tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32395118887912760882024-03-12T23:05:42.015-07:00Is As IfSew, knit, crochet, photos.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10916567386757937920noreply@blogger.comBlogger300125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239511888791276088.post-55648742050896061422016-07-11T19:12:00.001-07:002016-07-11T19:12:11.610-07:00Checking In*taps mic* Is this thing on?<br />
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Well hello out there! I have clearly been neglecting my blog (this is par for the course, sadly), and I thought I should try and get back onto a regular-ish schedule. <a href="http://makingitwell.blogspot.com/2016/07/720-degrees.html">Johanna from Making it Well</a> makes a very good point about being okay with "un-Pinteresty" pictures. This is never going to be a Pinterest-content-mill blog and why should it be? You all are just going to have to be happy with the pictures I am able to get.<br />
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I also wanted to try and set some time aside to blog each week because I think I'm developing RSI in my right hand. So, I thought I'd give it a break from the constant knitting and sewing. We'll see how things develop, I may soon be sporting a super sexy wrist brace (or is it a knitter's glove?).<br />
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Anyways, things have been super busy for me, so it's a bit of a crapshoot whether or not this blog resurrection is going to stick.<br />
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Have some pictures of a bird from the San Diego Wild Animal Park :)<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/28176091531/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_0638"><img alt="IMG_0638" height="480" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7347/28176091531_0ed30f5f56_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/27973092630/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_0640"><img alt="IMG_0640" height="480" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/9/8641/27973092630_1f2d4ab912_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Isn't it gorgeous?<br />
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Oh, and here's how close I was standing to it!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/27973083020/in/dateposted-public/" title="IMG_0641"><img alt="IMG_0641" height="480" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8880/27973083020_962afb6313_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
And a sneak peak of a soon to be blogged top!<br />
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10916567386757937920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239511888791276088.post-21182461256467705002016-04-18T23:35:00.002-07:002016-04-18T23:35:29.848-07:00Sewing Goals 2016Even though I have taken a sharp detour into knittery, I am still doing the old sewing thing! Never fear!<br />
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<u>Sewing Goals 2016</u><br />
-Clean my sewing area. It's a bit of mess and it's kind of driving me crazy to sit down at my table, so..<br />
-Learn to use my serger! That's right, I got a new serger!<br />
-Perhaps sew up some active wear? I saw the most amazing gold foil floral spandex at the Yardage Town :) <br />
-Use up stash (can you sense I have a problem with hoarding pretty things?)<br />
-Learn to do a Small Bust Adjustment<br />
-Work on fitting my garments better!<br />
-Sew buttonholes/learn how to use my one-step button holer on my machine! I'm thinking a shirt dress will do very nicely towards this goal<br />
-1 wedding guest dress in May<br />
-Baby blankets! Two for coworkers by ~August/September, two for a friend's babies who are long overdue some baby gifts, one more for a friend (gender unknown)<br />
-Semi related: buy a good iron<br />
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You'll probably still see a backlog of projects that are from before these goals were made, but I shall try to distinguish them. In any case, everything is still working towards advancing my skill in sewing!<br />
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I have all these lofty goals, but as you can see having another handcraft hobby makes it difficult for me to put one thing down to work on the other. Perhaps I will try to alternate a knitting project and a sewing project.<br />
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I guess we'll see how I fare!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10916567386757937920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239511888791276088.post-46373076044667067152016-03-28T18:04:00.001-07:002016-03-28T18:04:37.790-07:002 - Newborn Swirl Hat<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/25680079231/in/dateposted-public/" title="Newborn Swirl Hat | Is As If"><img alt="Newborn Swirl Hat | Is As If" height="640" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1610/25680079231_b01418965a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Ravelry Links -- Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/swirl-hat-3">Swirl Hat</a> | <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/IsAsIf/swirl-hat">Project Page</a><br />
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Can I just say how much I <i>love </i>how this picture turned out? Finishing this project coincided perfectly with all the trees going into bloom around here, especially these perfect pink and yellow ones.<br />
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Oh yeah, and the hat is pretty adorable too ;)<br />
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I've had this pattern downloaded since February 2012!! This was way before I ever started knitting! I actually think I must have gotten it off Ravelry in the idea that I would either try to replicate it in crochet or learn to knit since it looked easy. It's multi-sized so it's a great hat for literally everyone. I made the newborn size and it looks so teeny tiny! It is pretty stretchy though.<br />
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After finishing my socks (which were a disaster and a half - I'll have to take pictures and write up a whole thing about them), I was left with this little tiny bit of yarn, and a baby hat seemed like it was the perfect way to use it up. Of course I do actually have a second ball of this yarn, but I just didn't want this little partial floating around. It's an acrylic/nylon blend, very soft, but not something I'd want to knit more things for myself out of.<br />
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I was inspired to knit baby hats due to Katrina's YarnThirty podcast in which she talks about her own experience. If you're interested in the personal anecdote of someone who has had a baby in the NICU, listen to <a href="https://youtu.be/7kVd2vl67z0?t=35m">this part of Katrina's podcast</a> (should be cued up to ~35 minutes when she talks about it). And in a follow-up comment on the Ravelry <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/yarnthirty-podcast/3271771/1-25#16">discussion board</a>, someone else mentioned a couple of interesting points:<br />
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[And I did a lot of research on
it and found that you should use very low/no animal fiber content yarns
due to sensitive skin ... and found that many NICUs needs bigger size baby hats
because they receive many preemie hats.]<br />
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This yarn was perfect for just such a thing: soft, washable, and cheery colors. I predict I will likely use that second ball to make lots more baby hats in different patterns :)<br />
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Another hat down! If I just made baby hats, I'd probably have 500 hats in no time! Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10916567386757937920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239511888791276088.post-48435339465957454072016-03-13T21:46:00.000-07:002016-03-13T21:46:40.213-07:00Black and Gold<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/20826834069/in/dateposted-public/" title="BlackandGoldDress"><img alt="BlackandGoldDress" height="910" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5634/20826834069_bf33b2cc74_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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As I mentioned a while back, a friend of mine got married last last November, and I made <a href="http://isasif.blogspot.com/2015/04/lovebirds.html">these lovebirds</a> for the bridal shower. I also made a dress to wear to the wedding since I didn't have anything that seemed wholly appropriate for a fall wedding.<br />
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They got married at a really beautiful estate in Temecula, CA, there were even peacocks wandering the grounds!<br />
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There was even this really neat hedge maze that you could run around in!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/20828984079/in/dateposted-public/" title="BlackandGoldDress"><img alt="BlackandGoldDress" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/782/20828984079_02c7a4b077_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Here's the pattern I used for the dress - a vintage pattern from an estate sale although now reprinted. As you can see, it's got a faux wrap style that I liked a lot just from looking at the illustration. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/25748556946/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Butterick6582"><img alt="Butterick6582" height="640" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1542/25748556946_803af46b5f_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<u>Details:</u><br />
<b><i>Pattern: </i></b>Butterick 6582, view C<br />
<b><i>Size:</i></b> Cut out a 12 but graded down to about an 8? Obviously I didn't quite realize about Big 4 design ease when I found the pattern so I did think a 12 had a chance of fitting.<br />
<b><i>Fabric:</i></b> 2 yards of black and gold-flecked crinkle-texture polyester charmeuse from Yardage Town, 2 yards of black poly posh lining from JoAnn<br />
<b><i>Notions:</i></b> 22" black invisible zipper <br />
<b><i>Size Alterations:</i></b> I "graded" down to maybe about an 8, but all that really means is that I eyeballed about 5/8" - 1" in from the edge of the pattern where appropriate<br />
<b><i>Design Changes:</i></b> "Drafted" a full lining instead of facings, side zipper changed to CB zipper<br />
<b><i>Techniques used:</i></b> <a href="http://theslapdashsewist.blogspot.com/2010/08/all-machine-clean-finish-sleeveless.html">Clean finish lining</a>, <a href="http://blog.sewserendipity.com/2009/08/dont-fear-invisible-zipper.html">installing an invisible zipper</a><br />
<b><i>Construction Notes:</i></b> Once again working on the clean finish method, so only sort of following the pattern instructions. Hand sewed the lining to the zipper once it was installed in the fashion fabric because I still can't figure that shit out (I will probably keep this comment in all my construction notes until the end of time because <i>do not understand</i>).<br />
<b><i>Will you make it again?</i></b> I don't know. Initially, I was pretty jazzed about how this turned out, but after some examination of the pictures/pattern, I don't think I did this pattern justice. Which means maybe I should revisit it. The bodice is supposed to be a faux-wrap style but not surplice. I have severely over-fit the bodice to the point where I've removed all the illusion that is supposed to look like a wrap. I am still loving the pattern illustration with the wide neckline and high wrap style, so I may try again in some kind of drapey but casual fabric, but change it so that weird little triangle on the left shoulder is a fully wrapped bodice?<br />
<b><i>Final thoughts:</i></b> I think having re-examined it for fit, it's not great, but I loved it then and I'm certainly not ashamed of it as it is approximately the third garment I ever made. Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10916567386757937920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239511888791276088.post-21613668887622247042016-03-09T22:43:00.001-08:002016-03-09T22:43:42.522-08:001 - Ombre Calzetta<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/25459321872/in/dateposted-public/" title="OmbreCalzetta"><img alt="OmbreCalzetta" height="640" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1489/25459321872_56ab313380_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Ravelry Links -- Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/calzetta">Calzetta</a> | Pattern: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-easy-ombre-slouch-hat">Ombre Slouch Hat</a> | <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/IsAsIf/calzetta">Project Page</a><br />
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In pursuit of my knitting goals, I decided I definitely needed to learn stranded color work, aka fair isle because there are so many pretty patterns out there I want to knit!<br />
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I was given a skein of Red Heart Grande (80% acrylic/20% wool) which is a super super bulky yarn. Perhaps one of the chunkiest yarns I have ever seen. A chunky easy stranded color work project seemed like a good way to use up this random yarn. I used Calzetta as the actual pattern for the hat and applied the color chart from ombre slouch hat. Fortunately, I had some nicely coordinating yarn already in my stash to use for the main color.<br />
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A couple things that I learned from this project:<br />
-I need to do a better job on the ribbing. It has no recovery so just stays majorly stretched out, but the whole hat is stiff enough to stay on the head I think. <br />
