tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11888311840425674552024-03-13T00:16:38.472-07:00craft. knit. sew. - a collection of creativity and pretty things.One woman's collection of creativity and pretty things.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188831184042567455.post-76745515847125887132011-04-19T01:50:00.000-07:002011-04-19T01:50:30.615-07:00Getting Reaquainted with your Mother's 10+ year old Serger is Not Easy...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpA2Gjj_bHYWJZqMyyWYnY8sA7hOypJtkiMnVB3CWYdwXH0vvrG0POIAb-Fwg_JRzq-rUcXagH0-EIWYFKAQkZkxqAjCX5R-OWwB0prvrlxhO6DfvT-u8NZcZbFvkZe4fzuEvDAFlHQhM/s1600/IMG_0049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpA2Gjj_bHYWJZqMyyWYnY8sA7hOypJtkiMnVB3CWYdwXH0vvrG0POIAb-Fwg_JRzq-rUcXagH0-EIWYFKAQkZkxqAjCX5R-OWwB0prvrlxhO6DfvT-u8NZcZbFvkZe4fzuEvDAFlHQhM/s1600/IMG_0049.jpg" /></a></div><br />
But, at least I'm not afraid of it like I was when I was 13. When she first purchased it, I remember being amazed by what it could do. I didn't know the first bit about truly sewing. But, I knew about playing with machines and fabric, much to my mother's chagrin.<br />
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Fast forward to now. The serger was sitting a box, lonely and forlorn. My mother had long since moved on from her interest in sewing. There left only me and my desire to overcome my discomfort of the complicated machine.<br />
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I kept visualizing the finished edges and how pretty they would look. Then, I became determined to do it. I followed the color guides on the machine, followed the illustrations in the manual and finally - after all of these years - did it!<br />
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The reason why I was so interested in fixing the serger?<br />
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There's a project that I discovered on Presser Foot: <a href="http://presserfoot.blogspot.com/2010/06/inspiration-anthro-catch-and-release.html">Inspiration Anthro : Catch and Release Scarf </a>. I won't get into details yet - as I'm doing a few reviews this week on the different projects I've been working on. But, I'm inspired by how I've taught myself how to use elastic thread to gather fabric, based on the tutorial.<br />
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Most importantly, I've fixed the Singer serger so that I do not have to do annoying pressed rolled hems to finish the edges!<br />
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More updates to come soon! Until then, check out my new cooking blog, <a href="http://www.blogger.com/">The Farmer, Cook and Spoon</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188831184042567455.post-82737810535850986862011-04-07T11:23:00.000-07:002011-04-07T23:14:20.688-07:00Sew: The Dinner Party Dress - Simplicity 2580 with Vogue 8379 sleeves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2loCik3G2QFkT_KqZfhuKLKw6jJLJfmScW26d0GOdsKVGvPsjj-ofl_hFTVQGX9IE7WILdtCDyX_k_HHoMj-0hpmaZJ4myxfTvVbV9YLKu6eAHUSKdAC91eue0EIn2UwjRohRIeJ_DcA/s1600/IMG_0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2loCik3G2QFkT_KqZfhuKLKw6jJLJfmScW26d0GOdsKVGvPsjj-ofl_hFTVQGX9IE7WILdtCDyX_k_HHoMj-0hpmaZJ4myxfTvVbV9YLKu6eAHUSKdAC91eue0EIn2UwjRohRIeJ_DcA/s1600/IMG_0018.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br>
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Nothing says "wear me to a nice dinner party at Kendall's Brasserie and Bar in Downtown Los Angeles" quite like Simplicity 2580 with sleeves.<br>
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"What what?" You might find yourself asking. "Simplicity 2580 doesn't have sleeves! It comes with those kind of kiddy playtime flutter sleeve caps! Those aren't sleeves - those are arm cap sunburn protectors!"<br>
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But, Vogue 8379 has sleeves. Perfect 3/4th sleeves. Connect the dots. Knit to knit. Can it work?<br>
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Well, in my best Kool-Aid man voice, "Ohhhh yeah..."<br>
