A Present for Destiny (Again!)

And you may ask... What is that? And I say, it's an ear/head warmer. It's called Calorimetry and it's available at Knitty's Winter 2006 issue.

I made it for Destiny because both of us go on walks and it's been a bit chilly lately and so our ears start hurting. I have found that we have many things in common, including pain... HA!

I knit it on size 8 needles out of Paton's SWS yarn in Natural Denim and cast on 80 stitches rather than the 120 the pattern calls for. I used a button from the wonderful collection my mom inherited from my grandma.

SWS stands for Soy Wool Stripes, hence the stripes in the Calorimetry (I know, Duh!) But the yarn is super soft and warm, such a plus with wool, especially when worn by your head/neck!

Grandma's Shawl Finished!

I finished Grandma's Clapotis last night and I'm quite proud of it! I had fun knitting it even though it took me about two and a half months. At least I got it done in time for Christmas... and with time to spare!

I used Artyarns Supermerino in color #215 that I bought at discount from LoopYarn. I found this wool very soft and not scratchy and would like to buy a black colorway to make a Clapotis for myself.

I did find that I had taught myself a "different" way to knit when I started to knit this. I was wondering why it said "ktbl" aka "knit through back loop" when I was already doing that anyway! So I guess you could say I learned to knit the "proper" way to make this Clapotis.

Since I'm done with this and starting a new occupation tomorrow morning, I think I'm going to go to the local yarn store that I finally found close to me. It's called Knitwitz and it's in San Dimas, the next town over!

Mission Started: Make A Designer Knock Off Outfit

I decided a while ago to join one of the Craftster sewalongs and found this Petro Zillia outfit that I just love. It's a lace shirt dress under a tube dress.


I knew that I had the patterns that fit the outfit, I just had to do a bit of searching in my stash. I found Butterick 3446 and New Look 6040. I am making mine a bit different, I just pretty much like the idea of the outfit.

I bought a charcoal wool for the tube dress and a black netting with red flocked polka dots for the under dress. This is definitely going for a more winter look. What's great about this outfit is that it's only made of two pieces, but both can be worn without the other! So versatile! I have actually used both of these patterns before and I remember both of them being pretty easy. I also plan on making a black slip dress to go underneath the sheer dress when I don't feel like wearing the tube. I hope I can have this done in time for my birthday/Christmas!

Making a Pair of Jeans, Factory Style

I found a link for this video at Ramonster. It's from The Science Channel's show "How It's Made" and apparently it only takes 12 minutes and 50 seconds to make a pair. Funny how some are willing to spend $200+ for this. Funny how if we made our own jeans it would take the better part of a day or two to make them and it would cost less than $30. Now I do realize that more goes into the jeans especially with the more bells and whistles on it, and that some are handmade, but seriously. Ah well...

Five Year WIP Dress Finally Finished!

I finally finished a dress I started about 5 years ago. I had originally given up on the dress because it was just TOO big. But I pulled it out of the closet to give it a go again. To my chagrin, I found moth holes in it, but I knew I could fix those too!

I went to Craftster to ask for some advice. The only idea I could come up with myself was cutting off the section with the holes and adding a contrasting bottom section. Someone suggested the great idea to applique. (Why didn't I think of that?) So I went to JoAnn's and bought a little bit of black microsuede and cut out some flower and leaf shapes. I then appliqued them on with embroidery floss in a cross stitch with French knots. Here's the dress on: I'm definitely wearing this with black tights, a black cardigan and a pair of my fave shoes... Matches perfectly! The pattern used is out of print, but it is New Look 6065. It has an a line skirt and the empire bodice has pleating at the center front. I used a grey wool suiting for the fabric.

Destiny's New Purse!

Well actually my friend Destiny! I made this purse twice before, which can be seen here and here.

I started this one over a year ago, I just absolutely hate sewing the interfacing so that was a bit discouraging for me. I finally got up the guts to start sewing it again last week and finished it today. I am happy with it and I am sure that Destiny will love it.


Inside:


Pattern: My own. Topstitched around the edges.
Materials: Purple/pink taffeta, black satin lining, Pellon interfacing, black wood handles, hot pink thread and a dragonfly brooch; all from JoAnn's.

Unemployment = Learn How to Cook!

Okay. So I have been searching for jobs. When I'm not doing that I'm doing homework, sewing, knitting, cleaning, baking and learning how to cook! Yesterday I baked Martha's Cookie of the Month from May 2005. They were great! Sugar vanilla cookies with raspberry white chocolate cream filling sandwiched between...


Some people may not like the filling, such as my boyf, but the cookies themselves are wonderful!

Today I made Martha's Gazpacho from one of the recipe cards (sorry, I'm not sure which issue). This recipe was a success as well! I did add some paprika and chili powder to give it some extra taste. I also decided to roast my own orange bell pepper as the recipe calls for canned roasted bell peppers. I made it for lunch for my mom and served it with French bread, avocado and saltine crackers spread with cream cheese. She loved it! Although she really wanted to heat it up; I wouldn't let her.

I'm searching for other good recipes to experiment with in the other issues that we have. My gramma gives all of the issues she gets to my mom when she's done looking at them... Lucky me!

Cute Apple!

