So, How was your weekend?

I hope you all had a great weekend. Saturday I hung out on fabric row or what we call in Philadelphia, 4th Street. While doing so I got a chance to hang out with my knitting gal pals Lisa and Robin. We had a blast. Robin had asked me to sew her a few drawstring sacks to hold her larger knitting projects in, so we went there to pick out fabric. I made 7 of them last night.

So far I have 2 done for her. I made another 2 that I'll be gifting, and I have 3 leftover. I still need to make a few more for her and for myself.

I didn't get any spinning done this past weekend like I'd hoped. I'll try to tackle that by the weekend. I don't know if I mentioned this before, but my next sewing project is New Look 6828. I'm making the dress with long sleeves.


I have the pieces cut out. I still have to iron them, check the length on the dress and pick out my fabric. I now also have all the material I want to use for the Burda vest/waistcoat 01-2009-124.



I figure I'll try it in muslin first as this is my first Burda. If it turns out alright, I'll definitely be making more designs from these magazines.

In knitting news, I'm still working on my socks and I'm slowly moving along on butterfly, my newest pattern. I had to back out 6 rows today because I forgot a yarnover, but I'm moving along now. That's pretty much it right now. I'm cold and I need a cup of hot chocolate or maybe some hot tea. Mmmmmmmmm...

Fashion Warehouse

I wanted to thank you all for the lovely comments and emails that I've received about my last post. A few of you have asked me about Fabric Warehouse. It's located at 2838 Street Road in Bensalem, PA 19020. There are 2 other locations in Rahway, NJ and Belleville, NJ. You can find the information here. I didn't think they had a website as this is an outlet for upholstery, drapery and fashion fabric from designer mills. They do have an ebay store, but most of the fabric sold there that I can see is the upholstery and drapery fabric.

It's Saturday evening and I'm sitting here getting ready to do some knitting and even maybe some spinning too. I'm watching the Secret Life of Bees. What are you all up to?

A Sewer's Weekend!!

I've been going through some crazy stuff/issues at home and because of that, I haven't felt much like doing anything. Last Saturday I completed a skirt but I'm saving that for another post since I haven't taken a picture yet.

I finally wore Butterick 5247 to work last Wednesday and got lots of compliments.

My one co-worker that knew I made it told me I did a fantastic job. She said it looked store bought. I think the fabric print was the major hit though. You can find my review here.

This weekend was definitely a sewer's weekend. I hung out at JoAnn Fabrics twice, and made it over to Fabric Warehouse for their 50% off sale. Yesterday I decided to make this dress at the last minute to perform in last night. It Butterick 5211Please excuse my appearance. This picture was taken after singing, dancing and sweating the night away with my band. I just finished my review on pattern review which you can read here.

On Friday, I purchased the 10-2008 Burda Magazine from Sew Baby. I owe Mimi a huge thank you for giving that info out last year on her blog. I don't have a subscription to this magazine as I like to buy it by the issue just in case there's an issue I don't like. For some reason, the October issue never made it Borders. I haven't seen the February 2009 issue yet. I hope that's in the book store soon. I saw the preview the other day and think it's one I might want to purchase.

Now, with all this sewing going on, do you think I have had a chance to get any knitting done? You and I both know the answer to that one. Right now I'm concentrating on this.

I have a few more things in the works, but I'll save it for later. Plus I haven't taken any pictures. It's about 1:15 am and I've got to go to work tomorrow, so I'm going to call it a day/night, or whatever. I'll talk to ya'll later. By the way, I want to thank Judy for also giving me the Kreativ Award. It's the second time I've gotten this award. If you have not read her blog, you need to. This woman can knit and crochet her butt off. She is amazing!!!

Weekend Update and Product Review

I had a killer productive weekend. I'm still trying to figure out where the energy came from. I did just start taking flaxseed this past Thursday. I wonder if that's the reason. It's suppose to be very good for you, so I figured it couldn't hurt to try it. The product I'm using is Barlean's Essential Woman.

