Finally!!

I have been "working" on the "Kimberly" Bay by Amy Butler for over two years. My first post about it was here. I finally finished it a few days ago. I'm pretty satisfied with it. The zipper didn't go in as well as I wanted, but I wasn't going to unpick it and re-sew it.











Nothing fancy for the lining. No pockets or anything like that. I rarely carry more than 4-5 things in my purse so I don't need anything special.



Sorry the pic is so blurry.







Today I traced off the Emmeline apron by Meg McElwee at Montessori By Hand. (I think my first post about it was the same one as the Kimberly bag) I also washed the fabric. I'm hoping next week I'll be able to start sewing the apron. I also took the time to organize a few patterns. I store the patterns and instructions in manila envelopes and the covers in page protectors in 3-ring binders. I need to get a few more binders to further categorize the patterns.


And in closing I'll give you the latest pic of Girl. She's growing into a beautiful dog.

boo hiss LOL

I've been crocheting on my "potato chip" scarf. With about 6 inches left and I ran out of yarn. I made it longer than the pattern called for. I thought, no problem, I'll go to Michael's after work and pick up a skein. They had a couple bins of it two-three weeks ago. Well, imagine my surprise when, I could not find ANY Lion Brand Mohair. none, zip, nada, zero in any color. I was so disappointed. I'll be off to Ravelry in a few minutes to see if anyone there has some to sell. I really don't need very much. My next scarf is going to be a knitted scarf, the Irish Hiking Scarf. The pattern can be found here.

I've also been sewing on the Kimberly bag by Amy Butler. I have it maybe half finished. I guess I'm a really slow sew-ist these days. I'm looking forward to showing it off to my friends!

McCall Pattern 5271

I finished McCall's pattern 5271 today. I completed the sewing a few days ago, but wasn't able to pull out the basting threads until today. I chose view D because I thought it would help to conceal the fluff I have on my stomach better than the other views.

I choose patterns I think will be flattering to my body shape and then I tend to choose patterns by the colors used on the models. I can visualize patterns in other colors and fabric patterns, but I am drawn to certain patterns due to the colors. I also tend to use the same colors in different tints, tones, shades and values. I never wear brown, oranges, yellows or greens. I've seen gorgeous fabrics in these colors but, I've never worn them. I'm thinking over the next few months I will try to find a yellow, a green and possibly a brown that will be flattering to my skin tone.

I'm still working on the Amy Butler Kimberly bag. I'm hoping I'll get a few seams sewn today. I still can't sit and sew for more than a few minutes at a time due to back pain. I've also prepared the pattern and laid out the red jersey I'll be using to make a simple jacket, McCall pattern 5241.

The weekend

I spent some time today sewing. Well, not really sewing. I spent some time today cutting out the Amy Butler Kimberly bag pattern. I'm using the lime fabric shown. I'm not happy with the fusible woven interfacing I have. It's off to Joann's Fabrics tomorrow to see if they have something I like better. If I can't find anything there, I'll go to Jay's Fabric Center next week.

I was going to cut out the Emmeline apron pattern (by Montessori by Hand)but my back started hurting. I'll try to get it cut out tomorrow. I stole was inspired by the colors on this site. I'm using red, chocolate brown, and turquoise. My red fabric has tiny white dots though. I would have liked them bigger. I would also like to make an apron using chocolate brown and pink. Not sure I will use the Emmeline pattern though.

I'm wondering if this is a faux pas. It it OK to blatently copy someone else's color scheme? It's not likely that we would run into each other on the streets of St. Pete. And this person wouldn't know, except for me blogging about it and eventually posting a picture . It was because of this person, that I was drawn to and chose to make the apron. I keep "saying this person" because I haven't seen her name anywhere. However, I have seen at least 2 aprons with this color scheme. So, whoever you are, whatever your name is.....I think you have great taste and thanks for the inspiration!

There is a night wear sew-a-long happening over at Stitcher's Guild. I need a few new sleep pants and tops so I'm thinking I will unofficially participate in the sew-a-long.

I'm off to listen to some TV and knit. I'm working through the list of stitch finders, which I refer to as swatches, on Lion Brand website. I'm going to sew them together and make an afghan.

Another weekend

has come and almost gone. I didn't get much accomplished.

I finally got an IV pole to hang the water bottle on for my new iron. I used it to iron the strips for the quilt block for the Take it Forward Challenge for March. I still have to do the memorial heart for April, and the colors and concept have been given for May. I'm so far behind!

I just can't seem to get focused and get anything done. After work and on the weekends I just hang out and do a little reading and checking email and check a few of my favorite blogs. There is quite a bit of stress from work lately. I believe that has a lot to do with getting focused.

As per my usual, I have some things planned. My problem is, I just can't seem to get past the planning stage. On the ever growing, never ending list.....

I got the Emmeline apron, by Meg McElwee at Montessori By Hand. Fabric for an Amy Butler Kimberly bag. I'm going to make it in the same lime green fabric as shown on her website. Not very creative of me, I know. But....the lovely colors were what drew me to the bag! I'm just waiting for the pattern.

I've checked out the new patterns. meh....nothing calls out to me. I'll wait and see what the fashionistas make and see if I change my mind.