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You know, the weekend started off well enough. The heatwave has given way to a nice ocean breeze and everyone in the Habitual Household has been a little less crabby for it. MP was at the wood shop the entire weekend working a project, so I felt free to craft and watch movies and catch up on stuff.
I did a little shopping to fuel up for the weekend and I scored: new razor-edge scissors 50% off, denim 50% off, a couple of Vogue patterns for $3.99, a couple of Burda patterns for $2.99 and best of all, soft organic cotton that I got for $6.99/yard (on sale).
Understandably, I came home from my excursion and rolled around in all the new fabrics and tried to figure out what I would make first. While I was thinking about it Jules mentioned Biscuit needs a new sunhat -no problem- here ya go!
After MP returned home we had an amazing dinner of homemade pizza and beer and a movie. A perfect Saturday. But Sunday…..ooooh Sunday…..not so good. I thought I was going to sleep in and read and relax. Oh wait, I did do that…..It was once I got up and started my next project, things slowly went downhill.
The project started off okay, little herringbone denim cargo pants and a blouse for Biscuit. I took my time, and took a few phone calls before I got down to business. After I cut all the pieces out, I noticed a nasty storm on the horizon and could hear distant thundering, but I didn’t really pay attention to it.
Now, Lottie has never - ever - reacted to a thunderstorm, in fact she usually stretches out and sleeps through them. Not this storm. Crafting came to an immediate halt when I looked up to see Lottie trembling- practically convulsing, pacing, panting, and throwing up. I bundled her up in a quilt, curled up on the couch and tried my best to calm her. We sat like that for about an hour. Just when I thought the storm was moving off, another bolt or burst would barrel by outside the window.
Speaking of windows: The entire perimeter of the building was recently repointed. The large, metal windows are sandwiched between the concrete frame of this old factory and over time, leaks formed. Well, when you repoint a building, it’s supposed to STOP the leaks. Unfortunately, while I’m rocking Lottie on the couch, I hear: drip…….drip…..drip…drip..drip! Water is pouring in. POURING. IN. While I scramble for towels, Lottie scuttles under the bed for safety. Have I mentioned the amount of windows we have? It’s a lot. And every one was leaking. I stuff towels into all the seams and sit down with a sketch pad and promptly draw the plan and elevation of our loft and pinpoint all the locations of the leaks for the workers. This takes some time, and it’s still storming……and when I go to find Lottie, she’s under our bed, jammed between storage drawers.
It seems she’s emptied her entire bladder and lower intestine under the bed (she’s never even had a potty training accident!) and is now beyond terrified. I manage to get her out and call MP, he must come home NOW. No more Man-crafts at the wood shop. He came home and I swear - the clouds parted and I think I even saw a rainbow.
After cleaning up the aftermath, I finished the little cargo pants and started to upload some photos to Flickr before moving on to the blouse when the Cable, Internet and Phone all go out. The perfect ending to a mess of a day. I never made it to the blouse. That will have to wait for another perfect weekend.
Another harness for Lots….and she loves it as much as she loved the last one.
Do I have the only dog that gets excited when she hears the car keys rattle (we’re going somewhere!), but hides under the couch if I get her leash (she’s going to torture me!)? The reaction she has when I put her harness on has never lessened from day one. Even once she’s out walking it’s more of a skulk, like she is ashamed to be treated that way. With that leash! And forget about wearing a collar…..it will never happen. She will gag and flop on the floor as if she is being tasered. You think I’m exaggerating…..alas, no.
Edit: The leash is from etsy - she makes breakaway cat collars too!
Searching out a bit more of the yellow and black fabric that I love………. I’m finding there’s so much more to be had.
The yellow, black and white combination is perfect for late summer….transitioning into thoughts about the autumn to come (sooner than we think).
I’m envisioning sundresses and reversible goodies, possibly even a quilt- as I try to get this ship back on course.
I’ve added some fresh new fabrics to the stash, with hopes of new ideas and projects. It’s been one of those weeks….the kind of week where you just want to rewind and start over. I want the last three days of my life back dammit.
I took solace here on Monday night and had a fresh delivery today that will brighten the rest of my week with thoughts of new clothes….little clothes. Maybe even big clothes? This one is going to be a harness for Lottie, but don’t tell her about because it will just upset her.
Of course this means I’ve made ZERO progress on the sundress pattern…..but I will. I’m wrestling my life back.
