Knits! This Time A Dress...

Back in October when I was up to my ears in Halloween costumes I cut out a knit dress. It's pattern McCall's 5379.

I used the bodice of C and the waist of A. And it was pretty easy, whipped together in a snap. I only ran into problems on the chest. Basically I have NO chest and my dress form does, so when I put it on it was pretty big in the up top, if you know what I mean.

I think I'd like to tackle the pattern, or another like it. But this time I'll be sure to use a ball point needle that corresponds with the weight of the fabric. I didn't this time. Partly because I didn't know I needed to, and partly because I started the project at midnight. Where does one find a ball point needle at midnight? You don't, so I forged ahead and learned my lesson.

This dress has yet to see the light of day. But I'm hoping to bust it out of my closet, soon.

Run Run Rudolph Table Runner

Right now it feels like we're all over Christmas. But when I was stitching the finishing touches on this gift I was still filled with sugar plum fuel and happy thoughts. When the no-retail rule came to reside in our family gift exchanges I was in a panic. But turned out a small-ish quilt to be used on the table for Christmas feasting. Actually could be hung on the wall for decoration is you were so inclined.

For the label I embroidered right into the back piece, as I tend to do for all my quilt signatures. But this time I used metallic thread. It was actual metal. Imagine embroidering with a guitar string. Lesson learned.

Every time I finish a quilt remember how much I love hand sewing a binding.

Over the Shoulder: Campus Carryall for Tweens

There comes a time when you've worked with a fabric in so many ways and so many times that you know exactly how to cut it, how to lay a pattern to it, how to use it. I think I'm there with my Laurie Smith stash. It's at the tail end. Honestly, not sure it has another piece in it. So it was the natural go-to material for a recent pair of totes I was making.

The annual making and distributing of the babysitters' gifts. Last year I went with something you could put a loaf of bread in, and not much else. This year I took inspiration from the styles I was seeing in NYC and whipped these up. There are mismatched fabrics because I don't have much left. But I love the effect, and I knew I would because I have loved everything I've made with these fabrics. Perfect weight, great prints, nice quality. I'm sad they are almost gone.

These are gifts, but a custom version is going in the shop. So if you want one, go order one in the colors you like.

Wild Stockings, II

Finished two more of those fun stockings in fresh colors and whimsical details.

Wild Stockings

Wild Christmas stockings in tones of aubergine, lime, cotton candy pink, vibrant blue and chocolate are made with durable and washable cotton fabrics and trims. Designed to match the ornaments Target released last year and this, these bright colors shock your traditional Christmas ideas into overdrive.

Oh, and one more thing, they are washable! Yes, I know your babies can get crunchy candy cane slobber on their stockings -- been there -- so if these get mussy just hand wash them in cold and line dry (or have dry cleaned). Use warm iron if necessary.

If this is too much punk for your family stocking set, think of these for college kids, newlyweds, and gift bags (yes a bottle of wine fits in there).