mortadella makes

rock die.

2011-05-29T18:26:00.001-07:00

Here it is.

chickens!

2011-05-29T18:17:00.000-07:00

Three little hens here courtesy of Ikat bag patterns.

The instructions were very good and the pieces fit together just right. I had my chickens lined up in an assembly line and they only took about 2 or 3 evenings of sewing. I used all felt instead of fleece.

experiments with dye: shibori inspired

2011-05-23T06:40:00.000-07:00

In preparation for a larger project that I have in mind, I decided to test out some dying with a tutorial I found here.

I tried the "kumo" style within some glass marbles used for vases and rubber bands.

While researching different style of shibori, I cam across some videos on youtube that are really fascinating. They show people from the town of Arashi, Japan tying intricate patterns for fabric that will then be used for yukata and kimono. Really impressive. Be sure to look it up.

Wiksten tank, take 3

2011-04-03T16:35:00.000-07:00

I was a busy bee this weekend. Here is my latest wiksten garment, the tank in Joel Dewberry modern meadow, lake herringbone.

Making this tank again reminded me of how thoughtful the finishes are on the wiksten patterns. I'm really hoping she'll come out with others.

Lisette Portfolio Tunic

2011-04-02T14:14:00.001-07:00

This top is from the new "Lisette" line from Simplicity patterns (2245). I made this in a cotton shirting that I treated myself too. It's really light and has a nice drape. It'll be great for the summer.

Next time I think I will try the no pocket view. The pockets are cute, but not that usable unless you use a heavier fabric. Also, I don't want to use the pockets and add bulk.

Normally I'm not a fan of raglan sleeves. I like things a bit structured. However, they work on this top. Maybe its the neckline detail that adds that je ne sais quoi? maybe its the cuff. I'm just saying, give 'em a chance.

A nitpick: I had to seam rip the neckline where the two button loops are due to there barely being room for the loops. Be careful if you make this top to make sure your loop isn't caught in your neck stitching.

Magic Pattern Slip-Over Apron

2011-04-02T14:00:00.000-07:00

I have a fabric stash. I don't always have a lot of time. I always have a need to make things and keep busy.

When I saw this pattern while leafing through the spring 2010 issue of Stitch magazine, I knew it was something I could whip-up and use. I actually made two! The pattern is originally from a 1929 magazine and is made from a square piece of fabric. It's a good project for that fabric you *like* but don't *love* because that means you'll actually use it and not preserve it.

If you really felt motivated you would make your own bias tape - but like I said, I wanted something now and luckily found 5 yards for each apron of pink bias amongst my scraps.

Mortadella Paints

2011-01-16T09:06:00.000-08:00

Not too long ago a dear friend of mine asked if I would paint murals for her two sons on their bedroom walls. I came up with the idea of painting canvases in case their tastes change in the not too distant future.

First up, for the younger son, an assortment of Thomas the train and a couple of his friends. I had a harder time with this painting since before this I wasn't very familiar with Thomas, and his image couldn't just come from my head. He's already an established and the recipient of this painting is going to expect something that looks like Thomas.
I was able to take more artistic license with the painting for the older son as he asked for a sunflower with a kitten. And here it is...

I hadn't painted in years, and I need to brush up on a lot in order to improve my work. I'm glad someone gave me an excuse to start though.

Wiksten Tova Dress

2010-12-31T09:37:00.000-08:00

After about two months, I finally had the chance to make something for myself. I made a lot of Christmas presents, but didn't take photos of any of them. whoops.

Anyhow, here is the Wiksten Tova dress in pima cotton shirting. The pattern is written very well and has great photos to accompany nearly every step of construction.

Wiksten Tank + Dress Pattern: Tank

2010-09-05T15:14:00.000-07:00

My second garment from this pattern - the tank in Liberty of London Susanna Grey. First off, I just love a pattern that fits together so well as this one does. Second, I love working with a fabric that lends itself to a good outcome.

And here we have it ready for summer's last call.

