Practically Necessary

2 New Hats

2010-01-30T11:53:00.000-08:00

One for me and one for a friend's mom.

My friend Diane asked me to make a hat for her mom. I had just the idea of which fabric to use - a beautiful heathery blue/grey wool I got a remnant of a few weeks ago. I also used this fabric to make Woody's winter coat!

I had been wanting to make myself a hat from the fabric, and with the order from Diane it was the perfect opportunity. It's not that much harder to make 2 of something - the cutting is a big part of the job, and you just gang it up. I used the bird on a wire lining for my friend's hat, and used a heavy flannel for mine. That's the one thing these wool caps lack - they don't really keep your head warm when it's really cold. I was concerned that the flannel would be so heavy that the flannel wouldn't drape at all and the hat would stand straight up - but that didn't happen - I'm really happy with the way it looks on my head!

You can see the difference in the linings here. Mine with the flannel is on the left.

Woody in his custom wool coat and Muttluks.

Restyled Pendleton 49er

2010-01-25T09:40:00.000-08:00

I thrifted this vintage Pendleton jacket a few months ago. I love Pendleton plaids but I don't like the styling on the 49er, it's not very flattering.

I dry cleaned it - never wash this kind of wool, especially when it's this old. Weaknesses will become holes, and any linings will shrink or can lose their shape.

First I cut it off about an inch below the bottom button. Then I removed the pockets (I haven't figured out what to do with them... yet). Next I made a waistband out of the remaining fabric. I gathered the entire back until I was happy with size of the waist. Then I put the waistband on the bottom. The whole process took about 90 minutes.

Good Project for a Gray January Day

2010-01-24T15:25:00.001-08:00

It's rainy and cold here in Chicagoland. I have been trying to figure out what to make next and pulled out this vintage pattern that I got from ZipZapKap recently. I found the chintz fabric at an antique store in Pentwater MI two summers ago. I had the damndest time getting my fusible interfacing to adhere. It gunked up my iron twice before I finally gave up and used the sew in kind. I hate it when little things that should be simple end up being so hard - makes me feel like such a dolt! Oh well, I have moved on.

(I cook my chicken at 425 for the first 30 minutes. Then I put 2 large sweet potatoes sliced up in the bottom of the pan. I cook it for another hour (depending on the size of the bird) and the potatoes come out perfectly!)

I'm in the middle of making a chicken dinner, so work is proceeding slowly, but obviously it's no hurry - spring won't be here anytime soon!

Best Plaid Hat Yet

2009-11-02T19:37:00.000-08:00

I made this hat yesterday from a favorite garment - a homemade vest/cape I found at a thrift store in the children's jacket section - I'm sure they had no idea what it was! I still remember pulling it out and wondering "what the??" then quickly realizing it was homemade - my favorite kind of find.

I wore the vest/cape for 5 years, but this year it came out of storage with moth holes and I just couldn't wear it anymore.

I carefully started taking it apart because I thought I might make a pattern out of it so I could make one someday. I pretty soon realized that I really don't have the time (or the desire honestly) to try and remake this one. I wanted to quickly make a hat more than I wanted to carefully make a pattern. There was a pretty small amount of fabric and I cut the first 2 (of 6) crown sections on the straight grain, then I realized I would have to cut the rest on the bias but figured I could work them together well. I enjoy the challenge and the mystery of working with plaid - what will these pieces look like together? I ended up using the 2 straight grain pieces on the front sides. I also cut the brim and the band on the straight grain. I carefully pieced the band to the brim so that the plaid lines up pretty closely.

Here it is a couple of years ago.

I loved the drape of the back and the handmade fringe.

I wore it today and the first person I saw on the train this morning said "That's a really nice hat" - I like it when that happens!

Dallas Cowboys Custom Apron

2009-09-13T19:59:00.001-07:00

My neighbor Thomas requested a custom apron with a Dallas Cowboys theme. How could I say no to that challenge!? I knew I wanted to use the helmet design as a pocket, but beyond that I turned to Thomas for ideas.

He requested that I include the number 13 (a lucky number, not the number of a player) and his initials TDC.

The Cowboys beat Tampa Bay 34 to 21 today, I know Thomas was happy about that - and he let me know on Facebook today that the apron was hit too - Thanks Thomas!

New Life for and Old Chair

2009-08-31T16:39:00.000-07:00

When my husband Marc brought this chair home from the Salvation Army a few years ago I said it was fine as long as it lived in his den, which is where it stayed until his daughter moved in with us last November. We did some major rearranging in the house and the chair ended up in the living room. You know how when you live with something ugly or unfinished long enough you just get used to it? That's what happened with that chair. Last week I got a new futon cover and the chair looked just AWFUL with it - I had to recover it before I got used to it!

I really loved the original fabric from the futon cover so I used it to cover the chair pads. The fabric was really worn out on the top side, but the bottom side had a few spots that looked pretty good - I used those spots for the tops of the pads and the piping, and used the more worn out areas for the sides, and back. I didn't bother putting in zippers or anything like that, I made them like a pillow case and left a big opening on the side that you can't see and sewed them up by hand. If you look closely you can see that they are somewhat amateur, but I try to focus on the overall effect and not obsess over the details, and I think I was pretty successful.

I am starting a new design job next week and I feel like the new improved living room is sort of a metaphor for my life: most of the necessary elements were in place but just needed a little sprucing-up and updating.

Woody is Ready for Fall

2009-08-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

I made this jacket for our dog Woody last night. I found the free pattern on line here. I had to enlarge the pattern (Woody is 19" around the middle). I used the sleeve of a vintage man's jacket that I have had in the basement for years. Woody does not like getting wet (we had a funny trip to the beach with him this summer, he had no interest in the lake and sat under an upturned chair and sulked the whole time we were there!) My mom knit the sweater below for him recently, check out the monogram!

I do realize that putting garments on a dog is mostly silly, but since Woody does not like water, and Chicago winters can be pretty cold, I think he will like having them. I know I will love walking him in his new duds!

Hadn't Done That Before

2009-08-10T13:30:00.001-07:00

My friend Sue asked me if I could recover a window seat for her Mom. Could I? Yes. Had I? No. I tend to be a little intimidated by tasks that I have never done before, but for me the best way to learn to do something is by the seat of my pants (whatever that means!) - to have to do it.

The window seat sat in my basement for a few weeks, out of sight but not out of mind. I would think about it at night and realize "oh yeah, I said I would do that..." Finally I just brought it upstairs and studied it, then slowly started taking it apart. The seat was covered in denim that was worn out, but the pad inside was in good shape. Denim is very easy to disassemble because the fabric is stronger than the thread used to sew it so you can just rip it apart. I tore the piping off of one side and used that piece as the pattern for the top and bottom. I did the same thing with the sides (which had to be pieced). I reused the piping (took the roping out and recovered it), and even reused the zippered section (after I asked Sue's mom if it would be ok - the fabric was faded but would never be seen anyway).

I'm really happy with the way it came out and I'm so glad I said I could do it, even though I never had. Now I can recover the pads on a cool rocker we have that has seriously hideous purple and yellow plaid covers because, hey, I've done that before!

Aunt Loretta's Dress - 1952

2009-07-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

My Late Aunt Loretta gave me most of her patterns a few years ago, but she held onto a couple and her daughter Diane sent them on to me last week (thanks Diane!). I really want to make this dress. I made a dress very similar to this a few years ago, but I used a woven cotton that had some lycra in it and it never laid right. It would creep up in a most inappropriate way! I was so disappointed because I spent so much time on it, and it looked so pretty (until I started to walk!). This was a lesson to me about how important fabric choice is, and to stay within the bounds of the fabrics that are suggested (and were available at the time!).

Loretta and I are not the same size so I will need to adjust the pattern, (old patterns came in 1 size per package, most patterns now have 3 sizes in one so it's easier to see where adjustments need to be made). Since it's a wrap around type dress and there are gathers at the bust, it should be pretty easy to adjust. I am picturing a dark blue print, and would like to make it with the contrasting back as shown in figure 2.

I have a lot of projects on the docket right now: I am finishing up a t-shirt quilt for a friend, I have some apron orders, and I just got a hat order this morning - but I hope to fit this one in soon!

I Missed It!

2009-07-06T07:08:00.000-07:00

We had some car trouble on the way back from Michigan so Vivi Sewhot missed skating in the 4th of July parade this year - I was so sad! Thankfully my fellow skater Flash Nordin (that's her second from the right) has an ace photographer in her boyfriend Bruce. This picture really says it all - everyone is having so much fun (and my aprons are in full view!)

We had a really big group this year. Skaters from the Windy City Rollers, and the Chicago Outfit were also skating with us.

That's Queen B in the middle, she is a retired Windy City Roller and the founder of Derby Lite. B wanted a skating club that would cater to the many women who are attracted to Derby but would like to play a slightly gentler version of the game - our tagline is "For Women Old Enough to Know Better."

The sting of missing the parade has passed, but I will tell you one thing, next year I will be staying very close to home for the 4th!

4th of July Aprons

2009-07-02T08:29:00.001-07:00

My Roller Derby Club "Derby Lite" is skating in the Oak Park 4th of July parade. We realized in our last parade that we really needed an apron to carry the swag (skate keychains, jaw breakers, helmet patrol coupons) so Vivi Sewhot (me) was enlisted to make the apropns.

Queen B and I went to TDO last week to pick out the fabrics and notions. We found a perfect combo of the red denim with the blue and white striped kitchen fabric for the pockets. I loved how easy the blue and white fabric was to cut and press! We picked out grosgrain ribbon because it will stay tied better than a satin ribbon. I estimated that it would take at least 5 hours to make the aprons - from cutting to the final step Quality Control - it ended up taking a little over 6. They went much quicker than the 20 Smash Cake aprons of course. I didn't finish the seams for ease, and also because we plan to cover the backside of the apron with St. Patrick's Day themed fabrics, since we skate in the Forest Park St. Patrick's day parade too!

I'm really pleased with the way the apron looks on - I think it will make a great impression when we are all skating in them on Saturday. Last year was our first year and it was a BLAST - I can't wait!! Come out and see us if you can - the parade starts at 10am and goes up Ridgeland Avenue in Oak Park.

Scarlet Letter Calling Cards

2009-06-24T12:36:00.001-07:00

I designed this set of calling cards for the main characters of The Scarlet Letter a few years ago. (click on the image to see detail). Once upon a time I was a wee bit obsessed with the story. I designed and sewed my first quilt based on the it - you can see it here.

I have been watching the PBS version of the story made in 1979. It's excellent. I highly recommend it if you have never seen it. The production values are very naturalistic, and a lot of the scenes are shot outside. It is so true to the story in word and tone (I have read it many times), and Meg Foster and John Heard were so perfectly cast.

Why the Scarlet Letter you ask? I'm still not completely sure. When I was in my 20s I started seeing a therapist. At the first session after hearing my story and my reasons for coming to see him he said "You seem to see yourself a lot like Hester Prynne" - at the time I had a small copy of the book in my purse - I knew right then that I had found the right therapist!

It's true that when I was in my 20s I felt doomed to solitude, but now that I am in my 40s (with little solitude!) Hester still seems very familiar to me: Her independent spirit, her desire to be a good mother, and ultimately her hopefullness. When she meets Dimmesdale in the woods 7 years past their transgression, she still believes that their love can lift them above their present circumstances. She even convinces him for a little while. Of course things don't work out for them in the end, but I guess a story that doesn't end neatly is my favorite kind - it just seems so real.

