Sewing and Knitting

Sewing and knitting projects I have been toting around with me the past few weeks.  I started another little baby sweater, got really far and realized I totally messed up towards the beginning.  So...pulled it out and started over.  At least it's easy and fast. 

A couple more Alabama Chanin tops started.  This black one is the tunic length.  I love the fit.

This one has a narrower fit and was a little too short for my liking so I added on a little gathered hem.  

I needed a couple of simple tops to wear that matched pretty much everything.

For a hand sewing project these really are quick and easy.  I will probably add some embellishments along the way but for now they work!

 Doing the Wednesday Yarn Along over here.

Garage sales and more WIP

I found this kids size rocking chair at a garage sale this weekend along with a couple of other little things.  I debated about picking it up but it was just too cute.  I imagine Eliot rocking the baby or little dolls sitting in it.  Girl sewing is so fun!

I started working on a bucket hat for Eliot at his request.  He wanted it to have a dragon and bats in black with white on the front.  So after picking up a couple of t-shirts at goodwill the hat has begun.  It is a reverse applique stencil that I found via google images (actually a tattoo) and the hat pattern itself is based on the Alabama Chanin version in her new book.  Boy sewing can be fun, too. *

We were planning to do a family picture this weekend but I forgot about it by the time Kevin had to head to work.  I have something up my sleeve for it that I think will be kind of cute and funny but for now I put the camera on the table and had Eliot stand with me.  I don't have a lot of belly photos and there isn't much time left!

* Since finishing the post above I finished the hat.  It was really easy to work up and cheap to boot.  One more bath time and it was done.  I might put a brim on it but he is happy with it and that's what makes me smile.  I'm happy to at least be able to make something for him right now as he is getting pretty board with me and my lack of physical prowess.  I keep assuring him I will be back to mostly normal soon!  

On another note I planted about 10 tomato plants today after really forcing myself to go to the garden center.  I am finding it hard to deviate from the homeward path most days. Yesterday I planted seeds from whatever I could reach from my position sitting next to the garden boxes.  I have no idea what I put where but at least seeds are in the ground.  I feel a lot better now!  Almost done!

 A bit of a tough guy look.

Stenciling and Spring Peepers

I have started another Alabama Chanin project. I certainly won't be fitting into it for a long time with the growing belly but I figure by the time I can fit into it I will be finished. Plus it will be good motivation to get back to my pre-baby size a little faster than the first time.

I'm working on the Quilted and Inked Camisole Dress. The pattern is from her 2nd book. I also got some supplies to make a skirt from her 3rd book after the dress is done. I received a ton of 50% off coupons to the fabric store so I couldn't resist.

I had cut out a smaller version of this patter for the tunic shirt I made a while back. I had cut it out on paper so it really didn't last. This time I am using vinyl that I was able to find by the yard. Hopefully that with some spray adhesive will do the trick when stenciling this dress.

The birds are back around here in full force. Along with the bugs and butterflies. I have been thinking about making (or having Kevin make) me a feather stamp/lino block print to make some custom curtains.

This is a special day too as we heard the peepers for the first time this year last night! That is always my first indicator of spring. I even slept with the windows open!

Jess the Model

So - I decided to model my Alabama Chanin shirts that I finished. This sort of picture feels a little goofy when I see them of myself but I wanted to do an experiment with my lights to see if I could overpower bright sunlight in the way I wanted to. I tend to use strait on flash to fill in scenes vs light on one side like this. So - kill two birds! So, forgive the gazing into the middle distance 'look' and check out the clothes.

This one was made using the tank top pattern and three thrifted and free tshirts. The orange lining shows through with the reverse applique. I used her stencil, too. With the lining it's a tad small. I'm glad I did this with the lining as a precursor to the dress I am going to start. I plan to size up with the dress.

This is the tunic length top and is unlined. This has applique with lots of beading. I forgot to take a detail shot but trust me it is sparkly. If you click on the picture you can see it a little better. The hand beading took a long time but in the end it was worth it. I get a lot of complements on it when I wear it out.

A belated update:

The crazy garden at the peak of its wildness. Lots of herbs, beans and a tomato jungle. I got hit with powdery mildew and lost all of my pumpkins and squash but I still have one that is hanging in there. We have plans to build two more boxes and I want to move the perennial herbs into the yard if our soil tests come back OK. Not to mention the 'great honeysuckle removal project' in preparation for a spring tree planting. Just typing that out makes me hot and tired!

The carrots were really good. They were a tad short and I didn't thin them enough but they tasted, and looked, great.

Eliot likes to pretend he is a bunny and eats the veggies out of the garden. Fine with me!

The calendula I planted is still going strong. I plan to make some soap and bath sachets this winter. I had a mad rush before Irene to pick, dry and otherwise store herbs. The garden is pretty flat right now but at least the tomatoes all survived.

Here is a little craft update while I'm at it. This is the 2nd of the Alabama Chanin shirts I've made. This one is almost done now. I will post some finished products soon. This is two thrifted t-shirts sandwiched with some reverse applique. Next up will be a dress with stencils and some quilting...

Sewing and Baking

The Alabama Chanin top is going nicely. It took me forever to cut out the stencil but that is done and I have finished tracing it onto the tunic top. It was a little scary to use permanent marker but I took a deep breath and went for it. I'm glad I did because it will be easy to sew over it and not loose my spot looking for disappearing pen marks.
We are in rhubarb season now! Definitely my favorite spring food. I have already made a batch of lemonade and I think today I will have a pie making afternoon with Eliot. These rhubarb are huge! I could use the leaves as an umbrella. I couldn't toss them out after I cut them so they are sitting in the fridge until I think of a project. I want to try some leaf printing but I couldn't find any paper big enough! Might be a little ambitious.

Eliot, Kevin and I went down to the Old Port Festival this weekend. A cold rainy day. I got to wear my new leather hipster jacket that I got at the thrift store. I was worried I wouldn't be able to pull it off but I don't think it looks too conspicuous.

Alabama Chanin

I have found a new craft/style book that I have been carrying around with me from room to room for the past week. Alabama Studio Style by Natalie Chanin. It is all about hand sewing clothing made from cotton jersey. It is right up my alley. It is slow and has lots of needle work.

I've started making a tunic length camisole top. I was a little nervous about sewing with stretchy fabric but it has been really nice. I couldn't find affordable cotton jersey so I went with 95% cotton 5% spandex interlock. So far so good. I have the front and back finished so the flower details come next! I am anticipating some beading, relief applique and embroidery. It is one of those projects that I can carry around with me and work on from time to time. It goes quite fast for a hand work project.