My first baby blanket!

Here are a few pictures of my 1st completed baby blanket!  I'm so proud!

Pattern Review
Pattern - Lion Brand Yarn Seed Stitch Baby Blanket (#kpl-bafg)
Yarn - Lion Brand Yarn / Pound of Love - Antique White
Knitting Needles - Size 10 (US)

**Note on the pattern - this pattern is for a hooded baby blanket.  I didn't have any yarn needles, and I didn't have any sewing needles that I could use on the yarn - so, I omitted the hood.  This is just the blanket part of the pattern.

The pattern was very straight forward - although, I had to get used to the feel of the seed stitch (k1, p1) which felt very awkward when I first started this blanket.  So, the majority of the first half of the blanket - all I did was learn this stitch.  LOL! 

I made this blanket specifically for a baby shower gift for someone at my job.  The blanket was a big hit.  Although, it didn't cost me much money (approx. $8) - I had to buy size 10 needles, but, at least I was able to buy the yarn half price during a sale.  It did cost me quite a bit of time.  I've been stressing over the whole rain inside my apartment drama - so, this knitting project was a welcome distraction. 

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

The Great Flood(s) of 2013

I haven't been sewing lately and with good reason....
In all the years that I've lived in Atlanta (and, I've been here for 7 years), I've never known it to rain so much!  Needless to say, although it hasn't been flooding in the streets of my neighborhood, my dining room / sewing studio is a different story.

Every time it rains (every few days), I've been moving everything out of the dining room and into the living room.  I know, it seems like I should leave everything in the living room, but there's just not enough space to walk through to the bedroom / bathroom.  Hopefully, the maintenance team can finally fix this leak (for good) and I can get back to sewing. 

In the meantime, I have spent some time knitting - I'll post pictures soon!

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

2 Completed Knitting Projects

In my blog post on Friday, April 19th - She Sews... And, She Knits - I told you that I learned how to knit.  Well, since then, I've completed 2 knitting projects.

Disclaimer: Before you continue reading, I need you to know that I haven't made anything.  Well, I made 2 things, but... Maybe, you should just keep reading....




1st completed knitting project

Here's my 1st completed Knitting Project....

Of course, I made it - I love it!  But, it isn't anything.  It isn't long enough to be a scarf or anything like that.  It's just rows of knit or purl stitch.  This took me approximately 12 hours to complete.  I learned the basics on this piece, but honestly - it wasn't until around the 9th or 10th hour that I really had a feel for the knitting needles and hit a groove with knitting.

This project was started in my knitting class and will be donated to the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art for this year's yarn bomb. 

 



This is my 2nd completed Knitting Project....





Baby Blanket Pattern - Test size

While working on my 1st project, I realized that I really love knitting.  It is SO relaxing!  And, a few minutes / hours - really helps me put my day (but, really my life) in perspective.



This project will be donated to the yarn bomb!

 

I was using a baby blanket pattern to try and figure out if I will be able to make a blanket.  What I learned: on the first half (the top half of the kite), it was the increasing side and my stitches were rather tight.  Tight stitches are easy to manage when you are increasing.  As, I started on the decreasing side, the tight stitches were too tight to knit two together, so I made the stitches a little loose.  If I made all of the stitches the same size, it would look more like a square than a kite.  What I know now: I could make a blanket.  And, I want to try to make one soon!

Sidebar: The topic for this post, could have been - Yes, I like colorful yarn! 

Needles Up,
Always Audrey





I make earrings!

One of the reasons that I haven't had time to sew is that I've been doing the most (typical)!  And, I started making earrings!  Oh, yeah!

Wal-Mart had earring making kits on clearance a few months ago.... So, of course a kit came home with me - and, transformed into 4 beautiful pairs of earrings.  And, in typical Audrey style - I don't have any clear pictures (of the earrings) while I'm wearing them. 

White & Silver Earrings





Silver Earrings - I probably could have taken a better picture







Pink Earrings





And, my most challenging piece - Brown Heart Earrings



Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Mission Statement

Over the course of the last few months, I felt like I was trying to do way too many things all at the same time.  Part of problem was that I was over-committing my time.  The other part, was that I was seriously underestimating the amount of time and motivation that I needed to work on things.  So, I have a lot of projects that I started (or, should I say --> half-finished) since the beginning of the year (including, V8815 top, S1906 dress, 1 crochet & 1 knit project for the yarn bomb). 

That's why I decided to revisit my Mission Statement.  I completed this exercise a few years ago, but I needed to assess where I am now and make sure that all of the things that I'm working on fit in with my ultimate mission / purpose.  I realize that I need to work on managing my commitments, and making sure I finish what I start (didn't I just go through this at the beginning of the year - OMG!), but I found that I am mostly on the right track.