In other news, we have gotten our first dog. Woody is a rescue - a schnauzer mix so he has hair rather than fur, he's about 5, and he weighs 19 pounds. He had been on the street and was next fostered in a home. We got him last Tuesday and I can't get over how quickly we have all bonded with him. I am the alpha, and I have been reading my Cesar Millan so I understand the importance of my role! We are doing a lot of walking - getting up early for a morning walk, and taking another long walk after dinner. Woody is adjusting to us just fine and has no real issues to speak of (he barks when people knock on the door, but it's not out of control). I can't get over how quickly we have come to love him - and he us - we are just thrilled with Woody!

Plaid Hat, Formerly a Pair of Long Shorts

2009-06-12T10:43:00.001-07:00

Last year I thrifted a pair of vintage plaid petal pushers that were too big. I reworked them, blogged about it, then put them in the closet. This year I pulled them out and put them on - ugh. They just didn't look very good (and my husband laughed at them!). What to do?? Make a hat out of them! I love the challenge of working with plaid, and of transforming one thing into another. I used the inside of the fabric as pants as the outside of the fabric hat - the black was not so faded.

I didn't have enough fabric for the inside brim and the 2 bands (the pieces that connect the brim to the body of the hat) so I used some of the plaid from my last hat project. I also had to carefully piece 2 pieces together to form the outer hat band - look closely at the front and you can see where they meet. I used a small gingham for the lining.

Overall I am really happy with this one. I'm not thrilled about the way it looks on me - and that's the thing about making a hat - you really don't know what the hat is going to look like on until it's finished, so you'd better enjoy the process of making it (which I do, obviously!)

20 Aprons for Smash Cake

2009-05-14T08:01:00.001-07:00

Michelle Garcia, owner of Bleeding Heart Bakery and the recently opened Smash Cake, ordered 20 children's aprons from me for Smash Cake a few weeks ago (my biggest order to date had been for 8 aprons). I felt confident that I could complete the order in the time that I had, but there were a few complications. The fabric I wanted was not available, and the replacement fabric that I wanted (and that had been approved by Michelle) was also not available. Plan B! The replacement fabric was available in a smaller print, and I figured it would work so I ordered it. All of this back and forth cut about a week out of my timeframe so I decided to make some changes to the design. Originally I thought I would use 1 fabric for all of the parts. But with the fabric arriving on a Monday and the aprons due on that Friday, I decided to use a contrasting fabric for the bib liner and ties, as I usually do.

I finished the bib liners, ties, and neckstraps in advance of the skull fabric (at right) arriving.

I meticulously tracked my time to see how much I could shave off the usual 1 hour per apron I spend when I work on a multiple order. I was pleased to discover that I got that time down to 45 minutes.

I especially like the back view where you can see the 3 contrasting fabrics.

Quality control and final folding took 30 minutes. I was surprised by how small the finished ordered looked after spending 16 hours on it! I was out the door by 1:30 on the day they were due, just enough time to get the aprons to Smash Cake AND make a stop at Bleeding Heart for the best cupcake I have ever had - rhubarb with a wonderful whipped strawberry frosting - yum!

Interior of Smash Cake, a bakery/coffee-shop/children's birthday party venue in Chicago.

The exterior of Smash Cake is great. The CAKE letters are especially fantastic. I thought they looked reclaimed, but Michelle told me she had them made for the shop.

I will be selling my aprons at the Smash Cake grand opening on Saturday, May 30th. (2961 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago) The event starts at 2 and goes until 6. I am working on child/adult sets, many made from various skull fabrics. I'm really looking forward to being part of this event. It all started with an ad that Michelle posted on Craigslist for crafters to sell items in her bakery, which led to the reality show aprons, then the order of 20 aprons – who knows what might happen next!

Mae's Apron

2009-04-10T13:44:00.001-07:00

I'm just a little bit embarrassed to admit that this is the first apron I have made for Mae. She has asked before, but always in a general way - and recently I named one after her - that kinda counts, right?? Not really.

Yesterday I was thinking that I really need a child's full apron in my line, and she walked up and said "mom, can you make an apron for me now?" What good timing! She picked out the fabric for the body, and today she designed a pocket:

Pocket detail.

Bib detail.

We had so much fun making this apron. She did a lot of the cutting, and turned the pocket. I showed her all of my apron making secrets as I was sewing. We also put the design in my pattern book. She didn't lose interest until the end, so I just finished it and presented it to her after lunch. She just loves it. I asked her if she will be getting it dirty and she said "of course mom, that's what an apron's for!" well amen to that!

Today's Bleeding Heart Bakery and "The Chicas Project" Adventure

2009-04-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

Yasmin and Crash on the set of "The Chicas Project".

I put some aprons at Bleeding Heart Bakery a few months ago. A few weeks later I got an inquiry from Tsahai, a producer of "The Chicas Project", she was interested in some aprons for Yasmin and Crash, the Chicas! (they were going to be shooting a segment of their reality show at the shop).

Callie Black pocket detail.

Tsahai finally decided on the Callie Black Full apron for Crash, and the Florence apron for Yasmin. She asked me if I could bring them to the shoot at the bakery. The shoot was today: I took the aprons she ordered, a handful of other styles, and a bag of goodies. The girls loved the aprons that I made for them - Tsahai chose well! Everyone at the shoot was really nice, and made a fuss over my aprons - thankfully I remembered to bring lots of PN business cards!

Yasmin's Florence Apron

I gave Tsahai and Michelle (the owner of the bakery) each a vintage hankie as a thank you for the opportunity. I also had a Callie Blue Child's Apron with me, and Michelle bought that one for her daughter who is almost 3. One of the producers asked me if I make anything else - (I could see the wheels turning in her head!) I told her I make bags and hats and said "I can make just about anything and I love a challenge - call me!"

I keep thinking about what a random and funny world we live in - Tsahai would never have seen my aprons if they hadn't been at the bakery, and my aprons would not have been at the bakery if I hadn't seen Michelle's post on craigslist for crafters to place items in her shop. It all worked out so nicely, and left me with the nicest feeling of fitting in to the random world, somewhere!

Lovely Pillow from She's Sew Slye

2009-04-02T17:32:00.000-07:00

Cat at She's Sew Slye is having a weekly giveaway and I was the lucky winner last week! She sent me this beautiful pillow made from a vintage crazy quilt square. I put it on our back porch, which I just cleaned for spring. The pillow has all my favorite colors: blue and brown, with a little red and gold - it's just lovely, thanks Cat!

Nona Lou Apron

2009-04-01T10:36:00.001-07:00

Just thrifted this fantastic vintage apron! It was manufactured by Nona Lou. 2 things give away it's status as manufactured: the tag obviously, but the other thing to look for is the perfect serger stitch - few home sewers had sergers.

I love the combination of colors, the print is amazing - check out the cats and the purple upside-down trees! The use of the black ric-rac is perfect. It's just terrific design overall.

This Nona Lou apron is gathered the same way I gather my waistband aprons - only at the hips with the center flat.

Terry Cloth Kismet

2009-03-14T12:53:00.001-07:00

For my first order from my apron update last week Janice M. ordered the Irene, and Genevieve aprons. I also included a vintage apron with her order (after finding out whether she preferred a half or full practical, or a half fun/sexy. She went with a half practical). I went through my stash and picked out the apron I thought she would like (kicking myself for not taking a picture of it!). It was a full gathered/waistband apron made from and unusual crest fabric. It turns out that the crest looked a little like her family crest - a very nice coincidence, or as I told her, further proof that I have a spooky sixth sense when it comes to matching the textile to the person!

Janice also asked if I had any terrycloth aprons, which I don't. Vintage terrycloth aprons are usually made from hand towels and were popular in the 60s and 70s. I have never found a really nice one still in good condition. I think the terrycloth apron was usually used for the really dirty work, and terrycloth doesn't age as well as woven cotton. After getting Janice's email my daughter and I went out to do some thrift shopping, and what should I find but a lovely terrycloth apron with a wonderful rooster on the front in beautiful gently-used condition!* Put something out in the universe, and someone just might find it and pick it up!

*it's not made from a handtowel, and looks like it was made from a kit.

Symbolic Goodbye to Winter

2009-03-12T08:22:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's about 17 degrees outside, but for me winter is over when I put away the flannel Martha Stewart sheets. I got this set at a deep discount about 10 years ago. Every November when I'm excited for the change of season I take them out of storage and put them on our bed. I love scenic fabric, and this one is terrific - but it's almost St. Patrick's Day and I am ready for spring - so see you next year!

Textile Wash Day, and some FUN NEWS!

2009-03-09T13:41:00.000-07:00

Aprons and other kitchen textiles fresh from the dryer and ready for pressing.

I wash my kitchen textiles (aprons, kitchen towels) about once a month. To avoid all of the ties getting tangled up with each other, each apron gets it's ties done in a slip knot. I dry the aprons and towels together for about 25 minutes, taking them out of the dryer when they are still just a little bit damp - this makes pressing go much faster. Some of the aprons can be just hand pressed, but I iron all of the ties. I just can't wear an apron with folded, wrinkled ties.

I store my textiles in two orange crates next to the fridge. The aprons have their own shelf, and there's a spot for the cloth napkins and kitchen towels.

FUN NEWS!

I sent Gabrielle at designmom a link to the spring update for Practically Necessary last week. She wrote a post about it, and Sunday I received my first order from someone who saw the post - Thanks Gabrielle!

Orphan Pockets

2009-03-07T13:15:00.000-08:00

I have a small bin of pockets, and pocket parts. These are all pockets I made while I was designing something that just didn't quite work. Some are from Christmas aprons, one is a Bev pocket that I just didn't remember right, and a couple didn't pass inspection by employee #1. I've only used 1 pocket from this stash after the fact, but I hold onto them anyway. You just never know!

Practically Necessary Updated!

2009-03-03T07:38:00.000-08:00

I just finished updating PN with lots of new styles, and a clearer focus (I hope!). Please check it out and let me know what you think (and report any bugs or misspellings!). I'm hoping that Jenny fits the bill as "the new Caroline".

Fabric and buckle detail from Jenny.

The fabric has a similar quality - vertical stripes, dark in color, small print. The Jenny fabric also comes out of the dryer looking great, and has a very nice drape. Irene is also new and the fabric is fantastic: the print is adorable, and the soft hand and nice drape make for a very nice apron.

Irene

When I saw the fabric at TROY I recognized it immediately from a child's apron I have in my collection - it's a very good reproduction.

Vintage Child's Apron

Derby Lite is skating in the Forest Park St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday. Yesterday I spent the afternoon with Queen B working on the Giant Rollerskate of World Domination:
Yes, it's a bit of a gearshift to go from sewing sparkly pink vinyl to working on a new apron, but I'm versatile and I love a really BIG project!

New Blue from Practically Necessary

2009-02-23T09:05:00.000-08:00

I had a very productive trip to TROY fabrics last week. I was primarily looking for fabric to make my next "Caroline" type apron: easy care cotton, vertical stripes, small print, lots of contrast. I looked at this fabric briefly, then I looked at what seemed like 1,000 bolts of fabric. I came back to this one and decided it was the one. I also picked out a sweet novelty fabric, and another that I think I will return for a second bolt of the blue stripe. This fabric reminds me of the fabric in my favorite full apron - a thrifted number that was well worn when I got it, and is still going strong.

