Sew What?

I assure you, there has been a lot of time spent behind the sewing machine here lately. Christmas gifts, things for me, things for the little one, clothes and new items for the shop. I'm getting ready to upgrade my machine because I'm often left with a half done project that requires something more heavy duty, or even a machine that can actually apply the zigzag stitch correctly. Stephen is usually begging me to upgrade because he's tired of hearing those naughty words escape my mouth while I reach for the stitch ripper. And my serger? Are you supposed to have to bang on it to get it working again?! So it looks like both of them might be in for an upgrade. Oy vey.

Nevertheless, I have managed to complete a few things. This was one of those, "what was I thinking??" projects. I designed a simple skirt with two pleats in the front and a ruffle around the bottom. I wanted something nice to wear to Thanksgiving but this was honestly too much for me. I once again measured myself no less than ten times and still came out with a skirt eight inches too big. A lot of cutting and resewing and I ended up with something that was a bit too "fluffy" for me. I'm hacking the back off and turning it into an apron.

A few Christmas gifts for family and friends.  I made four of these patchwork scarves and they were so incredibly quick to whip up. I think it's safe to post these here, but I'm sorry if I spoiled the surprise for anyone! I used cotton prints from my favorite little fabric store and linen I had on hand.

And lastly, a little sneak peak at the new batch of things for the shop. This "Library Tote'' is strong enough to carry a load of books. This one was made with a chocolate brown corduroy and one of my favorite Japanese cotton prints. I really want to keep it for myself! It's lined with fusible fleece (gosh, I despise working with this stuff, but it sure does make a bag sturdy!) and has a wonderful feel to it. The straps are long enough to go over your shoulder, because I'm one of those people who never has a free hand for carrying a bag. I plan on finishing the rest and adding them to the shop by the weekend.

Now, off to do more sewing...

For those music fans out there, the title of this post was inspired by my favorite Miles Davis tune: "So What"

Comments

[Ru]

as a librarian, i have an enormous appreciation for your library tote. would that all library totes so lovely!

[Stacey]

Looks like your having fun, the tote looks great.

[Ravenhill]

Great colors on the scarf and skirt. Man, you have been busy! I am impressed that you have time not only to make so much but to post with such frequency too. Go girl!

[grace]

The skirt looks like a great concept! But I tend to make things that come out,...too something as well. I'm loving the scarves. Thanks for sharing them.
I'm tagging you!

[Ram in the Thicket]

Everything is lovely, but you're right, I think an apron is best ;o) Great tote!

[Carrie]

Ooo, Blue in Green is my most favorite album EVER. You are just such a prolific seamstress. I'm mighty impressed. And, I thought your skirt was an apron at first glance, but I love it as a skirt too.
Have you tried lining your bags with flannel like Amy Carol suggests in Bend the Rules Sewing?

[Grace]

That skirt will make an even better apron. I love it so!! And the library tote is a stroke of genius! I made some recently that are quite a bit bigger than yours and I didn't use a facing of any kind, so they kind of lack form. But they're working. They need to be posted at some point, actually. How's the whole sewing machine search going, anyway? Email me!

[Bluebirdbaby]

Carrie- Yes, I have tried the flannel and short of using about 8 pieces on each side of it, I wouldn't get the same effect as the fleece. I think I may use that synthetic, cheap craft felt. Pretty much the same thing as the fusible fleece, without the stickiness!

[amanda]

As an apron or a skirt, that little garment is cuuuu--uuute!! Very sweet!

So much inspiration in this little post--I'm definitely making myself a scarf like yours. Your friends will be so delighted when they open their gifts!

And thanks for the tip about the fusible fleece. I love a sturdy bookbag.

off to visit your shop . . .

[Melissa!]

I dare you to wear the skirt for one day - even if it's just around the house...I betcha you'll start feeling it and love it as it is! ;)
{Sometimes I need a skirt that has a little bit of flirt to it that'll remind me that skirts are more fun than sweats!}
...but an apron will be just as adorable! (I, too, think aprons are ingenius!)