Edit: The black and white fabric is from a new line by Timeless Treasures called “taxi”. I found a whole lot more than what Reprodepot offers….more to come!
The new bag is done. I think I like it, but I’m so used to my other bag that this one feel a bit too big for me. I keep reaching for items as I’m walking along based on muscle memory and stuff is just not where it’s supposed to be.
I still have all the interior pockets for organization, but I’m having a particularly hard time finding my keys in this new design. Some type of clip modification may be in order. I’m also not sold on the zipper, but it’s a nice change from a single magnetic snap. I need to devise some type of pull for zipper, so we’ll see where that search takes me.
I was going for more of a casual, hobo bag. But when it hangs on my shoulder, loaded with only a few things, it literally folds in half and looks like a fortune cookie. This appeals to me greatly, because who doesn’t love cookies?
Another sundress for the Biscuit! I made kimonos for each of the boys and couldn’t possibly send them off without something for Floria….so, I whipped up this little number. The body and tie are from a reissued vintage print. Both are cotton and lightweight.
I’m currently updating the kimono tutorial with expanded sizes (up to Youth 8), CM conversions, and more info on making the binding and attaching it around the neck. But, this is the other tutorial I’m thinking of putting together. It’s very simple, basic and quick. Perfect for those without a lot of time on their hands looking to make a thoughtful gift or something for their own daughter.
If it’s something you’d like to see in a tutorial, leave me a comment and I will put forth the effort to organize it pattern form (this time in both CM and Inches!). I currently have only made it in a 2T, but can work out the dimensions for other sizes without too much difficulty (I think).
So, I’m still sick with a summer cold. I made myself some lounging pants from Amy Butler’s ‘In Stitches’. The pattern is very clear and easy, and relatively quick. All good things since I am at about 50% capacity with my head stuffed up and coughing.
I chose a white cotton voile for the pants and a piece of Amy Butler’s Ginger Bliss for an accent on the bottom of the legs as well as the drawstring (I like crisp white cotton pajamas, preferably slightly antique or vintage looking). The pants are a little roomy, and were quite long, so I modified the pattern a bit. Overall I’d recommend the pattern, as well as the whole book. Wearing the pants this afternoon, I’m already starting to feel a bit better.
I’m making kimonos for the boys….in sizes 6Y and 8Y. I think they will be a bit large, as the boys are currently in between regular sizes, but the style of the kimono should accommodate the extra room.
I also made them pajama / lounging pants in a very, very soft cotton batiste. Light blue for Milo and green for Fin.
When I go to Chicago, I have a terrible habit of haunting all of my favorite shops and spending way too much money. I get caught up on a ‘Chicago High’ and next month when my visa bill arrives I am full of regret. So, I told Julie that I was not spending any money this time, hoping that would keep it to a minimum.
Well, we ran up to her local fabric shop to purchase a few essentials (for instance, a cutting device….as her scissors would not cut fabric and I had 2 little boys begging for kimonos) and I came away with all of this. But listen - It is all Robert Kaufman voile & lawn and it was on sale for $1.99 a yard! Can you blame me? I mean, I actually am feeling like I need to go back and purchase more. I am not sure I really gave this fabric store a chance, because it is very large and organized very differently than most shops. I feel like there might be buried treasure in there. And I know that this time, when I return to Boston and my meager fabric options, I will be wracked with regret over not purchasing more, more, more.
Although Biscuit needs a kimono for every single day, I took a little break to make her this sundress. I saw an article in MS Living a couple of years ago where you make a little sundress out of a pillow case. It was so cute and I know I saved the article, but I tore the house apart looking for it and came up empty. I’ve seen this style of the gathered neck in all the shops and figured it couldn’t be too hard. So, I basically made my own pillow case, in a sense, and went from there.
The fabric is a chestnut print from IKEA, and the tie is from Amy Butler’s Midwest Modern collection.
Thank you for all the encouragement and kind words on the kimonos. I’m so addicted to making them and hope that others find the pattern as simple and fun as I do. I keep tweaking it and changing little things about it and for me it is already leading to lots of other projects!
Here are some additional photos of the ties.
The binding around the neck is a continuous piece with about 10″ to 12″ extra at each end. Those ends for the ties. The other ties are under each armpit.
More photos here.
The tutorial is up! I rushed a bit, but I gave it my best shot. Please note, that it’s written in such a way as to assume knowledge of basic pattern terminology as well as things like how to make your own binding. Feel free to download it, take a look at it and leave me a comment if anything is unclear or if you need a little more help (I have no problem revising it and uploading revisions over time). I’ve never written tutorials before, and it’s harder than I thought!