-The stranded work was actually not too hard to do, but I did majorly get the skeins tangled up with each other. I think I might be able to solve that problem using a yarn guide. I can't knit English/throwing so I can't do the one color each hand that some people can do. It's supposed to be easier to knit fair isle continental, so I'm hoping that holds true for me too.<br />
-Also, you can see that I wasn't able to work the full chart, and that I probably should have started earlier too, but I thought I was supposed to work 5" from the ribbing not 5" from the cast on edge, so I had to start decreasing much earlier than I expected.<br />
-On that note, I probably should have given up working the chart on the decreases as they have ended up a little muddied. But I couldn't shake the idea that I wanted a full transition to the second color on the top. <br />
-And unrelated to this specific pattern, but nonetheless about this hat: pompoms turn out bigger than you think! Clearly I have gone way off the deep end with this softball sized pompom, but it's still kind of fun :) I made my own cardboard pompom maker using this <a href="http://blog.mrprintables.com/making-flower-pom-poms-diy-pom-pom-maker/">DIY </a>(also good for making shapes inside pompoms).<br />
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Cheers to Hat #1 of the 500 Hats Project! Onward!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10916567386757937920noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239511888791276088.post-72516043241919036862016-02-21T20:49:00.000-08:002016-03-09T22:43:59.205-08:00Knit Goals 2016 and Introducing The 500 Hats ProjectThis year I am resolving to do something about my yarn stash. And finish all my outstanding WIPs.<br />
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I'm not doing too bad in the WIPs arena. I'm doing Finish It February hosted by Lina Knits on Ravelry, so I've already got a pair of socks and a hat finished. Then I'll just have one sock that needs a mate, sleeves and ribbing on my pullover sweater, and decisions about my cardigan. The cardigan doesn't have much left to go, just part of a sleeve then a button band, but it's not well made (I was accidentally doing backwards YOs so the stitch pattern doesn't really pop) so I may frog it. Or not. I may finish it for practice and then try to block it to open up the eyelet pattern. Also, I knitted it in cotton, so I don't know what I would do with all that cotton if I did frog it. Thoughts?<br />
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<u>Knit goals for the year</u><br />
-Finish the WIPs<br />
-Knit a hat for Nathan's dad for Christmas (nothing like starting early!)<br />
-Learn brioche<br />
-Practice stranded colorwork<br />
-Generally improve my knitting ability <br />
-Work on my 500 hats project (see below!) <br />
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Ok! I think these are pretty doable! <br />
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Now let's talk about the yarn stash. Oh the yarn stash. There's nothing like moving to put your <strike>hoarding</strike> stash into perspective. I've got 2 clear 55 gallon buckets stuffed full of yarn and then random little skeins stashed all over the place. A lot of it is super saver that I used to use when I made a lot of amigurumi. The amigurumi production has since slowed way down, and I'm focusing more on wearables at the moment.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thus was born The 500 Hats Project! </span>#500knithats<br />
(Bonus points to whoever can tell me where the name comes from)<br />
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I want to use up the yarn to make hats for charity. But it's not as simple as all that. I want to improve my knitting skills at the same time. So I'm hoping with each successive hat, the techniques will get slightly fancier. At the moment, I haven't decided on a charity to donate the hats to. They may go to a local charity here in San Diego, or I may send them elsewhere, you know, where it's actually cold. Leave a comment if you have any particular charity in mind!<br />
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Disclaimer: I may not actually make a total of 500 hats, I just want to use up my yarn stash, so whatever the yield is, that's what it'll be. Unless anyone wants to join me?<br />
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10916567386757937920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239511888791276088.post-65458260402319118522016-02-17T21:35:00.003-08:002016-02-17T21:35:55.002-08:00Happy New Year!Ok, yes it is February, isn't it? Let's just say Happy Lunar New Year and pretend like I've been getting my act together to revive this old blog a little bit ;) Here's hoping for a little more regular posting since I actually do have a lot of projects to share!<br />
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Brief administrative aside: I tried to implement Disqus on my blog a few months ago so I could reply to all your lovely comments, but the damned thing doesn't play nice with Blogger - in fact, it's a known issue. So, I've reverted back to the native Blogger comment form which is good enough (you'll just have to come back to see my reply or do email notifications of replies), let me know if it's not working since I half-assed the uninstall of Disqus.<br />
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Anyways, have some photos of Half Moon Bay where I briefly visited while I was in Northern California over the holidays.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/25055496286/in/datetaken/" title="HalfMoonBay1"><img alt="HalfMoonBay1" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1714/25055496286_272937279d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/24988534461/in/datetaken/" title="HalfMoonBay2"><img alt="HalfMoonBay2" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1500/24988534461_c55c0786ce_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/24786236770/in/datetaken/" title="HalfMoonBay3"><img alt="HalfMoonBay3" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1471/24786236770_eebb34821e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/25081850905/in/datetaken/" title="HalfMoonBay4"><img alt="HalfMoonBay4" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1602/25081850905_2b61ddcedc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/25055498956/in/datetaken/" title="HalfMoonBay5"><img alt="HalfMoonBay5" height="427" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1626/25055498956_95a6a7fdc2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/25055499326/in/datetaken/" title="HalfMoonBay6"><img alt="HalfMoonBay6" height="283" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1587/25055499326_da661a2f9e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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More new posts hopefully coming soon! Let me know if there's anything in particular you'd like to see more of here :)Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10916567386757937920noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239511888791276088.post-87323768056261526902015-10-29T17:59:00.000-07:002015-10-29T17:59:19.826-07:00LongCat Heating PadIn honor of the <a href="http://cationdesigns.blogspot.com/2015/09/introducing-put-cat-on-it-sew-along.html">Put A Cat on it! Sewalong</a> I have kitted myself out in several pieces of cat related apparel/accessories! The toasty flannel/fleece cats pajamas make another appearance on the blog (previously talked about in this <a href="http://isasif.blogspot.com/2015/04/fleece-lined-cat-pajamas.html">post</a>); the newest addition is the thing around my neck, discussed below; and I'm even wearing kitty cat <a href="http://www.michellechang.com/Kitty-Stud-Earrings-in-Sterling-Silver-with-Diamonds_p_351.html">studs</a> by Michelle Chang.<br />
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I had every intention of making a swishy sundress with a cat/floral cotton. I even went out to Yardage Town and bought some floaty georgette for the skirt. Alas, I moved to a new apartment in the middle of the month, and so my stuff is everywhere, and the sewing table has yet to be set up. (I don't even know where the fabric I bought for this ended up. And you can see the clear plastic bins of yarn and fabric behind my head which tells you what the state of the apartment is like.) I'll still make the aforementioned dress, but it may not get finished until next spring.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/22588046095/in/dateposted-public/" title="LongCat Hotpad | Is As If"><img alt="LongCat Hotpad | Is As If" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5832/22588046095_b5b3fb26d0_z.jpg" width="638" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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However! I have sewn a new cat related thing!<br />
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I saw <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/322992604501347443/">this pin</a> from Sweet Living Magazine and decided that I <i>had to</i> have that. I sometimes get these horrible neck spasms that leave my neck completely immobile for at least an entire day if not multiple days. Hot washcloths seemed to help a little, but they don't stay hot for very long, and they're wet. This seemed like the perfect solution!<br />
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Enter <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=longcat&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAWoVChMIxcqyyKrPxwIVxZOACh1UZAKO&biw=1280&bih=663">LongCat</a>!<br />
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<a data-context="false" data-flickr-embed="true" data-footer="false" data-header="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/20208736403/in/dateposted-public/" title="Longcat"><img alt="Longcat" height="439" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5638/20208736403_d20317fa45_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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There is no printable template in the magazine, so I had to draw my own. Less artistically inclined people may find this somewhat difficult, but I have two suggestions on that front.<br />
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1) Print out a line drawing of a cat in similar pose. Use the slash and spread method - cut the paper in half (head and front feet on one side, tail and back feet on other), insert and tape new piece of paper between the two halves and then connect the lines of the body.<br />
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2) Make a more 3D type model (like this DeviantArt user) and make a long rectangle with feet on either end. Then attach a stuffed head and tail after filling the main body.<br />
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I ended up using half a yard of quilting cotton and something like 3 pounds of rice? I took the concept one step further though and added scent to my rice!<br />
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I used: <br />
- 8 oz. bottle of imitation vanilla (no need to use authentic since we're just here for the scent)<br />
- cinnamon<br />
- nutmeg<br />
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I put all the rice into one of those plastic produce bags from the grocery store, but a big ziploc will work too! Then, I added the whole bottle of vanilla, a bunch of cinnamon, and a couple dashes of nutmeg. Mix the whole bag together by mushing everything around and give it a sniff to see if you want more cinnamon or nutmeg. Once everything is pretty well coated, spread out the rice on a rimmed baking sheet in a thin layer. Now you have to patiently wait for it to dry before you can funnel it into your longcat. You could try putting the baking sheet into the oven to dry but I've never tried it and I didn't want to cook my rice.<br />
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Tip: don't over-stuff the longcat; it still needs to be flexible enough to drape around your shoulders and neck.<br />
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Longcat is perfect for sore muscles but also just to use as a heating pad when it's cold outside. I usually microwave it for about 2 minutes before using.<br />
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I don't usually join sewalongs mostly because I never finish anything in a decent amount of time, but I had to join a cat one! Thank you to Cation Designs for hosting and always providing us with plenty of Walnut pictures :)Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10916567386757937920noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239511888791276088.post-278085668497398532015-08-26T18:20:00.000-07:002015-09-23T22:06:48.197-07:00The #YouMayNowSmithTheBride Wedding RoundupAs I may have hinted at before, in my <a href="http://isasif.blogspot.com/2015/06/handmade-mint-lingerie.html">handmade undies</a> post, one of my oldest and dearest friends got married this year. As such, I have spared no expense in wedding gifts. <br />
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Beware: this is a very very long post. I have a lot to say, haha.<br />
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Let's have a look, starting with the biggest and baddest of them all:<br />
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The quilt.<br />
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<a data-context="false" data-footer="false" data-header="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/20834990111/in/dateposted-public/" title="Kelly&Ross Quilt"><img alt="Kelly&Ross Quilt" height="960" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5714/20834990111_b42a783248_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Oh, the quilt. This is the first quilt I have ever made! I'm apparently an ambitious idiot. I made a queen sized quilt for my first quilt and quilted it on a standard home machine. In the above picture my mom and sister are standing on extra tall bar stools with arms stretched way out above their heads and to the sides and the quilt is still touching the ground, that's a massive quilt!<br />