Such nice binding finishes. This was a great project for a fabric like liberty too. Though the fabric is very pricey you don't need too much yardage. The simplicity of the tank shows the fabric and its drape off nicely and those few touches that the tank has such as the curved hem and cute pocket set it apart.
Where does the pocket end and where does it begin?! hehehe.

Thanks, Wiksten! I can't wait till the end of October. I'm thinking about fabrics for the Tova pattern already.

Wiksten Tank + Dress Pattern: Dress

2010-08-29T12:40:00.000-07:00

I was really excited when Jenny from wikstenmade announced that she would be selling one of her patterns. It was finally a chance for me to own something wiksten that is within my budget.
The package itself did not disappoint. Carefully packed in a glassine envelope, it was exciting just to look at the wrapped pattern!
The instructions are impeccable, and easy to follow. In the end you have a very nicely finished garment with french seams and neck and arm binding done in a way I hadn't tried before, but have seen on ready to wear.
This was just my muslin, made out of grey 100% linen that I didn't mind parting with if a size M didn't work out. I decided to make the dress version first and will make a tank later out of Liberty of London in grey susanna print.
My muslin turned out to be wearable and so I spruced up the spanse of grey with my own design inspired by Lotta Jansdotter's printing studio booklet. I used Jacquard fabric paint and cut three different sized stamps out of potato. (For anyone thinking of trying this -I tried stamp carving material as well, but the imprint wasn't as crisp as it was with potato. Be sure to test first.)

I can tell how much time and effort was put into making the pattern, writing the instructions and taking the photographs which show the construction steps. I want to thank Ms. Jenny for all of that. I can tell it was a real labor of love on her part(as she says) and I appreciate being the recipient of such a one of a kind pattern. (I hope there will be more ;) in the future.)

ithinksew: Kimono Room Slippers

2010-06-23T11:38:00.000-07:00

.
These are so cute! However, I made a size larger than my street size and they're a little snug. A little too snug. Why does this happen to me? Anyhow...next time I would add a little more than a 1/4" seam allowance, especially if your fabric has a weave that tends to fray (linen). I used a cotton with brown fine wale corduroy inside.
If I really get my act together I would make a little basket of these so that I could offer a new pair to house guests when they visit.
It could happen.

Summer clothes & craft: a couple more items off of the "to-do" list.

2010-06-20T18:36:00.000-07:00

My blog has been quiet, but I have been busy. First up was the Wiksten Tulip skirt pattern, found in the winter '08 Stitch magazine. I saw a few denim specimens on flickr, and so I too chose denim as my medium.
It is really a cute skirt.

Next up was a second rendition of the Cynthia Rowley pattern I last made in pink seersucker.

The armholes on my first shirt were a bit tight on me and I gave it to my buddy, the Tiny Tailor. I made it this time in an English cotton shirting.
I like how polished bias trim looks.

I love bias tape!

The next item on my to-do list?

Kimono slippers by ithinksew in Kokka fabrics.

2403 x 2

2010-05-15T15:40:00.001-07:00

I said I was going to do it and I did: a sleeveless and collarless version of simplicity 2403, a project runway dress-
In a light pink, green and white floral cotton (country of origin: south korea).

I'm glad its done. Now on to another pattern!

Zojirushi rice cooker: Black Sesame Cake

2010-05-07T12:49:00.000-07:00

Okay, now. Mortadella is mainly about making crafts and sewing projects. But every once in a while she bakes. Like today! I used the "Black Sesame Cake" recipe from the zojirushi site. My particular model of cooker doesn't have a cake setting, howver I used the white rice setting. That cycle ended in 30 minutes and I left the cake in there on the "keep warm" setting for 15 more minutes.
Oh! It's delightful. Cute AND yummy. Perfect for a cup of tea. I *LOVE* my rice cooker.