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<a href="http://craftknitsew.blogspot.com/2011/04/sew-dinner-party-dress-simplicity-2580.html#more">...Read More Here »</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188831184042567455.post-18949673914689639472011-04-05T14:46:00.000-07:002011-04-07T23:17:47.438-07:00Sew: Simplicity 2580, View C, Midnight Goddess<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMW-nTkrMzq7-y-wLYXRbLUM49Sbbtck0ekR91vBqKgYmGlExCMIra04uCKKEqH9zWTcTchPHXVhKOHnJNgpCYVaQWOyqyQyUWUIdc1S2negYJHyJZA1uaPHF_5pVTRxOxTZzRuhC2TMc/s1600/IMG_0314-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMW-nTkrMzq7-y-wLYXRbLUM49Sbbtck0ekR91vBqKgYmGlExCMIra04uCKKEqH9zWTcTchPHXVhKOHnJNgpCYVaQWOyqyQyUWUIdc1S2negYJHyJZA1uaPHF_5pVTRxOxTZzRuhC2TMc/s1600/IMG_0314-Edit.jpg"></a></div><br>
I needed this dress like a woman walking away from a one night stand who needs satisfaction after being underwhelmed. <br>
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This dress, for me, is like a deep red merlot from Hunt Cellars in Paso Robles. It's like a cooking and techniques class at Williams-Sonoma, where the presenter is friendly and gives you extra portions to taste. It's like a smile and conversation with a nice guy that has a friendly large dog and no wedding ring. <br>
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Yes, it's just that good. <br>
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After the horrible bastard child fail of <a href="http://craftknitsew.blogspot.com/2011/04/sew-mashup-fail-simplicity-3503-halter.html">Sew: Mashup Fail= Simplicity 3503 halter bodice with Simplicity 2580 waist and skirt combo</a>, I needed something to reaffirm my ability to sit in front of a sewing machine and construct a wearable piece of work. <br>
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<a href="http://craftknitsew.blogspot.com/2011/04/sew-simplicity-2580-view-c-midnight.html#more">...Read More Here »</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188831184042567455.post-53266905807498328672011-04-05T12:56:00.000-07:002011-04-07T23:02:46.938-07:00Musing: "Daybreaker"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdNjpJn8uHv6FhZlbpk18eMJtwrrOlU6CCp-Lh1StO9i8539LWlrDHuf6dpmxxzxdbNq2jGvs2YAKfH6Im0tKM6Km832khSnLp_tTLoBlmL3JVhkg4kAPuQ3xuRqsjs1UjhxwaEt6Zh4/s1600/IMG_5314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdNjpJn8uHv6FhZlbpk18eMJtwrrOlU6CCp-Lh1StO9i8539LWlrDHuf6dpmxxzxdbNq2jGvs2YAKfH6Im0tKM6Km832khSnLp_tTLoBlmL3JVhkg4kAPuQ3xuRqsjs1UjhxwaEt6Zh4/s1600/IMG_5314.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"<i>We, we burn our boats each new year<br />
Silently watching the flames and the old life disappear<br />
We're burning new sunrise into yesterday's skies<br />
An ashen fingerprint melts into the sea</i>"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">-"Daybreaker" by Beth Orton</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I took this photo during my last trip to Santa Cruz, California. The ocean was breaking violently onto the jagged cliffs below where I stood. I had wanted to see the natural bridges. Instead, I stood overlooking the ocean as the sun met the horizon. I noticed a single man that dared to go further than the rest of us, climbing down to the beach and upon this ledge. The ocean crashed upon the stone in front of him as he stared. Then, quite calmly, he turned and walked away. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This song means so much to me on so many different levels. Maybe it's time I started teaching myself how to drape and make this feeling of emotion that this song invokes within me interpreted through a dress vs a scarf's color scheme. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The energy of emotion and creativity is so intertwined within me. Which is why I'm so connected to the music that I listen to. I love music with lyrics that make sense and speak volumes regarding the various shades of the human condition. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This certainly will be a creatively interesting project. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188831184042567455.post-15079467464500700992011-04-05T12:26:00.000-07:002011-04-07T23:15:09.235-07:00Knit: "Purple Haze" Scarf - Mellow Shades of Relaxed Comfort<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhupNRONxT_weZLm5XmB0_jyKFE7SapBECw5rZob99zNnEVXgDET2XM8Qyn4kvr3kU-64AY7H_WSQ2jRkXvxe8ZK3wT4c3tTvMvU1SegYWLzlqoGuu5Op5o492waugQQeaOUIfEQrsKl4/s1600/IMG_0465-Edit-2.jpg" width="512"></div><br>