Enjoy this fun little project, it’s really quick and easy. And be sure to post or email me photos if you make one of your own! And I warn you, they are addictive…..
Edit: I recommend making a fabric pattern out of scrap or muslin. Then you can reuse it in the future. Also, it will help you to practice/visualize the kimono and how it wraps/ties.
Once you make a Kimono Wrap, please check out the Flickr Group and share your creations!
I can not stop making these things. I feel like I have fine tuned and simplified this pattern into a very fun little project. Julie has declared she wants biscuit to wear kimonos every day and, well, who am I to stand in her way? I’ve also had a few requests, which I find incredibly flattering and also daunting (as I am terrified of disappointing people).
I feel like when I give someone something handmade (other than Julie) they might not really like or appreciate what I’ve done. For me, I am always thinking of the person that will wear the little item with each stitch and cut. I put a lot of thought into the fabric and binding selection, and worry the whole time I am selecting incorrectly. But, more than anything, I just want the receiver to “love” it. And I think this prevents me from ever opening a shop.
That being said, if anyone would like a kimono of their own, shoot me an email or leave me a comment. Lol.
A new request, a short-sleeved, lightweight kimono wrap in a 2T (no doubt inspired by this heat wave). This was a lot of fun and takes about 1/4 the time of the reversible kimono. I have to make do with zig zag stitch on the exposed seams (no serger…. ), so that part is a bit unsatisfying. However, overall- this little top was a blast!
The fabric is a cotton, Alexander Henry lemon print and the binding is an apple-green linen.
I’m making a kimono for me. My initial inclination of a loose, summer bathrobe gave way to a proper, fitted top. It’s made of white linen, but it is not reversible (I have to zip zag the seams)…..typically my summer uniform consists of jeans (as I arranged my summer closet over Memorial weekend, I counted 11 pairs of jeans! All different weights and colors….but 11!), sandals or flats and a white linen button down (gently rumpled). So, I hope to like this top enough to work it into the rotation.
This is a fun, quick little project. I made up a pattern for a 2T bikini based on my sister’s love for this one and this one. When we were little, our suits were cotton and Jules wanted one for Biscuit. She gave me the necessary measurements and I took a stab at it.
The fabric is one I’ve had squirreled away, a navy blue chambray with thin white stripes. I picked up about 4 yards of it at a creepy local fabric store on a whim. It is cotton broadcloth, but it stretches perpendicular to the stripes. Perfect for a bathing suit!
Now that it’s complete, and after looking at some new photos of the kids playing in the backyard this morning, I think it’s too small (I ALWAYS make things too small when I’ve been away from them this long). The hard part of a bathing suit is sizing the elastic…..too loose and it will fall off when wet. Too tight and Biscuit won’t wear it without saying “hurt Mama”…..and I think I’ve drawn the elastic too tight. I’m going to send it off and see how it works - and then modify the pattern as necessary. What else can an Auntie do?
Natural Osnaburg on one side, reversible to Amy Butler’s Lotus on the other. I love the Amy Butler print….a beautiful ochre with 2 shades of gray (a warm and a cool) and bright baby blue accents. The binding is a cool gray poplin, handmade.
Remember this pattern? How excited I was……thinking it would be a quick sew and I’d kick off summer with a couple of new dresses?
Let’s start with the good….
- Love the fabric
- It’s a very easy, fast pattern that can be made in half a day.
- I fine-tuned the self-lining bodice.
And the bad….
- According to the instructions, I’m a size 12 (ow!).
- My vanity forced me into making a size 10.
- The size 10 is huge. Not just ‘kind of big’. GI-normous.
Perhaps tomorrow if MP can ply me with enough Bellinis, I will take a picture. Because it is a laugh riot.
To summarize: If you are thinking of making this pattern, I would advise going down a few sizes from the pattern instructions. For reference I am a size 0/2 at the Gap and in hindsight I would make the size 6 (my usual pattern size), not the 10.
As for me, I’m going to rent Lars and the Real Girl and start some new baby knitting. The sewing is all cleaned up and put away for the time being.
A lightweight, reversible kimono for the beach. Size 2T (for a petite 2-1/2 year old). The fabric is lightweight, white cotton batiste and the binding is ‘bangle dot’ from Alexander Henry.
