Monday, May 07, 2007

Happily sewing along

Thanks for all the quilt advice and well wishes for my friend. While in NY my cousin and I went to Joann's to pick up the fabric for the quilt. We had a tough time figuring out what fabrics to use, but this is what we came up with. We're also using 2 shades of green and a light and dark blue that people are signing. I'm going to use a pattern from the Denyse Schmidt book, so *fingers crossed* it will all go smoothly. Well, hopefully it'll go better than my trip to Kinko's this morning. I went with Isaiah in tow, who probably should have been napping at that time. He decided it would be a good idea to into every room that said "employees only". Grrrr. I couldn't quite figure out how the copy machine was supposed to enlarge to 400% and had no patience to do so after running around trying to catch Isaiah. So basically I left with 4 cut off pieces of the patterns. Damnit, why won't any of these sewing books include full size patterns!??!?!

Speaking of, last night I sat down with my newly serviced sewing machine (which by the way is sewing dreamily), and tried to finish my wide leg lounge pants for last month's InStitches Along. Yeah, somehow the inseam was a little too short and it left my huge butt hanging out. I'd take a picture of them on, but I don't want to scare anyone away. Of course, the wide legs weren't a problem at all. Geez.. they're like swim trunk! I was so frustrated that I didn't finish hemming the pants, and now they will become a nice present for my cousin. Hopefully they'll fit her.

And of course, I can't walk into a fabric store and not get anything for myself. Now I can stop being jealous of all of you that have found this fabric is Joann's because I have some of my own now!

I just finished sewing the Lotta Jansdotter backpack. I used my new Amy Butler fabric (yum yum!). I guess I didn't read the directions carefully because I messed up on the side part of the casing. Oh well, it'll still be functional. I think if I did it again I'd use the fabrics the other way around. It might be too much pink. I also think this was made for a midget because it is a lot smaller than I thought it would be.


Anyway, I'm glad to be home, although I do miss NY. All the flowers and trees are in bloom here. Plus, I have already made 2 trips to my favorite thrift store in the last 2 days. I had a dream about that store when I was in NY. I think I was having separation anxiety. Hahah.

10 comments:

Jennifer said...

Love the backpack...I have that book and I am so excited to start the projects in there when I get some time. We are always our hardest critic.

Anina said...

I love it all!
Can't wait to see how the quilt turns out. Do take photos before you hand it over. (of course you will)
I stopped making clothes for myself quite a while back because such a big percentage of my results were not what I had in mind.
With all the creative juices in blogland, however, I'm kind of considering it again...

Karyn said...

Your backpack is SO pretty! I love the colours!

Berber said...

What lovely fabrics you chose for your friend's quilt! Can't wait to see it finished!

Jess said...

Oh, I love the fabrics you chose for your backpack! I think it turned out darling - I'm glad you posted this, as I was planning to make that exact bag for Sugar's Mama's Mother's Day Gift. It's meant for her to use it as a beach bag, so I think I'll make it a wee bit bigger than the instructions called for!

lera said...

The backpack is VERY cute.

And I'm so happy you found the apples + pears!!! Welcome to the club :-)

Me and Him said...

I have the fabric that you used on the bottom of your backpack. It's my new favourite.

Breanna said...

I love the backpack, and don't think that it is too pink. I am glad you made it home safely, but I have to say I really enjoyed seeing all of the posts from my neck of the woods.

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love that backpack! Have you posted a photo of your lounge pants on Flickr? Would love to see them.

LeeAnn said...

I am in the middle of redoing some sewing errors. Too bad I want to keep it for myself rather than find a friend that it would fit!

I can't wait to see the progress on the quilt. I must have missed that post, but you are a wonderful person to be so thoughtful. This will be something she will cherish forever.