Question of the day...

Socks for Janet, Kiana and Kristen, in that order.

Christine, when will you be posting new sewing projects?  I hope to switch back to sewing very soon, especially since I finally just finished knitting these three pairs of socks; a promise long overdue.  Knitting these was on and off, and then on again; I missed the Christmas deadline.  They will go into the mail to New Mexico this weekend; it's still winter and the weather is cold enough for socks to still be useful.  The joyful part is completion;  completing projects provides a great feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Today's reflection...

I took a class at Herd's Nursery and made this miniature fairy garden

There's me 'n Ray and, of course, then there's Henry; we reside together in peace and we are happy.  I cook and bake and sew and knit and do little artsy stuff from time to time; that's what I do, what I have always ever done, from the time I have kept a home of my own; sometimes in balance, sometimes in chaos, my core strength remains intact.  Ray goes to work and comes home and then goes to work again, but soon he'll retire.  I have two sons but they have gone away from us; grownup men now with lives of their own.  I am a better person than I once was.  Can't change the past, you know; learn to forgive yourself as well as others, and then move forward.  With that, growth happens, or at least I hope so.  I'm all for growth.

Casita Update - Keeping Up With Chris

Definitely time to de-clutter.  The task at hand is to toss old patterns and fabrics that I know I won't use; that's my goal.  Sewing, embroidery, knitting, crochet, gourd carving, rubber stamping, artsy stuff...too many hobbies.  I have been dabbling with machine embroidery most recently.  I am better at sewing garments than I am at making bags, purses, and small crafty items.  Why is that, I wonder?  Here's my most recent art piece; I call it "Olangee" (translation: Orange).

Marcy Tilton Patterns - Knit T-shirt & Vest

Marcy Tilton is one of my favorite clothing designers who designs for Vogue Patterns. I have purchased several of Marcy's patterns as her designs are very creative and speak to the artist in me. The neck detail of this t-shirt pattern has a wonderfully stylish twist. The band should actually be wider but I had to make adjustments in order to make it lie flat, just as Marcy's instructions indicated might be the case depending on the fabric used. I had purchased cream-colored cotton knit (for the t-shirt) and mesh fabric (for the vest), both in the same color, for a very cheap price at the garment district in Los Angeles. The cotton t-shirt fabric worked up fine though not as stretchy and soft to the touch as I might have liked, but the mesh? Whew!! I generally pre-shrink all my fabrics before sewing. I noticed the material had "seized up" a bit after going through the wash, and the pretty mesh was definitely not as sheer and not so pretty anymore. I had to add tucks to the vest at the shoulders, front and back and make adjustments to the overall length (cut, cut, cut) to size this garment for a proper fit since it had stretched quite a bit during construction. All is said and done now and I have two great garments. I'll make these again but will splurge on the right kind of knit fabric next time.

Tweedy Wool Vest - Kwik Sew #3705

Here's a lined wool vest which I just finished for my friend Kathy, using Kwik Sew #3705. Kat and I visited the Los Angeles garment district a couple of weeks ago and stopped in at Michael Levine's to shop for fabric. That day all woolens were 20% off and Kat picked out a deep rich teal interwoven with black; very subtle, very pretty, very Kathy. We decided upon black taffeta for the lining. The weave of this woolen fabric tended to unravel very easily and required careful attention in handling once the pattern pieces were cut. Otherwise, the vest was easy to sew, following the pattern instructions, and I was done in no time at all. This was a fun project to practice sewing skills on; pockets, putting in the lining...that kind of thing. Since completing the vest, I also finished my first pair of pants and I am more excited than ever about sewing. I chose a European-style pant pattern by Lois Hinse, using a lightweight denim. Had to adjust the fullness in the legs for a sleeker fit, but otherwise I had very good luck.

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.

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 - 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!

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.

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.

Morgan's Quilt - All Done!

Morgan's quilt is done...just in time for her birthday party. It's a busy but cheerful compilation of bright prints. I wanted this to be a wash-and-wear blanket for Morgan, so I used a low loft polyester batting for the inside of the quilt, knowing it might be run through the wash many times. I stitched one big boxy "X" at each cross-section where the green prints meet to secure the quilt top to the back, and finished the edges with a matching green calico with a back-to-front binding technique, using mitered corners. Finally, I attached little tufts of hot pink yarn at the center of each green cross section to "tie" the whole quilt together. It's quite a feeling of accomplishment to take something from start to finish. Morgan loves her quilt and we are all happy on this blessed Easter Sunday and wish you the same.