A lovely purple scarf done on my knitting board with two rows of crocheted stitches at each end for an added finish.<br>
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It's half the width of my usual scarves and much longer. It looks bright and perfect for a rainy California day and wonderful for an added color boost. It feels long, luscious and fantastic on.<br>
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And the best part? I created it without skipping even one looping stitch on my board! Something tells me that I'm getting better at this knitting board thing.<br>
<a href="http://craftknitsew.blogspot.com/2011/04/knit-purple-haze-scarf.html#more">...Read More Here »</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188831184042567455.post-84767510181910456302011-04-01T22:52:00.000-07:002011-04-07T23:40:27.917-07:00Sew: Mashup Fail= Simplicity 3503 halter bodice with Simplicity 2580 waist and skirt combo.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5brrYPW96Gz1FPP_W8F1a0CX9tERV8iV8rgadxG5X4IWINr1uNLRZIcNfrgdFMsWLXDPzuLcF5IvRwqpk2iSAmxKYmbl4FQTNfX0sYCNOa-0zcrp34482QcSmCvLWqGyWfou25ZEiWM/s1600/5ecfeaef-839e-4428-96b5-0b5843a26229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5brrYPW96Gz1FPP_W8F1a0CX9tERV8iV8rgadxG5X4IWINr1uNLRZIcNfrgdFMsWLXDPzuLcF5IvRwqpk2iSAmxKYmbl4FQTNfX0sYCNOa-0zcrp34482QcSmCvLWqGyWfou25ZEiWM/s1600/5ecfeaef-839e-4428-96b5-0b5843a26229.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br>
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One look at <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/patterns/sewingpatterns.pl?patternid=17519">Simplicity 3503</a>'s halter style and I was in sewing love. Reminding me of my favorite <a href="http://www.americanapparel.com/rsa8339.html?cid=29">American Apparel Cotton Spandex Jersey Bandeau Dress</a>, I love how halters create a fantastic bust line with a good shaping bra and waist line drape.<br>
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However, what I didn't like about 3503 was the gathers at the midriff front. Nor, did I like the midriff design. But, I <i>did</i> like <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/patterns/sewingpatterns.pl?patternid=29295">Simplicity 2580</a>. And they <i>are</i> such similar patterns...<br>
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So, what's a good sewer to do? Why, a mashup, of course!<br>
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........Until you realize that you are utterly sick of the color red, the halter hits too high, the center seam is ugly and you want to throw it in all into the fireplace and burn it while drinking a glass of wine.<br>
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<a href="http://craftknitsew.blogspot.com/2011/04/sew-mashup-fail-simplicity-3503-halter.html#more">...Read More Here »</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188831184042567455.post-9204238681432784702011-03-31T17:09:00.000-07:002011-04-07T23:07:18.483-07:00Sew: The Wrap Dress of Legends - Vogue 8379<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0daUF0JencTN-32SSbnSaSvOxST145ECi7OHwSWIxQBZpPWRrysF3JHxIUr3kwJsom_T2tI5xsE6QiHgPSX4Pu3NrPg3Lo8CVkLadIV4Cr5kmPIU-pJgt4w2L7odWO1E4a8LORm6qX_U/s1600/IMG_0249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0daUF0JencTN-32SSbnSaSvOxST145ECi7OHwSWIxQBZpPWRrysF3JHxIUr3kwJsom_T2tI5xsE6QiHgPSX4Pu3NrPg3Lo8CVkLadIV4Cr5kmPIU-pJgt4w2L7odWO1E4a8LORm6qX_U/s1600/IMG_0249.jpg"> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love this dress. I love this dress. I love this dress. I love this dress. I love this dress.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>I love this dress.</b></span></div><br>
<a href="http://craftknitsew.blogspot.com/2011/03/sew-wrap-dress-of-legends-vogue-8379.html#more">...Read More Here »</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188831184042567455.post-90065077443888572292011-03-31T14:38:00.000-07:002011-04-07T23:09:39.614-07:00Craft: Photography Correspondence Cards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt70SfhIhH_akJs3dDETGVG6o-R2Sk6D9VZcpc3_7_vRYfWGwb-ciFgW99IbV-jj_o42ELYbRj6s9uUu7RkulNQBtNmK2nT1kCVwHP211ACzjp40Pc-WQ1AIl-CBoqiYjyzXyDvm7SoMY/s1600/IMG_0208.jpg"></div><br>
