Starting From Scratch

Hydrangea Neckwarmer from Brave New Knits

2011-11-05T19:46:00.021-04:00

My sewing has been a little slow going right now. I still have to finish some hand sewing on both my blouse and skirt as well as insert the zipper and hem the legs of my Clover pants. But I have finished something I can show. The Hydrangea Neckwarmer from Brave New Knits.

It was a quick knit. I would have finished it in one weekend if it wasn't for the fact that I couldn't figure out how to do a provisional cast on. Youtube is the best source for visual tutorials on how to do stuff. Here is something else I learned on Youtube:

How to do a granny square. I really don't know how to crochet. Everytime I've tried it has ended badly. But I really wanted to learn how to make granny squares. But everytime I go to Purl Soho I see this blanket and I start thinking about how much I want to make this blanket.

Source

So I decided to look up a video tutorial on Youtube. Just when I was about throw my crochet needle across the room and see if someone can make the blanket for me I ran across a fabulous tutorial from Crochet Geek. She explained how to do this in a way that had my fingers and my brain clicking into place and I was able to churn out a 7 row granny square. Soon I will start my small lap blanket. I have a bag of Knit Picks Palette yarn in all the original colors in my stash that I bought years ago when you can get all the colors for like $50. I think it would work great for this project.

I also bought this off of HSN.

The Simplicity Sidewinder Bobbin Winder. Last year my girlfriend gave me her Brother sewing machine when she realized sewing was not for her. When she received the machine she opened the box upside down and the sewing machine dropped out onto the floor which caused the bobbin winder on the machine to break. This is like the best little device ever invented. I haven't used it as of yet but I plan on using it this weekend when I finish my pants. I also, bought Fons and Porter Directional pins. It used for quilting and has directions like, left, right, up, and down, but I thought they were cute so I picked up some.

Well that all the new I have for now.

Until Later. Happy Crafting

Whew! Finished 2/4 (somewhat)

2011-10-17T13:48:00.000-04:00

Can I tell you how labor intensive this was. A blouse and a skirt. It shouldn't have taken me almost 2 months to complete. Well, to be honest it not really complete. "Sigh" I still have to do some finishing, like hemming the skirt and serging the armholes of the blouse, but it's done. I don't know how people are able to whip out these amazing creations in like a weekend and it seems to take me forever. I am wowed by so many of you.

Below is my garment. I promise to take pics of me in it when I can do it in a sunny, well lit area.

It NL6831 in a golden yellow silk charmeuse and V1068 in a lightweight teal wool coating. The charmeuse was a beast to work with. It showed every hole and water drop. I made a few mistake that I had to pick apart so the holes are showing from that, too. I'm happy with the blouse but unhappy with it. I'm still going to wear it since the bow tie covers a lot.

I do love my skirt. It a high-waisted six panel gored skirt.It was the first time I ever worked with boning. I love how it give the waist of the skirt structure and support while also holding in my stomach. lololol. I really didn't like the boning I used, some plastic sticks. I think I'm going to try the metal flexible ones next time.

I've now started keep a journal and begun to jot down obstacles and truimphs I've encountered in my sewing adventure. Like next time using silk thread when working with delicate fabric instead of my old standby all purpose poly or my happy accidents that I can never remember later when I need them. I hope to use this as well as my many sewing books as a point of reference when moving on to other projects. I will definitely make this skirt again, maybe in a tannish cord to go with some tan knee high books I have. I think I'm done for now with the bow tie front blouses. Next up Clover by Colette Patterns ankle length pants, I joined the sew along, and a cardigan using Built By Wendy's Home Stretch book.

Wish me luck!

New Site (To Me)

2011-10-13T16:04:00.003-04:00

Today I was cruising the web in search of a reasoably priced coverstitch machine. I'm not really sure if I need one, but I figured I would start doing my research now. As I was looking through online sewing stores and craiglist it got me to thinking "I wish there was a sewing site similiar to Ravelry." I love how you can go to the forum and find people who are selling their gently used or brand new knitting, crocheting, spinning and weaving supplies. I also love that I can see what people are working on, what independent designer are selling or giving away for free as well, as ravelrers (is that a word. lol) interpretation of things. So on a fluke I decided to Google "Is there a sewing site like Ravelry". I know there are places like Patternreview and individual forums, but to me they always seem to be missing something or aren't very easy to navigate. Well, today I discovered mysewingplace.com. It's a community very similiar to Ravelry, which the creator said was her inspiration. Since it's in the Beta stages it's missing some of the bells and whistles of Ravelry, but you can clearly see where they are going with it. I've already started logging in my current projects, which are coming along slowly but coming along. I hope to have at least two of my projects finished and posted this weekend.

I hope everyone takes an opportunity to check this place out and help build it to the same community level as Ravelry. I think it's would be a great place to see what our sewing friends are working on, meet new people, discover new blogs, discuss new pattern releases, as well as discover releases by up and coming independent designer, and there are quite a few great new ones out there. I'm really excited about this.

Until late, Happy Sewing!!!

Colette Fall Palette Challenge

2011-09-21T13:35:00.015-04:00

I don't know what it is, but out of all the seasons I think I look forward to Fall the most. The cooler weather, the added extra layers that still show off your fashionable outfit, the Fall fashions. Around mid-August I always begin to feel the sewing bug bite me and start looking at the Fall fashion shows to see what some of my favorite designer let walk down the runway and picking up the September issues of some of my favorite magazines for inspiration. With this in mind I decided to participate in Colette Patterns Fall Palette Challenge. I've never really participated in any of these due to my limited attention span but I thought that this would be a good time to really put together a trendy and cohesive collection. Below is what I've decided to go with.

I decided to go with a mini wardrobe consisting of 4-5 pieces, not too ambitious. lol. I've already purchased my fabric as well as pulling from my stash. I will be using a beautiful silk charmuese in a mustard yellow, a lightweight wool coating in a pretty teal, a slightly heathered wool jersey, a cotton sateen in black, and some white poly chiffon (which I may not use as I want to continue in the luxury fiber theme). The patterns I'm using are Colette Patterns Clover, NL6831, the gored skirt to V1068, and an OOP McCall Cardigan pattern. I'm still thinking about what pattern I want to use for the white blouse.

I've already done the muslin for the skirt and blouse and had a aha moment regarding the cardigan. I hope to start cutting my fashion fabric this weekend and having everything completed by mid-October or sooner. We'll see.

I've also been working on putting together my own sloper. I want to learn how to draft my own patterns and not have to hope that one of the pattern companies have a pattern that comes as close as possible to my design vision. Maybe if the bodice fit is successful I will draft my own top for the white blouse. Fingers crossed.

Until then

Happy Sewing!!

Broadening My Creativity

2011-03-06T18:59:00.021-05:00

So, remember when I promised that I would show off my scarf when it was done and well here it is.

I'm also working on a somewhat matching hat but I've been sidetrack by an all new creative hobby. Remember when I metioned what I wanted for my b-day. Well, I took the leap. I bought a spinning wheel.

It's a Kromski Sonata. It's a foldable, portable spinning wheel and it comes with a backpack like bag for carrying and storage. Since I made this purchase I've been spinning like a madwoman. Let me telling you, once you start it becomes addictive very quickly. Especially when you can become creative and produce so much beautiful fiber. This wheel is pretty small which works well for my small space. I just found outh that they have this other wheel called a pocket wheel that is even smaller than this one.

So far I've gone from this:

To this (dyed using Rit):

To finally this (I actually dyed the fiber myself using an acid dye):

I still have to work on producing a consistent yarn, but I think I've gotten so much better over the last 4 weeks. Don't be surprised if you see a lot of yarn on here. I already have more fiber on the wheel. lolololol

Until Later, Happy Crafting!

Spinning and Weaving

2011-02-05T21:19:00.011-05:00

A couple of months ago I bought a loom because I've always wanted to learn how to weave. My first project was practice scarf using the yarn that came with my loom. It came out a little lopsided and I wasn't too happy with my color combo, but I was real proud of my first effort. I don't wear the scarf, but I'm holding on to it to show how far I've come over time with practice. Well here is my second effort. This is what's currently on my loom.

I'm also making a hat in the same color rose as the scarf. I can't wait till it's finished. This will be a perfect opportunity to use the wool wash I bought from Vogue Knitting Live.

I also decided that I wanted to learn how to spin my own yarn. I knew I didn't want to make huge investment, just in case I didn't like it, so I order a Learn to Spin kit from knitpick.com for less than $20. The kit came with a turkish spindle, some undyed roving, and a magnifying ruler. Here is my first effort.

I used the tutorial on the Knit Picks site to teach myself how to spin. The instructor used the park and draft method, which I found to be a little ackward. So now I'm checking Youtube to see if there is another method. There has to be an easier way. I'm determined to learn how to do this.

I hope to have the hat and the scarf done soon. I also hope to have a better looking spun yarn to show everyone. My goal is to do something creative at least 2 hrs a day during the week and 4 hrs a day on the weekends.

Until later!

Vogue Knitting Live (Pic Heavy)

2011-01-23T21:35:00.019-05:00

This weekend I went to Vogue Knitting Live which took place at the Hilton here in NYC. They offered a lot of things for the attendees to do such as classes, fashion shows, and the marketplace. I paid to attend the marketplace only, which fun but a little tiring. There were sooooooo many people and two floors of vendors. Some the vendors were local yarn shops from around the nation, but there were also manufacturers presenting their goods. Being that it was so crowded I couldn't get full enjoyment of everything. People were in my way so I couldn't really take in all the yarny goodness but I was able to make a pretty decent dent in my credit card. Below are pics of the event and some of my purchaseses.

First and foremost I got to meet Ysolda Teague. She was one of the knitting designers signing her books at the Knitty City booth. She was very sweet. She signed my book and allowed me to take a pic of her. I also bought some yarn.

I stopped at the Socks that Rock and let me tell you the sales people there rocked. Going to a lot of LYS I've had the unfortunate luck to walk into a few where the salespeople are kind of nasty and standoffish. I also ran into that here at the convention, but these ladies were nice and helpful and I will defiinitely be buying more of their stuff because it beautiful when you see it in person.

I stopped at the Soak booth and bought some detergent and some foot lotion. The lotion, which I used tonight, smells so divine and is so moisturizing. The scents are spearmint and cucumber. I'm partial to the cucumber. The salespeople were real nice and helpful here too.

I stopped at Annie and Company, which is located here in NYC, and purchased some yarn and Euclan kit. I've been trying to get to that store for quite some time now and after meeting one of the salespeople there I think I'm going to make it a point to get there. She was sweet and helpful.

I also picked up some Holiday Yarn from another vendor. They only had one left of this colorway. I think I'm going to see if I can find more online.

Here are pics of the event

Aren't these beautiful. This is how they decorated the skywalk.

The crowd

A display at one the booths

Some of the garments

I still have to show the scarf I'm weaving but I will save that for another post.

Until Later!

Getting back to blogging

2011-01-19T12:57:00.008-05:00

As I was clicking through other people's blogs I realized that I don't only have to blog about my creative projects. I can also blog about other things going on in my life that don't mind sharing with other. So here is a run down of some things that have gone on with me.

I finally found a permanent job after temping and being on unemployment for a little over two years. I work in PR, for a company similiar to where I worked before I was laid off. My 1st day was this past December, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to me!

I'm addicted to my Nook. To the point where all my other hobbies seem to fall to wayside. I've even become a Goodreads addict. I've joined like 4 groups that share the same interest as me.

As I said in an earlier post, I'm teaching myself to weave and I love it. My first scarf came out kind of lopsided so I gave it to my other, he say he likes my mistakes. lololol. Now I'm working on another scarf with a matching hat (knitted). I'll post pics on my weaving progress later.

Its been over six months since I've sewn anything. I just don't have the room to lay everything out. + I've gained some weight and I don't feel like remeasuring myself.

I visited WEBS over the summer and that place is huge and the selection is ridiculous. I spent like $200 while I was there. I would love to go back one day.