I made this shirt on Tuesday out of an Apple print jersey I acquired from ReproDepot and another knit fabric I bought from JoAnn's a while ago. I like the shirt but it's not for me, it just doesn't suit my boyish figure. Oh yeah, and the fact that I already look like I'm 15! My ma said I can sell it on her Etsy though. Hopefully it sells!


Oh and before I put it up, I will definitely fix the neck binding, it's just not wanting to lay flat!

Okay, Now It's Really Done

Here it is... Buttonholes, pearly buttons and all!


I really love this blouse and am very proud of it. I did decide to enter it in the Built by Wendy contest. I'll cross my fingers! The last time I won something for creativity/art was in third grade when my town had a coloring contest for Halloween. I got honorable mention!

A "Charm"ing Blouse and Other Things

I recently bought Wendy Mullin's new book "Sew U" and dove into it. It is really well written and perfect for beginner sewers or more advanced sewers such as myself. But of course I had to buy another book to supplement my more advanced cravings...


This textbook by Helen Joseph-Armstrong is wonderful! It is definitely not for beginners. But I have a pretty good knowledge of clothing construction so decided to give clothing design a try. This text shows you how to slash and spread a basic pattern block to make endless amounts of designs. A word to the wise though, this text does NOT show you how to construct clothing out of the patterns, it assumes you already know how to do that.

Back to the whole reason for this post... I made a shirt! I used both books, Wendy's book comes with basic patterns for an a-line skirt, button-up shirt and pants. I used the shirt pattern as the block and went from there.

It took me about two weeks and a TON of muslin to make the pattern look just right on my body. I made a plethora of alterations: rounded the collar, shortened and puffed the sleeves, attached 1/2 inch bands to the sleeves, inserted a midriff section below the bust, substituted gathers for bust and side bust darts.


I used a cotton floral fabric from Amy Butler's "Charm" Collection that I purchased from ReproDepot.


Here's my shirt! With no buttons yet...


Don't worry I bought the buttons, they are 1/4 inch pearl half-buttons. I think I will put them on and make the buttonholes this week. I've already done a review for the shirt at PatternReview, so that has more details.

In other crafty news... I bought myself a serger on eBay! And it was only $110!!! I still have to take it to the local sewing machine repair shop, Bags 'N Bobbins. When I first opened the box it smelled like smoke and the Styrofoam was falling apart. Upon further inspection I found that the Styrofoam had gotten into the serger, so it needs a major cleaning. From what I understand the serger was never used and sat in its box, the foot rod (or whatever it's called) was a tad crooked so my dad adjusted that for me and there was a loose screw inside the serger's compartment. But here it is!


I bought a Brother because I was so impressed with my standard sewing machine which is also a Brother. All in all a good purchase considering most GOOD sergers start at about $500. One day I will buy one of those!

I also went on a shopping spree at JoAnn's last Friday. I bought 7 Simplicity patterns since they were only $1.99. I also bought a tracing wheel and tracing paper, JoAnn's Sensations Bellezza Collection Stellina yarn in Sea-Breeze and Size 6 Clover bamboo dpn's to make Knitty's "Fetching."

I also received a shipment of Artyarns' Supermerino in color #215 to knit a "Clapotis" for my Gramma for Christmas.


This yarn is 100% superwash wool and is so very soft. I hope she likes it!

First Finished Fair Isle

This entry title is dedicated to V for Vendetta.

I started this project so I could learn how to do some Fair Isle knitting. It's the Crimson Ghost, The Misfits mascot. I gave it to my DB, he's going to hang it on his wall. That's about it for that one. Next I think I will knit my first sweater.

Taking a Dive into Crimson Ghost Colorwork

Thar she is! My first charted project! I'll give it to my DB when I'm done with it since the Misfits are his favorite band.

This is my first Fair Isle attempt and I really don't find it as bad as it seems some people make it out to be. I've been referencing Debbie Stoller's Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook. I'm really enjoying myself at this. I'm just making this out of some Lion Brand Micro Spun as I am broke and that's all I have at the moment.

This knitting thing isn't as scary as I thought it would have been.

Purl of An Accomplishment!

So I achieved another level of craftiness.

I knitted a shrug! For those of you not in the know, that's pretty much a half sweater. Sleeves and no body.

I knitted this with 100% Merino wool from Laines du Nord from a pattern I found from OhMyStars on Craftster!

Back

Front

And there you have it! Two projects finished (for myself, I might add) in the span of one weekend! Yay me!

Vogue 8153 Completed!

So I finally finished something! Vogue pattern 8153.


I am very pleased with the result. It looks great layered over a camisole or a tank and I believe it will be cute with a nice little cardigan as well. It's a great addition to my wardrobe! Now back to sewing something else!

Oooooh! So Frustrated!

My camera pooped on me this weekend. I only had it for a year and 3 months. I went on Sony's website to see what I could do, and of course I know my warranty is up. Soooo... shipping it back for repair would cost $181.00. Better off buying a new camera. Guess that's what I am going to have to do. Should I stick with Sonys? I don't know... I like the new one they have coming out.

Oh and my stupid printer is being stupid. I think I need to buy a color ink cartridge. Anywho...

GRRR! Not my day.

Humble Beginnings

So I decided to start one... Better than MySpace. I will just post my projects of sewing, knitting and crafting on here. Mainly for my own reference.