I did all the straight line quilting on my block quilt from AGES ago. I need to wait for some thread to arrive before I can do the free motion quilting. I decided I was going to quilt it in a gajillion different colors.
THEN something awful happened. When I was snipping a thread, I cut into my backing fabric!
I wanted to darn it the best I could, but I can't find the clip! It's tiny, but I know the washing machine will find it...
So now I just have to wait for it to fray in the wash so I can find it and do my best to repair it.
I can't believe I did that. Such a stupid mistake...
And then today I did my best to clean my sewing room. I don't know why it always looks like a bomb went off in there, but I did my best to straighten everything out. I need to use up a bit of fabric- I'm running out of storage space. Hopefully I will be able to make another dress this week, so that will use up some yardage.
The hardest thing for me is throwing out scraps. I keep a lot of the quilting scraps, but the garment scraps- although it seems wasteful, I will never use.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
Vogue 1224
It looks TERRIBLE without the belt (a source of frustration last night) and I am really happy that the cut I put into the underarm when I misread the directions was easy to fix. But once I got past all that- I LOVE it.
Possibly the best thing about it: I didn't have to shorten the hem line! It is an appropriate length as is (haha). And because it was lined, I did a bubble style skirt, so no hemming! Huge plus in my book.
Will everyone tell me I'm brilliant- because I LOVE it.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
New Hobby...
In addition to fabric collecting, my hobby is now seam ripping. I feel like I do this more than sewing, and I'm fairly good at it (more so than sewing), so let's make it official.
In other news, this week's dress is not going well. And I cut somewhere I don't think I was supposed to- so now I need to figure out if there is a way to fix that...
And this is an "easy" dress- a best of pattern review that like a million other people have made. But I can't...
In other news, this week's dress is not going well. And I cut somewhere I don't think I was supposed to- so now I need to figure out if there is a way to fix that...
And this is an "easy" dress- a best of pattern review that like a million other people have made. But I can't...
Monday, March 12, 2012
Top 10 things I have 930 days to do...
1) Learn to eat fish (just in case...)
2) Learn to enjoy wine (maybe...)
3) Learn to snorkel without freaking out that when I surface I can't breathe out of my nose (a necessity)
4) Find a pair of hiking shoes suitable for water (like Keens) that fit my feet, and break them in.
5) Learn to use Kevin's fancy camera on the non-green square settings.
6) Get in hiking shape
7) Learn some basic Spanish
8) Save money...
9) Pack (this can wait awhile)
and finally-
10) Read the Origin of the Species.
Why? Because Kevin and I are going to the Galapagos!
2) Learn to enjoy wine (maybe...)
3) Learn to snorkel without freaking out that when I surface I can't breathe out of my nose (a necessity)
4) Find a pair of hiking shoes suitable for water (like Keens) that fit my feet, and break them in.
5) Learn to use Kevin's fancy camera on the non-green square settings.
6) Get in hiking shape
7) Learn some basic Spanish
8) Save money...
9) Pack (this can wait awhile)
and finally-
10) Read the Origin of the Species.
Why? Because Kevin and I are going to the Galapagos!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Quilt done!
So around Christmas my Mom reminded me that I told her I would make two twin quilts for the "blue" room. I had actually bought this pattern a while back, but well, other things got bumped up in the "things I want to make list". When I got home from Christmas, I figured I better get cracking. So this is what I came up with:
This kit is Bernatex Pot Luck Key Lime. I got it from Pine Needles, and I actually bought two. I have plenty of fabric left, because the kit came with backing fabric. I am going to try to incorporate the leftovers into the second quilt, but most are green. In the store, I thought it looked blue dominant, but now I worry there is too much green. The pattern is available here
The piecing went fairly quickly*, but then the wrist accident came, so I had to wait for another month to quilt it (quilting is strenous). I basted it Friday night**, quilted it yesterday***, and bound it today****.