If you want to create your own Mission Statement, visit Franklin Covey - Mission Statement Builder.  This is a great website that will have you answer a series of questions to come up with your personal Mission Statement.  I went through all of the questions one day, then spent a day or two thinking before I completed my answers.

Audrey's Mission Statement 2013

I am at my best when 1) I know what's expected of me; 2) I have an opportunity to be creative; and, 3) I feel comfortable communicating my thoughts. 
I will try to prevent times when 1) I'm not able to communicate my thoughts; 2) my creativity is hampered; and, 3) expectations and goals haven't been clearly communicated.
I will enjoy my work by finding employment where I can solve problems, think critically, think creatively, work through issues, explain problems, and work with others to find solutions.
I will find enjoyment in my personal life through dancing, sewing, knitting, crocheting, planning, organizing, re-organizing, making lists, cooking, baking, listening to music, and reading.
I will find opportunities to use my natural talents and gifts such as public speaking, decision making, problem solving, cheer leading, being persuasive, and being a friend.
I can do anything I set my mind to, therefore, I will start a clothing line, make a movie, write a book, go back to school and get my degree, and volunteer teaching kids and/or adults crafts.
My life's journey is full of smaller battles that continually challenge me to evolve into the person that I have always been destined to be. I sometimes wish that I was the most courageous or the bravest, but I am not.  And yet, I continually learn that I am better than I was before the newest battle started.
I will be a person who is surrounded by friends, family and members of either the community or my local church.  I desire to be known as the epitome of a lady that is kind, generous, decisive and quick witted always speaking with power and conviction. 
My most important future contribution to others will be smiles, laughter, honesty, and compassion.
Although, I don't procrastinate - since, I always start or make an attempt - I will be mindful of the number of things that I start at one time.  I will endeavor to make realistic goals / time lines and not have more than 4 new projects (especially, crafts) going at one time. 
I will strive to incorporate the following attributes into my life:

• Courage & Strength
• Expressing myself clearly
• Believing in myself again

I will constantly renew myself by focusing on the four dimensions of my life:

• Eating balanced, nutritious & delicious meals, working out, dancing, resting
• Praying & mediating; spending time reading (non-fiction & self-help books)
• Staying organized, writing down goals & dreams, using my planner, staying on plan financially, making sure I make time for fun/relaxation and for work/budget
• Spending time with friends, volunteering

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Inspiration from Chadwicks

I love these separates....
Together, they offer so many options.  That's how I feel about my V8541 collection...




Needles Up,
Always Audrey

She Sews and.... She KNITS!

Me Made Monday - Monday, April 15th -  V8541 Pink Skirt & Black RTW sweater

Katie & yarn covered shopping cart courtesy of Marietta Daily Journal

I want to send a very special "Thank You" to Katie & Susan  for inviting me and teaching me how to knit.

July 6th the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art (MCMA) will unveil it's "Yarn Bomb." The goal will be to cover portions of the museum in hand (yarn) crafted material.  As part of this initiative, the museum has hosted Knitting & Crocheting Workshops where you could learn the basics - thereby, being able to contribute to the final project! 

And, I learned how to KNIT!

So, I've always wanted (sidebar - why do I start so many sentences with "so." OMG!) to learn how to knit, but with the two needles it just wasn't something that I could pick up by myself.  I signed up for the workshop and attended last night - Thursday, April 18th.  The very gracious Susan, a MCMA volunteer, taught me how to knit in just under 2 hours.  I've learned the following techniques:

Cast On
Knit Stitch
Purl Stitch
Bind Off

I started with a small multi-colored (mostly, pinks & yellows) cotton ball of yarn and once I finish it - I'll be sure to post a picture of my work before I turn it in.  And, of course - in typical Audrey style - I totally forgot to take any pictures last night during the workshop.

The museum will accept knit/crocheted donations until June 1st.  If you have any finished or nearly finished projects that you would like to donate - the more the merrier....  For more information, here's a link to the Yarn Installation Page on the MCMA website.

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Inspiration from St John

This dress reminds me of Simplicity 1609 - View C.... Now, all I need to do is find the right fabric.

 

Simplicity 1609 - the pink dress, View C

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Inspiration from St John

I think the one thing I love the most about St John is that the looks are always so classy & classic....

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Easter Skirt / V8541 for the very last time....

Monday, April 8th - MMM - Purple V8541 Skirt with Black RTW top

Essential Top Sew A Long Update - I haven't finished my shirt.... I wasn't able to spend any time this past weekend sewing like I initially planned.  Hopefully, I'll be able to work on it this weekend to complete the shirt.

V8541 Skirt - Pink & White Plaid Yarn Dyed Rayon Suiting

Of course, I love this pattern - and, it's officially retired now that I've completed this skirt.  I love the fabric - it's super soft against my skin.  Even though, I kept saying that I was going to finish the skirt to wear it to church on Easter Sunday - I didn't finish the hem until that morning.  OMG!  But, it worked out... I didn't take any pictures on Easter, but here a few shots of me wearing it to work.  Thanks, Roxy for snapping my pic!

