Stitchy Inspiration

I don't know about you guys, but Grace's guest post on embroidery got me seriously inspired to try it out.  I've feel like I've been seeing embroidery sprout up all over the sewing blogosphere recently, and I think I know why: it's relaxing, easy to pick up, and so versatile.

When I think of embroidery, this is the first thing that comes to mind:

via Kitschy Living

Ok.  Maybe not the first thing, but close.

My point is that this is probably the last thing I would want to spend hours making.  If someone else wants to, great, but not me.  If I need a creepy picture of a cat to hang on my wall, I'll print one out.  I am not spending hours drawing it with thread.  I can't draw anyway!

And that's why I never got into the whole embroidery thing.

Until now.

I can honestly say it all started with Grace.  Her embroidery was so much more my speed.  Simple, pretty, and modern.  

via Handmade Gem

Hours spent outlining a typewriter on some awesome quilting cotton? Now that I could get on board with! As I opened myself up to embroidery as a source of inspiration, I started branching out.

I discovered awesome embroidery bloggers who were creating the most beautiful, COLORFUL embroidered artwork.  And we all know I just can't get on board with a project that's not technicolor.

via Rebecca Ringquist

Seriously, I want this hanging all over all my walls.  So much, that I'll spend hours doing it.
 
And then I realized that embroidery could actually make my dresses prettier.  Duh!

via Pinterest

Gorgeous!

Once I realized that embroidery could add some more interesting detail to my garments I was sold.  I signed up for Rebecca Ringquist's course on creative bug to show me the basics, and I'm pretty much in love.  Look out for all sorts of embroidered goodies coming soon!  I'm by no means an expert, but it's nice to have something to do while I relax on the couch that doesn't involve touching wool.

And that, my friends is the story of how I fell in love with embroidery (trust me, it's a much healthier relationship than the one I have with bias tape...).

Are you learning anything new this summer?  Reading any good books?  Embroidering your little fingers off?

Please share, I'd love to see what you're up to!

Guest Post: Grace from Handmade Gem!

As many of you know, I have been itching to learn some new skills.  Who am I kidding, I'm always itching to learn something new!  This is the first of hopefully many guest posts highlighting a new skill or technique that I've been admiring from afar.  I hope that you're as inspired as I am to try something new!

What better way to learn a new skill than to ask the blogger who inspired me to show you how to do what they do?  Grace, who stitches up the most lovely things over at handmade gem, is here to tell us all a little bit about her experience with my new obsession: hand embroidery.


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Hand embroidery is slow. No one on earth will deny this fact. Yet, like so many other crafts, it’s beautiful and opens up endless possibilities for embellishment and artistic expression. I love the slow process of hand stitching because I like the imperfections of the end product.

But mostly, I love the way I feel when I’m settled into the couch with a needle in my hand. Focusing on one stitch at a time is so calming. You just have to embrace the slow pace and human imperfections—not a bad life lesson, huh? When you enjoy the process, there’s really nothing better!

Learning embroidery can be somewhat daunting since there are countless types of stitches and so much history and traditions. My advice? Ignore it! J Just learn one or two ways to create a stitch, practice until you feel super comfortable, then go on and learn another. Once you get the hang of a few stitches, you’ll realize that you can create very complex, beautiful works with just a few simple techniques.  

One of the best things about embroidery is that it’s so simple and inexpensive to begin! You only need some fabric, an embroidery hoop, small scissors, embroidery needles and embroidery thread or floss. I taught myself mainly through trial and error, but I suggest following a guide, such as Sarah’s Hand Embroidery tutorials

Here’s how to get started and embroider the backstitch—one of the most versatile stitches out there.

1.   Get all your supplies together and prepare your thread. Some embroidery floss contains six strands—like Anchor brand—that need to be separated into two or three, depending on the thickness of your fabric. If you have a thin fabric (like my muslin), use thinner floss or two strands of regular floss.