Why go out and buy a ton of unpersonalized correspondence cards when you can just as easily make your own of a more personalized nature? I love creating my own photography correspondence cards because they combine the creativity of my photography, the craftiness of design and the easy to read nature of computer printing.<br>
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This particular card was a condolence for a friend's father's passing. Hence, the photo of a cross that I took during a road trip in Utah last year.<br>
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Now, let's begin... <br>
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<a href="http://craftknitsew.blogspot.com/2011/03/craft-photography-correspondence-cards.html#more">...Read More Here »</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188831184042567455.post-12612385488305430992011-03-30T16:13:00.000-07:002011-04-07T23:42:13.829-07:00Knit: "Ventura Beach" - Crocheted Long Scarf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDX7M4tRQjERxhyYUs1_oy-jxPSkN3xn4Iv91wCUHEflgM9FsD56rYELcqBkidsnQSpZGpmbvYJGSUE_Fq7p6gaD1K341Rq8K6gKht65oziH7JAEdQQ01FqZbiwaUdvv60AbNJm6_156g/s1600/IMG_0155.jpg"></div><br>
This was the spark of inspiration that started my knitting journey. The Sunday morning following my first Craft's Day with <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Crafty-LA/">Sewing, Crafts, & Creative Projects @ Los Angeles</a>, I woke up with very weird idea to knit a blanket. That blanket turned into this rather pretty long, undulating in color scarf. <br>
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Yarn used for this gorgeous work: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00114TF5U/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=blenheal-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00114TF5U">Caron Jumbo Print Yarn (10-oz) - Country Basket Ombre</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=&l=as2&o=1&a=B00114TF5U" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1">, also available from your local JoAnn's. <br>
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More photos after the jump...<br>
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<a href="http://craftknitsew.blogspot.com/2011/03/review-ventura-beach-crocheted-long.html#more">...Read More Here »</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188831184042567455.post-11793856375164610572011-03-30T15:40:00.000-07:002011-04-07T23:13:03.817-07:00Knit: "Shades of Red" - My Very First Knitting Board Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CcfY817RdGbzHL0nm6D4lShpdELU0vFOshFyU2YB4_P1ucGTanoiQIIWwJet6yrza4xYbxXAQdgmGoiUvNmZBOQxIjqUZvzynq_6tg3VsL_XBhBTyHxyidDIQkMF1vbk4mqst5Ve2xw/s1600/IMG_0083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CcfY817RdGbzHL0nm6D4lShpdELU0vFOshFyU2YB4_P1ucGTanoiQIIWwJet6yrza4xYbxXAQdgmGoiUvNmZBOQxIjqUZvzynq_6tg3VsL_XBhBTyHxyidDIQkMF1vbk4mqst5Ve2xw/s1600/IMG_0083.jpg"></a></div><br>
Ahh, February. Seems so long ago that I purchased my knitting board. And this was my first knitting board project!<br>
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This was a simple project with thin yard: "Sensations -Rainbow Boucle, A soft and versatile, tonal boucle" from JoAnn's private label. It's a big pounder from Joann's in a beautiful light to burgundy gradient. A great color booster for an outfit.<br>
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Another pretty picture after the jump...<br>
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<a href="http://craftknitsew.blogspot.com/2011/03/review-shades-of-red-my-very-first.html#more">...Read More Here »</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188831184042567455.post-35659106941285861012011-03-29T17:46:00.000-07:002011-04-07T23:18:29.156-07:00Sew: The Hotness - Simplicity 2580<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTv9JgA3kEDOOn2vMGPQwTrCDE_yOi3YGi0aZqZhKtP6Rl26wlaMoAk5dFlEsDbGW_bGIOhzW0b4wJL5ZQw13aZ6Wh4FFLdl2pMXrd2i6uyKPCH2Fen3aVnXRP-KwYXWdRzkm6YnF4yo/s1600/IMG_0077-Edit-hz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTv9JgA3kEDOOn2vMGPQwTrCDE_yOi3YGi0aZqZhKtP6Rl26wlaMoAk5dFlEsDbGW_bGIOhzW0b4wJL5ZQw13aZ6Wh4FFLdl2pMXrd2i6uyKPCH2Fen3aVnXRP-KwYXWdRzkm6YnF4yo/s1600/IMG_0077-Edit-hz.jpg"></a></div><br>
