While I haven't been spending *any* time lately sewing clothing, I *have* been working on some more crafting type projects. I found a wonderful tutorial on quilted place mats about a month ago, and have been making some recently. They're super fun and make up rather quickly. Plus, come with a lesson on how to miter corners on non-bias binding for quilts -- I am sure it would also work for bias. Which for some unknown reason I've never known how to do. Now, to perfect the *inside* corner miter. Any suggestions?? This blog has *tons* of really cute tutorials. I want to work through most of them at some point. You know, in all those *extra* hours in the day!
I have also been creating a sleeve for my new electronic toy. I purchased a Nook Color from my brother-in-law a couple days ago. Basically, I am using it purely for knitting patterns and YouTube videos for knitting instruction. So, I decided it needed a sleeve out of fabric. I might at some point knit one, as well. Versatility is the spice of life. Or something to that effect, I guess. I just like color. And fiber. Gee, you think?
I actually found another tutorial online for a felt patch-work type sleeve for an iPad. I have *no* idea where I found it, though. Which is sad, because my mom wanted a link to it, so she could make one for her impending Kindle -- which she *may* be getting for x-mas – it's a very poorly kept secret. But, alas and alack, no link. If I come across it, I'll post it in a future entry. Maybe.
Me being me, I've changed around the process from what I remember reading in the missing blog post. Once I finish it -- and figure out the concave miter -- I'll post some pics of it. I unfortunately have *zero* pictures of the work in progress thus far. Mostly because I am terrible at remembering to do so. But, finished photos will do, I'm assuming.
As far as knitting projects go, I spent a lovely day at my LYS in a class with Cat Bordhi learning a new way to knit sock heels. This class was inspirational beyond words. Plus, she made us get out and walk around the block after lunch. I *love* bossy teachers. It's the kind of teacher *I* want to be when I grow up. *If* I ever grow up. I'm kinda planning on not doing that, actually.
Happy Sunday, my lovelies!
~j.b.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
procrastination can be therapy, too.
I just read something on-line -- of which I'll post a picture later -- that really resonated with me. It said -- I'm paraphrasing, here -- that which you waste your time doing, maybe you should just do.
And it hit me, like a ton of bricks; I waste my time writing, and knitting. Don't get me wrong, I *love* sewing. It is my first passion. My first great love. Creating something three dimensional and wearable from something essentially flat is a wonderful...well, to me, it's magical. Elemental, even. And it is something I will always want to do; something I will always love as I love nothing else.
This being said, I am drawn to knitting as I never was to sewing. While sewing is full of frustration and muttered threats -- mostly said in the wee hours of the morning as a deadline looms ever closer -- knitting is fluid, and relaxing and blatantly meditative. It makes me feel...it makes me *feel*. Period. When I finally allow myself to turn off the tv, the music and my voice, I sit there, needles ticking away at the yarn, creating something literally out of nothing, time seems to stand still. I seem to fall *out* of time itself and...truly feel. I feel what it's like to be me, to be female, to be *human*.
I believe creating is a vital human need. We are programmed at a cellular level to create; children are usually our creation of choice. I currently do not have children. But I create. When I knit a piece of fabric, be it large or minute, I feel as though I've essentially given birth, raised, then let fly a child of my own creation.
I am sitting here, in a coffee shop near my home, waiting for a friend to pick me up. I haven't seen her in three years. We are going to have a wonderful day. And all I can think about is the bagful of knitting draped over my chair. It is calling to me.
Knitting helps me cope. It rests my mind while allowing my fingers to dance. A few weeks ago, because of various situations, I was unable to knit -- or sew, for that matter -- for nearly three weeks. I literally became so intensely depressed I didn't know what to do. My life line had been severed. Literally. I eventually worked my way through, and was able to begin knitting again. And at this point, I have decided that *not* knitting is not acceptable. Ever. Period. It really is quite that simple. Sort of.
As far as my sewing goes, we'll see. I may or may not ever make money either teaching sewing or clogging about sewing or pod-casting about sewing. I *will* continue sewing. I may just not say too much about what I'm doing in that arena. I am not comfortable giving up sewing, if for no other reason than the amount of time and $$ I have spent on this endeavor over the past 5 or so years. We'll just have to see. I believe I may need to lower my expectations of my ability to produce.
Now, where's my yarn and my needles? I've had a great day, and I'm ready to relax and knit.