This is the kimono I used to re-write and photograph the kimono pattern (that is currently a kimono diagram)…..it will be here soon!
I’ve worked on the pattern some more…….and created another little Kimono.
The outer fabric is the remainder of the Pewter Shot Cotton, the outer fabric is from an old stash and the binding is some of the Osnaburg.
We have built-in bookcases that run the perimeter of our loft. The top of the cases is the window sill, so when the windows are closed (they are large, industrial, metal windows) the glass sits nearly on the book cases. I’m making 2 window seat cushions. One for each corner of the living area, each is 30″ wide by 98″ long. They can’t be too thick, or they will block the glass, so I decided to use 2 layers of extra-loft batting.
I’m also thinking of tufting them with small covered buttons, or, perhaps hand-tying little knots. Not sure yet……we shall see. I like the idea of the look of the buttons, but the idea of my bony butt landing on one does not appeal to me.
I had to make approximately 2 miles of binding. The fabric is inexpensive Osnaburg cotton (about $2.99 per yard) that is unbleached. It’s an interesting fabric that will take the abuse of the sunlight and our lounging about. As far as cloth- is very colonial looking, rough, full of flaws and texture. Which make me like it even more.
I have been on the lookout for more Sludge Shot Cotton, with no luck. Robert Kaufman has a similar line of Rowan fabrics called Carolina Chambray. I’m not clear on the difference (the shot cotton feels a bit lighter and the chambray looks more like a true chambray), but the Kaufman fabric is available in an even better color called Black. It’s a medium gray color, the weft is black and the warp is white. I’ve tried to capture the sense of color and texture, it’s lovely!
Edit : Kimono pattern is down for improvements….lol…..will re-post in the not too distant future under tutotials!
Hand printed fabric from halfway around the world. Pippjoe! I have no plans for it yet, and I’m not even sure I will be able to bring myself to cut it.
I’ve simplified the kimono within an inch of its life. It’s now, more or less, a “T” shape and the size is determined with a proportion figure. All that easing in the shoulder/arm pit is not really necessary for a baby. I don’t know what I was thinking. Apparently over-thinking….
I used some excess cotton fabric to make this little prototype (no more using of the ‘good fabrics’ for trial runs) and I’m pleased with the outcome (though the colors are a bit garish). I didn’t bother with reversible binding either for this version. I will post the pattern this week if anyone wants it. The size will be 0-6 months with what I think will work for 6-12 months as well. I have no way to test out anything larger than that just yet.
For Kimonos.
For me.
Amy Butler’s Midwest Modern and white linen…..and little dress is in the works!
Pattern Here.
Well, the first draft is just okay. I wish I had mocked it up a bit more thoroughly with the muslin before excitedly using the nice fabric (of which there is none left). But, that point is moot.
The good things:
- I like the overall form
- I like the intention
The not so good things:
- Draft quality (part of the basting gave way on one of the pleats, sloppy stitching)
- It’s a bit small
- The relationship of the strap to the bag does not flow
- The strap needs to be a bit wider
- It looks a bit unfinished, it needs to be a bit more tailored
It’s been a lazy day of buying fabric and figuring out a new staple bag design. I love purses, handbags, and totes. I have a serious problem in fact. But my everyday, around town, need-my-hands-free bag is a plain cotton satchel that I carry messenger-style. It’s very plain. I’d like to add some pleating and folding to the design for a little volume. I’m inspired by Amy Butler’s Frenchy Bag (and I see as I write this very post that she has another new bag pattern that is pretty close to what’s in my head, minus the long strap), but it’s little too popular and it would not work with a shoulder strap. So, I pleat. And tuck. And muddle along.
Today’s features so far are Fast Times at Ridgemont High (I can not believe Sean Penn and Forest Whitaker!) and Bottle Rocket. Bottle Rocket is easily in the top 5 of my all-time favorite movies.
I just ordered (and received) some new summer print fabrics from Reprodepot. They are from Amy Butler’s Midwest Modern and Kaufman’s Carnaby Street collections. No official plans yet, but I’m fairly certain I am going to carry on with kimonos. And bags.
It’s funny, making the kimonos made me realize how into reversible items I am. I like to see the finished side and the flexibility of the patterns I choose. The bags I’ve always made are reversible….and little pouches…..I’m sensing a trend.
More photos here.
It all started with a very flattering request from a friend of my sister. A simple, reversible cotton kimono. I’ve made a few for gifts out of fleece or felted wool (you know, non-fraying fabrics) but the cotton was new to me. Spring/summer kimono wraps….great idea. Making it reversible would ease my stress of not owning a serger. Brilliant!
