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Happy dance for the skirt and the nice weather. It was a gorgeous morning here in Hamden, CT. I somehow managed to pry my little brother away from his video games to help me take photos of my projects. Above, is a pleated skirt I made using a pattern from Sew What! Skirts by Francesca DenHartog. I love the way the pleats look but they never stay. I find myself checking to make sure the pleats are still set at the hem. I think after a few more pressings, the fabric should remember. The fabric, that’s another thing I love about the skirt. I’ve been eyeing this fabric for awhile now but could never decide what to do with it.
In the book, the skirt is titled “Asian Dream” and that is exactly what this fabric reminds me of. The colors are so vibrant and perfect for a spring skirt. Actually, I tried wearing this thing with my wool coat last weekend and ended up showing half of Boston my behind so…it is definitely a spring skirt.
Next up, an apron.
So, I’ve made a couple of aprons from vintage patterns that are a bit much. I think they’re really fun and great to look at but they’re not too functional. I’ve been making simple, functional aprons with fun fabrics. This is probably the most basic apron I’ve made. It only covers the thigh, has a simple tie in the back and it’s reversible, just cause. I think I have to make a dress or top with this color combo because I kind of fell in love with it while sewing.
More photos when the official photog (Conor) is back.
Turned into this….
I may be on an apron kick. I’m not sure yet. Let’s see what I make next. This is from the same Simplicity pattern, 3544, I used last time. This is view D. I think I’ll actually be using this apron more than the other one I made. It is a lot easier to put on. My favorite part is the pockets:
Jo-ann’s surprises me sometimes with their fabric selection. Most of it is pretty blah but sometimes you’ll find cool little gems like this Alexander Henry fabric. The red fabric is just a plain broadcloth.
I actually tried to go fabric shopping in New York but couldn’t really set my heart on anything. A lot of it was pretty expensive too, well, the stuff I liked was expensive. Next time I go, I’m going to have to have really specific projects in mind because otherwise, it is too overwhelming. I did, however, go yarn shopping at Knitty City and I came back with 6 hanks of Cotton Classic by Tahki and some Cascade 220. The staff was super friendly and helpful, I couldn’t believe it and they had a great selection. I’ll definitely be going back next time I’m in the city.
I’ve started Wicked from Zephyr Style using the Cascade I bought. It seems like a simple, quick knit AND there is virtually no seaming. I also just saw Wicked, the musical, in New York but the two aren’t really related.
After baking the other night, I was a mess. I had flour all over me. My “workspace” is generally clean in the kitchen but I’m a mess. I will definitely sacrifice whatever I’m wearing without even thinking. What else could I do? I just had to make an apron.
I used a re-printed vintage pattern from Simplicity 3544. When I went to choose a pattern, I wasn’t sure what I was looking for but as soon as I saw the pockets and panels, I knew this was the one. Check out the back:
I enjoyed sewing this apron more than anything I’ve worked on so far. Probably because I didn’t have to get caught up in measurements. I’m only wearing this in the kitchen so who cares if the bust is too big? No adjustments to the pattern were necessary. Shopping for the fabric was a fun time because I could basically go as crazy as I wanted. Again, I’m only wearing it in the kitchen, right? The fabric I chose has retro written all over it:
I think sewing is taking over my life. I’ve really been neglecting my knitting lately. My goal is to finish the vest I’m knitting by Sunday. Until then, I’m not going to go anywhere near the sewing machine.
Before I met Conor, Valentine’s Day actually had significance in my life. I’d pretend to not care about the commercial holiday but really deep down, I was wishing I had a valentine. I would secretly hope some secret admirer would reveal themselves by buying me chocolates or sending me flowers. The truth is, I don’t even like flowers that much and if I really wanted chocolate, I’d buy some myself.After I met Conor, I didn’t feel the need to put so much energy into one day. Now, it’s just an excuse to hang out and be us. I dread the thought of dressing up and eating in some expensive restaurant that is totally not us. We could be uncomfortable any day of the year. On a day like today, “the day of romance”, I’d rather get some take-out and snuggle up and watch Lost. Romantic, right? I’ve been trying to find a photo that captures our relationship. It took awhile but this one has to be in the top ten:
We’re two goofy people who happen to be in love.
AND on a crafty related note:
Sorry I’ve been MIA. I had a great weekend in upstate NY and Northampton. I saw Neko Case for the 2nd time on Saturday night and it was incredible. She truly is my favorite musician. She sings so effortlessly. One second she’s joking around and the next she’s belting out a great song. I also love that she has such a great range. Just compare the songs she does with the New Pornographers to her solo stuff. The song that probably did it for me was ” I Wish I Was The Moon”. I remember seeing some reference to it in my boyfriend’s AIM profile before we started dating and out of curiosity (and because I was kind of stalking him) I downloaded the song and I was hooked. So here! Listen to the song and love it. You can either download it or just listen to it online.
