Day 154 - Adventures in Serging

        My serger kept breaking a needle so I decided to take it in for a tune up to Yarn forward and Sew on. Only problem, I don't have a car, just a motor scooter. To get it back in time to have it for my Friday off I had to have it in Wednesday. So I rush home from work, stick it in a backpack and hop back on my bike to zoom back downtown. It was going well and then I took a wrong turn at Albuqerke, well Elgin. I turned on Elgin instead of Bank. I had to go over the bridge then down a side street to try and turn around. Which did not go well. Now you have to remember that I am top and back heavy. It was super windy and each turn a little tricky. A little to low etc. It sucked. After this lovely little detour I finally get to the yarn store just before closing and my back is killing me. The next day I am about to go home when I got the call. Machine's ready! Yay. Zoom zoom zoom. I have my backpack  and serger on my back and I am off. Then I hit traffic. Damn Rideau street traffic. I finally get home and need a crazy massage. Remind me to never never never do that again. But works pretty beautifully now.

Day 153 - Priorities

        I know I have been somewhat neglecting my writing duties on this blog lately. But honestly I just don't have the time. I work most weekdays only getting home 6ish and after cooking dinner and running messages I have maybe 2-3 hours a night to write a post and complete any project I am working on. Just never enough time. I only sleep about 5 hours a night and yet I seem to never be able to get a lot done, not unless I have the day off like tomorrow. Anyway I am sorry and will make it up to you diligent readers, I promise. A month of how-to's are coming up. But tomorrow I have a pretty entertaining story about a serger to share. So hang in there. And have a great night.

Day 152- too tired.

        I am so tired. Too tired to write too much tonight. Things are not going as quickly as I hoped but we will see. I want to take pictures on Saturday of our tables. Yay! So yes I am going but I will really have to motor to have enough ready, at least I will have enough for next week.

Day 151 - Production

        I am getting helpers in the mix this week. Keith is going to be my assistant. Hopefully will be a pro with a pair of scissors ;P I am getting my machines service over the next two weeks. They are really going to need it after all the sewing I am doing.  My mom might be able to help as well this Friday. We will see. I will post pictures Friday night of everything I will be taking. Wish me luck with my production!

Day 150 - Outstanding projects

         Here are some pictures of projects underway. I really want to have at least 5 skirts for this weekend, 10 headbands and a few purses. My mother-in-law has made 20 scarves, that will really bulk up my table. 

I have some really interested fabrics and I think they will make some pretty interesting skirts.

Day 149 - So little time - Aug 27th

        So many ideas so little time. I seriously need to take a vacation, mostly so I can get a bunch of projects done. And I don't mean just a few days, a few weeks, a month. That would be amazing. I have all this fabric, wool and clay but only two hands and at most 18hrs a day. I am working as hard as I can to get things ready for next weekend and honestly I am not sure how much I will be able to finish by Saturday. I have ideas for several for skirts and handbags but how many will I get finished. I at least have Friday off. I will post some pictures tomorrow of what I am working on.

Day 148 - August 25, for post sake

         I am posting for the sake of posting. It is after midnight but I have yet to go to bed so this post is for the 25th. Yes it does count you nay-sayers. Anyways it has been a long, long, stress filled, slightly disappointing yet accomplished day and I am extremely tired. So I will say that. I now have 2 million ideas and will share a bunch tomorrow, just you wait. well you will have to, so there.

Day 147 - Busy Saturday

        Keith is a super smart tech guy, so tomorrow he is being a really awesome son and going to set up smart boards for his mother, who happens to be a teacher. I was hopping to spend the day alone with him but it is kinda of a time sensitive issue. After lunch I am going to be alone now. Well that's okay because I have a million ideas about that to put together for the street fair. Hopefully, this is just a kickstart to me posting items online and trying to sell as much as I can on the street. Preston and Young in Ottawa so you know. Anyways if I can at least start selling online I would be really happy. I am a little scared my stuff will not be good enough or that on one will want it. I know that is just self doubt talking but I can't help that. I just have to get past it. 

Day 146 - Sewing Projects Ahoy

        I met with The Silver Hook tonight. It is always inspiring when you have someone that shares your crafting interests. I also wanted to let you know if you wish to meet The Silver Hook you can go see her Saturday at the craft fair in Little Italy, Preston Street BIA Il Mercato. She will be there Saturday for at least the next two weeks. Hopefully I can join her next Saturday, September 1st. If i come I will have a selection of shirts and accessories. Possible a top or two if I can crank them out this week and over the next weekend. I really want to make a show stopping piece if I can. Like an amazing top hat or coat. Not sure right now.