I hope to update the PN website in the next week or so. I'll include this apron in the update, along with 5 or 6 new styles. I'm still working on a name for the New Blue, If you have any ideas please leave them in a comment - if I choose your suggestion I'll send you something special from PN.

iMac 20 Cozy

2009-02-12T08:14:00.001-08:00

The minute I took the styrofoam cover off my new iMac I knew I needed to make a cozy for it. It's reflective black screen shows every spec of dust and kids fingerprint. I considered a few different barkcloths before I decided on this games cloth. I thought the target was just perfect. The backing is black denim, and I made slits for the vents.

I used the styrofoam cover as the pattern, which I will hold onto in the event that someone sees it and realizes just how much they need a computer screen cozy too.

Valentines

2009-02-11T07:30:00.001-08:00

I really love to make my own valentines. This year I scored at Paper Source, they had a big selection of red papers and envelopes at 50% off. Each valentine is different and I used 2 of my fabrics: the Who's Counting fabric from one of my aprons, and some vintage car fabric I made a blouse out of a few years ago. I spent a few hours this weekend working on them. I just love to push the little elements around until I am happy with the results, glue it all down, and then move onto the next one. Yesterday it hit 60 degrees - so I rode my Schwinn to the post office and mailed my funny Valentines.

What a Weekend!

2009-02-09T06:52:00.000-08:00

I took these pics of our garden house. It's so nice to have a dog to watch the baby, and I sure hope the hazmat guy was able to rid the house of all the asbestos!

A warm weekend in Chicago in February is such a gift! Marc worked in the garden and on the patio slate, Leo and I payed catch on the front sidewalk, and Mae walked home from the movies [she saw Coraline with a friend and loved it!]

Leo after some good "catch".

Marc got alot of prep work done in the garden. We are going to plant vegetables this year so he had to move a lot of rocks!

OMG it's supposed to be 60 tomorrow!!

Little Red Hen #3

2009-02-05T08:09:00.000-08:00

I have finished Little Red Hen #3. It's impossible for me to really capture this apron in a photo - this is my best attempt yet. This version has the "Who Will?" in yellow at the request of the buyer - the yellow does read off of the blue better than the red and I'm happy with the way it looks. I hope she is too! I showed my brother-in-law Mike the finished apron last night - he recited some of the lines from the poem, it made my day to see him "get it"!

Those naughty animals! They will get no bread!

Spring Update Preview

2009-02-03T09:56:00.001-08:00

Well it's only February 3rd and it's really cold in Chicago today, but I am thinking spring via some new apron styles! I love the way my label looks on the back of "Maryanne".

Maryanne - there will be 2 of these available, she was made from a tablecloth cut right down the middle!

I was working on a new pocket for Mae, when I noticed how perfectly it went with my sewing machine cover! I quickly put together an apron made from the same fabric and I just love the way it looks with the new Mae pocket. I will be able to make about 10 of this one - I call her "Jenny".

"Mae" with her updated pocket, also the pocket for "Jenny"

"Cocktail?" is a one of a kind. I have had the hand-embroidered cloth in my stash for so long (I added cocktail?). It will be part of Collection 2 on Practically Necessary very soon!

Caroline Order in Progress

2009-01-29T13:36:00.000-08:00

I'm working on my order of 5 Caroline's from Pam at Salad Girl. First I cut the fabric, which is where I realized I didn't have enough fabric to make all 5 of the aprons in the same manner. I had to improvise and make one of the aprons with a strip of fabric at the bottom. I think it looks really cute, I hope Pam thinks so!

I'm feeling very nostalgic about this fabric. It was the first fabric I bought a full bolt of (eventually I bought 3 of them), and Caroline has always been my most popular model. I decided I really had to have another one (the prototype is mine but I have made significant design improvements to it since then). I went through my scraps of Caroline fabric and pulled out 4 strips and sewed them together. I really liked the way the selvedge looked showing - not something I usually like.

In progress - the very last Caroline apron! The fabric was a closeout and it's not being manufactured anymore. I wrote the company (Print Concepts Inc.) to inquire about it, but I haven't heard back from them. Next on my list for Practically Necessary is to find the next "Caroline" fabric - pretty, dark, sturdy, and in a perfect world, vertically striped!

Little Red Hen, Amy's Apron, and 5 Caroline Half Aprons - Yesterday Was a Big Day!

2009-01-23T07:13:00.000-08:00

Wow! Yesterday I finished the first of 2 Little Red Hen aprons, I got a mailing address for advice columnist Amy Dickinson at the Trib so I can finally get her apron to her! I also got an order for the last 5 Caroline half aprons (that fabric is no longer available - arrgg!) from Pam at Saladgirl Dressings.

Folded and ready to go. All of my custom orders get a vintage hankie in the pocket. I have to make a Little Red Hen for myself, primarily as a record and a showcase for my work. I hate to admit it but I could never wipe my hands on this one!

WHO WILL? Now in a serif font done in a chain stitch.

Those cheeky animals! This time I did the NOT I in a split stitch, my new favorite stitch for lettering.

Inner bib. I love this little vintage button. I'm also very happy with the buttonhole feature on my Brother - it makes such neat and perfect little buttonholes!

Caroline is now out of stock! This was one of my very first aprons, and was always my most popular model. I have to get to my favorite wholesale fabric warehouse and see if I can find something as pretty, durable, and stain hiding as this beautiful fabric... wish me luck!

Practically Necessary Master Pattern Book

2009-01-21T09:31:00.000-08:00

I started putting my designs in this book soon after I started PN. At first I just put them in a notebook I used while creating the whole concept, but I soon realized that I needed a book for that purpose alone. It's just a nice quality sketch pad. I covered the cover with fabric and added one of my labels.

Like many of my aprons, the top two on this page are one-of-a-kinds (see the top one - "Twiggy" below). The bottom apron is Kristina, I have made her twice, and have enough fabric to make her 2 more times.

The hand-embroidered towel that became the pocket had been in my stash forever! I added the line "There's a place for us."

The blue apron on top is made from fabric given to me by the lovely graygoosie. It's modeled after one of my favorite full aprons (a thrift shop find). The middle model is my "Tart Cherries" apron. The bottom apron is the apron I made for Amy Dickinson, which truth be told I have not gotten to her yet. I think it's time to email her at the Tribune and see if I can get my message through!

A couple more one of a kinds, the bottom one "MP1971" is shown below.

This one features a vintage 1971 Vera linen calendar for the pockets. The recipients initials are MP. The fabric is a vintage tiny medallion print in greens and golds - all gone now!

I have put the instructions and patterns for all kinds of things in this book: the derby lite helmet panties, purses, change purses, and basket liners. I recently started a section for the Little House on the Prairie quilt too. It's nice to have everything so accessible when I want to repeat something, or just refer to the measurements for a particular size or style. I also enjoy just flipping through it and remembering the items I have made, it's like visiting old friends.

Little Red Hen Redux

2009-01-19T17:01:00.001-08:00

Recently a gal in Arizona named Phyllis emailed an inquiry about ordering 2 Little Red Hen aprons. Probably 95% of people who contact me inquiring about something never actually order anything so I figured when I responded with a price and other details that would be the end of it. Well Phyllis did respond and really did want two Little Red Hen aprons - I had to get to work!

Little Red Hen was a custom order and I never thought I'd need to make it again, (it's not on my apron website, Phyllis must have seen it here on my blog) but I kept all of the stencils as I do with everything I make. I made a few improvements on the original, namely making WHO WILL HELP? on the bib and WHO WILL? spoken by the hen a sans serif font for better readability. I also made this type just a shade lighter for better contrast on the blue. Both subtle differences but definite improvements on the overall product.

Phyllis needs one of the aprons by next Tuesday, so I need to get this one in the mail on Wednesday. I made good progress today and I won't have any problem finishing on time.

Progress as of Monday evening on Little Red Hen #2.

Mourning Quilt - 1839

2009-01-09T08:23:00.000-08:00

If I had to name a favorite quilt, this would be it. It was made by Elizabeth Roseberry Mitchell in 1839 and is part of the collection of the Kentucky Historical Society in Frankfort Kentucky. The following is paraphrased from the book America's Glorious Quilts. (Be sure to click on the image to view at full size, be patient, it's a large scan.)

In the center is a fenced graveyard with four coffins, each represents a deceased family member and bears their name. Quilting in the graveyard indicates room for 13 coffins.

Elizabeth's idea was that each of her family members would be represented on one of the coffins around the border and that when a person died their coffin would be moved into the graveyard (only 2 coffins were moved - from the bottom left corner). According to family history Elizabeth made this quilt after the death of her 2 young sons.

The combination of the illustrative quality of this quilt, and the frank way it deals with mortality fascinates me. I wonder if Elizabeth used the quilt or if it stayed tucked away. Did she consider it her masterpiece? (if she thought of her quilting that way).

My Masterpiece, The Scarlet Letter. You can see more images here.

I want to make another story quilt like The Scarlet Letter based on the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder. It won't be designed in the same way with such a linear style contained in boxes. I picture it more like an illustrated map of the places they lived. I read all of the books last winter and I have plenty of notes, I just need to get started. What better project for a Long Winter, right?

Snowstorm!

2009-01-01T10:43:00.000-08:00

This shot was taken just before Christmas - looks like an avalanche struck! Actually, this is a dollhouse in our backyard. This is the second dollhouse we have put in the backyard. You can see the first one here.

This dollhouse is a two-flat corner building. I don't think it was made from a kit. It was found at a yard sale by our friend Paul who has found much of our best art. It sat in the basement for 5 years and we decided to put it out in the yard just recently. It's a fun object to photograph. I'll shoot it in all seasons and document it's deterioration. I kind of wish we had a place for it in the house, but since we don't (and no one else ever asked for it) putting it in the yard and making an art project out of it seems like the best option.

Interior shot.

Update to my last post about the "Make it Simple" aprons: I finished the last 4 on Christmas day and sent them out the next day. I wanted to get them out before Christmas, but how I thought I could manage that I don't know!

Make it Simple - 8 Times

2008-12-12T12:22:00.000-08:00

I got an order for 8 Anne aprons from Genevieve at Jewelbox Home. They are a give-away for a contest she had on her site. I made the 8 apron bodies, then completed one apron - I wanted to be sure I had all of the measurements right before cutting out everything. Once that one was complete and looked good, I did the rest of the cutting for the 7 remaining aprons. Today I am working on assembling 3 more.

3 pockets embroidered and ready for ric-rac.

I glue baste my ric-rac with Fabri-tac - I find it much easier and more accurate than sewing.

Sewn, turned, and finger-pressed. Finger pressing is one of the secrets to smooth pockets, or anything else that is turned (sewn inside out and turned right side out).

Close-up of the finished pocket.

1 down, 7 to go!

New "Vintage" Sweater!

2008-12-03T09:07:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: Free Pattern Here!! This fabulous sweater arrived in the mail yesterday. My mom saw the vintage pattern on Vintage Knitting and thought it would be perfect for me. I love it - thanks mom!