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It took me about 2 solid months to finish this quilt, but that includes a whole week of staying up into the wee hours sewing. <br />
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I found <a href="http://www.shecanquilt.ca/2012/02/leap-day-superior-threads-giveaway.html">this quilt on Pinterest that She Can Quilt made</a>, and I thought it was the perfect first quilt pattern especially since the bride requested blues (so vague). I ended up at JoAnn pulling out all the blue quilting cottons trying to find 12 different blues that go together. It was harder than you think. There's a whole wall of quilting cottons and yet somehow, they don't all mesh. I ended up with 7 different fabrics with grays thrown into the mix, plus 2 patterned whites.<br />
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I used <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2014/01/how-to-make-half-square-triangles/">Craftsy's Magic 8 method</a> for making all the HSTs which made everything pretty quick.<br />
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A photo posted by @laura.isasif on <time datetime="2015-04-24T06:12:41+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Apr 23, 2015 at 11:12pm PDT</time></div>
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And to make it extra special, I added some machine embroidery with their names and their wedding date to the bottom left corner square. I'm lucky that my mom was able to do the machine embroidery for me on a piece of the white fabric and then I stitched it onto my quilt top instead of having the embroidery done directly onto the quilt top.<br />
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<a data-context="false" data-flickr-embed="true" data-footer="false" data-header="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/20641466759/in/dateposted-public/" title="Kelly&Ross Wedding Quilt"><img alt="Kelly&Ross Wedding Quilt" height="660" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/721/20641466759_693eac4ebb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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The mitered corners on the binding turned out pretty well using <a href="http://www.merrimentdesign.com/how-to-sew-bias-tape-with-mitered-corners.php">this tutorial from Merriment Design</a>. I had made the strips in straight of grain but had ironed them like double fold bias tape. The white was left over from the quilt top, and I like the crisp finish it adds.<br />
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<a data-context="false" data-flickr-embed="true" data-footer="false" data-header="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/20639912648/in/dateposted-public/" title="Kelly&Ross Quilt"><img alt="Kelly&Ross Quilt" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/664/20639912648_a2c262098e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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What's this? Adorable kitty cat sitting outside my door? Boyfriend and I were attempting to take pictures of the quilt in the walkway outside my house, and my favorite neighborhood cat was hanging around. While we were occupied taking pictures, kitty darted inside the slightly ajar door to the house, but she came back out when I went in there to see where she had gone. I wish I could keep her forever, she so so sweet :) <br />
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The piecing together of the quilt top went fairly smoothly, but when I got to the quilting, that's when I had a major meltdown. <br />
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A photo posted by @laura.isasif on <time datetime="2015-05-25T00:12:49+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">May 24, 2015 at 5:12pm PDT</time></div>
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I used a queen size microfiber sheet for the backing, but as you can see, I had major problems with it shifting and getting bunched up while I was quilting. I bought one of those precut queen sized batting rolls from JoAnn, but I didn't have any safety pins, so I pinned it with straight pins which was a huge mistake. Having to roll it up to fit under the arm of the machine meant I basically needed a chain suit to prevent from getting poked all the time. I quilted it like She Can Quilt did by following the outside of the squares in the depression block style. I tried to do three lines of quilting, too, but I only had time to do one line of quilting due to serious set backs from unpicking bad quilting. I wasted at least 2 spools of thread attempting to quilt this damn thing. I stayed up until at least 3 am every night the week before the bridal shower to finish this quilt, but I did get it done by the deadline.<br />
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I had to gift wrap the top and bottom of a copy paper box because it was the only thing big enough to contain this quilt. Now that I've gone to a bridal shower, I've become initiated in the cult of bridal shower etiquette, and so there was a massive amount of ribbon on the box.<br />
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A photo posted by @laura.isasif on <time datetime="2015-05-31T20:35:42+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">May 31, 2015 at 1:35pm PDT</time></div>
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As an extra little something, I personalized this bamboo cutting board for the bridal shower too. My mom found this cute turtle shaped bamboo cutting board at TJMaxx I think, so I used my newest toy (the wood burning pen, see examples <a href="http://isasif.blogspot.com/2015/02/diy-woodburned-utensils.html">1</a>, <a href="http://isasif.blogspot.com/2015/04/diy-woodburned-bamboo-cutting-boards.html">2</a>) to add their names.<br />
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<a data-context="false" data-flickr-embed="true" data-footer="false" data-header="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/20639836710/in/dateposted-public/" title="Kelly&Ross Woodburned Cutting Board"><img alt="Kelly&Ross Woodburned Cutting Board" height="384" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5637/20639836710_7d0f47242d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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I practiced drawing out my letters in a few different ways, and then I used the calligraphy tip to burn the letters into the board. Bamboo is pretty tough to burn, but hopefully, it doesn't look too choppy.<br />
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<a data-context="false" data-flickr-embed="true" data-footer="false" data-header="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/20641138559/in/dateposted-public/" title="Kelly&Ross Woodburned Cutting Board"><img alt="Kelly&Ross Woodburned Cutting Board" height="384" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5753/20641138559_4ac3081e61_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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And here's just a couple of pictures from the picturesque wedding. This was the golf course/resort that the ceremony and reception were held at. The ceremony was set up just to the left of the shot (and my brother had to clean up the rose petals off the grass by hand after the ceremony was over :) haha) We were really high up in the mountains in Keystone, Colorado, about two hours west of Denver, probably about 10,000 ft elevation.<br />
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<a data-context="false" data-flickr-embed="true" data-footer="false" data-header="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/20641147739/in/dateposted-public/" title="Keystone Ranch"><img alt="Keystone Ranch" height="384" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/691/20641147739_893042722a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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And we stayed in a really lovely condo just a short drive away from the venue. This was the view just outside the window. Kind of unreal!<br />
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<a data-context="false" data-flickr-embed="true" data-footer="false" data-header="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/20834978911/in/dateposted-public/" title="Keystone, CO"><img alt="Keystone, CO" height="384" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5634/20834978911_3b56a65ed0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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I just love that the flowers were blooming even in the middle of summer.<br />
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<a data-context="false" data-flickr-embed="true" data-footer="false" data-header="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/20827878765/in/dateposted-public/" title="Keystone, CO"><img alt="Keystone, CO" height="384" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5744/20827878765_0799db7f97_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Lessons were learned in the making of my first quilt!<br />
Namely,<br />
1. Everything takes longer than you think. Especially because you have to give yourself time to mess up two or three times.<br />
2. Taping down the back of the quilt and basting it all together with safety pins is a very good idea. Bad things happen when you don't. <br />
3. Do not choose a queen size quilt for your first quilt. Just don't. Unless you happen to be very ambitious like I was.<br />
4. Don't forget to buy fabric for the binding! Especially if you're not working off of a pattern that reminds you about this. Fortunately, I had enough leftover from the quilt top. <br />
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Obviously if you've made it this far through the blog post, I haven't lied to you about how difficult it was. Because it was. It was very very hard. I may have cried a few times. It was worth it though. In the end, I was very pleased with how the quilt turned out.<br />
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Since it was so time consuming though, I don't foresee too many more quilts in my future. Finally, a hobby I don't love ;) I keep telling people, "This is not a relaxing hobby!!"<br />
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If I've left anything out that you want to know about the construction, ask me! I've started to forget every little thing I wanted to mention here, but I'm happy to answer any questions! I'm also here for moral support should you decide to tackle quilting :)Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10916567386757937920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239511888791276088.post-81527780340179754492015-08-23T16:23:00.000-07:002015-08-24T18:03:10.980-07:00Kirsten Kimono Tee in Paso RoblesYou'll remember that I have gone to my first bachelorette party recently-ish in June. Exhibit A) <a href="http://isasif.blogspot.com/2015/06/handmade-mint-lingerie.html">Lingerie</a>. There was also a <i>strong </i>suggestion that we all wear brightly colored clothes while the bride-to-be wore white so we could get a good photo I guess. Aaand since my wardrobe is mostly gray, white, or crazy prints, (and I can't leave well enough alone) I decided I needed a brightly colored shirt or dress in a solid.<br />
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I settled on the easy Kirsten Kimono Tee from <a href="http://www.mariadenmark.com/blog/">Maria Denmark</a> since it seemed fairly quick and easy. No setting in sleeves! The pattern is free, which yay!, you just have to sign up for her newsletter.<br />
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I made my first knit garment! It was surprisingly painless!<br />
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<a data-context="false" data-flickr-embed="true" data-footer="false" data-header="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/20826569495/in/dateposted-public/" title="Kirsten Kimono Tee"><img alt="Kirsten Kimono Tee" height="900" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/762/20826569495_760da44f6e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Isn't this covered bridge fabulous? I paired my new colorful tee with a white Express skirt obtained secondhand from a friend of my mother's. Side note about this skirt: Brand new with tags on, and the first time I washed it (granted the tag did say dry clean only) the hem fell out. I had to catch stitch the hem back before I could wear it, but it just goes to show you how shoddily made fast fashion is - even from what I would consider a somewhat nicer brand like Express.<br />
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<a data-context="false" data-flickr-embed="true" data-footer="false" data-header="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/20638531920/in/dateposted-public/" title="Kirsten Kimono Tee"><img alt="Kirsten Kimono Tee" height="384" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/665/20638531920_abe2a643b6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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I didn't have time to go to the fabric store before I needed to leave for the weekend, so I had to stash dive for something suitable. I had some dark gray, dark purple, and mostly white florals in the stash, how surprising. Fortunately, I had somewhat recently picked up some mystery knits from an estate sale, and there were definitely some bright jewels in the mix.<br />
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<a href="https://instagram.com/p/1uBe06hjqB/" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" target="_top">The #sewing part of my estate sale haul: a mix of wovens and knits and two vintage patterns. So excited to make some stuff! ✂📍(not pictured: some rad topographical map posters)</a></div>