~ happy procrastinating, my lovelies <3
And it hit me, like a ton of bricks; I waste my time writing, and knitting. Don't get me wrong, I *love* sewing. It is my first passion. My first great love. Creating something three dimensional and wearable from something essentially flat is a wonderful...well, to me, it's magical. Elemental, even. And it is something I will always want to do; something I will always love as I love nothing else.
This being said, I am drawn to knitting as I never was to sewing. While sewing is full of frustration and muttered threats -- mostly said in the wee hours of the morning as a deadline looms ever closer -- knitting is fluid, and relaxing and blatantly meditative. It makes me feel...it makes me *feel*. Period. When I finally allow myself to turn off the tv, the music and my voice, I sit there, needles ticking away at the yarn, creating something literally out of nothing, time seems to stand still. I seem to fall *out* of time itself and...truly feel. I feel what it's like to be me, to be female, to be *human*.
I believe creating is a vital human need. We are programmed at a cellular level to create; children are usually our creation of choice. I currently do not have children. But I create. When I knit a piece of fabric, be it large or minute, I feel as though I've essentially given birth, raised, then let fly a child of my own creation.
I am sitting here, in a coffee shop near my home, waiting for a friend to pick me up. I haven't seen her in three years. We are going to have a wonderful day. And all I can think about is the bagful of knitting draped over my chair. It is calling to me.
Knitting helps me cope. It rests my mind while allowing my fingers to dance. A few weeks ago, because of various situations, I was unable to knit -- or sew, for that matter -- for nearly three weeks. I literally became so intensely depressed I didn't know what to do. My life line had been severed. Literally. I eventually worked my way through, and was able to begin knitting again. And at this point, I have decided that *not* knitting is not acceptable. Ever. Period. It really is quite that simple. Sort of.
As far as my sewing goes, we'll see. I may or may not ever make money either teaching sewing or clogging about sewing or pod-casting about sewing. I *will* continue sewing. I may just not say too much about what I'm doing in that arena. I am not comfortable giving up sewing, if for no other reason than the amount of time and $$ I have spent on this endeavor over the past 5 or so years. We'll just have to see. I believe I may need to lower my expectations of my ability to produce.
Now, where's my yarn and my needles? I've had a great day, and I'm ready to relax and knit.
~ happy procrastinating, my lovelies <3
Thursday, June 23, 2011
I've been sewing!!!
After a particularly awful day of appointments, on Monday, a friend and I rewarded ourselves with a trip to Hart's Fabric. And while they are not a wonderful place to work – yes, I've worked there – they are an amazing (!) place to visit shop. And shop I did. I'll show pics of the fabrics/patterns I bought further in this entry.
And the reason for my shopping spree: my anniversary is in September – year number FIVE!! -- and for the past couple of years,husband and I have been trying to plan a trip up north into Oregon and Washington to visit friends and family. We've failed. Every year. Mostly because of husband not being able to get time off work right after summer. Well, with a new job imminent for him -- keeping fingers crossed (edit: he just received the job offer!) – he may actually be able to get the time off this fall, and we are starting to plan our much-delayed road trip.
Because it will be up North and the weather is if-y in the dead of summer, I decided to plan and sew a nice new fall wardrobe for colder weather. So, it will probably end up being my winter wardrobe at home. Plus, possibly a fancy-ish 'out-fit' for Holiday parties and such. I decided I am going to need stuff that packs easily, and is rather versatile design-wise. So, for the first time in my life – adult, or otherwise – I am actually planning a wardrobe. And really making some decisions based on not just “what-I-like” but based in “what-will-work” for my life-style and fashion sense. What a concept! It only took me 10 years of sewing for myself to figure this out!
This will also figure perfectly into my goal of branching out from quilting cottons for garments this year. I have been talking about this for a number of months now, so it's time to jump in. Not that there is anything wrong with quilting cottons. I just believe for garments they tend to lead to a very “home-sewn” look. They do not drape well, and to me, can seem rather juvenile at times. And I'm ready to up the quality of my sewing skills, and the quality of the finished garments.
I will also be making my husband two shirts and attempting to draft and sew him a Pea-Coat, as an anniversary present and for the trip. See, my husband is 6'6" tall. He is also very lanky and slim. He has, what I lovingly refer to as Monkey Arms -- and he will heretofore be referred to as Monkey Boy. So, trying to find a coat to fit this man is nearly impossible! Either they fit in the arms, and are *WAY* to big in the torso, or they fit in the torso, but the arms are 3/4 length sleeves. Which, by the way, is not really an attractive look on men. Therefore, a custom coat. Which I've never really done. So, yeah...I'm a tad bit apprehensive about this challenge. But there's pretty much no one else I'd rather sew for. I have already begun the muslin for the shirt and have also already taken down his measurements for the sloper I will need for the coat. I have a pattern for the shirts, thank goodness! I have never actually attempted making a “dress-shirt” of any sort, so this is proving quite challenging.