*I think there is an error in the pattern. Or my reading comprehension sucks. Despite doing exactly what I was told, my pieces didn't turn out the way it said. I even re-did all the steps. So this is an interpretation of the pattern. Since I had to make extras, to turn it from 60" square to twin, I had to make sure to make "the same mistake" again- but I just followed the directions again and it turned out the same.
**Kevin tried to help me. Not to mock him, but I learned that pinning is a learned task. I thought it was just something that people did, but apparently there is some actual sewing knowledge in knowing how to put a pin into multiple layers, and have it come up without pinning into the carpet, puckering the quilt, or just getting the pin stuck in the layers and not coming back up. He only helped with about 2 pins, but I would like to thank him for helping me straighten the backing.
***Holy crap did that go quick. I cannot sing the praises of my machine enough. It is FAST. It is also a pleasure to quilt on. Last night at 9:00 I was so tired, but said I was going to go quilt for a few moments. Two hours later Kevin comes down and asks me if I want to go to bed. I thought like 15 minutes had passed. I had already put about 2 hours into it- and had less than a square foot of quilt left to do. So of course, my bobbin ran out. (It took just over 3 bobbins to do the quilt.)
I don't have an asterisk for this, but I used Isacord to do the quilting, rather than Connecting Threads Essential. My quilting idol, Leah Day, recommends Isacord. It is nice for quilting, however, for stippling like this, I don't care for it. It is just too thin. And the fact that I matched my thread really well, you can't see it at all. I like the heavier weight of essential. However, for the fillers she does- it is likely ideal- you can easily layer it without too much thread build up. I also tried her "quadrant" method and found it didn't work for me. I named my method "sphere of influence". I started at the middle side and quilted to the middle, and then back- then I went around it, gradually increasing the area my quilting took up. It isn't entirely "round", as I would square up areas, so as to not have a predictable pattern, but each time I went back around my pattern I picked up more area. It helps that I can fit the entire quilt into the harp of my machine so I don't have to keep turning it. Seriously- I love this machine. I was wondering if I would regret not getting the larger harp of the Janome, and so far, I'm good. (I also embroidered the label on the back- so I'm loving having embroidery.)
****I finally managed to mitre the beginnings and endings of the binding. Rather than the awful bump I get when I join them square, you can't even tell where the join is!
The other thing I did that was new- I put a label on it. So generations to come will know who made the quilt with the giant pucker in the backing :) I've never labeled a quilt before, often because I make them for babies who don't have names yet, and just signing mine seems silly.
It is in the washing machine right now. Say a little prayer it comes out in one piece!
This kit is Bernatex Pot Luck Key Lime. I got it from Pine Needles, and I actually bought two. I have plenty of fabric left, because the kit came with backing fabric. I am going to try to incorporate the leftovers into the second quilt, but most are green. In the store, I thought it looked blue dominant, but now I worry there is too much green. The pattern is available here
The piecing went fairly quickly*, but then the wrist accident came, so I had to wait for another month to quilt it (quilting is strenous). I basted it Friday night**, quilted it yesterday***, and bound it today****.
*I think there is an error in the pattern. Or my reading comprehension sucks. Despite doing exactly what I was told, my pieces didn't turn out the way it said. I even re-did all the steps. So this is an interpretation of the pattern. Since I had to make extras, to turn it from 60" square to twin, I had to make sure to make "the same mistake" again- but I just followed the directions again and it turned out the same.
**Kevin tried to help me. Not to mock him, but I learned that pinning is a learned task. I thought it was just something that people did, but apparently there is some actual sewing knowledge in knowing how to put a pin into multiple layers, and have it come up without pinning into the carpet, puckering the quilt, or just getting the pin stuck in the layers and not coming back up. He only helped with about 2 pins, but I would like to thank him for helping me straighten the backing.
***Holy crap did that go quick. I cannot sing the praises of my machine enough. It is FAST. It is also a pleasure to quilt on. Last night at 9:00 I was so tired, but said I was going to go quilt for a few moments. Two hours later Kevin comes down and asks me if I want to go to bed. I thought like 15 minutes had passed. I had already put about 2 hours into it- and had less than a square foot of quilt left to do. So of course, my bobbin ran out. (It took just over 3 bobbins to do the quilt.)
