out into yarn, instead of the twisted, plied yarns that I'm used to. It's very soft and a dream to knit, even softer after felting.

The service from Morehouse Farm was very fast and the patterns are clear and easy to follow. I only had one little problem and that's with their color description. This is the 'FantaSea' kit, which shows up with a lot more blue on their website. I understand that with this type of yarn dyeing, it's hard to get consistent color variations, but I did expect at least some blue. The scarf kit I ordered, is likewise, dominant in green (and mustard yellow) - but no purple!

I'm finding ordering yarn on the net has more potential problems than fabric buying. Maybe as I get more experience, it'll get better. Still, it hasn't stopped me filling a whole tub with skeins of pretty stuff.

Simplicity 4045

2006-12-09T15:30:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy with this top. The bodice is cut on the bias and there is gathering at the center front neckline. The little sleeves have an inverted pleated at the top and at the hem and the collar anchors the bodice and the sleeves.

I made no adjustments to the pattern, which makes it gold in my eyes. I like the bias drape over curves and the sleeves are just the right length and width to make my upper arms look a lot slimmer.

This is so comfortable to wear and so cute, I think I'll make the dress for Christmas. Maybe a lined georgette or soft wool crepe.

Yep, my blahs are definitely over.

My Sewing Blahs are Over!

2006-12-06T21:49:00.000-07:00

What with moving and the holidays, I haven't done any sewing since mid October. I managed to put together a Halloween costume in our hotel room and a great costume it was too. But... real sewing? The longer I'm away from the machine, the more I shy away from returning. As if I've forgotten how to sew.

It didn't help that I cut out 6 projects before packing, thinking (huh!) that at least I'd have sewing, even if my sewing room was a mess. Sadly, it turned out to be 6 UFO's for the pile.

But it's over. Yippee. I'm working on a this cute little top from Simplicity 4045:

It's a bias cut design for woven fabrics and the sewing's easy.

In the meantime, I've been knitting. I've been stacking 'techniques' into projects and I'm doing rather well.

These are the 'Fetching' fingerless gloves from the summer issues of "Knitty", or half gloves, as my son calls them. So I learned double point needles and easy cables.

This second mitten is from a Morehouse Farm kit for kids, and they're so easy and fast. I'm halfway through the second and I have to felt them slightly to finish them.

My son was so impressed with my knitty gloves that he told everyone about them. In fact, he shows off every little thing, fancy or simple, that I or Grandma has ever made him. He's so proud of us, he makes me feel 10 feet tall. Of course, he also keeps giving me new projects to do.
So worth it.

And the rest of the fabric....

2006-11-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

The box from Kashi at Metro Textiles just arrived, and I'm still happy with my purchases.

The colors are too dark on this set.
Top left is a reversible wool/blend rib knit, mid-weight, pink-purple on one side and purple on the other.
Top right is a coppery gold stretch denim.
Bottom is a cream knit with gold metallic thread. Lightweight, very soft and much lighter than the picture.

Top left is a heavyweight sweater knit, grey/black/ivory flowers on brilliant red. This is embarrassing. I bought it thinking the wrong side was the right side. Both side are good though, one has a regular knitted structure and the other is soft and fleecy. Even more embarrassing, I realised when I got home that I had already purchased this fabric from Ressy's Co-op. Oy!
Top right is a crinkle georgette in greys, ivory and pomegranate. Very pretty.
Bottom left is a mesh knit with a very colorful, Asian design.
Bottom right is a gold printed stretch velvet in black.

Top left is the soft, fleecy side of the sweater knit above.
Top right is a gorgeous burnout chiffon in a pistachio green, with branches in coppery brown and embroidered/sequined floral branches. I put the lower part over the copper stretch silk charmeuse which will be the lining.
Bottom left is a pleated red silky. It's a poly but very pretty and cheap, so it snuck in.

All the glittery, gold fabrics left me with a bit of a reputation as a glitter-ho, but also very, very happy.

There'll be another box next week with three more fabrics. I'm not on a fabric diet, but I'm satiated. In fact I'm going to try and shave off a third of my stash. I'm only going to put up with loved fabrics anymore. There is so much out there, that when I need the blah, I'll be able to find it anytime.