Vogue Knitting is having an event here in NYC this weekend and I plan on attending. They plan on having vendors, knitting authors, knitting superstars, classes, and other fun things. I'm just going to check out the vendors and wander around. It should be fun. Note to self: Remember to bring Camera

I've been teaching myself how to spin yarn on a drop spindle and it is hard. I think I'm getting the hang of it, thought. I'll post a pic of my progress soon, its not much to look at. lolol Now I think I want to invest in a spinning wheeel, my birthday is coming up and I always treat myself to something nice. I heard it's much easier to learn than doing it on a drop spindle. We'll see...I'm still just thinking about it.

Over the weekend I watched the first season of the British version of Being Human and it was so good. SciFi has put out their own version but I haven't seen it yet. I can't wait till I get season two in the mail. I don't have cable so I miss out on a lot until the shows I love come out on video. But the good thing about watching it on DVD is I can watch the whole season in pretty much one sitting.

I just found out one of my favorite actress, Julia Stiles, is on my favorite show, Dexter, and I am so excited. Yeah, I know, I'm late. No cable, remember. lololol I can't wait till it comes out on DVD. Especially since the ending of last season totally blew my mind. Did you know him and his real life wife, tv sister, is getting a divorce after like a minute of marriage. So sad.

Well that's all I can think of for now. Until later.

My New Hobby

2010-10-30T20:17:00.007-04:00

I was scanning through Cosmic Pluto's blog and came across a post about a scarf she made using an Ashford Loom. Looking at her scarf reminded me that at one point and time I wanted to learn how to weave. Years ago I found a few knitting sights that discussed weaving and I researched it at the time and found many of the looms that were being sold were a little too rich for my blood and too large for my small studio apartment. So afte viewing Cosmic Pluto's I once again decided to look into the whole weaving thing and found a small reasonably price starter loom.

This is the Cricket loom. It is specifically made for beginners and children. It will only make items 10" wide. I felt that this would be a good start for me since I tend to get bored with things pretty quickly. I didn't want to invest too much money into something that would live the rest of its life in the closet.

This scarf was my first project. I used the free yarn that came with the Cricket, which was Lion Brand Wool Ease. The loom was fun to use despite the fact that I wasn't really happy about the yarn.

My edges are a little wonky and the scarf is a little stiff and short, but I think it came out pretty good for a first project. This loom will be a great stash busting tool since I have a lot of leftover yarn from other project and yarn that I bought because it was pretty but don't know what to make with it.

I'm going to start going through my stash and seeing what yarns I have that will make great woven scarves.

Until Later, Happy Crafting!

I Haven't Been Slacking

2010-09-19T12:36:00.008-04:00

There hasn't been a lot of craftiness going on at my house, still very enamoured with my Nook, but I have been working on a few things. I finally knitted my first pair of socks. Well actually, my first one and a half a sock.

It's the Media Sock from the book Favorite Socks. I started them over the summer and finished the first one pretty quickly. I've been working on the second sock in spurts. I knitted the first sock using double points and decided to try doing the the second sock on one 40" circular. I think I like the circular method better even though it forces me to pay more attention to what I'm doing. I wanted to be a little ambitious with my sock so I chose one that had an interesting design to hold my attention. I knew that if I did the standard ribbed sock I would have been bored before I really even got started. I used Lion Brand Superwash Merino which makes the socks feel so nice and cushy when you wear them. Yes, I did walk around the house with one sock on when I was done. lolololol I hope to have the second sock done by next weekend so that I can wear them both around the house as the weather gets cooler.

I'm currently working on Cloud Chaser by Amy Swenson. It's a little slow going but the itch to wear this sleeveless drapey cardigan before the weather get too cold has me pushing through. The ravelers who have done such a beautiful job on theirs also has me inspired. I'm knitting it using Knit Picks City Tweed DK in Plum Wine. I had it in my stash for a different project and thought this project would actually work better.

Until later Happy Crafting!

Do You Want to Design Your Own Sweater?

2010-06-29T14:37:00.003-04:00

Knit Picks Designer Nina is holding an 8 week online course on how to design your own sweater, knitting in the round from the bottom up. She touches on everything, from swatching, to adding design elements, to fiber reaction and the the importance of blocking your swatch. Of course, I would find this three weeks after I plunked down $155 for a 6 week knitting workshop at FIT (shakes her head in disgust). So far Nina has posted the third lesson and offers helpful pdf worksheets that you can print out and use to follow along with the lesson. I'm really looking forward to this since I've always wanted to create my own sweater design and have only knitted in the round so far. Anyone who's interested should check it out at: http://www.knitpicks.com/cfBlog/archives.cfm/category/sweater-class

They are also starting a Lace class tomorrow. I hope they offer many more interesting classes.

Until Later!!!!!

PS. I also picked up their Imagination Yarn in Fairy Dust. So pretty and soft to the touch.

M5815 View A

2010-06-27T14:45:00.009-04:00

It's been a long time since I posted any sewing related project, but ever since I got my Nook, I find myself reading instead of sewing. Or even knitting. My sewing/knitting mojo has totally deserted me in favor of reading trashy novels. lolol. But when the sewing bug finally hit me I totally took advantage of it and decided to make McCall 5815 in yellow cotton pique.

This was one of those patterns that came together really well. I cut out a size 16, drop the bust apex about 2 inches and did a 1/2 FBA. Part of me thinks I should've gone down a size but despite the jacket being a little wide in the shoulder, which was easy to remedy, the jacket fits me really well. As Erica B said in her blog the bow like lapel was real easy to put together, but I think I made a mistake when I did the tucks. I'm still happy with the way the lapel came out.

I went with yellow cotton for the lining, since I plan to wear this as a Spring/Summer blazer. I had trouble finding yellow buttons and was thinking about going with gold, but decided self fabric buttons was the way to go. Once I attached them to the jacket I was happy with my decision. I felt with the bow detail being so elaborate that everything else surrounding it should be simple.

The pocket came out really well and drapes the way it should. The only annoying part is that you have to keep scrunching it yourself to get it be that way. I plan on wearing the blazer tomorrow at a after work and will post a picture of me wearing it some time later this week.

Until Later!!!!

Spamming

2010-02-08T10:25:00.003-05:00

Hey, does anyone out there in the blogsphere know how to keep people from spamming your blog. I seem to be getting a lot of them lately. This is so annoying because I like having my blog open to everyone. I don't want to privatize it.

My New Birthday Gift

2010-02-06T20:26:00.010-05:00

So, my birthday was last week and if you've been reading my blog you know that I buy myself something coveted and expensive every year (hey, if you don't spoil you who will. lolol). This year what I coveted was an eBook reader like the Kindle and the Sony Reader. After a few weeks of research I had it down to two choices....the Astak EZ Pro and the B&N Nook. What I wound up purchasing was the Astak EZ Pro because it read all eBook reader formats and I have a lot of books in MS Reader (.lit) format.

Well, lets just say after playing around with it for a little awhile I also wound up sending it back. Yes it read many formats, but not that well and if I'm going to pay over $200 for something I want it to do everything it says and do it well. So I went with my second choice the B&N Nook.

Can I tell you how much I love this thing.

1) It's beautiful to look at it with its 1.5 in touchscreen that helps navigate through the pages

2) It shows little colroful thumbnail of my book covers while I read my book

3) You can have a nice wallpaper for the main screen and beautiful screen saver of famous authors when my machine is in sleep mode

4) The biggest reason of all....it so easy on the eyes since it has this thing called e-ink which mimics the look of a paperback book.

This is the best purchase I've made so far. I've yet to put it down. I've been loading it with books, reading forums to find out if people have had problems with the machine and ways to maximize my experience.

The only thing I don't like about it is the fact that it doesn't come with a case like the Astak did, but I'm a sewer right. I can make my own case. Happy belated bithday to me.

Happy Sewing!!!!!

It's an obsession

2010-01-08T18:49:00.005-05:00

Shawls, shawls, shawls. Everywhere I look shawls.

Ever since I did Ishbel, I've started to become obsessed with shawls. Now I find myself hunting around on the web looking for pretty shawls to make. Right now I'm working on Citron, from Knitty's Winter 2009 online catalog.

It's already become very popular project on Ravely.com and I had some lace yarn in my stash. I'm using Knitpicks Gloss Lace Yarn, can't remember the color, but it's like a burgandy. I think I'm going to make it a lot larger than it is in the picture since it's more like a shawlette. So far its coming along great and is really fun to do. I still have a few UFO's that I need to get to, but until I get over my addiction they are going to stay where they are. lololololololol

Until Later!

Happy Holidays!!!!!

2009-12-29T20:50:00.004-05:00

Hey Guys,

I hope you all had a happy and safe holiday. Not much going on on the home front. A friend of mine wants me to make her a Koolhas hat, so I picked up the yarn to make that. I really haven't been feeling all that creative lately. Well....that is until I received this in the mail.

It's "I Love Patchwork" by Rashida Coleman-Hale of the blog "I Heart Linen". I ordered it from Amazon a few days ago and it came today. Can I tell you the projects in this book are absolutely gorgeous. It makes me want to bring out my sewing machine so I can make everything in the book. The projects are items you would actually want to make. In fact, I want to buy the exact fabric so that my projects look exactly like the books. lololol Not very creative of me, I know. I have some quilting fabric in my stash, I'm starting to feel inspired.

I hope everyone has a happy and healthy New Year!!!

Ravelry.com

2009-12-16T10:23:00.003-05:00

Thanks for the great comments on my shawl. For anyone who is interested my name on Ravelry.com is Missprince1976. I know, that a lot of words. lololololol

Ishbel by Ysolda Teague

2009-12-14T18:38:00.006-05:00

Pattern-Ishbel by Ysolda

Purchased-Ravelry.com

Yarn-The Great Adirondack Yarn Company Sock Yarn (380 yds)

Color-Beach House

Started -November 3

Finished-December 13

So I finished my first lace shawl. This was so fun to make. Except for a few false starts this was a pretty easy knit. This shawl is very popular on Ravelry.com. Its been made over 3000 times. I made the small version but I plan on making another one. This time the bigger one in a solid color. I have some lace yarn and sock yarn in my stash. I kind of feel like I did something wrong, though. The instructions said that for the small shawl it would take 360 yds of yarn which is what I had, but after binding I still have a quite a bit of yarn left. I thnk I could have done an extra repeat.

I started working on the Henley Perfect but I found the instructions a little confusing when you get to the lace pattern so I put that to the side. I'm still working on the short sleeve cardigan but I became a little bored with it so I also put that to the side, which was kind of silly since all I have to do is the sleeves and the button placket. I think my next project is going to be a cowl scarf. I bought some real nice cashmere/silk that feels so good against the skin and won't snag my hair. I'm just trying to find a really nice pattern.

Still no sewing...with me still doing the job hunting thing I just don't have the drive or the energy to pull out the patterns and my machines. If it isn't something I can do while watching TV then it's just not getting done.

I hope to have more knit projects to show soon.

Until later!

Projects

2009-10-05T13:32:00.005-04:00

So I'm still working on the short sleeve cardigan. So far this is my progress.

I still have to do the design on the body, the sleeves, and the button band. I'm actually thinking about adding cable stitches like some people have done on Ravelry.

Can I tell you how I've become readdicted to to Ravelry. I spend all day on it looking at peoples projects and finding free and purchasable patterns offered through the site. I also discovered that you can search projects by the most popular. I found many things I want work on through this feature. One of this projects was this scarf:

Pattern: Just Enough Ruffles by Laura Chau

Find: Ravelry.com

Yarn: Naturallycaron.com Country-Acrylic/Merino Wool Blend

Color: Black

Yardage: 1 Ball/197 yds

It took me three days to knit this up. I made a few mistakes, especially with doing short rows. Maybe knitting the scarf in black wasn't a good idea. Also, the yarn kept spliiting and felt thin and cheap. Next time I make this, and I will make this again...it will be in a better quality yarn.

