Stuff I didn’t make…
…Thankfully.
I was pointed to a website today that features quilts that were judged to be the worst quilts in existence. And it’s hilarious. Take this, for example:
Titled: Keltic Sunrise
Here’s the text from the website:
Made of polyester double-knit, satin, brocade, corduroy, lace curtains, burlap, old diapers and four different kinds of fake fur, this masterpiece made most of the judges woozy.
Tied together visually with hand crocheted orange and yellow yarn as binding and with humongous 4-ply quilt stitches (and plenty of knots) throughout, this quilt is a tactile nightmare.
Yes, you read that right. Fur. I love it.
I slept with this amazing velvet quilt growing up that I hear was made from old theatre curtains. The craftsmanship on that quilt was actually pretty good (though what would I know? I made a quilt that probably could have won awards on this site), but I think the fact that it was once curtains would make many quilters cringe. However, for me it was perfect, because the weight of the quilt (and it was hefty) translated into warmth for my little body.
I don’t quilt, but I do like to visit that world once in awhile.
Apparently I make costumes
My dear friend Larue commented on facebook the other day, as I was working on a skirt (which I’ll feature very soon, promise), that when I first joined forces with the Wench Posse I said I’d wear the Mary Queen of Scots she’d planned for Project Tudor (didn’t end up happening, which is totally cool, because I have my awesome Elizabethan) but past that I don’t know how much costuming I’d really do.
Ah, good times.
Fast forward to Mid-September when I saw this pattern at work:
I practically found myself in a puddle on the floor. Holy stinking monkey that Bo Peep costume is ADORABLE!
Then a couple weeks later, Rocketdog was asking Rocketpuppy what she should be for halloween. Since Rocketpuppy doesn’t really talk, I piped up that there were cute costumes at work. “To buy or to make?” was the reply. “Well, there is this adorable Bo Peep pattern that I love,” I said. “Rocketpuppy just got this stuffed sheep, and I actually though Bo Peep would be a good costume,” she said. So it was decided.
Another couple of weeks past, and Rocketpuppy would need the costume by week’s end (a full week before Halloween, for another event). I texted Rocketdog to see what she wanted to do about the fabric. “I was thinking light pink or blue. I trust your judgment,” was the reply I got. I had been thinking light blue, so light blue it was.
I had about a day and a half to work. The costume came together really quickly, with the only difficulty being the sleeves. As I mentioned on facebook:
Dear babies of the world: You are constantly disregarding the needs of others; however, your freakishly small baby-sized arms and pain-in-the-ass-to-sew sleeves are the last straw. It’s an adult-sized world; I highly suggest you start conforming.
Despite that, I had a blast making this costume, so now I get to show it off, even if it’s almost a week after Halloween.
ZOMG!!!!Eleventy-one!!!PONIES!!!!!
I’ll give you all a minute to recover. I know she’s stinking cute and that the costume is awesome sauce. Deep breaths.
Check out those bloomers!
Hard to believe, but there’s about ten yards of trim on that baby. Thankfully I had a coupon! Trim is always, ALWAYS, the most expensive part of any sewing project. Fabric goes on sale all the time. Trim never goes on sale. BUT, it’s the trim that takes the design from just another dress to an awesome little Bo Peep costume.
I honestly think Bo Peep was more fun than anything I’ve ever sewn. I don’t know if anything can live up to it.
When the Wench Posse’s Demands Are Met….
…Creativity beyond your imagination will occur.
I used to go to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival quite often as a kid. I preferred it to the Minnesota State Fair (blaspheme!!!!) for many years, though I can’t figure out why. I seem to remember being given the choice between the two for at least one year (probably around the time my dad was laid off), and I chose the Ren Fest. I would go around in awe at the sights, the sounds… the clothes.
