The word is out

It's hot.  There.  I said it.  Tomorrow it's suppose to three degrees hotter.  I heard on NPR that, beginning today, the days would become shorter along with a decrease in temperature.  Only, he added, that we wouldn't likely notice because, well, it's . . . hot.  Nice, huh?

Anyway, I managed to eek out a crocheted sock monkey for Anna two and a half weeks ago for her birthday party.  I'm talking about almost around the clock crocheting of this rakish little creature from Patons yarn.  Boy, my hands were aching!  It was worth it though because she looooooooves him.  There were tea sets, clothes, and several Monster High dolls at this gig, and my gift was the one she has been toting around since then.  :)

Yup.  I'm pretty cool now.  At least until I deny their request for seconds on brownies.  Then, its downhill.  haha.

There was a bunch of little things I wanted to share, but I took too long to write about it.  Since I have been on a roll with working on UFOs, I'll share with you Emily's quilt.

  

I'm somewhat pleased with it.  It has been awhile since I've machine quilted, mostly because I have a difficult time using the walking foot on all my sewing machines.  I can't figure out whether it's user error and the foot itself, but, everytime I "strap" on the foot, it starts to come off after stitching a few inches.  I'm convinced that a new Bernina 440QE will remedy it, but, for now, I basically have to stick to free motion quilting.

The other problem I have is a lack of planning.  I do well piecing tops together, but deciding what design to quilt leaves me stumped sometimes.  I think I had a really good idea with the motif for the pinwheel blocks, and I figured I would decide later what to quilt in the areas. Once done though, I reverted to my trusty swirls before finishing up the borders with straight lines (sans walking foot).  Kinda lame.  But Emily loves me so I doubt she'll mind the imperfections.  Ahem.

After Emily's quilt, I was suppose to move onto to Jada's hopscotch quilt, but, it's lost among the unpacked boxes and bins of fabric, yarns, and more fabric and yarn.  I pulled out this old project that I started back in 2008.

I have always wanted a double wedding ring quilt.  They look so intricate and tricky, but its not really.  In fact, I realized that, when I finally got back into the process, it moves along rather easily.  I purchased acrylic templates by Sharlene Jorgenson to cut out the pieces, and I am assembling line sewing the arcs and melons.  Already, I've pieced together six circles in the past week.  I just have to stick with it.  Originally, my goal was to complete at least one ring per day with the idea of finishing the top in two weeks, but now I'm doing each step all at once.  I think its still feasible.  After that, I will really have to put some thought into the quilt design.

On the fiber front, I haven't been knitting much lately, but I have been working on my crochet cardigan though.  Outside of having to frog it at least three times, its easy, so I hope to share that soon.

Wherever you are, hope the weather is pleasant.  

Summer of Birthdays

Today is Anna the Banana's 9th birthday!  Officially.  It looks like Sunday we will be actually having the celebration, so I have a bit of time to churn out out gifts for the gregarious nine year old.  I'm sure there will be the usual accoutrement of toys and clothes, but I am hoping to maintain the tradition of gifting a handmade item for the kids.  Its been shaky here and there, but I have the chance to redeem myself.  In fact, four times over.  Over the next three months, we will be celebrating four birthdays - the Mouse, Banana, Jbug, and SFR. 

Now to figure out what to make in three days.  Yipe.

By the way, guess who's finally finished!





The Super Terrific Crafty Weekend

I need more three day weekends. It gives me a chance to get a lot of crafting done, but, more importantly, I am able to spend more time with Em. She is just over 15 months, and, man, I wonder where the time goes.  It seems so much faster this time around.

Before I get to the weekend stuff, I did finish the dress.

For the most part, the dress came out fine.  It needs a bit more tweaking in the armscye, and it could use some sort of stablizer around the neckline.  I don't particularly care for the top back opening, and, since I put in pleats instead of gathers, the seamlines in the front skirt would have to be readjusted.  That's assuming I make it again, which isn't in the works right now.  There are just too many other dresses that I want to make.  I made this simply because the fabric was in my stash.

