First Sewing Project

Yeah, yeah. I know I should have started by doing something simple, like a pillow or napkins. But I don't do things the simple way.

Let me start by saying that this top was supposed to be a handmade version of a tunic in Anthropologie that I couldn't afford. Let me also say that Joann Fabric's was having an amazing President's Weekend sale. I got the pattern for a dollar and the fabric was $1.50 a yard. So I guess a few screw-ups are allowed.

My perfectionism is getting the better of me, though. The top has taken the better part of two days (way longer than I thought it would) and while I am close to done, I can't quite figure out how to finish off the straps in a way that looks, well, finished.

Any advice? I'd love it if sewing enthusiasts would post a few tips.

Fabric Lust

I'm going to the fabric store later today . . . Alas, the awesome Purl Soho is too far away for a rainy day like today. I'm looking forward to experiment with Gocco printing on fabric, but I'm also in love with these pretty Japanese prints. They remind me of spring and also the cute homemade dresses my mom and grandmother would make me in the late 70s and early 80s.

All fabric shown is from Purl Soho.

Hurry Up, Spring! Sale on Etsy

The cards above are on sale now in my Etsy shop. I need to make room in my teeny, tiny apartment and I need to make room in my shop for new spring items!

You can see all items on sale here.

Jane Austen Card No. 2

I took advantage of some time today to print the second card in my Jane Austen series. The card reads "I cannot speak well enough to be unintelligible." This brilliant comment on language and communication is from Austen's novel Northanger Abbey.

It's available in my Etsy shop.

Rest? I'm not sure I know how.

Today was my last day of teaching for a whole week. This is a welcome break which I've already filled, in my obsessive-compulsive manner, with a long list of things to do. A lot of those things involve our household and our upcoming move, but I am hoping to squeeze in some time to create. I'm looking forward to the following this week:

• Printing the next card in my Jane Austen series on my Gocco.
• Break in the new sewing machine that my Dad gave me for my birthday (thanks, Dad!).
• Use the new pattern books along with the new sewing machine.
• Perhaps needle felt a baby bunny to go with the bigger one I made a few weeks ago.
• Experiment with Gocco printing on fabric.
  

And perhaps less fun, but equally necessary:

• Clean and organize my work space so I can actually, erm, work in it.
• Experiment with reshooting some of my cards for the Etsy shop.

In posting this I realized I've probably already burned through a week. I need to learn how to chill like our Rottweiler, Bear.