New Patterns!

I rarely buy new sewing patterns anymore -- I have so many (500+?), that those along with the Burda WOF, Topkids, and Ottobre magazines means I probably have just about every design imaginable, with just a few tweaks here and there.

Anyway, I joined an Apron Swap with the Reclaiming The Home group at Ravelry. Pattern links were being shared, and I fell in love with the Emmeline Apron. Isn't it cute??? I can't wait to get started on it. I plan to add pockets, and I plan to make the tops of them gathered into a band, so they match the bib. It'll be fun to stash dive for the fabrics.


I bought my pattern from Sew, Mama, Sew! and decided to find something else to make the shipping charge 'worth' it (I know I'm not the only one that does that!). I picked up the new Amy Butler Lotus Tunic and Cami. It'll be perfect for our upcoming trip to Arizona. I was also amazed at how fast the patterns arrived! Now I need to attempt to clean up the sewing room and get sewing.

Baby Shower

Yesterday my friends Jennifer and Sara hosted a baby shower with me for our co-Leader Yael. I was in charge of the present, and made this pink batik baby sling. I added a zippered pocket and used wool batting in the rails, as that is what I had lying around. We planned the shower as a ladies 'tea', and had lots of treats: cookies, cupcakes, finger sandwiches, dips, cheese/crackers, and fresh fruit. Jennifer's oldest son and my oldest son came as our assistants, and helped take guests' coats, cleared dirty dishes, monitored the food levels, and were vigilant on candle patrol. :)

I was also in charge of the little party favors. I found a few different votive cups at Joann fabrics, at 40% off no less! I filled them partway with jelly beans, and then dropped a tea light in. They were finished off with a 12" x 12" square of tulle, tied off with 2 sheer ribbons. I had a lot of fun making these.

Now I need to get an I-spy quilt made for the Easter Raffle at church.

Just Bite Me

Remember the embroidery I made for my friend Beth for Christmas? She decided that she wanted it made into a little pillow that she can hang on a doorknob. This way, she can move it around the house. We went over to Joann Fabrics in January, and she picked this black cotton for the pillow part (it's a great print for the embroidery, but boy, is it crap. I can't imagine someone making an actual quilt or garment from it). Yesterday I made it up. I think it looks pretty cute, though I've got the hanger part much too long. She also said she didn't want it stuffed very full, so it stayed a bit flat (I used some scrap wool batting I had laying around). I haven't decided if it should have a little bit more though.

I'll be seeing her this afternoon, and get her thoughts on the changes I want to make. At a minimum I'll be shortening the cording. BTW, this chart can be found in the book Subversive Cross Stitch. I have another embroidery in the works, inspired by the Project RunGay boys; hopefully I can share a picture soon.

Weekend Stuff

This past weekend was really nice. Calvin and I went to the UWM Science Bag on Friday night, and learned all about the differences between lakes and oceans. It was a lot of fun, and Calvin got to create a tsunami. Afterwards we stopped for an ice cream cone at Culvers. On Saturday morning, we did a river cleanup in honor of Earth Day. It is so sad how much garbage people throw around. Caleb was gone most of the weekend, camping overnight with a Boy Scout troop.

Saturday afternoon I made this top. The first garment I've made this year! It had been cut out for ages, and I finally finished it. It's OOP KS 2643, and I think this one ended up too big. I think the fabric is really cool, but it's not "me". If you want more information, go read my review. I've made this top 4 times now, and all those photos are linked in the review.



I also made this Amy Butler Chelsea Handbag for a friend for her birthday. I used some leftover fabric I had laying around from a different bag. I think it's darling, and I also think I have enough to make the tote version (for me!). It went together beautifully. I changed a few construction techniques, and I'll be writing a review for it in the next few days (Review is here -- step by step pictures of how I did the handles are there).

Today was just gorgeous (70 degrees), and after getting our studies done, we walked to the library and then met a friend and her kids at the park. Tomorrow is supposed to be crummy, so I'm glad we got outside today.