Jalie 2679: x2

2010-05-07T08:10:00.000-07:00

In the past two weeks I finished 2 jackets made from Jalie 2679 (Women's Sport Jacket). One is in charcoal corduroy and the other is in blue soft shell.I've made this pattern quite a few times, but not for a couple of years. The last time I made the pattern, my jacket was stolen from the back seat of my car (!). I think the reason it caught the desire of a thief is this: a novice can put this pattern together easily and have darn good results. Professional, in fact.

The pattern pieces fit together among the best of any patterns I have made. The only tweak is that I would say that the collar usually need to be cut out and inch or two longer than the pattern calls for.

I wish Jalie made more than mainly active wear. I haven't tried their other patterns, though I have heard rave reviews on their jean pattern. If they are 3/4 as good as this one, I definitely want to try them out!

just finished: Simplicity 0598/2403 - Project Runway Dress

2010-04-12T18:19:00.000-07:00

Latest project: tunic in blue and white based on the dress in Simplicity 2403.

I cut the skirt pattern at the hip.

Make sure you use the next size up on the waistband. I think the pattern is mis-marked. I had to cut out new pieces.

The pattern was relatively easy to follow. I have no complaints, though overall it took a long time. I'm pretty sure I'll be making a sleeveless version for summer, and I think it could be cute in a corduroy or wool flannel for winter. The wooden buttons I got at a yard sale. They're from the 1950's, from a department store in NYC.

nice touches: Liberty of London for Target

2010-04-12T14:51:00.000-07:00

Is super-commercialized a bad thing when it introduces the masses to a century & 1/2 year old fabric company?

Hard to say.
Opinions withheld, I utilized a few items for my sewing needs.

A handy catch-all for trimmings.

A neat place to organize the things I need close.

A file box to keep all my clothing patterns neat.

LASS: pottery painting at terramia, S.F.

2010-03-28T17:22:00.001-07:00

For celebrating the grand poombah's birth we went to Terramia, a pottery painting place in Noe Valley.
It was the first time there for the four of us and we took our time picking out pieces and painting (about 4 hrs!)

I was pretty happy with the teapot I painted for our Lass outing, though I felt the glazing could have been better (it turned out a bit lumpy).

You can see the lumpy part on the left side of this picture.

Quick & Simple: Liberty of London Scarf

2010-03-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

1/4 yard of real liberty of london scarf: $11.25
+
30 minutes=

A real l.o.l. scarf a bit cheaper than tarjay!

Wedding butterflies made into hangable artwork

2010-01-03T20:37:00.000-08:00

Simplicity 4112 - Built by Wendy Top

2009-10-05T18:24:00.000-07:00

In Liberty of London fabric.

I was a little unsure of this pattern, with the sort of angled sleeves, but it is actually flattering on and fits nicely. It's different from most patterns, which is also nice. The only difficult thing was sewing together the two parts of the sleeve. I couldn't get it to lay perfectly flat, but fortunately the fabric is forgiving and its not really noticeable.

Simplicity 2593 - done...

2009-08-27T19:49:00.000-07:00

At least the first reincarnation is done. In pink seersucker.

Next time around, I'll lengthen the top just a bit, and make the version with fancy sleeves. Mainly, after weeks of not sewing or crafting I just needed to make something.

Wedding shrug

2009-08-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

The wedding may be over, but the usefulness of this garment isn't (at least until summer is gone).

I made this shrug from Liberty Lawn fabric (such a splurge, but so worth it), and it ended up matching my bouquet. The lining is Egyptian cotton; I cobbled some scraps together that I had leftover from the 2nd tunic dress I made.

I used the Amy Butler Lotus Tunic pattern (I chose this one because after tweaking the pattern it fits well and close to the body), but changed the front. I combined the two front panels and redrew my own front, which brought the front piece up to the shoulder/neck.

And the shrug in action:

Wedding bouquet ruffle cuff

2009-08-07T08:56:00.001-07:00

I got this idea from an old issue of Martha Stewart Weddings.

And here it is in execution by me:

I made my bouquet and my maid of honor's bouquet for $20 by buying two live hydrangea plants (so I can plant them now) and cutting off the blossoms. I taped the stems up with floral tape, slid my ruffle cuff over and tied some ribbon on there and voila!

