Back in april (*sigh*) I made a dress from some fabric my sister sent me.  Love all the natural colours of the stripes! To begin with, I merely cut out two rectangles. I added some shirring to what would be the upper half later, leaving out a few inches in the middle of the front part for the bust. – I saw something like this on the web or in a magazine before, but cannot remember where or when. Just so you know it wasn’t originally my idea. Afterwards, only side seams and hem were left to finish, but I decided to also add straps for wearing comfort. If you want a dress fast and easy to make, try this (width of rectangles = widest part of your body [usually hips, sometimes bust] + a few inches ease and seam allowance) – it flatters all types of figures.

In june or so, I made a red linen top based on Rae’s famous Spring Ruffle Top tutorial. I changed a few things and left out the pocket, though. In my opinion, it’s perfect for those really HOT days of summer. I’m sorry, but I do not have any photos of this one. Maybe another time.

In july, I desperately wanted to sew a top from some white and blue batik fabric my aunt gave to me. She had brought it back from Nigeria (where she used to live for a while) over 30 years ago. It surely must hold lots of memories for her, so I was touched she gave it to me. Her birthday was by the end of the month and I wanted to wear a top made from the fabric at her party to show my appreciation. After a looong search, I chose pattern 116 from Burda 7/2008, because it kinda fits the african style. (Okay, so maybe it doesn’t really, just my wild imagination.) I so like how this one turned out (finished it just in time, the night before the birthday), especially those mostly decorative ties at the sides look great. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to wear the top a lot, because the weather turned all bleak.  I’d like to make it again, but would raise the neckline. It is a bit wide and low and I had to wear a light shawl with it. Also, I want more african batik fabrics. Found a good resource online, but for now, I have to save my money. I won’t forget about it, though! And now, just for my special friend Carol who requested it, the photo:

I am very close to finish two knitting and two sewing projects. If I ever get photos done, you’ll see them here.

Thank you all for your lovely comments so far! They truly lift me up on bad days!

So without further ado: I made a dozen tissue cases as little gifts for friends, family and colleagues (not necessarily in that order). Of course, I didn’t take any photos of the first 6, because I am a bad blogger. A shame, really, because my favourite was among those. But the rest turned out nice as well, I believe. Well, save for the off-white one with the blue flowers. I knew the blue writing on the fusible interfacing would probably shine through, but it was the last piece I had. So I kept that one for myself. Each tissue case has a contrasting lining fabric, but that’s not on the photos. If you are interested in making your own tissue cases, it’s so simple you can just wing it, but there also are several tutorials around the web. My favourite would be this one (read that blog if you like to sew, it’s fabulous!).

Have I mentioned already that it not only is exhibiton opening time but also trade fair time at my job? CRAZY. I was so knackered this past weekend, I didn’t get to sew a thing, even though I was looking forwards to making a new dress and some trousers. *sighs* Instead, I dyed my favourite-because-SOFT duvet cover purple. It was white but had begun to grey. I love the outcome, because the white decorative stitching stayed white as planned and the contrast is striking! And to feel a bit more crafty, I made a little coin purse from an emptied tetrapack. That was all I managed to do.

Hey, if I’m not mistaken, I managed to catch up on 4 months of craftiness in two blog posts! Now I’ll have to sew something new fast or won’t have anything to talk about here.

First of all, I made some small bags for my friends Cat and Carol (laaate christmas presents). I used the Noriko handbag pattern over at LazyGirlDesigns, but used a sturdier fabric and ignored the tassel because I wanted it to be used as a lunch bag. Whenever I need some nice ribbon for something, I do not have any! The white satin stuff I had to use in the end so isn’t suitable, cannot be ironed *grumbles*. Wanna stock up on ribbons asap. Also, should I ever make this bag again, I’d add width to the sides for a roomier result. All in all  however, I created two identical bags I am quite content with.

Now, have I mentioned already that my colleagues at work are very lovely persons? They are so supportive and easy to be around. One of them especially likes my affinity to recycle old textiles. She gave me loads of old clothes and handkerchiefs and sheets and so on for me to experiment with.  Her husband had a keffiyeh (one of those huge headscarves men in Palestine are wearing). Not in black and white, though, it was pink and white. The cloth was worn and therefore soft, but not threadbare. At that time, a few sunny days were deceiving me into hoping for spring to come soon (oh horrible illusion!). I decided to turn the keffiyeh into a sleeveless nightgown for myself. There was no pattern needed, I merely drew the shape I wanted onto the cloth itself, only taking care it left enough room for bust and hips. Merely for practise, I painfully handstitched the hem and made some bias tape from plain off-white Ikea fabric for armholes and neckline. Finally, it was decorated with a button and one of the cut-off tassels from the keffiyeh. Photos aren’t very good, had to take them with lights on, but I was and am happy with the result!

