Category: sewing

Artist Date Sunday

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Today I took myself on an artist date to a couple of galleries in the Short North, an arts district in Columbus. It was a special day – Sunday Bazaar- when artists are working or talking about their work in the galleries and shops.

At Studios on High, an artists’ cooperative, I met Jennifer Jolley Brown, a printmaker. She was trying a new medium for her, woodcut.

We enjoyed chatting about art and life, and I love this image she is working on. She gave me some woodcutting tips in case I should ever try it. I must look like a serial enthusiast. (Is it that obvious?)

Then I came back to my studio and stewed in my juices a bit. After a long leisurely stare out the window, I opened my new planner/journal.

I had this binder made on Zazzle. This is a Carl Larsson painting. The knitting on the table and the textile on the chair, which must be Karin’s, inspire me. Really, the whole thing inspires me. It’s a home scene but so light and colorful — how I would like for my home to be.

I worked a little in my wardrobe planner. My aspirations are so modest here. Surely this is possible!

I was inspired enough to trace and cut out the Ottobre jeans.

The plaid is for the pocket bags.

I missed a few days blogging, but I did catch up on your blogs today!

Itinerarium Maraudentium

Posted on Posted in finished objects, sewingTagged , , , , , 8 Comments

I finished my Seamwork York Blouse. How did I fit the pattern on the fabric? You may ask. And I’m glad you did.

I cut the front on the bare minimum of fold needed. Then I cut the back on folded fabric as close to the selvage as possible.

After this, I used the center of the fabric to cut out the sleeves. I had to double it horizontally, which means I had to cut it into two pieces – one for each sleeve – and turn it around since the fabric is directional.

Then I cut the cuffs out of the other side of the fabric left after the front was cut on the fold. I even have fabric left!

I see Harry Potter themed project and notions bags in my future.

I didn’t want a tie at the back, so as I was looking through my buttons I found this clasp.

It looks perfect but it comes undone a little too easily. I’ll have to think about how I can improve it.

It Feels Like Monday

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I thought I might be able to get this shirt cut out tonight, but despite it saying two yards would work, I can’t figure out how to fit all the pieces.

On the upside, this yellow bias tape is just the thing to set off this fabric print.

I think I’ll go back home and knit.

Seamwork Makes the Dream Work

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I found a free blouse pattern on Seamwork called York. I think it will be perfect for the Marauder’s Map fabric, and the bird fabric too!

Along with the pattern, they offer a Collection Planner for free. I’ve never approached my sewing and knitting this way, but I think I may spend some time with it. It makes sense to plan a wardrobe of pieces that work together.

The new Ottobre has a jeans pattern, and since I already have the denim fabric, I may use it. The Bootleg pattern I downloaded before is already too large for me.

Since I’ve been unwell I decided not to push it so I didn’t go to my studio to cut out the fabric. Maybe I’ll try for one night this week.

Did you craft on Labor Day?

My First Vlog!

Posted on Posted in inspiration, knitting, sewing, vlogging, Works in Progress (WIPs)Tagged , , , , , , ,

Inspired by Compassionknit, I vlogged today!

This is so fun. Maybe next time I’ll put on makeup and NOT hit the table making it vibrate. Sorry! (Not sorry.)

This would be a great format for The Just Craft, which I have been procrastinating on because I feel overwhelmed about how to get started. I keep thinking I need to get equipment but maybe I could start out vlogging?

I forgot to tell you I found the Marauder’s Map fabric at Crimson Tate when I was in Indianapolis last week.

ETA: Well, sadface, I don’t have enough Marauder’s Map fabric to make the Lily blouse. I’m on the hunt for a simpler top pattern or there’s always PJ pants.

Sundeee

Posted on Posted in finished objects, life, sewingTagged , , , , 10 Comments

I had fun in my studio today. I had intended to cut out one pair of Emerson Shorts in this natural linen, one pair of Emerson Pants in black linen, one Lily top in blue linen and one Lily top in the cotton bird print. I was so excited after cutting out the shorts to have enough natural linen left over for a tank top I just whizzed through and finished it and forgot all about everything else.