Thank you to D.Ticonderoga for the pic!

Wedding crafts - boutonnieres

2009-07-06T13:08:00.000-07:00

I ordered some vintage flowers from Blumchen & Co., which I saw mentioned somewhere on a blog. I can't recall where. oops. The labels on the flowers are pretty fascinating - especially the old tag that says, "Made in Germany - Soviet Occupied".

I didn't like the flowers as they were enough to use them 'as is' for the boutonnieres. However, I knew that I wanted to make something ahead of time so that I won't have to worry about them as the wedding approaches.

I took all of the flowers apart and put them together as shown. I also inserted a beading pin with a loop on the back of the boutonniere so that it will be very easy to slip the corsage pin through and then attach to the suit lapel.

Gocco Wedding Invitations

2009-06-05T09:16:00.000-07:00

I gocco'ed my wedding invitations. I made two designs that I drew myself, so invitees got one of two designs.

It took a few mistake tries to get it right, but I was pleased with the results once I got a good burn. My recommendation to people buying used goccos is to check the sponge/print pad. If it is compressing too much (ie the sponge is old) you won't get a crisp burn or print. I made a new print pad out of foam that I found at Orchard hardware.

I got all of the supplies from paper Source and lined my envelopes with some paper I found at another art store.

First batch of paper flowers and how I used them.

2009-04-16T11:13:00.000-07:00

little paper butterflies

2009-03-04T08:41:00.000-08:00

Super K lent me her M.S. butterfly paper punch. It's super cool. I made all of these:

I might try to attach them to some organza ribbon as a decoration, or maybe to wire and put them with the paper flowers. Not sure yet. If only there were bigger butterfly punches out there - like 2 or 3 inches! That would be neat. I searched though, and couldn't find any. The punch was a great way to use the scraps from the petal paper.

Paper flowers 2!

2009-03-04T07:15:00.000-08:00

I bought a second kit of paper flowers from paper source, but didn't realize the kit was for giant 16 inch blossoms! whoops. So I shrank the petal pattern and made smaller blossoms.

Paper flowers!

2009-03-04T07:13:00.000-08:00

I got a paper flower kit from Paper Source last week. The kit included pre-cut petals for the cream, peach, and blue flowers. Then, I used that as a template and made my own pink and dark pink flowers.

Silk Organza flower

2009-03-04T07:11:00.000-08:00

I see similar things all over the internet, and suddenly felt inspired last week when I walked into a fabric store and there were a couple of bolts of silk organza for a good price.

This is my prototype. I didn't use a pattern, I just cut petals and sewed them together. Next time, I think wider petals will look better.

Little bunny gift

2009-03-04T07:09:00.000-08:00

I made this up quickly as a gift for a little girl. I didn't have a pattern for the apron. I made the body out of grey ultrasuede.

Carving stamps

2009-01-13T08:15:00.000-08:00

Birds & leaves.

Tunic length shirt

2009-01-13T08:10:00.000-08:00

Made from pima cotton shirting and a New Look pattern that I got from a yard sale for a buck.

Chidori and Japanese print dopkit sized bags

2008-12-18T10:22:00.001-08:00

I made a lot of bags and pouches this year!

Hedgehog n Honeybee pouches

2008-12-18T10:20:00.000-08:00

I hope the recipients enjoy!

Christmas purse

2008-12-15T14:52:00.000-08:00

I can unveil this one because my friend, Char, couldn't wait until Christmas to open her gift. (!)

I got the pattern from Pochee Sewing magazine:

Someday I want to make that dress on the cover too.

Here is the magazine's version of the purse:

And here is my version:

The lining:

Made from Japanese cotton and Japanese "Bark" fabric (a nice heavyweight fabric with a lot of body). I finished the purse off with a sakura pearl button and fixed a loop to go over that for a closure.

Birthday Pillow & Pouch

2008-12-13T10:59:00.000-08:00

My friend recently got a dark brown leather loveseat couch. When I saw it, I knew what she needed, a couple of accent cushions that could double as pillows for when she wants to take a nap.