DAy 145 - So tired

        I am copping out tonight. No post tonight just a picture. More fabric. Stretchy stuff. More long sleeve shirts I guess. What do you think?

Day 144 - Flu

        I feel like shit, and I mean Shit. I have been sick since Sunday night.Which is why my posts the last few night have been so short. Well I stayed home today and got nothing done but sleeping. Sleep is pretty awesome.I will be going to work tomorrow and I plan on delivering the green linen shirt to my client. Fingers crossed she likes it.

Day 143 - August Updated Project List

It's that time again folks. 

3 pairs black socks (1 of 6 finished)

1 pair red socks (I wanted a pair too!) (completed January 26th)

1 Wicket Ewok doll (my husband bought that pattern)(completed April 5th)
1 Grey Ewok doll(added April 6, 2012)(completed April 10th)

1 Gir doll, from Invader Zim (completed January 15th)

1 double-sided knitted star scarf in red and black

1 deer hat with antlers

1 pair penguin mittens

1 tote bag

1 sweater coat

2 crochet star pillows (completed January 15th)

1 scrap material star pillow

1 Jack Skellington jacket

1 basket weave crocheted scarf in black(completed April 1st)

1 penguin doll

1 cross stitch Christmas stocking

1 swoop shirt in blue knit(completed September 14th)

1 Edgar Allan Poe Raven corset

1 Edgar Allan Poe Raven handkerchief

1 wedding scrap book

1 penguin painting abstract

1 bake and decorate a bear cake with a piping bag ( maybe added January 14, 2012)

1 painted penguin nesting dolls, set of 5, (added January 19, 2012)(Completed April 29)
1 painted penguin bobblehead (added April 30, 2012 )(Completed April 30)

1 crochet an Alternate Zoidberg (added January 21, 2012) (completed March 22nd)

1 luma (star) from Super Mario Galaxy (added January 24, 2012)

1 red skull henley (added January 25, 2012)

1 yellow long sleeve to go with poe shirt (added January 25, 2012)

1 vines henley (added January 25, 2012)

1 roller derby hoodie (added January 25, 2012)

1 Gir's companion pig Bacon in crochet (added January 30, 2012) 

1 pair Owl mittens knitted (added January 31, 2012) (completed March 11th )

1 pair Owl mittens knitted (added January 31, 2012)(1 completed)

1 pair Penguin mittens knitted (added January 31, 2012) (completed March 4th)

1 pair birds of paradise mittens knitted(added January 31, 2012)(completed February 16th)

1 pair squirrel mittens knitted (added January 31, 2012)
1 pair squirrel mittens knitted (added March 21, 2012)

1 patchwork inspired coat (added February 14, 2012)

1 crocheted lion doll (added March 3, 2012)

1 fondant bunny cake bonanza (added March 10, 2012)

1 top hat (added March 13, 2012)

2 broken & stitched crocheted heart (added March 14, 2012) (completed April 4th)

1 pair knitted rainbow armwarmers (added March 14, 2012)

1 pair heart print pants (added April 8, 2012)(completed June 2nd)

1 wookie doll (added April 1o, 2012)(complete June 3rd)
1 pair baby booties (added April 12, 2012) (completed April 20th)
1 baby hat (added April 20, 2012) (completed April 23rd)
1 pair dragonfly earrings (added May 9, 2012)(completed May 9th)  

1 pair red armwarmers (added may 8, 2012)(completed June 2nd)
1 Christening Gown (added May 15, 2012)(completed June 21)

