Batik Jacket - It's a Winner

Just completed this jacket using a rayon-based batik fabric, Maid Marian from Sawyer Brook's Fall II Collection. The photos don't do justice to the richness of the background colors of this pretty batik print. The jacket pattern which comes from CNT Pattern Co. promised a quick sew (3 hrs??? I don't think so). After preshrinking the fabric in my washing machine...cool wash, medium spin...I threw it in the dryer with good results; the fabric came out intact and ready to cut and sew. This fabric is very fluid and requires care in cutting. I also encountered problems sewing the seams where the neckline and shoulder meet and finishing the collar. I struggled, partly because of the nature of this very soft, drapy, somewhat difficult-to-handle fabric and partly because of the design of the front, collar and front facing pattern piece. Not as simple to sew as I had expected, but it all ended with good results. As promised in the pattern description, the finished jacket's feminine silhouette is comfortable and stylish. I may use this pattern again, but next time I'll go with the 3/4 sleeve option for a more casual approach.

Crinkly Slippery Polyester Update - Bah Humbug!

Not happy with the olive green color of this polyester fabric. The color is neutral enough, but it's drab and non-descript and will need good accessorizing. I MUST remember color palette, even for test garments. The shirt's nearly complete. This was a breeze to sew. The collar is flattering, simple and was easy to construct and install. Not crazy about the cut of the sleeve. It goes from baggy under the upper arm (don't like this) to a very close fit at the wrist (I like this). I don't know fashion terminology, but I'm finding that fabric selection is critical to making these under-constructed designer patterns look right. I think the sleeve for this pattern will drape properly with a good knit instead of the woven, crinkle polyester that I used. We'll see.

Crinkly Slippery Polyester

I don't normally sew polyester fabric because I find it difficult to handle...it can be so slippery, not to mention the static cling factor - ouch! I prefer natural fabrics, i.e., cotton, linen, wool, but I promised myself to try new things this year and practice, practice, practice. I went to JoAnn's Fabrics and purchased two pieces - one a drab olive color crinkly polyester, the other a deep, rich navy/black textured polyester. Crazy! I'm working on the olive green piece this week, using Christine Jonson's Straight Shirt Jacket #723 for the pattern. It's a simple pattern, easy to sew, but the polyester fabric has a mind of its own. I think I'm winning the battle, but the proof will be in the finished garment. We'll see.

Cotton Kimono Jacket

December 31st...finishing this cotton kimono-sleeve house jacket today. I used a cotton fabric which doesn't drape as well in the sleeve area as I would like, but it works. The jacket is lined with black cotton batiste which will make for comfortable wear. All that's left to do is to handstitch the lining of the sleeves to the main body and close the opening where I turned the jacket right side out after lining it. I picked this print for its quirky Oriental cuteness (see pocket detail). The design element of this jacket pattern, an out-of-print Simplicity (#5153), works perfectly to compliment this busy print. I still need to work on adding embellishments to my creations, i.e., beading, threadwork, fabric manipulation, etc., to take this "wearable art" phase to the next level. New Year's Resolution? To design and sew a fun, artsy, wearable wardrobe in 2010...oops...and to get back to finishing those UFOs in my quilt basket. How about you? Current state of Calico Quilter's crafty courage? I mostly only wear my artsy creations at home.

Goodbye 2009

There's a certain sadness that weighs heavily upon my heart, especially as I ponder the state of Planet Earth and humanity as a whole as we move forward into the New Year. In 2010 I will be working on numerous arts projects. I am just a simple artist who hopes to make a small difference through creative expression and positive interaction. So much to do, so little time.