Pattern Review Weekend NYC

2006-11-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

What a whirlwind life I have. Two days after the moving truck finally arrived, I got on the plane to New York. I've wanted to do this trip for a long time, but the timing is atrocious for me. Not this year. My husband gets a shout out for practically pushing me onto the plane, "but I have so much to do!!".

I roomed with Ann and Marilyn from MA, who were wonderful and fun. And I got to meet so many other women - talented, accomplished, witty, lovely ladies all of them. We shopped, talked, enabled and shopped some more. I only wish I'd had more time to talk to more people.

I started off calmly and gently at Global Leathers and wound up a slavering fool at Kashi's. My box from him hasn't arrived yet, but this is the fabric I brought with me:

Brick rayon/lycra, lace cotton blend knit & black/gold/red knit from Spandex House.
Purple/lavendar swirl rayon/lycra from Mood.

Beautiful glitter butterfly on gold leather from Global. Anna Mazur was very inspiring to me and a lot of others reminded me of an Anne Klein tops pattern from the 90's for a vest/top from this leather. I was stuck at 'handbag?', so I appreciated the muse.

Rayon Velvet in blue-grey from Parron's.
Black leather (shared the skin with Jodi) and snake skin leather from Global.
Two wide elastics from Spandex House for lingerie.

Tropical print rayon/lycra, swirl brown and tan linen/lycra from Mood.
Pumpkin slinky and heathered green slinky from Spandex House.

And the final sweet haul:

There's an annual chocolate show in NYC. Tom and I went to the first one and this time I had to go it alone. It is the most phenomenal turnout of national and international chocolatiers, all with samples. The crowds are suffocating but the experience is so worth it. This is my gift to my lovely husband and gorgeous son for making it possible for me to go away this weekend.

Ok, the pumped up heath bars are mine. But the rest, all theirs.

Hot Patterns: Weekender Chilled-out Sweat Suit

2006-10-22T12:41:00.000-06:00

I made this pretty soon after it was released.

I made it up in a 16, with no alterations. I have a 43-44" bust and the fit is great. The front lays just right on my bust without falling to either side of my bust. The shoulders are a little dropped and the bodice is undarted. This is not a fitted item and I don't think it's designed to be, but it's close fitting.

This one shows the front (there's an optional zipper) held close, to show that the fit is still good.

The back is again fine. The hem is resting on my tushing because I forgot to pull it down. But again this is undarted and to be expected.

The fabric is a black terry faced grey knit, with at least a 50% stretch. I used light grey serger thread. It was easy and fast to make. And moreover, it's great to wear. It's cute, relaxed and kinda hip. What more could you ask for. I get appreciative comments and looks all over. Note: it's good to stitch the facings down at the shoulder seams for extra non-flapping security.

I also made up the pants, which have the L shaped crotch curve. I made them up in the same fabric in a size 16, although my tush lies between 16 and 18. They were close fitting, but cute and just right. 'Were' - because I nuked them in the dryer. Oops. So I made them up in a less stretchy rayon/poly/lycra. Oops again. With the tighter size, they really needed the stretch, so that pair got wadded up.

I'm waiting to get settled in my new sewing room to pull it out with the correct fabric.

Sorry about the awful pics. It's 5 days to moving and time is getting tight.

I came, I saw, I ... um... returned.

2006-10-18T18:34:00.000-06:00

My Latin conjugation is awful, and my brain too mushy to google the correct phrase. Also I need to change my little intro to this blog, because we're leaving New England. Back to Colorado we go. It's a work thing.

We've loved it here and love it very much in Boulder, so everyone is happy. Connor and I were listing all the things we've enjoyed here - trees, grass, leaves, rocks, Walden Pond, school, bendy roads.... And for me, the very new sewing friends and relationships. I'm sad about all those things.

We're leaving at the end of the month and sewing has become a pile of wistful UFO's. I'll have to get a Halloween costume made now to use when we arrive in Boulder. But otherwise it's crazy packing time. For once, my procrastination has paid off and 60% of our things are still in boxes from the move in June.

The funniest thing is that two weeks after moving, I'll be flying back for Patternreview weekend in New York.

