Work in Progress

A week without sewing equals a week's worth of crochet. I'm currently working on the Frou Frou sweater from Stitch n' Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker. I've never crocheted anything beyond a bag or scarf, so I feel like I'm taking a big leap here.


Let's hope it at least resembles the pictured garment when I'm finished.

8 things

It may have been quiet on this blog but it hasn't been quiet in real life. Last weekend Peter and I decided to rearrange the apartment, including new furniture and all. Ikea always seems like a good idea until fourteen hours later when you've put the front beams on the back side of an entertainment center. My sewing "room" is a secondary storage area until we find the fifty hours to put the remaining items together. So while I can see my sewing machine over all the boxes, I can't actually use it in the apartment's current state.

What a perfect time for a meme. Christina tagged me to tell you eight things about myself. Here goes...

1. I get extremely cranky when I'm hungry. Like, monster cranky. I carry granola bars in my purse in case I'm stuck somewhere and can't get to food in time. Sad, right?

2. I'm terrible at small talk.

3. I was born on the same day as my Dad. He also happens to be a twin so I share my birthday with my Aunt as well.

4. I started running four years ago. I was having a hard time falling asleep because I was so antsy with energy. One evening I decided to run around the block to get rid of some of my energy. It worked and I've been running ever since. I don't consider myself a runner runner though. I'm not hard core about it.

5. I have a Masters in Survey Methodology. If you are scratching your head thinking, "what the bleep?", don't worry, you're not alone. About 99% of the people I tell have the same reaction.

6. My boyfriend says I'm "at-risk" of becoming a vegetarian. I'm extremely picky about meat, especially processed meat. Oddly I'll eat tuna and crab out of a can, but nothing else.

7. I've never been camping. My friends are always surprised when I tell them this because they say I seem like the person who would like camping. A camping trip is on my "must do this Fall" list. We'll see how well my friends know me!

8. I would usually rather be sewing, crocheting, or some sort of crafting rather than doing the activity at hand.

Now I'm tagging these people who I'd love to know eight things about:

Katie
Diann
Mimi
Raesha
Mari

Don't feel obligated to dish though.

This post is also a good time to acknowledge the Rockin' Blogger award Cidell gave me in August. Thanks Cidell! I'm supposed to pass on the torch, but so many people have gotten this award I can't keep it straight who hasn't.

One skein scarves

Lately all I've been wanting to do is crochet. I'm sure it's the changing seasons.

Yarn always brings the kitties out. Sorry, Kitty, these aren't for you!

Have a great weekend folks.

Pattern information: One Skein Scarf from Stitch N' Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker

Yarn used: Patons Classic Merino Wool

Pattern rating: Easy Peasy!

No longer afraid of knits

Remember this debacle? I have to be honest and say I was more than a little disappointed. The experience put a little doubt/fear of knits in my mind. So this pattern sat cut out for a few weeks before I rallied up the courage to make another attempt at sewing knits. I used a lot of the advice I received after my first failed attempt. In particular, I used a walking foot and ditched the stretch stitch in favor of the zig-zag stitch and overlock stitch on the serger. Guess what, it was a success! I can't say I feel comfortable sewing knits. I think I need a few more successful knit garments before I can say that. I can say, however, that I can sew knits.

It definitely helped that I used a good pattern, Simplicity 3678, View A. I had to take in a few inches at the waist and hip, but that was the only alteration I made. I'm happy I faced up to my fear of knits because I love this dress. The cut is so flattering and so comfortable. I have plans to make View B and C, at least sometime before next spring.

It's here, right?

When I walked by an open window this morning, I felt it. There's a definite chill to the air. Fall! I can't really put into words how I feel other than excited. I love this season, I truly do. I'm giddy thinking about sweaters and pumpkins, scarves and hot cocoa, holidays and friends. I'm even more excited about Fall this year because it's the first Fall that I don't have school. This means I can do a lot of fall sewing and celebrating this year. I've got grand plans for apple picking trips and scary movie nights. I can't wait. Does anyone else feel this excited about the upcoming season? Speaking of Fall sewing, here's what's on my short list (subject to change as inspiration hits):


Simplicity 3622, View D. I actually cut out the fabric for this last night. I'm slightly concerned about my fabric choice, but I'm just going to see what happens and hope for the best.


Simplicity 3678, all views. I actually made the short sleeve version this week. Look out for a pattern review and pictures soon. You can probably figure out that I liked the pattern if I plan to make the other long sleeved views.

McCall's 5466, View C.


McCall's 5477, View C. I plan to sew this up in velvet or corduroy. Diann has this on her short list too.

I've also been itching to make a quilt for a while. I am having the hardest time choosing the fabrics though (too many choices!). I may just give in and buy a quilt kit. Would that be so horrible?

Happy Saturday everyone.

Turning three

A very special girl (my niece) turned three last week. To celebrate the occasion, I made her something extra special.

A patchwork bag! But wait, what is that peeping out of the top?

Why, it's Olive and Archie! They were excited about meeting Corinne. Would she accept them with loving arms, they wondered?

I think she did.

Doll Pattern: Olive and Archie from Wee Wonderfuls

Fabric Used: Quilting cotton and flannel from Joanns

Pictures tell a thousand words

I know you all have been on the edge of your seats waiting for these pictures. To see more, visit my flickr page.

I feel like I've finally gotten back into the groove of things around here. I've been sewing and have plenty to show, but you'll just have to wait on the edge of your seats for those too. Don't worry, you won't be waiting long.

Back from Greece

Greece was beautiful. The food was delicious. The people were friendly. Luckily, Athens and the islands we visited were unaffected by the fires happening on much of the mainland. We traveled to three different islands. Each island was so different from the other that I really can't decide which one I liked the most.

The picture above is a view from our hotel in Santorini. Incredible! I made the skirt I'm wearing out of some linen using a pattern I made from "Sew What Skirts!". This skirt and the dresses I made were perfect for the hot breezy weather. I'll be posting more pictures of our travels this week after I catch up on things around here (sleep being number one).