2.   Tighten your fabric into the hoop and outline the design with a fabric marker or chalk (if needed).

3.   Create a small knot in the back of the fabric.

4.   Next, bring the needle up through to the right side of the fabric about a quarter-inch away from the knot. 

5.     Then, insert the needle right next to the edge of the knot.

6.     Pull the needle back up a quarter inch away from the stitch you just made. 

7.   Insert the needle right next to the previous stitch and pull through. Continue backstitching in this manner. That’s all there is to it! 

The backstitch is a great first stitch to learn since it can be used to create outlines of anything or to fill in fabric. It’s fun!

One very easy project that’s great for beginners is simply filling in your favorite fabric print with thread. On a practical level, using printed fabric means you don’t have to trace or transfer a design—you can get stitching right away! It’s also a great way to elevate a precious piece of a favorite pattern. There are so many possibilities for this technique.

On this beautiful typewriter print, I outlined much of the typewriter with black and orange thread, and used that same stitch to fill in certain sections. For the heart at the top, I outlined it with a backstitch, then filled it in with the satin stitch.

With just a bit of thread, the print becomes more vibrant and lively. Once you’re finished, you can place the embroidery in a frame, sew it into a pillow or quilt, or display it in an inexpensive wooden hoop (my favorite!).

I hope this inspires you to give embroidery a try. It’s such a wonderful craft that’s relaxing and full of possibilities for showcasing your creativity. Best of luck!

Thank you, Grace, for such a great introduction to embroidery! To see more of Grace's superb stitching (and to drool over her wedding photos, cooking, knitting, and sewing), head on over to her blog.  You can also check out the post she did for feeling stitchy, which covers her beautifully stitched wedding in detail!

PS--Isn't that typewriter the cutest?  I'm imagining all sorts of wall hangings over my bed and embellishments on my dresses...I hope you're all as inspired as I am to get stitching!

Me-Made-May Week 2

I started the week off right by wearing my new Laurel shirt on Monday with something other than a short skirt: blue pants! And green shoes, but you can't see those, so whatever.  I don't think I'll ever be able to wear this shirt without a bright bottom, though.  It just needs it!

 On Wednesday, I wore my dolman dress, again.  I forgot to take a picture, but I'm sure you are all sick of me going on about how much I love it and how awesome it is and how I need about 5 more so I only have to wear dolman dresses to work. 

And moving on...

On Sunday, I wore my dolman top to brunch.  I was tired, it was cozy, and my hair was doing its own thing.

So far, I'm on track for me-made-May!  Three items worn this week, and one new item made.  Phew!

We're half-way there!  How are you doing in your me-made-May challenge?

A Sew Free Button

Happy Friday everyone! The lovely and talented Kathy over at Kathy Sews made a wonderful suggestion to me a couple of weeks ago: The Sew Free Project should have a grab button so that we can all help spread the word about the wonderful free patterns available online.

It took me a couple of weeks, but I finally figured it out!

<div align="center"> <a href="http://www.craftsanctuary.com/p/the-sew-free-project.html" title="Craft Sanctuary"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g4DHZbPwxjI/UYwDaMNYCEI/AAAAAAAAAcI/UG51z61kCJM/s200/sew+free.jpg" alt="Craft Sanctuary" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
If you're sewing free, have a free pattern, or just want to spread the joy of free patterns, grab a button and spread the word! The button will automatically redirect interested sewists to The Sew Free Project Page where they can see the patterns I've tried, link to the pinterest board FULL of free patterns, and leave me comments suggesting other free patterns I should add to the board.

So grab a button, share the free love, and have a terrific weekend!

A Creepy Bug Laurel

I did it.  I finally made a Laurel, and used bias tape. Woo!

I still hated every minute of using that bias tape, and had trouble with it, mind you.  But, I did it, and I like the end result, so take that bias tape!

Anyway, I actually started making a Laurel dress about a week ago, got really angry with the bias tape, and shoved it in the UFO pile.  Actually, that's a lie.  I don't know where I put it.  But, when I figure out where it is, it's going in the UFO pile.

A couple of days later, I decided I really needed a top anyway, ranted about bias tape for a bit, and used all of my Laurel dress-making knowledge to make some changes.  I'm pretty happy with the results! So springy!

Pattern: Colette Pattern's Laurel, version 4.

