NPRINS

Dear readers, I was in Jacksonville teaching while Tropical Storm Debby approached and passed us this week.  I was in a hotel during the deluge of precipitation when an idea struck and I braved the rains to shop at Michael for knitting and knitting related supplies! So, I bought the book Simple Knitting: A Complete How To Workshop with 20 Projects , some Japanese wooden needles and with the help of Video Jug  and  Knittinghelp.com    - I learned to knit. My creations so far are ridiculously offensive. I've learned the knit stitch, purl stitch, most combinations thereof, cast-on (two methods),  bind off.  I still have to learn increasing, decreasing, yarn off, and kitchenette.  But, good progress in a week.  I'm using wooden needles so far, feel free to add comments or suggestions. I've been inspired by seamsters and fabric artists Kristin  and  Katie . But, I've got a project on the horizon - a endless scarf or cowl. Here's some gr...

Dear readers, Final modern quilt square challenge, second try. A few weeks ago I attended a meeting of the Ventura Modern Quilt Guild.  When I asked why I joined -  I replied that I wanted to be excited and enthusiastic about quilting.  If you remember, I felt that while doing the actual quilting - rather than piecing - I literally felt that I was working in a sweatshop.  I discussed my concerns of my previous quilting experiences with the group. Photo courtesy of Chicago Historical Society,  Link Here. (they don't exactly looked thrilled, do they?) A few members thoughtfully offered that my issue with boredom is hat I was using a pattern, rather than my own design.  And, they shared that they felt the same issues with quilting patterns. But then I began to reflect on the experience.  Perhaps this is true as well with making commercial patterns.  I did very much enjoy making my own designs from my slopers (or basic blocks).  Of course with co...

Dear readers, I'm not sure if I have mentioned this - but I visited (on a work trip) Portland for a week.  I took my Brompton and rode around the city after hours.  I learned the quadrants, met with a custom bike builder (I'm planning on buying a custom or semi-custom bike) and went to several bike shops. The one fabric shop I was completely swooning over was a little more than 5 miles SSE of downtown  - Portland Woolen Mills  -  Here's a sampling of the fabrics I bought seriously on sale:  Riding back from the Woolen Mills (a side trip down Sweetwater trail) loaded up with fabric: It is worth it - I highly recommend it.  I didn't get to go to those other Portland sewing institutions, like Fabric Depot, Bolt or Scrap.  Next trip. Here is what I plan to make with the fabric draped on the dress form - this vest below was offered as part of the Pendleton Winter line this year (for an outrageous amount (I think $278?) - I purchased the fabric above fo...

Yes, Dear Readers, A new project.  Like I'm not busy enough, right (ok, enough of the Southern California colloquialism). What do you think? J. won't allow it in the house.  It needs some, let's say, refinishing. The treadle and existing machine do, seemingly stitch. I'm thinking of sanding and either staying with a light stain, natural or maple, if I can.  The veneer is rather thin - but on top about 1/4".  Or, perhaps a lighter paint.  I'm not sure yet.  My father thinks a cabinetmaker might be in order, obviously he knows my woodworking skills (and my dad is a general contractor). I also plan to convert this 1957 Singer 201K below  - which has a fabulous stitch - into the treadle machine.  My only concern is that it is a wonderful electric machine - and I have never previously treadled, as it were. Any thoughts? Stain or Paint?  What about switching the machine? P.S.  I'm getting on a knit shirt kick I believe (although I may quickly ...

Dear Readers, I finally finished, after two weeks, Simplicity 1806, View E with sleeves.  Although I must remark - I think you could potentially make this top in a day or less.  I spent a few hours total on the production. . . but did do some pattern drafting - which took me longer. Side note:  It's still a bit chilly here in Ventura, the heater was on this morning, and certainly not white linen pants weather (or style, for that matter) but it does show a great contrast with the top.  I plan to wear this blouse with jeans (and probably only, jeans). . .   Well, I am a bit down on patterns.  First, I have a bodice sloper that fits perfectly - so any commercial pattern I use - I must adjust - and I certainly tried, with mixed results.  It is, I think, more difficult to re-draft an existing pattern to conform to my sloper (or basic block) than to draft from scratch.  That said, I did get a palatable result.  Not perfect. The pattern: Here w...

Dear readers, Hooray - a new Japanese fabric and yarn store only a mile from my house!! I'm so happy!! Now, I have to get the word out!  The owner, Kelly is fantastic - and has run an successful Japanese fabric internet business for quite some time now (over 6 years) - check out Super Buzzy  - I'm just thrilled she has a store front on Main Street.  If fact I've bought from them online - and she has the best selection of Japanese fabrics - I've even purchased from her before. I bought some fabrics with the intention of making and posting some pictures of bright summer shirts/dresses! Extra wide cotton Soft Gauze (linen cotton) In all honesty - I'm happy our little hippy beach town of Ventura is inspiring artful entrepreneurs to start up their own shops!! This made my day!

Dear readers, I am an impatient quilter and am happy to be finished.  It was a beautiful day today (but cool) down at Emma Wood State Beach in Ventura.  Since I have the day off - I headed down to take some pictures:  The quilt is just sewn and remains unwashed.  Of course I did sew it using steam pressing (against my local quilt shop owner's wishes).  It should look even better when washed!  I could have designed some abstract design on the back - but was simply too lazy:)  If it was a bit warmer I could have stayed out all day.  Wonderful breeze.  Our little bridge connected the two beach state parks in Ventura.  Close up of the straight line stitching.  Not perfect.  But I enjoy the imperfections. The Bernina 430 is really as good as they say for quilting - a beautiful stitch.  I think the all metal insides make a big difference - especially in the bobbin. Wow!  I wish I were in the water.  I'm a bit fatigued ...