After my successful sewing of the Vogue 8184 Diane Von Furstenberg style wrap dress with a beautiful black Sew Classics Ponte Roma knit, I immediately thought about doing it again. So, I went to Joann's with the image of making a red wrap.<br>
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Clearly, I forgot about my tendency to become uninterested in patterns if I make one right after the other. <br>
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So, I set the red knit away for a bit and pondered my choices while flipping through my pattern book. McCalls 240, look F? Well... maybe. But then, my eyes settled on Simplicity 2580.<br>
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The result? The Hotness. <br>
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<a href="http://craftknitsew.blogspot.com/2011/03/review-hotness-simplicity-2580.html#more">...Read More Here »</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188831184042567455.post-86977603688400960662011-03-29T15:01:00.000-07:002011-04-07T23:19:37.757-07:00Sew: It's a Wrap! - Butterick 5030 Wrap Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSf34vwzP3RzRLKIHwAWiTEznChGudTFe1_-NivKLAAbtUE5OnZnmoABN0DkX-GzcwiDSSkBmLbXz3p30Bd98R18ycbQttBNhay62B8kiXb-DrF7YuqM6gbfFc21giMvw3f7dOMCXNlQ/s1600/IMG_0030-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfSf34vwzP3RzRLKIHwAWiTEznChGudTFe1_-NivKLAAbtUE5OnZnmoABN0DkX-GzcwiDSSkBmLbXz3p30Bd98R18ycbQttBNhay62B8kiXb-DrF7YuqM6gbfFc21giMvw3f7dOMCXNlQ/s1600/IMG_0030-Edit.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br>
Wrapping around the female form in a fitting manor to her shape, a wrap dress is supposed feel secure, functional and overall be a complimentary fit. I absolutely love the feeling of comfort, security and style of my Vogue 8184 DVF wrap dress. The front fold overs cover the whole body, allowing the wearer to sit comfortably. Everything works together to create a balanced and successful look.<br>
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The wrap dress a la Butterick 5030? Well, that's another story...<br>
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<a href="http://craftknitsew.blogspot.com/2011/03/review-its-wrap-butterick-5030-wrap.html#more">...Read More Here »</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188831184042567455.post-12539261338748282552011-03-27T01:47:00.000-07:002011-04-07T23:20:31.182-07:00In the Process: "Purple Haze", Second Block of Purple<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-q4mkk2Fj-Ct4rSxfDU2w_oEPOTLKy_ez7FKNd-zYBECT7xVc0j0GFcImaikJyugdYQvn50Iit_QsGeEl7CfoBXYx6kZSUbpGU6mnOv5jecYDvBH6BjqwjtuG8KTXTvN5UtCw5jWw_GU/s1600/IMG_0131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-q4mkk2Fj-Ct4rSxfDU2w_oEPOTLKy_ez7FKNd-zYBECT7xVc0j0GFcImaikJyugdYQvn50Iit_QsGeEl7CfoBXYx6kZSUbpGU6mnOv5jecYDvBH6BjqwjtuG8KTXTvN5UtCw5jWw_GU/s1600/IMG_0131.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I'm really enjoying the shorten version of my scarf pattern. I'm halfing it based on my usual, generously wide scarf cast on width and making it longer. While I was at favorite local Starbucks tonight, enjoying a warm cocoa cappuccino, one of the friendly baristas asked about my knitting board. The same thing happened when I walked with it at the Santa Monica Plaza food court yesterday. It's so fun showing people how it works!<br />
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Yes, I walked around with a knitting board in Santa Monica. Why? Because I wanted to knit before attending Wine Riot LA 2011 (which was fantastic, by the way. Great chance to volunteer during set up and then enjoy fantastic wines) and I'm cool like that. Besides, who wouldn't want to knit while sitting and overlooking glimpses of the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean?<br />
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Duh, winning!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188831184042567455.post-7751272143494043142011-03-27T01:38:00.000-07:002011-04-07T23:25:22.024-07:00Reflections... and a New Pattern: Butterick 5030<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_po6T9wh9GYumt0Q2rXDILQd_fo9TFg0aJoTgQOX7gGPAlPFlA5UrOa8hR0z5ZnFXpIp-bTT4EYqS8iSMMk8AvUmmfkqF48pq2fcaZsP63vyeEHNkYS8PxtMchJ_3035aMWlPxiwZb8/s1600/IMG_0105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_po6T9wh9GYumt0Q2rXDILQd_fo9TFg0aJoTgQOX7gGPAlPFlA5UrOa8hR0z5ZnFXpIp-bTT4EYqS8iSMMk8AvUmmfkqF48pq2fcaZsP63vyeEHNkYS8PxtMchJ_3035aMWlPxiwZb8/s320/IMG_0105.jpg" width="214"></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>I consider this more of an online journal of my creativity and collected information that may be helpful to others than an endeavor to rack of page views and make tons of internet cash. To that effect, I'm pretty happy with my goal.<br>
