Covered in Stitches (and Yarn)

I took last week off from my sewing room as things were crazy busy.  We had an out-of-town friend staying with us, and free time was spent bonding over needlecraft activities.  She's a fellow knitter, and I refreshed her memory on how to crochet.  I ended up spending the rest of the week working on my pending needlecraft projects, including a crochet wrap, and my submission for the Covered in Stitches embroidery contest.

Here's a peek at my crochet wrap...

The yarn is by Three Irish Girls, and I picked it up at my LYS, Bobbin's Nest.

I think the green and grey hues of the yarn may actually serve as my main color palette for my winter garments.  I've been pinning a few items and have been leaning towards that color scheme.

I'm over halfway done, having gone through a full skein of the yarn, and am well into the second.

And now, onto my entry for the Covered in Stitches embroidery contest.

He's so flippin' cute!

A few months ago, Feeling Stitchy posted pictures of Jillian Tamaki's needlework book covers for a few Penguin classics.  The covers were gorgeous and had me wanted to snatch up each one of them (Black Beauty, Emma, and the Secret Garden).  I was so inspired by the images that I instantly jumped on Feeling Stitchy's book cover contest.  The challenge? To design your own needlework book cover based off of an existing design.  I instantly knew that I wanted to do the Little Prince.  I love the book and have a mini collection (ok, figurines, postcards, lunch box, a couple of copies of the book in French and English, etc) that I've been hoarding for years.  It's such a beautiful story and I love the illustrations throughout.

I set to work on making a transfer of the design.  With this project, I wanted to try all new things.  In the past, I've mainly done basic cross stitch on heavy Aida fabric.  This time I knew I wanted to use linen, and do crewel embroidery... primarily satin stitch, chain stitch, split stitch, etc.  I used tutorials from all over the web, but primarily from Sublime Stitching who also had the materials I needed for the transfer.

Made the transfer of a tracing of the cover. Colors selected and all ready to be stitched up!

I started stitching my entry, in the meantime seeing that another Little Prince was made. I was bummed but I'm glad to know it's such an inspiring book for so many people.  At the same time, I was enjoying seeing how mine was turning out, and loving the new techniques that I was getting to try. It was also great to see another interpretation of the book.  So on with the stitching I went!

I finally finished my submission this weekend, with it taking just over a month to put together.  I love how it turned out and instantly had ideas in my head for a series of book covers.  These would be so perfect for a library, a child's room, etc.  I've already framed this one... but now I just need to figure out what's next!

If you have a chance, check out the Feeling Stitchy Flickr group.  You can see all of the beautiful submissions so far and even submit your own!

Amy Butler Frenchy Bag

This bag was a fun and easy accessory piece.  I used Amy Butler’s Frenchy Bag pattern and one of her floral prints for the exterior fabric.  The interior fabric was a coordinating green pattern that I found at my local fabric store.

I followed the pattern exactly for the shoulder sling length.  The only thing I would change would be the interior pockets.  They’re pretty large so once something goes in the bag, it’s pretty easy to get lost in there.

I love the snap closure and the bag is the perfect size.  I was able to complete it in one night with a few hours of sewing.

She wore an itsy bitsy, teenie weenie...

Well, it’s not a bikini, but it is a polka dot dress!  I was inspired by a dress on display at my local craft shop.  I loved the fabric and had actually intended it for another project, when I remembered that I had an Amy Butler dress that I’d been wanting to complete.  

The pattern was incredibly easy! It was so fast to put together, with the only problem I encountered being that I didn’t realize it was supposed to have lining.  Somehow I missed that part when purchasing the fabric, cutting the patterns, and reading the directions.  Luckily the fabric I used was a nice cotton that wasn’t too thin.  I had my heart set on completing the dress so I decided to omit the lining.  I think the seams would have been nicer with it, but the brown thread complemented the design.  

I’m also not a huge fan of fitted short sleeves so I tried it on without the bias edge... and really liked the look.  So I left them out.  

Overall I’m extremely pleased with this dress and pattern.  I can definitely see myself using the pattern again with some other fun combinations, or even in a solid.  I love the vintage, classic look of the dress.  

Lovely image of the trash can behind me.  Apparently it was too early to notice such details.  Oh, and it definitely needs to be pressed.

The finishing touch? A green flower pin that I've had sitting in my jewelry box for years.  I bring it out occasionally but I think it's found a new home on this dress.

FO: Colette Crepe Dress

It’s official! I’ve finished my first sewn garment that I made 100% by myself.  I haven’t had a chance to get out and pick up the closing pieces to my raincoat but luckily I had the new Colette Crepe wrap dress pattern that required no closures or any other items that I didn’t have handy.  All that was needed was the fabric and interfacing. 

Ta-da!

Back view

This dress was rated at the beginner level which I thought was appropriate since I had technically only ever made clothing pieces with the help of friends.  The pattern came with a short instruction ‘book’ that walked me through the creation process step-by-step.  