I don't have an asterisk for this, but I used Isacord to do the quilting, rather than Connecting Threads Essential. My quilting idol, Leah Day, recommends Isacord. It is nice for quilting, however, for stippling like this, I don't care for it. It is just too thin. And the fact that I matched my thread really well, you can't see it at all. I like the heavier weight of essential. However, for the fillers she does- it is likely ideal- you can easily layer it without too much thread build up. I also tried her "quadrant" method and found it didn't work for me. I named my method "sphere of influence". I started at the middle side and quilted to the middle, and then back- then I went around it, gradually increasing the area my quilting took up. It isn't entirely "round", as I would square up areas, so as to not have a predictable pattern, but each time I went back around my pattern I picked up more area. It helps that I can fit the entire quilt into the harp of my machine so I don't have to keep turning it. Seriously- I love this machine. I was wondering if I would regret not getting the larger harp of the Janome, and so far, I'm good. (I also embroidered the label on the back- so I'm loving having embroidery.)
****I finally managed to mitre the beginnings and endings of the binding. Rather than the awful bump I get when I join them square, you can't even tell where the join is!
The other thing I did that was new- I put a label on it. So generations to come will know who made the quilt with the giant pucker in the backing :) I've never labeled a quilt before, often because I make them for babies who don't have names yet, and just signing mine seems silly.
It is in the washing machine right now. Say a little prayer it comes out in one piece!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
More Pajamas
I made Kevin another pair of Pajama pants.I used the same pattern again, still not following it (it has a weird old timey style with piping). I did the same modifications to greatly lower the waist band, and then lowering the fly- otherwise, it would be way too short, since the waist band is drafted to go to the chest.
The only mistake I made was not stitching down the part of the fly that ended up in the elastic casing. It really makes no difference, because one side of it is closed- but one side remains open. There didn't seem to be any part of the instructions saying to do that. He could put a quarter in there. You never know when you might need a quarter.
I did not attempt to match the plaids at all on the sides (and they don't match) but oddly, they match nearly perfectly on the back seam. This makes me wonder how matching the plaids could be possible, because if I matched the sides- then wouldn't the back seam not match?
I'm excited to say this is my first TNT: Tried and True. Now if I know Kevin wants Pajamas, I know exactly which ones to make.Except now he says "but they don't have pockets..." URGH! You never said you wanted pockets! I could have added pockets.
All I was told is that the first pair I made (years ago) didn't have a fly, so I found a pattern that had a fly. But- at the time I didn't buy new fabric and used the least girly stash fabric I had. So then the complain was that the second pair was purple. This pair fixes both these issues, and now he is saying he needs pockets. Who needs pockets when they sleep? I mean, I gave him a place to put a quarter :) I guess if I make another pair (probably next year, he doesn't wear PJ pants all that much) I will add pockets. Probably just in the side seam.
What a dud...
Class was a dud...I drove up to Cedar Rapids and ended up coming home.
So here's the story. I signed up for a class called Bag Making and Detailing. I try to do a class every month because I get lifetime free classes with my machine (but not really- a year, and then you get another year when you get the machine serviced...) because of the VIP card (which also gets you 20% off Bernina accessories, fabrics, and kits.)
So Pine Needles is really vague about what their classes are. When they put the calendar out, they didn't know what the project was yet, or the kit cost. (How do you have a class without knowing what the project is?) That's okay- so far I've really liked the classes and learned good techniques even when the project isn't my favorite. Plus, I really like bags.
So then I get the supply list and it is not useful. "Fabric according to pattern"- but I don't have the pattern yet. However, I googled to find the pattern and it is a cosmetic sized bag. This is my first UGH- I was thinking purse/tote bag. So already, I'm not too excited.
Then I call to get the kit cost- $31 (minus discount), but they didn't mention this was not including thread or needles (that is usually what makes the discount on kits nice- they don't usually discount thread, so it helps me build my Mettler stock). Thread is usually included in class kits. The pattern ($10) calls for 2 fat quarters and a zipper. I figure I could bring the supplies, but then I feel bad about it because they won't make any money, and if stores don't make money, they don't stay open. So $31 for a class that will teach me pintucks and demo Bernina's super expensive really cool ruffler sounds fair.