Once I finish the cardigan, my next project is going to be a simple lace shawl. I saw the one I want to make. It's the Ishbel Scarf by Ysolda Teague. It's a very pretty and simple knit. I don't want to work on anything that is a little too complicated. I have the perfect yarn for it too. I also want work on the Hemlock Ring Blanket posted on Brooklyn Tweeds website. There were some really pretty ones posted on Ravelry. So many of these knitters are so inspiring.

I still haven't done any sewing. Since I've been out of work I've put on a little weight. Now I have to get it back off and then some. Until then I'm just knitting garments since they can be a little more forgiving.

I hope to have more projects to show soon.

Until Later Happy Crafting

Getting My Feet Wet

2009-09-09T10:29:00.005-04:00

Hey Guys,

I don't have any major projects done right now, but I figured I'd get my feet wet in the blogesphere again. I was working on the Skinny Empire from Custom knits but with summer coming to an end I'm going to put it to the side and work on it periodically. The dreary weather has me thinking of cooler climates which has me wanting to make warmer clothing so now I'm looking at knitting up the Short Sleeved Cardigan from Fitted Knits using Knit Picks Wool Of the Andeas Bulky in Navy.

Over the weekend my tapestry needle broke while I was using waste yarn to hold stitches to a sleeve and of course I only have one needle so I knew I had to go buy a new. I thought this would be a good time to check out the Lion Brand store located on West 15th Street. Can I tell you I was pleasantly suprised. They pretty much had their complete yarn line on display and a crochet class was in progress. Of course I headed straight for their luxury yarn line. I was curious to see and feel the quality. In this line they carry 100% cashmere, merino wool, mohair silk, and organic cotton. The cashmere felt delicious to the touch and had an angora look to it. Of course I couldn't just walk out with what I came there for. So these are the things I left with:

100% Merino Wool Yarn, Charm Yarn Cutter, metal large eyed needles, and a sample of Soak

I don't know what I'm going to make with the yarn. One ball is 306 yds for $8. Maybe I will make a scarf. I definitely know I will be visiting the store again.

How many of you are looking forward to The Vampire Diaries tonight? Am I too old to be watching that. lolol I'm just excited that tonight is a good TV night.

Until Later Happy Crafting!

Hey!

2009-08-24T11:53:00.002-04:00

I know I've been away for awhile, but I'm still around. Just finishing up my last semester of school. YAY!!!! Three more weeks to go before I receive my Bachelor's in Fashion Marketing.

I'm currently working on the Skinny Empire from Custom Knits. It's taking me a little longer than it should to complete with school projects and papers getting in the way.

As soon as my last paper is typed I will get back into the swing of things as far as sewing and knitting is concerned. I kind of I miss my sewing and get a little envious when I see everyone's beautifully done garments and projects. LOL

As always Happy Sewing!!!!!!

Finished! The Feminine Cardi

2009-04-19T18:04:00.007-04:00

Feminine Cardigan-Fitted Knits by Stephanie Japel

Knitpicks-Merino Style in Maple Leaf

Started: August 2008

Finished: April 2009

After working on this things for nine months I finally finished. I didn't mean to be so slow in knitting this but I kept finding myself picking it up and putting down. Now with the ever changing Spring weather I felt compelled to finish it before it becomes to warm to wear it and then I'll have to wait until Fall. I think this is such a beautiful cardigan as are many of the sweater in Ms. Japels book. I definitely plan on doing more projects from this book.

The last part of this sweater was choosing button. I went with some bronzy buttons that have nice vintage look to them. My boyfriend felt I should have went for gold button but for some reason that just seemed to obvious. Like it would be expected. I felt this sweater needed something a little more special. I'm very happy wtih the buttons I chose.

My next knitting project will hopefully be the Caftan Pullover from the Interweave Knits archives. I hope to make it in a nice yellow cotton.

Right now I'm working on a blouse from an issue of Burda and hope to have it finished by the end of the week.

Sorry I've been gone so long but now I'm back.

Happy Crafting!!!

P.S. After seeing the informercial all weekend I want a Cricut. lololololol

Well Hello There

2009-01-15T19:59:00.004-05:00

I know, I know, it has been a while since I've posted anything, but nothing has really been going on with me lately. Well, that is until this past weekend. My birthday is in about two weeks and every year I treat myself to something expensive. Something I would think twice about buying other time but really, really want. Last year it was my Tassimo, one year it was $300 coat. Well this time I treated myself to this:

An Acer Aspire One AOA150-1570 Netbook with Windows - Sapphire Blue. Can I tell you how much I love this thing. I knew it was fated for me to have it when I explained my internet service to the salesperson to find out if I need a wireless router or transmitter and he informed me that if I have the modem he thinks I have I'm already wireless. I'll take it was the next thing out of my mouth. I purchased it on Saturday and spent all day Sunday in bed playing with it. I surfed the net, checked up on blocgs caught up on e-mail. I think I only got out of my bed twice and that was to make breakfast and get ready for the next day. The battery life has much to be desired but I usually just plug it in when I'm home. This is like the best purchase I made second to my sewing machine and my Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer.

Here is the progress on my Feminine Cardigan. Please excuse the bra.

I really haven't got that far. It has gotten pretty boring now. The only thing that has kept me going is that I know how pretty my cardigan will be when it's done. I just hope I can finish it before summer. lololololol

Hope to have this sweater done soon. Until then Happy Sewing.

Finally! (Pic Heavy)

2008-12-07T16:00:00.012-05:00

I know I haven't really posted anything in awhile, I've just been so lazy, but I have been working on stuff and now I am ready to show yall. First up, the Kasia high waisted skirt and the silk tie neck blouse.

I've been working on this skirt for the last three months, picking up and putting it down. Finally, last week I just buckled down and finished the skirt. All I had left to do was the hand sewing so I did that while I watched Desperate Housewives. I'm very happy with the way it turned out and if the weather is nice enough I might wear it this week.

I also decided to show a pic of me wearing the silk blouse I made about two months ago. I just feel like showing a picture of it on the mannequin does it no justice. I love this blouse so much, that I have worn several times since I made it and I constantly get compliments on it. I actually plan to make another one soon.

I also tried my hand again at Rusted Root. Remember earlier this year I unraveled it because it was too small well this time I just jumped right in and started again. I'm very pleased with the way it turned out even if it is a little big on me. I used RYC Cashsoft from Purl Soho. It feels so soft against the skin. One thing I can' stand is an itchy sweater especially if it is against my skin. I wore it this past Friday and got quite a few compliments on it and everyone was surprised when I told them I knitted myself. I have yarn in my stash to make another one.

I'm really proud at how the "Rusted Root" design turned out. In the process of knitting this sweater I didn't make one mistake. After awhile knitting the design was almost like second nature.

Right now I am working on the Puffed Sleeve Feminine Cardigan from Stephanie Japel's Fitted Knits. It is actually taking me a while to do but what keeps me going is the way it will look when it is done.

I can already see all the things I will be wearing it with. I'm using Knit Picks Merino Style in Maple Leaf just as it was suggested in the book. I just love the color red and this is a beautiful bright shade of red. I have other things in the works that I plan on doing in the next couple of weeks. I hope to post more often but with work and school it seems to get harder every time.

Until next time Happy Sewing and Knitting!

Does this happen to you

2008-11-12T13:51:00.006-05:00

Have you ever had the extreme urge to be crafty but just can't seem to get the energy together to do anything. That's me right now. I've been dying to finish my Kasia skirt, which has been sitting on my sewing machine for over a month, but I just can't seem to get the energy. I already imagined all the tops I would wear the skirt with to look like a NYC Diva. I've decided to put a little more effort into my appearance. Especially now that I'm working in the ever trendy Soho area. A place that is bad for my pockets but great for my style.

Before working in this area I never seem to come this far downtown which is such a shame since I've discovered so many great stores. One of my favorite stores is Mango. It is similiar to H&M. They have all the trends at a reasonable price. I'm a big fan of their tops. Not a fan of their pants. I guess they are targeting model types because all the legs are extremely long. Penelope Cruz and her sister have a line there.

Rusted Root is coming along. I just have to do the sleeves and the neckline and I'm done. It's a little big but not unwearable.

Question. Has anyone in the knitting world picked up the new Stephanie Japel knitting book, Glam Knits.

Well I purchased my copy and can I tell you...the sweaters are gorgeous. I've already put stickies on the things I want to make, but they will have to wait until I make some cardigans from her first book. lolololololol

Well, as God is my witness I will finish the Kasia skirt this weekend. It isn't like I have much to do to it other than putting in the zipper, buttons, and hemming it. I want to wear it with the new sweater I bought from Mango. ;) I hope to have stuff to show by the end of the weekend.

Until Later!

Fall Trend: Winter Florals

2008-10-25T17:49:00.006-04:00

So once again I killed two birds with one stone. This time winter florals made up in the seasons most popular trend, the tie neck blouse. I made this blouse using NL6831, View D . I finished this blouse about two months ago and I'm just now getting around to showing it. I made used a a beautiful Nanette Lepore silk charmeuse I found at Mood Fabrics. As seen as I saw the fabric I immediately knew what I wanted to make. I didn't like the sleeve options offered for the blouse so instead I used the puffed sleeves from McCall 5708 . I actually like it better with the short puffed sleeves. I love this pattern so much that I am definitely going to make this blouse again. I mean, you can never have too many blouses.

I also knitted this thin lace scarf from Vogue Knitting Presents Debbie Bliss using Jo Sharp's Silkroad DK Tweed. It was similar to Debbie Bliss's recommended yarn, but cheaper and more yardage. This was a real quick knit. It only took me 4 days and that's saying a lot since I feel like I'm the slowest knitter in the world. I was happy that I was able to get it done so quick because I was able to wear the scarf before the weather in NY really got chilly. I made the scarf longer than the instruction called for because I wanted to completely use the two balls of yarn I purchased just for the project.

Now I'm revisiting the Rusted Root knitting pattern. I started last week and now I've finally gotten to the torso. The good thing about doing this pattern now is when I'm done it will actually fit. whoohoo I checked the gauge. lololol I'm also still working on the Kasia skirt from Burdastyle. I'm almost done I just can't ssem to get myself to the machine to complete the skirt, which is bad because I really want to wear it. lolololololol

I'm going to try to post more often now that my sewing mojo is staring to rev up again. I already saw a blouse in the October issue of Burda that I'm dying to make out of some purple cotton I have in my stash.

See yall later.

I hope I have not been forgotten

2008-10-15T23:14:00.002-04:00

I know its been exactly a month since I posted, but I'm still here. Life has kind of gotten in the way but I'm getting things back in order. Even though I haven't posted in awhile I have been creative. In fact I've completed four pieces. I made a Burda tulip skirt, New Look 6831 tie neck blouse in a beautiful Nanette Lepore silk that I found, The Burda Kasia skirt, and Debbie Bliss Lace Scarf from the special edition Vogue Knitting Magazine. I will show you everything I've been working this weekend for sure.

Sorry I've been away for awhile, but I have been checking everyones blog and its been keeping my creative mojo going in my time of need. lolol

See you soon!

Extra! Extra!

2008-09-14T22:05:00.004-04:00

Hey,

Knitting friends in the blogsphere have you heard about or seen this. I was in the Barnes and Noble magazine craft section when my eyes fell upon this:

Imagine my suprise. Vogue Knitting Presents Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine. According to the insert this magazine will be issued twice year at $7.99 an issue. It's everything you've come to expect of Debbie Bliss. The knits in this magazine are phenomenal, from beautiful scarves to breathtakingly intricate sweaters. You get the same quality of projects that you come to expect from her more expensive knitting magazines. Make sure to check your local newsstand, LYS and bookstore for this premiere issue. I've already chosen my first project. lolol

Fall Trends: Berry Colors

2008-09-02T12:23:00.006-04:00

Can I tell you I am so ready for fall that I already started sewing for it. I decided in order to keep myself motivated and have an organized idea of what I want to sew while still having the options to change my mind design wise that I would hit the major fall trends. Saks and Neiman's have herald seven trends well I will be highlighting my ten major trends for fall. They are, not necessarily in this order:

Berry colors

Tie neck blouse

The mock two piece dress

florals for winter

Highwaisted pants

Menswear inspired blouse

plaid

The ladylike dress

ruffles

tailored pants

First up Berry colors which interestingly enough also incorporates another one of my fave trends, the tie neck blouse.

