My First Treasury Listing!

I have been very busy lately with the holidays and getting ready to
launch Fabric Love.com, but I wanted to share some exciting news with you.

I've been featured in a treasury by Katie of Eden's Wake! She makes
some beautiful handbags and accessories herself, so for her to include
my Rosalie bag in red and black on her treasury list is a huge honor for me. Thanks so much, Katie!

All of the items in this treasury show off the curator's excellent taste.

Click on the image below for a larger version.





You can find this treasury here until it expires on Monday, Dec. 28, 3:32 p.m.

Yarn bag in process - updated frequently and randomly during project

In order to get the yarn busket to stand upright on its own, I used Pellon Peltex Ultra Firm single-sided fusible interfacing. I used my iron to fuse this to the Soft 'n Crafty polyester fiber fill. I used the interfacing as the under layer, the fiber fill as batting, and laid the pieced outer fabric covering on top for this "quilt sandwich."


I've noticed in the past that sometimes the fabric takes on a "wavy" or "crinkly" appearance when fusing it to the interfacing, so I'm pleased with the results of the suggestion I found in Ric-Rac's fabric bucket tutorial.



After quilting the "sandwich" with some simple lines, I trimmed and squared the edges. Now both pieces measure 16.5" x 18.5".



Here's a closer shot of the finished Denny Kitty appliqué (a.k.a. Knittin' Kitten by Urban Threads), crossed eyes and all. I machine appliquéd on all pieces, then used a bit of fabric paint to put the lines on the ball of yarn.



I had seriously considered embroidering the yarn ball to show the threads of it, but unfortunately I am on a bit of a deadline. Grandma's birthday is Sunday, and I'll be leaving town to see her on Saturday. I'd also like to whip up a laptop bag before leaving. I'd better stop blogging and start sewing!

I'll be adding more to this post in the coming day, so stay tuned!


Update: Put ribbon handles and decoration on bag, sewed up corner darts, and added zippered interior pocket.


Up next: Creating and securing pocket panel for crochet needles, yarn (thread) snips, and a yarn needle cozy with a velcro closure.

The purple needle cozy is made of two layers of felt sewn to a canvas flap. It features a .5" x .75" velcro closure.


I sewed a strip of Moda's Calypso to the outside of the flap to cover the velcro and felt secureing stitching, and to give it a more finished look. This is the same fabric from which I'm making the zippered interior pocket.

A Yarn busket for my Grandma Rosalie

After some deliberation, I chose to use these fabrics for the crochet busket (basket + bucket= busket) for my grandma Rosalie, whose birthday is this coming Sunday.



Here is the front, stitched together and waiting for the applique.



The following picture is how I conferred with my mom to show her what I was planning, and to get input on Dennis' (Denny's) eyes. Dennis is my grandma's cat. He's cross-eyed and IMO mentally handicapped, but a very loveable kitty.

I purchased the design, Knittin' Kitten, from Urban Threads.


And here is a close-up of the applique, waiting to be stitched on:


I opted to change the fabric for the ball of yarn because the previous choice didn't show up very well on the background fabric. I'll add embroidery to the yarn to give it definition.

Happy Monday all!

Commissioned wristlets instead of refashioned skirt

Well, you see what my last post was about. I've gotten a little sidetracked since then by a... *trumpet trill* Commission!

A week ago last Tuesday a bride purchased my frilly wristlet in my etsy shop and asked me to make some for her bridesmaids. How could I say no?

I offered her a few fabric choices, and she chose the blue and white. So cute!

First, I made a pattern, remembering as much as I could from putting the first one (the bride's wristlet) together a month or so ago. I traced this onto poster board and cut it out, so as to have a more durable pattern. Next, I cut out everything: fashion fabric, lining, batting, batting backing, interfacing, etc. I figured I'd do everything in an assembly-line way to save time. It worked pretty well.

Next I made quilt sandwiches out of the fashion fabric, batting, and backing. I then quilted them together using a straight stitch and my walking foot. To make things a bit easier, I just followed the lines on the fabric.

I finally put my ruffler foot to use on this blue satin blanket binding.

At first I stitched the blue ruffles to the gold ribbon, but then had to pick it out once I decided I wanted the blue ruffles on each side of each wristlet. I had used some rayon binding that I had in my stash, but ran out. The satin blanket binding that I picked up at Joann's was a bit glossier and smoother, so I picked out the rayon stuff and added the poly satin back in.

Here I am putting the lining together.

I've figured out a way, with my laptop hooked to my camera, to use my cordless trackball mouse to take photos. I then just have to angle my arm so I can click the left mouse button with my elbow. LOL. In this way, I can (hopefully) start doing tutorials!

Getting ready to put the zip in after I've stitched the pleated bottom to the flat top.

I stitched both the outer fabric and the lining to the zipper. I then pinned the lining in place on the inside of the outer fabric (wrong side to wrong side) and topstitched just on the outside of the zipper seam for a more finished look. After that, I hand-stitched on each pearly button (knotting each one separately).

After the buttons, I threaded the gold organza ribbon thru and around the button shanks in a decorative way. After that, I hand-stitched the gold ribbon down in a few strategic spots around the buttons, then used a faggoting stitch on my machine to stitch it down in more visible areas.