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Within the past week, I've made a blog that is visually pleasing to me and written posts about the creative objects that I've crated and appreciate. My creativity is love expressed through my fingers and into the physical manipulation of objects, fabrics, patterns and crafts to create something beautiful.<br>
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The joy of finding a pattern, grading it to fit my body perfectly, cutting it out, sewing and wearing it is fun. Using a 50% off coupon at JoAnn's is like butter cream icing on a birthday cake.<br>
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Speaking of JoAnn's and coupons, I purchased a new pattern today - Butterick 5030.<br>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://craftknitsew.blogspot.com/2011/03/reflections-and-new-pattern-butterick.html#more">...Read More Here »</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188831184042567455.post-85601537461406038532011-03-24T21:42:00.000-07:002011-04-07T23:26:08.877-07:00In the Process: "Purple Haze" on the Knitting Board<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Mg23PdW0nrJlY04M75nyP7uM4WZaVVD_kGQXn2OkQN8cIN4wByYfeNxEI9XyXXcprxdVyhTQoTzpKDJNqQvGa2QuDv2JGPDCrzzbaCETHGRyRfk5zzqZ4sJasUCi-3sEEiLI0mjlDz4/s1600/IMG_0086.jpg" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And so the process begins again. The beginning steps toward another scarf. </div><span id="goog_2120206849"></span><span id="goog_2120206850"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188831184042567455.post-67970556200506251532011-03-23T15:13:00.000-07:002011-04-07T23:27:42.678-07:00Creative Footsteps<table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" style="width: 500px;"><tbody>
<tr align="center" valign="top"> <td><span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_210934810" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzNLzfi6WpUhzkfrkMxHveJHNadNWc2UPrdDMcnXK5WFpEX-VyT4N_Jhyphenhyphenw4kiCk8rDpUmY_eMvZx0CiAH05PDWKFisutbPURCgaF_45ZWj7x5VMXTJiRZffcAn10oPbLAqeMP7CJqPws/s400/IMG_0015.jpg" width="268" /></a></span></td> <td><span style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_210934815" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1UV-tq4xEsPiaZ_ZdBR7PaYAdDPg2UQ4RkrRS1WtEeeGdxwycLrFREgjOCjMdvt4rjogOlgwx9mMXNf6n5BsSlGC25uafTEAJlkqvBco111ihBQuhCK0vFc4JFazZlLUeEc24yDn1ig/s400/IMG_0037.jpg" width="268" /></a></span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="center" height="43"><i>Patterns and Pins.</i><br />
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</td> <td align="center"><i>Rough sketch of a new scarf.</i><br />
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<tr align="center" valign="top"> <td><span style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitP4AmbbbLjafvs269WrqiuySROXCs4QZGEMI1R62jjzlU9ro_GRdX_GScEPncHXWjX1Hj-XddSHYDcAVUKKU_bv0tUsTT-Z9xi_dgq8YwVa-22oG5RQksk5uFsqxOhSlIeqeEm4K7QY0/s1600/IMG_0034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitP4AmbbbLjafvs269WrqiuySROXCs4QZGEMI1R62jjzlU9ro_GRdX_GScEPncHXWjX1Hj-XddSHYDcAVUKKU_bv0tUsTT-Z9xi_dgq8YwVa-22oG5RQksk5uFsqxOhSlIeqeEm4K7QY0/s400/IMG_0034.jpg" width="268" /></a></span></td> <td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuwT5ym8CzChdyXO9-YGHJJc92HT4JNmv9pYwObUrFjPQKNyXYw8iySbU1TG6ShjLQZGA7S0AU0WU4-HWZll_63sYwytA1IGVfXatk3Y-nCHSFtULP-IbAdV1-I_ChiK1A545c4jPLGk/s400/IMG_0092.jpg" width="270" /></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="center" height="58"><i><span class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A yet to be used skein of dark heather gray atop of various sewing reading materials.</span></i></td> <td align="center"><i>Red thread loaded and ready to go. </i><br />
