Thinking about Spring

It's been in the works for a while, but now it's official... On February 1st we're moving into our new apartment! It's a turn-of-the-century low rise, with many of the original features intact. You can expect some DIY decorating posts and plans over the next few months for sure. Imagine me grinning insanely right about here.

In preparation for the big move I've been going through my supplies, trying to be honest about what I'm never going to use and planning out garments I need. A shirt takes up a lot less room than 2 yards of fabric somehow, so I'm trying to sew at least a few things beforehand.

Top: Scout Woven Tees in polka dot rayon and raspberry linen
Middle: Lisette Portfolio Dress view B in bronze coloured textured rayon with scribble dots
Bottom: Moss Skirts in vintage printed linen and chambray with pastel pinstripes

All of the garments in the set above use fabric and patterns I already have. The raspberry Scout is all cut out and ready to go, possibly to be sewn up later today? It's so awesome having patterns with the fit issues already worked out on hand.

I also played around on Polyvore, trying to get a feel for which direction I want my Spring/Summer wardrobe to go in. here's what I've come up with so far.

Picnic in the Park by hooksvsneedles  

Which of course made me want to run off and buy MORE fabric. Must resist. At least until after we're settled in.

Also as part of downsizing pre-move, everything in my Etsy shop is currently 20% off, and I am frantically listing new things every day until the move. When I'm not wardrobe dreaming anyway.

First Make of 2013

I finished my first ever Scout Woven Tee at about 3am January 2nd, making it the first completed project of 2013. You may remember the fabric, which I originally said was 1 meter, but ended up being about 1.5. It's kind of sad that just under two years is a pretty short stay in my stash at the moment. I really need to sew some of that down.

Here's a closeup of the neckline. It lies more or less flat, and when I'm not awkwardly trying to photograph my own neck the bias neck binding doesn't show at all.

Here's the run down:

Size Made: 18

Alterations: 3" FBA, could have stood another inch, added with a dart. I also did what I'm calling a Fat Upper Arm Adjustment, or FUAA, to add half an inch to the sleeves. Without this, I may have needed to be cut free from the shirt. French seams all around.

Fabric: Open-weave possibly cotton/linen blend, 1.5 meters

New Skills: Setting in sleeves, edgestitching facings, French seaming curves.

Total Cost: About $9.50 including fabric, pattern and thread. I borrowed my mom's printer, so I'm not counting that.

Verdict: I need about 20 of these. 

Special thanks to Brian's sister Alina for the first photo, and their parents' kitchen for the location.

Goodbye, 2012!

I'm not too big on resolutions, but one thing I definitely want for next year is to spend more effort on this blog. With that in mind, I used my new year's coupon and enrolled in the Shoot It! A Product Photography Primer Craftsy class. Bad photographs are the major reason I don't post as many finished projects as I'd like, and I figured it was time to actually do something about my half-there skills.

In the same vein, I decided to try not being afraid of bust darts after the unblogged Tiny Pocket Tank disaster. Apparently I would need double darts to accommodate 6 inches of difference without horrible little pucker point thingies? Two darts being bad enough, I decided to try doing a darted FBA on a Scout Tee. Here it is all cut out in some wild print cotton/linen and waiting to be sewn. FYI, I have not actually begun that photography class yet.

The tissue fit looked okay, and I checked the size with a similar shirt I have that fits and that also looked okay, but I still totally believe it could go horribly wrong at any moment... Tune in next year to find out.

In other news, my Etsy shop now has a Facebook Page, with a discount coupon for fans. The 15% off Boxing Week Sale, which can be combined with the Facebook coupon, ends tonight at midnight EST.

I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday, and have a blast ringing in the New Year tonight!

HOME Reception Tomorrow

I have some pieces up at Elephant Shoes this week as part of the group show HOME.

If you're around, stop by this Friday for a reception with wine, snacks and the artists in attendance. The show looks pretty great, and it's an interesting mix of work. Something for everyone!

Personally, I made some terrifying dolls.

And a strange little house.

All the work is available after the 9th, so it's a good chance to pick up some art for gifting. Sadly, the work I have up at Mitzi's won't be down until after the holidays.

ChoreoKAL Geysir Stretch

I joined Stephen West's ChoreoKAL after seeing Roo's post on it, and I'm having a pretty great time so far. The first pattern is the Geysir Stretch, a striped shawl/scarf, and we were supposed to base our yarn choices on our surroundings. This being Toronto, I went with the avalanche of rotting leaves we're currently buried under.

The yarns are Diamond Yarn Galway in 8920, Malabrigo Rios in an unknown colourway, and some Americo merino in a burgundy. The colours are a little truer in the next photo. My camera doesn't seem to like the orange tones in the first yarn.

This is a conversation friendly knit. In that I can still have one while working on it. It's also been a fabulous too-sick-to-go-outside project. I hate head colds. 

We're on day 3 of the KAL, and I'm hoping to get the stripe section done tonight. Wish me luck!

I'm Not Dead

Really! I have been super busy though. With what, you ask? Well...

There was some painting. 

And the painting led to some shows.

And then I got an awesome chance to do a residency at Spark Box Studios, the most amazing place ever. This was my studio space during my stay. The rooms are super adorable/comfy. And Chrissy and Kyle are the nicest folks around. I loved it. Can you tell?

Now I'm doing my best to get into grad school, writing away, and choosing and documenting my best pieces. It's a ton of work, but I'm feeling pretty good about it this time around.

There's also been some sewing and frantic Christmas knitting occurring. The countdown for crafty presents has begun!

Work in Progress

Things are going slowly around here, but progress is happening. Remember when I started this mini quilt? Yeah, me neither. Now it's getting some hand quilting, a vintage fabric backing, and some pretty pink scallop binding. No matter how long it takes.

I also have some exciting art news, but I have to wait for a few things to finalize before sharing. But believe me, I'm itching to.