After a little conversation on Friday afternoon about the intended recipient, I carefully selected the fabrics and started on my merry way as soon as I was home that evening. I found an old pattern from this toddler kimono coat that I thought I could make work with some modification to fit a size 3-6 months. I pressed the pieces, and made a muslin pattern in the smaller size and cut out the fabric. Then, I decided I hated the fabric selection and needed to NOT start this on a Friday night. Instead, I hung out on iTunes downloading all sort of new summer music to kick off the season.
So, let me set up the context for you: Saturday morning comes…..the birds are chirping, the forecast is 70 and sunny. I sneak out of bed, make a mug of tea and sit in the window sill with my bird book, camera, and binoculars. I can’t see any of the birds, so I identify them by sound……I got about 5 or 6 of them. While I’m enjoying the birds, I’m burning a mix CD for my sister of new music, which bring me endless joy. Julie and I are Children of the Mix Tape Generation. We love them and completely bond over our mixes. So, that is an entire project of its own and I’m just smitten with my selections for her. It’s sunny, warm, the smell of grass is in the air, good music, hot tea, and new fabrics! Everything is coming up roses.
MP gets up and we go get the kitty we’ve agreed to cat sit. Spike is 19 years old, suffering from thyroid disease and kidney failure…..he also seems to not hear so well and perhaps his eyes are even failing. Let’s say he’s “high maintenance”. And though I am on the Dog Team, I love this cat and I set my allergies aside to take care of him. Before we had Lottie, this cat meant the world to me and we have a strong bond to show for it. However, since we’ve had Lottie, every time we take care of him he continually beats the crap out of her to a point where she is now afraid of cats, in addition to being afraid of dogs. Back to the context of my sewing…….Lottie decided this was the weekend to fight back- she put her paw down, so to speak. So, while I’m happily kicking off my crafts, the windows are open, a spring breeze is blowing, great music is playing, the cat and dog square off in a terrible scuffle which scared the life out of me and cracked MP up. Luckily, we have a large sliding glass wall that bisects our loft - we put kitty on one side and dog on the other. Problem solved, temporarily. We decided to leave him alone for a bit and went for our mid-morning walk at Fresh Pond.
When we returned, I happily got down to it. I’m shoving Lottie off my cutting surface (aka ‘the floor’) and making some progress. We had friends coming over for dinner at 7 so I put a little pressure on to be done by 6. I had the pattern and newly re-selected fabric ready to go and cut it all out in a whirlwind. Sewed the kimonos together and started the binding. I thought it would be great to have the binding be reversible too…. but the combination of not eating anything, the dog/cat situation, doing laundry in the background, and rushing resulted in one mistake after another. I had to keep ripping off the binding (because it was thicker, it was fighting me) and starting over. I put the ties in the wrong spots. I broke a needle. I was running out of the shot cotton color I’d chosen. So much for stopping at 6, I charged on. After a few bellinis and a Red Sox game (sigh) and friends
The next morning, there it sat. All I could see were the mistakes, one after another (don’t drink and sew). I tried fixing it, taking photos of it… in the end I realized it was a stupid design to begin with for a reversible kimono. All of the ties made it look like a baby straight jacket. I had a brief, tearful breakdown when the realization struck that I should start over and I told MP I had no idea what business I have sewing (or making anything for that matter) and who would ever want, let alone pay for, anything I made. He sweetly tried to offer suggestions but I knew the truth.
I started again with new shot cotton and a modified pattern. I think it will work much better as the number of ties needed was cut in half. And even though MP was playing with electricity and a hammer drill in the other room, and the dog/cat situation had me on eggshells, it all went much more smoothly. I made all of the binding at once (lots of ironing, I believe I lost the fingerprints on my index fingers) while MP had the circuits flipped to install the ceiling fan. Irritatingly, the wiring is oddly done in our loft such that the outlet my machine uses is on the same circuit as the fan switch on the other side of the space, in another room on an opposite wall. Go figure! Happily, I decided I liked the second kimono colors even better and once I had power again, I forged ahead. I even managed some little pants to go with it (lightweight denim).
I think if the fit is successful, I will make a bunch more. In hindsight, it was kind of a fun little adventure. I imagine a reversible cotton voile kimono for the beach! Good grief.
More photos here.
