on lateness and weddings
2009 @ 4:44 pm
This year I am late on more than one wedding related gift. I just can’t seem to get all the pieces together in a timely way. Have the gift? YES! Have the card? NO. Damn. That kind of thing and also the fact that I INSIST on perpetuating this handmade gift thing. I am sure my friends now see it as some sort of stall tactic. I assure you, it’s not. It’s just that I have the perfect picture in my brain of how things should be and I can’t hand over your gift until the vision is achieved.
I finally finished one of these overdue gifts last week…
I’ve had the book for a long while and have been working on the apron just as long. You see, I had to put it away when I realized it was going to look a little icky on the back…
But, when I pulled it out after our break–it didn’t look so bad after all! This wrinkling is the result of more fullness in the bottom of the apron than at the top. The hem is very deep, but looks so nice this way. It’s been recommended that I gather in the fullness first, then hem. I might try that next time, or consider the magical blind hem of the previous post. I think the blind hem would allow for a little more ease. Of course, you could just ignore it also, which is what I am choosing to do.
I hid a little contrasting fabric in the facing–I love it! I hope the recipient does too.
Upcoming…
2009 @ 7:44 am
I have been steadily working away at projects all summer and into the fall, but nothing seems to be coming to completion. I have four knitting projects on the needles and three unfinished sewing projects. Eeks! I thought I would crank through two of the lighter weight knitting pieces this summer, but I jut wasn’t inspired. I’ve made major progress on my Tangled Yoke Cardigan in the last week, although it’s just stockinette… the interest is in the yoke, which is still quite a ways away.
My prediction is that I’ll finished the Tangled Yoke and an apron first–despite the fact that other projects have languished longer.
It seems my projects are intentionally coordinated by color–2008 was a deep year for blue/greeen. The year to come? Orange! Based on recent purchases, anyway.
Kimono Baby top… not messed up this time!
2009 @ 11:26 am
For this top I used leftovers from a jumper I made Cassie back when she was shiny and new. Remember how I messed up the sleeves last time?
It turns out that the dots to mark the center of the sleeve are not marked on the pattern page. Easy enough to do yourself. Just fold the sleeve in half and set the fold against the shoulder seam. Pin into place and you are good to go. The angled side sets against the body of the shirt so that the cuff is straight.
A total win for gifting!
Kimono Dress from Weekend Sewing (I)
2009 @ 8:59 am
I am on a mission to make 2009 the year I finally sew something for myself. Those little girl clothes are just too enticing! Weekend Sewing offered the perfect challenge. Mostly in that the projects don’t seem too challenging 
I decided to start with the Kimono Dress and use some lightweight cotton my mother gave me from her stash. It’s a crazy print, but I love it.
The bodice came off without a hitch, but I’ve been warned via blog reading that the front will tend towards gaping open once the skirt is attached and gathered (which happens via elastic thread in the bobbin).
More updates on my fixes once the piece is complete!
More Smocking…
2009 @ 9:19 am
I’ve had some technical issues with the camera’s memory card. Our original card was corrupted and my Mac just wouldn’t read the new one. Ugh. In the meantime, I’ve finished a few things! I’m going to post my favorite first, even though it’s a repeat. I finished Maia’s Heather Ross Smocked Sundress (link to Martha Stewart Show demo) one evening while Maia and I were home without Cassie and Daddy. Unfortunately, Maia’s been sick with a fever for several days. We’ve missed some pretty fun stuff, but we’re dealing well.
The fabric for this dress was purchased at Brooklyn General a couple of years ago. It was in the vintage stack, but I think it’s more of a 70’s print. It’s got that unmistakable calico thing going on. The straps are made from double fold bias tape (1/4″) that is definitely vintage. When I started sewing a bought a lot from Ebay and this lovely peach was included. It was single-fold, but it’s easy enough to fold, press and stitch, isn’t it. I think the peach brightens up the dress. I did 7 lines of shirring on this dress (6 for Cassie) and tried it on to place the straps. I’ll be making a few more of these for nieces and friends as the summer progresses. Next time I’ll start the shirring 1″ from the folded top rather than from the top of the fabric. I’ve noticed it adds a nice ruffle to others finished dresses.
I do wish I had enough leftover for a matching bucket hat!