Today I drive up there and it turns out the kit is $39.95 (minus discount). That is just too much. I ask if I can buy the pattern separately, but it turns out they won't sell it outside the kit- so bringing your own supplies isn't even an option for this class. If you wanted to do that, they said, you'd also have to find your own copy of the pattern. WTF? I politely tell the teacher that this was more than I budgeted for, so I wouldn't be staying. She trys to tell me the kit is a better value than 2 fat quarters, a pattern and a zipper, because it is home dec weight fabric, not quilting weight. UM-$10 pattern, $2 zipper- how expensive is your home dec weight??? And besides, if the supply list told me I needed 1/2 yard of home dec weight, I could have brought that myself. But even still, you wouldn't sell me the pattern.
I'm annoyed I drove up there. But in my free afternoon, I did make three more headbands.
So here's the story. I signed up for a class called Bag Making and Detailing. I try to do a class every month because I get lifetime free classes with my machine (but not really- a year, and then you get another year when you get the machine serviced...) because of the VIP card (which also gets you 20% off Bernina accessories, fabrics, and kits.)
So Pine Needles is really vague about what their classes are. When they put the calendar out, they didn't know what the project was yet, or the kit cost. (How do you have a class without knowing what the project is?) That's okay- so far I've really liked the classes and learned good techniques even when the project isn't my favorite. Plus, I really like bags.
So then I get the supply list and it is not useful. "Fabric according to pattern"- but I don't have the pattern yet. However, I googled to find the pattern and it is a cosmetic sized bag. This is my first UGH- I was thinking purse/tote bag. So already, I'm not too excited.
Then I call to get the kit cost- $31 (minus discount), but they didn't mention this was not including thread or needles (that is usually what makes the discount on kits nice- they don't usually discount thread, so it helps me build my Mettler stock). Thread is usually included in class kits. The pattern ($10) calls for 2 fat quarters and a zipper. I figure I could bring the supplies, but then I feel bad about it because they won't make any money, and if stores don't make money, they don't stay open. So $31 for a class that will teach me pintucks and demo Bernina's super expensive really cool ruffler sounds fair.
Today I drive up there and it turns out the kit is $39.95 (minus discount). That is just too much. I ask if I can buy the pattern separately, but it turns out they won't sell it outside the kit- so bringing your own supplies isn't even an option for this class. If you wanted to do that, they said, you'd also have to find your own copy of the pattern. WTF? I politely tell the teacher that this was more than I budgeted for, so I wouldn't be staying. She trys to tell me the kit is a better value than 2 fat quarters, a pattern and a zipper, because it is home dec weight fabric, not quilting weight. UM-$10 pattern, $2 zipper- how expensive is your home dec weight??? And besides, if the supply list told me I needed 1/2 yard of home dec weight, I could have brought that myself. But even still, you wouldn't sell me the pattern.
I'm annoyed I drove up there. But in my free afternoon, I did make three more headbands.
Quick Sunday Project
My sister asked me if I could make her some headbands, so this morning before I packed up my machine (I'm heading to Cedar Rapids for a class this afternoon) I gave it a try. I just copied a headband I already have. It takes about 20 minutes, and uses two 2" pieces of fabric 15 inches long, and just a bit of elastic. A nice remnant use!
Courtney wants ones that won't slip when exercising, so I plan to try different fabrics, and take them to skating and SPIN. If they don't come out when spinning, they should be good (of course, she has straight hair, so that might be more slippery than my hair.)
I wear headbands daily, so I am excited to make more.
You might recognize this fabric from a recent Fabric Mart purchase- this is the Marc Jacobs flannel. I made Kevin a pair of pajama pants yesterday, but we haven't done the photo shoot yet. I think to thank me for the pants he took the above photo at an angle that makes it look like I have not only ONE chin, but a very skinny one. I don't have too many photos like that!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
More Fabric...