Sizing:  I cut a size 0 in the waist and shoulders, and graded to a size 2 in the bust and the sleeves.

Fabric:  This is a beautiful Betsey Johnson cotton-silk blend.  It's really airy, light, and soft.  Perfect as a transition from spring into summer.  I used about 3/4 of a yard.

Instructions:  Honestly, I didn't really use them.   If you are a complete beginner, then the instructions are definitely helpful and useful.  If you know your way around constructing a top, then you may not use them either.  I did use the instructions for attaching the bias tape, though.  They were helpful enough, I just hate bias tape.

What I love most:  The fabric!  Look closely.   That's not just any floral print.  Oh, no!  There are creepy caterpillars, moths, and other buggy critters roaming around on those flowers.  I also really love the vivid colors and the hand-drawn and painted look of the print.

What I would do differently next time:  I still could have taken about a 1/2 inch from the torso.  The bust borders on too tight.  Next time, I may add another 1/4 inch to the bust.  I don't know if a FBA is even possible on such a simple silhouette, but maybe that's the solution...  Also, why is there a seam up the back of this shirt? It seems so unnecessary.  I guess it's to help save yardage, but it would be a much prettier back without it.

Pattern alterations: I shortened the darts by 1/2 inch.

Recommended?  Maybe.  This is a great pattern for beginners, and is great for making basics.  But, if you've got a large chest, and don't feel like tucking in your top, it kind of looks like a tent.  If you like loose, flowy tops, go for it!

Final thoughts:  I really like the way the bias tape came out on the sleeves.  The neckline? Not so much.  More on that later, dear readers.

Happy Spring!!!

Me Made May: Week 1

Happy May! 

This week was a short one, so I'm using that as my excuse.  If you recall, I pledged to wear 3 me-made items a week, and make two new items during the month of May. 

Half of three is?

Well, 1 1/2 I guess.  But I went with one :)

I wore my new favorite dress, the dolman dress, on the first day of May!

 

If you're interested in details, the original post on the dress is here.  

Oh, and we're still in love.

Happy first week of May!

Friday Ranting

It's Friday!!!! Yay!

That means that the weekend is just around the corner, and I couldn't be happier.  I'm ready for new projects and warmer weather (seriously, NYC what's up with this "spring?").  I've had a rather lackluster sewing week.  I've been really stuck on my Megan-inspired Laurel dress, mostly because I just don't feel like finishing it.

It's all sewn together, just needs to be hemmed and such.  Why, you ask, am I putting it off?

BECAUSE I HATE BIAS TAPE.

I hate it, I hate it, I hate it.  All of it.

When I first started sewing, it seemed like bias tape was the way to go.  Other bloggers sing its praises for easy finishing and clean lines.  Every time I use it, I end up stitching off the edges, or missing the back, or something equally frustrating.  And, I'm just not the kind of girl who wants to go back and try to make things work when it's so clear that they are doomed.  So, I thought, maybe it's just the pre-packaged kind.  Maybe it all sucks.  Maybe just I need to make my own.

source

Like any good sewing-gadget-collector-girl, I went and bought one of those nifty bias tape makers.  Awesome, I thought, I'm going to make so much pretty bias tape, and it's going to look so good on all my tops.  Except I didn't.  Because it didn't.  It didn't get nice creased edges, and was an all-around pain in the ass.

source

Then, I turned to the Internet.  Obviously, I just wasn't doing it right.  So I read lots of tutorials, like this one.
I was doing it right.  I even had one positive experience with it.  But, I still hated it.  

Why? Why? Why?

Well, here's my short answer: bias tape and I are just not meant to be.  Bias tape is that cute guy who you just know is trouble (cue Taylor Swift music here) but you find yourself with anyway.  Hey, everybody else is doing it, right?  WRONG.

I'm just not the kind of girl that bias tape needs.  I'm not even sure bias tape and I were ever a good match. Are you?

If you are, comment away.  I'd love to hear how you and bias tape are making things work.

If you're not, tell me.  We can whine together about how awful bias tape is, and make fun of his new girlfriend (trust me, you're much cuter).