On Saturday, I finished the waistband and hemmed the pants I had started using the parts portion of Butterick 4604. I wore them to work today. I also made a pair of lounge/pajama pants using the same pattern. I just realized that my hearts are upside down. Wow, I really wasn't paying attention when I cut these out. Can you tell that I haven't worked with pattern fabric much? Oh well, thank goodness I'm only wearing these in the house. I lived in them last night watching the Super bowl. Did anyone else catch that game? The last few minutes were the best I think. During the game I cut out Butterick 5247 . I think everyone and their mother has made this pattern. Overall like everyone else has said, this is a very easy pattern, and I think it's a great staple for any wardrobe. I didn't even need to follow the pattern directions. I will be making this dress again, but in a solid color. I might even make a few tops and maybe the short sleeve dress version. The only problem I ran into was lining the fabric up, but that was my fault not the pattern. I think when I laid my material out it might have been a little of, but It wasn't anything that I couldn't tweak. I lengthen the pattern by 2 1/2 inches. When I belted the dress, it still only reached knee length and that's without a hem. Next time I think I'll add another inch to an inch and a half. I also noticed I might want to add a little length to the sleeves as well. To finish this dress off I might add bias tape to complete the hemming process including the sleeves. I'm hoping that will help. What do you think? If you guys have any better suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

I also took a leap this weekend and ordered fabric from Fabric.com. I've never ordered fabric online before as I like to see and touch what I'm buying, but for $2,74 a yard, I figured I'd give it a try.

Mr. D has asked me to make him a Hugh Hefner robe in Electric Blue. After a few laughs and me asking if he wanted me to throw in an ascot too, which he said yes to, I agreed. I'll be using Butterick 6837. The lining will be black Flannel. We are still picking out the fabric for the actual robe. I think he leaning toward a velvety tie-dye Electric Blue fabric we saw over the weekend.

The only knitting that got done this past weekend was about 3 rows on a sock I started for Mr. D. I'm hoping to have them done in time for his birthday later on this month. I hope he doesn't read this post.

On to my product review. In my quest (and yes I do that sometimes) to be a little more economical. I bought this cone holder back in December. Anyway, I put it together on Saturday and tried it out. Can I tell you, I love it. I'm using of course the 100% polyester thread cones. The cones hold 3,000 yards as opposed to the spools of thread we normally buy that only hold 250 yards. In doing the math, I'd have to buy 12 spools of thread to add up to 1 cone. So far I've been purchasing just my basic colors and I can find them anywhere from $1.99 to $2.50. I think that's a steal. I purchased my cone holder at JoAnn Fabrics with my coupon and only paid $6.00 . If you're interested in trying one and can't find them in your area, give me a shout out, I can probably get one for you.

I've blabbed enough for today. I want to go give my hair a deep conditioning and figure out my next project. Hopefully, I'll have knitting news later on in the week.

Happy Crafting!!

Cool Packages and Awesome Awards!!

They say that big things come in small packages, and boy are they right!!! I received an awesome package filled with lovely goodies from my Secret Pal the other day. I think that she is the best. She sent me this lovely lavender sachet. By the way, how did you know that I liked lavender?

I also got a holder for my circular needles, which I was in desperate need of. Thank you so much.

She sent me this needles sizer. I have been eyeing one of these for a while. I have the regular Susan Bates one, but this is awesome. I can wear it as a necklace and start a new trend. You know these are the latest thing in jewelry, or for sizing my needles. I be using it for both.

I saved the best for last. No one has ever knit for me before. I was in awe looking at your work. Even Mr. D was impressed. First was this scarf made of %0% Alpaca and 50% Peruvian Wool.

Second was this 100% Cashmere beaded hooded cowl.

Secret Pal, you do BEAUTIFUL work. You are an amazing knitter. Thank you so so much. I will cherish everything, and wear it well. I can't wait to find out who you are.


I also want to thank Tanya of Sew Sassy for bestowing on me this lovely award.


I am suppose to nominate 7 other people for this award, so, here it goes.

Amanda
Robin
Lisa
Marissa
Jennifer
Robin
Susan
Stacey

Sheila, you know I'd nominate you, but you were already nominated and I'm not double dipping.