I would walk past the shops with the clothes hanging out and think, “There’s no way I’ll ever be able to afford one of those dresses.” I assumed the only way one could get one of those dresses was to buy them at those shops. Boy was I wrong…
Let’s fast forward to a few months ago, when I started chit-chatting more with Larue about her Six Wives Project. It wasn’t long before I was sucked into her Wench Posse and embraced by a truly amazing group of people who make it hard to be bummed out. Ever. Overwhelmed, yes, but not bummed out. I have mentioned bits and pieces of my work on the Six Wives project, namely the bloomers, and to thank me for my help, Larue bestowed upon me the most glorious of flocked fabrics and the wisdom I needed to make myself one of “those dresses.”
After many hours of sewing, swearing, crying, making myself sick, and finally SUCCESSFULLY sewing…..
I felt pretty, oh so pretty. But I was not the only pretty one there. The prettiness abounded as our party kicked some major royal ass. Behold:
Henry VIII, six wives, a daughter, and the 9-day queen.
Amazing costumes, amazing people, and an amazing time. I feel quite blessed to be where I am in my life right now. To top it all off, we went back for more the following day. The Chick lent me her Scottish garb, and a few of us went off for a more relaxed day of adventure.
All costumes handmade and totally awesome. Got myself a ring just like this. I can die happy now. But, you know, I of course plan on living so I can do it all again next year… Only on a bigger scale…..
A finished project? DK?
And it’s for ME! Granted, I’m still making Renaissance underwear (this time slightly more historically accurate), but I managed to squeeze in a little something for myself.
Okay, I’ll be honest. I started this project more than a year ago. I “finished” it once before, but my body dysmorphia resulted in a very large and ill-fitting dress. I took it in today. Finally. Although, I took it in so well that it only fits on models with movable shoulders. Which means we get to suffer through a picture of me instead of a picture of my dressform.
Perhaps the only one suffering is me. Not only do I detest the way I look (body dysmorphia, among other things), but I’m incredibly awkward in general. The awkwardness doubles in front of a camera. Especially on self timer. I had to take a dozen pictures before I could find one I’m happy with.
I first saw a dress like this in a fancy pants store in Toronto. A store in which I could never afford anything on the racks. I’m pretty sure a good chunk, if not all, of the clothing was vintage. Once I got home, I found a pattern for the exact same dress. A short while later, I found the perfect fabric for it. Sew sew sew… Fat.
Now that it’s altered, I rather enjoy the dress. The sleeves might be a little too huge and may be coming in, but other than that, I dig it. So glad I got it to fit right at the end of summer. And when I have no where to wear it. But I have it, and that’s all that matters.
A feeling of accomplishment
I locked myself in the basement today to get some work done, cool off, and get away from my yelling neighbors. After a short SNAFU with a bobbin, I was rolling along and getting stuff done.
I started off my afternoon applying patches to this leather vest for my dad. Want a closer look?
Any question what my dad did in his past life? ha. The last patch is a leather patch my dad engraved with his laser. He’s making and selling engraved goods on eBay and Etsy. I’m pretty sure everyone in the world needs a decal for their car window. I know my truck is 100% cooler with the Danger Kitty in the back. Of course, if I do something douchy on the road, I’m a lot harder to forget about…. I digress.
I also managed to finish up my bloomers and get somewhat decent pictures of them so you don’t have to see bloomers hanging from my oven.
The pears and quilting cotton and the laterns are flannel. And note to self: DK, you have a tripod. Use it.
DK out.
Long time no see
There’s been an absense in posting, I know. I just haven’t had much of a chance to craft these days, but I hope to remedy that soon. I did, however, get a chance to whip up some valances (which are, incidentally, pronounced val-ances not vuh-lances or vay-lances) for our kitchen. I didn’t think The Hippy would like them at all, but he spoke positively when he returned home.
I’m actually not a huge fan of valances, and really wanted to put real curtains on this window. I debated back and forth, then while I was discussing these valances with an awesome regular to my store I realized this window needed a valance. You see, the kitchen is literally the only room in our house that gets a decent amount of natural light. The Hippy has this aversion to allowing anyone to see into our windows. I knew if I wanted to experience natural light, I HAD to have valances. If I had full curtains, he would have them closed all the time. The decision was made for me.
