The Beginnings of a "Craft Room"

I wanted to get my "craft room" more in order before the semester began. It warrants quotes because the room houses B's brewing supplies and also serves as our guest bedroom. I bought a craft table today. It's pretty perfect in size for my needs. I almost invested in this Arrow Sewing Cabinet but figured I could do that later when I got more serious about sewing. Right now, I'm lucky if I can devote an hour to the machine, so spending over $100 on a sewing table would probably be extravagant. So I settled on this $40 one from Lowes. I covered it with white adhesive shelving liner for protection (but also to make it more pretty!). I can always convert it to a cutting table later. This past week I've also purchased some carts with drawers for all my craft supplies from Target. Now I can obsessively compartmentalize my knitting, embroidery, and sewing supplies. I got an extra bin for current projects, which currently houses all five things I'm trying to finish. I love the way the room is shaping up. I need to buy a bulletin board, a good chair, an adhesive ruler, etc. I also need to mount a few more pictures in the room. I'm further along than I was two weeks ago, though, and for now that's all I can ask for!

Aprons All Over the Place

I finally finished the apron I bought from Sew Fast Sew Easy! Since I'm new, I'm slow, and sewing isn't like knitting where I can just pick up something unfinished and go at it. I cut the pieces about a week after I bought the pattern, then stared at it for weeks. Sewing this pattern took a while because the directions were limited (for a beginner, anyway) and the ruffle at the bottom was really difficult to do. Also, everything had to be edged with a zigzag stitch and hardly any of it was straight (which is what I've been practicing). So in the end, the apron looks great from far away, and per usual, looks doody up close. Oh, well. I'm pretty pleased.

I started this cafe apron from Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing ages ago. It took a whole Friday night to complete (what a life I have, right?) and now I'm just practicing some embroidery. I'll post better pics once I'm done with the embroidery. As you can see, I had some trouble getting the iron-on exactly where I wanted it.

A Merging of Crafts!

I visited Sew Fast Sew Easy at 35th and 7th Ave today during my lunch break. I had to email ahead of time to find out if the space was even a retail store - the website gives the impression that the space is just a studio and the store only online. They do sell things, and are a great place to turn to for all your notion needs. The store lady tried really hard to sell me on some beginner's classes, but I think I'm going to keep flying solo until I hit a wall. The main reason I went was to pick up a magnetic seam guide - I have trouble stitching anywhere near straight. The store lady also managed to convince me to buy this adorable apron pattern. The directions are right on the fabric and the whole thing seems easy enough. An apron was next on my sewing agenda anyway. I think I really will follow through on the cafe apron with my scraps from The Point, then do this vintage pattern next. And then I'll be able to BAKE in the aprons that I've SEWN! Can you stand the domesticity?!
Today I also stopped by the French Connection sample sale on 37th between 7th and 8th. Is it just me, or are their pieces not cut right at all? Without vanity sizing, I'm a 6, and really very short. All their stuff is way short on me. The weird lengths make garments look young, and not in a good way. I looked like a kewpie doll, all stubby and cutesy. I became really pissed because I thought I lost one of my favorite pearl earrings in the dressing room (and all for naught - no purchases!) but then it fell out of my shirt later in the gym locker room. Also on this little shopping excursion, I stumbled upon Grand Central Racquet where I picked up a new grip. Boyfriend and I played tennis last week and I need all the help I can get. So all in all, a good mini shopping trip. Didn't spend too much, got some useful crafty stuff, have new motivation to exercise, and no jewelry was lost. Now, off to cut some fabric.

Pillow Talk and Finishing Things Up

I've completed my second sewing project. Lindsey suggested to me that I do something involving straight lines. I picked up some fabric from Brooklyn General. I love this store. Not only because it's right around the corner from my house, but also because they have really fun fabric and yarn. They have a great selection of Noro and Luisa Harding yarns, among other great brands, an extenstive library of craft books, and host fun events. I selected a lightweight cotton swiss dot pattern. I got two yards and since there was barely any left after that, the store woman just gave me the remainder. Love them.