I made this top using M5708 View C. It came together so quickly. It took me one evening to put it together thanks to Sol-angel & the Hadley Street Dreams, a very good album and a very talented girl. I made this using some satin I had in my stash. I cut out a size 14 and made my usual modifications and the top fits beautifully. I also used my roll hem foot for the first time which wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. I love this top so much that I want to make another one using a finer satin charmeuse, maybe in silk to give it a more high-end quality.

Next up, more berry colors. I'm working on B5259 in View C in a really nice burgundy polyester that I have in my stash.

Until later.

Last hurrah for summer

2008-08-20T15:36:00.005-04:00

So this will be my last garment for summer. It is M5378 View A. I love this dress so much that I actually wore it out the same day.

I made this out of a blue glazed cotton that I bought once I saw a young woman on the street wearing a similiar dress. The only modification I made was to cut out a size 14 and did a full bust adjustment. If I had to make the dress over I would decrease the shoulder seam length. I felt like it was a little too wide in the chest.

I'm so ready for fall sewing and I've been getting so inspired by all the beautiful garments on the net and the Septemeber issues of my fav magazine. The one thing I want to make is the new blouse and highwaisted pencil skirt look that is actually a dress. I found some beautiful gold and black floral print satin charmeuse and some black basketweave look bottom weight fabric. I was inspired by this dress:

Well, off to do some more sewing!

Finally conquered my fear

2008-08-11T22:24:00.007-04:00

I made my first jersey knit wrap dress!!!!!!!

And I love the way it came out. I so was happy that it worked out because I would've hated having to trash this fabric.

I made this dress using V8379 View A. This pattern was great and pretty quick to put together. I did a FBA only to realize thatI really didn't need to. The great thing about this pattern is because of the side pleats I was able to distribute the excess there. Now I know for next time. I would definetely makes this dress again.

I'm also a convert. Check out my new purchases.

I haven't used it as of yet, but I did used it to cut scrap fabric and rotary cutter cuts like butter. I love this thing. Definetely worth the money I paid.

Well, I have some unexpected time on my hands so look for frequent projects and posts.

I love Burda

2008-07-15T12:06:00.012-04:00

Why do I love Burda so much. Is it the fashion spread like magazine. Is it the fact that they are always on or ahead of the trends. Is it the fact that you can get about 50 patterns for $9. Or is it the fact that they have a site that offers free downloads of cutting edge designs. It is all of the above and especially this:

I received and email in my inbox (in German, of course) that made me mosey on to Burdafashion.com where I came across there new endeavour. A line of patterns called Fashion Line. At least I'm going assume that it's a new line of patterns since they said it will be available for order or download in August. And it wasn't just the clothes that grabbed me, even though I've already earmarked my favs.

Like this:

this:

and this:

but it is their presentation. The layout of their photo shoot made me feel like I was looking at a high-end department store website like Saks or Neiman's. I'm psyched to see what else becomes available because we all know that the few pieces they've shown are just a teaser. I'll tell you this, Burda is good at advertising because when these patterns become available I will definitely be ordering or downloading.

Oh yeah, I definitely want everything that is in that main picture. lol

Thank You's and Vacation Sewing.

2008-07-06T19:41:00.011-04:00

Hi Guys,

I want to thank everyone for the beautiful comments on my dress. Especially the blue and white floral, it was a labor of love for me. I know I was inspired by a floral dress but I couldn't remember who made it. I do believe it was Oscar de la Renta and I was lucky to find fabric that mimicked the design.

Today is the last day of my vacation :(, but I did take full advantage of my time off. One of the things I did was sew. I don't know, but when I'm happy with my sewing projects it pushes me to move on to the next one. I was hoping to get at least 4 pieces done during my time off but I was only able to do two which, for me, is still good. First things first is NL6799.

I made this out of a beautiful brown stretch cotton sateen. It isn't finished since I still have to finish the neckline and hem the skirt. Making this dress was a pain in a$#. I did my usual bust modifications but did not bring those changes down to the other front pieces so I had to go into the city to purchase more fabric to redo the front skirt. I was happy to see they still had it in stock. I think I will be happier with the dress when it's done. I really love this fabric. So much so that I plan to purchase a few more yards to make something else. Maybe something for the fall.

Next is Burda 103-6-2008 with a slight modification. Sorry the pictures are so blurry. I'm not working with my usual camera and there is a slight learning curve.

I needed something I knew was fooloproof and for me that is Burda's bottoms. For some reason they alwasys seem to fit with little to no modifications. I traced out a 42 and it fit me right off the pattern sheet. I was able to sew this garment up in one day and I did an exposed zipper for the first time.

It was easier than I thought it would be. I know next time to reinforce the opening with some interfacing. Because the fabric has some stretch to it I stretched the area out a little, but other than that I was happy with the capris. I eliminated the turned up cuffs with grommet and tie because I found the instructions a little confusing. I loved making these capris so much that it is giving me courage to make some red skinny pants similiar to these red or grey skinny jeans seen in this months issue of Lucky Magazine.

I'm back to work and summer school so sewing will be a little slow but I do plan on making my tunic some time this week. Until next time happy sewing.

New Stuff (Pic Heavy)

2008-06-24T22:41:00.013-04:00

I was going to post this past weekend but between my neice 8th birthday party and my first ever Jill Scott concert (she is phenomenal) where she announced she is engaged to her drummer I was just too busy and tired plus I wanted to take these pics outside but could never find the time so I just decided to take them in the house.

I really wanted to show that I have been busy sewing. Here are some of the garments I finished for my summer wadrobe. First thing first M5591 view A:

I really love this skirt. I love the fabric. I love the way it turned out. I'm really happy with the way the invisible turned out (which I did not take a pic of). I'm really getting good at that. I especially love the pockets. This pattern was so easy to put together. I only did a muslin for the waistband to give me some idea what size skirt I should trace out.

I really enjoyed wearing this skirt. It made me feel like a star and it was the perfect compliment to my new shoes. Next up M5094 view E:

I did a few modifications on this dress such as retrace the neckline to hide my bra strap and opened up the chest to accomodate for the bust. I love the way this dress fit and I especially love the fabric. It's embossed with tonal flowers as well as the blue flowers. I love how the flowers go from big to small and I used that feature to give the dress more interest.

Finally S2996 View A:

The fit of this dress is so great. This gave me the confidence to do a mini sweatshop instead of getting fustrated and losing my mojo. I plan on making this again in red cotton sateen.

Next on my list NL6799 View B using a beautiful brown cotton sateen I just recently purchased and V8241 as top. The inspiration, this blouse:

I love this blouse, especially the back.

I think I'm going to make it out of some coral satin I have in my stash.

Work in Progress

2008-06-15T22:52:00.005-04:00

I know its been awhile since I've posted but I have been working on some things. Here are some of the stuff in progress.

First up S2996

This dress is pretty much done I just ran out of buttons and it needs to be hemmed

I have a love/hate relationship with this dress. I love the fit. The cut of this dress really flatters my body, but the color makes me think of fashionable scrubs. The dress is really well drafted. All I had to do was make a 2" FBA and everything fell into place. Since the dress fits so well I do plan on wearing it. I bought some red cotton sateen to make the dress again.

Next up M5094

I did a mock-up of this dress and it fits really well. I love this fabric because the flowers go from small to big. I really wanted to take advantage of that feature in the fabric by using the small flowers for the bodice and the large flowers for the skirt. Because of this now I have to buy another yard of fabric to do the back skirt portion since I ran out of big flowers.

This seems to be the theme for my weekend. Wanting to make things and not having all the supplies.

I hope to have both dresses finished by next weekend and working on something new.

Boho Chic Top

2008-06-02T22:59:00.007-04:00

I made this top on thursday to wear to my girlfriends graduation that Friday. It's S3867, I love the top but there are a few things I would change.

1. I would make the body part smaller. I traced a 14 for the upper body and did a FBA and cut out a 16 for the lower portion and it was way to big.

2. I wouldn't make the FBA so large. I did my standard 2'' and I could have probably done 1''.

Because it is a little big in the bag I wore a white blazer over it. Please disregard the wrinkles in my pants I took this picture when I came home from the ceremony.

I plan on making the dress version out of this blue and white floral cotton pique that I purchased at a fabric store I found around my way.

Later on this week I will post the shirtdress I made. I just have to hem it.

You can do so much better

2008-05-18T18:04:00.012-04:00

On my lunch break this week I went with my girlfriend to Mood for lunch. I decided not to bring any money other what I needed to buy lunch because I have more than enough fabric in my stash and really don't need anymore. So off we went. I, of course went straight to the cotton section where I came across this:

A plaid cotton shirting whose colors just jump at you. I saw the garment in my head. A shirt dress with a ruffled button placket. I heard all the compliment

Admirer: That dress is so nice. Where did you get?

Me: Why thank you. Oh, I made it myself.

The pattern was selected and sewn up in my head. So I asked for a swatch because I was definitely coming back for it the next day. Well, didn't my face hit the floor when I went back only to find that it sold out. I knew someone must have heard me ewwing and aahhing over my find. Now it is probably going to be some man's boring old dress shirt.

I could done so much more for you......I could have made you a STAR!!!!!

But I did pick up this fabric which I plan to make a boho top out of:

But it just did not make me feel any better. So I decided to stop at my spot, AK Fabrics, to say hi to my friend and see what they had. I walked around the store looking at fabric and comparing it to what I lossed telling myself that they were just not for me. Then this halo of light fell upon this bolt of fabric. I heard the angel...Aaaaaaaaaah. And this is what I saw:

The picture does it no justice. This fabric is absolutely gorgeous. A fabric that I dreamed about. I saw it made up in this skirt.

This more than made up for my loss at Mood. I mean compared to this that fabric is better off as a man's dress shirt. This fabric here. This a statement piece fabric. I loved it so much that I went back to get 3 more yards to maybe make a jacket. And here are the other pieces I walked away with:

I see this fabric being a shift dress a la Erica B beautiful dress.

And this one:

Which I will make into a tunic inspired by this Tory Burch tunic I saw in Real Simple this month.

I'm already thinking about my summer wadrobe and I don't know if I want to go Boho Chic or Chic Boutique, but some of my finds have me leaning towards the boho look. I also found some cream denim to try my hand at a pair of skinny jeans to go with my tunic.

I didn't work on my shirtdress this weekend but I did try my hand a making labels using a tutorial I found on Burdastyle.com.

This was made using cotton twill ribbon and t-shirt transfer paper. I think it came out pretty nice if I say so myself. I feel my creations are just not complete without a pretty label inside documenting that is mine. I'm going to try so more looks but this is a great start.

And if you are ever in the New York area check out AK Fabrics, 257 West 39th Street. They really do have some beautiful fabric and the staff is very helpful and friendly.

Two Days two tops

2008-05-14T23:42:00.010-04:00

The weather was so beautiful these last two days that I decided to debut my two blouses. I was really excited to wear them since many of my creation don't see the light of day. lololol On Tuesday I wore my white blouse with some brown slack.

For some reason I felt really sexy in this blouse. The neckline is so flattering and I love the waist definition.

Yesterday I wore my Burda blouse with some black skinny jeans. I was afraid that the top would make me look pregnant or fat but the skinny jeans really help slim down the look.

I loved the flirtyness of the blouse. It moved so nicely when I walked. I think I could have went down a size (I'll note that for future reference), but I'm really happy with the top.

I need to learn how to take full length pics. lolol Now I'm off to finish my dress and formulate my summer project.

