Scary Blue Lace - Simplicity 1717

I'm gonna say it again - Posture!!

 While Carolyn was visiting the one thing she wanted to do was hang out in the sewing room and mentor my sewing skills.  I've been sewing for years - but I'm often not very confident in what I am capable of.  Based on that - I tend to make lots of simple cotton skirts and dresses and loads of knit dresses.

This lace was bought back in March 2010 - so it's been precious for 5 years.  That's long enough, right?  The first thing we did after picking the fabric from the closet - was to start digging through the patterns.  Simplicity 1717 is one of their Amazing Fit line of patterns.  I spent some time with this myself back in the 2013 and made a couple of skirts.

Step One:  Because I'd already made this skirt - I pulled an old version of it out and put it on.  It was a big snug.  It was decided that I needed to add some room - but only in the front.  It's not uncommon for your front or back half (think splitting side to side) to be bigger than the other.

Changes were made to the pattern and I cut, serged and sewed the lining together before ever cutting into the lace.  Then Carolyn pinned it to me and we took some pictures.  it fit well -- no changes.

Next up - cutting that beautiful, expensive lace.  An inch was added to the length.  I'm hoping to just trim around the lace at the hem, letting the hem match the shape of the lace.

concentrate - don't forget to breathe

Once I was getting ready to sew the lace, that's when the convo about workroom vs. pretty sewing space came up - See - I didn't have any organza in my sewing room - well, I have some pink left over from my MOB dress, but how often are you going to use pink organza, really?  We also had to shorten a zipper because I only had long invisible zippers.  While I was stalling starting the sewing - I was playing with the cut fabric and notice the selvage - Carolyn trimmed it off while I sewed darts.  The selvage was used to stabilize the seams between the skirt and the yoke as well as the zipper and center back seam below the zipper.  Organza was used to stabilize the side seams.

I put a new universal 80 needle in and shortened the stitch length to 1.5.  I sewed slowly and had the strip of selvage under the two pieces I was seaming together.  There is lots of light at the needle on my sewing machine!

Once each piece was seamed together, I pressed it open, over the seam roll, using an organza pressing cloth to protect the lace.  Then I used the clapped to set that seam.  Repeat from the right side with a lighter hand.  Next up - silk thread and catch stitching the seam allowance to the lace.  Slowly and carefully - I've been working on the project.  Taking my time and doing my best at each stage of the game.

If you follow me on InstaGram - well you know the temporary outcome of this story.  The skirt is too big!  I have walked away for now - but I will not give up!


I'll let you know soon - what happened.

Sewing Space Redo

Close to the end of February, Carolyn sent me a text asking if I was going to Expo and if she could tag along.  Seriously!  Who would say no to Carolyn?  I had made plans to head down to Expo with Niema, Bird & Bicycle, and Melizza.  Good thing I drive a jeep!  Even if I had to rent a minivan  there was no way I was telling Carolyn no.  Since I had just finished the fabric re-org, the push was on to get the sewing furniture rearranged before Carolyn got here.  

View from the hallway - as you enter the sewing space.

2 weekends ago - JB and I found that darling little dark brown desk that the coverstitch machine is on at a garage sale and paid $30 for it.  I have serger threads in the left side drawers and the right side drawers are currently empty.  As are the plastic drawers to the right of the desk.  We picked the desk up on Saturday and moved loads of furniture the next day.  

standing at the yarn cupboard, looking out.  

The space is so much more open now.  It's easier to get to the notions.  Although it still needs work - I need to work on pattern organization.  I need to aware of loading up the shelves under the cutting table again and piling stuff (patterns, fabric, etc) on top of the cutting table. 

Looking into the space from the sliding glass door.

I'm not sure why I ever moved the cutting table from under the light.  After using the new space on Sunday with Carolyn hanging out and giving guidance and gentle prodding - I've learned a couple of things - I need a lamp by the ironing board if I'm going to be working down here after dark and I need several more garbage cans.

The sewing space is working great for 2 people to work together in it.  There are chairs for sitting and doing handwork, and chairs for sitting and visiting and directing.

Lovely Presentation

Last month, Tracey had a little give away.

She had duplicate copies of Amy Butler's Style Stitches.

A lovely book on bag making.

You'll have to take my word on it that I won the book - because look how it arrived.

I can't bring myself to unwrap this lovely little package!

 

Tracey wrapped the book up in 2 coordinating fat quarters of fabric. 

There is a ribbon and the perfectly coordinating pink button.

She also sent along a wonderful card with a handmade fussy cut hexi on it.

Do you think she knows pink is my favorite color?