This is the same pattern as my tie dye Easter Twiggy tunic/dress, but instead of following it I made the front wider, added neckline pleats, trimmed the bust sides, and encased all the edges with a rough bias so that it will fray when washed. I’m pretty excited to wear this top as it has really been hot and I’ve been wanting a linen tank top.

Last night for Satur-date Bob and I went to see this adorable independent film Bite Me. The filmmaker is touring with the film and she was there for an intro, Q&A, and a “joyful vampire ball” for afters. We were supposed to wear “whatever makes you feel joyful” which is pretty much what we wear all the time, but there was a station at the ball with temporary tattoos and bling so I went for it.

I also picked up a new sweatshirt for October.

You may know that vampires are my favorite “monster” but I won’t say that anymore, because this is a fictional film about people who identify as vampires (there are people who identify as non-supernatural vampires in the real world) and the story is about love and acceptance. We really enjoyed it. If you want to watch it, it is all over the internet for a modest sum.

I feel like my life is more manageable now and at a pace I can maintain. Work is busy but rewarding, kids are doing the things that will lead them to being independent humans some day, I lost 5 pounds on my Noom plan, I am making things in my studio again, and Bob and I are thinking of buying a house.

I hope you are also having a great Sundeee! Toodle-loos!

Hi

Posted on Posted in art, finished objects, sewing, Works in Progress (WIPs)Tagged , , , , , 12 Comments

I finished my Farrow Dress.

It’s very frockish. Super comfy and cool in the linen. Maybe it will dress up a bit with some sandal clogs. (Yes I used “dress up” and “clogs” in the same sentence.)

It was a new method of making pockets for me. I’m calling it the “apron method.” There is another complete layer of fabric across the inside front from the seam down. Since this is a medium weight linen, it makes it a little heavy. It’s not a good pattern for French seams but I made it work.

Not bad. Do you like it?

I got a little work done on my art piece. Do you like it? I’m liking it. I guess the real question is how long will I do this before I go home and have a glass of wine?

Or should I bring the wine here and keep working?

This is my choice for selfie of the week.

(Edited: I replaced the gym selfie because I thought this one was more appropriate.)

Follow Up

Posted on Posted in art, knitting, sewing, Uncategorized, Works in Progress (WIPs)Tagged , , , , , , 6 Comments

Isn’t this blue linen pretty?

I originally bought it to make another pair of Emerson Pants. But I thought it was too pretty for pants. So today I cut out a Farrow Dress instead.

(Photo courtesy of Grainline Studios)

I hope to start sewing it together tomorrow. Shout out to my Mom who sent me some birthday cash which I promptly blew on linen fabric from Lithuania. (I’m so glad I did!)

I also worked on my felt painting today.

This is mostly Romeldale-CVM and local (Ohio) Shetland wool. I’m hoping to get to the felting part tomorrow. This is for a group show with Mother Artists at Work in July.

I even knit on my Celtic Myths today.

Today was a good day.

Back in the Swing

Posted on Posted in design, fiber love, knitting, sewing, UncategorizedTagged , 4 Comments

I went to the studio today and made a linen tee.

I found this fabric rather challenging to work with. It’s a tissue linen knit. Since it’s almost transparent I doubled the fabric on the body. I didn’t have enough to make them the same size so I went with the fluttery look by making the top layer a little shorter.

I left the edges unfinished. I accidentally sewed the neck binding on backwards, but you can’t really tell. Especially now that I’ve washed it.

I bought this fabric to make pj pants, but now I’m thinking of making the Lily top with it. What do you think?

I’m designing the perfect beanie with this Malabrigo.

I re-cast-on my lilac heather cumulus blouse. I tried to fix the messed up raglan shoulder, but wasn’t able to make it work. So I frogged it. All shoulders are looking good now!

What are you working on this weekend?