Made with Japanese cotton/linen in a bee print.

I also made a handkerchief out of Japanese cotton fabric that is soft and hopefully absorbent. I embroidered it with the word, "snot." I packed it in a pouch that I made from a kit from Blissful that I got at the You Bazaar craft fair. The green zipper pull and bias tape trim were added by me.

Amy Butler Birdie Cat Pattern

2008-12-12T10:35:00.001-08:00

from her book, "Little Stitches for Little Ones"

It is made from corduroy, and has nothing that can come off. I oped to not put the contrasting feet on it. It is another part of the present for the gal that is getting the baby booties. Since a lot of people may be having babies in the next couple of years, I can get a lot of use from this book making gifts.

Martha Stewart Lamb from the 08 Holiday Issue

2008-12-12T10:33:00.001-08:00

Thanks, Dixon, for the pattern!

I want to enlarge this a little more than the 200% that the magazine suggests. It is a little hard to sew and get it turned out at it's current size, and I think maybe 250% or even 300% would be a good size. It's a pretty slim lamb too. I might redraw the neck and chest to give it a tad more girth. I made this from a Gap wool skirt that I got at a yard sale for only $1.

Crazy about pouches

2008-12-05T08:13:00.000-08:00

Several more zippered pouches have come off of the assembly line:

The flowered pouch has a grey nubuck lining. The green dotted pouch is made from laminated cotton and the lining is Michael Miller Dumb dots in brown and green. This would be great for cosmetics or travel!

Next we have the tall standing pouch made from Japanese cotton, chidori print:

Look at the cheery red dotted lining:

Wedding Shower Gift

2008-12-04T08:37:00.000-08:00

Another coworker is getting married this coming Saturday. Here, at the office, we put together a nice little lunch time tea party with tea sandwiches. I used the spool sewing bird softy pattern, but shrank it for this project. I made two birds in light purple (the bride-to-be's favorite color) silk. One is slightly larger than the other and they are ornaments for the bride and groom's first Christmas together.

Bitty Booties

2008-12-04T08:33:00.000-08:00

Here are the bitty booties made with the pattern from Heather Bailey:

They are for a coworker who is going to have a baby girl.

Almost Pollini Dress - officially a bust.

2008-12-02T10:28:00.000-08:00

I don't think I am going to make any more free Burda Style patterns. They always turn out too wide in the shoulders and back and I don't have enough patience to alter them. I prefer the japanese patterns. All I have to do on those is an fba and I'm good to go. Way easier, imo.

I picked up a few new Japanese pattern books recently:

I got this book on hats.

This book has a lot of nice dress patterns. The patterns are designed especially for kimono fabric which is only about 14" wide. I am kind of reluctant to cut up my kimono, but I won't use them otherwise.

For my birthday, my friend gave me Zakka Sewing. The three reviews on Amazon are not helpful. The book is a delight to look at, but in my opinion, not accessible for a beginner.

First off, you get this book, and unless you improvise, you really can't make anything from it right away. Why? Every pattern requires that it be enlarged 200-250% (depends on the pattern). Furthermore, there are no tips on enlarging the patterns. If you photocopy them, you need paper larger than 8.5x14. I was eager to make the squirrel teapot cozy on the cover, and I had to free hand most of the pattern using my french curve in order to get immediate gratification.

Next, the materials list for the teapot cozy says, "thick wool felt." Well, I used thick wool felt and after completeing the pattern as the book instructs, my cozy is floppy and won't stand up, nevermind that it doesn't fit on my teapot. I will need to improvise, use interfacing, and I think I will even add batting to insulate. That's all okay, but c'mon, for the hard earned $24.95 that my friend spent, I expect a little more! If the purpose of this book is to make Japanese style patterns more accessible to those who do not read Japanese, why do I feel like I get so much more from the Japanese craft mooks that give me full size patterns and excellent drawn instructions (though, admittedly I can read enough Japanese to help me along) for the same price?