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A photo posted by @laura.isasif on <time datetime="2015-04-21T01:48:55+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Apr 20, 2015 at 6:48pm PDT</time></div>
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<a data-context="false" data-flickr-embed="true" data-footer="false" data-header="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/20817086322/in/dateposted-public/" title="Kirsten Kimono Tee"><img alt="Kirsten Kimono Tee" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5743/20817086322_f7ecf8943e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Yay for first time twin needling success! All my hems look so much nicer with the twin needle. I just used a single fold hem and left the edges raw inside.<br />
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<a data-context="false" data-flickr-embed="true" data-footer="false" data-header="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/20639849119/in/dateposted-public/" title="Kirsten Kimono Tee"><img alt="Kirsten Kimono Tee" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5779/20639849119_919f811d1e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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A tried a bound neckline using this <a href="http://blog.megannielsen.com/2013/02/briar-sewalong-neckline-binding/">tutorial</a> from Megan Nielsen, and I think it looks pretty good! It's a little thick due to my fabric, but it's nice. I got some skipped stitches with the twin needle, but I'm not sure how to fix it.<br />
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<a data-context="false" data-flickr-embed="true" data-footer="false" data-header="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/20203971064/in/dateposted-public/" title="Kirsten Kimono Tee"><img alt="Kirsten Kimono Tee" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/701/20203971064_dc573dab4a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Here's the inside of my neckline. Everything is nicely enclosed, I do wish I had used a matching thread instead of white though.<br />
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<a data-context="false" data-flickr-embed="true" data-footer="false" data-header="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/20800296336/in/dateposted-public/" title="Kirsten Kimono Tee"><img alt="Kirsten Kimono Tee" height="480" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5823/20800296336_74ba807e0b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<u>Details:</u><br />
<b><i>Pattern: </i></b>Kirsten Kimono Tee from <a href="http://www.mariadenmark.com/blog/">Maria Denmark</a> <br />
<b><i>Size:</i></b> XS<br />
<b><i>Fabric:</i></b> Mystery knit from estate sale, maybe ~1 yard<br />
<b><i>Notions:</i></b> ball point needle and twin needle<br />
<b><i>Size Alterations:</i></b> None<br />
<b><i>Design Changes:</i></b> None<br />
<b><i>Techniques used: </i></b><a href="http://blog.megannielsen.com/2013/02/briar-sewalong-neckline-binding/">Bound neckline</a> <br />
<b><i>Construction Notes:</i></b> The pattern instructions are quite good and this is an easy pattern to begin with. I used a straight stitch on the shoulder seams, zig zag on the side seams, and twin needle for all the hemming. I used a ball point needle when I wasn't using the twin needle since it's supposed to help with knits.<br />
<b><i>Will you make it again?</i></b> Definitely! Next time, I need to pick a drapey knit instead of the more stable mystery knit I used. It makes the sleeves stand out a little too much instead of falling nicely. I think it will make a good t-shirt dress too with a gathered skirt.<br />
<b><i>Final thoughts:</i></b> This was a really easy sew and a great beginner knit pattern. The fabric I used has kind of an athletic feel to it, and I wasn't super impressed with it when I had finished sewing it. It's just a little plain in this solid color I think. It'll have to be dressed up with a good statement necklace or something (which I had intended to borrow from my sister on this trip, but she forgot to pack it). I do have a gray t-shirt knit with great fluid drape that will make a great Kimono Tee in the future.<br />
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Now that the technical sewing stuff is out of the way, here's some more pictures from our weekend in Paso Robles.<br />
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There was some insanely thick fog outside of Santa Barbara, but then we got high enough in the mountain that the fog instantly cleared. I loved the fog though. It was a crazy long drive between LA and Paso Robles, ugh.<br />
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<a data-context="false" data-flickr-embed="true" data-footer="false" data-header="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/20833648701/in/dateposted-public/" title="20150612_090013"><img alt="20150612_090013" height="310" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5735/20833648701_f7020fd7c8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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We visited quite a few wineries on Friday and Saturday, there were quite a few picturesque places even if it was surprisingly windy. Also at the place in the center top, there were so many roaming kitties that let me pet them :)<br />
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<a data-context="false" data-flickr-embed="true" data-footer="false" data-header="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/20800299046/in/dateposted-public/" title="Paso Robles"><img alt="Paso Robles" height="289" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5800/20800299046_0d06e84cc7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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The full bachelorette entourage.<br />
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Is this boxer from Dover Canyon not the most adorable thing ever?<br />
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<a data-context="false" data-flickr-embed="true" data-footer="false" data-header="false" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/20203965634/in/dateposted-public/" title="DoverCanyon"><img alt="DoverCanyon" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5727/20203965634_391ff25915_o.png" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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This was surprisingly one of the rare views of the vineyard. There was a great covered patio overlooking this.<br />
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It was quite a whirlwind weekend, but Paso Robles is quite lovely and quintessential Central Valley.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10916567386757937920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239511888791276088.post-70453318320253078822015-06-10T22:35:00.002-07:002015-06-10T22:36:59.762-07:00Handmade Mint "Lingerie"I sincerely apologize to anyone who may find the contents of this post offensive; however, I press on in the name of sewing! Also, I <i>promise </i>there are no pictures of my giant biking thighs modeling this thing *shudder*.<br />
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As you may have seen on my Instagram, I have just recently completed my first pair of hand made underwear!<br />
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Back story: I'm going to a bachelorette party this weekend, and the hosts had played this game at previous parties in which all the guests bought a piece of lingerie for the bride-to-be that represents themselves. The game part of this is that the bride will have to match up the lingerie with the person who brought it, and if she gets it wrong, the person is allowed to task her with some dare/command etc. I had no idea what to do about this (what is my spirit lingerie?), so I just went with handmade and hopefully the bride gets what is going on here.<br />
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And here's the finished product!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/18506790940" title="Handmade Mint Undies by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Handmade Mint Undies" height="427" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/259/18506790940_facc994d1f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Not too shabby for my first attempt, huh? I had initially printed out the <a href="http://www.indigorchid.com/2011/11/06/sewing-underwear-the-free-pattern/">free Indigo Orchid bikini pattern</a>, but due to a technical error with the pdf, I didn't have all the pieces properly scaled and couldn't print out another one. So, I hacked up an old pair and drafted my own pattern! I did use the crotch gusset from the pattern since I at least had that piece. I was able to cut all the pieces out of the back of an old t shirt plus a little bit from the front!<br />
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I used the instructions from the pattern (found <a href="http://www.indigorchid.com/2011/11/11/sewing-underwear-the-basics/">here</a>) to sew these up. Look at that nicely concealed crotch seam :) <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/18508308759" title="Handmade Mint Undies by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Handmade Mint Undies" height="400" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/512/18508308759_cfef21ccc0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The lace insert was added also using Indigo Orchid's helpful <a href="http://www.indigorchid.com/2014/04/24/sewing-underwear-adding-lace-inserts/">tutorial</a>. Apparently, the sexy cutout is what makes it "lingerie", so let's go with that. I'll talk more about the lace insert later because I think it's the other special detail that makes it "me".<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/18506726998" title="Handmade Mint Undies by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Handmade Mint Undies" height="400" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/520/18506726998_fa197eb102_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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And you can see here how the fabric has been cut away and folded back to make it see through under the lace - a true insert and not just an applique. Also, can I point out my beautiful side seams? Those are french seamed and then top stitched down to make them lay flat and look pretty inside and out.<br />
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The elastic was added using <a href="http://lladybird.com/2015/01/29/tutorial-an-easy-elastic-waistband/">Lladybird's very simple and useful tutorial</a> which was probably a better way to go than threading it through a turned down hem due to that screwy portion behind the lace insert. The leg holes are just turned under and stitched, and they're a bit wavy but look fine on the body (I tried them on with my own underwear on also, so they're still clean!)<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/18506724278" title="Handmade Mint Undies by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Handmade Mint Undies" height="427" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/379/18506724278_38f70bab9b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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And finally, the lace! I crocheted those little lacy bits with some cotton thread and a teeny tiny hook. I tested out quite a few different stitch patterns before I made up this one myself. Side note: either crochet patterns have gotten harder to read or I have completely lost my touch. I got totally confused on several of them, but in my defense I was looking at a few vintage patterns. I decided to make a pattern that has a nice open stitch so you actually get the full effect of the insert, but it also has a feminine scalloped edge but not too complicated!<br />
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Here's the basic idea:<br />
Ch 27.<br />
Row 1: DC into 3rd ch from hook. Ch 1, sk 1, DC 1. Repeat across. Ch 3, turn.<br />
Row 2: 5 DC into 2nd ch sp from Row 1. Sk 1 ch sp for each shell. Repeat across and FO.<br />
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I foresee actually making myself more underwear in the future, they're so easy! And I wish my current underwear was a little more low rise, so hopefully this is the solution.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;">So, tell me, what's your spirit lingerie?</span> ;)</b>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10916567386757937920noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239511888791276088.post-22634241148555733642015-04-27T23:13:00.000-07:002015-08-24T23:05:52.309-07:00The Graduation DressNow, before you all ask me about the title, I made this dress last year for my brother's graduation from high school. I repeat, I am <i>not</i> a proud recent alumna of anywhere.<br />
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And yes, it did take me almost an entire year to blog this dress (I made it for a June 2014 graduation), but I have <i>ideas</i>. These ideas usually involve lots of searching for what I think might make the perfect backdrop to complement said dress and what I think those photos should look like. I waited until spring break this year to get this picture because this cool succulent fountain is directly across the street from a bus stop where there are usually at least 50 students waiting for the shuttle. And hell if I'm going to be taking pictures with that many people watching.<br />