The White Slacks

2008-05-11T23:45:00.008-04:00

So, this weekend I worked on S4135. I've worked with this pattern before so I knew it would fit. I was done in like two days.

This time I made it out of a white cotton twill which I thought would be great for the summer. I used cotton batiste for the pockets and the inner waist band. I also hand stitched the inner waist band for a cleaner look.

Instead of using white buttons fro the fron I used some beige speckled from my stash to give the pants a little bit of color (I think I have to turn one of the buttons over).

This pattern sewed up pretty quickly. In the picture I think my legs look a little squat. I think when I make them again I will narrow the leg a little more and raise the back. Other than that I'm very happy with the way they turned out.

Next up a shirtdress using S2996 View A

The White Blouse

2008-05-05T16:35:00.007-04:00

So, I bought pattern B4985 awhile ago but never got around to making it, like so many other patterns I own, but then I realize that I needed a white blouse and that it would fit in well with my mini-collection since Carolina Herrera is known for wearing her signature white blouse to take her bow at the end of her runway show. I traced out the pattern pieces early last week and promised myself I would do a little each day so that by the time the weekend came I would be done and able to work on something else. Well, it never works out that way.

But Mimi's blouse really pushed me to get on the ball and can I tell you this was the easist pattern to work with ever. It took a day to make, because I took some breaks, and I didn't even have to make a sample. I went straight from paper to fashion fabric and can I tell you this will probably be my go to blouse for the summer. It is so flattering, trendy, and basic at the same time. And I can wear it with almost anything in my closet.

I used a white tonal stripe cotton from Mood Fabrics. I love the beefiness of this fabric because I feel it hold the design shape well and it irons like a dream. I traced out a size 14 and did the usual FBA. What I like most is that the bust part of the pattern is gathered instead of darts so I didn't have to think to hard about getting placement right. The pattern called for 4 buttons but I wound up using 5 for modesty sake. I have every intention on making many more of these blouses. I think you can never have too many button front blouses.

Next up a pair of cream pants using Simplicity 4135.

The Ruffled Blouse

2008-04-27T22:03:00.011-04:00

Finally!!!! I finished the ruffled blouse and let me tell you something that seemed so easy wound up being a pain my.........! lol I love the blouse now, but there was a few moments when this thing was going to see the inside of my garbage can. But I pushed through and now I can't wait to wear it. One thing I concentrated on was making sure that I adjusted the top in a way that wouldn't make me look pregnant and I feel like I've succeeded.

There are definitely a few things I would change. One, I would use a lighter interfacing. The one I used made the collar and button band pretty stiff. Two, I would pay attention when tracing out my pattern especially when it is being used for more than one look. Other than those things I think the top turned out pretty good. I used bias tape as a decorative touch on the inside collar. I thought it would look better than just serging the neck seam.

The one thing I'm most proud of is my invisible zipper.

and I have this book to thank.

I picked this book up one day on whim and I've found it to be one of my go to resources. It shows you how to do almost anything sewing related. From how to do five different zipper inserts, hand stitching, finishing seams, and embroidery all in a dictionary type set-up.

I finished off the ruffled by doing a serged rolled hem. It came out great now that I've finally found out how to regulate my serger to get consistent stitches.

I also said I was going to review Sew U Home Stretch and I have to tell you I love it. She tells you how to work with knit fabric in the most simple way possible and just like her previous book Sew U, she includes three pattern and shows you how you can make different styles using them. I hope to try some of them soon. At least the basic t-shirt patterns because you can never have too many t-shirts.

Now I'm off to my next project.

Progress on my blouse and weekend antics

2008-04-21T11:56:00.008-04:00

So Saturday I went into the city to buy more fabric for my Burda 3/2007 114 blouse. Anyone out there who's planning on making this top take note. The direction are wrong. They say you only need 2yds of fabric but I found that even at 60 inches wide I needed to buy 3 1/2 yrd hence the slow progress on my blouse. The flounce at the bottom of the blouse eats up a lot of fabric. So far my blouse is coming along great. I made one little boo boo though with the button band, a mistake I made at the muslin stage so it should fit right. My mistake was that I didn't pay attention to cutting line on the pattern since this pattern is also used for look 115 so the front band is wider than it is suppose to be for look 114. I'm going to baste the side tonight and see if it still works out okay despite my mistake. If not then I will have to recut the bodice front. Thank the lord I bought extra fabric. I can't wait til this top is finished. It is coming out so nice made up in the black and white satin and I have the perfect white slacks (purchased) to wear them with for the summer. Hopefully I will have a finished garment to show by Wednesday.

I only went into the city to go to the garment district, but I was sidetracked by my sister and I'm so happy that I was. We met up on 34th street and stopped in H&M. I have not been to H&M in a minute. It was like you died and went to maxi dress heaven. They had maxi dresses galore. I've always wanted a maxi dress, something you can throw on and be casually cute but most of the dresses I saw had that cup action or halter top thing going on and I can't wear that. So this gave me an idea to start making my own maxi dress. Something that is a little more modest at the top but still gives you that easy breezy beach look. I'm working out the details on paper, but as soon as it's ironed out I will get to sewing. I was also inspired by the Marimekko line they had there. Check out there website for the great garments.

http://www.hm.com/us/#/marimekko080410/

There was a skirt there that I wanted to so bad but of course they had none in stock. I guess that should be a godsend because this means every girl and her mama will be rocking this skirt for summer and one thing I hate is to look like a clone. So guess what? I'm going to make my own version of the skirt. I have real nice canvas fabric with cute little lady bugs on them. I love the fact that I sew. teehee I also got caught up in a few pieces at the Gap, another spot I haven't visited in awhile. There was a dress that I was dying to buy but they did not have it in my size. This is a dress I'm definitely going to buy when I find a Gap that has my size in stock. It was just too cute to pass up. I did buy some blouses from Express that I was very happy with. One thing I found is that everytime summer comes around and I go through my wadrobe I always feel like I don't have any tops, so hopefully these will get me by till I can get into making more blouses and t-shirts.

Angry Chicken just announced on her blog that Wendy Mullin of Built by Wendy just came out with a new book all about working with knits. It's called Sew U Home Stretch.

I called Barnes and Noble and they have the book in stock and it's lunch time so guess where I'm off to. lolololol I will let ya'll know how the book is.

M5515 was a Bust!

2008-04-13T23:04:00.006-04:00

So M5515 didn't work out. I did a muslin and everything and when I put it together in the fashion fabric it just did not work. I think I chose the wrong kind of fabric. So in the garbage it went. Tomorrow I'm going to the garment district to pick up some regular cotton sateen. So my next project is Burda 4/2007 114. Using this satin fabric.

I've already done my full bust adjustment and a test garment, so now I'm ready to starting cutting out my blouse which I will try to do some time this week. It seems like a fast project and I think it will go well with my spring summer theme. Speaking of Burda, I can't wait till next months issue. I saw so many things that I wanted make. They're really hitting the trends with this issue. From a shirtdress, to a motorcycle jackets, to some really beautiful summer dresses. All the patterns you get for $9. WOW

Katherine from Bloom's Fabric Obssesion reminded me that I was suppose to give a review on the Threads Fitting DVD's. I find that they're great if you want to learn the basics of pattern adjustments. Also, all the DVD's intertwine in some form or another. Like there is bust and arm adjustment instruction on the torso DVD, so you kind of feel like you need all of the DVD's. The DVD's are 30 minutes each which kind of bugged me because I feel 30 minutes of instuction per disc is not worth $100. They could have put all the different fitting techniques on one DVD. I kind of feel like I got suckered, but I'm sure I will find the DVD useful on few occasions. I tried to use it for the blouse I am currently working on but they didn't have any instructions for fiull bust adjustments for vertical darts. Basically, what I'm saying is save your money. I didn't feel the instructions given were worth the money I paid.

Til later. :-)

Ode To Carolina Hererra "The Pencil Skirt"

2008-04-08T17:45:00.007-04:00

Hey Guys,

This is going to be a quick post since I'm late getting to class.

Here is the second piece in my Ode To Carolina Hererra mini collection.

It is a pencil skirt using Burda 12/2007 123. Because the pattern of the fabric was so bold I wanted to make something simple so the style could stand out more. This was one of the most easiest patterns ever. One thing I love about Burda's bottoms is that they fit me perfectly with no modifications.

Since it is a stretch cotton for the summer I decided not to put in a lining.

I did decide to put lace on the hem as a decorative touch.

Next up is a a pair of cream slim pants using M5515.

Well, I'm off to catch that iron horse.

Thank you's and some info on my J. Crew Knock-off

2008-04-03T12:03:00.006-04:00

First and foremost, I want thank everyone for their wonderful comments on my jacket. This was a labor of love and something that actually came out the way I envisioned. Now I want to answer Toya's question

toy said...
beautiful,, love the collar, what did you do to alter the pattern?

A. Well, it wasn't that hard at all. I used M5525 which had the same lines as the J. Crew trench. I didn't use the top collar and under collar. For the ruffles I measured half of the shell from center back to front hem, which equaled 41 inches and I times that by 4. I cut the fabric making sure it was at least 5 inches wide. Because I was using scraps I had to sew pieces together so they would equal at least 164 inches in length, which wasn't a problem since many of the the seams would be lost in the ruffles. I folded the fabric in half making it 2 1/2 inches wide then did the ruffles by hand. I hope this was helpful. If you have anymore questions don't hesitate to e-mail me.

I also want to thank Mimi for Domestic Haven for honoring me with the Excellent Blogger Award. It makes me feel good to know that people are reading and appreciating my blog. I'm so happy that I've become apart of this wonderful vitual community. There are so many creative blogs that I love and think are excellent that I don't know where to start. I have to sit back and think about this.

Next up is my Carolina Pencil Skirt using Burda 12/07 123. I just have to hem it.

Off to start blog surfing.

J Crew Knock-off and a great find

2008-03-29T00:16:00.016-04:00

After two weeks of dedication I finally finished my J Crew knock off and it came out exactly as I saw it in my minds eye. In fact it came out even better than I imagined. The color looks really bright in the picture but it's more of a fruit punch color. I tried to get the color as true as possible using Photoshop Express on the web, which I also really liked.

I made a few really easy modifications to the pattern. One thing I did was eliminate the upper collar and collar stand since the ruffles would now be my collar. Next I eliminated the buttons and made it a robe style. I also added a neck band facing to stabilize the collar.

I had just enough fabric to do the body so I created the ruffles by sewing leftover scraps together. You can see the seams in some places but it doesn't take away from the overall fabulousness of the jacket.

Here is a picture of the lining. I just love the contrast. Even though the color of the jacket is pretty bright i feel the lining enhances the "pow" factor.

I also used the lining for the pockets. I get giggly just looking at it.

And for the final touch I embroidered my initial on the back neck facing. Even though I have had my embroidery machine for about a year and a half I'm still learning how to work with it. I wanted to get the initial a little smaller. Maybe I will play around with that feature this weekend.

I can't wait til the weather warms up enough for me to wear it. On J. Crew this jacket retails for $200. My jacket, just $25. Can't beat that with a stick. lol

For now I'm just showing the pieces for my collection on my dress form. I want to get a few more pieces done so that I can show everything as a complete look. If I'm going to do a mini collection I might as well do a mini fashion spread also. And speaking of my "Ode to Carolina Herrera" mini collection look what I found while walking through the garment district earlier this week.

This Carolina Herrera cotton canvas at Mood for $14/yd. Whoo hoo!!!!!! This will become a more traditional trench coat using the same pattern I used for my J. Crew knock-off. Not bad, huh. My trench will cost me about $75 to make compared to hers which goes for about $2500. She actually used this fabric on the runway as a bathing suit cover-up but I'm sure even her bathing suit cover-ups are pretty expensive.

Next up a geometric print cotton pencil skirt using a simple skirt pattern from 12/07 Burda and a pair of cream cotton twill slack using View C from M5515 .