Unfortunately, I have not worn this yet.  It really needs a cardigan for workwear, and, as I figured, the cardigan I am working on is a bit too small.  I said I would give it to one of the girls, but I really don't want to buy more yarn.  Really, though.  Ahem.  I don't usually buy white yarn, but I bought the yarn for this piece.  So, I have to rework the plan.

Now for the weekend.   With school over, the Mouse has been asking me about making a quilt.  She is also thinking about entering one for the Tucson Quilt Fiesta in January 2012 (quilts are due in September though).  Because of the move, I was not able to locate the shadow box quilt pattern that we purchased at the Quilt Fiesta in 2010.  I showed it here.  We picked another easy pattern from the same designer - square dancing.  The company has some cute patterns.  I like the cupcake cafe pattern, but I digress.

Teaching the Mouse a refresher course on quilting wasn't easy.  She was very eager to just get going, but, as you know, there is prep work to do before the actual sewing occurs.  First, I had to give her a rundown on how to use the sewing machine.  Then, we had to practice using the rotary cutter and sewing a quarter inch seam.  Next, we went through the directions, and we washed, labeled, and cut the fabric.

I attached the quarter inch foot and laid down painter's tape and puffy tape to allow her to achieve the quarter inch seam.  Since this sewing machine allows me to regulate the speed, I placed it on the lowest setting.  And, of course, there was the the obligatory juice box on top of the machine for sips between blocks.

The quarter inch guides seem like a lot, but, as she progressed, she no longer needed the puffy tape.  Eventually, the painter's tape was removed, leaving the foot, and that's what we want her to use in the end.  She assembled all the blocks and began adding two sides of the first border before calling it a day.  She did make mistakes, but nothing that couldn't be fixed with extra fabric and a seam ripper.  I wish I had taken more pictures, but you can tell she is very focused and diligent.  Again, I was really impressed with her persistence.  We'll see how she does next weekend.

Perhaps this happens to others, but it doesn't feel like it to me.  Once I complete a sewing project, I'm at sort of a loss on what to do next.  Sure, I manage to eye some things up while I'm sewing, and I pull things together and prepare.  So, I'm not surprised that I had to back out of the next project which was making a half circle skirt. . . from a linen blend.  The fabric didn't seem appropriate for the style, and the linen really needed a lining because it was a bit stratchy.  Sometimes minor setbacks like these dampen my mojo for a bit, and it take me a while to regroup.  But I am happy to report that I pushed through it and made some pajamas for Em!

You may laugh, but I considered this a particularly clever project.  First, the basics.  I used McCalls 9407 (which I found is also 6277).  In a previous post, I made a romper for Em, which she still wears with some mending here and there.  I decided to use the top and pants from the pattern, and the "fabric" is two coordinating receiving blankets that we used when Em was born.

I'm still  beaming from this project.  Hehe.  Ok, ok.

Because the blankets were largely square, I had to cut out the pieces one layer at a time, and I omitted the pattern facing.  Instead, I used the serged end of the blanket as a facing for the front since I knew I would need some thickness for the snaps.  I created flat felled seams for the raglan sleeves and pants side seams, and I placed a small zig zig and straight seam for the underarm of the top and the crotch area of the pants.  I curved the front corners, and I added binding around the edges of both pieces.

For most of the edges, I cut off the hem allowance before attaching the binding except for the hem of the pants and the bottom of the top.  I also didn't insert elastic to the hem of the pants either.  I figured this would allow Em to wear it a lot longer.  The pattern, which I reviewed in Pattern Review, ranges from preemie to medium.  I don't remember the height and weight range, but I was still able to use the medium sizing even though Emily just exceeded the sizing range.

I really like it.  Over the weekend, I purchased two other pajama patterns, but neither had the front opening and raglan sleeves that I wanted.  Even though this is a pajama top, I think it would make a cute top or cardigan as well.  I'm already planning on making a second pair of pajama bottoms from another receiving blanket and then another set of pajamas from stash fabric.

Of course, getting decent shots of her in the outfit are difficult.  :)

Hope everyone had a safe and crafty weekend!