I purchased Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing and used the dimensions for standard sized pillow cases. The measurements allowed for a 1/4" seam allowance but that doesn't really matter when you stink at sewing in a straight line. Also, I got to use my neat zigzag stitch setting, which was pretty fun to use. Also a little easier than a straight stitch, because it's slower and I feel like I have more control. I feel like my pillow cases aren't quite standard sized, as the end products don't have a full 4" flap, but my pillows fit in just fine. I'm pretty happy with what I made, but still think I need to concentrate on easy stuff before I bust out more clothing. Suggestions for more sewing projects, patterns, or sewing books are welcome!

My next goal is to finish up this scarf that I've been putting off. It's April now, and totally obsolete, but Boyfriend's sister will have to settle for using it next year. It's okay though, because knowing I didn't have to finish it anytime soon meant making it as long as possible and doing a great job with the finishing. I. Hate. Finishing. This is bad, because finishing knitting involves sewing, which I am trying desperately to break into, as you know. But hand sewing with thick yarn and huge needles is different from machine sewing. I'm in the process of weaving in ends. I'm spending this unexpectedly lovely Sunday (it was supposed to rain) indoors, recovering from an awesome weekend (more on that tomorrow!). I should be finished (literally) this week.

First Sewing Project in the Hizouse

Yay! Check it out! I know it's kind of lame but it's my first and I love it. Maybe later I'll post some close-ups of the real bad mess-up spots. But for now, enjoy these far away shots!

The Expenses of a New Hobby

I originally began knitting and sewing because I thought it would be so cool to be able to make my own clothes. I love wearing the hates, gloves, and scarves I've made for myself over the years and am proud to not have lost too many finished pieces. We're making a simple wrap skirt in my sewing class and I'm pretty excited about it. The material I chose reminds me of the sound of music curtain play clothes Maria makes the children in The Sound of Music. That was about $20 for the requisite 2 yards. Then there were scissors, a seam ripper, thread, pins, bias tape, and sewing machine needles. Oh, and my awesome brand new Rowenta iron. It adds up. I really can't complain too much, as my sewing machine was 100% free, thanks to my pal Lindsey. The truth is, start-up costs are always going to be there and it will all hopefully pay off. There are ways to cut costs, such as making your own pin cushion, as I did here using this pattern and these modifications. I used scrap yarn and stuffed with cotton balls. I read somewhere that an old lunchbox would serve well as a good sewing kit case. I got this Care Bears lunchbox off ebay years ago and believe it or not, actually used it in high school.

Introductions

It's about time I started a blog.

I've had various ideas and reasons for wanting to commit my thoughts to the blogosphere. But I never had an idea that truly stuck. I'd like to think that after starting something, I finish it, and the thought of a blog never technically being finished or ending bothers me quite a bit. That is something I will have to get over, I suppose.

I like to make things. I like designing, creating, and showing off. Fortunately, I'm quite productive. Unfortunately, I need lots of practice. Here's the thing with me- I'm a fast learner, but slow to progress. I pick things up pretty quickly but I definitely don't think I'm naturally crafty or a great baker by any means. But I really love making and cooking things, so I keep at it. There's always room for improvement, though some need more than others.

This past fall, I applied to several Ph.D. programs in school psychology. I haven't made a final decision yet; actually, that whole process could comprise an entire other blog. Applying and interviewing took up all my time, and now that it's basically over, I'm extremely excited to get back to crafts, baking, and things that have nothing to do with statements of purpose or application fees.

I knit, I bake, and recently, I've begun to sew. I'm taking a class at Brooklyn General around the corner from my house and am really into it. I meant to start classes ages ago but hadn't gotten around to it until now. I'll do my best to chronicle my latest projects and am totally open to comments, suggestions, and of course compliments! I'll also share my many purchases, as I live in New York and am a frequent shopper. I love to brag about my finds.

So stick with me and let me know what you think of anything. I'll try to be both consistent and interesting.