Wednesday, February 27, 2008

The Prototype

I was unable to find any fabrics I wanted in the local stores, so I will be ordering online. But I had some time this weekend so I bought some cheap fabric and did a test run of the purse I want to make. I learned a few things to change for next time, so I can make the perfect item.
First, this green purse was one of the inspiration pieces. This purse was just printed though, not separate pieces sewn together (looked kinda cheap).


So here is my prototype, and I was surprised and pleased with how it turned out (regarding quality). Things to fix next time: 1)Make the top panel taller and the bottom panels shorter. 2) Round the corners more. 3) Maybe do 5 panels instead of 4?

4) Make the side/bottom panel wider or else leave it out all together.

5) Add pocket to the interior.
6) Add stiffening material so it's not quite so floppy.

I think that when this is done with the right fabrics, it will be really cute.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

I'm Sew Obsessed!

So obviously I've become obsessed with sewing lately. More in thought than in action though, I'm afraid. I can't keep up with all the things I want to make. Mostly I just need to get some good fabrics and I'll be on my way. Well here are some purses I'd love to make, and hopefully will soon!






I want to do this red one, but with 3 panels of fabric on the bottom part, and another fabric for the top band. The great things about doing it myself are 1. I can customize the size to what I want (most I see for sale are too big for me), and 2. I don't have to pay $60-$80 for it, and 3. great experience!
I have found some good fabrics on Sew Mama Sew, and I love Amy Butler fabrics. But I'm going to try and find something locally before buying online... If you know anyone who makes great contemporary/funky/fun fabrics, let me know!


Friday, February 15, 2008

My next sewing project?

Okay so I haven't gotten to the apron yet, but maybe these will have to come first because they are so darn cute! No I'm not pregnant, so I'll just have to give them to my sisters who are! The pattern is by Heather Bailey.


Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Adventures of a New-Home Owner

We all dream of owning our own home someday. Sometimes in real life those dreams turn into nightmares. Okay, so I'm being a little melodramatic, but when I walked in to see my wood floors covered in water, that's how I felt.
Upon returning from a day in the mountains (snowmobiling), Ryan decided to get out the pressure-washer and clean off our still dirty, still snowy driveway. I know, that seems weird to me too--in January. But I was out running errands.
After finishing the task, he walked into the house to discover a half inch of water covering the wood floors (and pouring down into the unfinished basement). He frantically called to tell me to hurry home. I got there minutes later, and my heart sank. We haven't even been in the house for a month yet!
After toweling up the mess, we assessed the damage and sought the cause. When Ryan turned on the hose bib, a waterfall came pouring in from pantry wall. Our first hope was that the plumber made a terrible mistake, and would thus pay for the damage. But further inspection revealed a burst pipe in the wall between the pantry and the half-bath, leading out to the garage wall.
Interesting. A burst pipe in the half-bathroom, which stays toasty warm when the heat is on? There was only one conclusion. During the building of the house, and previous to the furnace going in and being turned on, a subcontractor had used this hose bib to get water to clean out a bucket, or mix cement or something. During the freezing weather that followed, the pipe burst, and only revealed it's defect when the spout was used again. The offending subcontractor remains unknown, and cost falls upon us, the unlucky home-owners. We do have home-owners insurance, but of course there is always a premium to be paid.
Below is a sample of the damage. About 2/3 of the wood floor was waterlogged, and just about every seam in that range looks like this, in varying degrees:



Most of the affected area will have to be replaced.

Friday, January 25, 2008

When I have kids...


When I have kids I hope I have the fashion sense to make them look this darling and adorable and sooooo cute!

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Theme of the Day: APRONS!

Here are some fabulous aprons that I just love. Maybe my next sewing project will be an apron!










Friday, January 11, 2008

More stockings


These are the other 2 stockings I made for Christmas...
Dark red velvet and green/black corduroy and cream corduroy.