08/06/2008

Taking the Easy Way Out

I decided that this fabric that I had originally bought to make a dress didn't want to be a garment.  Made it a whole lot easier to cut the stuff straight (and it didn't matter so much if I messed up).

tokyo tie bag

 

tokyo tie bag 2

This is the Tokyo Tie Bag from Sew Everything Workshop by Diana Rupp.  I just got this book and absolutely love it!  It's a great beginner sewing book with clear directions and some really cute patterns!  Like this:

cape

So cute!  I've also cast on for Catriona  but I couldn't get a good picture, so you'll just have to wait until later to see the fun cables!

**Ooh, I had chosen the name for this post about five minutes before the Beatles' "Day Tripper" came up on my MP3 player.  Freaky!

20:18 Posted in Sewing | Permalink | Comments (2) | Email this

07/01/2008

Yay for Easy Sewing

I decided last weekend to head to JoAnns and find some cheap fabric for pillows to spice up my dark couch.  50% off already-reduced fabric and 50% off of the pillow forms got me this:

e68a7de62f06c3a83aa695156fd544f5.jpg

There's actually one more small pillow that you can't see.  And they're Phoebe-approved!

e55bf2e07ad56beb2b254f4668c7e589.jpg
While I had the sewing machine out of hiding, I decided to try the dress version of Simplicity 3835.  I had cut the fabric out a while ago and was sewing along until I noticed a big problem:
707bb25a35d6cfd9b494653048ec150c.jpg
See how the pattern is off center?  Grrr!  I was so careful with all of the other pieces, but somehow I forgot to double check the all-important front before cutting.  But I think that I can salvage the fabric and give it new life as a skirt!

19:22 Posted in Sewing | Permalink | Comments (3) | Email this

06/07/2008

Unfinished Business

Remember my Rene purse?  Probably not.  I started it so long ago, and although the knitting didn't take long, I put off sewing the lining until today. 

18aab7b0944c0152f87fb2730b1d044f.jpg
4d0982f0bf91dfe8b5d8cfdae9096d5d.jpg
Pattern:Rene from Rowan Big Just Got Bigger (I got my pattern from an insert in a UK knitting magazine)
Yarn:Handpaintedyarn.com hand-spun bulky in Polar Morn
Notes: The pattern itself was fine--it went quickly because of the bulky yarn.  I thought it was a bit odd that the pattern had a different number of reverse stockinette stitches on the sides of each piece, making the bobbles not really centered on the purse.  Of course it's not noticeable without really scrutinizing it, so no big deal!  I absolutely love the color of the yarn!  It's so gorgeous.

 

What actually inspired me to finish this was my class at Sew Crafty Houston (and the leftover fabric that I had from the class).  It was great!  Sarah is a fabulous teacher and I am so proud of my pretty tote bag:
4635a1d0670e626860858f7e96617f0d.jpg
f5b336ec8e0d7250a15f5cb45f0547b7.jpg
Even though I've sewed a few things before, I never really felt like I knew what I was doing.  It's so much easier having someone walk you through all of the steps!  Otherwise I tend to cut corners, and that makes for some not-so-nice projects.  Hopefully this will give me the confidence to finally use some of the sewing patterns I've been buying!

 

There are also a few other projects that haven't been blogged about because they were secrets until recently.  In case you're wondering what I've been up to:
  • Our Stitch n' Bitch knit squares for a baby blanket for Sharron!  Isn't it pretty?  Credit goes to Kelly for all of the seaming and edging.
  • More secret baby knits for another Sharon are here!

18:15 Posted in Finished Objects, Sewing | Permalink | Comments (4) | Email this

09/28/2007

I can sew!

This is the first sewing project I'm really excited about--it came out perfectly! 

fc5d0d04bc206262a542891e450f11b1.jpg
Pattern: Simplicity 3835 (a Built by Wendy pattern)
Fabric: Cotton eyelet from Hobby Lobby
Notes: When I saw Earthchick's version, I knew I had to make this top.  It's really a great pattern for a new-ish sewer and Earthchick gives some helpful tips if you're just starting out.  I wore it to work today and got several compliments (before they even knew that I made it).  And the fact that one edge of this fabric is already finished makes it so much easier too!

Not much else is going on, so I'll leave you with a cute cat photo.

4c8da530a2f028f78913677f8b1da163.jpg
Awwww.  And yes, that is a kitty sleeping bag.  :)

19:03 Posted in Sewing | Permalink | Comments (10) | Email this