It was knit with Ultra Alpaca (fine) by Berroco. It's surprisingly soft and I can wear it right on my skin. (If anyone is interested in the pattern please leave a comment and I will get the info from Rhiannon at Vintage Knitting.)

My mom has made me so many beautiful sweaters. She loves a challenge and I know that the nut does not fall very far from the tree in that regard! Making something new is so much fun, the whole time I am wondering how it might come out and it just seems to drive the whole creative process.

Which leads me to the subject I am just getting around to confronting - I need a new project. I am still having fun making aprons but I haven't felt compelled to design any new ones in a long time. When I look at my fabric I don't feel very inspired - and buying new fabric at this point doesn't even tempt me.

That being said I have been feeling surprisingly hopeful about the future and certain that 2009 will bring the professional growth I have been working toward. Hopefully it will also bring some new ideas to keep my sewing machine whirring!

We Love to Mod Podge

2008-10-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

Around our house, "mod podge" is a verb. We have mod podged all kinds of things. The pictures on this door come from a book called Moonlight in Duneland, a collection of posters from The South Shore Line. We had the book for a couple of years before inspiration struck. I do feel a little funny destroying books like this, but overall I think it's a good tradeoff - now we look at these prints every day!

These images come from a couple of women's magazines from 1967.

The images on the inside of the bathroom door came from a New York Times magazine supplement (Real Estate). Those are a great source for interesting images.

This is a vintage map/pictorial about the Grand Canyon.

My husband Marc did this one. He used old hand bills from an obscure movie called The Black Hand starring Gene Kelly. It reads One man against The Black Hand - the dreaded mafia band! - Sensational in his first great dramatic role. I'm not sure if he had any more. There's also the line Pack in Italian Patronage!

Someone asked me if we got copies of the hand bills - no, we didn't, we just used the originals.

No, I don't plan to mod podge the pool table! I just like to show it off. It's just opposite The Black Hand piece. It was my 40th birthday present to myself.

Closet Reveal

2008-10-08T07:56:00.000-07:00

With Francesca coming to live with us next month, I've been working on consolidating Marc's closet with mine. As you can see in the "before" pic below, I had to move and get rid of a lot of clothing! I like the way this closet sharing has forced me to really think about what I actually wear. I moved some things down stairs, but mostly just got rid of a lot of stuff. It feels good!

I removed the door of the closet to make more room - what a difference! I then decided that a curtain would be perfect. Finally found a good use for this cute fabric.

I have had a lot of plaid in my wardrobe for years, this year I will actually be in style with it!

Marc favors vintage shirts. He has found most of them himself. The Hawaiian shirt was a great find - never been worn/washed. It looks great on him.

I figure the closet is a good place for my senior portrait - it's not something everyone needs to see!

Marc produced a piece about Dick Locher last year, Dick made him this cool illustration and I finally framed it.

I made a curtain out of some great green velvet. I was pretty embarrassed when I realized that some of my vintage pieces had sustained sun damage in the closet - doh!

Everyone loves the new closet, it even inspired Mae and Leo to clean their rooms and get rid of old stuff. We are still working on transforming Marc's den into Francesca's room - will post when there is progress!

I Like to Make Things...

2008-09-17T10:18:00.001-07:00

I made this doll house furniture about 7 years ago. There used to be 4 chairs, but I'm not sure where the other 3 are now. I photographed it this morning because I was putting a wider selection of art work together for a package I delivered to a local toy company that is looking for a graphic designer. I'm kind of a strange hybrid creative, and still trying to find a new place to fit in. I don't have the web skills that many graphic designers have (I did design Practically Necessary, but there is little coding involved, and a limited number of pages to negotiate). I love a new challenge, and to make things I have never made before.

This week I made a robe for Leo. His old robe was so outgrown, but he loves it so he was still wearing it. A robe is the kind of thing that it might be more cost effective to buy, but that is so personal I really wanted to make it for him. The materials and the pattern came to about $13 - when you add in a half day's labor, it definitely would have been cheaper to go to Kohls. When Leo tried it on and said "it's so great, AND it's handmade, I knew it was worth the time and effort.

I'm also working on an identity design for Unity Temple, a project I find rather daunting. Partly because I am a member, but mostly because it is such a beloved institution with a rich history that I am insecure about being able to create the appropriate design - the design that will express the correct aesthetic. I'll be going over my preliminary designs with my editor soon (my husband Marc) and hopefully will be ready to show something to my contact at UT soon.

How does this all add up? I'm not sure. I like to make things, I like a challenge, and I'm sometimes a little unsure about my abilities. Probably a description for many of us...

Rotating and Managing the Textiles

2008-09-08T08:09:00.001-07:00

I know it should be time to get rid of this cropped blouse...

Every year at this time I am struck by the importance of one of my biggest tasks: Managing the Textiles. It's time to go through the closets and move summer clothes down to the basement, and then move the fall and winter clothes up. I like to do it in 2-3 rounds, which makes it a more manageable task. I find that there are some warm weather clothes I like to have around a little longer than others (I probably won't wear my summer dresses anymore, but I keep the blouses upstairs longer). The same is true of the fall/winter clothes. I know many people hate this task, but I find it really satisfying.

Of course it's a difficult process to go through the clothes and make decisions about what to keep and what to toss. The old "have I worn this in the last 2 seasons?" rule doesn't always work for me. Being sort of a collector of vintage clothing I feel a special responsibility to some items, especially the home made items - vintage home-made is definitely my favorite kind of clothing. Oddly, I find it easier to get rid of items that I have made - probably because I'm getting rid of them because they were failures, and who wants to be reminded of that??

At this point in my life there is also the issue of "am I too old to wear this?" My cropped "Shapely" shirt with the tiny penguins on it (a favorite at July 4th) should probably be tossed, but I just can't bring myself to.

I love our clothing, and it's such an important part of managing the house that I take it pretty seriously - This year especially as we have to make room for Marc's 18 year old daughter Francesca, she is coming to live with us in November. She will be moving into Marc's den, which contains the closet shown below.

This is actually the way he keeps his closet right now. He claims it's because we are rearranging this room (it also holds one of our 2 computers). How he can keep a plant stand (and what a pathetic plant!) in front of his closet is a mystery to me, but I digress.

This is the closet that Marc and I will soon be sharing. As you can see, I am not ready for him to move in yet!

This is our basement storage. I made a huge "give away" pile and asked Marc to go through it with EXTREME PREJUDICE. He didn't keep a single item - and he took it all to the Brown Elephant. Hurray!

The lovely Francesca. Shown here fresh off the stage after starring in "High School Musical" last year. Mae was just a little impressed :) She has graduated from high school but will be taking a year off before starting college. It is sure to be an adventure for us...

Amy's Apron

2008-09-04T08:05:00.000-07:00

I finished "Amy's Apron" yesterday. It's the first full apron I have made from the "Pom's Farm" fabric. Everyone who voted chose "Pom's Farm" - so my decision was easy! I used part of the border for the pocket, and a red polka dot print for the bib lining.

Previously I used 3 large panels to make Mae's curtains. Most of the panels have some issues, but when used as curtains you can barely notice them.

Oh That's So Romantic!

2008-09-02T07:30:00.000-07:00

Amy Dickinson and Bruno Schickel

I've been reading the Vows column of the New York Times every Sunday since it was still in the back of the Sports section. I always found it so delightful and unexpected in that location! It's still my favorite part of the Sunday paper (call me shallow, or romantic - I can take it).

Amy Dickinson replaced Ann Landers as the advice columnist for the Chicago Tribune in 2003, and I started reading her column soon after. She gives the most level headed and sane advice, I just love her attitude. Last year at a Christmas party I had the pleasure of meeting Amy, and we talked aprons, (of course!) I'm pretty sure she told me that she's a full apron type of gal, and I also remember that she was pretty petite. I haven't decided which apron to send her yet - either a full version of Pom's Farm (she's from the Finger Lakes town of Freeville NY), or the full version of Who's Counting? (she might appreciate the funny fabric). I'm still waiting to hear from my friend Peter Sagal (the Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me host) to get me her address, so I've got a little time to ponder. Read the Vows column featuring Amy and Bruno here.If you have an opinion about which apron to send, please let me know!

Mama Needs a Brand New Purse

2008-08-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

My old Practically Necessary purse is looking a little shabby so I looked through my stash box for something new. I found the assembled Johnny Appleseed purse front and back, a strap, and a loop all made (there's something to be said for half-finished projects!). All I needed to do was make the lining (from the Pentwater chintz), the inside pocket, and finish assembling the pieces. I had a small piece of the fabric cut out and used it to cover a button for the closure.

Mae took this picture of me with my new purse (this one is called "Oh Johnny"). She said it looked best with me off center with the kitchen in the background. I told her to go ahead, I trust her art direction!

School started today - hurray!

A Rose for Sarah

2008-08-25T11:59:00.001-07:00

My cousin Rose ordered my last "Rose" apron for her friend Sarah who lives in Florida. My mom ordered the original "Rose" apron for Rose! I like to include a hankie in the pocket, which I refer to as "The Forgotten Textile". When it's a match like this one, I'm so pleased. I got a good stash of nice hankies at the thrift recently, so I'm pretty well set to include them in orders for the next few months.

Once the apron is neatly folded I wrap it in 2 pieces of tissue paper and tie it with ribbon. I usually include a Practically Necessary thank you note, but when the apron is a gift that I am sending directly I include a nice note with info about the apron and of course who it was sent by.

One of the details I wondered about when I started PN was the shipping. Did you know that the USPS will send you boxes for free? I order them in sets of 10-25. I use the 9 x 6.5 x 2 size boxes most often. I also print my labels out at home. I print them on paper and use spray glue to attach them, sticker paper is too expensive. When items are paid for on my paypal account it's especially easy, all of the address info is automatically in place and the payment for the shipping comes out of my paypal account.

I'll be sending Sarah's apron out tomorrow, in time for her birthday on August 31st. Happy birthday Sarah, and thank you Rose!

Tree of Happiness Award

2008-08-19T12:28:00.000-07:00

Catslye passed the baton of Happiness to me, giving me the opportunity to tell you 6 things that make me happy (and giving me the opportunity to stop and think about it, thank you Cat!)

1. Meaningful Work. This is so important to my sense of well being. My meaningful work this summer has been primarily taking care of my kids and it's been a terrific summer. However the fall will bring me back to the ranks of the employed, and I couldn't be happier.

2. My kids. My kids are a blast. Mae is so clever and funny, and I love her sense of fashion and self expression. Leo is my little dear heart, and usually knows when to say something really nice to his mama :)

3. My husband Marc. He is very supportive. He knows how to deliver constructive criticism. He's also a big fan of musical theater, just like my Dad - a nice feature.

4. My gal pals. They mean the world to me.

5. My parents. (I just realized that I need a pic of my Dad on flickr!) They have always been there for me and continue to be an important part of my life (and the life of my kids). UPDATE - just posted a great pic of my dad!

6. Derby Lite. Meeting this group of women has been such a great experience. I'm in the best shape of my adult life, and I have a whole new network of friends - fantastic.

Well what about sewing and Practically Necessary? Let's file that under meaningful work. I love to design new aprons, and make useful things. But the truth is, when push comes to shove (which thankfully has not happened!) I would choose graphic design over sewing. I really like to sew, I really LOVE to design.