I can’t wait to post about the new reversible kimonos…..I just have to gather my thoughts to explain the total insanity that went along with it. Remember when I posted that clip about the Anal Retentive Chef? Well, suffice to say, it was in full effect. Reversible kimono? Sure, no problem. Reversible binding to go with it? Well……buckle up.
A new top and bloomers for Biscuit!
And, her little sweater vest is finished. I spent most of Sunday whipping up the top and bloomers. The pattern was very, very simple. Though the instructions were convoluted. Well……I should clarify that I was only paying about 15% attention to the sewing. The rest of my attention was trying to keep Lots off my sewing as well as watching the Deadliest Catch Marathon going on in the background. Usually while I sew I will watch favorite old movies, mostly for the background conversations. But, I stumbled onto this fishing show (apparently I’m the last person in the world to finally hop on that train!) and was hooked.
You see, MP has worked the last three weekends, leaving me to wander the streets aimlessly with Lottie. Not to mention he’s been working until about 9 or 10 each week night…..I’m starting to forget there’s three of us in this unit! So, after an entire day of crab pots, the Bering Sea, and rogue waves- when MP finally returned- we watched the tail end of the last episode.
Me: I bet these guys get so much fan mail it’s insane.
MP: Really? These guys?
Me: Are you kidding me? I bet ladies all over the country are sending them letters saying they want to have their babies.
MP: Um, ok.
Me: Seriously. There is so much testosterone oozing out of the television screen right now. They are hard core! I mean, they could die at any moment, and yet they are laughing and having a great time hauling these crab pots.
MP: Stunned silence.
Me: Like this guy…..he is so funny. He has the best laugh. Really! He’s great. I mean, he saved a man’s life 2 episodes ago. He was like, so tough one minute and then crying the next because he was so grateful the guy was alive. *biting lip*
Awkward pause.
Me: I mean, I think he’s hot.
MP: Oh. So when you were talking about these ladies that write letters to have their babies, you were meaning you.
Me: Yeah. Kind of.
A while back, Charlotte posted about this Kaffe Fassett fabric and I fell head-over-heels for it. I went to the quilt shop on the other side of town instantly, but they only had about 6 colors in stock. It happened to be the 6 that I would not want (all the bright purples and reds…..) as well as a couple that did not have the distinct warp/weft coloring. So, I went to Purl Soho and put my Christmas gift certificate to work.
I really wanted 10 yards of ‘Sludge‘, but there was only 3/4 yard available. I put that little smidge in my cart and distributed the remainder of my monies across a these colors and now they are all mine. Funny, this ‘distribution’ went well-beyond the certificate, but no matter. That’s not important. What’s important is they are here. Why does fabric (and yarn) bring out this ‘must have’ feeling in me? I’ve taken some close-up shots to give you a better idea of the detail in the colors (the little screen shots online do not do it justice!).
sludge.
ginger
moss
Incidentally, I think this little voile beach cover-up is wonderful and simple, and I might make a version of this as a less-translucent top, with the ginger or lichen cotton. I imagine it with some wide-leg trousers and little flats and a chunky necklace.
A friend in Austin bought a couple of Pello chairs recently. The ivory canvas cushions were too plain for her place and I volunteered to make new cushions for her (a fun weekend project….afterall it was raining all weekend). She sent me the cushions and 5 yards of Amy Butler’s ‘Imperial Fans‘. Once I received them I realized it would be no small task, mostly due to all the little flaps and spaces that I knew IKEA had precisely engineered to fit the frame (which I did not have) and I did not want to let my friend down.
I also thought about writing a tutorial, because once I gave the process a little more thought, I realized it would not be too hard or tricky and anyone with a rudimentary sewing foundation could do this. While making the cushions (2 chairs) was a bit of fun, writing the tutorial was not. So I stopped. If anyone thinks this would be useful, please leave me a comment and I will continue to sort out all the verbiage and pictures. Otherwise, the photos will have to suffice. Success!
I tend to buy fabric from all over, wherever I find it. Printed duvets I cut up, Ebay vintage, random little shops, secret little outposts…..but here are some links to my favorite online fabric providers:
First up is Reprodepot. A well organized site with lots of interesting fabrics, hard to find patterns and fun little oddities with a kitschy flair.
My go-to source for large quantities and sales is fabric dot com. Sign up for their mailing list to see new inventories and sales.
JCaroline never disappoints with her selections of canvas and heavy/mid weight cottons. I also love to order coverable buttons, ribbons, and miscellaneous notions from her.