In other news, I'm still in sleeve-ville on burnish tunic, but things are moving along. I started socks for Mr. D at lunch today. I cut out a simple pair of knit pants to sew. I feel like I'm moving at a snail's pace. But I figure somewhere along the line I'll speed up at some point.

Note* This post was written on 1/27, but I was only able to upload the pictures this morning. Since I wrote this I sewed the knit pants together. I now only have to put the elastic in and hem them. I also cut out a pair of lounge pants using the same butterick pattern 4604.

New Beginnings

Today was definitely a date for the history books. It was a day that I never thought I'd see during my lifetime or at least, not this early, but never the less, it was a day of hope, promise and change. Today, I saw an eloquent man, husband, and father take the oath of office, and boy did he shine. These next 4 years are going to be trying for all of us, but after seeing what I saw today, the bonding of strangers, and of family and friends, I think, we're all going to be alright.

Now, enough of my blabbering. I hope all of you are alive, kicking, screaming and crafting large in 2009. Although I've been a little quiet, my hands have been busy. I crochet embroidered on She's Got Legs for my co-worker and added crocheted ties at the top so that they'd stay up with no problem. She loved them.

I finished scarf #1 a personal pattern for my other co-worker Judy. She loved it. She ran around the office all day telling everyone she had an Andrea original. I smiled. It's always so nice to know that something you put a lot of effort into is well received. She been wearing it ever since.

I'm still working on the woodland scarf. I'm on skein #4. I was thinking that I had to do maybe one more skein after this, but I might not have to. I'll see after I finish this one. I'm hoping that I'll be done by this weekend.This past weekend I picked up the burnish tunic that I started before the holidays. I finished the body and am now working on the sleeves.

In keeping with my resolutions, I started a crochet blanket on New Years night. I haven't gotten to far because I haven't worked on it in over a week, but still, it already covers my lap. I started with a granny square, and then built the blanket out from there. I also started spinning again. Sorry, I didn't take a picture. I have 1 1/2 spools done so far, so I'll be plying soon. I saw where Amanda's been dying her roving. That is something I would like to try this year as I purchased some dye and some cormo roving a year and a half ago just for that purpose. But, I'm not ready yet. Plus, I have a ton of roving here that needs to be spun up and knitted.

Back in the fall, I started a new design, but put it down once the holidays came around to get the holiday knitting done. Over the weekend, I pulled it out and reviewed my notes. Hopefully, I'll have something new to show soon. All I can tell you right now, is that I like what I'm seeing so far. I haven't forgotten the pattern for Victoria. I have to have it test knitted. I'm hoping to have the pattern out by this Spring.

As for sewing news, nothing much is going on at the House of Andrea. I'm pretty much just in the planning stages. I picked up the January issue of Burda World of Fashion. I love this issue.

December's issue was really good too. There were a few patterns to relax in for those lazy weekends. I have yet to make a pattern out of one of these magazines, but I'm trying to get up the courage. I'm thinking I might start small first. Like this vest for starters which is in the plaid section of the January issue.I have a bolt of muslin. I figure I can start there first and build from there. What are you all up to?

2008 FOs & 2009 Goals

A year of creativity, and what a year it was. 1. handbag 2. wedding garter 3. (110 were made) hand sewn ribbon flowers 4. crochet felted clutch 5. (2) shawls/neck wraps 6. manicure socks for knitpicks 7. knit pouches (5 were made) 8. Wedding handbag 9. Lap Blanket and pillow 10. Victoria 11. Minimalist Cardi 12. New Look 6648 13& 14. (2) Half-pi shawls 15. Baby jacket w/moss stitch edging 16. Selbu Modern 17. Puffs Slouchy Hat 18. Socks on 2 Circulars 19. Nepal Vest 20. Butterick 5529 21. Cobblestone 22. She's Got Legs 23. Vogue 8138. 24. Shawl Collar Pullover 25. Bobble Tam

Not pictured are: Flower Basket Shawl, 12 knit flowers, (4) pairs of Butterick 4604 (pants only), crochet shawl, and secret project right now for knit picks (2 of them are done)

Grand total: 160 items


I sat here this morning reviewing my goals for 2008. I wanted to see which ones I actually accomplished. To my surprise, I didn't do too bad.