I actually got this quite some time ago. Before I sprained my wrist and put my sewing to a halt I planned on doing a block a week- so I needed some good quilting fabric that would go together. I had a credit with connecting threads, so I picked up a few lines of clearance fabric to do that. The three in the lower right are 3 yards each- enough to do most of the back of a quilt. I have lots of piecing fabric, but a lot less for backing...
So now I'm back to mostly healthy, I'm going to see if I can use the rotary cutter again. But, this project will likely need to be put off a bit longer. I need to quilt the top I made for my Mom, and my sister has asked me to do a few projects (she clearly needs a sewing machine. It is clear she wants to be a crafty Mom.)
Friday, February 24, 2012
New Patterns...
I often take advantage of the 99 cent pattern sales for Simplicity, McCall, and Butterick. It is difficult to justify spending more than that on a pattern. However, Vogue has some beautiful patterns and they all get great review on Pattern Review. I decided to take a chance and try a few out. These were on sale for $3.99 each, making them cheaper than Kwik Sew or Jalie (I love Jalie) but still expensive. Unlike those other two brands, they still come on the cheap tissue paper, which I don't like.
I am hoping to make a cruise dress- these are the four I decided on. (Pictures from Vogue Patterns website)
This one is my favorite. I plan to make it with the Charmeuse fabric I have, which might be a little too light weight (Charmeuse is suggested for the lining...). Kevin doesn't think this one will look good on me :( It only has 2 reviews on Pattern Review, so I'm not sure what to expect with it.
This one caught my eye a while back, but I thought it would cling to much too my stomach, and the more I looked at it the less flattering I thought it was even on the model. However, it was named a best pattern on Pattern Review, and TONS of people have made it and it looks excellent on a wide variety of body types. I'm excited to try it. I've read it has a unique construction, which worries me, as I'll have to alter it to fit my petite frame. Stupid petite frame.
This would be a more casual beach dress. Kevin hates it. However, again it was named a top pattern on PR, and tons of people have made it with all different body types. I'm excited about this one. I plan to use a knit I got from Gorgeous Fabrics a few years back, a black and white sunflower print.
You'll be shocked to hear Kevin hates this one too. I don't think he can look past the model's photo (it also isn't very flattering) to just see the shape of the dress. (That is something challenging about sewing- to imagine what it could be, rather than what it is being shown as.) This is another pattern rated as a top pattern on PR, and a ton of people have made it, and it flatters a large number of body types. Essentially though, this dress is a sack of potatoes with a belt. I'm not sure what fabric I have for this- as I don't have many wovens.
I am hoping to make a cruise dress- these are the four I decided on. (Pictures from Vogue Patterns website)
This one is my favorite. I plan to make it with the Charmeuse fabric I have, which might be a little too light weight (Charmeuse is suggested for the lining...). Kevin doesn't think this one will look good on me :( It only has 2 reviews on Pattern Review, so I'm not sure what to expect with it.This one caught my eye a while back, but I thought it would cling to much too my stomach, and the more I looked at it the less flattering I thought it was even on the model. However, it was named a best pattern on Pattern Review, and TONS of people have made it and it looks excellent on a wide variety of body types. I'm excited to try it. I've read it has a unique construction, which worries me, as I'll have to alter it to fit my petite frame. Stupid petite frame.This would be a more casual beach dress. Kevin hates it. However, again it was named a top pattern on PR, and tons of people have made it with all different body types. I'm excited about this one. I plan to use a knit I got from Gorgeous Fabrics a few years back, a black and white sunflower print.You'll be shocked to hear Kevin hates this one too. I don't think he can look past the model's photo (it also isn't very flattering) to just see the shape of the dress. (That is something challenging about sewing- to imagine what it could be, rather than what it is being shown as.) This is another pattern rated as a top pattern on PR, and a ton of people have made it, and it flatters a large number of body types. Essentially though, this dress is a sack of potatoes with a belt. I'm not sure what fabric I have for this- as I don't have many wovens.
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