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I have moved! Please check out my newest creativity at www.southshorehandmade.blogspot.com.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

A belated Happy Thanksgiving!
Check out my awesome pumpkin pie! (not to toot my own horn or anything)

A small gathering of Hubs, kids, and me meant more time to cut out decorations for my pie crust. :-) Paul took this pic, and I thought it was a cute view of his vantage point.

Mmmmmm... I'm going to have another piece now.

Our little family ready to eat (minus Hubs, who is taking the pic).

And finally, here's what I'm going to work on tonight. Silk Jammies with Ann's sew along. The lace is a fresh purchase from this morning with a Black Friday 50% off coupon!

Monday, November 22, 2010

New Look 6658 Cape

Here is my cape, New Look 6658!

There's not much to say about it at this point. I think I've analyzed it enough. It required a lot of hand-stitching because of my top stitching choice. I'm really happy with how it came out and really like the weight. It will be nice here in Florida where it doesn't get very cold. It's still too warm for it right now, though.

So, here are some more pics:






I just got a cheap metal clasp because I couldn't find the leather one I was envisioning. I'm hoping to replace this one in the future when I find something more interesting.

For some reason, it makes me feel like Frodo. :-)

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Paint problem

My husband is away for a week for work. I decided to surprise him with a freshly painted kitchen when he returns on Friday. I chose a lovely green called "herbal garden." There is a lovely kitchen painted with the exact shade on the Behr website (which I can't copy or link to... grrrr).

Only, I have a bit more wall space, and the bright color I love looks a bit more neon on the wall. It's bad. I keep thinking it'll grow on me, but every time I walk in, I'm sad. :-( Not what you want to feel in your kitchen. Anyway, I'm going to try to tone it down with some spongeing over top with a lighter green. I'm hoping this snafu will turn out to be the best thing to happen to my kitchen! Optimism is power... (or very dangerous when I find out I've made it worse).


In other kitchen news, Mark just broke my hand-stenciled parsley pot. :-( He thought they looked like awesome stacking toys this morning.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Big plans!

I did all my chores first thing this morning and practiced my piano at the beginning of nap time, so what to do now? Blog! But I have no real progress to show you on the cape. Oh, I know! I spent waaaaaay too long messing around with this a few days ago:

It's my big plan for the winter SWAP on Stitcher's Guild. :-) Don't you just love the life-like proportions of the croquis I found. (haha snort)

Monday, November 1, 2010

2011 SWAP Rules!

The Stitcher's Guild 2011 SWAP (sewing with a plan) rules are up here.

I want to do option 1 again. No dresses.

"Option #1:
6 tops - t-shirts, shirts, blouses, or camisoles
4 bottoms - jeans, pants, shorts, skirts or kilts.
1 your choice (not an accesory)

3 garments may be purchased or previously sewn.
1 may be knitted or crocheted.

Now here's your twist:

Every garment should be made with a technique or feature that you haven't tried, or haven't mastered. My personal Waterloo is zippers -hate 'em, because I have to take them out and redo them at least once, every time. And there are several things I've sampled, but have never used on a garment -slotted seams, for one."


I know I want to make a detailed plan and stick to it this year so I love the things I make. Last year, I liked the things I sewed, and I wore most of them a lot, but most were pretty basic and unexciting. My starting point is a pair of purchased denim leggings. That should set a fun, slightly trendy tone. A couple of rough ideas:

1 choice piece - my cape I'm currently working on (previously sewn and features a new hand top stitching technique)
4 bottoms - purchased jeggings
brown tweed winter shorts
brown suede skirt (repurposed from pants)
brown leggings
6 tops - knitted cabled side-to-side sweater
top made from sweater knit material
jersey top with bound neckline
woven tunic top