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Anyways, all that nonsense aside, this is my first lined dress! And third dress ever! <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/17271295046" title="Graduation Dress by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Graduation Dress" height="960" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8741/17271295046_ab22004f2b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I found this neat fabric that is a white cotton with tiny black flocked dots, so fuzzy! It's fun to pet when I'm wearing it :)<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16676999233" title="Graduation Dress by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Graduation Dress" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7666/16676999233_0f4136729f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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And the fun back detail! Check out that invisible zipper! Can you believe this is the first time I've ever put one in? Not bad, huh? I did however accidentally pinch a pleat in the skirt so it does look a little funny, just something to remedy for next time. I did have some trouble zipping it up right after I put in the zipper because of all the bulk at the waist seam - invisible zippers are just not that strong. Because there are two lines of stitching I just unpicked a few stitches of the line closer to the teeth at the waist seam (based on internet advice) and it totally worked! You can see it pulls apart a little there revealing the zipper, but it doesn't bother me.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/17297257045" title="Graduation Dress by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Graduation Dress" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7721/17297257045_b4cbb75647_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The pretty collar! I had to tack it down to the bodice front because it kept flipping up otherwise.<br />
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And here's some flat shots:<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/17111039409" title="Graduation Dress Front by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Graduation Dress Front" height="446" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7657/17111039409_c6c064e069_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I actually used fusible webbing instead of interfacing for the collar because it's what I had on hand, and it seems to be fine. As I mentioned, I just hand tacked the collar in the very center to keep it from doing anything weird.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/17111039859" title="Graduation Dress Back by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Graduation Dress Back" height="435" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7679/17111039859_68d2a6e48d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/17295412852" title="Graduation Dress Inside Lining by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Graduation Dress Inside Lining" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7691/17295412852_b52cdf673a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Here's the inside! Isn't it so clean? I only lined the bodice because I didn't really feel like doing the skirt too so I just wear a half slip underneath since the white is a tiny bit see through. I'm so pleased with how it turned out for my first time lining a bodice. I also french seamed the skirt pieces so the inside of this thing is super neat! Absolutely no messy zigzagged edges like I usually finish a seam with.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/17089799177" title="Graduation Dress Waist by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Graduation Dress Waist" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7657/17089799177_0f58094991_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I had the crazy idea to use a bit of grosgrain ribbon to enclose the raw edge at the waist and also add a bit of stability a la a waist stay. This is two pieces of floral grosgrain ribbon, one one either side and then sewed at both edges. I won't say it's the best idea I ever had because it certainly caused some problems during construction, but it turned out all right.<br />
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<u>Details:</u><br />
<b><i>Pattern:</i></b> <a href="http://peppermintmag.com/other/sewing-school/">Prom Perfect from the Peppermint Magazine Sewing School</a> (scroll down to Issue 17 - free!)<br />
<b><i>Size:</i></b> Small<br />
<b><i>Fabric:</i></b> 1.5 yards of a flocked dot cotton from JoAnn, white poly "posh" lining from JoAnn<br />
<b><i>Notions:</i></b> ~22" white invisible zipper, less than 1 spool grosgrain ribbon<br />
<b><i>Size Alterations:</i></b> None<br />
<b><i>Design Changes:</i></b> Chopped off a ton of length at the hem so that it sits at about 1" above my knee. Not a fan of midis.<br />
<b><i>Techniques used:</i></b> <a href="http://theslapdashsewist.blogspot.com/2010/08/all-machine-clean-finish-sleeveless.html">Clean finish lining</a>, <a href="http://blog.sewserendipity.com/2009/08/dont-fear-invisible-zipper.html">installing an invisible zipper</a><br />
<b><i>Construction Notes:</i></b> Basically ignored the instructions that come with the pattern and went with the clean finish order of construction. I had way too much bulk at the waist seam so the zipper wasn't zipping the first time around, so I unpicked a few stitches at the waist seam, and I was then able to get the zipper up. Hand sewed the lining to the zipper once it was installed in the fashion fabric because I still can't figure that shit out.<br />
<b><i>Will you make it again?</i></b> I'm thinking yes! It's really cute, pretty simple but interesting cut at the same time. I do need to take a SBA on the next version though because my bust darts are looking a little pointy/baggy at the apex. I need to adjust the armscye too because it is a tad tight right now.<br />
<b><i>Final thoughts:</i></b> Love this dress! I feel this is very much the style I like: sweet and a little retro/vintage. The fabric pairs perfectly with this pattern, and it's just so wearable!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10916567386757937920noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239511888791276088.post-84425083214073934682015-04-20T04:00:00.001-07:002015-04-20T04:00:06.290-07:00LovebirdsI'm on a roll! I'm slowly working through my backlog of photos for the blog which is why you're hearing so much from me lately! I just like to spend my time making instead of fussing with html for blogging :) Also, I'm about to go into quilting hibernation, and I won't come out until those quilts are done! I'll still be on Instagram, but I'll keep the blog quiet so I can knuckle down and get these quilts made before the weddings in July and August :)<br />
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And speaking of weddings, here's a cute bridal shower gift I made for my friend when she got married last November (which I kind of still can't believe).<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16800188289" title="Crocheted Lovebirds by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Crocheted Lovebirds" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7638/16800188289_c98e2c14e9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I used the (free!) <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cute-bird-pattern">Cute Bird Pattern</a> by Lisa Auch on Ravelry and you can view my own modifications <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/triifecta/cute-bird-pattern">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16985033242" title="Crocheted Lovebirds by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Crocheted Lovebirds" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7604/16985033242_d29f128f87_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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As you can see, <a href="http://isasif.blogspot.com/2011/11/for-happy-lovebirds.html">this is not my first time</a> giving nested lovebirds to newlyweds. I'm still on an impractical gift giving kick! (But I did get them something off the registry anyways).<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16364012064" title="Crocheted Lovebirds by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Crocheted Lovebirds" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7619/16364012064_571389729f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I just used puffy paint for the banner instead of embroidery on this version, which saved me a ton of time. Plus, I'm definitely an embroidery n00b, so my stitches never turn out all that pretty. Let's call it charming.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16798667188" title="Crocheted Lovebirds by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Crocheted Lovebirds" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7643/16798667188_e8e4e9db8f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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One last thing, can we talk about how everyone seems to know social conventions about these kinds of things except me?? And when I say "these kinds of things", I'm talking bridal showers, engagement parties, weddings; all things I am expected to know about because I am a ~girl~ apparently. Where are you all learning about these things? Is there a secret "girl basic training" that I forgot to go to??<br />
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Well, don't mind me, I'm just going to sit in the corner over here and knit then. I'm planning on bringing my knitting to a bachelorette weekend, is that a huge faux pas?Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10916567386757937920noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239511888791276088.post-30938115624365591612015-04-13T04:00:00.000-07:002015-08-27T22:21:38.544-07:00DIY Woodburned Bamboo Cutting BoardsWhoops! I kind of forgot I didn't talk about these cutting boards yet with my other Christmas gift handmades. <br />
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I bought a set of 3 different sized cutting bamboo cutting boards for about $10 at Ross. There's not too much to add about these that I haven't already said about the <a href="http://isasif.blogspot.com/2015/02/diy-woodburned-utensils.html">wooden spoons</a>, so I'll let the photos speak for themselves. I used <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/322992604500686837/">these</a> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/322992604500683597/">three</a> <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/322992604500711414/">pins</a> for the designs, but again, I have just free handed it onto the board with a pencil without tracing.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16365980153" title="Woodburned Cutting Board by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Woodburned Cutting Board" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7615/16365980153_b33218c18f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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This one was the smallest board which is why I went with a full floral border. it was almost all done with my fine point tip with some of the small triangle leaves done with the universal tip.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16365980733" title="Woodburned Cutting Board by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Woodburned Cutting Board" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8694/16365980733_663df7caaa_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16365978613" title="Woodburned Cutting Board by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Woodburned Cutting Board" height="960" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8698/16365978613_98141162dc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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This was the medium sized one, and I used both the fine tip and the flow tip. It seemed a little like there was a waxy residue building up on my fine tip, so watch out for that if you also choose bamboo. How cute is this little bird?<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16778687657" title="Woodburned Cutting Board by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Woodburned Cutting Board" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8696/16778687657_6e0e80574c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16985173511" title="Woodburned Cutting Board by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Woodburned Cutting Board" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7645/16985173511_8bac8a1869_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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And finally, this was the largest of the three, and the only one that I did in a more seasonal (holiday) design. I think I used the flow point exclusively on this one.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16984722932" title="Woodburned Cutting Board by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Woodburned Cutting Board" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8739/16984722932_42e6b8fbc6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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They're almost too pretty to use, but I do hope that their recipients will at least use them to serve cheese or something :)<br />
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Woodburning has been a really fun little thing to do and has great wow factor! I think my mom will be enlisting my services to do some more spoons for her sisters this year :) Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10916567386757937920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239511888791276088.post-80969467585582814822015-04-06T21:51:00.001-07:002015-04-06T21:52:08.840-07:00Fleece Lined Cat PajamasI made some super cute, super warm pj pants! I just couldn't pass up this cute kitty print, but what else can you make with flannel but pajamas?<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16366618583" title="Flannel and Fleece Cat Pajamas by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Flannel and Fleece Cat Pajamas" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7593/16366618583_6da2f098fb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I used this <a href="http://mycottoncreations.blogspot.ca/2010/07/christmas-eve-pajama-pants-tutorial.html">tutorial</a> from My Cotton Creations to create some <i>almost </i>adult sized pajama pants. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16800525779" title="Flannel and Fleece Cat Pajamas by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Flannel and Fleece Cat Pajamas" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8684/16800525779_0e8b7f88ac_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