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</tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188831184042567455.post-14124198031450558412011-03-23T13:54:00.000-07:002011-04-07T23:29:02.758-07:00Cutting Tools: Rotary Cutters, Pinking Shears and Weighted Scissors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTFZVr70dNq4HGSgZG18VolBfV9cXSx82Wc4a1DXUuyBbe-m9hXdqBf-IMcmLFnxCdTMJBztJXLZdnOrOLpQ5L7gOkqo7Nv5eDlJuXTHtNfnK4EiXmpUDdNsvpd5ekeRw0CZSNew4oEg/s1600/IMG_0052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTFZVr70dNq4HGSgZG18VolBfV9cXSx82Wc4a1DXUuyBbe-m9hXdqBf-IMcmLFnxCdTMJBztJXLZdnOrOLpQ5L7gOkqo7Nv5eDlJuXTHtNfnK4EiXmpUDdNsvpd5ekeRw0CZSNew4oEg/s1600/IMG_0052.jpg"></a></div><br>
For a breath of fresh air, I decided to start construction of another dress, Simplicity 2580, instead of finishing my black, white and turquoise go around of strapless Vogue 8184.<br>
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I measured the pattern, scaled my proper size on pattern paper, cut it out and then cut on the fabric. Volleying between my various cutting tools, I suddenly was in strong appreciation of how each tool made constructing garments easier. So, to help others, I decided to do a post regarding my selection.<br>
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<a href="http://craftknitsew.blogspot.com/2011/03/cutting-tools-rotary-cutters-pinking.html#more">...Read More Here »</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188831184042567455.post-16587821597643795942011-03-22T09:52:00.000-07:002011-04-07T23:29:51.361-07:00Knit: "For The Love of Grey" Scarf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6AZ1fdjk7_CzbU_cD-5Ppi6SfiZfZuaZlEB_n9l4dEWl8b5acDX6aKAkPY37zPOH-dYi3-7vJRrbs5mFbQ6fwjKSyIeNL3AIdabnG14m6PDibPgVbRX1ZH5y1tl7ZnasxBuUZk0YlZk/s1600/IMG_0041-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6AZ1fdjk7_CzbU_cD-5Ppi6SfiZfZuaZlEB_n9l4dEWl8b5acDX6aKAkPY37zPOH-dYi3-7vJRrbs5mFbQ6fwjKSyIeNL3AIdabnG14m6PDibPgVbRX1ZH5y1tl7ZnasxBuUZk0YlZk/s1600/IMG_0041-2.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br>
Standing in the far back corner of my local JoAnn Etc in Porter Ranch, I stared at the array of yarn skeins in front of me. <br>
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"For my first knitting board project," I thought. "What would be the prettiest yarns to use? I mean, I want to actually wear it and not have my mother make fun of me. Hummm..."<br>
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Up and down the aisle I walked, browsing my possibilities. I touched and felt yarns, pondered bulk versus price, picked up stray steins and held them to others. Would this color go well with this? What about this? But, this one is so luxuriously soft!<br>
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Slowly, I narrowed it down to shades of grey. Then, it was the Lion Brand Vanna's Choice® selection of colors. Finally, I settled on three rather distinctive and beautiful shades of grey.<br>
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<a href="http://craftknitsew.blogspot.com/2011/03/review-for-love-of-grey-scarf.html#more">...Read More Here »</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188831184042567455.post-13460691557424828502011-03-21T20:03:00.000-07:002011-04-07T23:30:28.208-07:00My New Dress Form - Uniquely You<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumSwp7AWT-aDHe34Xz5-AaLnfR3tcxVyWYbuDtOAHivMAzMC9IS4Ru8wkuYGBjuiZT0lZK58gISq2-dqffAqC6sYR4AdBVEX-GnVFmdPtAmcFe1he76EMFa3Tx8sgKo065Ds2cf4azsQ/s200/yhst-43468214639390_2149_117968594.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo from Atlanta Thread and Supply.com</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></div>One day, not so long ago (okay, it was February), a curious young woman walked into Mood Fabrics on Pico, eager to explore the world of designer fabrics once again. For the past week, the sewing bug had bitten her, pushing her to connect fabric with thread. <br>
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"To sew! To sew!" she thought. "I simply have to sew!"<br>
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She had a pattern in mind, Very Easy Vogue 8379. But, she wanted to stick a toe in a pond other than JoAnn's Etc for the moderate stretch fabric the pattern required.<br>