And just because we need a pic:
My kayak at Courtright Reservoir last summer.

More craft items coming soon!

2008-12-02T10:27:00.000-08:00

I can't show many of the things I have been working on, since a lot of the items are Christmas presents.

A craft fair and a crafting

2008-11-03T07:08:00.000-08:00

Sunday, we went to the You Bazaar. It was my first nouveau craft fair, and although it was small (29-30 vendors), I liked that there wasn't an overwhelming number of visitors.

I picked up two zippered pouch kits from "Blissful" (check out her etsy shop).
It comes in a plastic pouch with some cut fabric, a zipper and some interfacing - oh and some instructions.

I did have a little issue with the instructions. They weren't easy for me to follow, and the photocopied pictures had been copied too many times to provide any assistance. I might suggest that Blissful try diagrams instead. I'm not trying to be too hard either - I like making things myself and she was one of the few vendors that had kits to do so. (Thank you.)

So what did I do? I disregarded the instructions and did my own thing. I added piping and a beaded pull to the zipper.

Fresh picked strawberries, anyone?

2008-10-23T14:11:00.000-07:00

made with fine wale red corduroy and green velvet. From Heather Bailey's pattern.

Red bird

2008-10-23T14:08:00.000-07:00

I made this from the spool sewing bird softy pattern.

fine wale red corduroy

fruit production!

2008-09-30T09:04:00.000-07:00

Have I gotten a little carried away? No, I don't think so! I've been making fruit. It's productive! I can give all of my friends a little fruit!

I shrank the Heather Bailey, "Fresh Picked" pattern just a bit..and made a persimmon out of the tomato pattern.

I think they'll look nice for a fall cornucopia.

Super K got me a special gift of some felt from Daiso. The felt is made in Korea, and it is so soft! I may make some strawberries, but also should think of some other options for it.

finished projects

2008-09-14T15:20:00.000-07:00

Last week I got my Heather Bailey "fresh Picked" pincushion pattern and I started making fruit right away. On Heather Bailey's site she shows a few examples made from velveteen, and also offers a kit. I tried to find velveteen, but couldn't at any stores around here. Maybe it is more of a Christmas item? So, I settled on felt. I also got some wool roving and made a few pieces of my own felt. I made a mottled red felt for the apple, and a berry purple felt for one strawberry. That was a lot of fun, but also a little too expensive.

-notice that I staggered the yellow seeds. I personally think this is a little more pleasing than straight lines.

The other fruit is made from felt off of the shelf (basic polyester). I got some golden orange heathered felt and plan to make persimmons out of the tomato pattern, for a fall fruit bowl.

In other project news, I finished my Camisole & One-piece top and wore it with a black t-shirt underneath and black pants.

It was comfortable. I had material left over and decided to make another sew-U a-line skirt. This time I made the waist smaller and this skirt fits a lot better than the first edition.

What's next?

I think I'll be trying out the "Almost Pollini Dress" pattern from Ale-B on the Burda Style website. I plan to use my new kokka fabric and I will alter the pattern so that the yoke fits at my waist. I'll also have to do an fba. I also plan to make elbow length sleeves.

Summer top from "Camisole & One Piece"

2008-08-05T09:09:00.000-07:00

This top is from the Japanese pattern book camisole and one piece. I had to completely seam rip the first incarnation because it was too big around the chest. It looked terrible, even though I had already altered the pattern for my American frame.

On the mannequin, this doesn't look half bad (haven't hemmed or sewn the side seams yet) - but I'm not certain this is a look I should sport.

sorry for the mini hiatus!

2008-08-05T09:04:00.000-07:00

I reupholstered a chair last week. I can't even show the before picture because the previous cushion was non existent.
I used Better Homes & Garden upholstery fabric, and a polyester fill cushion instead of foam.

Weekender bag #2

2008-07-06T14:07:00.000-07:00

Will I ever make this bag again?!? Oh, after this, I sure don't know.

