After an extended search for my crafty mojo, I think I've found my way back to my art room. To any of you whose previous comments have gone unanswered, I'm sorry. I checked out for a while so I could focus on my family and myself. I'm feeling much more in balance lately and the ideas have been flowing again. It was a beautiful afternoon today and I was sashaying around the kitchen in my new apron when I realized this was a good day to blog. Big thanks to my sixth-grader who took the photos. We had fun.
Make cupcakes, not war!
My new handabg makes me happy every single day. I got 1/2 yd of this floral fabric from Japan last year and had been waiting for the perfect idea.
This was a figure-it-out-as-you-go project. After studying Vogue and Anthropology's's website I came up with this design a few weeks ago and made it over a weekend. I love the dupioni silk with the floral pattern. I've been carrying it almost every day since.
I finished this next bag just days before that one, but it sadly became a poor step-child almost immediately. It does make a great knitting bag and I have used it when going to nurseries, Home Depot, etc. when it's nice to be able to go hands-free and I didn't want to chance catching the silk bag on plants or hardware. The strap has a 22" zipper that opens to make it a backpack. The pattern is by Lazy Girl Designs, but I made it a little smaller.
This is the project in that bag:
My photographer didn't appreciate that the Rib in the Diminishing Rib Cardi should be in the photo. She worked very hard, so I didn't have the heart to take another when I saw it later. At the time I was too busy squinting into the sun, which choose that moment to drop below the tree and straight into my eyes. The bottom ribbing is still on the needles (that's why I'm holding yarn), but I'll be casting off tonight and picking up the sleeves. Hope to finish while the weather's still cool.
After reading Ravelry about this pattern I decided to extend the fronts to join with a single button. There's a hole there now, but no button yet. I also lowered the neckline to be more open over tanks and sundresses, but I may have to tighten it a little if the yarn doesn't firm up with blocking. The yarn is Lavold's Silky Tweed.
Back to my new apron, which - it has been pointed out - has not left my body since taking these photos. I'll admit it, I'm easily amused. It flounces wonderfully, but again, photo proof was elusive.
Over this weekend I forced myself to overcome my irrational fear of sewing from a pattern. I know it's silly, but there, I've said it: I was scared of tissue paper. I was scared of the symbols. I was scared of cutting. It's very different from quilting and I'm back to feeling like a total newbie. I want to make a bunch of summer skirts, but I thought I'd better start with a very forgiving project. Saw these Kaufman Metro Market prints at my LQS on Friday, bought 1 yd each and Just Made It! Yeah!