That being said, here's my latest order - Florence. I got the vintage 70s fabric at the thrift store (15 yards, a bolts worth!) for about $10. It was my first experience buying fabric that I knew other people would like, that I didn't really like myself. Well, it's grown on me actually, but I wouldn't have bought it to make anything for myself.

I like the disappearing pocket on the bib:

I like the way the label goes with the fabric:

And I like the pretty orange button on the inner bib:

I'm passing the Tree of Happiness baton onto Sew Bettie at Craft Yourself Rich, she's a terrific crafter/blogger I met at the Constructor Craft Fair in Berwyn this spring. Run with it Bettie!

August Blog Catch-Up

2008-08-08T08:57:00.001-07:00

I have felt truly "on vacation" for most of this summer. Especially since I found out that I will be going back to my most recent freelance job in September. The news came as quite a relief.

Me and the kids went to Pentwater, Michigan for a few days, this is the view down the pier. It's one of our favorite places, and it just doesn't feel like summer unless we get there at least once. Marc had to miss it, so we are hoping for a labor day weekend visit as well.

My mom and I got a chance to check out my favorite antique shop in Pentwater. I saw what I wanted to see in this pattern - a wrap around skirt with a cute top. I have been looking for a wrap skirt for a long time (why is that a hard thing to find?) What I didn't notice before I bought it is the size, one I had never seen before, an 8PT - the PT stands for Pre-Teen! Oh well, I still took it out and read the directions and looked at all the pattern pieces. I read patterns like some people read cookbooks. I just enjoy reading the directions - a little weird I know.

This might be the prettiest vintage fabric I have ever found (at the same antique store). The selvage reads "Madison Chintz" an exclusive vat colored screen print for C & T fabrics. I just love the combination of colors and floral shapes. I want to make a summer blouse out of it (there's about 3 yards).

Now onto the find of the day - the "Keep Slim" hankie. It was in a box of hankies that came from the collection of a woman with the initials A. S. There were many A hankies, and a wonderful selection, all beautiful and unused. I had decided to buy only one, and this was my favorite.

Mae took this of me at work soon after we returned home. I had an order for the Caroline full, and the Sour Cherries half apron in my in-box.

A REALLY Big Project!

2008-07-21T07:50:00.001-07:00

My roller derby club Derby Lite skated in the Oak Park 4th of July parade this year. Queen B (our fearless leader) envisioned a giant roller-skate float for the parade. She planned it out, and asked Vivi Sewhot (me) to do the sewing. Believe it or not we constructed the entire float in one day (after we had to put together the pattern made from an entire bolt of pink flannel).

First we draped the pattern over the vehicle (using very strong magnets) and made the necessary adjustments, next we cut the vinyl to match the pattern pieces. We then taped the pieces together with painter's tape. After getting one half of the skate sewn together we draped it on the car again to be sure we had a good fit (the magnets held up the vinyl too).

Yards and yards of vinyl - 16 to be exact! I used my Viking for the job - a perfect match. I borrowed B's vinyl foot (she has a Viking machine too).

We used silver contact paper to make the grommets, and wide stiff ribbon for the laces. The tongue was made of theatrical scrim - donated by D'Liter Flash Hottie's husband Rich. Even more importantly, Rich designed and made the PVC pipe structure for the top of the car.

We put the float on the car when we got to the parade line-up. It was laced together in the front, and sewn with rope at the top. The whole process took about 20 minutes.

The toe stop was made from foam and black duct tape. Check out our first float - it was disposable! We will be able to use this float for many parades - judging by how much fun we all had, there will be MANY more!

Poppy Z Fite made the fabulous banner and the vinyl logos that appear on both sides of the float. The logos were added last, glued on after all of the sewing was completed (I was excused from that job, there were about 10 D'liters helping at that point!)

The view from inside the float, driven by King B - the Queen's faithful helpmate.

In Theory...

2008-07-14T09:34:00.001-07:00

I bought some pants at the thrift shop last week. I kind of knew they wouldn't fit, but I just couldn't help myself. They were made by Theory, and of the most beautiful light blue cotton with a thin black pin stripe (cost? - $2 after the %33 discount!). They were too small, but I suddenly realized what a great hat that they would make. My most recent hat is also blue, but the Theory fabric is much nicer, and could go with dressier outfits.

There is something about making a hat that I just can't resist. Especially when I am repurposing something else: Will there be enough fabric? If there isn't, what can I do to "make it work"? It's fairly fool proof because I know I like the pattern - I'm not going to finish it and end up with something I can't wear. And while I'm doing it I'm kind of lost in thought - lost in the process. I'm not worrying about other things (unemployment, parents visiting, etc.) - I am only thinking about the hat, and how it will come out.

Once I am finished cutting out the fabric for the top, the brim, and the band, I have to think about the band lining. Black and white gingham seemed perfect for this one. Once the construction is finished, then it's time to pick out the ribbon band. Black and white polka dots? Perfect!

Getting to Know You...

2008-06-30T12:22:00.001-07:00

Well I finally did turn around! It's a pretty easy to operate sewing machine (once I got past the fact that you have to unplug to foot control to use the bobbin winder!) Does anyone use the button rather than the foot petal? Am I old-fashioned??

My first project on the Brother Innov-is 40 - is a cover for her made with some great barkcloth I got on eBay recently (12 yards of it!) I figured it was a good place to start. Someone asked me yesterday if I have named my sewing machine - I have not, yet.

I also created a scissors pad/stitch palette as a way to get to know the machine (Pearl?). It's a good landing place and reminder that there should always be a pair by the machine, as well as a visual reminder of what the decorative and overcasting stitches look like.

Good news from the US Mail today! - a check from a wholesale client I had pretty much given up on finally arrived. I also received an inquiry from another shop (to open soon). It's all making me feel pretty good today - especially now that my hair is cut the way it should be! (critical to my sense of being right with the world!)

I'm wearing the apron that I made for myself last week. I have wanted to make a "shop" inspired apron - the kind you might see on a female gas station attendant. The 44 is for my birthday, but it might look like a lodge number or something like that. I wore it to see "Superior Donuts" at the Steppenwolf on Saturday. No one asked me about it, but I did overhear a woman say "well that's different"! I'll take that as a compliment, thank you!

I'm Stuck

2008-06-27T10:21:00.001-07:00

I'm having one of those days when I can't seem to move in the direction I need to be moving. My new sewing machine is right behind me and I need to turn around and introduce myself.

I packed up my beloved Viking yesterday. I wish I had the room to have both of them up and running, but I just don't. I looked at quite a few different machines and the Brother Innov-is 40 is the one I liked best. I finally found a computerized machine I like. I don't like number pads - it has a dial, which my analog brain seems to need. I don't have to remember any sequences, I just turn the dial to the stitch I need and I'm on my way (eventually!).

My Viking has some significant tension issues - it's fine when I'm doing simple sewing, but when it comes to applying pockets or anything with more thickness, the bottom stitching is not right. I did take it in for servicing, my sewing machine guy said that it's days were numbered. I finally came to terms with it last week, and purchased the machine yesterday. I'm going to take a page from She's So Slye and start out with something simple - an apron I started on the Viking - it will be a hybrid I guess!

I'm going to turn around now... (or very soon anyway).

Jack Winter Vintage Pants

2008-06-23T08:13:00.001-07:00

I love the label in my new vintage pants - so excellent. I knew they were too big when I bought them yesterday, but if you know how I feel about plaid pants, you know I had to get them anyway. They are constructed just like a pair of pants I made a few years ago, so I turned them inside out and placed the similar pants over them to get an idea of where I needed to alter. It was clear that I needed to separate the pant legs in the center (fortunately the zipper is on the side, hidden in the pocket). I resewed the inner thigh of each pant leg, and then put the 2 sides back together. It was then that I realized that the front pleats needed to be increased also, they werea little balloony in the front. Once I did that, they fit pretty well. And the way they go with my favorite Ship N' Shore top? I almost wonder if at some point these 2 items were worn together, possibly by a gal named

Fabulous embroidered pillowcase found at Unique yesterday.

Jack Winter pants paired with Ship N' Shore blouse, perfect for a summer day.

To O With It!

2008-06-18T18:33:00.000-07:00

After I finished Deanna I was feeling pretty jazzed. I posted images on flickr, I blogged, and then I went to the O magazine web site and looked for the place to contact the editors. I sent them a short note about my business, particularly about the Deanna apron and the custom apron concept I enjoy so much. I immediately recieved an automated "we received your email, thank you for your interest etc" message. The following week I received a non-automated email from the editors! They love my work, and encouraged me to send a sample to the style editor in New York! I had been having a particularly difficult week, finding my way back daytime employment continues to be a painful process. The timing of the email from the O editors couldn't have been better.

Now to choose a sample... which apron to send? I considered Kitty-kitty, and Cockadoodle, but finally decided to send Who's Counting. It has my signature faced pocket with ric-rac. Next was to think of something to embroider on it. I initially thought about the O logotype, but ultimately decided that was too obvious - they must get a lot of items with the O logo applied to them, even hand-embroidered I think it would miss the mark. It also wouldn't tell them anything about me, or Practically Necessary. Humor plays a big part in my work, so the piece of cake with the caption "Who's Counting?" felt perfect.

Next came crafting the press release/introduction letter. I wrote out the basic letter - covering the important points, then with the help of my brilliant editor/husband Marc we culled away all of the unnecessary words - such hard work! Marc even helps me pick out the images to include. He has very strong opinions about my work - it really helps in the editing process.

I mailed the package today and I feel great about it. The apron is my best work - and the letter of introduction says exactly what I want it to say. I can't ask much more than that of myself. Tomorrow it's back into the employment trenches - I still need a day job, and I hope to find one that can balance out my life. I'm starting to dream a little big about it and to picture it more clearly. I'm feeling more hopeful that I will find my place again in the employment universe!

On my way to the post office with a package for O!

Custom Apron Show and Tell

2008-06-05T10:59:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be fun to show how I created my latest custom apron. Pauline, my client, bookmarked my site when it was featured on Daily Candy in January. She contacted me in May and we met last Friday. She had a whole shopping bag full of clothes that the recipient (Deanna, getting married this summer) wore as a child. I was a little taken aback at first. Usually people give me kitchen textiles - but after a few minutes I saw how it could work.

I figured I could use some of my fabric, and use the clothing pieces as a border, pocket, ties and facings. One of the best pieces she gave me was a hand-embroidered bib. I put that on some gingham dress fabric for the pocket. I added a little pink flower - it needed a little accent, AND it covers a small stain - necessity really is the mother of invention! There was also a 1 piece pants jumper which became the border, and the ties. I accented the pocket and the sweetheart neckline with yellow ric-rac. This piece has really expanded my concept of what fabrics can be used for a custom piece, and I'm pretty pleased with the way it came out!

That crafty little flower accents the pink in the border, AND covers a tiny stain!

Iron on Tuesday

2008-05-26T14:34:00.001-07:00

Maybe this is a funny way to introduce my experience at the Constructor Craft Fair, but this embroidery was an important key to that event. Sitting behind a table covered with my goods, next to a rack full of my goods, is not my idea of a good time. Some people are very interested, but most take a glance and keep walking. I understand this impulse, it's the reason I don't like garage sales and prefer the anonymity of thrift shopping. Having something to DO behind that table is really important, and it gives the craft show attenders a chance to see me at my needle. Working on embroidery is most satisfying to me when I am doing something that involves passive waiting: riding in the car, commuting, waiting in the doctors office, and waiting for customers.

