Saturday, March 27, 2010

Busy


Now that the weather is finally starting to head toward spring, I have been a little busier outside. Yeah! Even though I haven't posted for a while, I have been busy with the crafting. I found a "new" fabric store. Quilter's Exchange is a recycled fabric store where you can bring in fabric you no longer want and she will pay you by the pound and then she resells it to others. I bought 2 lovely fabrics and the first one I turned into a variation the JJ Blouse from Burdastyle.


I left off the ruffles on this one as well as the sleeve bands and lengthened them just slightly. I used pearl snaps instead of buttons. One of my least favorite things to do is make buttonholes. I'm not sure why because I don't really have trouble doing them, but I like snaps so much better.

Here is a close up of this fabric that I find slightly retro and a little bit Japanese. This is one of my favorite tops right now. I recently purchased a black cardigan on clearance and they go together nicely.



I also tried my hand at dyeing just before St. Patricks Day. I found a silk/cotton blend cardigan in my wardrobe that I have only worn a couple of times because it was a very boring tan color and just wasn't a very flattering color for me. It is now a fabulous green that was perfect to wear to work for St. Patty's. I have already worn it twice and been complemented on it both times. More of this is in my future for sure.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Baby Gifts













I have been making baby gifts lately. Seems like everyone is having babies these days. The Fleece blanket and hat is for hubby's boss. I bought a kit 50% off after Christmas and the blanket was way too big for a baby so I cut it down in size and was able to make a matching hat from the extra. I still have more left and hope to make hats for the 2 big sisters as well. The sweater was for a coworker and I used The Einstein Coat pattern. All garter stitch and very easy. The recipient loved it. So much fun to craft for girls. My teenage boys just don't appreciate it. I finished the blouse I had cut out from the last post. As soon as I get pictures downloaded I will show you. I used the JJ blouse pattern from Burdastyle with a few minor changes. This pattern fits me well and I think it is a very flattering shirt for me. Makes me feel good. That's what it's all about, right?!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

New Store

I had some time to kill before I had to be at work the other day so I stopped at a new store I noticed recently. The sign said Quilters Exchange. Inside I found the most pleasant lady and lots of beautiful fabric. It was all folded into coordinating piles on shelves. Some were already measured into fat quarters and some you could buy by the pound. All of it was recycled from someone else's stash. I love the concept. You can take in the fabric you don't want anymore and she will weigh it and pay you for it. It is a little more costly than your big name branch store, but I would rather support the little guy and buy recycled. Of course I had to buy some fabric and I already have a blouse cut out of the one. I hope to get it sewed up today and then I will post a pic. The best thing is she will cut you whatever you want from a couple inches to yards if it is available. What a find.