A Future Review

2008-03-24T15:04:00.009-04:00

So, ever since I received the e-mail I have been eyeing this item for a while:

It's the Threads Fitting DVD Series. I feel like this is one of those must have references for your library. Sometimes I feel like I need more than words and pictures in a book. I need a real person showing me the how-to's of fit and pattern alteration. I want to feel like I'm in class being taught by experts in the field. I want to know if there are things that the book may have left out. Once I've received and viewed the DVD's I will post a review on it. Believe me if it's not worth the $100 + shipping I paid for it I will most definitely be returning it. I hope it it's returnable. hmmm

I worked on my J Crew trench knockoff all weekend and it seem like I can't get passed the sleeves. No matter how much I try to evenly space out the gathers I can't get it to set in right. It keeps coming out slightly puffed. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can fix this? Will I have to trim the sleeve cap? I just want to be done with it so I can move on to the next piece for my "Ode to Carolina Herrera" wadrobe, a pencil skirt made up in a beautiful black and white geometric print stretch cotton fabric.

I also purchased a new iron this weekend since my one year old Rowenta died on me. That's right, I said one years old. I know Rowenta is suppose to be a phenomenal product but after my experience with it I just went out and bought a T-fal Ultraglide. So far it's okay. I have to play around with it a little more. I still have my Panasonic cordless, which I love, if this new one doesn't work out.

Hope to have something to show soon!!!

2008-03-16T23:23:00.010-04:00

So my mojo hasn't come back but I did do some sewing this weekend. Spring has kind of put me in the mood for some new things and I really want to get my mini line started, so this weekend I decided to start with a trench jacket. I'm working on this:

It's McCall 5525.

The lining is going to be this white and navy dot polyester.

So far it is coming along great. I did a test garment but I feel I could have made it a little looser. I'm still pretty happy with the fit so far, regardless. I'm actually trying to knock of this J Crew trench.

I'm making a shorter version with longer sleeves. I hope to have it done by this weekend so I can start on my other pieces. I hope to have a completed outfit to show soon.

Mojo Where are you?

2008-03-09T21:25:00.002-04:00

Unfortunately I did no sewing this weekend. I just can't get up the spirits to get to my machine. Even looking through my patterns and re-organizing my fabric isn't helping. I have to get it together. If anyone has any extra mojo can you send some my way. lolol

2nd times the charm

2008-02-24T19:58:00.015-05:00

Knit material wasn't going to beat me. This time I decided to do a more simpler pattern. This time I used V8451 View A.

Two books helped me tremendously with the fit. One was Fit For Real People and my new purchase. This book:

You can tell from the tabs that I've been marking key information. lolol I saw this book in Barnes and Noble about 6 months ago and passed on it. After seeing it on so many blogs I knew it was a must have book for my library. I wound up ordering it from Amazon because of course when I want the book B&N in my area no longer had it.

I'm so proud of this top. Everything came together so easy. I only had to do one modification and that was a Full Bust Adjustment to lower the dart and open the chest. I used a knit from my stash. As I put it together I wrote down a few notes because I definitely want to make more of these. One thing I would do differently is make the neckline a little narrower and use a beefier knit. The knit I used was a little on the thin side. Another thing I would do is use my pinking sheers to finish my neckline before sewing sewing it down. I would definitely make more of these tops. Maybe the henley version. I think henley tops are so sexy. These would make great Spring/Summer tops and they can even carry you into fall if you make them in warmer colors. And once again I have to say that the walking foot is the best thing ever evented. It made sewing this top so simple. Here are some detailed shots.

You can tell I'm just too proud, right? lololol

This has definitely kicked my mojo into gear. Now I can enthusiastically start working on my Spring line. I just went through my stash to see if I had any fabric that plays into my vision and I found so many pieces that I forgot I had and fell in love with them all over again. Most of my stash doesn't fit into my vision, but I still remembered what I bought a lot of the pieces for. It also made me realize I have to start destashing. lolol

Another new purchase was these Amy Butler pattern.

I loved Creative Reveries version of the Anna Tunic so much that I want to make my own. And I have to the carryall in my life. I have the perfect Skull and Roses fabric for it.

I've been interviewed!!!!!

2008-02-13T09:54:00.002-05:00

Check me out at Adrienne's blog. I'm so honored that she took the time out to interview me. I feel like a star. lololol Sorry if I talked to fast, sometimes I be on a roll. lolol

Knit or bust

2008-02-10T21:00:00.000-05:00

Well lets just say that the knit project was a bust. Maybe I used the wrong pattern for the type of knit I was using or maybe I should have done a mock-up or something. It looked so easy when Toya showed her progress. For me it was just a mess. lol I need to learn the anotomy of working with knits, because I would love to try this again. One thing I can say....I just love the walking foot. It made sewing with knit fabric so easy, so I don't feel so bad about the experience.

Also last week I purchased a book I have been salivating over for about a year.

I've always wanted to learn how to do pattern drafting. I have basic knowledge that I learned from Fashion High (lol, yes there is a such school) here in New York but unfortunately you cannot keep your school text books after graduatioin. So I tried to make a basic bodice sloper which I followed according to the book. They tell you to create a sloper using the standard measurement chart whose bust measurement is closest to yours, which I did. Then give you the inches needed for going up and down bust sizes since the standard measurement like most patterns is for a B-cup. Well that did not work out for me either. So I will try again, but this along with the knit dress really taxed my brain. Maybe with my next knit project I will start small and make a simple t-shirt. We'll see. Until next time. I'm off to finish watching the Grammy's

Biting the bullet

2008-02-05T11:48:00.000-05:00

Sewing jersey knit. Dang, sewing any type of knit seem to always leave me with sweaty palms and a knot in my stomach. I always pull pieces out of my stash just to put it back because I never feel like I'm ready to work with the"beast" that is knit. Yes, I call it a "beast" because everything I have ever read on working with knits always seem so extra. Like, don't let the fabric hang over the edge of the table, use a zig zag or stretch stitch, cut with a rotary tool, and so on and so on. I just always feel like I'm not mentally ready to handle all those rules, mind you my sister who just taught herself to sew last summer had me at Spandex World like every week and busted out 5 simple dresses like it was nothing. lol So now I decided I am just going to do it with fingers crossed. What is the worst that could happen, it becomes a wadder. At least I would have learned from my mistakes and do a better job next time. So this week I will be working on B5030 View C.

I don't know if I want to serge it or use my walking foot. I have to really think about that one. So far I've traced and cut out the pattern, next up modify the front bodice. I want use this real nice jersey knit that I bought from Kashi a couple of weeks ago. It makes me think of fire. I will post a pic of the fabric later this week or maybe even the dress in progress. Wish me luck!

In other news. I'm still working on my Ode to Carolina. I'm just making choices about the patterns from my stash and sketching out where I want go with my look. I think I'm going to take a page from Christina's book and place pattern pics with the fabrics I want use on index cards. That will really help me coordinate the line so that not only will the pieces work together, but they will also go well with things I already own. I can also carry them around with me when I go fabric shopping for more pieces for my line. I hope to start this project next week. I'm a huge procrastinator and somewhat of a slow sewer so the sooner I start the more likely I'll have my garments to wear by the time the weather starts to break. lol

Hope to have some stuff to show you soon.

Until later!

Happy Belated Birthday to Me!!!!

2008-01-28T14:15:00.000-05:00

My birthday was yesterday, so of course there was no sewing for me. I spent my birthday weekend with family and friends and I have to say this was one of my best birthdays.

So, I was kinda feeling that loss that people experience as sewers, knitter, or other crafters. I lost my mojo. In the last month I just could not drag myself to pattern box, my machine, nothing. Even my challenge/project wasn't making me feel to enthused. I started to feel like I was biting off more than I could chew and was about to scrap it......until today......

Today I decided to stop into one of my favorite fabric stores, AK Fabrics, just to see if there was anything that would inspire me and get my juices flowing and yes there was. I was able to pick up three pieces that was in ballpark of what I was looking for. So now I'm ready to start formulating my plan and what I've purchased is the jump off for some of my next purhases. Woohoo!!!

So, here is my personal challenge/project. It is an Ode to Carolina Herrera, unless I decide to change it and it becomes an Ode to Spring. Either way it is going to be a mini Spring/Summer line. I always look forward to her show, especially the Spring line and no matter what the season is and the forcasted colors she always seem to incorporate some shade of red into her line. She is also big into abstract prints and funky flowers which I love. So that is my self challenge. I'm not going to knock her off but let the things I love about her style guide me in putting together a cohesive line.

Even though I will be working on this I will still work on random sewing and knitting project until my mini line reveal, which I hope to have done by mid-April. We'll see. Well, wish me luck!

Q&A and Something to show

2008-01-17T23:14:00.000-05:00

So I know I said I had some stuff to show and I do but before I get into pulling out the pictures I want to answer Robin's question about how I realized my cat had went blind. Three weeks ago I noticed that when I called her name she would look in my direction but not with the sharpness she usually does, so I did a few experiments to be sure. One of them was stand in her path and see if she would walk around me or bump into me. She bumped into me as if I wasn't there. Finally I took her to the vet to confirm and the vet said I was right. It took me awhile to adjust, I cried for a few days because I felt guilty. Like I should have known something was wrong sooner. The vet told me that she was probably hiding her symptoms. Cats are good for that. I'm better now and I'm just giving her the love and attention that she needs.

Now on a lighter note. I am so looking forward to my three day weekend. The first thing I'm going to do is get some much needed sleep. lol And then some sewing. I think I want to try my hand with jersey knit fabric.

I finally have a pic of myself wearing my jacket.

It was warm enough last week to wear it and I felt so good knowing that I had on something I made. I received quite a few compliments on it.

Here is my progress on Wicked.

I still have to do the kangaroo pocket. I know, I know, it should have been done by now. But I got caught making this.

I loved knitting this. In fact I plan on making more of them. I just loved watching the design take shape and I could not wait to wear it. I had rip it out a few times. It seem I always have false starts when it comes to knitting. Only problem I had was that I don't own any 16" circular so I had to knit it with double points, very cumbersome. (Note to self: Buy 16" circular needles) lolol

I don't know what knitting project I want to take on next, but I have been thinking about a sewing project/challenge for myself. I will get more into that once I've hammered out the details. I figure if I write it down it will actually happen. lol

Still Here

2008-01-15T22:25:00.000-05:00

Hey guys,

Sorry it has been awhile since I posted, but I'm still here. I just had some home issues to deal with. I just discovered a week ago that my cat is blind. She has high blood pressure (220) and it has affected her sight. She is on meds now and there is a chance that she may not regain her sight but she has adjusted to it pretty well. I'm the one who is trying to adjust and not be such a mother hen.

Good news is I will have a few things to show in a couple days so stay posted.

Happy New Year!!!!

2008-01-02T00:33:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone brought it in happy, safe and sound. I brought in quietly, totally missing the ball drop because I was playing Diner Dash 2. That game is so addictive.lolol.

Vacation is over and now it's back to the grindstone. In fact I should be in bed now. lolol I didn't do everything I planned to do on my vacation but I did accomplish one thing that I set out to do. My first wool jacket!!! Be warned very long post. lol

Here is my version of M5190. Sorry I'm showing it on the dress form. I wore it today and totally forgot to bring my camera to get an action shot. I will definitely get that done this weekend. Can I tell you how much I love this jacket. I made the jacket out of 100% wool. I placed interfacing across the shoulder blades and along the front panel. I interlined it with cotton flannel (thanks Christina for your thread on PR, I googled interlining and your conversation came up) and put in a satin charmeuse lining that I had in my stash for about a year.

I used The Classic Guide to Sewing the Perfect Jacket Tailoring to get some ideas on how to tailor a jacket since I never really did one before and I'm a little top heavy so I wanted it to fit just right.

I sewed (grammar? lolol) the outer fabric and the interlining as one (thanks Laura).

Here is a pic of the lining.