Tuesday . . . I'm in luv

The dress is back in my good graces. A little pressing of the pleats and a new day, and now it has taken a better shape. I reallythink it was the gathered waistline that threw me off.

What remains now is the zipper and hem. To make this office-appropriate, I am going to wear it with a shrug or short cardi. I tried on a brown one I recently bought, just to see how it looked.

To that end, I started yet another crochet project. The pattern, Knot Ugly Shrug, is from Stitch 'n Bitch, the Happy Hooker. I'm using Red Heart Baby soft yarn and a size K hook, instead of the recommended L, simply because I didn't have it when I started. Its moving along fairly quickly. I didn't test my gauge, but, if it turns out too small, I will give it to one of the girls and start another one. Yay!

I did want to share this:

Sparkle! Color! Metallic Highlights? I honestly don't know what to think of this. How is it attached? Does it hurt? I envision a small, piping hot clamp and some Christmas tinsel. Yipe.

The summer dress

Grr. The one time I make a quick second post is when blogger is down, and my writing is lost. Originally, I was going to say that Tucson had been delivering us some very kind mornings. In keeping with my commitment to sew for at least half an hour everyday, I have been getting up about 5 or 5:30 a.m., and I have been able to enjoy the pleasant mornings before it turns brutal. Last night was very plesant as well, especially after SFR installed a misting system on our back porch. Ahhh. . . Despite the heat, I love the southwest, and I doubt that there is any other place I would rather live.

The dress is coming along . . . I created a muslin by cutting it out of old curtains that I made a long time ago.

Obviously, I had to make a few changes, including a FBA and raising the neckline.

Here is a close-up:

Very summery. This is stash fabric. I've had it for sooo long that I can't remember where or when I bought, which isn't typical for me. It's challis , and I still have about two yards leftover. I briefly thought about making a dress for Em, but I already established a history of unintentionally wearing the same colors as Jbug when we go out so maybe not. I have to admit that I like the mother-daughter matchiness. Ahem.

I lost some momentum, because I ended up having to modify the skirt. The pattern calls for gathering the skirt to the waist. Oh, man. No way. I tried that baby on, and no way. In the end, I created four pleats - two in the back and two in the front. It's seems more flattering, but I think the puffiness of the gathered waistline is still too fresh in my mind. I'll get back to it this week when I try it on again.

F-in gathers. I like them, but I can only wear them in moderation.

Anyway, back to the otterpond. . .

Poke

There should be a poke gadget on blogger, a la Facebook, where you can "poke" someone to remind them to post something.

Poke.

Slowly, we have been settling into our new home, fixing and arranging things as we like. I managed to unpack most, but not all, of my crafty stuff. An intricate plan is in the works as to how to organize the yarn and fabric. I feel so lucky to have a room dedicated to my passion.

Since moving in, I have been working reducing my stash, and I hope that reorganizing my stuff will further that goal. Like many others, I'm sure, I have tons of fabric and yarn. Its really time to either do something with it or get rid of it. So. . .

My first goal: makes clothes
I wear black. Or I should say that I use to wear a lot of black. No, I'm not part of some cult or goth or whatever. Over the years, I guess I just stopped making an effort about my appearance, and black seemed the simplest thing to grab.

Based upon reviews and other blogs, I decided to get this OOP pattern: Simplicity 3803.

It's apparently somewhat difficult to get. I scoured the internet for months. A few months ago, I just went ahead and bought it in the size 4-12 range, hoping that I could somehow fix it so it would work for me. Mind you, I'm not in this range. Fortunately, I snagged one in the higher size range for a few dollars on Ebay. What luck! I plan to use some stashed fabric to make my first dress for summer 2011. Whoohoo!

My second goal is to resurrect old quilt tops and blocks that I put away for whatever reason. Here, I had made pinwheels at least four or five years ago. The original idea was to make a ton of pinwheel blocks and put them together for a scrap quilt. But, to be honest, I'm not all that jazzed about the idea now, and my quilting abilities and desire have simply advanced beyond making pinwheels. For now. Don't get me wrong. Simple blocks are great. In particular, I like pinwheels. Nine patches are good, too. But, man, lately, I have been into curved patterns, like the Double Wedding Ring, New York Beauty, and other circular patterns.