I might just get back to regularly scheduled sewing in December, or January. I'm just grateful that I took up knitting.

Bitty Blue Hat

2006-10-04T15:01:00.000-06:00

Fall is mostly about my little boy, Connor. Halloween, his birthday in November, trips to London and Hilton Head to visit Grandmas and finally Christmas..... It's a long haul of celebration, family and fun. Most of what I sew and make right now are for him.

This is the my first completed knitting project in 16 years. I took up crochet last year and returned to knitting this year - I'm getting faster every day. This was a fun quick thing. And the big payoff:

"Mama, I look pretty!"

Now he wants me to sew him a dress. Boys do wear dresses, Mama. Help!!

Tim Gunn

2006-10-01T07:50:00.000-06:00

I actually shrieked and jumped when I opened it. He's dapper and shiny and autographed. Now, he's gracing my desk. I'm so *happy*.

Molding the Bust

2006-09-19T11:58:00.000-06:00

I spend quite a lot of time working on fitting my breasts. I'm a D cup and given my bra choice, balconnets, they're very prominent.

A couple of darts in a fitted top just won't do. I have to sculpt and mold the fabric and it's a great exercise in learning about sewing. For example:

The pattern is New Look 6586.

It took two muslins and a huge amount of tweaking to make the one dart for a B cup, to flatteringly fit me. I did a full bust adjustment on the first muslin. After trying it on, I kept on pinning out the extra fabric around the cup, while wearing it. When it finally looked right, I took off the bodice and realised I had pinned a very severe princess seam. I translated that to a second muslin for fine tuning and came up with the black and white dress. It's so wonderful to wear, like a second skin.

I also finally accepted that my fat areas are mainly from front to back, on the sides. So the side princess panel takes the most additions of fabric and the center front princess, very little.

The other time, I've taken the time to do this is for this camisole top:

This took several muslins too. It's from a year ago and I really should have gone further with the lower center portion, to get a clean and tight fit. And, by then I could have added underwires and been in a different territory all together.

I'm getting a glimmer of understanding of the 3D nature of sewing - something that really didn't affect me sewing for a slim C cup'd me. I guess I should look at gaining 50lbs as a cosmic learning opportunity. How bloody Zen!

Grain

2006-09-17T16:32:00.000-06:00

Here is a neat illustration of why you should use straight of grain.

The top is from Hennes, rayon lycra for $10. I don't have to hang *my* head in shame. But it's super cute and easy to wear, in spite of the twist.

Btw, this is the first time I've had something so badly cut from Hennes, even though they're a cheap end shop.

Fall Colors

2006-09-09T19:37:00.000-06:00

I've been working on clothes for autumn. Calling it a wardrobe is a little far-reaching. It's not so much a case of a SWAP - sewing a co-ordinated wardrobe of 11 units - but more a case of each piece matching the one before it.

I find myself more creative with color and texture when I do the latter. With SWAP's, I pick my 3 or so colors and then find it hard to bring in new or unexpected notes. Also with only working to match one to the one before, I can stop any time. Works much better for those of us with shorter attention spans.

I've made up the first two pieces:

The first piece is Vogue 8152, View B:The fabric is a very transparent mesh from Ressy's Yahoo co-op, that I double up for the bodice. In face the pattern is perfect for fabrics that can or need to be used doubled. The two bodices are sewn together at the neckline which gives a lovely clean finish. The sleeves I left one layer. It's still really see-through, so only nude bras will do.

The second piece is a russet linen skirt. I love the lines of this skirt from the current Marfy catalogue and I was really happy to find this pattern from Burda WOF, 6/06.

The silouhette of the skirt is so very good on me. But I'm wondering if the whole thing doesn't look too 'up-tight 40's secretary, after taking off her glasses and letting her hair down'. Heeheee. The shoes don't help, but I love them.

The next project lined up is an olive skirt that can go with the top and a striped rayon/linen to match the two skirts.

And a brown jacket to round things up.

I have too many sewing projects planned - for me as well as some for my little boy. I think I'll make a list here, to keep me more realistic. And more honest.

Everyone's blogging,

2006-09-01T17:59:00.000-06:00

And I want to play too. It's mostly about sewing, knitting and a new life in New England.