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Best TV Show: The Great British Sewing Bee

I heard about the best new TV Show - The Great British Sewing Bee through Cidell's post on the show on her blog Miss Celie's Pants

The absolute best part is that this show is based on home sewers competing to see who is the best.  They use patterns (the first challenge was a McCall's skirt)!  I mean, I love watching Project Runway, but - that's so not who I am or what I'm able to do right now. 

And, I so feel (okay, once I get a little faster) that I could totally be on this show!  On the first episode, there were 3 challenges (I want to tell you, but you might want to see it for your self) - and, I was thinking could have done that (again, once I get a little faster)!

When I saw this last night, I said that I would watch the first few minutes - then, bookmark it to view later.... Until, I started watching.  The next thing I knew the show was over.  I really enjoyed watching this program from BBC.  I almost can't wait for Tuesday when the next episode will air.

 If you want more information - just click on the name of the show.... The Great British Sewing Bee  It's a link to the BBC web page.

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Inspiration from Burberry

I first saw a link to this amazing Burberry "Kickback Lace Trench Coat" on Erica B's - D.I.Y. Style.  And, I totally love, love, love this jacket.  It's way beyond my basic skills right now, but this amazing jacket gives me yet another reason to continue learning and striving with my sewing endeavors.

 

What I love about this jacket: color, style, LACE, and, of course, the kick-pleat on the back!

 

 

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

The 2nd Quarter Begins..... Sewing Updates

Today, is Monday, April 1st -- Me Made Monday: I'm wearing V8541 Black Skirt and a RTW top


I haven't done nearly as much as I thought I would at the beginning of the year.  As I'm looking ahead to the next few weeks, I hope that I will be able to get more sewing done.  Needless to say, there's an issue at work and although, it's not my issue --> it is my issue.  So, for the next few weeks, I'll be working Monday - Friday.  That means more time before and after work to get sewing.  And, a chance to get caught up on reading all of my favorite blogs.

The weather made a drastic change last week, so I wasn't able to wear (or, take pictures) of the projects that I have completed.  Hopefully, Atlanta's fickle weather will work with me this week!

Projects in Progress
V8815 Top - Essential Top Sew A Long. I did prepared the pattern, but I still haven't cut the fabric.  I haven't been able to work on this project as I initially planned (issues at work - smh), but I hope to have a completed shirt by the deadline.

Fabric Samples - I need to organize my fabric samples. With the 1 year challenge - I want to be able to plan the different projects that I want to make over the course of the year. So, I don't have a repeat of last year - specifically, all bottoms & no tops. Also, I want to make sure I'm working on projects where the colors work well together (to create a functional wardrobe). OMG!

NL6757 Jumpsuit - I was able to pin up the halter pants on my mom to get an idea of the fit. I may decide to get a different zipper - I was going to use black for me, but I'll try to find a pink zipper that matches the fabric for mommie. I need to read / watch you tube on inserting zippers. 3/31/2013: I really need to finish this so that I can send it to my mom for Mother's Day. Where did the time go?

V8541 Skirt- I want to get this pink skirt (and, hopefully a jacket) finished before the weather changes for good. Once, I make this skirt - I'm retiring this pattern (it starts at size 16, and, now I'm between a 12-14 in bottoms). 3/15: I spent some time with this skirt. Since, it's been a while since it was originally cut (and, re-cut) I ironed the pieces and finished the construction. Now, I just need to finish the hem. I'm planning on wearing it on Easter Sunday (although, I'll wear it before then - haha!), but I may need to buy some shoes (LOL!).  3/31/2013:  I decided to wear a pair of shoes that I have.  And, I finished the hem of the skirt this morning before heading to church.  My plans were to finish it sooner, but, the weather changed last week and I wouldn't have been able to wear it.... So, there went my motivation to get 'er done.

V1250 Dress - I've been able to get this dress fitted to my shape and now I can finally finish it! I've taken out a total of 3 inches from each side and now the dress fits perfectly (well, it's only basted) when I try it on. 3/15/2013 Before I finished this dress, I marked on the pattern pieces the size that should be cut for the waist and below, since I didn't make a FBA. Winning! I'll post a review once I'm able to get some pictures.... OH, yeah!

Brand Spanking New Projects
NL6130 - I want to make the sleeveless peplum top (View C) and the zippered skirt. I have a few different cuts of cotton fabric and now, I just need to decide which colors I want to work with to achieve my desired look. 

V7975 - Jacket using the pink and white fabric. Originally, this is something that I wanted to have completed by now, but my life has gotten in the way.