Chris' Closet - Linen Blouse

So last week I went on a sewing binge. Result: two shirts completed, one linen and one calico. Here's the gray linen one that I made (picture). Pattern: Textile Studio Patterns - Mandarin Shirt Jacket #1213. I'm not done yet. It's Saturday and today Papa drove me to the garment district in L.A. where I shopped for more fabric to make more stuff. Boy did I ever have fun! Specifically shopped at Michael Levine's as I didn't have time to shop-hop from vendor to vendor. Finished this shopping excursion by eating lunch at Phillipe's, a very old, very famous deli in Los Angeles. French Dip Sandwiches...mmmm good!

Chris' Closet - Sweet Calico Blouse

Last week Papa Paz needed my car all week long and since I had no where to go and no way to get there, I took the opportunity to stay put at the Casita and do some sewing. I chose Simplicity #4077 from my pattern box for a shirt (pictured), using a sweet calico print. The blouse is very simple but it suits me. I have always loved calico prints and this is one that I've kept in my fabric stash for a very long time. I'll kind of miss having it uncut and intact, but the blouse is country cozy and will serve its wearer well.

Tree of Life Mini Quilt

He will be like a tree firmly planted

by streams of water,

which yield its fruit in its season

and its leaf does not wither;

And in whatever he does he prospers.

Psalms 1:1-3

I pieced together a Tree of Life quilt block some time ago. It's part of a larger Sampler of Psalms design which I was lucky enough to come across on the Internet. I have taken a part of the verse and added embroidery designs, using machine embroidery, to enhance the sweetness of this wallhanging. The finished piece will measure approximately 11" x 15". Click photo to see in greater detail. Tree of Life quilt block source: http://members.shaw.ca/wordinpatchwork/psalmtree.html

Making Sock Monkeys

Fixed my sewing machine without having to take it to the shop thanks to the kind lady at Mel's who answered the phone and guided me step by step. Turns out I had to re-engage the gears of the bobbin case by manually handcranking the wheel...it's just a machine after all. Currently stitching out a Sock Monkey onto an 8" block of calico fabric. Making a special 1st birthday quilt for Baby Chloe. I found this embroidery design at designsbysick.com. Loving it!

Goldie's Bowl - I Like to Write

Here's what I know about me... I enjoy journaling. I am a long-winded writer. As of today, I am still knitting, not quilting. I have a Bernina 830 sewing/embroidery machine...big, powerful, does all things. Today (10/26/09) mine's out of order and I have to take it in for fixing. Otherwise I would get back to sewing/quilting/embroidery projects. Big sigh! Unfinished Christmas projects are piling up.

Goldie's Bowl - Quilting vs. Knitting

These past weeks, I have dedicated most of my time to knitting and crocheting rather than quilting. Knitting is one of my favorite things to do. But then...I say the very same thing about quilting when I am working on my quilts. I sometimes think about those quilt projects of mine that are not getting done while I'm busy knitting and crocheting and I wonder how other crafters do it. While the weather continue to be very warm during the day here in Southern California, the nights have cooled and the weather is turning. I welcome the cool autumn evenings and early mornings. I have begun knitting this year's Christmas gifts for friends and family.

Books, books, books!

These are some of my craft books. The casita has been shut down for paint and repair for most of this past summer and my books as well as most everything in the house had been stored in boxes in my son's storage unit during the major part of the remodel. Quilting and other projects went on the backburner, pending completion of the house. It's September and things have been back in order for a while now at the casita, except for my workroom and a few other spot projects throughout the house which are almost done. Until today my books have been stacked in piles in the closet. It's been a slow process for me to want to start up again. I have many excuses, not to mention the puppy, humid weather, garden chores, housework, misc. appointments, catching up with my reading, but mainly...pure delightful laziness. Henry the Yorkie pup is going on 9 months old. Potty training's no longer an issue, but Henry is full of puppy energy. He digs up the garden, runs, jumps, loves to squeak and play with his toys ALL DAY LONG, in between puppy naps, all with joyful, youthful glee. Exhausting! As usual in my tiny garden, this past summer I grew jalapenos, bell peppers and tomatoes. My crop was small, but the harvest was a success (except for the bell pepper). Papa and I enjoyed jalapeno poppers and I made my famous Chinese Beef Tomato dish for supper. There were lots of green tomatoes left on the bush at the end of August, enough to make a Sweet Green Tomato Relish, which I have already put up in 1/2-pint jars, now stored in the pantry; a yummy condiment. Thank goodness I couldn't sleep last night and started to organize my books. In sorting through the stacks and stacks of books that I have collected over the years, I am reminded of those things that I love to do, i.e., quilting, sewing, knitting, crochet, weaving, embroidery, jewelrymaking, and arts and crafts in general, and I am finally inspired to take up where I left off. It's crazy to be up so early without a full night of sleep, but I am ready to get back to work. I recently took up my knitting needles and finished knitting a thick pair of warm gray socks for my son and just started on a soft pink pair for my sis. Christmas presents, you know; socks for everyone! Am glad to be back on board!