Another site with a huge selection is Hancock’s Paducah. In addition to everyone’s favorite printed cottons, they usually have all the Kona Cotton colors and lots of linens. They also have good sales from time to time.
Create for Less is excellent for large quantities of notions and tools. They cater to the “youth group” crowd, but if you need multiples or if you want to go in on an order with someone (they have ‘minimums’ for most items) their prices can not be beat.
And last, but certainly not least, is Purl Soho……everyone knows about Purl, because the selection is wonderful and the service is great.
Other favorites:
A little hat for sunny days in Sayulita along the beach. Wish I was going too! Modeled by a very tiny Chihuahua. Of course, Biscuit’s head is not much larger.
More photos here.
We live in a very industrial part of town. I don’t mean that in a hip, cool “industrial” way. I mean, gritty industry (our neighbor is the waste transfer station). The upside is that we have endless sunlight and unobstructed views of the Boston skyline. Just down the street is another long bank of warehouses where MP has his woodworking shop. My niece has dubbed his time in the woodshop, “man crafts”. As we transform our loft to make it our own, we will be collaborating more on what we make for the space. First on the list is three ottomans / seats. They will tuck into a wall-mounted shelf unit (Collaboration No.2 perhaps?) that has been designed, but yet to be made.
MP made the bases for the ottomans.
I made the cushions.
Now we have three ottomans / extra seats.
More photos here.
The presser feet arrived, very late. The best part? They do not fit on the ankle of my machine. I ordered 3 different types (straight stitch, invisible zipper and edge stitch) and not one of them fits. No idea why (the site I got them from provided the link directly from my machine model) but now I will need to see if the store near me has a shank for my machine with a smaller ankle. All that waiting for nothing. Sigh. Ok, rant over. On to the dress.
It’s complete! The fabric….oh my. Buttery soft chambray in “charcoal” (it’s actually a very light gray). The zipper, though not to my expectations of perfection, is straight and invisible. I just wish I could have stitched closer to the edge. But it’s fine, it fits and I’m pleased (are you convinced?). The pattern was seemingly daunting with all the pleats and tucks, but in actuality it was pretty straight forward and I thoroughly expect to always look for pleats in future patterns. In fact, I have a handbag from this fabric in my head that I’m picturing with tight, tailored pleats (inspired by this little number).
I imagine wearing this as a tunic top with skinny pants. It’s a bit short to wear the office. Now I need the warmer weather to put it to the test (9 inches of snow in the forecast for tomorrow). For the record, I can not explain the degree to which I am uncomfortable showing a photo of me in the dress, as I like having my photo taken about as much as I like scrubbing a toilet. But, you know….growing here, opening to new things…….
I while back I ordered some Japanese craft books from good-ness. I have a small collection of these books, and yet I never actually make anything in them (perhaps it’s the language?). I just look at the photos for inspiration, kind of like collecting Anthropologie catalogs. The newest one has little girl clothes….and you know what that means…….Biscuit will be wardrobed for summer. Jules will be beside herself. I don’t think the book is new or noteworthy, but it’s new to me! These are the definite items:
The zippers are here (none of which are perfect). The presser foot is not.
*sigh* Did you know you need a special presser foot for invisible zippers? I didn’t. I guess I’ve never sewn an invisible zipper (usually just regular), and I realized yesterday afternoon that I don’t have the proper presser foot (it needs little grooves on the bottom to accept the ridge of the zipper). I went online and ordered it (the nearest brick & mortar to me is 30 miles away, in rush hour traffic that would mean I can’t make it before it closes). I figure I will get it sooner online than waiting for the weekend. I also found a site that had a huge color selection of invisible zippers (in any length required) and I ordered 3 different pale grays to get a close match to my charcoal chambray.
I’m making the dress on the left. I’m considering the one on the right but it involves potentially trickier pleating and tucking… and pockets…..so, we’ll see how the first one goes.
Regarding Sizing: If you are going to use these patterns, here is a word of caution on sizing: according to the package, I am a 12 *gasp*. I refuse to acknowledge this. In stores such as the Gap, I wear a 0/2. I’m petite, but I’m busty (mostly that is what pushes me over). I think my vanity prevented me from even considering a 12 (usually I make the 6 in a conventionally sized 6-8-10 pattern) so I went with an 8. I tried the dress on (sans zipper) and it fits perfectly. The arms are slightly snug, but there is no way I’m redoing them. Plus, I hope to lose 10 pounds before summer (um, yeah…….).
