• knitting

    Completed: Owl Sweater

    I finally finished the Owl Sweater by Kate Davies Design! In fact, I actually finished this about a month ago. I’m liking that I’ve been blogging about things after I have had a chance to wear them a bit, because then I can talk about how they feel to wear. Pattern- Owls by Katie Davies Design Yarn- Berocco Ultra Alpaca Chunky from Seattle Yarn Alterations and fit- I don’t know if this is the term knitters use, but since I come from a sewing background and I don’t know what the knitting equivalent is or if there is one, I’m going to stick with “alterations”. Unlike my Miette Cardigan, which was knit from the top…

  • sewing

    Striped Boat Neck Lark Tee

    I’m a huge fan of the Sewaholic Renfrew Top (and have made a couple of those), but as my quest for the all handmade wardrobe continues and the realization that I mostly wear jeans and t-shirts, I figured it would be nice if all my t-shirts didn’t look exactly the same. The Renfrew can be a bit snug, which I like about the cowl version I made, but I wanted the option of a looser fitting basic t-shirt pattern. I also like the look of t-shirts with no neckband or cuffs and it makes it quicker to put together, so the Grainline Studio Lark Tee was just what I had been looking for. Pattern- Grainline Studios Lark Tee A…

  • sewing

    Skull Dot Carolyn Pajamas

    Pattern- Closet Case Files Carolyn Pajamas Fabric- Skull Dot Metallic Black by Sarah Watts from the Cotton and Steel Spellbound Collection from Pacific Fabrics I’m used to buying a maximum of 3 yards of fabric (to make a dress) and 5 yards were required for this pattern, so I was a tad nervous about buying this much fabric. This fabric felt so good in my hands at the store and I loved that the “polka dots” were made up of skulls and moons, so I went for it. This is not the first Cotton and Steel Fabric I have purchased, so I already knew I loved their designs. However, it was the first time I had actually sewn with it and worn it. Since its…

  • goals

    2016 Goals

    Last year, I wanted a better sense of balance in my life. I feel like I achieved that by making some big changes, such as getting a new job and being more choosy about what I do with my free time. I’ve been purposely trying to move towards quality over quantity, so this year “intention” feels like it should be the word of the year. From the ads I place for work to the garments I sew, I want everything to be well-thought out and intentional. I believe it will lead to a better end product and a greater sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. GARDENING With that said, I’m going to take it easy on the gardening goals…

  • year in review

    2015 Year in Review

    Even though this blog can feel like a chore at times (I admit it), I’m always glad I took the time to document the important stuff. I’m especially thankful at the end of a year and the beginning of a new one, because it feels good to look back at previous year’s goals and review. In 2015, I didn’t totally stick to the list, which is fine, goals can morph and change, but I still feel like I accomplished a lot. Here’s how I did in 2015. GARDENING 2015 Gardening Goals- Grow my usual crops and preserve some of it– Check. 5 1/2 pints of tomato basil jam (canned) 6 1/2 pints of jalapeño…