I guess that's been it for the craftiness. I've also grown some Paperwhites that are threatening to take over the entire living room, started some sage seeds, become an intern for a women's health project, started my insanely busy last semester of college, cooked a few good meals, done a lot of homework, drank a lot of tea, and snuggled a lot with Kellen. 2009 has been good to me so far. ¶ 12:34 PM 0 Comments
Mel was my very awesome secret pal for round 12. This was my grand finale package, which arrived just in time for me to have quilts on the brain. All these gorgeous fabrics!! I'm in love. I'm thinking maybe some small patchwork projects and some sock bags? She also sent shrinky dinks, a See's Candy gift certificate, my favorite dishcloth cotton and a dishcloth pattern.
Thanks so much, Mel! I'm sorry it took so long for me to blog, this semester has really kicked me in the ass. I loved having you as a secret pal!
In other news, I think I'm ready to start blogging again. Like I said, my schedule is hectic, but I think what was really holding me back was feeling obligated to blog every project. Then put them on Rav, on Flickr, etc. I've finished quite a few hats and smaller projects during my blog break, but I'm not sure I feel like blogging them. I will direct you to the Rav & Flickr pages, though. Then I'll start fresh blogging what I'm working on for Xmas. But more on that later...
Labels: secret pal, Sewing
¶ 11:48 AM 1 Comments
Christmas knitting has commenced. I know there are a few family members that spy on me show their interest in my life by reading my blog, so I've thought long and hard about how to blog about Christmas gifts without ruining the surprise. So, here we go. I'll post some progress shots, but I'm going to be vauge about exactly what I'm knitting and who it's for. If you hang in there until December, I'll be posting it all before it's gifted, though. I'll also be posting details on Ravelry, since my family won't be able to peek there. Anyway, I'm a few inches into the above pattern and I'm loving every second of it. So easy! I got to knit on it while enjoying coffee and chocolate with The Girls today. I also snagged a copy of The Knitter's Almanac at the local used bookstore. Yay!
God, this is an AWFUL picture, but I was tired and it was the best I could get. Bear with me! Since we were stitching out on the town, I needed a cute outfit, so I whipped up another Built By Wendy/Simplicity 3835 top. By "whipped up" I mean cursed the neckline and wanted to set the whole damn thing on fire, but I perservered. It's an easy peasy pattern but something just wasn't working. Kellen took me out for ice cream, which helped. I think it turned out pretty cute, too, and the girls and I all matched in our polka dotted cuteness!
¶ 5:51 PM 1 Comments
The pattern is so much easier this time around. It wasn't exactly hard last time, but now that I really understand the construction, I can look at the stitches logically, so it's easier to fix any mistakes as they arise. I just finished the first lilly of the valley border, so only two more charts and this baby will be ready for blocking. I find it a little bit funny that I'm going so much faster than last time, when I was on a deadline. I have all the time in the world this time around, and I've buzzed through this far in about a week or two.
Speaking of buzzing...Brittney, Karla and I have just about finished our Bzz hats that we're knitting along together. Okay, actually all I need to do is break my yarn and weave in the ends (plus sew on buttons, which we're going to do all together. I lost mine though! That's what I get for cleaning...So another trip to the craft store needs to happen soon) The hat is not my only Bees on The Brain project though:
Pattern: McCalls M4323, with modifications. Fabric: from my local Joanne's. I'm not totally thrilled with how this came out, for one, it sat in my closet for weeks because I could not get the lining sewn in properly, and the directions left a lot to be desired. I finally managed to get it all together, but there are definitely more puckers and gathers than there should be. The handles are sort of ill-fitting too. I omitted the pockets and the snap because I just didn't want to sew them. Next time (if there is a next time) I'll use a stiffer interfacing too, since it's a little floppy. As a whole, though, I do like the purse. I am absolutely crazy about bees (my family raised them while I was growing up, and my father continues to do so.) and the fabric is way cute. Maybe I'll use it as a knitting bag.
Hey, are you on Ravelry? I just got my invite a few days ago, and I'd love some new friends. I feel geeky adding people when I'm not sure if they know who I am or not. So do a shy girl a favor, and stop by my page and say hi! And if you're not a member yet, join the waiting list, but be patient. It took a few weeks for my invite to come (but I think they're going through the list more quickly now) but it was worth it. Except now I have another excuse to spend precious knitting time online! It's a double edged sword. ...Or maybe, a double pointed needle? ¶ 11:20 PM 3 Comments
I just couldn't stay away!And since I've been on a sewing kick lately, here's a skirt I made a few months ago but never got around to posting:
Pattern: Simplicty 4019. Fabric: Alexander Henry Zodiac close up photo here. I absolutely love this pattern, and I've made 2 more skirts since this one. Maybe I'll post them when I get a chance.
¶ 4:30 PM 3 Comments
Pattern: Built by Wendy/Simplicity 3835 Fabric: Pink Astral Skulls by Alexander Henry, purchased at my local Joann's.
This top was super easy to sew, but cutting it out was a pain in the, well, wrist, back, neck, etc. That was my fault, though, because I'm fairly sure I only bought enough fabric for a size smaller than I actually am/made, and my "cutting table" is my floor.
I think it's a great top for summer, but because it's 100% cotton, I'll definitely have to make friends with my iron. And can I just say I'm in love with Alexander Henry fabric? Skulls, loteria, Sailor Jerry-type tattoo prints? Love!
Okay, knitting will resume shortly, I promise! ¶ 4:07 PM 2 Comments