This will be Em's first baby quilt. I'm using a motif for the blocks, and I am thinking about using the bubbles stencil for the border. I finished quilting the blocks already, and I just did swirls in the lattices. One of my sewing machines is on the blitz now, so its on hold until I get it fixed.

Poke.

In fiber news, I finally visited Grandma's Spinning Wheel last week, and I took some lessons on how to do intrelac. I had tried it on my own once, but I lost interest in keeping up with it. I like the pattern though, and I've since learned that taking a class or instructions is generally helpful.

The good part? I made this:

The yarn is Crystal Palace Taos. The needles are really beautiful. I bought those at the Spinning Wheel even though I already have size 8s. With help, I rolled right along with it and worked a lot of rows in a short time.

The bad part? Yesterday, I was about to knit during my daughter's tae kwon do practice, and I noticed this, wayyyyyyyyy at the bottom: a drop stitch!

I was so crushed. It looked so nice, and I was planning on making a bag to hold my makeup. And, well, I couldn't work any more rows. I tried frogging it back down to where I made the mistake, but the yarn is so unforgiving. After a few rows, I ended up with pieces. Sniff.

The project is scrapped. I have a little bit of yarn left, probably enough to make a smaller pouch. Its disappointing, but a lesson learned well on my first attempt. :)

By the way, if you're juiced into Ravelry, I have many other projects there as well under craftyotter.

Back to the otterpond.

Its yarn by a furlong!

In the past couple of month, I have been working with yarn much more than fabric, simply because its portable and accessible. We have a new house, and we have been renovating a few things, including laying down saltillo tiles. It looks amazing, and I can't wait till its done! SFR has been doing a really great job, as always. :)

As part of moving, I have been slowly going through old projects and deciding whether to finish it, frog it, trash it, or give it away. I'd show them but there isn't much to say about UFOs. I'd rather show stuff I've finally done.

I finished those damn Turkish Bed Socks. Whoohoo!

That's Trangle there, checking out the goods. Isn't it funny how animals seem to poke around right when you're taking pictures?

Recently, for my birthday last month, I purchased several more amigurumi books. I love making animals, and the kids get so excited seeing them put together. In fact, I think they're almost better than store bought toys. Almost. :p

Meet Otto Long Legs. He's from Knitwits.  Jbug absolute loves him, and, once he was done, they were off!  I made Frank for the Banana, but I don't have a picture of him on hand.

Speaking of amigurumis, remember this shady dude:

He's so kewt, it's criminal!  He's not done yet - still missing one leg.  I didn't post that because I find it distressing.  I also need to finish his turtleneck and hat, too.  That's on direct orders from Jbug. 

Then there are a few things on the burner:

Initially, I was dismissive of this pattern because the outcome was very utilitarian, but I've since reconsidered that. Maybe it was the yarn. Or the color. I used Vanna's choice, and I have a love/hate relationship with that yarn. When I see it, I love it. I imagine so many possibilities, and I like the range of colors, especially the charcoal and deep purple. On the other hand, it is slightly above being worsted weight but not really bulky. It works all right though for many projects, so I might as well keep her around.

Back to the pattern. Ahem. I finished the other side, but, I packed away the ivory yarn that I needed for the crab/reverse crochet stitch around the opening. I can't really see buying another skein for just a yard of yarn . . . can I?

In the meantime, I found some camo colored yarn. I don't have a clue as to why I purchased this yarn. In fact, I made a ribbed hat that never gets worn, probably because it's so acrylic-y. Originally, I intended to use the slipper pattern to make another pair since, in my thinking, with saltillo tiles in our new home, I will need more slippers. But Jbug liked the yarn and requested some slippers, too. How could I say no?

Because of the size, it works up rather quickly, and I'm ready to start the other side. I think I might add a skull to the tops for added "toughness." haha. . .