2 Skull hair accessories(1 big and a set of 2) (added June 30, 2012)(completed June 30th) 

1 Green linen buttondown shirt (added July 9, 2012)(completed August 17th)

1 Hippie shirt for a co-worker (added July 1, 2012)

1 Blue linen sport coat (added July 13, 2012) 

4 Magnolia pillows (added July 13, 2012)   

1 Flying Grinder Monkey crocheted doll (added July 28, 2012)(completed August3rd)

1 Green and brown swirl hippie shirt (added July 13th, 2012 ) (completed August 17)

1 Black hippie shirt (added July 13th, 2012)

1 Brown hippie shirt (added July 13th, 2o12)

1 Wiener dog pencil case (added August 19th, 2012)

1  Cherry apron (added August 19th, 2012)

1 Elephant hat (added August 19th, 2012)

1 Kangaroo doll (added August 19th, 2012)

1 Poinsettia shawl (added August 19th, 2012)

1 Tailgating blanket (added August 19th, 2012)

1 Coco the cat Doll, Coco goes to London (added August 19th, 2012)

1 Trivets - potholders (added August 19th, 2012)

1 Cupcake purse (added August 19th, 2012)

1 Cable knit sweater (added August 19th, 2012)

1 Long cable knit sweater (added August 19th, 2012)

1 Men's cardigan, knit (added August 19th, 2012)

1 Polkadot cardigan, knit (added August 19th, 2012)

1  Knit wrap (added August 19th, 2012)

1 Daisy purse (added August 19th, 2012)

1 Owl and Pussycat dolls (added August 19th, 2012)

1 Twinkle toes socks (added August 19th, 2012)

1 Union Jack bag (added August 19th, 2012)

1 fortune cookie skirt (added August 26th)(completed August 31st)

1 swirl skirt, pink and chocolate brown (added August 26th)(completed August 31st)

1 red skull headband (added August 26th)(completed August 31st)

1 felted top hat (added September 1st) (completed September 7th, 2012)

1 felted bowler hat (added September 1st) (completed September 7th, 2012)

1 ringmaster coat (added September 8th)(completed September 15th, 2012)

1 aviation panda doll (added August 27th)

        34/52  projects done. Half done and counting. Half done and counting.

Day 142 - Not enough hands

        Okay so tonight I was going to write about even more fabric and projects ideas. But I spent the weekend with my in-laws and picked up another dozen or so knitting/crochet projects. A wiener dog pencil case, a kangaroo doll, a cherry apron, a frilly potholder, the owl and the pussycat, cable-knit sweaters, cardigans and elephant hats, shark jumper....so cute. I just don't have enough time or hands. I swear to God, I wish I could just quick my job and sit home all day and create. Selling my creations for a living, writing, sewing, knitting & crocheting is the dream. But it is not going to happen right now.  Anyway, I am going to scan a few of the pictures of the projects I want to make and will post them this week. But in the mean time here is a picture of the shirt I completed for my mother.

What do you think?

Day 141 - Hoodies Away!

        I previously posted pictures of a fuzzy snowflake material and mentioned that I would like to maybe use it to line a hoodie. Well If I do line a hoodie it would be one made of this sweat/jogging suit material.

      

        I love the little stars. I am not usually a pink person but this fabric really stood out for me, screaming "I am a hoodie! Wear me damn-it, I'm soft." So obviously I had to listen.

        Now we all know I love houndstooth. I have several because I find them so versatile. But I never really expected to find them in sweat/jogging material. But here it is!!! A perfectly sweet houndstooth in blue and grey. I have already make a dress out of it but I still have plenty left over and thought well what else am I going to make right? Hoodie, the logical, comfy choice. 

Day 140 - Waffle Weave

        I have several waffle weave fabrics. I thought you might want to see them. Now I know I have published a few of these already but I thought they may look cool all together.

 

I love this one best. Penguins!!! Looking very dapper in his top hat.

        I made a pair of pj pants out of this awesome fabric. I want to make a Henley out of this one too. Penguins for all. 

       

Day 139 - Endless fabric

        I am sure you all thought I was kidding when I said I had hundreds of fabrics that I have ideas for different projects, well I wasn't. So shall I should you a few more? Okay then. Here we go.  

Handbags -  I have made a pattern for some really nice handbags that I would love to make and then  sell on my Etsy shop, but when will I have the time really?  Anyway here are a few of the fabrics I want to use when I do get around to it. 

         Yeah I am a bit of a sucker for flower prints. I would never wear it but I think they can be so pretty on girlie girls. And what could be better than a pretty bag? I actually really love the multi-coloured daisies. So much in fact I might actually use it to refinish some chairs I have.  :P

Day 138 - More Houndstooth

        I have this other houndstooth fabric. It is also in the green family, but not teal, more like a seafoam. Sorry the picture does not pick up the colour correctly. I asked Santa for a new one for Christmas. Fingers crossed that he gets the hint.  Anyway, this is a sweat material.  I actually have no idea what I am going to do with this one. I was thinking a hoodie but it might be too busy. Plus it is just so nice pretty I think a hoodie might be a waste. 

         This swatch is a much better match than the picture. The picture on the left is the "Right" side of the fabric and the right picture is the back of the sweat material. It is thin and light. Might be good for a spring dress. We will see.

        Here is a beautiful stark white waffle weave flower and vine material. I have a ton of this fabric. Over 10 meters, almost 20. I am planning on making a few Henleys and some tank tops. Possibly some other stuff.  Some thermal shirts maybe, to go under clothing this winter and long johns. The most stylish long johns I've ever seen.