I particularly don't like raw edges in my garments – I think they look weird and become messy when washed – so I am having issues with the instructions for this shirt at the moment. The inside of the pocket has raw edges. And I do not like this at all. So, I am trying to figure out a way to eliminate them completely. This attempt has resulted in three failed pockets. It is not looking good for getting these done in time. Do RTW (ready to wear) garments have raw edges in their pockets as well? I am honestly not sure. I'll have to do some research in my husbands closet.
Okay, now it's picture time. This first one is the coat pattern I'll be working on for myself for our fall trip up North.
I will be making the pink version on the envelope. And while the picture doesn't really do this fabric justice, it truly is gorgeous, and quite soft. I don't have a lining picked out yet, because I can't quite figure out if I want to go super subtle or something shockingly bright and pretty inside. I also don't want to necessarily spend more on the lining than I spent on the outer fabric. Which I bought for a sweet $16.99/yard. It may seem a bit pricey to some, but it's a great (!) quality fabric, 100% wool, and imported. So, I splurged.
All the lining fabric I've been finding, though is nearly $30/yard. Which is completely ridiculous! There is also the slight issue that I will NOT use acetate lining – or anything else of artificial content –for anything! (insert link to first post). Plus, I LOVE the idea of a super pretty – and surprising – lining on the inside of a coat/jacket. Especially if the outer fabric is somewhat subdued, as this one is. I was going to make this out of this fabric (insert link to pic of plaid fabric), but I decided that this one just doesn't work with what I generally wear. It's a gorgeous fabric, it's just not really me as far as a jacket goes. So, I think I'll make a bag or two out of it, instead.
Alright, that's it for now. Back to the work at hand. :)
~happy sewing, everyone!
I will be making the pink version on the envelope. And while the picture doesn't really do this fabric justice, it truly is gorgeous, and quite soft. I don't have a lining picked out yet, because I can't quite figure out if I want to go super subtle or something shockingly bright and pretty inside. I also don't want to necessarily spend more on the lining than I spent on the outer fabric. Which I bought for a sweet $16.99/yard. It may seem a bit pricey to some, but it's a great (!) quality fabric, 100% wool, and imported. So, I splurged.
All the lining fabric I've been finding, though is nearly $30/yard. Which is completely ridiculous! There is also the slight issue that I will NOT use acetate lining – or anything else of artificial content –for anything! (insert link to first post). Plus, I LOVE the idea of a super pretty – and surprising – lining on the inside of a coat/jacket. Especially if the outer fabric is somewhat subdued, as this one is. I was going to make this out of this fabric (insert link to pic of plaid fabric), but I decided that this one just doesn't work with what I generally wear. It's a gorgeous fabric, it's just not really me as far as a jacket goes. So, I think I'll make a bag or two out of it, instead.
Alright, that's it for now. Back to the work at hand. :)
~happy sewing, everyone!
Monday, June 20, 2011
... and in related news!
My sewing room -- I tried calling it a 'studio' but it just doesn't work for me -- is pretty much finished being re-created, and I am *loving* it so very much. Pictures to come...next post perhaps? I am not in there nearly as often as I'd like to be, and there are still a few things I need to organize -- like my pattern stash! -- but every time I even walk by the room, I'm drawn to it. It even smells good -- kinda like scorched ironing board cover (oops!). Although I believe scorching is just a bit of a right of passage for new ironing board covers. And this one is 'kinda' new, in terms of amount of usage. And I LOVE it.
So, I need to organize my pattern stash. I really really do. See, I've recently lost quite a few inches (read: dropped three pants sizes) and I have a LOT of patterns that just do not have the smaller sizes in them (10, 12, 14). I refuse to throw them away, though. That just seems extremely wasteful to me. It would be much better to find a new home for them. Soooo, to this end, I believe I will be having a sale. Most of these patterns are larger sizes (16+), and some have been cut in to at this point. But I do *not* enjoy grading patterns at all, so there's no chance I'll do this.