Weekender bag #2:
-exterior and lining: Michael Miller dumb dots laminated cotton

-pocket lining, trim & handles: Moda laminated cotton

-special additions: brown webbing attached to sides with u-ring to attach shoulder straps.

I've got to stop choosing fabrics that are really hard to work with. It gets discouraging fast. I also had to experiment with needles. In the end, the #16 seemed to work the best. The Moda fabric was easy to sew through compared to the Michael Miller. I have enough of the Moda left over for a coordinating make-up bag or something.

had to scrap the jacket!

2008-06-12T10:27:00.000-07:00

It was just TOO frustrating! I couldn't iron in any creases, I had to sew all the seams flat, and I just gave up. I don't have all that much time, and I'd rather work with a fabric that lends itself better to a project like this. I did save my lining, and still plan to make this. The Hikaru pattern is really cute.

So I'll leave you with a photo of my small Japanese Maple tree collection on a fine day in late spring:

wip - Burda Style Hikaru jacket

2008-06-01T19:26:00.001-07:00

I'm making this in a brown water repellent shell that I purchased at the same time as some softshell. I didn't know what it would be like. It is 2-layer, one an impervious membrane, so it has to be lined. I chose a pink, cream and brown stripe cotton for the lining.

This fabric is really hard to work with and can't be ironed. I got burned out after only a short time. =/

Sew U skirt in Amy Butler fabric

2008-06-01T19:23:00.000-07:00

Amy Butler Lotus Tunic v.2 all done

2008-06-01T19:19:00.001-07:00

I am not very good at pressing clothes! eeek.

Crochet creatures cont'd

2008-05-28T07:21:00.001-07:00

This is from Roxycraft patterns:

I'm also working on the Heather Ross slipper pattern from Home Companion magazine. I'm using scraps of ultrasuede from my weekender project. At first I was rushing along, but realized that if I want to make them nicely, I needed to step back and think about the process. I might have a few tips...I'm also altering the pattern slightly as I have a wider foot that the pattern foot.

I used the Weekender bag!

2008-05-26T20:11:00.000-07:00

...on an actual weekend getaway! I packed slippers, an extra pair of shoes, enough clothes for four days, a blow dryer, my quart sized ziploc bag, an extra jacket, and an slr camera. wowee. Now all I want to do is to make another in a different pattern! It was great. No problems at all, and I was amazed at all that fit in there. Light and easy to hoist into the overhead, I was pleased with my creation.

Another makes: a crochet bunny and small pal

Lotus Tunic update

2008-05-09T08:20:00.001-07:00

neckline is done, and I think I did better this time.

I still have to make the bias binding and hem the lining and dress. Wouldn't this be pretty for a spring gathering with a pretty hat? I kind of like not having the contrast upper bodice pieces, especially with a busy pattern like this.

Here you can see how much smoother I got the pivoted corners:

Lotus Tunic v 2 update

2008-05-08T11:10:00.000-07:00

I finally got the lining sewn. (I've been super busy!) Tonight I plan to attach it at the neck and sleeves, and I'll have pics!

Garden power

2008-05-05T11:50:00.001-07:00

I worked in the garden instead of sewing.

sleepy friday

2008-05-02T15:06:00.000-07:00

I bought some pima cotton from England for my lining at Satin Moon fabrics. While I was there, I met a group of ladies, mostly from the great lakes region, who were on a fabric store tour. That was interesting! It was not so good for the meter (it was ticking away as I waited in the cutting line), but everything turned out okay in the end.

I cut the pieces for the lining, and put the back darts in. Hopefully Sunday I'll have some time to start sewing it together.

Sunday afternoon crafting

2008-04-27T18:31:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week I saw a very old Heather Bailey post for a pear shaped pin cushion. Oh, I really liked it. After an unsuccessful morning working on the lotus tunic lining (had to be completely scrapped) I decided to try and make my own pear shaped pin cushion. Well, apparently I am pincushion impeared...because what I got is maybe a tomato persimmon hybrid. That's okay though.