Not to forget about knitting, I (still) am working on a striped jumper. Colourfully striped jumper. Don’t you love that? I do not have a photo of its current state, but this shows how it looked like a few weeks ago:

There are more finished projects to show you, but that’ll have to wait until next time (no promises on when that’ll be). Loads of projects in queue, too. Any bets on how many will actually be finalised one day? …

I do hope, my friend “tasted blood” now and will continue being crafty – or, at the very least, not grin about my favourite pastime any more.

Sorry I haven’t been around lately. I wanted to be crafty and post about it, but I finally got a job and had to move into another town quite suddenly. It still is all quite chaotic around here, but I got very nice colleagues and like the work =)

As soon as I developed a new routine, I’ll tell you more about it.

See you!

About the jumper: I was asked again how I managed to do cables in my very first knitting piece. My answer: There are no cables. The pattern alternates between 6 knits and two purls, creating the illusion of cables. And btw: Cables really are easy peasy, too =) Didn’t want to believe so myself, but by now I’ve tried and know for myself.

About the skirt: Thank you for the compliments, Carol and Christae!! =) I love the pattern, but the alterations aren’t finished yet. The side seams are perpendicular to the floor, but too far back. Gotta adjust the back part for my fat bottom Besides, it truly only is a muslin since the fabric I used isn’t suitable for garments. Just was what I had lying around.

On to more interesting stuff! Like the blazer I sewed back in – oops – may. Took me quite some time to show you, eh? I was looking for something a bit more formal yet not too … prim. To wear on occasions such as exhibit openings, conferences and the like. The pattern I settled on is from Burda Fashion,  july issue 2008, number 103 view A. I think it looks modern, young and sportive. The fabric I chose to enhance it’s elegance is a black shot silver-grey dupion silk. I intensified the young and sportive air by adding black decorative seams (e.g. left and right to the center back) and using a bold black one-way zipper (the pattern called for a two-way zipper, but I don’t like those). The blazer is unlined – great for summer – but since I used silk, I put dress-shields in. Gotta admit, if I make it again, I’d probably line it completely.

Sorry, don’t have any good photo of the back view.

Now, I wanted to make an easy first project with the fabric I got from my sister (she liked the bag btw) to be quickly able to show her results. There were two coordinating cotton fabrics in her parcel. They really called for patchwork, but I am not into that. Instead, I chose to try out Amy Butler’s apron pattern from her book In Stitches. It’s very lovely and looks rather cute made from this retro-ish fabric. Especially the pleats on the ties make me go whoo! On the down side, it’s too long (for me), yet the pocket is far too small. I generally like the idea of the loop for a dish towel, but don’t think I’d ever use it myself. The apron will probably go to a friend whose birthday is in november and who’ll have to bake a lot of christmas cookies for her little daughter then.

Will show you more projects asap – until soon!

I know, long blog absence again *sighs*. There were so many things I wanted to blog about. So many posts were written in my head! But when I get to my comp in the evenings, I don’t feel like it anymore. Just wanna relax reading other peoples’ blogs.

Well, the past few weeks/months, I finished a bunch of projects. Though not all I meant to finish, but that’s just normal, isn’t it? Typically I was either too lazy to take photos or they didn’t turn out alright. I totally suck at taking photos, sorry. Nontheless, I thought I had to show you something, if not all, yet.

First, the grey blue jumper – my first jumper! – I had blogged about here and here. It’s even wearable in public, I believe. Maybe not to work, though. The pattern is interrupted at the side seams, although I *did* pay attention to this problem while knitting. I guess I’ll learn *sigh*

Secondly, the second jumper *g* Rather simple design this time. Turtleneck with three quarter sleeves. There merely is a purled stitch at the center front, no other decorations or embellishments. I like it quite a lot, but it is far too short for my taste. Might add some length to it later. I’m still pondering if it worth the trouble, because I only have one ball of the yarn left and that might not do the trick anyway. By now, I am working on a pullover.

On to some sewing projects. I am dying to show you something I finished loooong ago, but don’t have a decent photo yet =( So all you are getting today is kinda boring. The first is  – not even a skirt, but only a muslin of a skirt. I used the pattern Simplicity 4881, View A. View D is what I truly wanna make, but I had to test out the necessary alterations for my waist/hip difference.

Next (and last for tonight) I quickly sewed up a bag for one of my sisters on the weekend. She had sent me a huge parcel full of fabric. TEN different fabrics and not just scraps!! Large pieces for garments! I’ll have fun just deciding what to make of them for weeks =) And that was the whole point really. Still unemployed, I began to get bored. Can’t really spent much money on crafting supplies now. Ergo the parcel.

I had wanted to make the Phoebe Bag for some while now and this was the perfect occasion to try it. (Tutorial here – pdf file.) The lining fabric I still had lying around, for the outer fabric I recycled a friend’s mum’s old skirt (with her permission, of course) I made it with two inner pockets instead of just one, but took no photo of that. Hope my sister will like and maybe even use the bag.