Projects for Fall / Winter Sewing
Infinity Scarf - I don't have a pattern for this, but I saw a great tutorial.

V1320 (Winter Coat) - I have the pattern, I may have the fabric (I have fabric, but I'm not sure if I want to use it for this jacket) - the biggest thing will be mustering up the courage to do it.

Completed


Color Coding Chart
Black - Project Completed 2nd Quarter 2013
Red - New Project (pattern and/or fabric hasn't been cut)
Purple - Project in Progress that needs more work..... (in example, needs to be hemmed)
Blue - Project in Progress that is very close to completion (wearable) or is completed, but needs to be reviewed.

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Inspiration from St John

I so love this jacket.  This is the reason I want to sew.... So that I can make things like this!

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Inspiration from NING.com

I first saw this dress on Melanie's blog --> It's Melanie, Darling
And, I absolutely love this look!
I love the color, the drape, the hem line and the sleeves.... OMG!

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Update: Essential Top Sew-A-Long

Today, is Monday, March 25th -- Me Made Monday: I'm wearing V8541 Black Pants and a Red RTW top

Faye of Faye's Sewing Adventure is hosting a new sew a long.... And, I put my name on the list to make an Essential TOP!

Of course, as soon as I signed up to participate in the sew-a-long.  There's a problem at work and I need to work OT - to help get the issue resolved.  So, I didn't do as much as I hoped this weekend, but I have at least made a start.

1) I have assembled all of the materials that I will need: fabric, zipper, thread, bobbin, and sewing kit
2) I read through all of the instructions (really, I'm a visual person - I have to see it in my mind before I can do it)
3) I cut my pattern pieces.... This took some time.  I debated between cutting a size 18 and a size 20.  Although, either size will likely be too big.  Since, I'm still learning about making an FBA and, I don't want to make a shirt that's too small.  I decided to cut the size 20.  I can make a big shirt smaller, but too small is just too small.

I really should make a muslin before cutting my fashion fabric.  I know I should, but I like to jump all in (I know, famous last words).  So, I'll be cutting into my zebra print fabric for this project.  If it's any consolation - it's 100% cotton and I can get more cotton fabric.

I didn't need to pre-treat the fabric because I've already done that.  I will iron the fabric before I cut out the pieces.

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Inspiration from Chanel

I like this jacket - although, I don't like the way it's been styled.  I wish she wasn't standing in such an awkward pose - I would love to see the definition of the jacket in the shoulders and across the bust.... (Fall/Winter 2013 collection)

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Inspiration from Cato

Faye of Faye's Sewing Adventure is hosting a new sew a long.... And, even though I just finished the 2nd skirt I said I would make during her last sew a long (Carnival of Skirts in October) - I put my name on the list to make an Essential TOP!

Here's my inspiration piece from Cato....
I will be making a zebra (black & white) print peplum top.  I have all of the materials that I need.  And, I already have a few bottoms that will match perfectly.

So here goes!

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Inspiration from St John

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Class Review: The Biology of Color

** I served as an ambassador (volunteer) during the Original Sewing & Quilt Expo.  I was the class assistant for "The Biology of Color."

** I'm hesitant to post this review because I didn't pay for the class and I didn't go through all of the projects with the instructor and the other students.  I decided to post because I initially thought this class wouldn't be a good fit for me based on the title and the description (don't judge a book by it's color - pun intended), but I was wrong.

"The Biology of Color" is a class that's designed to teach you how your eye sees color (biology) and how that affects the overall look of your finished product (all of the examples are quilts).  The instructor, June Colburn (www.junecolburn.com) provided the students with a booklet "Color and Design" and swatches of about 30-40 different fabrics (it could have been more).  Each student was responsible for bringing the required materials (pen, scissors, tape, etc) and an optional glue stick.  **You need all of the materials to effectively work through the in-class assignments.

Through various projects - you see the colors (primary, secondary, tertiary) and then, you work through looking at those same groups different ways (i.e. "toddler" primary, very red, yellow, blue vs. "country" primary, dark red, gold, navy).  There are other assignments that deal with tint, tone, and shade (going from light to dark) and contrast.  As you work through the assignments, you use the fabric swatches to create a color handbook that you can later reference.

Although, the class was geared to quilters as a fashion sewer, I felt this was exactly what I needed to be made more aware of.  Especially, as I gear up for a one year no-RTW challenge.  June was very thorough, she patiently answered all questions and she made this a very interesting (and, challenging) class.  The class lasted 3 hours, but I barely noticed the time.  It was especially interesting, seeing everyone choose a different swatch for a color (i.e. different shades of red).

I would highly recommend this class to anyone who is interested in learning more about color or anyone planning on working on a large project (i.e. a quilt or wardrobe).  This class will have you looking at color, texture, and fabric in a new light!

Needles Up,
Always Audrey