1. Get hitched on Memorial Day weekend to a wonderful man whom I love and adore.

My biggest FO which was #1 on the list. I have to admit that I'm loving every minute of it!!

2. Knit, Crochet and Sew more.

Of my FOs for 2008, I did 32 knit items, 3 crochet items, 15 sew items and 110 ribbon flowers which I sewed by hand.

3. Hang out more with my Girlfriends and my mother.

I still do this.

4. Find time to read more. (This one's hard as I knit in my spare time.)

Finding time to read more is still hard, but not as hard as it use to be. I'm into audio books now and I love them. It took a little getting use to, but it works well with the crafting.

5. Stay true and in tune to myself and the fi.

One of the things I love most about Mr. D is that he doesn't want to change me, and I don't want to change him either. Communication is a big part of one's relationship. We both try to encourage each other to do things not only together but also apart. Our relationship grows from it, and I learn more and more from him everyday.

6. Continue date night with the fi, even after the wedding.

We still go on date night. Most of the time it's to eat sushi. But sometimes it's just going to the bookstore or sitting down and watching a movie together. It's great.

7. Set up a date night with my mother after the wedding, so she doesn't feel left out of my life.

I see my mother at least once a week, sometime even 2 times.

8. Save more money.

I'm working on it.

9. Blog more.

I'm working on it. 2008 I posted 40 times, in 2007 I posted 33 times.

10. Get more organized and neat.

I'm working on this too.

11. Curse less.

I'm doing a lot better in this department.

12. Try to be less stressed out.

This has been a very big accomplishment, especially since the wedding. Every November since my mother's incident 3 years ago, I've broken out with eczema. This was the first year, my fingers are still crossed that I didn't get it.

13. Workout more.

I've fallen down on this one. I start then stop, then start and stop again. I'm hoping 2009 is better.

14. Have fun.

I have no trouble doing this.

15. Design and publish more patterns

I didn't do as well as I'd hoped on this one but I did do one new pattern.


I'm very curious to see what 2009 has in store, but in the meantime, I'm going to get started on some of the goals I have planned for myself.

1. Organize and catalog my knitting stash.

2. Organize and catalog my sewing stash.

3. Design more with a structured purpose. I want to see if I can come up with a collection and in a timely manner according to the seasons. I want to design something every month or every other month, experiment with yarn more.

4. Sew more. Challenge myself by making a whole wardrobe. Learn new techniques. I don't want to be afraid of trying something new. I want to try a BWOF pattern. I only have like 4 of the magazines.

5. Educate myself more in knitting and sewing. Go on design excursions, maybe take a class in sewing. Visit NY. Read more again.

6. Workout. Drop 1 more dress size.

7. Start spinning again.

8. Cook more. Have fun in the kitchen.

I want to thank all of you so very much for your wonderful support and the awesome feedback that you've given me over this past year. You all make blogging worthwhile.

Happy New Year!!!

Wishing you and yours a healthy and prosperous 2009. May all that you hope and wish for come true and more.

She's Got Legs!!

I've got a new pattern on Ravelry.


You can download the PDF here.

Happy Holidays!!!!

I hope that everyone is having a wonderful holiday. I know that I am. Yesterday was a quiet and productive day. Mr. D had to work yesterday morning so I made sure Cobblestone was in full view so he could wear it to work if he would like. To my delight, he did. Here's a picture I took of him after we ate dinner late night. The sleeves were too long so I wash it on Tuesday night. I was going to wash it by hand in the tub until Sheila gave me the trick of using a lingerie bag in the washing machine. Thanks girl!! I then threw it in the dryer and watched it until it was the size I wanted.

I also finished the shawl collar sweater for my mom. She also wanted to wear her sweater yesterday, so my camera was having a field day.