Over the next fewdays weeks, I will be taking pictures of my 'soon-to-be-homeless' patterns, and placing said images on my blog. Any suggestions about pricing? I have an Etsy shoppe, but most of these patterns are *not* vintage in any sense of this mis-used word. So, I'll have to do it this way. And I would rather burn my entire fabric stash in a fire than use eBay. Sorry, bad memories and all.
Like I've said, some of these patterns have been cut into, so those I may just give-away at this point. Some are also possibly discontinued at this point, as well. We'll see. I might be able to get a couple yards of fabric for some of them. Which, by the way, would suit me just fine. I'll even do a trade! Patterns for fabric, anyone??
Alright, need to go starting taking pictures. Check back in the next few weeks for patterns-for-sale-pictures!
~j.b.
So, I need to organize my pattern stash. I really really do. See, I've recently lost quite a few inches (read: dropped three pants sizes) and I have a LOT of patterns that just do not have the smaller sizes in them (10, 12, 14). I refuse to throw them away, though. That just seems extremely wasteful to me. It would be much better to find a new home for them. Soooo, to this end, I believe I will be having a sale. Most of these patterns are larger sizes (16+), and some have been cut in to at this point. But I do *not* enjoy grading patterns at all, so there's no chance I'll do this.
Over the next few
Like I've said, some of these patterns have been cut into, so those I may just give-away at this point. Some are also possibly discontinued at this point, as well. We'll see. I might be able to get a couple yards of fabric for some of them. Which, by the way, would suit me just fine. I'll even do a trade! Patterns for fabric, anyone??
Alright, need to go starting taking pictures. Check back in the next few weeks for patterns-for-sale-pictures!
~j.b.
Rigorously Honest ... most days
Whew! What a month. Good, bad, or indifferent, life can certainly run away with me sometimes. I don't necessarily believe this is a good thing all the time, though. And again, good, bad, or indifferent, things may get some closure today. At least I'm hoping so.
Wanted to say 'Thank You' to my lovely followers who commented on my last post. Every bit of advice is much appreciated. And I agree completely with the sentiment of 'Rigorously Honest as Necessary' when it comes to...well, life in general. So, to this end, I believe a few personal details for those who don't *actually* know me, and for those who do, you lovelies already most likely know what's going on in my life, anyway. So, there you go. Expect a sewing related post later this morning, or this afternoon. Thank you for your patience, my lovelies...
~j.b.
Wanted to say 'Thank You' to my lovely followers who commented on my last post. Every bit of advice is much appreciated. And I agree completely with the sentiment of 'Rigorously Honest as Necessary' when it comes to...well, life in general. So, to this end, I believe a few personal details for those who don't *actually* know me, and for those who do, you lovelies already most likely know what's going on in my life, anyway. So, there you go. Expect a sewing related post later this morning, or this afternoon. Thank you for your patience, my lovelies...
~j.b.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Questions for the followers...
I believe this is when we in blog-land need to begin to decide exactly *how* much personal information really gets to be shared with readers. Granted, I only have three followers -- is it okay that I celebrate this?? I am just not sure how comfortable I am 1) Sharing lots of personal information and 2) Not being honest about my life in terms of my creativity goes. Shall we put it to a vote, maybe? All three of you chime on in? That of course requires you to *magically* know I've finally have a new post AND comment on said new post. We'll give a shot, and I'll write more when I've figured this query out. Hopefully it won't take *quite* so long this time!
~happy sewing!
p.s. I actually have a sew date today, and will hopefully actually have something sewing related to post later today or tomorrow. Yay!
~happy sewing!
p.s. I actually have a sew date today, and will hopefully actually have something sewing related to post later today or tomorrow. Yay!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Third Time's a Charm, right?
Starting a new blog entry, when the "new-ness" has officially worn off -- shocking that it only took until the second entry, right -- is not easy. I have an abundance of IDEAS, though very little idea of where to start with them.
It's been a rough winter...oh hell, it's been a rough YEAR, creatively for me. I have accomplished very little during the past 9 or 10 months in so far as my "fiber-addiction" is concerned. Life sort of got in the way. It happens. A lot. At this point, I am needing a re-do. We have recently moved, and I basically have a clean slate for my sewing studio. And because of this, it has sat in boxes for almost a month. Having a clean slate can be incredibly over-whelming, to say the least.