Here's a photo of all four wristlets, showing off their different linings.

A shot of all four wristlet fronts. I later added a simple zipper pull of a pearly shank button on a bit of organza ribbon, knotted after passing through the white zipper pull "eye."

I hope you've enjoyed browsing through my process. These were quite a bit of fun to make, and I plan on making more wristlets from the same pattern soon.

Maybe I can get back to that skirt first, though. :)

Update on (very little) sewing progress

Hi all-

I haven't spent much time in my sewing room lately, but I did get it cleaned up. :) My husband and I had friends spend the Labor Day weekend with us, so I didn't feel like I could just shut myself in there during that time.

I do have plans for this weekend, however, and it fits in with my Refashionista Pledge!

I've loved this skirt for so long, but it's almost always been a bit snug on me. At this point, it's just too small. I plan to bring the waistline down to a wider section, thus bringing the hemline up to just above the knee. I'm still contemplating what type of waistband and closure I want.

Here's another reason I haven't done much sewing the past two weeks:

I've been reading. Each of these books grabbed me and just wouldn't let go. Oh, I forgot to add Swapping Lives by Jane Green. That was a good one, too! I am firmly ensconced in the book on top, The Way of Shadows, at the moment.

Sometimes I just go through a period where I can't stop reading. Swaptree is wonderful and awesome, because it cuts down on the cost when you can go through a book every two days, but now I'm tempted by good books all the time!

The Box Office

I got this email from a friend today. It tickled me pink and I just had to share with you all!

While the C-5 was turning over its engines, a female crewman gave the G.I.s on board the usual
information regarding seat belts, emergency exits, etc.

Finally, she said, 'Now sit back and enjoy your trip while your captain, Judith Campbell, and crew
take you safely to Afghanistan '

An old Sgt. sitting in the eighth row thought to himself,
'Did I hear her right? Is the captain a woman? '

When the attendant came by he said 'Did I understand you right? Is the captain a woman?'

'Yes,'! said the attendant, 'In fact, this entire crew is female.'



'My God,' he said, 'I wish I had two double scotch and sodas. I don't know what to think with only women up there in the cockpit.'

'That's another thing, Sergeant,' said the crew member, 'We No Longer Call It The Cockpit'

'It's The Box Office.'

Quote of the day:

'Whatever you give a woman, she will make greater. If you give her sperm, she'll give you a baby. If you give her a house, she'll give you a home. If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal.. If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart. She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her. So, if you give her any crap, be ready to receive a ton of sh*t.'

Thanks to my Twitter friends...

I'm featured in another blog, Nana's Gift Nook! This week she did a presentation on 30 fabulous fiber artists found on Twitter.



There's my Twitter avatar, with that silly Banff squirrel popping in on me. How'd he get there?! *wink*

I feel so honored to be included amongst these amazing artists. You should check them out, right after you visit my shop! *grins*

If the video moves too quickly for you, you can also download the pdf, which includes live links to the artists.

Marie Antoinette Frilly Wristlet Featured!

My little wristlet has been featured as item of the week at Sunspot Hemp Wears Blog! A big thanks to Kali for choosing it! Go check out her blog to see previous items of the week including a yummy body scrub and a crocheted purse.

One Free Week at the Vintage Pattern Archives!

I just learned about this, so I'm passing it on to you!

Want to research the roaring 20's era fashion? Are you interested in the clothing style depicted on Mad Men? You can go take a look at patterns from those periods for free!

The University of Rhode Island is allowing FREE access to their Commercial Pattern Database for a whole week, starting Wednesday, August 19th, and lasting through Tuesday, August 24th. This database contains pattern designs and, when available, small scale pattern illustrations for more than 45,000 patterns dating from 1868 through 2000.

In order to access the database for this free trial, one must login as "guest." The password is "pattern." To search the database, choose the "search" link at the top of the page and then choose your criteria from the scrolling boxes. Should you need assistance with using the database, instructions are available.

Thanks to Kathleen of Fashion Incubator for getting the word out!

Frilly Marie Antoinette Wristlet Done!

I put the finishing touches on it tonight!

You can see more photos of it in my shop. I've got to get to bed now because I'm sleep deprived, but I hope you all have a great Tuesday!

Pledge: Wardrobe Refashion

Ok, I finally did it. I took the wardrobe refashion pledge. Starting on September 1, I will not buy any new article of clothing OR ACCESSORIES, excepting shoes and underthings (as stated in the rules, below). I don't buy that many new clothes anymore, anyway, but I haven't made any in a while, either. I do have plans for a few skirts, tops and dresses. I just always feel the need to craft things for others, first! I will try to make something for myself in the next few months, and share it with the Wardrobe Refashion community. I will post there once weekly, to show what I'm working on. This may not always be something for myself, however! I do have a few bags I've promised to family as gifts which I need to get truckin' on!