I'm thrilled with this package.

Thank you Tracey - and I have unwrapped it.

Now to find the perfect project for this amazing gift.

Portland

Recently we were able to spend a little time in Portland, Oregon.

We walked through the Rose Garden.

It's a bit early for the roses, but this tree was in full flower.

I'm not much of a gardner, so not sure what it is.

Then we met up with Mary and wandered through

the Japanese Gardens.

Finally - Mary and I played Dueling Cameras!

The weather was fabulous and we had a wonderful day.

thanks guys!

Left Overs

I knit a ton of socks! Even with most of the socks I knit being for people with a shoe size of 9 or better and some of them have very wide feet - I still have extra yarn left over. 

Those are not my leftovers, however.  These are Amy's leftovers.  I was looking at knitting The Beekeeper's Quilt - which is made from stuffed, knitted hexagons which are then tacked together into a quilt.  What a great use of leftovers.  What a long process - but I think I'll work on it.

The Beekeepers Quilt by Tiny Owl Knits

Somehow - while discussing this plan.  Amy offered to send me her leftover sock yarn.  She wrapped it up in tiny hanks and dropped it in a Ziploc baggie and mailed it.  I love them.  Her leftovers are so much prettier than mine!  And how adorable are those mini hanks? 

I think I'll work on a few while I enjoy the snow.

Blogger Meet Up #1

On the second day of our vacation (or really the first real day) we figured out the DC subway and took the orange line to the end to meet ChanKnits and her Knight at a mall that wasn't too far from them.

She is absolutely as lovely in person as she is via her blog and email.  My only wish - that we had been able to meet someplace less public and had more time to just sit and visit.  But the menfolk were a bit restless.....

a photo of the two of us - i look like the golly green giant and she is dainty and petite. 

As we were leaving - JB was attempting to get some shots for my pattern page

and I was pointing out the error I saw when she held it out.

Even The Knight was interested in finding it.

White Light

Today is a big day.  My friend Sissy is having surgery today.

Please send her lots of white light and good wishes.

It's also The Princess' (I'd link to her blog, but she claims to be too busy to update!)

25th birthday.  So write on her wall, send her an email, of load her blog withs comments.

Finally - The Musical One passed an important work test.

We are very proud.

Good Friends

Last Friday, I invited several girlfriends over for brunch.

I broke out my china and served coffee in tiny cups and saucers.

We had a lovely time visiting, eating and drinking champagne.

It was a lovely way to start saying goodbye to 2010 and hello to 2011.

It was also the perfect time to gift Miss D with the housewarming gift we made for her.

See she bought her first house this past summer.

As a group all the girls at the table, along with many more from Great Yarns

each made a square and we put this blanket together for her.

I think she liked it!  

Yarn, Yarn, Yarn

I have lots of friends.  Thankfully they all get the 'yarn' thing.


This lovely purple Alchemey Sock Yarn is from The Princess.  (I'd link to her, but she's busy going to school full time, work full time and apparently updating her blog is not a priority!)

This yarn has already told me that it wants to be a variation of the Uncle Frank socks that I just finished - even though it came with Cookie A's book.

Next - S. who works at GY bought me a lovely hank of the Kollage Sock-a-Licious.  She actually let me pick my yarn because she couldn't decide what I'd want - but really - I just love sock yarn.  I love knitting socks.  So it doesn't really matter to me because if it's not a color that I love, I'll still enjoy the process and then I'll gift them - so double the gift.

Finally - last week I got a box from BubblesKnits.  With more sock yarn.  Sadly - Bubbles has decided to close her etsy store where she was selling her lovely hand-dyed yarns.  I've traded for her yarn, I've bought it and I've bene gifted her sock yarn.  I don't know what she named these colors as they came without labels, but I know that I will love knitting with them and I'm pretty sure - none of these socks will be gifted. 

Patterns and more

Last month Mary showed some great vintage patterns on her blog.  And then - then - she offered to give them away (Mary - I think I owe you postage!).  While we were away last month a box arrived at my door.

I was amazed at how many patterns were shoved into that flat rate box.  The practically burst out when I opened it.

Really lovely, vintage patterns.  However after last weekend of sewing - I'm not sure why I would ever try a pattern other than what I know already fids.  But looks at this one - McCalls 7015.  I adore it.  I think I can take a page from Carolyn's book and just overlay my TNT a-line skirt pattern (Simp.
5914) and use the parts that fit from my TNT and incorporate the design lines from this stunning pattern and end up with a winner.  Right?  Right?