I bought these brushed silver button from M&J Trimming. I fell in love with them on site and almost didn't mind the $2.59 price tag, almost, lol, since I needed about 10 of them. It was worth it though because I really feel the buttons make the jacket.

This jacket is great for 45 degree weather and today it got up to 47 degrees. It's also perfect with a great pair of jeans. I felt no cold wearing it out this afternoon. I know I made a few mistakes with this jacket along the way, but I'll still wear my jacket with pride. In fact I think I'm going to make a spring version.

In my quest to finish this jacket Wicked got a little neglected, but here is my progress on that.

I just have to do one sleeve and the pocket. I did try it on and I'm happy to say it fits. (happy dance). Now I will be even happier when it is done. I want to do another one in a better yarns since this Wool Ease is a little itchy.

I also made some Christmas aprons for my sister and my niece. I did them free hand. I created the logos in Word and bought the iron-on paper from Staples. I wanted to try out my new printer. I wasn't very happy with the iron on paper because it didn't come up very easily no matter how long I kept the iron on it, but my sister and niece loved them and that is all that mattered. Now I'm on the quest to find better paper.

Well now I'm off to bed.

M5466 and other pics

2007-12-22T19:07:00.000-05:00

So I finally wore my McCall 5466 dress to our companies annual holiday party which was held at Cipriani's. I received a lot of compliments for it at work and few people were suprised to hear that I made it myself. The dress felt good and I can personally say that I thought I looked good in it.

I've gotten pretty far with Wicked. It's a pretty quick knit and that's a lot coming from me since I think I am like the slowest knitter of life. lol

I'm currently on vacation and with all my holiday responsiblities blogging will be really sporadic if at all, but I will tell you some of the projects I will be working during my looong vacation, since I won't be back to work until after the New Year.

My first wool jacket using M5190

Wicked by Zephyrstyle

Koolhaas from Interweave Holiday 2007

My first knit top using V8451

Some baking, I love making fresh bread

A lot of time surfing Ravelry

RESTING, lol

I'm going to leave you with a gratutious kitty pic. Here is my 10 year old cat, Kitty, laying on my first ever sewing project after years away from the sewing machine, a futon cover, doing what she does best, sleeping. lol

If I don't blog before the New Year have a Happy Holiday and I will see you in the New Year!

I love the internet

2007-12-18T11:58:00.000-05:00

So Fitted Knits shorts sleeved cardigan is not going to work out either.

I found out that the yarn I planned on using will not give me the gauge I need to in order to make the cardigan and I already used my new ball winder to make it into a pretty center pull yarn cake. lol So I looked through my binder of knitting patterns I found on the net to see if I could find a sweater to knit up using this beautiful peacock blue Lion Brand Wool Ease that I purchased and lo and behold I found Wicked and guess what? My yarn knitted up to the exact gauge I needed to make the sweater. After a few false start , dang cables, everything was going smoothly until I hit K1f&b.

Now I've done this before with Rusted Root but I totally forgot how I did it and I didn't have one of my trusty reference books handy since I'm at work. So Google, which has now been added to Webster's dictionary as a verb, comes to the rescue. I googled K1f&b and found a great video tutorial on Youtube. In fact I found a lot of great tutorial on there given by a woman named theknitwitch. She shows everything from cast-on to the kitchner stitch to some crochet techniques. So if you need a video tutorial and can't find a tutorial on one of your trusty video website check out Youtube for the answer. it's a great resource.

No Rusted Root for me

2007-12-14T13:40:00.001-05:00

So after a month of working on this dang sweater I have to say there will be no Rusted Root in my immediate future.

Why, you ask?

Well.... after putting it on waste yarn and trying it on I found it to be too SMALL! That's right I typed that in bold red because that is how I feel (can't you see the steam coming from my ears) and I have no one to blame but myself.

You want to know why it is too small?

It is too small because I did not do a gauge before I started.

When do I finally do a gauge?

When the sweater is half done and I see that I have 6 stitches per inch on a size 6 needle instead of the five it is suppose to be. So instead of being 40 inches around it is 33 inches. So I will be using my new ball winder to take her apart and putting her away for a later date.

But is that going to stop me from knitting?

No siree Bob. lol

Next up will be the Short Sleeve Cardigan from Fitted Knits and this time I WILL DO A GAUGE (I need to post this as a sign on my corkboard) before I start knitting it since I found that I'm a tight knitter. Right now I am working on my coat which I hope to have done and posted some time next week.

Have a happy weekend

Finals

2007-12-10T10:42:00.000-05:00

I haven't done much creating this past week due to finals and presentations, but I have been doing a lot of craft related reading and I'm still trying to finish Rusted Root.

I'm like totally addicted to Ravelry and I noticed that everyone has been working on this sweater.

The Central Park hoodie from the fall 2006 Knitscene, so of course when I go on their site that issue is totally sold out. So I searched the web and found it at Webs. I purchased their last copy.

I picked up the lastest issue of Sew Stylish which had a real nice article on embellishing with stones and jewels to bedazzle your garments.

And last but not least I picked up the December 2007 issue of Burda. Everytime I look at that magazine it takes my breath away. It is not just a pattern magazine but it is right up there with the fashion magazines the plus being that you can make the garments too. I already saw a few things I want to make.

I just picked up my coating from the cleaners so hopefully I can get started on working on my jacket and finishing up my sweater. I think after this I am going to try to do a quick knit like the Koolhaas hat from Interweave Holiday 2007.

I've found that doing cables are easy and this looks like a fun knit. I don't usually wear hats but I would definitely wear this. If I like doing it enough I think I am going to make them for my sister and her family.

Also I finally purchased a printer that works. I bought this one:

The HP C6280. It actually works!!!!! lololol I have been a printing fool. Now all I have to do is use the copy and scanning feature. I like to make copies of the projects I am going to do from my knitting books and magazines because I've learned from working on Rusted Root that in order to remember where I left I have to mark the paper up and I do not believe in writing in books or magazines. But honestly, I have to slow my roll because ink ain't cheap and this takes six cartridges. lol

Hope to have stuff to show you later.

Happy crafting!

No Sewing

2007-12-03T10:54:00.000-05:00

I didn't do any sewing or knitting this weekend. I was taken over by electronics. I think someone put electronic voodoo on me because it seems like nothing I buy works. Saturday I bought an Epson all-in-one photo printer from Circuit City. I dragged it all the way from Manhattan to the Bronx on the Express Bus. Yesterday I finally had a moment to put it together and I kept getting an error message "Can not read black cartridge". Can I tell you how fed up I was. Now I have to drag it back downtown because I am going to return and get my money back. Maybe it was a good thing because while at the Staples in my neighborhood I saw an HP all-in-one that I like better, so that is what I am going to buy instead.

On a good note, yesterday I purchased something I've been wanting for a long time.

This:

Tassimo Beverage System

I set it up last night and it works!!! It works beautifully. I'm not a big coffee drinker, but I do like a good coffee concoction. I always buy the White Mocha Decaf from Starbucks. But now that I know you can buy the syrups from them I am going to create my own Starbucks at home and this is the foundation to that. The pods I bought were the decaf cappuccino, the latte, regular decaf dark roast, and the hot chocolate. I am not a big fan of the hot chocolate, but the cappuccino is delicous. It even comes with a foaming creamer pod, that actually foams. It was $169.99, but with a $30 mail in rebate and a 20% off coupon it cost me $109.99.

I'm seeing the finish line on Rusted Root. Hopefully it will be done by the middle of next week. Which I can't wait because I want to knit something from Fitted Knits. Rusted Root has given me the confidence to tackle other knitted garments.

Until later.

Rusted Root progress and I've been tagged

2007-11-28T23:25:00.000-05:00

I am not really into these things, but Beth from Lululouise tagged me. Thanks Beth. lol So here is 7 random things about me.

1.I was in the Navy for about a week when I was 18, but was medically discharged due to my poor eyesight.

2.Even though I can come off somewhat standoffish in appearance I love to talk and I can talk a whole in person's head. lololol

3.When I was in High School I was addicted to General Hospital because loved the romance triangle involving Antonio Sabato Jr. Today you won't catch me watching soaps.

4.I love the Disney shows like Hannah Montana, That's So Raven, and The Suite Life, and I watch Nickeloeon cartoons, My t.v. stays on these two channels all day, which is so sad because I have no children. lololololol

5.The first garment I ever made was an ugly mother and daughter pajama set (not my design) for my high schools annual fashion show.

6. I visited Alabama for two weeks as a teen for a leadership summit and a huge mosquito chase me half way through the campus. People looked at me like I was crazy, but I didn't care, I'm scared of bugs.lol

7.I use to make paper dolls as a little girl from the clothes to the paper house and paper furniture. My father bought me a crayola 64 for Christmas and I just went crazy. They had Gold!!!!!!

I'm not going to tag anyone so don't worry. lol

Here is my progress on Rusted Root.

All I have do is the body and finish off the sleeves. It is going so much faster now. I'll be wearing this bad boy before you know it.

Next up is a short wool coat using m5190 View C.

Every single coat I own is either knee length or full length and felt this would look great with jeans. Wish me luck. I've never made a coat before so I am a little nervous and excited. Now I just have to find some flannel back satin. I think I am going to do the lining in a contrasting color.

I bought the most beautiful wool coating from the fabric store made famous by Project Runway, Mood Fabrics. They are a little pricey but the quality is great and the selection is phenomonal. This was my first time ever buying anything from them.

Rusted Root has taken over my life

2007-11-25T18:07:00.000-05:00

My vacation is over and I didn't even get a chance to work on my BWOF skirt, which is all cut out and ready to be sewn. It seems like Rusted Root has taken up most (well actually all) of my time. Here is the progress on my sweater.

I couldn't find Brown Sheep at my LYS so I'm knitting it up in Rowan Yarn Cashsoft DK in a pretty heathered pink color. It's a merino, cashmere, acrylic blend. I love the way it feels. I picked this yarn at the infamous Purl Soho. The owner of the store produced these two books:

I own the the Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts books. There are quite a few things I want to do from it, I just have to find the time. I hope to have this sweater done some time soon, like before spring. lol Just kidding but not. I'm such a slow knitter. I hope to have it done before Christmas since I will be on vacation again.

I hope everyone had a great turkey day.

I've been doing everything but.....

2007-11-21T18:43:00.000-05:00

Why do vacations make some people lazy. I haven't touched my sewing machine since I 've been on vacation. I know I said I would take pics in my dress, but I've been so lazy that I haven't even had my hair done. I will take pics before the end of my vacation.

But I have been doing some things. I tried to finish fetching but one mistake on the second glove and I had to frog the whole thing. Not only have I frogged fetching but I was 32 rounds in on Rusted Root when I had to frog that too, my lace pattern looked all wonky. I'm really not having any creative luck in the first half of my vacay. lol. But I did have some purchasing luck. I just purchased these books.

The Sensual Knits book has some really beautiful designs and I bought the Hats Gloves Scarves book to round out my easy peasy collection. I also bought a new Cuisinart hand mixer. I gave my old hand mixer to my sister and for little baking projects I don't feel like dragging out my KitchenAid Stand mixer. I love it. I made these blueberry muffins.

I made them using The Culinary Art Institutes Baking at Home Cookbook. I like their version because they incorporate milk into their recipe. This gives the muffins a more a cakey texture. I didn't have enough batter to fill all the holes. lolol

Well, I won't be posting to my blog again til after the holiday. I will take a pic in my dresa and hopefully I will have my BWOF skirt done.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm Baaaaaaaaack

2007-11-19T00:47:00.000-05:00

Hey Everyone!

Woohooo. I'm finally up and running. My boyfriend lent me his camera, an overly expensive Olympus that I had to have a tutorial on. lolololololol. I think he is a little scared of me borrowing it because while I was holding it and touching buttons he had this look on his face like he wanted to snatch it out of my hand. lolololololol. It's a a little complicated and I find myself playing with the focus a lot, but I am sure I will get the hang of it. My dress is pretty much finished, but of course it is the same ole, same ole.