Close up of the fabric.

I found this fun fabric at my local fabric and yarn store, Bobbin’s Nest.  When I buy clothes for myself, I tend to go for basics and solid colors, so I decided this dress should be something fun that I wouldn’t be able to pick up just anywhere.  To be a little safe still, I chose the accent ribbon in black.

The top is almost complete.  Wallace approves.

I followed the pattern exactly with one minor modification.  The pattern comes with two neckline versions.  Version 1 is the pattern I followed: a rounded neckline.  Version 2 had a more shaped neckline but was also the version that had a contrasting sash.  I decided to go with Version 1 but swap in the different colored sash.

Attaching the top to the skirt.

The pattern was extremely easy to follow.  The dress fits great and I think one of my favorite features is the pockets.  I also liked the final length, so I hemmed it as is, but I may eventually shorten it a bit. 

Tobey guards the sewing machine.

As usual, my cats decided to help continuously through the process.  Once I made it to the final steps, it wasn’t a problem, but between their naps on the fabric, or grooming on my sewing table, we had a few battles.  In the end, I think they can claim victory.

Simon conducts quality control.

Lady Grey's Sew Along Update: Oilcloth

I followed the same steps as the lining and put together the oilcloth exterior of the raincoat.  I haven't had to use scotch tape on the presser foot yet as I've been working with the interior cloth, but I can tell I'll definitely need it when starting to hem everything and attach it all together.

In order to put together the oilcloth pieces without leaving holes from the pins, I used binder clips... it worked great!

After I attach the lining, I just need to add the pockets and and belt loops.  Oh... and button holes... but I'm nervous about that part.

Lady Grey’s Sew Along Update

Time for an update on my raincoat!  As one of my first posts mentioned, I didn’t have the Lady Grey pattern yet so I started with the Amy Butler Rainy Days raincoat.  The pattern has now arrived so I’ll start on that jacket after I finish the raincoat... which is progressing nicely!

I started with the lining. As I wasn’t doing a muslin version of this coat, I’ve been meticulous with my sewing and marking.  This has been a pretty easy pattern so far and apparel sewing is still new to me.  The hardest part was the sleeves but only because I’m not a fan of sewing gathered materials.  It wasn’t too painful - I just used a lot of pins!

I didn’t hem the length of anything yet (as you can see, the sleeves are a little long) as this is just the lining and I can cut back anything that is too long for the final jacket.  Aside from the length, I really like the fit.  I just put a little pin in front to get an idea of what it will look like closed.

I started stitching the oilcloth material.  I’ll be using binder clips and paper clips instead of pins to avoid any excessive puncture marks.  So far so good! Hopefully I’ll be done with the jacket in the next week.  I’m going to a dance workshop this weekend so anything I don’t finish in the next couple of days will have to wait until next week.  It’s been a quick sew so far, but I’m going to take my time putting the oilcloth together to avoid any scary mistakes.  More coming soon!

When Irish eyes are smiling...

On a recent trip to Ireland, I was at a loss as to what I should gift my friend and hostess for the trip.  I had taken up knitting over the winter and thought I could put that skill to use.  The only problem was that I didn’t want to get her a ‘typical’ wool gift as she lives in the land of sheep and probably has access to an abundance of those products already.  She also frequently spends time in California, so she would have the opportunity to wear it in warmer weather.  

In the end, I went with a beautiful lace shawl which happened to be in the colorway ‘Ireland’.  The yarn was by Three Irish Girls and I used the Gust Lace Scarf pattern from Ravelry.  It was an easy pattern to knit and the repeat became like clockwork after time.  It was also one of my first experiences with blocking.  I was amazed at how much the scarf increased in size!  Here are some pictures of the process and the final item.

Before blocking

Soaking the scarf

After blocking

My friend loved the scarf and I had an amazing time staying at her home in Ireland.  Luckily the weather was surprisingly warm so the scarf was perfect for the occasion.

Rainy Days Here I Come...

I’m taking part in my first Sew Along: the Lady Grey jacket sew along.  I’m pretty new to the world of sewing my own clothing. I’ve dabbled in craft and accessories but until recently hadn’t attempted clothes.  As a Scottish Highland dancer, I’ve recently needed some new costumes which are custom and can be incredibly expensive.  Luckily I had help from family and friends, but it inspired me to work on this skill myself.  What better way to start than a ‘sew along’?

I ordered the pattern for the Colette Lady Grey coat, but I’ve also been wanting to make something out of oilcloth... in particular, a raincoat.  So I’m going to try the Amy Butler Rainy Days Hooded Raincoat. I picked up some nice oilcloth from Bobbin’s Nest in Santa Clara. I’m catching up with the group and cutting out the patterns and muslin tomorrow.  Because I’ll be working with oilcloth, I’m going to take this slow as the fabric isn’t very forgiving.  I’ll keep you posted as to the progress.  Here’s a picture of the oilcloth and the green lining.