Hubby

I like showing Joe what I make so I can get my gold star for the night.

"Look what I made tonight!"
"Oooo a tie?"
"No! It's a belt/scarf thingie. See? I can wear it like a belt, or like a scarf..."
"Can you wear it naked?"
"::Sigh:: Yes I can wear it naked."
"It looks great babe! Good job!"

I should just lead off with, "Look what I can wear naked!"

Design by Me

patchwork
Originally uploaded by nicoleballet

This is one of the first sewing projects that was one of my own patchwork designs. I was inspired by Amy Butler's sequin scarf from her book In Stitches. But I had a pile of really fun fat quarters in tones of blue. So I thought it would be fun to make a diagonal patchwork belt/scarf. I also went a bit thinner than Amy's. Mine's about 2 and a half inches wide. I have the same fabrics back to back on either side. I like that touch, makes me feel like there's some kind of harmony about it.

I must confess, I did a sloppy sloppy job. It's a first draft! While I was making this thing I told myself I would never make another one, but I like it so much now even with all its flaws, I may make another attempt. The next time around I'll be using a different method entirely. I'd tell you how I tried this one but it is so sad and so wrong I think I'll spare you the frustration. I imagine an experienced sewer watching me while thumping her hands on a desk, "IDIOT! Nooo!! You just do it this way. NO! NOT THAT WAY!!"

Scarf-a-licious

I am notorious for going about things the hard way. Honestly, in any Math/Engineering class I took when we got the tests back and we would go through the answers the professor would say, "There's an easy way to do this and the hard way." Guaranteed, every single stinking time I took the harder way. I did get it right though, ::pats self on back::. Aaaah the simple times.

I've been having a frustrating time at work. After being back on my old college campus (or rather newly-refurbished?!) last weekend, I have a hankering for the times where a 70% meant C, 80% a B and 90% an A. Things have seemed more blurred lately. If only things in the corporate world worked on such a black and white scale. Not so much. So crafting is nice turn from that where I can look at a crochet pattern and know that when I chain 28, I'm going to get 28. And when I do a sloppy job of pinning, I'm going to get a sloppy patchwork. Nobody to blame but myself.

Enough of that! Oh woe is me bullshiat is not what this is for. I leave you with:

Kitty in 5 yards of Joel Dewberry!

Yes, FIVE YARDS. I bit the bullet. Now, to finish enough of my presents for the holidays that I feel I can devote time to redoing my duvet cover with my new ripples of fabric.

Fall

IMG_0029
Originally uploaded by nicoleballet

How is it October and 90 degrees outside?? Even with this odd weather I still have a hankering for crocheting my brains out. I'm starting with this fun scarf that will be a Christmas present for someone I know who has a vintage fabric purse to match. This pattern eats yarn for breakfast, but it's going to look so great when I'm finished. I got the pattern from Vogue Knitting: Crochet Scarves. This book is full of inspiring patterns, I'm already lining up yarn for two more patterns.

Another fun thing about doing crocheting is that I can take it anywhere. So I took a break from the crocheting today and decided to make myself some new pillows for the couch. Another good thing about this project is that I can scrap the old pillows and repair some over-zealous kitty love marks on the couch legs.

How do you like the bird theme continuing?

I kind of made up the pattern for the pillows. It took me about 2 and a half hours to finish them mostly because I spent a lot of time squaring up the circle patterns. I really wanted to make sure they wouldn't be off on a diagonal when I sewed them together. I think I did a pretty good job! I love love love the wood grain fabric. I have loads leftover and I'm thinking of using it for someone else's Christmas present.

Really liking it with the yellow chair

I have to say, I think this is the first sewing project I've made for myself! It feels good! I like walking into the living room and seeing something I put together, I know nobody else has it.

Back to crocheting and snuggling kitties for tonight!