Weekender bag finishing touches

2008-04-27T18:24:00.001-07:00

I finally put the finishing touches on my weekender bag. I closed up the bottom insert (which was really the last thing I had left to do). Then I got the lovely idea to put on a zipper pull.

After that, another lightbulb went off and I added a piece of ultrasuede with my initials. Voila! The bag is mine.

ideas

2008-04-21T19:32:00.000-07:00

I got some light yellow (again, apologies for the dark pic) fabric at Joann's for only $1 a yard. Made in the USA too! I think it goes well with the Amy Butler grey and yellow martini fabric. maybe a skirt and top?

Lotus Tunic v.2

2008-04-21T19:24:00.000-07:00

I pieced it all together and changed the pattern. I added an inch in length around the waist, and added some room around the bust. I don't know why the picture on the muslin shows the front darts looking funny, as it doesn't look like that in real life.
I put in an invisible zipper. I plan to make this a dress, rather than a tunic.

the lighting is really dark, sorry!

It's complete!

2008-04-14T18:01:00.000-07:00

I'm done. It sure took a while, and I tried to be patient. But the final stage was a bear and I now know why so many people have complained about this pattern. Do I want to make this pattern again? YES! Do I want to take a long break before I embark on another? OH YES!
Here is the lining of the bag:

Here is a close up of my hand slipstitched lining. I tried at first to do this ever so nicely, but I quicky got hot, tired and sore. All I had to say was, "ow ow ow." I pricked myself and drew blood several times. My fingertips were aching for a break.

This view shows off the grey ultrasuede I used for the handles and piping. I really liked working with it. It was pricey ($20 a yard! whoa), but I've had a thing for grey lately and I splurged.

Overall thoughts? I think this bag is tres chic and looks really cool. It also feels like a great accomplishment - making a nearly one of a kind travel bag that looks almost store bought.

weekender bag lining

2008-04-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

I was first going to only interface the top and sides of the lining, but then I decided to just go all out and interface it all. It'll hopefully help the rigidity of the entire project:

a few more thoughts on the weekender bag:

2008-04-07T13:48:00.000-07:00

-I couldn't find a non separating zipper for this, but found the perfect shade of grey on a separating zipper. I just tacked the one side, and all seems well.

-If one is to use metal snap closures on the pockets, these need to go on the pocket side before the lining is done. You will need to reinforce where the snap connects with some interfacing. Otherwise, it'll pull or rip with use.

-I might consider a divider in the middle or maybe a 1/3 divider next time. This could be lined in laminated fabric for a pair of shoes, or for dirty clothes.

Amy Butler Weekender Bag

2008-04-06T16:24:00.001-07:00

Woo hoo! I'm nearly done. All I have left is the lining.

I reviewed on sewing pattern review too.

Skirt!

2008-04-01T17:59:00.000-07:00

This is skirt #13 from the Japanese pattern book, "Skirts for Every Day and Every Season".

I used contrasting fabric for inside the waistband. Here, you can see the back zipper, dart and waistband detail.

Here you can see the french seam (or is that hong kong seam?)and my hem.

I made this is wool gabardine. I used cream bias tape for the waistband detail and cotton green stripe for the waistband facing.

Something else I made

2008-04-01T09:15:00.001-07:00

A little amigurumi style pup:

new project for this week:

2008-04-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

I'm working on the Amy Butler Weekender bag this week.

Like a lot of other people who have made this bag, I substituted peltex for timtex to make the sides of the bag stiff.
I chose this fabric for the exterior:

I made the piping, bag bottom and handles from charcoal grey ultrasuede. The lining will be a light blue cotton sateen.

More on this later!

Amy Butler Lotus Tunic Dress

2008-03-31T18:28:00.000-07:00

This is my muslin/test version with fba. I made a small on top and graduated to a medium on the bottom. I will make the top slightly larger for the next version.

Read my review at sewing pattern review!

update 5/9/08: I'm working on version 2 of the lotus tunic. Check it out: Version 2