Handspun Scarf WIP

I'm blogging about knitting this week because I'm having a little problem with my sewing project model. She thinks it's too cold to step outside for a few pictures and I don't have good lighting inside. I think I might have to get a contract signed stating that if I spend my time sewing for her, she can pose for a few pictures. Oh well, it's supposed to be warmer this weekend.

I bought this hand-dyed fiber last spring at the Kentucky Sheep and Fiber Festival from YarnGeekFibers. It's blue faced Leicester wool and was very easy to spin into a 2-ply heavy worsted yarn. It has been in my yarn stash just waiting for the perfect project. The pattern is called Lyme Regis Scarf and can be found in the Spring 2013 issue of Spin-Off magazine.

It has a twelve row easy lace pattern repeat running through the center of the scarf.

Ravelry link

I especially like the ruffle on the end. It is shown on the cover of the Spring 2013 Spin-Off worn as an ascot type scarf.

I plan to have a catch-up photo shoot this weekend for my sewing projects. Until then, I guess I'll just knit!

My New Favorite Tracing Paper

I finally found it! I knew there had to be something available for tracing patterns that didn't cost more per yard than the fabric! I stop in Big Lots once in a while to buy $1 cookie mixes and ran across parchment paper for baking which was on sale for $2.30. I picked up a couple of rolls along with my cookie mixes. I needed to size down a basic skirt pattern for my daughter so I decided to try out the parchment paper. It worked great! Easy to see through, easy to write on, easy to fold up my new pattern when finished. I like to place my original pattern on my gridded cutting board so that it's easier to draw straight seam lines and grain lines when tracing or altering patterns.

I went back twice and bought several more rolls. Actually, I think I bought all they had. I think I'm pretty well set for patternmaking and tracing for a while.

And, guess what! It works pretty well for cookie baking too!

Don't you just love to find uses for things other than what they are intended for?

Goodwill Project #1

I thought I'd better get busy on that 38 yards of fabric I bought at Goodwill for $5.75. I mailed the two yards of ski fabric to duckbucket today. I can't wait to see what she makes with it. I used 2 1/3 yards of green cotton crinkle fabric to make 3 pillowcase dresses to send to Haiti. I used this pattern from Nancy's Notions which includes sizes small to extra large.

At 15 cents per yard, these dresses cost about 12 cents each for the fabric. After adding for the bias binding and elastic, I'm up to about $1.50 per dress!

Total Goodwill treasure                        38 yards

ski fabric sent to duckbucket                2

3 green cotton pillowcase dresses         2 1/3 
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Remaining yards to sew                       33 2/3 yards

Goodwill Giveaway

A couple of good friends from my high school and college days were in town last week to do a little "junking".  That's what they call shopping at the antique and consignment type shops. I went along to learn from the pros. They really know how to spot the good stuff. I found a Singer Featherweight sewing machine at an antique mall but I'm still thinking about that one. I need to do a little research on the value of Featherweights. I've always wanted to add one to my collection.

I noticed this bag of fabric at the Goodwill Store for $5.75. It looked like it had several yards of fabric in it, several of which I might be able to use.

I was amazed when I started pulling out fabric and measuring it. This half-full shopping bag had 38 yards of fabric in it! That's about 15 cents per yard. Both of my daughters have already picked out their favorite pieces and planned sewing projects for me.

I'd like to share part of my lucky find with a sewing friend. This 45" wide fabric is 2 yards in length and I believe the fiber content is rayon. It would make a nice blouse, perhaps a Sorbetto.

Leave a comment by Tuesday, February 19, at midnight. I'll choose a random winner from the comments and mail to any U.S. address. Let me know what you would create with this ski fabric or describe any sewing treasures you've found while "junking".

Stash Busting for Charity

So it's been a while since I blogged. I didn't realize how long. I really have been sewing. A LOT!  I just haven't had time to stop and write about sewing. I have another excuse also. I decided to catch up on Downton Abbey by watching the first season online. I couldn't stop. I've now watched Season 1, Season 2, and all but one show of Season 3. I'll sure miss watching it when I'm all finished.

I always do a little stash busting in January. I've been gathering up remnants which were about 1/2 to 5/8 yard to make these easy little girls skirts. No pattern is necessary. I use the width of the fabric which is usually 45", seam up the back, hem with a border or regular hem, and add elastic to the top. I really like the "paper bag" waist treatment for little girls. Check out this blog for inspiration.

Excuse the poor quality pics. I couldn't get good pictures in the dark house and it was too cold to go outside!

 

  
I gave the skirts to my sister to distribute at the school where she teaches. She told me about 3 sisters who love to wear skirts to school even on cold days but really need new ones. I bought some tights at WalMart to match so that they can wear their skirts right away and stay warm!

Quick Knit Christmas Gift

Need a quick gift idea for someone on your list? These little dish cloths are so much fun to knit and so easy. They are made from Peaches and Cream cotton yarn that I purchased at WalMart.  I must warn you, however, that once you give these to someone, they will want more.

Ravelry link

There are several variations of this pattern. The one that I like can be found on Ravelry or here.  They also make a great bathtime gift if you add a pretty bar of soap or bath salts.

Community Service Blanket Project

Wow! It's getting to be that busy time of the year. My sewing machine misses me. I did get in a little sewing earlier this month for a very worthwhile cause. My American Sewing Guild group met to make blankets for Hotel, Inc, a local organization whose goal is to break the cycle of poverty. We made twin and full size blankets from fleece fabric. They were quick to hem either with the regular machine or a coverstitch machine.

Each year, the American Sewing Guild chooses a community service project for all the local chapters to participate in. This year, each guild was encouraged to donate the blankets locally.

With temperatures dropping, I hope our blankets help to keep someone warm this winter!