My customers (made up mostly of women with expendable income between 40-55 with a few young stylish women thrown in, and of course the occasional husband) don't seem to attend craft fairs. Don't get me wrong, I do remember all 3 women, and especially the one husband who bought aprons from me, but the best part about the this fair was the other crafters. I sat behind Hesper from Subversive Seamstress Designs. She makes really cute bags from thrifted fabric and teaches art at a local high school. I also enjoyed meeting Cara from SewBettie. She likes to embroider and enjoyed seeing my Derby Girl jean jacket.

I did best with the vintage textiles I threw in at the last minute. Items from my stash that I didn't think I would use: a beautiful linen table cloth I couldn't bring myself to repurpose (sold to a girl who came by 3 or 4 times before finally taking the plunge - so cute!), a couple of sets of napkins, and some embroidered table cloths. I sat those nearest to me, probably because I don't feel much personal attachment to them as I do my aprons.

My friends who came by were much appreciated. Hellin' Wheels, a friend from Derby Lite came by before practice. My friend Sue (the first person to buy my most popular apron, the full Caroline) came and stayed for an hour or so - she always livens things up. Kristina came by before her family came over to have dinner and hear some jazz. And my friend Julie with her husband Wade and their son Ben came by late in the day also. I also enjoyed meeting Nancy, a person I had never met who READS MY BLOG! (sorry, it's the first time that's ever happend!) Marc dropped me off, took the kids to see Indiana Jones (recommended) and picked me up, so he's very much appreciated of course. It's surprisingly tiring to sit in a chair all day, and after the beer I had at about 7pm (thanks Julie!), I was pretty much ready for bed as soon as I got home!

This is some fabulous barkcloth I got on ebay last week. About 12 yards in perfect condition. I see some full aprons out of this one - and maybe some curtains too, isn't it cute?? Thanks to Johanna for that one.

Derby Dress

2008-05-17T14:44:00.001-07:00

I made this dress last weekend from 2 large cotton sponsor t-shirts for Derby Lite. When we were recieving the shirts Hellin Wheels commented that Vivi Sewhot should be able to come up with a dress made from one of them. Hmmmm, good idea! Here are the pics I am putting together to submit to ReadyMade. I think it would make a great Do It Yourself for the mag.

It takes 2 sets of sleeves to make the skirt at the bottom, and the ric-rac is optional. You don't need a serger, just a machine with a zig-zag stitch. The nice hem at the bottom is the hem already present on the sleeve bottoms. I wore it to practice on Tuesday and it passed the functionality test. It stays in place and is very comfortable. I got a lot of nice comments, and a couple of requests from the D'Liters - that's what gave me the idea to present it to ReadyMade.

Derby Girl and Pom's Farm

2008-04-25T08:48:00.001-07:00

I finished the Derby Lite girl on the back of my jacket! I'm especially pleased with the way the skates came out. Someone asked me what I would charge to recreate her, but honestly I don't think I could do it - she is most likely a one-off.

I have been pretty busy making product for the Constructor Craft Fair May 25th. Below is "Pom's Farm" - an apron I started yesterday. The fabulous fabric was given to me by Pominatrix, (a D'Liter) I'm not sure she realized just how much I LOVE this kind of pictorial barkcloth - when I saw it hanging it her kitchen I gasped - then she told me that she wanted to give me the remainder in her stash - I think I counted a total of 12 panels! The fabric was manufactured as curtains (the original side seams remain in the apron) and is the perfect width for aprons. I won't be using all of the fabric for aprons, I will save some for wristlets - and maybe even for my kitchen.

I love the way the black side panels become the back of the apron. I'll be attaching black ties with red topstitching.

This is one of those fabrics that goes so nicely with my label - I love it when that happens!

Progress!

2008-04-11T09:02:00.000-07:00

Being between jobs leaves lots of time for embroidery - look how Viva (I've name her) is coming along! The face is a little funny, but at a distance it looks just fine, and I couldn't possibly get any more thread in that area - too bad that there is no erasing in embroidery!

The D'Liters have planned an outdoor skate for tomorrow morning, but alas, we are supposed to be getting snow flurries - arrgghh!! Haven't we suffered enough?? Apparently not! Please say a little warm weather prayer for us!

Derby Lite Girl - Work in Progress

2008-04-07T11:41:00.000-07:00

I finally found the image that goes with the Derby Lite logo for my jean jacket. The Derby Lite girl was created by a D'liter named Valerie of the Dolls (thanks Valerie!). It's a pretty ambitious project as I am going to be filling it all in (see the pink stripe in the helmet for where I have started). I'm using a split stitch for the outline - (the same stitch that Hillary at Wee Wonderfuls uses on her stitchettes - I recently ordered one for my friend Julia). I'll use some satin stitch (for the sock stripes) and an uneven satin stitch for most of the rest of the areas. I really like the look of the split stitch for the black outline, it has just the right weight and presence.

Maybe I look like I'm trying to be 16 again wearing a jean jacket with an embroidered emblem on the back, but that's exactly what Derby Lite has made me feel like. There is nothing quite like the feeling of being on skates with purpose - our practices are hard work, but so much fun. Yesterday we played derby soccer, which is basically just skating around in a circle kicking small soft soccer balls to each other and trying not to fall down while doing it!

We have all come so far in our skills since November (when Derby Lite was born) - it's a wonderful thing to see! If you are in the area and would like to see us skate, we are throwing a skating party at Lombard Roller rink (in Lombard IL) Sunday May 4th from 4-6. The party is a benefit for the American Cancer Society's upcoming Walk & Roll. Derby Lite will be skating 10 miles in the Walk & Roll May 18th. Email me if you'd like more information about the skating party May 4th - it's going to be a blast!

Rural Collage Wristlet

2008-04-04T06:52:00.001-07:00

I'm sending this wristlet to my friend Susan, a book designer who lives in rural New York. She's been working from home for the last year, but recently got a new job downtown. I think she'll need a wristlet for her bag. I always use mine - it holds my wallet, my phone and my lipstick - all of the essentials!

I got the barkcloth for this wristlet on ebay. I didn't read the description carefully enough (duh!) and when I received it was surprised to see that the curtain panel had been pieced together. You could hardly tell in the photo, or even when looking at the actual panel. The two pieces sewn together in the wristlet were as I found them on thepanel. There is enough fabric for 3 or 4 purses, and a bunch of wristlets and wallets, so I wasn't really disappointed.

I included a hankie too (another commuting essential). This one's one of my favorites, it's perfectly faded and soft - and has a hand finished edge, an unusual detail.

I'm going to be at the Constructor Craft Fair at Fitzgeralds in Berwyn on May 25th, I'm hoping to get a pile of bags and wristlets ready for that (as well as a rack of aprons of course!) Please visit me there if you are in the area.

Art Institute Outing

2008-04-02T12:43:00.001-07:00

April 2nd - Chicago Art Institute, originally uploaded by Viteen.

We made it to the Chicago Art Institute today! We went for the Edward Hopper - Winslow Homer show. The Hopper paintings are just dazzling. I had only seen Nighthawks in person, and to see so many today was fantastic. I'm afraid my museum stamina is not very strong, so after spending an hour looking at the Hopper works, I didn't have too much more energy for Homer. Marc had already been through the exhibit when he did a piece on the show for Chicago Tonight, the local program he works on (he's a producer, focusing on the arts), so he wasn't too disappointed. Francesca didn't seem to mind either. We did stop by and visit American Gothic before we left. We had it pretty much to ourselves - a very nice experience! Did you know that that painting helped bring ric-rac back into fashion? (it was ever out??) I know there are lot's of factoids about that painting, but that's one of my favorites!

Indians Yesterday and Today

2008-04-01T11:28:00.001-07:00

Found this Bureau of Indian Affairs booklet here today. We were planning to see the Edward Hopper/Winslow Homer exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago. We forgot that Tuesday is freeday - the line to get in was at least 45 people. We're going to try again tomorrow! I'm glad it worked out that way now, it was so nice to visit this shop, and it's owner. The design of this cover is pretty fascinating. The old with the new - the type at the bottom is what caught my eye. I'm also taken with the back cover - probably because of my most recent freelance job:
I was assisting a book cover designer - a really fun gig. I'm looking forward to doing more work like that in the future.

Hoping to post some images from our trip to the
Art Institute of Chicago tomorrow!

Derby Lite Skating Apron

2008-03-24T12:08:00.001-07:00

It was just a matter of time until 2 of my favorite things came together!

I found an image on flickr of a derby girl wearing an apron, showing off panty shorts with something printed on them. I'll have to have something PG on mine - possibly my derby name "Screamin' Mimi" or maybe S+M for short - wait a minute, that's not PG!!

I'm pretty pleased with the way the embroidery came out. I created the DL logo from the full logo designed by Coco Bang Bang - formerly of The Double Crossers (with the Windy City Rollers).

I'll be wearing the skating apron to practice tomorrow, so I'll be sure to have my picture taken wearing it in full derby gear!

First Day of Spring!

2008-03-20T06:49:00.000-07:00

It's sunny this morning, and hang the weatherman who says we are getting 3-5 inches of snow tonight! I say spring is coming!

I'm updating my Apron Site today and I came across this wine cozy while looking for new images for the Custom section of the site. I created it for the same gal who received this apron for her wedding last June. Now that I think about it, the mini apron was a gift for the groom, who is a wine lover.

I'm on a break from freelancing right now, and enjoying the time off. Derby Lite is skating twice a week now, Tuesday evenings and Sunday afternoons. I don't think I have been this fit since I rowed crew in college (that's me 4th from the right). Click on the picture to see the full size image - and the exertion/fear in my face - I was probably thinking about "crabbing" - catching my oar in the water and getting whacked with it!

I hope it's feels like spring is coming where ever you are - snow tonight or not, it's coming soon!

Little Red Hen is Finished!

2008-03-13T18:47:00.000-07:00

I finished "Little Red Hen" - the custom apron I have been working on. I'm really pleased with the way it came out. The time I put into it was more than I had planned on, but I enjoyed working on it and I did most of the embroidery on the train, which for some reason is more enjoyable - why is that? Maybe because it feels like free time. Another benefit is that embroidering on the train is very relaxing - a good thing since I'm on my way to and from work.

The four chicks on the apron stand for the 4 children of the woman who will be receiving the apron. I like the way the portraits of the animals came out. Here's where "google image search" really comes in handy! After I find good images I take them into illustrator and draw outlines - get them about the same size - then print them out onto cardstock and make stencils.

I had a couple of weeks to complete this apron (I got the commission at the same time I got the order for the PIE aprons) and I managed my time well. I like to do a little bit everyday - cut out all of the bodies, cut out all of the ties, make all of the pockets, etc. I never felt overwhelmed. With the Little Red Hen apron I embroidered the bib first (after I cut out the body), then moved on to the Hen pocket and chicks. I made them, pinned them down, and planned out the remainder of the embroidery. Once I finished that I sewed the hen and chicks in place, and finally constructed the apron. I'm looking forward to hearing from Molly, who commissioned the apron for her mom.