It needs to be hemmed.

Yall know how I hate that part, but I will show you the dress anyway.

McCall 5466

I will show pics of me in it once I'm done which should be sometime tomorrow.

Here is my progress on fetching.

Can I tell you. I love this pattern so much that I plan on making another pair in the red. This Berroco Pure Merino feels just delicous. It has this spongy texture that makes me want to keep squeezing it and it shows stitch definition well.

Yes, it is 1:45am and I am still up. I thinking it is the Lipton Peach Mango iced tea I've been drinking all evening. Everytime I make up a batch of this stuff I find myself drinking cup after cup. It is one of this teas I can't see myself drinking hot.

Well, let the vacation begin I will see yall all tomorrow.

Yay Me!!!!!

2007-11-16T11:24:00.001-05:00

So let me tell you. I was totally out of it this week. I didn't realize until I read assorted notions last post that next week is Thanksgiving. I swore Thanksgiving was the last Thursday of the month. Which lead to the next thought.

I AM ON VACATION!!!!!!!

So you know I'm excited. But ever since I came to that realization it seemed like the week was starting to drag. Now it is Friday and at 5:15pm (you know I am sneaking out early) I will officially be on vacation and I can start on my vacation to do list. There are so many things I want and have to do. One thing I have to do is make up a batch of cookie dough. My niece will be staying with me that weekend after Thanksgiving and I have to find ways to entertain her. I also want to work on few pairs of fetching. I made a little mock up to see if I could do cables and I loved it so much that I could see meyself make more and gifting them. I want to practice working with knits. I want to make an apron for my sister (maybe I will give her mine). My list goes on and on. I hope that I can make a dent in a least a few of them. I'll also be able to spend all day on Ravelry (I am so addicted to this site).

I will be posting pictures soon. I'm picking up a camera tonight which I'm so happy about because I was so lost with out mine.

Until then Happy Sewknitting!!!! lololol

Is there a such thing as too much.....

2007-11-13T11:15:00.000-05:00

Is there a such thing as too much of something? Especially when it comes knitting and sewing. Yesterday I decided to stop in the craft section at Barnes and Noble on my way to school and what was the first thing I saw on display........all three of the Interweave Harmony Guides

I knew I had to have them, but as I stood there with all three books in my hand I asked myself

"Self, do you really need these books?"

"Maybe just the Lace and Eyelet books I don't have any books about that."

"You just bought Vogue Stitchionary series."

"I know, but the pictures are so pretty."

Let just say I bought all three books and I can't wait to really sit down and look at them. The pictures are beautiful and the book is well organized. I can't wait to play around with some of the stitches. I also picked up the Winter Issue of Interweave Knits.

These are the things I want to make:

Aren't these gloves too cute. I could definitely put my metrocard in that pocket. But then again with my luck I'd lose the glove and the metrocard.lololololololo

I am still without a camera, but I hope to have one soon. So until then I will continue to sew, knit, and spend too much time looking at Ravelry.

What I'm up to

2007-11-07T17:07:00.000-05:00

Well, I am still down for the count camerawise, but so not to be forgotten in the blog atmosphere I figured I'd tell you what I am working on now. Well I am currently finishing up M5466 view B. I was so inspired by Toya's dress that I had to make on for myself. I made it out of a beautiful oatmeal poly suiting. It kind of has a flannel feel to it. So far I am loving it

Next up is the 116B Button front skirt from Burda 11/2007. Over the weekend I bought a nice winter white corduroy. It is not as opaque as I would like so will be lining it to give it a richer look. If it comes out nice I saw a nice red cord that I will make another one out of.

My scarf is coming along slowly due to lack of time, plus I kinda want to start on something new. That short attention span again. lololol.

Hopefully I will be up and running by this weekend and I will have some great finished projects to show. Until then I will be lurking. lolololol

Technical Difficulty

2007-11-03T23:16:00.000-04:00

The LCD on my camera seems to have busted. Mind you I only had it less than 30 days. So until I get it fixed or get my hands on another camera I won't be posting any pics, but I am working on a lot things. I will have many things to post when I come back.

I'm in with the in crowd

2007-11-02T11:03:00.000-04:00

I GOT MY RAVERLY INVITE!!!!!!!!!!!

Can I tell you I have been stalking this site for over a month checking the waiting list and now I am member. Go me, go me. Okay, now I'm out. I'm going to look at all the beautiful thing people have created.

And yes some more pants. lol

2007-10-19T15:25:00.000-04:00

So......these were suppose to be my Hugo Boss Knock-off...but on closer inspection of the picture and the way the pants came out....I think I should have narrowed the legs a little more. Oh well.

Simplcity 4135

They are a poly suiting which I lined because without the lining these suckers itched like a mother. Let me tell you. I_ love_ these_ pants. I love everything about them. I love the color, I love the fit, I love the fabric. These will be a classic pair of pants I can wear for years to come. Now I am trying to make them in denim lolol.

Here is the progress on my scarf. There are a few mistakes but I am not going to undo it.

I go to school on Saturdays so I use that time in the city to explore places I usually do not have time to go to during the week. I looked up on the internet LYS in city and wrote down the addresses of places that sounded interesting. One of my visits this week was Stitches East on 52nd Street. As I walked down the street I realized that I had been there before. About two years ago when I first started teaching myself how to knit. My mind was not ready for the variety that this store had to offer so I was kind of in and out. This time I stayed a little longer, walked around, and talked to the staff. Very nice people. This may become one of my spots. Plus they also have a GREAT clearance box, every knitting booklet you can dream of, and many back issued magazine. This is some of what I walked out with.

The Debbie Bliss Cotton w/silk and vicose and the GGH 100% merino were on clearance for $5 a ball. I paid full price for the multi colored sock yarn, but I just could not pass it up. I am not ready for many of the projects in the two books I purchased but I love beautiful pics of clothes. I also purchased a 2006 winter Vogue Knitting with some beautiful garments and a Summer 2004 Interweave Knitting for $2. If you ever find yourself in NYC check this place out.

And so my knitting and sewing day would not be interrupted I made beef stew in the crock pot.

hemming and hawing

2007-10-19T14:44:00.000-04:00

Is it just me or do you find hemming a pain also. I really don't like the look of machine hemming on my slacks and I've yet o master the blind hem foot, so of course that means doing it by hand. I've has these pants done for over a month all they needed done was the hem. Once I did it I felt like this huge weight was lifted off my shoulder and now I have a new pair of pants to wear to work. Below is BWOF 09-2007-115.

Look what I bought!!!!! I've always wanted a cast iron enameled pot

And look at all the stuff it comes with

I also finally caught Common's "I Want You" video. Definitely grown and sexy. I wonder where these people hang. I wanna be down. lolololol

Summer sewing and some yarn

2007-10-17T23:59:00.000-04:00

McCall 5042 View A

Stretch Cotton/22" zipper/ cotton batiste lining

Size 16

Modifications:

The only change I made was a full bust adjustment. I should have tapered it a little more in the wasist but overall I was happy with the result and I love the fabric. I might make another for next summer.

Yarn

So I bought this yarn on Monday not know what I wanted to do with it until I stopped at Barnes and Noble later that day and found this book.

The book has so many wearable and beautiful scarves in ever weight of yarn you can think of. I plan on making this scarf.

Isn't it beautiful. There is also another scarf in this book that I want to make for my niece. I just have to get some nice yarn in her favorite color which is blue.

McCall 5042 View E

As soon as I saw this fabric in the store I fell in love and knew I had to have it.

Stretch cotton/22" zipper

Size 16

Modifications:

I did a lazy person full bust adjustment for princess seams which now I know was wrong because I felt the waist was too high. But this time I took in the waist unlike the previous dress. I did my very best to line up the stripes. I eliminated the called for lining and did a neckline facing. I also widen the strap to cover my bra strap. I was pretty happy with the way the dress came out but I don't think I will make it again. It took a lot of tweaking to get it to fit right in th chest area and it still does not fit perfectly.

Presto Chango!

2007-10-16T23:14:00.000-04:00

Thanks guys for the warm responses. It makes me feel so good. Especially when it comes from fellow creative souls.

Here are some more goodies. My summer sewing.

I changed these patterns to reflect the look I was going for. I saw a top on Saks.com that I just had to have and it looked so easy to make. So guess what I did. I made it. It is a Tibi inspired tierd top that I made by modifying Vogue 8380 View A. I looked all over the net trying to find a picture of the top and then I remembered that it was featured in the June 2007 InStyle. So I ripped it out and scanned it. I definitely plan on making this top again. This was more of a wearable muslin.

Vogue 8380

http://www.voguepatterns.com/item/V8380.htm?search=8380&page=1

Tibi 3 Tiered Top

Tibi Inspired Tiered Top

Vogue 8380 View A Modified

Poly Chiffon w/Butterflies and Black satin tie
Size 14
Modifications:
I traced out the top front and back and extended it so it would come out to 25 inches in length. I serged a rolled him for the bottom layer and machine hemmed the top layer. It original is a three layer top but I only had enough fabric to do two of them.

Front

Back

Here is a detail shot of the tiers

Another top that received many compliments at work. I love this top and have every intention of making it again. Maybe being a little neater and adding the third tier.

I was invited to my boyfriends family BBQ and realized that I did not own any shorts. I am not really a shorts person. I can never find anything I like or a pair I feel look good on me. I kind of have a love/hate relationship with my thighs. lol So since I liked the fit of my BWOF 7/2007 105 so much I decided to eliminate the pleat and shorten then to a comfortable length. This was a heavier linen which was much easier to work with than the lightweight red linen I used on the original shorts. It didn't stretch out like the red linen. I used gold buttons to go for that nautical look and because I already had them in my stash. I cut and sewed these shorts the day before the picnic. I was up until 2am. I was on a deadline. lolol I finished the last few details the following morning an hour before my boyfriend picked me up. I loved the way these shorts came out and the way they fit!!! It gave me a new outlook on shorts. I think I'll make some more. lolol.

BWOF 7/2007 105 Modified

Blue linen/7" zipper/gold buttons
Size 42
Modifications:
I eliminated the pleat and shortened the legs by two inches.

Shorts w/ Tabbed Cuffs

Front View

Side View

Button Detail

More to come!!!!

Coming out of the Dark

2007-10-15T17:15:00.000-04:00

"And I finally see the light". Remember that song by Gloria Estefan circa 1992. I use to love it. I actually still do. lol.

I am new to blogging world. I've been lurking around checking out other blogs and loving many of the things I seen. So many talented people. I've been thinking about doing this for awhile now or let say over thinking. I over think things a lot which has its good and bad points. The good. When I finally do get around to whatever it is I've been think about it runs smoothly because I've thought through all the angles. The bad. It makes me a procrastinator and when I procrastinate about something usually that means it is not going to happen.

A little about myself. I am 31. I live in NYC. I love to sew and bake and I am teaching myself how to knit. I have somewhat of a short attention span but this sewing thing is something I 've stuck with for the last two year through the good (the wearable garments I've made) :) and the bad (a lot of the wadders I've thrown away). :(

But now for the good part. The part I look forward to when I surf the all the blogs in my favorite. Finished Garments!!!!!!

HI!

BWOF 7/2007 102

http://www.burdamode.com/City_Fashion,1270777-1463237-1508211-1508215-1508318,enEN.html

Description: Bermuda shorts with front inverted pleat and turned up cuff w/ button tabs

Size 42

Red Linen/7" zipper/shell button with floral detailing

shell button

inverted pleat

I made these shorts over the summer. I received so many compliments from my co-workers and friends. I decided not to line them because the fabric was not as sheer as I thought they would be. On the original model the shorts are a little more tapered. I was going for the slouchy look. So I went a size up and took an inch and half off the CB tapering it down to nothing. I would definitely make these shorts again maybe more so to replicate the models version.

Well that is all for today. Stay tuned. I have so much more to show. Some FO's and some WIP's. This is going to be so fun!!!!