That’s it. I do *hope* to update more now. No promises, though. Working on an apron with two coordinating fabrics my sis sent. And there is all the stuff I made during summer. If only I managed to take some decent photos…

Sorry, you gotta bear with my bad photos =P

At the moment, I am working on 3 tops, 3 dresses, 2 trousers and 1 skirt… Rrrrright.

just wanna join in the fun and present you my answers to the Sewing Machine Meme over at Sew, Mama, Sew! So here we go:

What brand and model do you have?

A Pfaff ClassicStyle Quilt 2027.

How long have you had it?

About 11 months, I think.

How much does that machine cost (approximately)?

I believe it was originally priced between 1200 and 1300 € (that’s approximately 1734 $).

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?

Mostly clothing, also some bags, toys, home dec. I hope to try out some simple quilting projects, too, but clothes always have a priority.

How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?

Not nearly as much as I’d like. It varies, though. Sometimes I don’t even get to look at my sewing machine for 2 or 3 weeks. Then, I suddenly have time on my hands and sew several days straight from morning to late evening.

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?

Hmm, ambivalent might be it. I grew up with those nice mechanical machines and suddenly got this hightech one. Took quite some time to bond with it. I am enthusiastic about the possibilities. At the same time, I feared all those bells and whistles would somehow take the magic out of sewing. Not true, as I found out. So I am beginning to love it, but will never name it =)

What features does your machine have that work well for you?

I LOVE the Integral Dual Feed (fabric feed from top and bottom). It makes sewing with both, sheers and several thick layers so easy! Also, having 13 different needle positions is quite helpful and, of course, the needle up/down function.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?

Not really nuts, that’s too extreme. I do not quite like the position of the permanent reverse button. I keep missing it. That’s probably just me, though. I’d like to have more options for automatic buttonholes, but can do well enough with what I got.

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!

I had been looking for a good and affordable machine for months. Of course, I went to our local store on a regular basis. At some point, they were selling the machines they had on display. That made a perfectly good machine so much cheaper, but not cheap enough. I was extra lucky, though. A woman had bought the Pfaff ClassicStyle 2027 and brought it back unopened a few weeks later, because she didn’t have the time and nerve to learn all it’s features. So this machine was offered for good 500 € (almost 700 $) less than the usual retail price. Still a lot of money, but sewing machines are meant to last for a long time and I knew I wouldn’t get anything better or even just equal for less.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?

As the name says, this machine was developed for quilters. Yet, I do not think the harp is long enough for big projects. Therefore, even though it has nice stitches and functions, I am not sure I’d truly recommend it to the intendet target group. But I would recommend it to people like me, who mainly sew clothes, but also love to experiment, too. It’s rather easy to use, has enough power, nice functions, a good assortment of stitches, loads of accessories/ tools included or available for purchase… And that Integral Dual Feed I already mentioned above cannot be beaten. It probably was what made me buy a Pfaff in the first place.

What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?

Like most other people said, think about what you truly want to do with it: what features you need, what functions you’d like to have in addition, but could live without and what you truly do not need or want. Also, consider your budget, of course. I paid a bit more than originally planned, but only considering that a good sewing machine can last you a lifetime if you choose wisely.

I’d start looking for the perfect machine by getting brochures or browsing the web to see what’s even possible. Maybe you do not know you totally need the bobbin thread sensor until you read that it exists!

Do you have a dream machine?

Originally, I was obsessing about the Pfaff Expression 2028. More buttonholes, more stitches (including an alphabet), more buttonholes. It was just too expensive. If I didn’t believe in keeping a machine for at least half a lifetime (and if I had the money to spend), I’d now get the Pfaff Expression 4.0, for the longer harp and the bobbin thread sensor.

@Anette: Thank you for the lovely comment! The pattern you asked for is from the Burda issue mentioned in the title of the post. I don’t know where else to get it.

However, thank you SO MUCH for your lovely comments here, at Flickr, via email, messenger and phone!!! I am truly happy you appreciate my sewing efforts =)

@Kate Martinez: If you cannot get hold of that Burda issue 07/2008 anymore, you could always get the current one. Pattern number 115 is an almost exact replica of the one I used. Also, I think, I saw something similar from another pattern company, but I wasn’t able to find it anymore. I’ll keep my eyes open, it seems to be a popular style lately.

Here is a taste of what I meant to enter as top 5. Pattern # 2023 by Onion again, fabric “Maria Fleur” by Hilco. It’s a fine batiste with transparent woven stripes.

Last not least, there is a voting (still going on, I believe, but all those different time zones confuse me) for the best entries in the sewalong. Loser that I am, I didn’t even vote for a single of my own tops. I cannot help being far too honest and vote for what I truly think is best – that’s why I’ll never have a career *lol* On the other side, I cannot understand people who tell all their friends and family members to vote for their tops no matter what. That way, even when winning, you’ll never know if you really are good, if people really like what you do, you cannot be justly proud of your work. I don’t wanna be moralising, I just know the doubts would kill me if I did that myself.

But enough blahblah for one day. Hopefully, the next post won’t be too far away and I’ll be able to show you more crafty stuff. I certainly feel like being creative and updating here, there’s just so many necessary things that wanna be done, too – but, whom am I telling that.