Christmas Wishes and Winter on Que.
Somewhere along the way Christmas happened, or so it seams. It certainly has been a busy fall. So damned busy, but in all fairness I can't really complain as that means that things are good . . . or at least in my book it falls that way. I will say that from my list of fall makes I have one archer and one more blouse to make up. Really, how awesome am I? Oh, those two hoodies . . . but those aren't needed until I jet off to Amsterdam in late March. I sew, a lot, I know.
Though, Christmas this year is from my sewing machine, knitting needles, wine vendor from the market, or my own kitchen prowess. I make no bones about it, as well . . . I'm not keen on box stores, shopping for trinkets that are forgotten about in a month, and at this point most people in my life have things they want and need. Gifts this way are really gifts then, meaning more and at least hanging around a bit longer. If you've been following along on Instagram you saw that I made my husband something (that no, I won't post here because he reads the blog but is not on Instagram), finished a bag for my uncle, and some other things. My Mom, Dad, and sister are known to read this: so . . . I'll post the Christmas loot after the 25th, as I really want them to see their stuff in person before seeing it here. Ha!
I will show the bag, though. The Uncle is not online, nor is he on any social media, so. . . he's a Trek fan, and he will most likely be more excited to oogle this bad boy as it will certainly fit his groceries and make them easier to carry when my folks take him shopping or he walks on his own. Of course, he gets a box of chocolate covered cherries (his favorite) and a tube of denture glue and a box of cleaner for things inside (one of pleasure, one of use). Read into that what you will, as I am sure you can figure out why the bag will be the coolest gift for him.
It's the Amy Butler Spice Market Tote, and no . . . you don't need the pattern to construct it. But, I have to say that sometimes you need instant gratification and a feel good kind of pattern (yes, like a feel good movie) and most AB patterns do it for me. Just is what it is. I highly recommend pulling one out this winter, in the depths of snow or rain (spring rain for my readers in the other hemisphere) and cut some home dec fabric or quilting cotton, add a few layers of interfacing, and make a bag of useful proportions. There is something highly satisfying about it. There isn't much to review with this pattern: I added the key fob (put a D ring from Home Depot on it), and I reduced my seams to 1/4 inch. I used quilting cotton, and I reduced the interfacing to a total of three layers of woven fusible (two on the outer fabric, on on the inner). The rest is the same, and yea . . . it's a great bag.
Though, I've gotten a handful of messages from folks wanting to learn to sew . . . I tell them to make a bag (like this one) or sleep pants first. Why? Anyone can make a pillow. Make something you can use, wear, and show the hell off people! Seriously, what is the point if no one is going to see it? Ha.
Of course, I should have a list of things I'm oogling . . .
This lush cotton voile (three yards), as in I need Archer's for spring! I think this one would look fab with pearl snaps and the pleat removed from the back. Yes, I have a vision. If you haven't looked at Jen's pattern yet, you should . . . for the very least it will most likely inspire you to learn to sew! I mean, it is so basic, flattering, and oh-my-god almost sublime to make up. I've nailed five already, with two more on que for Dec/Jan.
I'm still dying for this one, as it can be A LOT of things . . . .lining, a shift dress, part of a bag. . .
Though, Christmas this year is from my sewing machine, knitting needles, wine vendor from the market, or my own kitchen prowess. I make no bones about it, as well . . . I'm not keen on box stores, shopping for trinkets that are forgotten about in a month, and at this point most people in my life have things they want and need. Gifts this way are really gifts then, meaning more and at least hanging around a bit longer. If you've been following along on Instagram you saw that I made my husband something (that no, I won't post here because he reads the blog but is not on Instagram), finished a bag for my uncle, and some other things. My Mom, Dad, and sister are known to read this: so . . . I'll post the Christmas loot after the 25th, as I really want them to see their stuff in person before seeing it here. Ha!
I will show the bag, though. The Uncle is not online, nor is he on any social media, so. . . he's a Trek fan, and he will most likely be more excited to oogle this bad boy as it will certainly fit his groceries and make them easier to carry when my folks take him shopping or he walks on his own. Of course, he gets a box of chocolate covered cherries (his favorite) and a tube of denture glue and a box of cleaner for things inside (one of pleasure, one of use). Read into that what you will, as I am sure you can figure out why the bag will be the coolest gift for him.
It's the Amy Butler Spice Market Tote, and no . . . you don't need the pattern to construct it. But, I have to say that sometimes you need instant gratification and a feel good kind of pattern (yes, like a feel good movie) and most AB patterns do it for me. Just is what it is. I highly recommend pulling one out this winter, in the depths of snow or rain (spring rain for my readers in the other hemisphere) and cut some home dec fabric or quilting cotton, add a few layers of interfacing, and make a bag of useful proportions. There is something highly satisfying about it. There isn't much to review with this pattern: I added the key fob (put a D ring from Home Depot on it), and I reduced my seams to 1/4 inch. I used quilting cotton, and I reduced the interfacing to a total of three layers of woven fusible (two on the outer fabric, on on the inner). The rest is the same, and yea . . . it's a great bag.
Though, I've gotten a handful of messages from folks wanting to learn to sew . . . I tell them to make a bag (like this one) or sleep pants first. Why? Anyone can make a pillow. Make something you can use, wear, and show the hell off people! Seriously, what is the point if no one is going to see it? Ha.
Of course, I should have a list of things I'm oogling . . .
This lush cotton voile (three yards), as in I need Archer's for spring! I think this one would look fab with pearl snaps and the pleat removed from the back. Yes, I have a vision. If you haven't looked at Jen's pattern yet, you should . . . for the very least it will most likely inspire you to learn to sew! I mean, it is so basic, flattering, and oh-my-god almost sublime to make up. I've nailed five already, with two more on que for Dec/Jan.
I'm still dying for this one, as it can be A LOT of things . . . .lining, a shift dress, part of a bag. . .
This Oscar de la Renta in three yards. I have some in black, as in a silky Archer is happening later this month! And yea, the black haul was from my B-day wish list and that spree in August. Imagine this with a pair of jeans, tucked in at the waist, or with a pair of Thurlows . . .
Another coat . . . this time a short one, in this absolute beauty.
I mean, wouldn't a short coat look divine in that cashmere blend? And . . . I would be adding some color to the wardrobe as I either wear black, purples, or brown. Oh wait, there's some gray on occasion Ha! And an Oscar de la Renta coat? Ohhh la la. (Yea, I know . . . 80 bones a yard, I'm gonna need to sell my Lupus infested kidney for that one!) I would need about four yards (for plaid matching, as the pattern calls for 3 and 1/4 yards . . . ya know, the Anise Jacket. I've only been eyeballing it for a year now . . . and it is on the list for Jan/Feb sewing.
Though, I think I'm going to make the free Marfy jacket this winter too (the shirt and skirt are free too . . . ). Actually, I'm inclined to make this outfit in charcoal or black suiting and make the jacket in that cashmere.
And if someone wants to buy me this coat pattern . . . yea, I won't complain!
Of course, this time of year makes me look at things with color a little more . . . .why? Probably the decorations and the ensuing cold . . . ya know, cold, means layers, which means pops of color (like the color of that first plaid) from under an infinity scarf and a blazer or a sweater.
On that note, I need to wrap my Mom's gift, grade (as it never, ever ends), write some professional stuff, and . . . well, make a cup of Turkish coffee since I do have some and it is cold. Hopefully this Holiday Season you are enjoying yourself and perhaps making a few gifts instead of running for the cheapest deal you see.
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