Also in the box was 9 balls of the lovely Lang Golf cotton in a lovely sunflower yellow.  There is 125 meters in each ball.  That should be enough to make a lovely little summer cardi for next year - dontcha think?

Mary said she was sending yarn because she was sure my stash must be dwindling with the all the knitting I've been doing lately.  Mary - JB spewed water all over the kitchen when I read that!  He said - Thanks for nothing!   But it's okay - I love it all.  Thank you.

Think Pink!

Since I have no new photos of my dogs and no sewing to speak of

we're going to skip DoT and send you directly to a contest.

Photo from Pampered Chef

You - yes you! - could win these lovely plates.

Anyone who knows me - know I love a pretty plate.

JB has threatened to start giving mine away if I buy anymore.

So - I managed to work out a trade - one of my new sock dumplin bags in exchange for the plates.

However - to win them - go to Knit Tea and tell her what your favorite PC item is.

You can also link to a product who's proceeds benefit Breast Cancer.

Good Luck!

Spoilt Rotten!

Over in the Stash Sock Group on Ravelry - we had a little SWAP.  The idea is to get a fresh stash of yarn as we are trying to knit down our sock stash and not buy more.  I got paired up with a lovely woman in England who goes by "LilMissSensible."

The Whole Package - from England!

On Friday there was a slip in the mailbox saying there was a package I needed to sign for.
I couldn't figure it out - I hadn't ordered anything.
So Saturday morning, I headed to the post office - I knew what it was.
I held off ripping into it because I didn't have a camera.

Look at that cute puppy - it's a tape measure.

Beau thought he'd like to see how it tasted and if it made noise.

Thankfully I got it back before he crunched it!

There are also the cutest stitch markers - I couldn't get any closer without getting my head in the pic.

One set is dog themed and the other just fun.

A knitting/sewing themed necklace::a crochet hook key ring::soak::jelly bellies

Now how about that?  Can you see the baby Abby?  Make the picture bigger - she's there!

Spiced Vanila stuff::lip balm::hand lotion::soap::body creme::louffa mitt:: and emery board.

Thank you Lil' Miss - I left a bunch of stuff out - the cards, the yarn, the bags, I love it all!

Cry of Hounds

Yesterday our friend Fudge posted about what different groups of animals are called. A group of hounds is a cry. Mom said I could "cry" for Sissy and Gretchen's Mom because it's her birthday today. And since mom is too lame to make her own video's well link to this one of us singing from last year - posted by Mom's friend Coffee Yarn. Happy Birthday! -- Beau

George

Yesterday, when I got home there was a box in the entry way for me. It was from Channon and had lots of fun things that you'll have to wait to see. Inside the box was George! I have never knit with handspun yarn. Just haven't. And this is not only handspun - but handspun by Channon. I don't have time to find the links - but I'm pretty sure I've seen it on her blog. Anyway - it just has to be called George! It is lovely and deserves to be loved, hugged and petted (and called George). Thank you very much - you made a long Monday better.

Packages on the Porch - Part 1

Friday when I got home - I noticed that there were packages on my front porch. Hmm - I was expecting a couple of things - but they should have fit in the box. What could it be? Well it was these lovely hot pads from Debbie! See - I sent her a little part for her sewing machine she was wanting and I had an extra of and in turn she sent me these lovely quilted hot pads. Now she had been making a big deal out of the card I sent with the ankle - but look at the card she sent me! Isn't that adorable? it's an antique sewing machine. But the best part? These hot pads are completely machine washable and they're huge! So no missing the edges and the grabbing the pan with my fingers any more. I used them tonight and even JB noticed. He asked where I got new hot pads. Thanks Debbie this will get lots of use.