It looks like my freelance job might be ending for a while, so it's a good thing I got over to Sew Particular this week. I had an interesting meeting with the owner yesterday. I look forward to what might come of it...

PIE Aprons Done!

2008-03-09T13:32:00.000-07:00

I finished the aprons for PIE, the upscale pie shop in Chicago. Dara, one of the owners, contacted me after seeing the Daily Candy post in mid-January. The PIE folks want to have aprons to sell in the store, and possibly for the employees to wear as well. The black apron was my 3rd and most successful attempt. They really liked the blue and brown one below too - but we all felt the black one will sell better. The inspiration for the black apron came from a lunch bag I made for myself a few weeks ago. I made a simple square pillowcase bag, then made a tab closure - "wow! - that would make a cute apron detail!" I usually like buttons and tabs to actually function, but a functioning button tab on an apron would just be distracting, it's not like you really have anything in an apron pocket that's going to fall out!

This week I'll be seeing Vivian at Sew Particular in Oak Park about the possibility of them making some aprons for me. I'm so curious to talk to her, and see what she thinks of my aprons, and the possibility of having them made in her shop.

I made good progress on the "Little Red Hen" apron this week also. The embroidery work on that one is a little more time-intensive than I planned for, but I am excited about it - it's a fun project - and that makes the extra time worth it to me. Below is a shot of the embroidery on the bib. The red copy is easier to read than it appears here. The hen is asking for help with the wheat - below the animals (dog, cat, duck) will be saying NOT I! and the hen's chicks will be eating bread crumbs.

In Progress

2008-03-02T06:40:00.001-08:00

I got a custom order request from a gal named Molly. She wondered if I might be interested in making an apron that tells a story? Well yes I would! This is the story of the little red hen. She's trying to get some help with the wheat: who will help me plant the seeds? harvest? grind the wheat? bake the bread? All entreaties are met with a "Not I" from the duck, the cat, and the dog.

Who gets to eat the bread?? Only the hen and her 4 chicks (Molly and her siblings).

The hen will be a pocket, I think the remainder of the elements will be embroidered. The duck, cat, and dog are not concepted yet - but I think they will appear as little head shots in boxes opposite the hen. They will be saying "NOT I!" in unison.

This is a far cry from what I did yesterday - I was in a parade with my roller derby club "Derby Lite". Unfortunately I was a little busy yesterday (I met with the people at PIE to review the aprons I made for them in the morning) and just totally spaced my skates! I ended up walking with the group - which worked out nicely since I was able to get these fun photos! Also, TerminAda and I swapped her skates for my fat babies after the parade, and 5 of us skated back through the parade back to the staging area - so I got to skate after all!

The best banner in the parade! Poppy Z Fite, one of the Derby Liters made it. That's Dyna-Mo and TerminAda carrying it.

OK, Ready Now!

2008-02-24T19:25:00.000-08:00

I just updated Practically Necessary tonight! I spent most of the weekend photographing the new aprons, and preparing the Illustrator files (that's how my site was created - with pages in Illustrator imported into Dreamweaver as jpegs. In Dreamweaver I just add all of the hotspots (links). Updating the site can be a little cumbersome, but I can do it myself, and I'm pretty happy with the results.

I really wanted to get the new Who's Counting apron on the index page - I was so focussed on getting it just right, that I failed to notice that two of the aprons on the home page have black pockets! A little design redundancy - still, I like all of those images for the homepage, so I'll leave it for now.

New Styles - Almost Ready!

2008-02-24T06:47:00.001-08:00

This "calorie" fabric is a reproduction of a print I have on a vintage hankie - it's exactly the same, though the colors are a little different. Seemed like perfect apron fabric!

The original batch of Kitty-kitty aprons (there were 6) all sold. I think this black and white fabric does the trick for version 2. It's tricky to find a print that goes well with the ric-rac (not too big, not too small).

So many people have asked me if I have cherry fabric - I finally found one I really like! This one has such a pretty gray background with lemons, and lemony drinks - Perfect for summer entertaining! I embroidered cherries on the pockets–it's available without them too. I think I need to find a spot on the site to point out that I can embroider on almost any apron I offer. A few people have emailed and asked about embroidery on other styles - that's how the monograms on Barbara Ann and Libby came about.

Folks Dance

2008-02-11T03:41:00.001-08:00

I have finally caught up with the orders I received from the Daily Candy post. We all recovered from the nasty virus that is going around, so I have had a little time to get some new aprons working. Part of the fun with each new apron is designing the page for the website. Each apron page is a little different, designed to highlight whatever is special about that style. I love the border on this gray fabric. I only have enough fabric to make two of these - I wish I had more so the page would have a longer life, but I love this apron so I want to get it out there!

Next on the agenda is to finish the aprons I am designing for a pie shop called PIE in downtown Chicago. They would like aprons to sell in the shop, and possibly aprons for the employees to wear. I have a couple of cute half aprons, but I still need to design a full apron for a man to wear. I went to Vogue fabric yesterday and found a beautiful butterscotch color cotton with a little heft to it - I think it will work nicely for that one. Will post those designs soon.

Evelyn's Order

2008-01-29T12:42:00.001-08:00

Practically Necessary was featured in the Chicago Edition of Daily Candy last Wednesday - Wonderful news! The wrinkle was that I came down with the worst cold that day - and it just got worse and worse. I was sitting at my computer Wednesday morning (most of the orders came in berfore noon) with just enough energy to monitor the orders and update my site as the one-of-a-kinds sold. By the weekend the ENTIRE family had come down with it - it was almost funny (but felt so AWFUL!)

A gal named Evelyn ordered 3 of my favorite aprons - I was so delighted when I found the "E" hankie in my collection in include in her order - I hope she loves it!

I let most of my customers know what happened, and everyone was just fine with waiting a few extra days for their order. Today the kids are still recovering so I'm getting some orders finished and ready to ship. I can't work tonight though... it's DERBY NIGHT!

Derby Lite Embroidery

2008-01-23T12:38:00.000-08:00

Here's the Derby Lite logo (thanks to Coco BangBang for designing it) I just finished embroidering on my jean jacket. Rollerskating with this great group of women has been the best thing to happen to me in a long time - we are all having so much fun! Thanks so much to my friend Queen B, a former Windy City Roller (she skated with The Fury) who started Derby Lite.

I'm still undecided on my Derby Name - but I think I'm going with "Screamin' Mimi" - I'm such a screamer!

Here I am at Derby practice - working on my skills!

I might get really ambitious and embroider another image on top of the logo - a akating gal, or a winged skate - not sure yet.

Emily's Pillow

2008-01-22T10:51:00.000-08:00

I made a pillow and pillowcase for Emma, a good friend of my son Leo. Emma has an American Girl doll named Emily.

That's the quilt I made for Emma's doll Emily last year. (pictured here with MY Emily!)

I used vintage pillow ticking to make the pillow, and I hand embroidered the case. I had so much fun embroidering the pillowcase, that I started another project I'll be ready to show off in just a few days - it's an embroidery of the logo from my Roller Derby group on the back of my favorite Levi's jean jacket - roller skating has made me feel so great - and I'm pretty sure wearing my jean jacket adorned with embroidery will REALLY take me back!

Hula Girl Apron - Vacation Project #3

2008-01-05T12:59:00.001-08:00

I found this darling apron at the thrift store recently. When I put it on I noticed that the waistband was really small (17") and so overgathered that the dancing girls became obscured and just didn't hang nicely. I took the waistband off and applied a larger one (23"). I used the original ties. I have had to do this with a handful of vintage aprons. No Pocket Polly was originally made this way too. I like to gather the waist only at the hips and leave the stomach area flat - it makes a much more flattering line.

Hand cross stitched detail.

Hand Pieced Doll Quilt - Vacation Project #2

2007-12-31T07:41:00.000-08:00

I went home (Saginaw, Michigan) for a holiday visit - and I made it two days before I had to rush to Joanne and buy some fabric - I just had to MAKE something! My mom does not have a sewing machine so I pieced it by hand - something I loved to do when I had hours of free time (B.C.) I used flannel rather than batting and I machine quilted it. I took it over to Piper's house last night, her Mom Sara just bought a doll bed at a church sale, so my timing was really good!

Detail of Piper's Doll Quilt. I used a few of my fancy stitches to quilt the solid squares.

The pillow-ticking print was the first fabric I found at Joanne - I picked the other prints to go with it, but it ended up as the backing only - too busy to really go with the other fabrics. I embroidered Piper's initials on the back.

Christmas Vacation Project #1

2007-12-30T18:29:00.000-08:00

I started this capelet on Christmas Eve. The plaid fabric is from an extra large men's Pendleton shirt I thrifted last year. I used McCalls # M5006 view G. I had hoped to make the whole front out of the plaid, but I just didn't have enough so I used the gold velvet I had in my stash for both the sides and back (the fabric I used to make this hat). The pattern called for a ribbon tie, but I substituted a button with a tab. I used some of my Chinese lantern lining fabric for the lining, and I thought it needed interfacing so I used white flannel for that purpose.

My husband Marc thought is was goofy right off and just kept looking at me funny while I was working on it - he's usually a good judge so I was unsure of myself until I wore it on a visit home. It was a good traveling garment: it kept me comfortable on the train ride from Chicago to Ann Arbor (and back again), and I got a lot of compliments - one man on the train said "what is that you're wearing - what do you call it? - I love it!" After all of the positive feedback I got from Wardrobe Remix, I think Marc just doesn't get it!

Crown button from my mom's button stash.

Custom Kitty Complete!

2007-12-22T11:17:00.001-08:00

I finished the Custom Kitty-Kitty on Friday morning. Delivering the finished product is one of my favorite things! Tracey (the client) is so excited to give it to her sister in-law Sharon for her birthday. Sharon's birthday is New Years Eve. I hope she likes it! The pictures I took of the back didn't come out, but this one has black ties to go with the waistband. The waistband has one of my Viking decorative stitches at the top. The kitty faces are lined in black and white gingham.

Each one of my aprons comes with a tag with it's story and care instructions, see the Kitty-Kitty tag below. (Click on the image to
see it full size).

Custom Kitty-Kitty

2007-12-17T07:39:00.000-08:00

I'm making a custom apron for the sister in-law of a woman I work with named Tracey. Tracey liked my Kitty-Kitty apron but she wondered if I could customize the pockets to look like her sister in-law's cats. I made simple appliques of the cats orange splotches and then embroidered the faces. Next I lined the pockets with an extra piece of creamed colored fabric because I wanted to face them with black and white gingham. I'm pretty pleased with my progress so far. The red fabric will be the body of the apron, and it will have a black waistband with red topstitching. Tracey and I will collaborate on the name and the story of the apron - that's always part of the fun, and a big part of what makes a custom apron special.

It Was A Very Good Year (1965)

2007-12-08T11:59:00.000-08:00

I just finished this one of a kind apron. The pockets are made from a vintage Vera linen calendar. It was unfinished on the rack when I had my sale last week, but it sold to a gal named Marian who I met at a house sale this summer. Marian had a bag of notions in her hand and when I asked her where she found them she handed them to me and told me I could have them! When we met later in line we chatted a little I told her about my apron business. She saw the article about me in the Wednesday journal and came by the sale with her daughter Rosie. Marian bought 2 of my one of a kinds, and Rosie bought 2 holiday aprons. It really made my day! I am off to deliver "1965" this afternoon.