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So, on this rather normal day, she walked into Mood Fabrics. Passing a Wolf / PGM style dress form, she asked asked the first young sales associate she saw about its' sizing. Realizing that professional form sizing wasn't going to cover her behind, literally, she as the young sales person if she personally owned one. <br>
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"No", the young woman replied. "I actually have a 'Uniquely You' dress form."<br>
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"Uniquely You", the curious shopper asked. "What's that?"<br>
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<a href="http://craftknitsew.blogspot.com/2011/03/my-new-dress-form-uniquely-you.html#more">...Read More Here »</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188831184042567455.post-64162776688708219652011-03-21T16:33:00.000-07:002011-04-07T23:32:15.150-07:00Knit: "Peacock" is Finally Finished & Off The Knitting Board! Plus, My Short Knitting Board History<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf72YbMWvaWDzF9dsi-xVTM8irUheNRVGU1rM4IC7GaOZjx0KVV4afXilO1YxFjCEbfeUpcZCFqDMqO9ht1ZxJo5ti2imR7ORxXIHt2P9kDYXNrbbJOFga8Lj49Vg3Lb5vmT80Y9xV7qM/s1600/IMG_0073-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf72YbMWvaWDzF9dsi-xVTM8irUheNRVGU1rM4IC7GaOZjx0KVV4afXilO1YxFjCEbfeUpcZCFqDMqO9ht1ZxJo5ti2imR7ORxXIHt2P9kDYXNrbbJOFga8Lj49Vg3Lb5vmT80Y9xV7qM/s1600/IMG_0073-2.jpg"></a></div>The knitting board: a knitter's final frontier.<br>
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Weaving yarn dutifully back and forth along your board; hook and weaving bottom threads above tops; pulling the work down and starting again, some people might call it tedious and boring. But, once completed, a warm, double knit piece of woven delight awaits the wearer.<br>
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Behold! "Peacock" is complete!<br>
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<a href="http://craftknitsew.blogspot.com/2011/03/peacock-is-finally-finished-off.html#more">...Read More Here »</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1188831184042567455.post-66707280773584821742011-03-20T10:38:00.000-07:002011-04-07T23:33:04.629-07:00Hitting A Creative Wall & Going Around It<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtSVElK0RHlSOuUZBfMa7bKHcY44Mi-WNwKVV6M7D06v2GPqxr3uSbYt0G2KwsIZu_DMWtWNKWQc1T7U5cKlEWMjryHE1AJQWCZF99Np7ZDXt_NHPkpfeJDvPl3qNcR634i_qxOaNGhA/s1600/IMG_0302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMtSVElK0RHlSOuUZBfMa7bKHcY44Mi-WNwKVV6M7D06v2GPqxr3uSbYt0G2KwsIZu_DMWtWNKWQc1T7U5cKlEWMjryHE1AJQWCZF99Np7ZDXt_NHPkpfeJDvPl3qNcR634i_qxOaNGhA/s320/IMG_0302.jpg" width="238"></a></div></div>You've just completed a beautiful strapless dress. You taught yourself boning, used your rotary cutters perfectly and selected a classic and timeless fabric and pattern combination that makes you feel sophisticated and sensual at the same time. You've taken your customary photographs of you wearing the garment, your face beaming in accomplished pride. In love with the patterns and comments from friends, you gun ho decide to not only do the pattern again - but do two views at the same time!<br>
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<div style="text-align: right;"></div>The vision is set. The new fabrics have been sourced. Cutting and creative assembly begins. However, somewhere between the first stitch and the final hemming, you suddenly cannot stand to look at the two projects and would rather do everything in your power to avoid even a small glance in their direction.<br>
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Welcome to the last few days of my life.<br>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br>
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</tbody></table>One of the most frustrating parts of a project is visualizing a fantastic final piece, beginning your work with a heart full of gusto - and then, just when the end is in sight, getting unavoidably stuck. It's like a wall of unease has been built around the pieces I once enjoyed. One that I can't forcibly penetrate beyond just waiting it out.<br>
<a href="http://craftknitsew.blogspot.com/2011/03/hitting-wall-breaking-it-down.html#more">...Read More Here »</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2