Chloe's Quilt - Fabric Pick

Chloe is my baby granddaughter, 6 months old. When asked about what she might like, her mommy said, "Maybe something bright; Chloe loves to look at bright colors, flowery prints and...stripes. She's very interested in stripes." Stripes?? hmmm... Well here's my pick (click on photo for up-close detail). Like Morgan's quilt, this will be a wash and wear quilt. Chloe and Mommy like to sit outside on the grass on nice sunny days while dad's at work, or sometimes Chloe rolls around playfully on the floor during tummy time. It'll be fun to see how this quilt blooms and a pleasure to make something special for sweet Baby Chloe that she can use to tote around for fun.

My Garden - Spring 2009

It's springtime and my garden thrives as the weather warms. The small front entry to the Casita is planted with a collection of white flowers, primarily roses. It's never very cold in Southern California; however, we do have what's called the June Gloom annually, which simply means overcast and cool in the morning. Tending to the garden in the spring takes me away from the sewing room for a while. My herb collection includes echinaeca, aloe and scented geranium (photos). This miniature aloe plant has helped to heal many minor kitchen burns. Our gated garden in the front is visited daily by a California non-crested bluejay. There are lots of other birds around, sometimes even hummingbirds, but the bluejay comes around most often...must be a nest nearby.

Handquilting Tools

Here's my trusty basket of tools with a thimble, pincushion, scissors and thread that I use when handquilting. I'm currently working on a Sunbonnet Sue quilt which you might find a picture of in the March archives. In quilt lingo unfinished stuff is often referred to as UFOs. My Sunbonnet Sue is one of those. Now that I'm thinking of UFOs (I have a few), I'm wishing I could sit and get with it, but not yet! The Casita is currently being painted inside and out and paint crews are underfoot. We've had to move things around and the house is quite a mess. Summer's on the horizon, the puppy is potty-trained, the garden's in good order and once the house is freshly painted, this Casita will surely settle down. I am oh so ready for some peaceful quilting time!

Goldie's Bowl - Bernina 830 Intro Class

Yesterday, I found myself at an all-day, hands-on sewing class at Mel's, to learn the features of a very fancy, very new sewing machine (Bernina 830) I recently traded the old one in for. About 12 ladies attended, including me. Back at the casita, 15 minutes before class was to start, I made a quick call to Mel's to shout out "I'll be there!" then ran out the door dragging my machine and all the parts and instructional manuals that came with it. My, my...this machine is a heavy sucker to tote...not good, considering the fly-by-the-seat-of your-pants, last-minute habits that I cannot seem to shake. The weight of the machine is cumbersome. I was rushing, while trying not to bump, bruise or break anything. Luck was with me and me 'n my machine made it to class intact, only 10 minutes late, managing to get situated and start on time with the class. The fun part was, of course, the hands-on part. The ladies ooo-ed and ahh-ed each new feature as we worked our machines. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Whew! Time flew as the instructor put us through the paces of the machine. I was stiff, stiff, stiff from sitting so long, but very satisfied. There's a Part 2 to the class next Saturday...about embroidery! I'll be there...on time!

