elliebelle

Ok, this is getting ridiculous...I can't stop!

Fabrics are so beautiful!!!  I can't resist.

Here are some gorgeous pieces I got from an Ebay store.

Amy Butler, Anna Maria Horner and Kaffe Fassett - all incredibly fabulous!!!!  I'm thinking some bags, and maybe a skirt out of the Kaffe Fassett piece (the purple one on the left.)

And of course, we are having a big fabric sale at Nancy's Notions.  So this is what I got.

I bought 1 yard pieces of the cottons, and the wool pieces at the top of the picture are hand dyed fat quarters.  Aren't they fab?  I'm thinking maybe some bags, aprons, potholders, coasters....oh, and maybe fabric flowers out of the wool?  I'm not sure, but I love them, and they were crazy cheap!

So I have to STOP buying fabrics because I have so much that I don't know what in the world I will do with it all!!!  But it is all so lovely...I know you out there in crafty blogland know how I feel.

Toast with a Twist

Here's my version of Toast.

Won't they look nice with my Felicity hat??  I used the lovely alpaca that I got for Christmas.  The reason I am calling them Toast with a Twist is that instead of a worsted weight yarn, I used a sport weight and used size 3 needles instead of 7s.  So, I added 10 stitches to accommodate for the thinner yarn.  And as I got going, I decided they were too wide for my super tiny wrists, I didn't want them to bag too much.  So, I did a decrease of one stitch at the beginning of each needle in the round, for a total of 3 decreases - I did the decreases in 3 rounds, and then as I kept knitting and got to the wider part of my hand, I increased in the same places - but only on 2 rounds.  So they are more shapely than the traditional Toast arm warmers.  But I really love them!  I think next time I make these I will add ribbing to the edges cause I don't love the rolling that the plain stockinette does.  Sometimes they roll up so much that your arm isn't warm anymore! haha!

The yarn is just so gorgeous and soft.  Now I'm working on a matching Clemence Cowl.  I LOVED this version from Lucky Knitter, so I had to try one myself.  Again, my alpaca yarn is thinner than what the pattern calls for so I added some stitches on, but so far I think it is going well.  It's my first foray into lace knitting and I'm about halfway through the chart.  I'm proud that I've actually figured it out!  I've never knitted from a chart before.  Yay, I'm glad to be pushing myself to learn more advanced knitting skills.

Well, this has to be a short post tonight as I need to get to bed!  I have to get up at 3:30am to get to the airport on time for my 6:45am flight.  And yippy skippy, it's going to be about -10 degrees tomorrow morning....uggg...

One last photo of my Toast who will hopefully keep me toasty tomorrow...

1 hour (or so) cardigan.

Here it is - the 1 Hour Cardigan!

And look - perfectly matching stripes!! Yay!

I'm pleased with how it turned out.  It will be perfect for wearing on the airplane this weekend when I head to California.  The fabric is a lightweight jersey blend of some sort.  I'm thinking poly/cotton.  I love the versatility of the gray and charcoal stripes.  And, you know what the little puff sleeve that came out of my "too big" sleeve doesn't seem so bad!

For fun, I tried a couple of different ways to wear it.  This is me on the airplane....

And the fashion diva...haha, the belt won't really work like this as I had to sort of wrap it around itself in the back to make it small enough.  Most of my belts are hip slung so they are too long for my waist.  I don't know if I really like the tight belt around the waist thing anyway - don't get me wrong, I think it looks phenomenal, I just don't like the way it feels...I want to be able to wear something that I can eat in! haha!

So that's it, what do you think?  I'm thinking I may try another one, this time with THIS pattern in a solid color (with a straight hem instead of the angled hem....)

Ok, and I promise Toast is coming tomorrow!

Inspiration books

I recently bought this fun kit from Elsie of Elsie Cakes.  I liked the idea of making inspiration books per season, so I used her kit as a starting off point.  Elsie, is a person, who I greatly admire.  While some of her style, probably isn't me, her enthusiasm, drive, and creativity are incredibly inspiring.  She has accomplished so much in the world of hand made at such a young age.  I love to look into her world on her blog A Beautiful Mess, and gather my own inspiration from her bright colors and fun motifs.  So here are my books.

I have lots of the kit left to use, but for now, I've just made covers for my books by using the paper and fabric that comes with the kit.

I bought a set of colored pens as well so that I can keep my writings and sketches interesting throughout each book.  I am having so much fun with putting all of my ideas in one place.  Whether it be ideas for projects, or just outfit ideas!  I've always dog earred my magazines, now I'm ripping out images and putting them into the books.  This will be great for the times when I feel really bored with my wardrobe.  I can go through my books (for whatever season it may be) and look back to some inspiration on a way to mix and match what I have.  I've already printed a few Anthropologie outfits for the springtime book.  I LOVE the way Anthropologie merchandises their products - unfortunately, I don't love their pricepoint or their quality.  But they are great for inspiring my own looks! 

And just for fun, here are two shots of the inside of my springtime book.  For whatever reason, I felt like getting the books with grid paper...I'm not sure why since I despise math!  But it's a fun background to draw on...