Since I've been behind in my sewing, I put myself on lock down this week and got busy. I finally finished the collar on McCall 5529. The pattern called for doing an invisible hem on the inside to tack the collar down. I decided to do my own thing and did stitch in the ditch instead. Here I am in my favorite jacket to date. I also wore it Christmas Eve at church. I must say it was a nicer outfit than this one, but I didn't have my camera with me, so this one will have to do. One of my co-workers was nice enough to take this picture for me.

Yesterday I made 3 pairs of pants for my mother, also a Christmas gift. Sorry I have no pictures, but she was thrilled. I have 3 more pairs to make for her so I'll be busy over the next few days.

Mr. D surprised me with these 3 books for Christmas. I was screaming with joy. The 1st book is Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama, the 2nd is A Treasury of Knitting Patterns by Barbara Walker , and the 3rd is Custom Knits by Wendy Bernard. It only got better when I got a lovely gift certificate for Webs. I'll be surfing over there this weekend. I have my I on a few things. He also gave me a jewelry box, which I needed badly. My favorite perfume, Cool Water, and my yearly present, pajamas. My mother gave me money to go towards a serger. If you guys have any ideas on what brand name serger to go with, please let me know.

I'm sitting here doing this post, trying to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my day. Having 4 days off is great, but I guess I'm not use to not having anything to do. JoAnn Fabrics has a sale starting today, but I really don't need to go over there. I got my eyebrows threaded about a month ago and I'm starting to see some growth so I might go get them done today. That will also give me some incentive to stop at Franklin Mills Mall while I'm there and maybe I'll pop into Fabric Warehouse. I really don't need to go there either. I need to pick up a few more storage containers. I have fabric that needs putting away. I also have some knitting to do, and I just might pull my spinning wheel out this weekend. So what are you guys doing this weekend?

SP13 Question #2

Part A: Are you doing any holiday knitting?

Yes.

Part B: Have you finished?

I've finished most of my pieces, but I still have 3 pieces left. One of the pieces I finished was already delivered and was greatly received. Here's a picture of my boss with her much loved Bobble Tam.

I'm still working on my mom's shawl collar pullover. The actual sweater is done. I've been working on the collar this weekend. I plan to finish it today.
Anyway, I'd love to talk more but, I gotta go knit.

Over the River and Through The Woods

Last week I was surfing Ravelry for a pattern I could use. My BFF who is very dear to me asked me to make her a scarf for Christmas, and of course I said yes. She picked out her yarn, which by the way is Noro Silk Garden. I promised her I'd try to have it by Christmas, or shortly there after. She told me she didn't care as long as she got it. Anyway, in my search I found the Thrifty Knitter's Woodland Shawl Pattern. I'm follow the chart to do the pattern because it's easier for me but the instructions are written out for the pattern as well. I was not sure how I'd like this pattern but I don't like it, I love it and the way the colors are displayed in the Noro yarn. Here is what I have so far.

I'll try to put up a better picture later. I'm not crazy about this one, but it's the only one I have right now.

In other updates, I showed my McCall jacket to my mother the sewer last night. She was very proud of me. I explained to her that I was crazy about the collar and how it was fitting. I had basted on the collar and it wasn't fitting the way I wanted it to but I think it's the pattern. She told me it was fine and that I should just go ahead and stitch it the way it is, so I'll try and finish it by the weekend. I still have to finish sewing her pants before next week, so let's just say, I got lots of work to do.

In knitting news, I made a pair of leg warmers, my own design, for a work mate. I love the way they turned out. I think I posted a picture when I first started them. Well, I kept notes on what I did, so there will be a future pattern on this soon. I also finished putting my mother's sweater together except for the collar which I casted on for a few days ago. I only have 3 1/2 inches left to knit and that will be done, so stay turned for some pictures.

McCall 5529 Progress

So this is what I was doing yesterday. I'm very happy with the outcome so far. Even though I've known how to sew for years, I never made myself a jacket before. I guess I was intimidated by the whole process. I'm not now. This pattern was a wonderful choice and I will be attempting more jackets/blazers in the future. I still have to hem the sleeves and finish hemming the collar on the inside. Hopefully I'll have pictures of me in it later in the week along with a pattern review.

Now back to some major knitting.