In other news, I got that job at the boutique after all. I guess I gave up too soon. It’s an expensive boutique and I generally wear inexpensive clothing so I asked my manager if there was a dress code. She basically told me, “yeah, look cute!” I don’t HAVE to wear clothing from the boutique but she prefers it. She can go on preferring until I have enough money to actually buy anything from there. On a craft related note, I spent all yesterday sewing because I’m a little freaked out about having to dress up for work every other day. I decided to use up my Jo-Ann’s gift certificates and try to make cute clothes. Remember this top? I decided to make the tunic version of it:
Excuse my expression. I think that’s my “I hate taking photos of myself” face. (I really do. I think I ended up propping the camera up on a spray can of cooking oil.) I remembering saying that the last top I made would be my last Built By Wendy pattern but I kept coming back to this tunic and had to make it. I used a heavy double knit jersey which, I love. It’s so warm and comfy. Here’s a shot of the tie in the back:
I don’t know about the tie. I used a hook and eye for the other top but thought I’d try out the tie thing. It doesn’t really bother me when it’s on but I don’t really like the way it looks. Overall, I’m really happy with it though. I think jersey is a little more forgiving than 100% cotton. If something doesn’t line up perfectly, you can stretch it to fit. Also, there are absolutely no frayed ends to deal with.
I’m starting to build quite the fabric stash. I think quilting might be in my future but not anytime soon. I’m going to work on another top for work and pay more attention to knitting for now.
Pattern: Simplicity - Builty By You 3964 by Built By Wendy
Fabric: Black Cotton and an Alexander Henry print
I think this will be my final Built By Wendy pattern. I’m ready to move on! I love this shirt. I’m not thrilled with the sleeves because they’re not really sleeves. Just pieces of fabric that jut out but I like them well enough to wear the shirt.
of an unemployed fresh-out-of-the-university gal. The first week of being unemployed and living with mom and dad entailed getting up at 11am and making Belgian waffles. This sort of thing catches up with you though. After eating Belgian waffles for breakfast 7 days straight, you start to look and feel like a belgian waffle. So now I present to you the yogurt parfait: So simple, yet so delicious and fun to make. Not as fun as eating it because let’s be honest, yogurt and Belgian waffles really are clearly two different animals. It’ll do.
So, moving on. After I’ve woken up and have carefully prepared a parfait, I usually read or watch a bit of TV (the parents have Tivo!). Currently, I’m reading Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Even though, it’s about a woman undergoing some sort of mid-life (1/3 life?) crisis, I find that I’m really identifying with it. I’m really drawn to books about people going through their (insert time period here) crisis. They always seem to discover some new fantastic thing or skill about themselves. I’m looking forward to my crisis.
Anyway, after my daily dose of reading or television, I start to get some energy and I craft! Unemployment allows plenty of time to knit and sew. I have knit 2 pairs of socks and I have sewn 4 garments. I just started sewing so there are plenty of mistakes. Hopefully, my photography will hide them. Below is my 4th and favorite garment. The pattern is from Simplicity 3835 Built By Wendy. I love Built By Wendy patterns. They’re pretty simple and easy to follow. Plus, most of her designs are classic so I know I can wear this stuff for a couple of years to come.
I’m really fascinated by sewing. Following patterns has really helped me to understand the construction of clothing. I really want to branch out and start designing my own patterns. First, I need a dressform. (Mom? Birthday present?) I’m trying not to let sewing get in the way of my knitting. Knitting is still my number one but sewing has provided me instant gratification. Did I mention this already? It takes me weeks to complete a sweater and only a day or two to make a dress. The processes are completely different though. I find that knitting is a lot more relaxing than sewing. Also, sewing in general seems more about the finished product than the actual process. But what do I know? I’m new to this sewing thing.
So back to a day in the life. This is actually pretty much it. We’ve reached the end of the line. My average day consists of eating, reading, tv-ing, knitting and sewing. What else do unemployed people do with their time? It’s been a nice 2 1/2 weeks but I’m feeling antsy. I’m missing the human interaction. I’m not looking forward to the draining 9 -5 days but I am looking forward to seeing the word “deposit” in my bank statements again.
The reason you had to endure this long post is because my blissful and not so blissful days of unemployment may be coming to an end. I have a job interview tomorrow morning at 9:45 am at Glee. Glee is a little boutique in Guilford. It will probably just be a part-time gig but it’ll buy me some time to continue to search for a more career oriented position. I hate retail but I like clothes. It might work. Now all I have to do is turn on the charm for the interview.