Rose Red

Life at the Casita is currently topsy-turvy with puppy energy abounding. There's been little progress with quilting projects in recent weeks. Instead, I chase l'il Henry around and we play, play, play. When he's not romping, he naps...thank goodness. The little fairy in this Rose Red picture is my granddaughter Jaden's fairy. I drew her to resemble sweet Jaden. Isn't she a cutie?

Oh Henry!

Today Henry went to puppy kindergarten and learned to sit properly upon command. In class around other pups larger than himself, Henry went very low profile, I think mainly for self-protection, being the wee laddie that he is. The Aussie shepherd pup only 11 wks old towered playfully over our laddie. There is a happy balance at the Casita now that Henry is potty trained and has settled in as a member of the family. As this photo demonstrates, at home Henry is king of the hill. This is his pack...Mr. Potato, Miss Pinkie and El Tigre. Like Henry, they each get a bath weekly. Now that Henry's business is in order, it's time that I get back to quilting and most happily so! The garden also needs tending as we move solidly into spring. Time for a visit to the local nursery. Maybe I'll put Henry in a tote and bring him along.

Oh Henry! Papa Fell Into the Jacuzzi!

The other day Henry threw his rubber chicken into his water bowl. But two nights ago, Henry threw Papa Paz into the jacuzzi. Of late, it has been Operation Get Henry Potty Trained around here. Two grown people could not be more dedicated to this effort. Ray was showing off to me how, if he stood in a certain spot, Henry would respond to his command and pee upon the puppy pad we had strategically placed outdoors. Ray swung his left leg over the gate that protects Henry from the pool, to get in place, but Henry had other ideas. The pup ran to the wee wee pad and began to pee right where he should, all by himself, in advance of the command. Yipee! He's trained! But poor Papa! With one leg on one side of the gate and one leg mid-air, he was watching Henry's triumph when, ka-plewie! Ray tumbled dead center into the jacuzzi, taking the gate and wire shelf it connects to with him. Like a dream in slow motion, water splashed and flower pots went flying. Henry ran inside, then turned and peeked out the door to look at Papa standing in the middle of the jacuzzi in the dark, dripping wet but otherwise unharmed. I picked up Henry and we both stared at Papa. "I'm okay, I'm okay," Ray muttered as he slowly hoisted himself out of the freezing water. "Mama, I think we're too old for this," he said. I just shook my head and gazed at little Henry who by this time was bouncing happily about our feet. The hour being late, and Henry having done his business, we put the pup to bed. Laughter filled the air at the Casita as we chuckled and thanked our lucky stars Ray had not been hurt, then peace and quiet settled in as we dimmed the lights and called it a night - two tired old people and a little Yorkie pup. Oh Henry!

My Garden

There's a potted planter full of scented geraniums around the side of the Casita which are blooming bountifully. I ordered these as tiny slips from Papa Geno's nursery in Nebraska, I think last season...or maybe two seasons ago. They're in just the right spot in the garden and must be feeling the love here in sunny Southern California because they are healthy and gorgeous. (Click on the pictures to see them in greater detail.) Mmmm! The fragrance is delightfully refreshing. My favorite is the rose geranium which I planted separate from these, in the front, in my little herb garden. A-a-choo! Papa Paz thinks these are all "stinky" but he has allergies so it's to be expected. I study herbs for their medicinal as well as culinary uses and I feel overwhelmingly fulfilled when I can gather those things I grow to cook with or make use of. There's calendula, mint, sage, rosemary, basil, thyme, lemon thyme and, of course, lavendar in my garden. Sounds like quite a plot, but it's actually very small, quite manageable and very self-sustaining during the times I get caught up with my quilting and forget to go outside. But of course, Papa Paz put a drip system in for me with a timer, so the garden waters itself...lucky me.