And now you see what I mean. I had to include the selvage in order to get things to fit (and even then I had to flatten out the crotch curve). Because flannel comes in ~45" width, I would not recommend using this tutorial to make pants for anyone larger than a size 0 in RTW sizing. Believe the other lady when she says this is for kids. However! I might suggest using a cute printed fleece, those come in 60" widths (I think) and JoAnn has a pretty decent selection. That way you can get away with buying fabric for the length of your legs! This means one cut of ~1.5+ yards instead of 2 cuts.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16960764036" title="Flannel and Fleece Cat Pajamas by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Flannel and Fleece Cat Pajamas" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8730/16960764036_b9fb557956_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Front and back. I copied some pajama pants I own to get the basic shape of the curves, but I needed to flatten out the front curve and add some to the back. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16987082595" title="Flannel and Fleece Cat Pajamas by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Flannel and Fleece Cat Pajamas" height="311" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7623/16987082595_a64cb0a58e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
And a very important visual reminder that was not emphasized enough in the original tutorial (that I did actually forget). Make sure your waistband can stretch! Learn from my mistake! Luckily (unluckily), I am shaped like a flat board, so I can get that waistband over my hips/butt without needing the stretch from the elastic, but it's not as comfy as it could have been.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16960764436" title="Flannel and Fleece Cat Pajamas by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Flannel and Fleece Cat Pajamas" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8701/16960764436_a8f1b075f5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
My waistband with useless elastic. I tucked the fleece into the fold of the waistband and then folded under the flannel so it makes a pretty seam. <br />
<br />
And here are some more insides shots in which you can see the fleece lining. This is just your basic anti-pill blizzard fleece, nothing fancy. I underlined the flannel with the fleece which means my seams are still sticking out, but it's not that bad since there's only 3 seams. To finish the seams, for the flannel's sake, I trimmed the flannel so it was enclosed within the fleece in the seam and then just sewed it up since fleece doesn't fray. Easy!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16364348794" title="Flannel and Fleece Cat Pajamas by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Flannel and Fleece Cat Pajamas" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7629/16364348794_63dca2fe15_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
The inseam is one looong seam from cuff to cuff.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16985816181" title="Flannel and Fleece Cat Pajamas by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Flannel and Fleece Cat Pajamas" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7647/16985816181_41fe22a976_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
And the cuffs, same deal with the waistband with strategic tucking and folding. Turned under twice and top stitched down.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16985368582" title="Flannel and Fleece Cat Pajamas by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Flannel and Fleece Cat Pajamas" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7645/16985368582_4c4d3d7b2a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]-->Ahh, the perfect length, just grazing the tops of my feet. Usually, I have to roll my pants up at the waist so they're not crazy long.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Details:</span></u><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<b><i>Pattern:</i></b> <a href="http://mycottoncreations.blogspot.ca/2010/07/christmas-eve-pajama-pants-tutorial.html">Tutorial</a> from My Cotton Creations<br />
<b><i>Size: </i></b>Based off a RTW pair I own</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fabric:</span></i></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> 1.5 yards of snuggle flannel and 1/5 yards of anti-pill blizzard fleece</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Notions: </span></i></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/5" wide elastic<b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Construction Notes: </span></i></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As mentioned above, don't make the same crotch curve for the front and back, copy the back curve from your other pair, and flatten out the front so it's more of a slanted line than a real J.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Will you make it again?</span></i></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Maybe. While I really only need one pair of kitty pajama pants, I would like to have a pair that fit better. And in my infinite wisdom, I already have flannel and fleece for another pair. However, I may try another pattern.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Final thoughts:</span></i></b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Yay kitty pants! These things are fun, don't include upside down prints (grr cheap RTW), and are crazy warm thanks to the fleece. In fact, when I was in Philadelphia, I would wear these around the house at night and actually get too hot and have to change into some shorts instead.</span> </div>
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And I'll leave you with this hilarious outtake/really bad posing. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16985813911" title="Flannel and Fleece Cat Pajamas by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Flannel and Fleece Cat Pajamas" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7597/16985813911_d5702f797a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Oh pants, you're so funny.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10916567386757937920noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239511888791276088.post-12657081967454821392015-03-30T22:00:00.003-07:002015-03-30T22:00:55.508-07:00Claire's Itty Bitty DressObviously I've been on an <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2008/04/free-itty-bitty-baby-dress-pattern/">Itty Bitty Baby Dress</a> <a href="http://isasif.blogspot.com/2015/02/itty-bitty-baby-sister-dresses.html">sewing binge</a>, and I'm setting new finishing records every time I sew this. This one took me just 2 hours and that was with futzing around with the cutting layout and stopping to take a bunch of process pictures.<br />
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This particular bundle is for my coworker and his wife who just had their first baby girl, Claire! <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16365749643" title="Claire's Itty Bitty Dress and Blanket by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Claire's Itty Bitty Dress and Blanket" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7617/16365749643_15fa2670d8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Can we talk about this flannel? How cute are those cats?? If it was remotely acceptable, I would literally own 100 simple flannel blankets with all the cute prints I keep coming across (I have, as of now, only one such blanket with adorable zebras on it that I totally swiped from my mom's stash, which was definitely earmarked for a baby.) This is a current(!) print that they are selling at JoAnn, so you can totally get some if your store has any left :)<br />
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The simple blanket is just two pieces of flannel (44" square) sewn right sides together and then flipped RS out and top stitched with a decorative stitch. I'm very fortunate to have access to my mom's fancy embroidery machine, and so I usually ask her to embroider the name of the new babe on one of the corners.<br />
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I did take step-by-step photos of putting the entire dress together from cutting to finishing (because I do love me a good hand holding photo tutorial), but I thought it might violate the spirit in which Rae shares this pattern, so I have just pulled out a couple of photos on my clean finished lining which is not covered in the original instructions.<br />
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So jumping into the middle of construction here...<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16798386240" title="Lining the Itty Bitty Baby Dress by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Lining the Itty Bitty Baby Dress" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7621/16798386240_372a06d317_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I'm at the point here where I have attached the two bodice pieces together on one side only and attached the whole skirt piece to the bodice (I only cut one super long skirt piece instead of two). I used my <a href="http://theslapdashsewist.blogspot.com/2010/08/all-machine-clean-finish-sleeveless.html">go-to tutorial</a> for making that clean side seam which I'll show more of below.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16984937441" title="Lining the Itty Bitty Baby Dress by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Lining the Itty Bitty Baby Dress" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7602/16984937441_bd2d8d5a14_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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It's a little difficult to tell since I used the same fabric to line the bodice, but I have folded the dress right sides together and matched up the unsewn side seam.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16363473544" title="Lining the Itty Bitty Baby Dress by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Lining the Itty Bitty Baby Dress" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7619/16363473544_2c20f4edd1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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And then flip up the lining and sew all the way down that seam (from left to right in my picture). I like to do it this way because then I only have to finish one side seam below where the bodice is joined to the skirt as opposed to doing this twice with two side seams if you cut two skirt pieces.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16798575860" title="Lining the Itty Bitty Baby Dress by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Lining the Itty Bitty Baby Dress" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8738/16798575860_fe6504d2ea_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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And the final step in my construction (because I don't use piping) is to fold under the lining and enclose the waist seam on the inside of the dress. Then, on the outside, top stitch near the edge of the waist seam taking care to catch this folded under lining on the inside.<br />
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Leave me a comment if you would like me to talk you through this in a little more detail (or if this is just plain confusing)! Happy sewing!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10916567386757937920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239511888791276088.post-30142029226118009842015-02-23T19:41:00.001-08:002015-02-23T19:41:45.864-08:00Itty Bitty Baby Sister DressesAhh, I'm getting to that age where everyone gets married and has kids. Or I guess I work with people who are all having babies. <br />
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I always give embroidered baby blankets to people, and I always used to do stuffed animals (<a href="http://isasif.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-dinosaur-for-atlas.html">Atlas</a>, <a href="http://isasif.blogspot.com/2012/10/averys-bunny.html">Avery</a>, and <a href="http://isasif.blogspot.com/2011/07/king-of-very-small-jungle.html">Ronan</a>), but babies do not appreciate those and tiny clothes are just so cute! Aren't I the best coworker ever??<br />
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My coworker had her second baby at the very end of September last year, and I finally got around to getting a blanket and dress made for her. I wanted to do some cute matchy-matchy sister dresses for her older daughter, Avery, and for the baby, Allison.<br />
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I used this adorable (and free!) <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2008/04/free-itty-bitty-baby-dress-pattern/">pattern</a> from Made by Rae and the associated 3T toddler <a href="http://craftinginspiration.blogspot.com/2008/05/itty-bitty-baby-dress-enlargement.html">enlargement</a>.<br />
I did not adjust the 3T at all and made it straight from the pattern, however; for the baby dress, I did enlarge the pattern so I'm guessing it may be around the 6-9 mo. mark? <br />