Pressies

I seem to always be running behind these days - I mean seriously - Christmas was almost 2 weeks ago and the box from Sue arrived a week or so before Christmas. But in the interests of being kind - I will say that I let her know the box arrived and also that we have a "policy" in our household that if wrapped gifts arrive at Christmas you have to wait until the day to open them. So once I saw they were wrapped - under the tree they went. First up that beautiful bloodhound sandicast frame. I haven't found the perfect picture yet - my gut says to just put my boy in it, but I'll prolly get a good photo of all 4 to put in it. In the tissue next to the frame? My payment for being President of Fudge's Fan Club - yep - squeakers. Lucy was very upset that there was squeaking, but no new toy for her. I'll get right on that dear girl. Also in Sue's box - a lovely heart box with a bloodhound on the lid. I love it. I still don't know where it will live to be safe from the "Tail of Death" but it will find a safe home where I can see it often. Inside the box - this fabulous dog themed charm bracelet. I have always wanted a charm bracelet and now I have one that's near and dear to my hear. I think I might go get the dogs tags (my dogs don't wear collars so we don't have tags) to add to it - small ones but with their names. There was also an absolutely charming bloodhound pin. I don't know how Sue knew - but I collect dog pins, I now have 3 bloodhounds and several of the Disney dogs - including Lady and Trusty (from Lady & the Tramp, remember his sniffer was broke). Last week I got a great box from VeeDogKnits - I'd link to her blog but she hasn't updated since October. We love and miss you VDK!! Anyway - she says it's a birthday box and not a Christmas box. (We have a history of sending out our packages late - she got last year's holiday box in February!) Anyway - she sent me a fabulous Starbucks travel mug for my commute - it's red to match my bag. She also included some of Starbucks instant coffee (just in case the people in my office can't make a decent cup). but the best part of the box - this lovely little kitchen angel. She's adorable. I love how rustic they are. She's holding a teapot and I've put her onto of my fridge where she can watch over the food I prepare for friends who come to visit. As I told VDK - JB does the cooking for company so if I'm making your food you'll be glad to have an angel watching over the preparations! Happy Friday everyone - what's your weekend have in store?

More Birthday Love

The Princess came home for a long weekend on Thursday. Thursday afternoon she sent me a text saying I had a box. This box was from CoffeeYarn and I was excited before I even opened it!

We had planned on having salmon for dinner on Thursday and I knew there would be fresh bread to have with it. You don't

get photos of that because it's almost gone!

Also in the box: a lovely card, some stickers to identify who's wine glass is whose, a puffy basset scrap booking sticker, fun candles, kettle puff-corn, treats for the dogs, a knitting pattern - and my favorite - Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day.

I have been itching to bake bread all summer and now that the cold weather is upon us, I'm ready. I'm taking this book to bed with me to study up and hopefully soon - I'll be making my own fresh bread to serve with soup and stews for yummy filling week night dinners!

Thank you so much - everything is fabulous and I can't wait to try out your recommended bread recipes.

Tea Anyone?

I'm almost at the end of the birthday love and I thank each and every one of you. Today's little vignette is brought to you by my dear friend - Miss D. She's blogless, she works too much, she's a tireless advocate for dogs, an awesome knitter, and a fabulous friend. Last year she went shopping and got me that lovely embroidered runner. This year it's the lovely china tea cup. Me thinks she might think I need a lovely, relaxing day at home. Also included in the package was vanilla tea (my favorite flavor) and a pumpkin spice candle (my all time favorite scent). I have a great china teapot that I purchase a zillion years ago in England and wouldn't that just make for a lovely afternoon - load up the tray with tea and cookies (?) and enjoy them both with some knitting. Look at how pretty this cup and saucer are. Fantastic - white china with lovely gold scroll work and beautiful red flowers. And those feet - seriously? I've never seen a footed teacup before and I adore it. Fabulous package - I'll feel the love each time I use it.

Thank You Bubbles!

I am a very, very bad blogger! On Friday night when I got home there was a wee tiny box sitting just inside the front door. JB looked at me and said - you have more boxes! Well I very carefully cut through the roll of tape holding it closed and look at all the lovely goodies inside! First there was a fantastically scary dog card. Just under that - some 3 Irish Girls yarn

I bought from Jessi as part of a destash sale she had (do click on the link - she also dies yarn and she has some absolutely stunning semi-solids up right now).

She also sent along some birthday goodies. There was a lovely lemon grass soap that Beau couldn't stop smelling - I've put it upstairs so he won't eat it - that wouldn't be good on his surgically altered tummy I'm sure.

But the best? That fabulous blue yarn - it freakin sparkles! It's a lovely semi-solid and has a nice tight twist - I wonder what it will tell me it wants to be. Thank you - Jessi - I love it all.

It Works Like This

Last week when I got home there was a package from Kathy. I wasn't expecting anything - so I tore it open. Funny thing is - while the note was in Kathy's handwriting - it was signed by Lucy! See this is how blogging and ravelry works - you make friends, somebody mentions something you might want (like some templates for adding grippy paint to the bottom of your socks) and then offers to go pick one up and mail it to you. Because you are on a very tight budget (and you like this person, in this case it's Lucy) you offer to send her some orange yarn you have for the pumpkin socks she's wanting to make. She then contacts another bloggy/rav friend who just happens to have an etsy store and voila! you are no longer carrying around your current sock project in a ziplock baggie. Thanks Lucy & Kathy - it's a fabulous bag. Amazing how that works - huh?