You are currently browsing the monthly archive for February 2009.
giveaway! I actually had never heard of Anthropologie before I joined the blog world. Which is probably just as well, because they are way, way out of my price range. I got the opportuninty to visit one of their stores on my birthday this January. All I can say is wow! So many gorgeous things.
If you’re like me, and just look without buying, Kathleen is giving away an Anthropologie knock-off this month. Aren’t you glad she started giving away adult sized clothing!
I’m not participating in Erin’s yellow week, but I couldn’t help picking up these Meyer lemons at Costco. Buying lemons makes me happy and I’ve always wanted to try Meyer lemons. Now that I have, I think I actually prefer the plain old, regular ones. The color on these is so vibrant, though! My photo doesn’t come close to doing them justice.
I made this lemon cake with half of the box of lemons. It turned out very tasty, though I think I will try a different recipe next time. I didn’t measure my pans, but perhaps they are eight inch. Whatever the reason, the batter didn’t even come close to fitting into one pan. Last time I tried to squeeze extra batter into a cake pan, I was very sorry! So I did two layers instead. And I don’t know why my glaze was clear instead of white. Definitely don’t skip the glaze though…it’s what makes the cake moist and gives it a lot of it’s lemon flavor.
I thought I lost one of the very first baby carriers I made, one that’s seen me through many a walk and is still my most comfy carrier. I couldn’t find it anywhere and had decided that it must have got mixed up with the stuff I donated to the thrift store. I guess I haven’t used my stroller in a while….when I pulled it out today to go for a walk, there it was in the basket! A little worse for being folded up so long, but still just as comfortable as always. I’m very happy to have it back!
I finally posted over at Wardrobe Refashion….check it out…I actually made something for me that fits!
I’m working on a quilt too. I can’t show it yet, in case the person it’s for reads my blog. It’s funny how quilting ties it all together. I was kind of worried about it when I had the top all pieced together, but now that all I have to do is hand stitch the back of the binding, I think it looks pretty good. I’m sure not good at quilting circles, though!
Sew Mama Sew was asking questions about our stash. I love reading about other people’s fabric stashes, so I thought I would join in!
What do you usually sew?
I sew a lot of skirts and clothing for girls, but lately I’ve ventured into sewing clothing for me and using knits. I also enjoy quilting.
When you shop for fabric, what size cuts do you usually buy? (i.e. If you see something beautiful, but you don’t have a use for it right away, how much do you buy?)
It depends on what I’m buying for: Womens skirts, at least 1.5 yards; matchy for my boys, 3 yards; just something pretty, a yard or two. I buy a lot from co-ops, so I rarely buy less than a yard.
Do you buy on impulse or do you go out looking for something you need?
I guess somewhere between those. Since I normally buy from co-ops, I’m forced to buy (ha) whatever they are buying at the time. I do try and have some general idea of what I’ll do with it, but I often change my mind.
Are you a pre-washer? If you are, do you wash your fabric before you need it, or only when you’re ready to use it?
Yes, I almost always pre-wash before I even put it away.
Do you iron it?
Only when I go to sew with it. And not as nicely as I probably should.
How do you sort it? (color, print size, collection, etc.)
It seems like I’m resorting my fabric all the time. Probably mostly because I’m trying to fit it in too small a space, so it gets messed up really easily. I usually sort it by skirt fabric, little girl fabric (basically pieces that are too small for adult skirts), boy fabric, knits, and other (PUL, wool, etc). I store my scraps in ziplocks by color. I just sorted them out (not all the way done yet) and it is so nice being able to see what I have all in one glance.
Do you have any special folding techniques?
nope! I just try and fold them so they’ll fit in my cupboard.
How do you store your fabric?
Most of my fabric is stored in a TV amoire that’s in our bedroom. The rest of it is squeezed into our closet. I have more fabric in my closet than I do clothes!
What tips do you have for building up a well-rounded stash?
Buy solids! That is something I didn’t do until recently and I was alway wishing I had a solid to match my prints. If you quilt, especially, look at your stash and see what colors you don’t have much of. We all obviously have favorite colors, but if that’s all you buy, you’re going to have a hard time putting together a pretty quilt!
When do you say enough is enough?
When I feel overwhelmed at my stash and it becomes a “to-do” list, instead of inspiring.
What are some of your favorite stash-busting projects?
Skirts, quilts, purses, it kind of depends on what I’m trying to use up!
Do you have a current favorite print in your stash? Let’s see it!
I would have to say my Kerchief Girls. I love, love them! I have no idea what I will make with them, since I can’t get more and I’m scared to use it! I would love to find some in red to. 
What’s your definition of the perfect stash?
Oh my…..I have no idea! They’re always coming out with such lovely fabrics! I suppose just having a nice balance between prints, polka dots, stripes, solids, etc?!
I’m not sure I can remember when I didn’t post for this long. It’s funny…when the new year started I had all sorts of blogging plans. But they all sort of went by the wayside.
I have been sewing, though. I’m participating in what is known as “Stash Game” on Sewing Mamas. The point is to not buy fabric and sew up as much of your “stash” as you can. I’m not at too many yards, yet, but I have done some challenging for me sewing. Like sewing with knits! This for me is a big thing. I’ve made undies for my boys before, but that is it. I am moderately proficient with wovens, so it’s sort of frustrating feeling like I’m starting over. But I’m planning on forging ahead. I know I’ll never get any better if I don’t practice.
My first project was pajamas for my three boys. I was able to use a walking foot, which made it so much easier! My dear friend had lent her’s to me to try it out, since I’ve been considering buying one. Good timing! I think I might be buying serger though. This is mighty tempting and it seems to get good reviews. And it has differential feed, which is one of my must-haves!
The pjs….I made three pairs, but the pair on my little one got hot chocolate all over the front before I could photograph all three together.
A custom Birthday Banner for my shop. I really love the way it turned out!
Another Emmaline Apron…..hope you aren’t tired of these yet because I have four more planned! This is my favorite yet. It was for a bridal shower gift.
Flax-filled boo-boo bears for a local custom order….I have no room to store 50 pounds of flax, so I’m very glad to be down to a gallon sized ziplock!
I don’t think I’ve mentioned that I’m doing Project Improv. I’ve made a few blocks far and it is so much fun! I made a few blocks for a mama who lost her little girl. 
Take a lesson from me and don’t mail quilt squares in a regular un-taped envelope. The came out and got lost in the mail! I think they turned out pretty cute, so it was a little sad.
I’m working on a dress right now. It’s sort of the muslin, only I can’t stand the thought of all that work, so I’m using fabric I would actually wear. Hopefully I’ll have something to show soon. Well, I have more to share, but I’ll save it for another post.
