Tuesday, March 27, 2007

New project!

Hello everyone!

For the next project, we decided to return to the original idea of this sewalong - knitters who wanted to sew. What are the things that knitters really want to sew? Knitting gear, of course! Get out your fabric and thread and figure out what you need to make your knitting life easier. Needle holders? A zippered pouch to carry your notions? That sock project bag you've been meaning to make so you can throw away that grocery bag? (raising hand)

This project will last from April 1 to May 31. If anyone finds any good tutorials or ideas, please post them! If you would like to join in, send in an email by April 8.

Happy sewing!

Sunday, March 25, 2007

Since there has not been a new assignment posted, I am sneaking this kitchen item in. This apron is intended to add to the French air of my kitchen, begun with the hot mitt below. McCall's 3979 is the pattern.
This apron is constructed oddly -- you sew the pieces wrong sides together and then encase them with bias tape. It makes for fiddly construction, but when you're through at the sewing machine, you're finished -- no hems.
This pattern gave me an opportunity to practice princess seams and topstitching in a relatively nonthreatening context. I mean, I'm going to cook in this, wipe my hands on it, lean against counters covered with cleaning supplies... how bad can I feel about poor-quality topstiching?
Next time, I'll do better.
I have put it out in the garden to add to the insouciant charm of the whole thing.

I also intend to make a quilted table runner using these Provencal fabrics, but there is no way I will finish it in time to sneak it in to this month's Sew? I Knit!
I am therefore just offering you a photo of the fabrics. These are from Keepsake Quilting -- the French Garden medley and the Country Hen medley.

My plan is to make a patchwork runner (I realize that this is not very French, but I understand that American-style patchwork has become popular in France lately) and then applique it with flowers. Further insouciance there.

With sufficient wine and garlic, this should transform my kitchen into a South-of-France haven of joie-de-vivre. And, yes, insouciance.