The Rules

• 1.
  No buying new! (handmade is excepted; So this allows for Etsy purchases etc!!) All clothing must be Recycled, Renovated, Preloved or Thrifted, or Handmade only for the term. Employment related and special needs clothing (ie sports, school), shoes and undies are excepted from the rules, although you are encouraged to have a go at making these.
• 2.
  In extreme circumstances, maybe a special event, or the worlds greatest and most amazing never to be repeated sale that you simply can not pass up, you may use the Get out of Refashionista Jail Free card. You are able to use this card once during the 2 month part of your contract; ie 1 for 2 months, 2 for 4 months etc. Of course you need to fess up on the blog and display the button!
• 3.
  You must post on the blog at least once a week to let the community know what you've been up to. This will not only give you brag points, but inspire and encorouge others! Of course you need to display the button on your blog and have copied the pledge in at least one post, and provide a link to your pledge under the button.
• 4.
  You need to be honest and admit when you've fallen off the Refashionista Wagon! Go directly to Refashionista Jail, do not pass GO and do not collect $200! Apply for parole once there.

The Pledge

I, _Megan Harris_ pledge that I shall abstain from the purchase of "new" manufactured items of clothing, for the period of 2 months. I pledge that I shall refashion, renovate, recycle preloved items for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract. I pledge that I will share the love and post a photo of my refashioned, renovoted, recycled, crafted or created item of clothing on the Wardrobe Refashion blog, so that others may share the joy that thy thriftiness brings!

Signed,

Flowers and a bag!

This past week I've been a busy girl! I sold my first bag and a few vintage patterns. *insert happy dance here*

I've also been crafting quite a bit. Last weekend, I bought Crafty Pod author Diane Gilleland's book, Kanzashi In Bloom. Her step-by step photo illustrations and concise instructions make this book very easy to follow, and encouraged me to dive right in!


Below are her book and my first two victim, er... volunteer fabrics!

Here are my first three blooms. The top (all red) uses the pleated petal technique, the dark flower is folded in the rounded petal style, and the dual-colored bloom is a mix of rounded and pointed petals.

I'm still busy finishing up a few bags, so I haven't finished and embellished them yet, but I will soon, and I'll make some more colorful friends for them to hang out with!

Speaking of which, here's one of those bags in process. I'm defining it as an "art bag." It will be a wristlet, but it's my first, and I'm making it up as I go. I knew I wanted something pretty and a bit frilly when I picked the little fabric scraps out of my stash. The flower and ribbon fabric was from a friend who was giving away some of her scraps. It's just darling, isn't it? It turns out that this fabric was actually a fabric sample from a little French Linens shop here in town. It made me feel extra good about this purse to know that I was re-using something that otherwise might have gone in the trash.



I decided I wanted to throw some purple in there, so I quilted the bottom in a harlequin-style diamond pattern. I also used up the last of the purple ribbon that decorated my SIL's purse.



The lace I recently found at a former gas station now crammed full of estate sale finds in a tiny little town 15 miles north of me. It just screamed, "Put me on the frilly wristlet!"

Ok! Ok! Who am I to say no? Sheesh!



The pearls and the ribbon wanted to be part of this particular pretty, so there they are, on the little wristlet. The pearl buttons were from a vintage lot of buttons I purchased a while ago on Ebay.

I've got to get back to it, so thanks for reading, and ta ta for now!

Patterns!

I stopped by my friend's house the other day and she hooked me up with some really cool vintage patterns!

McCall's 7854 c. 1949

McCall's 7414 c. 1948

McCall's 4302 c. 1957

Advance 9970 - Straight up Jackie O, folks

Butterick 2735 - Soooo Mad Men!

I'm still giddy over these finds. I haven't listed these in my shop yet, but you can find others!

Pack Your Bags zippy pouch now in shop!

I just put a new bag up in my shop, a "Pack Your Bags" zippy pouch. Go check it out!

(Edited 08/12/09: This bag has been sold! Check back soon for more faboo bags in the works!)

Camping, Beach & Allergies

Ok guys- I know I haven't posted in awhile. I took a vacation from my day job, and the vacation slopped over to a vacation from posting, as well!

So in the last few weeks I've been doing many things. First it was camping:

Camping at Champoeg State Park

Then we went to the beach with our friends for my birthday weekend. We stayed in Lincoln City at the Ester Lee Motel & Cabins. It turned out to be quite nice. We had a load of fun playing Apples to Apples, Mad Gab, and little pirate board game my husband and I picked up a few years back.

On the beach at Lincoln City with T, C & Tonka goggie.

No, I'm not frowning, I'm concentrating on my stitching.

Our view of the beach from the room we rented with our friends. Ok, we did splurge a bit for my birthday weekend.

In between camping and the beach, I underwent allergy testing because I am fed up with vertigo and migraines, and I'm finally doing something about it. My husband and I think the migraines may be partially due to my sinus problems, and my sinus problems most likely stem from allergies. Well, we were right that I have allergies. No, I won't show you pictures of the ginormous welts on my arms, because I didn't take any.

So, it turns out that I'm allergic to grass. I live in Eugene, which is part of Lane county, and is situated in the Willamette Valley. Guess what title the Willamette Valley gets? You got it - "Grass Seed Capitol of the World." You don't have to trust me on that, you can go ahead and google it. I'm so freaking thrilled.