Don't look too closely at my silly notes to myself about the different project ideas!  Oh yeah, and drawing isn't my strongest skill...I was TERRIBLE at fashion illustrations when I was in school.  I learned to work off a croqui otherwise I stunk.

And one last shot of the stack of what shall hold future musings, illustrations, and hopefully GREAT ideas! hahahaaha

It's kind of silly how many photos I just posted of these books...but I had fun making them, and I'm having fun filling them, so I guess it's ok.

Up next - McCall's One Hour Cardigan, or perhaps...Toast!

Pictures of the Loot.

The colors of heaven on earth (or at least that's how I see it, during the cold dark months of winter!!!)

The aqua is for the Shalom Cardigan.  I am excited for this one.  It will be my second sweater after I do the February Lady Sweater.  The cherry colored yarn feels delightful and after watching the Sex and the City movie for the 100th time this weekend, I decided it might be a lovely big scarf like the one Carrie wears with a black leather jacket as she arrives back in New York after her trip to Mexico.  Yes, I know, I'm totally obsessed...It also means I probably need one more skein of that yarn.  No biggie, it wasn't pricey.  Then for the multi colored pinky/purple yarn in the background, I'm planning a poncho. Betty who works at Loose Yarns showed me a great poncho/shawl thingy that she made out of similar yarn.  I like the idea of that, so that will probably be the project I take on the plane with me this weekend while I travel to CHA in Anaheim.  A nice, no brainer type of project. (Of course, that is, if I finish my cowl by then!  Keeping my fingers crossed!!!)

Here's an up close shot of the aqua yarn.

And now on to the fabric.  Here's what I picked up last weekend at SR Harris.

All knits.  Pretty great selection huh?  Plus, I got an AMAZING deal.  I've already started working with the charcoal and gray piece on the right.  I'm making the McCall's 1 Hour Cardigan.  Which, of course, is taking more than 1 hour as I am trying to match the stripes...I've never done that before, so it has been somewhat slow going.  And the sleeve for whatever reason is a million times bigger than the sleeve hole...hmmm...Maybe I should read the directions, there was probably a reason for that, but it doesn't really work when trying to match stripes!  Oh well, I will just have cute little puffed sleeves instead! haha  I'll show photos of that one when I finish, hopefully tomorrow.

Do you see the sliver of green and gold at the bottom of the pile??  Well, it's Packer fabric!  I bought it for Joe.  Who woulda thought you had to drive to Minnesota to get Green Bay Packer fabric???

I have a few ideas for different types of scarves and tops made out of these knits.  I love to wear knits because of the great fit and comfort you get from them, so I wanted to try working with them more. My serger will be happy to be humming away again!

I suppose it seems like all I do is buy supplies, and that nothing ever leaves!  Well, I definitely feel a little that way, and it sure is hard to resist beautiful fibers and fabrics.  But of course, my goal is to have things actually accomplished and then sold!  Here's to a productive 2009! :)  Hopefully these supplies will blossom into great products.

I never tire of totes.

Especially when they are made out of delicious Anna Maria Horner Drawing Room fabrics!  There is something so satisfying about sewing a tote.  I'm sure it has to do with the fact that at this point, I've done so many that they are easy for me and they actually turn out how I want them to!  Something of course that does not happen with every sewing project that I work on.  

This is an incredibly simple tote, I figured the fabric could speak for itself as the design is so unique.  I added leather handles.  To make the handles round like that, I covered some cotton rope in the leather.  I like the way the handles feel - nice and sturdy!

The lining is a fun 30s style print, with a piece from Ginger Blossom as the inside pockets.

Can you see that I haven't stitched the lining closed yet? heehee....I'll get to it.

So, another one done for the party in May...I'm a little worried if I will actually get enough things finished by that time! I guess I just have to keep plugging along!

I do have some loot to show you tomorrow, some fabric picked up at SR Harris on my recent buying trip, and some yarn I got this weekend at my LYS with a Christmas gift certificate.  Ooo, I got some pretty colors!!!  And, I've been knitting.  I have one finished project and started a matching piece. That's been fun too, pictures will come soon.

So that's what I've been up to.  What have you been up to this weekend??

Flowers in the dead of winter.

Fabric flowers that is.

These are my most recent fabric flower pins.  I was told by my friend Kate that she always gets compliments on her flower pins that I made her. (I think maybe I've mentioned this before)  So I've made more.  And, I am going to make a ton of them!  She and I are planning to do a little home party with my products sometime (hopefully!) in May.  I have an ambitious list of products (flowers, bags, coasters, potholders, etc...) I want to accomplish before this party.  Kate and I will invite lots of people over to her house in the Minneapolis area and keep our fingers crossed that some of them want to buy! So I'm thinking then what I have left over can go into a newly opened Etsy shop!  That way I'm working toward a collective goal instead of 2 different things.  Both Kate and I are excited about this and she, the forever dream big gal, has really inspired me just to try. It is such a treat to have a friend who really believes in you, even when you're not so sure about yourself.  So, here we go - I better get crackin and start some projects! :)

 

Bounce

Here is a project I managed to knit, ravel (or frog as the knitter's call it) and re-knit within the holiday season.