Day 137 - When It Comes To Fabric This Is An Odd Combination

        So Fall and Winter come together in this post. First I have this lovely, extra thick felt. Just perfect for a pirate hat, which unless you are Steve the Pirate, it is a Fall fashion item. Mostly for Hallowe'en and possibly the occasional sporting event. Kinda of a boring picture though.

        Now here is a fuzzy, Winter white, with snowflakes on one side. Surprisingly thin yet super warm, it would be a perfect for a Winter garment. Plus the snowy theme helps too. It likely going to be the liner of a hoodie. So it can be super cozy for the Winter's here in Ottawa. 

         This picture is more true to life in terms of colour out of all the pictures I have taken of this fabric. But you can better see the detailing of the snowflake design in the ones with the soft flash.. Then I just posted the opposite side for fun. Enjoy!

Day 136 - Creepy Inspiration Fabric

        I have all kinds of fabric but some of my favourite ones inspire creepy creations. If this cotton stripe had thicker black stripes it would be perfect for a Jack Skellington coat.This one makes me think of the circus. Skirts and jackets, top hats maybe. Or a big bow!

        Now this harlequin cotton reminds me of Batman, mostly because of Harley Quinn. The little joker, clown really.  And then it always makes me think, Ringmaster. Red tails, harlequin liner and cuffs. It reminded me of that so much in fact I did make one, last Halloween and then wore for a week. It is now part of my regular wardrobe. So now what to make, I think more linings and possible a hat.

Day 135 - Fabric for projects you already know about!

        Thus far I have mostly posted pictures of fabrics for project I have yet to put on my list. So I thought I would post some tonight from the list. The Edgar Allen Poe bodice needs an undershirt so I thought Yellow! It is a mustardish yellow colour and stretchy. Perfect for an undershirt.

 

        Here is the red skull fabric that I want to make a henley out of,  it is a waffle weave. It will be great for the winter. Plus I will be able to layer them. Awesome!

P.S. I just posted pictures of the Grinder monkey on the old post about him. I literally forgot I hadn't posted until now.

Day 134 - Even More Fabrics For Your Review

      Here are a few more fabrics for you to peruse. Here is a cherry red Cotton that I am going to make a blazer out of.  Oh man I am getting really old here! Where are my hoodies and crazy sweaters. Oh well. I and thinking a blazer that comes just below the waistband. I kind of feel like I will likely make the back a large middle piece with empress seams on the sides instead f the common split down the middle style. The cotton is texture and I really don't want to have 

 to match that shit up.

        The left one shows the texture. The right is closer to the actual colour. And now for something completely different..... Penguins!

        I absolutely love the one on the sled. He looks so full of life, like he is about to have a wonderful time. So cute. I am not sure what to do with this fabric. Mostly I just wanted it because it was soft, a fleece, and cute. I mean, come on, penguins. How are they not cute right?

Day 133 - More Fabrics and Ideas!!!

         I have an Edgar Allen Poe bodice on my project list, but I never showed you the fabric. Well here it is!!

       I love this fabric, I wish I had bought more.  As I mentioned before I don't really do the pattern thing, so here is the sketch of what I sort of want it to look like. But often what I envision does not translate well. My vision usually evolves as I go. 

        I hope you can see my sketch. I want to make a lopsided or asymmetrical bodice with an invisible zipper closure with some button detailing. Either spiders or bird buttons. Preferably ravens if I can find them. If you see any in the coming months let me know. Hallowe'en is just around the corner. I would like metal or wood is possible.

        Fabric two. This piece is called Gunmetal Sky! The picture doesn't do it justice as the fabric does in fact have the appearance of clouds. They are slightly shimmery and several different shades of grey, no reference intended. I know what most of you were thinking, you dirty birds! I plan on making these into pants. Maybe skinny style or bellbottoms, I am not sure yet. But either way, very Freddy Mercury if you ask me but I am sure I will feel like a real rockstar in these babies.

        The one on the left is closer to the actual colour, the right picture shows more of the sky aspect on the fabric. I have a horrible camera. I should buy a new one but do not have the money for it! Blah. I will save up so eventually you will get great pictures. But not right now. ;)

Day 132 - More Fabric That Inspires!

         This is the fabric I am using to make Keith's sport coat. The pinstripe is the lining, the blue denim is the outer fabric.  I did get a pattern for this piece as I have very little experience designing menswear.  

       
        This is a green linen that I want to make into a blazer for myself.  I will be designing this one instead of using a pattern. I have a few sketches of what I want it to look like. But who know how it will evolve before I finish.