Ok. Off to twiddle my thumbs and wait……
I’m making a spring shift with all sorts of pleats and tucks. It’s a lot of fun, I don’t think I’ve ever made anything from a pattern that has so many pleats!
I really need a serger, French seams take too long and don’t press as flat. Oh well.
A little dress I made for Biscuit last summer.
August in Chicago.
A little coat I made for Biscuit. She can wear it as a coat in the fall. Or, as a tunic with leggings indoors in colder weather. I’m always nervous when I make her anything with pink in it….. but Jules loved it. How lucky am I that not only does my sister put her kids in all the stuff I make, but she also requests items AND brags to all the other Mommies and then calls me to tell me about it! Best sister ever.
When my sister had baby #3 in 2005, I was in the room. When baby #3 turned out to be a GIRL, I almost fainted right along side my mother. We were certain Jules was going for a Dangerous Boy trilogy. I still remember the exact second she appeared- girl! This meant new nursery, new linens, new curtains…..thank goodness for me! My sister picked out the fabric (she had an initial pink-aversion, but that has slowly melted away) and I set to work half way across the country with only the crib measurements. It is a vintage crib, non-standard size and spacing, but it worked.
I was in no rush to make the quilt, since infants can not sleep with a quilt, so…..I put that off to finish - uh- later. Fast forward to the end of 2007…..*sigh* I hoped to have the quilt done for her Second Birthday, but the long-arm service I used botched things up and the baby received her quilt just in time for Christmas. This was my first, and most likely last, quilt. I was very excited about the piece work, but then I just wanted it to be finished- losing all enjoyment about half way through the piecing. It was hard to stay focused!
I’m pretty happy with it, but my sister loves it and that is what matters.
I’ve been thinking a lot about chambray. Real chambray, the kind that you touch and think ‘wait - is this cotton?’. A true woven, white weft across a colored warp…..it’s very difficult to find in non-pastel colors. Several places throughout the South stock this fabric (heirloom sewing is still a very common hobby in that region) but not in dark colors. Well, I found a place. Bessie May fabrics in Texas came through for me with a 100% pima cotton chambray. They carry most of the darker colors, including the elusive charcoal. This fabric is incredibly soft, I almost don’t want to cut it.
I’m planning on blowing the dust off of some Built By Wendy patterns and making myself a little spring dress.
Reprodepot was having a sale on Marimekko fabrics. I decided that I must have two of them. Well, let’s face it I NEED all of them, but I settled on two. For now.
The one on the left is thicker and will be made into a handbag. Here is the kicker - I understand that the repeat is 41″, and it says this clearly on the site. However, when I received my fabric today - the little city/skyscraper was cut in half. Who does that? That was the best part, and the entire reason I wanted the fabric to begin with. So, should I write them and protest? Me thinks YES.
The one on the right, who knows. Just needed it.
The old ones are folded in the linen closet. I needed something new that wasn’t so matchy with the eames chair, more complimentary.
Amy Butler Nigella ‘Primrose’ , thick natural canvas backing.
I received my sewing machine in 1994 as a graduation gift from my Mom and sister. It is a Viking basic electronic model and it has served me well (it’s not on their site, but it is very similar to this one). Since among my many resolutions this year is to make sure I take better care of all the nice things I own, I found a shop about 22 miles from here that services machines. So, MP and I took it in on Sunday for a tune up. Well, this shop also SELLS machines……..
I mean, sure I would love to try some embroidery! And one-step button holes! And have a little computer advise me while I sew! Who wouldn’t? I was lost in a sea of gorgeous machines. MP promptly planted himself in a corner while I walked from machine to machine with a nice elderly lady who explained all the bells and whistles to me. Caught up in the seduction, I put a Viking Platinum Plus on layaway (it was on sale!). I was proud of me, because I’m trying to not be so spendy, and I thought putting it on layaway was responsible (MP feels differently). I’ve been researching them online and while I do think I am getting a ridiculous DEAL, I don’t know that I need an embroidery machine (whose software is PC based - I don’t own a PC. Hello!). They called today to say my machine is ready for pick-up and I think I am going to start all over with the elderly lady. I still want a new machine, but maybe not such a fancy one. Perhaps just some decorative stitches and alphabet……and one-step button holes….and the sewing advisor…..but that’s it. Seriously.
Did I mention my preference for Swedish cars?