I guess I wanted to wait to begin unpacking and setting up until I had the PERFECT concept of what I wanted in there. I am not very good at RE-designing a room once it is in place and has all the furniture set up. Spacial "puzzles" are NOT a strong-suit of mine, at all. I like emptiness first, then I go for it. I believe that is why I enjoy beginning a new garment/project, as opposed to altering one that is already more or less complete. I love the IDEA of altered-couture, but in practice, I can not see passed what is already there. Call it a design-feature, not a flaw. I am working on it.
Last night, my husband and I went to Ikea for possibly the 5,000th time since the move. Why is it that when we get there, we become stupid and forget the entire purpose for going there? It really is an overwhelming place. Plus, the distinct lack of windows through most of it is not reassuring; we both end up grouchy and somewhat claustrophobic within roughly two minutes of leaving the "lobby".
Last night was good, though. I feel like we really accomplished a lot, and not just infuriating each other to the point of divorce, either. We finally -- third time IS a charm -- got our bed frame, and a few other things for the bedroom. And I finally settled on a big portion of what I needed/wanted for my sewing studio. Oddly enough, it was a desk we were considering for his office. Turns out, I was "suggesting" it so much, because I really liked it and why not just get it for my space? So, we did. Well, almost. They were out of the actual "desk" part. Figures. Guess we're going back...again.
So, today is Sunday. It's cloudy, nearly raining -- it's May, right?? -- and I think we're going to be "building" furniture all day. We even managed to purchase a bottle of Guerrilla Glue last night. I'm convinced it isn't enough, but we'll see. I want to get the shelf part of my desk built today because I am going to need help with that -- it's HUGE. Plus, Tuesday my lovely assistant (aka, Joan the Professional Organizer) comes over to help me, and I want to prove to her that I haven't been sitting on my behind for the past three weeks, when in reality, that's exactly what I've been doing! Another design-feature?? We'll see.
Hopefully by the end of this month, I will have a "brand-new" creative space to begin creating in. It's been a long time since I've fondled fabric, and I have PLANS. Ideas, one could say. Now, where do I START??
happy Sunday,
~j.b.
It's been a rough winter...oh hell, it's been a rough YEAR, creatively for me. I have accomplished very little during the past 9 or 10 months in so far as my "fiber-addiction" is concerned. Life sort of got in the way. It happens. A lot. At this point, I am needing a re-do. We have recently moved, and I basically have a clean slate for my sewing studio. And because of this, it has sat in boxes for almost a month. Having a clean slate can be incredibly over-whelming, to say the least.
I guess I wanted to wait to begin unpacking and setting up until I had the PERFECT concept of what I wanted in there. I am not very good at RE-designing a room once it is in place and has all the furniture set up. Spacial "puzzles" are NOT a strong-suit of mine, at all. I like emptiness first, then I go for it. I believe that is why I enjoy beginning a new garment/project, as opposed to altering one that is already more or less complete. I love the IDEA of altered-couture, but in practice, I can not see passed what is already there. Call it a design-feature, not a flaw. I am working on it.
Last night, my husband and I went to Ikea for possibly the 5,000th time since the move. Why is it that when we get there, we become stupid and forget the entire purpose for going there? It really is an overwhelming place. Plus, the distinct lack of windows through most of it is not reassuring; we both end up grouchy and somewhat claustrophobic within roughly two minutes of leaving the "lobby".
Last night was good, though. I feel like we really accomplished a lot, and not just infuriating each other to the point of divorce, either. We finally -- third time IS a charm -- got our bed frame, and a few other things for the bedroom. And I finally settled on a big portion of what I needed/wanted for my sewing studio. Oddly enough, it was a desk we were considering for his office. Turns out, I was "suggesting" it so much, because I really liked it and why not just get it for my space? So, we did. Well, almost. They were out of the actual "desk" part. Figures. Guess we're going back...again.
So, today is Sunday. It's cloudy, nearly raining -- it's May, right?? -- and I think we're going to be "building" furniture all day. We even managed to purchase a bottle of Guerrilla Glue last night. I'm convinced it isn't enough, but we'll see. I want to get the shelf part of my desk built today because I am going to need help with that -- it's HUGE. Plus, Tuesday my lovely assistant (aka, Joan the Professional Organizer) comes over to help me, and I want to prove to her that I haven't been sitting on my behind for the past three weeks, when in reality, that's exactly what I've been doing! Another design-feature?? We'll see.
Hopefully by the end of this month, I will have a "brand-new" creative space to begin creating in. It's been a long time since I've fondled fabric, and I have PLANS. Ideas, one could say. Now, where do I START??
happy Sunday,
~j.b.
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