This window was getting a valance no matter what. It’s right above the sink, so curtains were out.
I made the valances thusly:
Fabric was 54″ wide. I measured the window and divided that in three. I doubled the 1/3 measurement and added 8″ for no other reason than 8″ seemed like more than enough for my top ruffle and seam. Then I ironed the selvedges in so I had nice smooth edges. Right sides together, I sewed the tube the long way–selvedges on the ends. Turned right side out; ironed the seams. I marked the two short edges 3.5″ and 5″ from the top so I could leave a gap, then sewed the edges closed around the gaps. Then at the 3.5″ mark, I sewed all the way across the valance so it wouldn’t sag on the rod. The end. It’s easy. Go make some valances.
But really, curtains are even easier. And they look better. So make those instead.
I now have sheers to make. We’ll see how that goes.
Sneaky Peak
I’ve started my first serious knitting project. It required learning how to use circular needles, which were so much easier than I anticipated. I’m crossing a fine line here, posting about this project, because it’s a super top-secret project. There is someone in blogland who can’t know what this project is. In the meantime, I feel I’m safe enough showing this WIP picture.
Yes, it's a hat. But that's all you can know about it.
Okay, I’m not the best with ribbing. Hopefully when all is said and done, it won’t be that noticeable. Also when all is said and done will I give credit where credit is due. If, until then, you notice somehow that this is your pattern, don’t freak out. Your work is much appreciated, and will soon be rewarded.
Coming to a Blog Near You!
At Larue’s urging, I will be participating in the May Give-Away Day on Sew, Mama, Sew.
I have an idea of what I will be giving away, but I’ve got a little less than two weeks to completely change my mind. 
PIF Giveaway Update
Life calmed down just long enough for me to finish up my little handmade surprises for the Pay it Forwardy Giveaway.
Te presento a…
<3
Freehanded elephante.
Plastic container jungle!
Despite the pink fabrics, I am convinced this elephant is a boy. He has been referred to as “He” by both me and the recipient.
In keeping with the jungle theme:
Proshest New World Monkey Ever
Also a “He” in my mind, but a sleepy He. I hope he gets plenty of rest in his new home.
Awww
Both these little fellers were so cute and hard to give up. I will definitely be making more elephants. I have a ton of ideas for fabric combinations bouncing around in my head. I can’t wait!
Making my house a home
I should have been sewing prototype bags. I will get that done, but I’ve been craving curtains in my own home. My windows have been completely naked save for a blanket over the bedroom window and a towel over the bathroom window since we moved in. So… since the end of November.
The only picture that worked out. Damn you sun!
Ew, ignore that stain on the chair. I really, really, really need to clean the chair, as evidenced by the part that started cleaning itself when I leaned against it with wet hair.
I made two sets of curtains for the living room using a suiting in a color I call “cherry cola.” That picture doesn’t do the color justice. It’s much darker and richer. The suiting has a slubbed texture with darker shades of the red running throughout. I really didn’t want a print because the couch that will eventually be in front of that window is rather busy. I didn’t want a solid because a solid was too boring. When I saw that fabric come off the truck, I knew it was the fabric for my windows.
I may decide to line them someday, just so they don’t fade, but they are purely decorative. I’m not concerned about blocking out light, and the blinds give us privacy. They are floor-to-ceiling, which was slightly unintentional. I didn’t feel like measuring, so I just bought the whole bolt (which ended up being 8 yards, 11 inches). I then split the bolt in thirds, cut two of those thirds in half and the final third in quarters. Added the narrower pieces to the wider pieces, hemmed up the four edges, and poof! Curtains.
I would like to reiterate that other than food and dishes, the best presents I’ve ever been given were power tools. Then directly after that, the knowledge and confidence to use power tools. No woman should ever have to rely on a man to, por ejemplo, put up curtains or build her craft/ironing table. Or put together her Aneboda. She can, however, allow a man the privilege of building something for her, but she shouldn’t rely.
Now I’m off to Target to buy a vaccuum. Oh yeah, haven’t had one of those either. Whoops!