This is Bounce - a free pattern done by John Brinegar of Yarn Ball Boogie.  I loved this version and this version, and decided I needed one for myself.  But mine turned out HUGE as in - I need a full head of crazy dreadlocks to fill it out huge.  Not for me.  I have a big head, I do not need an even bigger hat to make me look like I'm walking around with a watermelon for a noggin.  So I pulled it out and started with 20 less stitches.  Instead of casting on 72, I only did 52.  Now the hat fits perfectly.  It isn't very slouchy - maybe next time I'll try 62 stitches or maybe I need to add another row of increases....

It took me a few tries to figure out the "Knit in the row below" stitch.  Which I'm sure many of you experienced knitters already knew - but this was my first time trying it.  I love the way it looks with the Vs.  Overall, I really like this hat - the yarn is a Malabrigo worsted - to die for.  Malabrigo sure knows how to make a beautiful ball of yarn.  If you are more curious on the other changes I made in the pattern, you can check out my Ravelry description - though I'm not sure how clear it really is!  I don't think writing knitting patterns is in my future! haha!

There was a mitten worked on during my time off for the holidays - but that too turned out big enough for a Giant Gorilla, so I pulled that out and have restarted it.  What is with me knitting ginormous things???

I'm trying to keep my resolutions.

So here I am blogging only 2 days after I wrote my last post!  Yay!  It is only January 4th...I have a LONG time to go till it actually means I have KEPT my resolutions.  But I thought I could at least give you an update on how I'm doing. Well, I'm blogging more...I have read almost half of Wicked and am enjoying it quite a bit. I'm going to the musical at the end of February and really want to know the story ahead of time.  I also downloaded the music on itunes today!  I watched one of my Netflix today!  yay!!!  I can't remember how long I've had this one, but it's been a while.  Yesterday Joe and I went shopping and all I bought was a $5 t-shirt from Old Navy.  That is REALLY good for me.  I have a hard time resisting when I am shopping!  I've been resisting Diet Coke all day and have been drinking water and milk.  AND - I plan to hop on my elliptical as soon as I finish this.  So I'm doing great, right??? hahaha!  At least for now.  I'll check in again in a few weeks.

But besides all that silliness.  Here are the vintage buttons I told you about previously.

All the colors and textures are so fun.

On Friday, I received a fun package from an ex-co-worker (that sounds funny!) who moved away last spring.  My friend Karen, is the one responsible for this gift and this gift last year, and let me tell you, she never disappoints.  This year's gift was just as wonderful.

 

The clown doll is a vintage find of hers.  You can feel the legs are stuffed with beans.  It's fun.  Inside the thick felt was this.

5 - 1/4 yard cuts of Amy Butler fabric! :)  Our favorite.  When she and I went to Quilt Market together last year, we felt like we were Amy Butler groupies! haha...So it's a fitting gift.

It's been cold and icy here this weekend - which made it perfect for staying in the house all day!  I hope everyone had a lovely weekend.  

Looking forward.

Research shows that not many people actually keep their New Year's Resolutions and so sometimes it seems it doesn't make sense to set them.  But I disagree with that.  A New Year to look upon with fresh eyes is wonderful for new goals!  I like having them.  Even if you don't keep your resolutions, isn't it worth working towards?  To at the very least feel like you are working towards something, becoming more, learning more, doing more?  In the words of Abe Lincoln, 

"Always bear in mind that you resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing."

One year ago today, my little blog began.  How did I fare this year?  Well let's see...

#1 - I didn't open an Etsy shop - this I am disappointed about - but it will hopefully be accomplished in 2009.

#2 - To widdle through my fabric stash - yes, I started that, and then I reverted to old ways - but I don't think my stash grew in crazy amounts - I mostly just replaced what I used.  We'll try harder this year! :)

#3 - To make 6 garments - I accomplished 4.  This, this, this, and this.  Those 4 things are great, but I can do better than that!  6 should have been easy for me - so I will keep working on that one.

#4 - To become a more proficient sewer and knitter.  Well, I definitely got better at knitting, but I think I could push myself more with sewing.  Not that I didn't sew - I did make quite a few things this year.  Some of which I am sure I have forgotten already!

#5 - To make most of the gifts I give throughout the year.  This is absolutely did.  And it was so much fun!

#6 - To become actively involved in the sewing/craft blog world.  Yep - I did this too.  Without a doubt. 

#7 - To be creative.  Yes, I think I was.  I want to keep working on that one though.  This is such an organic thing - it changes all of the time, but I think it is good to always strive to do better and to learn new things - all in the pursuit of creativity.

So now that we looked at 2008, let's look ahead, and see what is in store for us in 2009!  I took Rachel's idea and wrote out my resolutions and took a photo.  Writing it out is a great reminder for me as now it will be hanging right above my sewing machine where I can see it every day!

You can click on the image to make it bigger if it is difficult to read.

So you can see, I have high hopes for this year and I can't wait to begin.  Well, actually, what am I saying, it has begun!  I am full of hope for a grand year, and that's what you need during the dark cold days of January when it feels like it will never be warm and sunny again.  So here we are, kicking off the start of a year of creativity, crafting, and fun.