You are currently browsing the monthly archive for February 2008.
You won’t be seeing any sewing out of me for a little while. Yesterday, I went to press my latest project. I plugged my iron in and though the lights shown brightly saying it was on, there was no heat! So now I need to shop for a new iron. I have to say, ironing is my least favorite thing, probably in the the whole world. My DH wears button-up shirts almost all the time and I’m ashamed to say how many times I’ve ironed them. But it’s pretty impossible to sew without an iron.
I’m in the middle of what I hope will be a purse tutorial. I’ve never done one before and am realizing that it is even more tricky than I thought getting photos that make sense. Hopefully I will have a new iron soon and will be able to post this tut for all of you to enjoy. Any iron recommendations? 
I can finally post some actual sewing. Nothing for sale, but something made nonetheless. I’ve never made pants with a contrasting cuff before. They turned out pretty cute, though they are far from perfect. I got to use some cute squirrel flannel. I love it!
My cute, but uncooperative model
I also made my first doll-sized mei tei. I think it’s adorable! Unfortunately, I made it in extremely girly colors and I only have boys. I know….I shouldn’t care about such things…but I do!
The reverse side
Another first for me (wow….I’m trying all sorts of things!), was making sourdough bread. My mom gave me some starter and the next day I got sick. I have to say, the last thing I felt like doing each day I was sick was feeding sourdough starter. It was hard enough getting my DH and kids fed. But after we felt better, I was able to make my first batch of bread. It got a little dark and the crust was VERY hard to cut. I seriously thought we might have to get a saw out of the garage. But it actually tasted pretty good. It had a nice chewy texture and the crust was much easier to chew than it was to cut, thank goodness!
The Starter
Rising in the Fridge
The Finished loaf
I was gone yesterday afternoon for a few hours and when I got home, I was excited to realize that a bag I made
had been featured in a Treasury on Etsy and not only that, but it had made it to the front page! Too bad I missed actually seeing it, but it was cool anyway. It’s the item on the top, right corner.
You can check it out here. Now I just need to get back to sewing! We have been sick and I have not felt like I had the energy to do anything extra. Now that we are pretty much all feeling better, hopefully I can get some things made.
You might have noticed on the screen shot above, several pages opened labeled “Ginseng”. If you haven’t already taken a peek on Joel Dewberry’s new fabric line, you’ll have to check it out! I especially like the “Wildflowers”. So pretty!
I was asked if I had some instructions on making the longies I pictured in an earlier post. I found lots of great sites when I was making mine. Since I don’t know how to knit, I had to use wool sweaters. There are instructions on several sites….this site has nice, clear directions. You can also look here. She used the neckband to form the waist of the pants. I haven’t tried doing it that way. They are so easy to make, but I have learned a couple things along the way. Bigger sweaters are the best, unless you are making them for a newborn, in which case it doesn’t matter. Especially if you will be felting them, as that shrinks them and they will end up even smaller. Also, you will need a surprisingly large rise (the part from the waist to the crotch seam) to cover those big, cloth bottoms, so make sure you cut accordingly. They first few I made had long legs with no room up top to accommodate the diaper! Oh well! I use 1 inch elastic in the waistband of mine. I sewed a casing and popped it in. I know some people use drawstrings and some just use the stretch of the sweater. Experiment and find what works for you.
After you make those cute longies, you’ll find yourself with the body (or many bodies) of a sweater! I guess you could make many, many sweater vests! Or…..you can make slippers….or soakers (here too)…..or a blanket…..or a hat. Use your imagination. I’ve seen mittens, stuffed animals, all sorts of things. Have fun! I would love to see pics if you make things. I’m not cool enough to know how to set up a flickr group, but I would love to take a look at your blog if post there. Once you start repurposing clothing, you won’t be able to stop!
Just a quick one before I head to bed. I’ve been reading this man’s blog about his wife and newborn girl. She (the wife) is battling Cystic Fibrosis and is needing a double lung transplant. Their little one is doing well, but is very early and has a long road ahead. I know they would appreciate all the prayers they can get. You can check out their blog here. It’s amazing to see how the Lord has strengthened them and used them. You’ll walk away humbled after reading it.
…..”His strength is made perfect in weakness” II Corinthians 12:9