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I used a yard of each fabric but I did have to seam two of the lining pieces in the smaller dress in order to get everything cut out, and the skirt on the bigger dress is not as big as written in the instructions. Side note: I was originally going to make each dress with self fabric for the lining and bought some other fabric for one of these, but I loved it so much, I swiped it for myself and substituted this dotty cream colored cotton I already had. Then I had the brilliant idea to mix up the patterns for two matching dresses since the cream and birdies went together so well. I love when these kinds of things come together without planning :)<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16551160936" title="Itty Bitty Baby Dresses at isasif.blogspot.com"><img alt="DPP_0447" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7340/16551160936_19794a4f82_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16391227557" title="Itty Bitty Baby Dresses at isasif.blogspot.com"><img alt="DPP_0451" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7357/16391227557_06054d8f28_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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You can see here that I had to seam the lining piece, and since I made the 3T size out of the birdies, only one of the lining pieces has birds. The other is the dots again.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/15954584614" title="Itty Bitty Baby Dresses at isasif.blogspot.com"><img alt="DPP_0450" height="960" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7406/15954584614_29d5826953_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I did not use piping at the waist because I was trying to keep my cost per project low, and I didn't want to buy (or sew in) any piping. I ended up having to top stitch the waist to tack down the lining.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16576018972" title="Itty Bitty Baby Dresses at isasif.blogspot.com"><img alt="DPP_0454" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8672/16576018972_59dda6fb90_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Inside shot of the lining enclosing the waist seam. I actually shot some more pictures detailing how I constructed this type of dress from start to finish which I will share next time!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16390854859" title="Itty Bitty Baby Dresses at isasif.blogspot.com"><img alt="DPP_0449" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7440/16390854859_653ca6c846_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Approximately 10 inches is a fine length for the smaller skirt, and there is an extra ~1.5 inches from the band. I probably cut this one a little too long.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16390856959" title="Itty Bitty Baby Dresses at isasif.blogspot.com"><img alt="DPP_0452" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7431/16390856959_cff90764af_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I cut a 3 inch piece for the contrasting hem, but I failed to think about how the bird placement would be when I folded it in half, so I had to get creative about what I was going to do. I ended up doing the fold over twice hem for the bottom, and then zig-zagging the raw edges so I could keep two rows of birds on the outside.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16389491508" title="Itty Bitty Baby Dresses at isasif.blogspot.com"><img alt="DPP_0448" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7382/16389491508_dcc92cd531_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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This is how I actually intended this band to be attached. Brief summary of the process: Match edges RS together, sew a 1/4" seam, flip and press, fold under slightly more than half so the edge will be caught by another row of stitching and press, and top stitch close to the edge.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16576016132" title="Itty Bitty Baby Dresses at isasif.blogspot.com"><img alt="DPP_0453" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7372/16576016132_a5ce95f9e4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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And here's the inside, you can see I used the selvage to avoid having to do another double hem. But hopefully this makes the above instructions make more sense, and you can see that all the raw edges are enclosed.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16389689610" title="Itty Bitty Baby Dresses at isasif.blogspot.com"><img alt="DPP_0455" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7421/16389689610_638581f1fe_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I clean finished the armholes and side seams! The instructions that come with the dress don't really say much about this part, but I like a clean finish, and it was easy. Again, more photos on the process next time!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16389687140" title="Itty Bitty Baby Dresses at isasif.blogspot.com"><img alt="DPP_0456" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8660/16389687140_efc28a4ac8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Clean inside and out on both dresses :) I like to enclose raw seams as much as possible without having to resort to zig-zagging all the edges. I mean, what's the point of having a full lining otherwise?<br />
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Whew! That was a lot to say about these baby dresses, but I just love them so much! And they're so easy to make, the second one only took me 2 hours to make, and I am definitely getting faster. No closures and mostly straight lines makes the whole thing so simple, and it doesn't make me feel too bad when the babies inevitably grow out of it in a few months.<br />
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Anyone else being inundated with babies? And don't you just love all the tiny adorable clothing options? (I promise I have zero baby fever, let me be your baby's cool aunt!)Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10916567386757937920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239511888791276088.post-59595572283625829002015-02-09T04:00:00.000-08:002015-08-27T22:21:52.932-07:00DIY Woodburned UtensilsI picked up pyrography/wood burning! Like I really needed a new hobby though ;)<br />
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We love wooden spoons for just about everything in the kitchen; consequently, we have about 10. I've been having a good time burning fun little designs into a set of spoons we picked up at Bed Bath and Beyond for real cheap, so I figured other people might like them as holiday gifts! I'd consider these to be a great return on time investment, because it takes very little time to do, and they have a pretty big impress factor. I finished all of these while watching Tangled :)<br />
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I found that the best designs for wood-burning beginners are embroidery designs and quilting lines (basically anything that has a nice clean line drawing). I <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/322992604498046574/">used</a> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/322992604500447310/">these</a> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/322992604500683354/">pins</a> as the basis for my designs, but I free-handed them, so I have no advice about tracing. I did pencil in my design first so I could get the spacing even, but feel free to just go for it.<br />
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This turned out to be quite the economical holiday gift, too, because I picked up this pack of 5 bamboo utensils at Ross for $5. I recommend picking utensils like these with flat handles because it gives a nice big surface to work on (I have also burned the classic wood spoons with thin round handles, and it's much harder to see the design/burn evenly). Personally, I prefer to burn the handles only as opposed to the bowl of the spoon because I don't want food to get stuck in the grooves. The pyrography tool itself can be found at Michael's, and I also saw lots of tip choices and even an alphabet set. I have the value pack that includes a universal tip, calligraphy tip, flow point, and fine tip.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16392148131" title="DIY Woodburned Spoons and Spatulas by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="DIY Woodburned Spoons and Spatulas" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7302/16392148131_31503d24a5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I pretty much exclusively used the flow point and fine tip point for nice smooth lines, and the universal tip just a little for tiny fine lines.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16206253248" title="DIY Woodburned Spoons and Spatulas by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="DIY Woodburned Spoons and Spatulas" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8671/16206253248_3107e0636e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I found the bamboo pretty easy to burn, although it did seem like there was a bit of a waxy residue, it didn't seem to cause too much of an issue. Just go nice and slow and you can always touch up any lines by going over it again.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/15773867283" title="DIY Woodburned Spoons and Spatulas by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="DIY Woodburned Spoons and Spatulas" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7402/15773867283_8f3b346766_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Next hurdle, learning how to do some shading!<br />
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As always, I would love to see your creations! Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10916567386757937920noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239511888791276088.post-80611079256366068272015-01-30T04:00:00.000-08:002015-01-30T04:00:05.472-08:00Philadelphia Art MuseumSince I'm such a SoCal girl, snow is still <i>magical </i>to me, so I couldn't resist taking some pretty snow pictures while I was in Philadelphia. I'm just glad I didn't get stuck at the airport like last year!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16392844542" title="DPP_0441 by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="DPP_0441" height="427" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7291/16392844542_225c89ba7a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16392030661" title="20150130 by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="20150130" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7440/16392030661_faecfbe2c1_z.jpg" width="650" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/15771311024" title="DPP_0443 by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="DPP_0443" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8584/15771311024_838dc9a63c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I've been to the snow in the mountains before, but it just feels so different to see snow in such an urban setting. I would love to live in a snowy area - I think I'd make a good East Coaster ;)Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10916567386757937920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239511888791276088.post-84908615546207490602015-01-26T23:18:00.004-08:002015-01-26T23:18:58.566-08:00Jake's College Fund Piggy BankI just wanted to quickly share this little guy that I doodled on. My parents were giving a cash gift to my young 4 year old cousin for Christmas (by request of his mother who lives in a small SF apartment and is up to her ears in toys), and so we thought this would be a cute way to give the money.<br />
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This is just a plain white ceramic piggy bank - from Hobby Lobby I think, and I used gold and silver Sharpie paint pens to decorate both sides.<br />
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I filled one of the sides with some random swirls in gold and then added in dots and highlights with the silver. I actually had kind of a hard time coming up with nice swirls that weren't too hokey-looking (i.e. like something 10 year old me might have drawn in the margins of the class notes), but I think it turned out nice!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16192735937" title="college fund piggy bank by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="college fund piggy bank" height="340" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7356/16192735937_c4f306f186_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I'm hoping that by posting this, other people will be able to use this as inspiration (or a template!) if they also find it difficult to creatively fill a surface with doodles. (Side note: you know who is the freaking master of creative doodles? <a href="http://alisaburke.blogspot.com/">Alisa Burke.</a> That is one talented lady.)<br />
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As always, I would love to see your DIY project if you make this!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10916567386757937920noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239511888791276088.post-65050021508943861492015-01-19T04:00:00.000-08:002015-01-19T04:00:04.647-08:00Neapolitan Baby SetFirst up in the holiday making craze is this adorable Neapolitan colored baby hat and booties set. This one has been a surprising favorite among Ravelers because y'all are just suckers for tiny things with ears aren't you?<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16096727590" title="Neapolitan Baby Bear Hat by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Neapolitan Baby Bear Hat" height="384" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7490/16096727590_320325c9bd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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You can see more of the specifics and my notes about the patterns and yarn on Ravelry: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/triifecta/fuzzy-bear-hat-with-ears">hat </a>and <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/triifecta/cozy-baby-booties">booties</a>. I made the 6 month size for the hat and rolled the brim up.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/15664221053" title="Neapolitan Baby Bear Hat by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Neapolitan Baby Bear Hat" height="900" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7580/15664221053_c7b399ea71_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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It was super easy to whip this up, I finished both the hat and booties in a couple of hours during the post-Christmas dinner lull. We even went out and bought a skein of this Bernat baby blanket and a J hook at Wal-mart on Christmas eve because my mom just decided that she needed a handmade gift for a baby shower like <i>now</i>. <br />