SP13 Question #1

I'm a little late on this one. The first question for Secret Pal 13 is to write what I'm thankful for.

A little while back I had to do the Happiness Meme. One of my answers basically answers this question and I'll add a little more to it.

I am thankful for My husband and 2 dogs. They are my rock. My husband pushes me to do things and to always be outgoing. He listens when I need an ear, and gives me his shoulder when I need to lean on it. Byron(my older dog) has been around now for 16 years. He loves me unconditionally, and scolds me even when I don't need it. Jack(younger dog) just loves me.

I'm also thankful that I still have my mother and father around. No matter how much they nag me, I never get tired of hearing from them. I am thankful for my old friends and my new ones as well which include all of my knitting and crocheting buddies. You are always there supporting me every step of the way, and you push me even when I don't think I can do something.

Lastly, I am thankful for everything that I have, don't have, or I'm about to have. These are trying times that we live in, and there are so many people that are doing without, or who have lost love ones for very stupid and foolish reasons. It makes one feel very humble.

During this holiday season, I think we should all remember and keep in mind someone less fortunate than ourselves. I know I'm going too.

Weekend Updates and Sewing Mojo!!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday. Mine was very nice. My menu stays the same, since we only eat it once a year. The difference this year though was that I cooked a whole bird. I haven't done that in a few years. I've been doing turkey parts the last 3 years since everyone likes dark meat. I had spent enough on groceries over the past month, so that entitled me to a free bird. Here it is in all it's glory before it got the knife.



The other change this year was dessert. I made Apple Dumplings for the first time.

They were soooo good. I used this recipe. The only thing I changed was the nutmeg. I didn't have any so I used a teaspoon of vanilla instead. I also added dried cherries and raisins in the center of each apple and I sprinkled cinnamon sugar on each apple instead of plain cinnamon before wrapping the apples up in the dough.

In knitting news, I finished the Bobble Tam last week. I also finished cleaning up Cobblestone over the weekend. All the ends are weaved in and I kitchener stitched under the arms. This week I want to focus on finishing my mom's sweater. I also started a pair of leg warmers for a present to my co-worker (By the way, since I typed this, one leg is now done. I also have 2 more scarves to make.

Friday afternoon and Saturday morning I visited Fabric Warehouse. They had their final 40% off sale for the year. I came home with 3 huge bags of fabric and a long bolt of upholstery fabric for curtains for the living room. Mr. D saw the fabric and nicely asked me if we could use the fabric for the bedroom instead and I said yes. I'm not going to show you all the fabric now, but as I get projects started, I'll make sure to mention where I got the fabric from.

My mom likes wearing knit pants because they are easy to get on and off and since she's retired she's more in the casual mode. Sometimes knit pants are hard to find in the store so in my quest on Saturday I was able to find fabric for at least 6 pairs. I managed to cut out 3 pairs along with the pants for the Victoria Secret knock off that I should have finished a while back. The Victoria Secret knock off is done except for hemming. Sorry, no pictures yet. I even managed to sew up a pair of my mothers pants as well. I only have to hem them and finish the waist band. I'm using the pants from Butterick 4604.

I love these pants. I also cut out the fabric for McCalls 5529 for me last night. I doing View C.

The fabric I'm using is the one on the right. The fabric on the left is for a matching skirt.

Tonight I plan on doing all my markings. Hopefully I'll get to work on it some time this week. As you can tell, I got my sewing mojo back. I'm liking the instant gratification.

I ordered the Sewing by Nancy pattern that Adrienne made a recent jacket from (yes Sheila I did. Don't worry the $7.99 included shipping). The pattern is discontinued. On the cover there is a cowl neck dress that I want to make very badly. I already have fabric in my stash that I think will work.


This last little gadget I bought on Sunday. It's a Cone Thread Holder. Since I started sewing again, I noticing that I'm buying certain colors of thread more often. I figured that I'd try this holder and see how it works with my sewing machine. It's more cost effective too. I just purchased a cone with 3,000 yards of thread for $2.95 which by far is cheaper when you think about it than a spool of thread. I'll let you all know how I like it once I use it.