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Everyone <i>loved </i>these when I finished, so they make a great project especially for new crocheters - very fast with super bulky yarn and maximum cuteness! I hope it fits!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10916567386757937920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239511888791276088.post-34909561811112438862015-01-14T21:44:00.002-08:002015-01-14T21:44:46.454-08:00Here's to 2015.This more or less captures the essence of my holidays (but my life is not as cute as this illustration).<br />
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There was a lot of crafting, cat petting, eating, and snuggling up in my new giant scarf and pj pants.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16098010307" title="Will you keep me warm this winter by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Will you keep me warm this winter" height="332" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7552/16098010307_7b8c434d0c_z.jpg" width="581" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Illustrations from a McDonald's ad (with <a href="http://youtu.be/07PA2vPXw9k">this adorable song</a>) if you can believe it :)</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/16097738099" title="Will you keep my heart out of the cold by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="Will you keep my heart out of the cold" height="332" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8644/16097738099_c8ab837545.jpg" width="386" /></a></div>
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I just got back from Philadelphia, so I've been getting back into the swing of things with work and cleaning my room after the <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Craftermath">craftermath </a>of the holidays. Look for a couple of handmade gift posts coming soon!<br />
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In other news, <a href="http://instagram.com/laura.isasif">I've joined Instagram</a>! You can follow me if you like - it'll mostly be craft WIPs, bikes, guinea pigs, and San Diego! <br />
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Let's hope 2015 is a more productive year around the blog :)Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10916567386757937920noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239511888791276088.post-8480795051029621262014-12-10T21:36:00.000-08:002014-12-10T21:36:16.589-08:00Everyday Cloth Napkins<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/15995225605" title="Everyday cloth napkins"><img alt="Everyday cloth napkins" height="427" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8622/15995225605_623243f219_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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We used to use a lot of paper napkins and paper towels when we ate our meals, and it seemed so wasteful to throw away so much paper that didn't even get that dirty. (I like to think we're pretty clean.) We finally decided to take the plunge and go the cloth napkin route, but we still use paper towels in the kitchen because eww no - I can't even imagine "reusable" kitchen rags let alone cloth diapering *shudder*.<br />
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We went and picked out several cute quilting cottons (100% cottons seem to be the best and cheapest for the job), and I bought 1/2 yard of each. 1/2 yard = 2 napkins. At first I tried to do a general color scheme, but I quit that real fast so now I can indulge my whimsical erratic style with whatever fabric strikes my fancy. Also, it's fun to pick out stuff from the red tag clearance section when it's an additional half off.<br />
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I'm sure there are many tutorials out there on how to do this, but I liked <a href="http://prudentbaby.com/2011/06/prudent-home/mitered-corner-cloth-napkins-2/">this one by Pretty Prudent</a> the best. I cut my squares into 18"x18" (because 1/2 yard = 18", but of course you could always get a 22" cut and squeeze out exactly 2 napkins from 42" fabric). I then pressed ~1/4"-1/2" hem and again - just eyeballed it, no need to measure. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/15994542372" title="Mitered corners"><img alt="Mitered corners" height="472" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7570/15994542372_bd49dbb218_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Ahh, a beautiful mitered corner! Tip: If you're going to make several of these at a time, do it assembly line style, and do all the marking, then all the corner seams, then the final hem. It goes pretty fast this way! I've already made four more napkins since I took these pictures!<br />
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It's so much fun to have these pretty and colorful napkins at the dinner table. We like to pick out which ones "go best" with the overall feeling of the meal, is that totally weird?<br />
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And while we're being totally honest, we like to wash these after several uses, they're just not that dirty after a single use. What's the consensus on this one? (If you use cloth napkins) Do you wash them every time or are you ok with just throwing them in the laundry when the load has a little extra room? Chime in and let me know if you agree or think I'm a dirty dirty slob! :)Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10916567386757937920noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239511888791276088.post-81002458137431811272014-10-29T22:54:00.001-07:002014-11-10T23:34:04.606-08:00Reusable Shopping BagI've been flexing my sewing muscles lately by making a new grocery bag! Our old bag was a freebie I got at work and was at the point of disintegrating (and butt ugly to boot!). I forget exactly who said it, but life is too short to be carrying ugly bags! It was the kick in the pants that I needed to whip up this shiny new bag.<br />
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I found this beautiful printed canvas at Hobby Lobby, and I couldn't leave without it, but since I didn't have a project in mind for it, I bought a measly quarter yard and figured I'd whip up a basic tote bag or something.<br />
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Fortunately, after a little scrolling through Pinterest, I discovered this genius <a href="http://terryatkinson.typepad.com/atkinsondesigns/2008/11/fat-sack.html">tutorial</a> from Terry Ann for a sweet new shopping bag with the front and back as one whole piece so you
don't ever have to worry about the bottom collapsing and falling out
under the strain of too many groceries! <br />
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Since I'd only bought a quarter yard of the printed canvas, I also picked up slightly less than a yard (end of bolt!) of navy <a href="http://www.joann.com/jo-ann-stores-duck-canvas-fabric/prd23683.html">duck canvas</a> from JoAnn. It matches pretty well to the navy in the printed pattern I think! It's wonderfully sturdy and gives the bag a nice solid structured feeling, y'know, for lugging your gallon of iced tea home from the store.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/15664928182" title="ReusableBag1 by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="ReusableBag1" height="960" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3955/15664928182_42946653bd_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I followed her tutorial as written and just overlaid my printed fabric over the canvas and stitched my handles so that they covered the raw edges of the fabric (my handles are set a little wider than stated for just this reason). I stitched my handles on with a box x stitch for extra strength - not sure how true this is, but it is my impression that it is a parachuting standard for making sure the seam does not come apart.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/15477954418" title="ReusableBag2 by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="ReusableBag2" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3956/15477954418_369bbe515f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Terry Ann calls for home decor weight fabric, and of course her pleat is so nicely pressed, but I could not get mine to lay flat at all, so it is what it is. I actually finger pressed everything where she calls for an iron because this fabric actually held a crease pretty well from me just smashing the fabric into a fold - bonus, no burnt fingers from the iron!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/15043976393" title="ReusableBag3 by triifecta, on Flickr"><img alt="ReusableBag3" height="427" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3942/15043976393_77c652dab6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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This bag can hold just a ton of stuff, volume and weight-wise, so it's a
really great shopping bag! <br />
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I used the plastic piece from the old shopping bag to give the bottom a little bit of shape, but my other go-to for stiff plastic for stabilizing is plastic canvas for cross-stitching. It's super cheap and easy to find, I got mine from Michael's, and really, where else are you going to find a big piece of stiff plastic?<br />
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I feel like it's so easy to buy those 99 cent bags at pretty much every store, and they're always made out of that flimsy material. And I'm not knocking it, it's better those than plastic bags (California bag ban ring a bell?) but why not have something sturdier and prettier? So, <b>anyone else making their own reusable shopping bags?</b>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10916567386757937920noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3239511888791276088.post-13360885581416064052014-08-06T20:19:00.000-07:002014-08-11T22:20:36.297-07:00A Crocheted BoutonnièreSo I had sometime ago thought about what to get my brother for his birthday seeing as I have little idea about what he might like/want (I got him a comb, lol). I had always thought it would be really cool to do an entire bouquet of crocheted flowers, I even tried to copy <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/130182245449013343/">this Saipua arrangement</a> once upon a time (I <i>love</i> their aesthetic), but it didn't really come together.<br />
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I thought it might be time to give that idea another go, and I thought I could make my brother a cool boutonniere for his prom. Since it's pretty customary for the guy to get a tie/bow tie to match his date's dress, I didn't want to sew him a tie or bow tie because I had no idea the color of the dress. I tried to play it safe with a black and white color scheme.<br />
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Because I went with black and white, I picked anemones as my main flower since I love those and searched around on Pinterest until <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/322992604497987850/">I found something that I liked</a>. (See also picture below right)<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/14750529383" title="crochet boutonniere1 | isasif.blogspot.com"><img alt="20140730" height="444" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3885/14750529383_9d92095673_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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What do you think? Did I get it right?<br />
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Some details about the construction:<br />
-I used a pair of super strong neodymium magnets to keep it in place on the lapel, no awkward pins, hooray!<br />
-I made up the pattern for the flower and the fern as I went, but it's just a basic round shape flattened and sewed together. I think it has a total of 6 petals.<br />
-I used worsted yarn for the fern and bobbly things, crochet thread in white for the petals, embroidery floss in black for the center, and black sewing thread to make the fringe. I wrapped the whole thing in a scrap of white cotton with black flecked dots to continue the black and white theme (plus the stems were a little hideous)<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177856@N05/14544026468" title="crochet boutonniere | isasif.blogspot.com"><img alt="052" height="960" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2916/14544026468_75703cd0cb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I made the boyfriend get all dressed up on the upper half and stand outside patiently so I could stand on a chair and take close up pictures of his lapel :) </span><br />
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I think this would work really well for a wedding too! Plus it's super reusable :)<br />
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Anyone else ever try to recreate things from Pinterest? Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10916567386757937920noreply@blogger.com0