The back view. I like to use contrasting ties whenever possible.

I cut the calendar in half to create 2 roomy pockets.

Puglyfeet's Purchase!

2007-12-06T15:09:00.000-08:00

One of my flickr friends, Puglyfeet, posted about my change purses in her blog - unfortunately they were sold out at the time, so she couldn't order one. I made a bunch in preparation for my sale but only sold one so I put them up in my etsy shop and sent her a note to let her know I had posted some more. When I checked in with my shop just a little while later, she and her boyfriend had bought them all! I posted a few more the next day, and they snapped those up too! It's going to be a Practically Necessary Christmas for Puglyfeet's friends and family!

Finding Inspiration in Laura Ingalls Wilder

2007-11-30T20:02:00.001-08:00

I just read "These Happy Golden Years" by Laura Ingalls Wilder. It tells the story of Laura's teen years, her first time teaching, and her courtship with Almanzo. There are so many passages in the book about sewing, and the many wonderful clothes that Laura made for herself. The descriptions are fantastic, and really make me want to go on a pilgrimage to the various Ingalls Wilder museums. I immediately followed with "The First Four Years", the story of her first years as a married woman. What a wonderful book. The manuscript was found with her papers after her death and wasn't published until 1971 (28 years after Those Happy Golden Years). How wonderful it must have been for the people who had read her books and thought they had read them all!

I think I have found the story for my next narrative quilt. It's just starting to form in my mind. I think I will focus on her life from 13-20. Beginning with the trip to the Shores of Silver Lake. I have some ideas for images to include - but no real plan yet. Just the thought that the story is interesting enough to me, and full of enough imagery to justify making a quilt from it - I'm excited by that alone!

Pa bought the sewing machine as a surprise for Ma (and all his girls).

Mae's Busy Weekend

2007-11-11T19:36:00.000-08:00

Mae made 3 softies from Therese Laskey's book Softies this weekend. She made the Treeling yesterday, and the Lonely Dollop and the Cross pin cushion today (I love her use of color on that one!) We highly recommend the book - the directions are clear, and the projects are super-cute. I searched the internet for wool felt and found Colonial Crafts - their 12x18 pieces 20% wool and 80% rayon, and are $1.25 a piece. Well worth it when you compare it to acrylic craft felt. Mae had cut out a couple of leaves from some craft felt and brought them over to me with a leaf cut from the wool felt and said "we can't use this - look how thin it is!" The colors are rich and they make softies with really nice body. I hope she makes the whale next!

Craft Sale Update

2007-11-05T05:31:00.000-08:00

My first craft sale went pretty well. It was a long day, sitting there behind that table from 10-4 was a little more than I bargained for. Many thanks to my friends who stopped by, it made all the difference. Kerri, the first person to purchase "Cockadoodle" bought the 3 remaining wishing well change purses. The wristlets were a hit too - good thing I made 3 more on Saturday!

Afterward we went out to our favorite Italian Restuarant - Ambrogio's. It's in the 6700 block of Belmont in Chicago. Great food, a real family restaurant (with a bar), but cash only - you'll need to remember that if you go (there's a sign on the front door in case you forget!)

At the craft sale I decided there is enough interest to have an open house at my studio (our living room!) the Saturday before Thanksgiving - that was a good day for me last year. If you are in the area (email me for specifics), I hope you'll stop by - November 18th from 11-3.

Craft Sale Tomorrow!

2007-11-03T07:48:00.001-07:00

I'm participating in the Oak Park Women's Exchange Art & Craft Fair at OPRF high school. The school is at 201 N. Scoville in Oak Park. I will have many new apron styles (including the one above, called "April" - thanks to Mae for the name!) I have a lot more full styles this year - including "Florence", which was designed for people who like to bake (and appreciate 70s kitchen textiles - check out that print!)

It has a small pocket, and a divided pocket on the body - with a slot for a spoon. I also have a mother daughter set of my skull apron Callie.

I have a Christmas apron this year - Noelle seemed like a good name for that one!

You can see more pictures on my flickr page. If you are in the area, I hope you'll stop by and see me at the Craft Fair at 201 N. Scoville in Oak Park tomorrow. It runs from 10-4, and there is a $3 entry fee - which I will take off your order if you mention this offer on my blog!

We Love Halloween!

2007-10-31T16:18:00.001-07:00

I had to miss the school parade this year - working freelance and just can't justify a day with no pay! I did get to take Mae and her friends trick-or-treating. (Leo went with his friend Craig). I made Leo's costume this weekend, and gave him a mohawk last night. Marc is responsible for the simple but effective make-up job. By 6pm all of our candy is gone - a typical Halloween night!

Mae took care of her costume this year. She found the perfect boots at the thrift store - and we got the white blouse there too. She did her hair, make-up and styling. Go Mae!

Hat #2 on Girl #1

2007-10-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

Bethany's hat size is a full inch smaller than mine, so Mae is my model for her finished hat. She chose the pagoda print for the lining. I'm very happy with the way it came out. I gather the sides of the hat, but not on the front panel - this keeps it looking smooth. I also line the band with the lining fabric, rather than the hat fabric. I find this makes the hat more comfortable.

Mae will be 10 tomorrow - I can hardly believe that it's been 10 years since she was born! She was a sweet easy baby, and her first 2 weeks are still the happiest days I have ever spent. I know there is a little bit of rose colored glass viewing going on - but I really was hormonally over the moon. I remember where I was (walking her in Lincoln Square, our old neighborhood) when I realized that the extreme happiness was fading into regular life. Regular life has been pretty good to me since then too...

My First Commissioned Hat!

2007-10-15T19:02:00.000-07:00

I finished Beckress' hat this weekend. I'm really happy with the way it came out. I had never used twill for one of my hats, but it's not so different from the fabrics I have worked with. Because of the relative firmness of twill, it has a less "floppy" look, for this reason I didn't use any topstitching - I liked the tailored look, and was afraid the topstitching would distract from the clean lines. I posted 2 ribbon choices on flickr - B chose the polka dots, my preference too. I am sending it off to tomorrow, and will anxiously await word - I hope
she likes it!

Practically Necessary Woven Labels

2007-10-12T17:07:00.000-07:00

A lot of people have asked me about my labels lately. I ordered them from Cruz Label in LA. When I started building my business last year I was able to do much of the work: I designed the logo, built the website, and obviously create the product. I felt that the look of the label was critical - I take so much pride in my sewing that I wanted a label that reflected that. That's a long way of saying that they weren't cheap - they cost more than than my precious sewing machine!

The process went like this: Cruz will send you a sample card with all of the different weaves and styles they offer. I chose one and then sent them an Illustrator file and specified PMS (pantone matching system) colors. Cruz will give you a woven "proof" to make sure it's just right. My first try with colors was a little off (the cream had a green cast) and I tried another color. That color was just right - I got exactly what I wanted and I am still thrilled with them.

My Best Work

2007-10-10T20:04:00.000-07:00

This is my best hat yet. The fabric (a wool linen blend) is perfect for a hat - it has body and a nice drape. It has good shape and takes to pressing beautifully. I am especially pleased with the interior on this one. It's my bird fabric again, with some wonderful plaid ribbon trimmed with red ric-rac (Vogue Fabric). When you make something from fabric you have never worked with you never know how it's going to turn out. This wool made a beautiful vest and hat, but the skirt pattern I chose was not so successful. It fits in with my "2 out of 3" ratio for success. For every 2 successful garments, there is usually 1 failure. I take these failures more in stride than I used to, I figure it's just par for the course. Usually I let myself think that it might work out afterall, that when I wear it I'll see that I was wrong - but this almost never really happens. The skirt is on my in progress rack (unhemmed), and I am still hopeful that when I hem it and put it on it will look better than I remembered. We'll just see about that...

Vintage Lining/Hats in Progress

2007-10-08T18:29:00.000-07:00

I finally made it to Vogue Fabrics to get the twill for the custom hats I am making. I took samples of the vintage lining fabric I will be using so I could coordinate the ribbon bands, and to show my fabric guy. He figures they are from the late 50s, early 60s (the realism of the art combined with the colors) and was impressed - exactly the reaction I was hoping for! I found these 2 lining fabrics together at a thrift store in Evanston - about 5 yards of each for $12 total. I did use a good bit of the birds as the back for the vest shown above. I still have about 2 yards of that one. The pagoda print is still at about 4 yards. I pay as much attention to the inside of the hats I make as I do the outside, so I love to find vintage linings. I am looking forward to finishing these 2 hats (hopefully by Friday), I will post before I ship!

Here's the front of the vest in case you were curious!

Back to Work

2007-10-02T19:18:00.000-07:00

I think I'd better blog about something other than a change purse (it's been a few, I know) I have two hat orders right now, I'm glad to say that I just solved one issue I have had with a few of my hats - the amateurish looking brims. With my latest hat I made a corded bias strip and inserted it in the brim. I'm really satisfied with the results.

I'm back to work, not quite full-time, but 9-3 with almost an hour of commuting on either side is pretty close. I really like having a day job and we can't afford for me to be out of work any longer anyway. I have to be very disciplined to get my sewing done. Getting the two hat orders will certainly keep me on task! Many thanks to Bitter Betty and Becktress for placing orders - and helping me get over my concerns about making hats for people other than myself. Results coming soon!

Now I've Got It

2007-09-30T15:39:00.001-07:00

My friend Molly wanted a change purse, but she wanted it a little larger, about 7"x 5". Something she could put in a larger purse to hold her cards, keys, and change. She had a small zippered bag but was always digging around for the change. I offered to make a little pocket but she thought maybe a divider would work better. Great Idea! I have been wanting the same kind of thing for my big work bag, so the next one is for me. Funny how it works like that sometimes.

The divider is the red and white gingham, it's a little over half the height of the bag. My flickr friend Mindy clued me into splityarn's tutorial for a zippered wristlet that solves the problem of the hand finished lining. I figured there must be one out there somewhere - thanks splityarn!

Molly picked the fabric because it reminds her of our 70s midwestern childhood, which was a very snowy time and place. She even picked the area of the fabric, chosen for the ice skater and the child pulling a sled. The fabric has a half a dozen other scenes that can be pulled out - the little yellow house is one, and another features horses pulling a wagon full or riders. You can see more of my scenic barkcloth here.

What Fun!

2007-09-23T17:00:00.001-07:00

Mindy, one of my flickr friends, made this adorable change purse using my tutorial. I love that she used a metal zipper, and how adorable is that ticking fabric?

I have become pretty dependent on the support and inspiration I find at flickr. The internet is full of blogs and sites that celebrate snarkiness - I love that the flickr groups that I am a part of are celebrate kindness and a simple desire to share each others lives through our images. When I found "New Vintage Wardrobe" - a group of people who sew clothing from vintage patterns, I thought I had died and gone to heaven! I knew there must have been other people who liked to do that, but to be able to see their creations and share in their success is so much fun! "Aprons In Public" (now called Apron Outfits) inspired me to go out in public like this. Even the fashion celebration of "Wardrobe Remix" has a policy of "say something nice or move on".

Need more kindness in your life? get to flickr and feel the love!

There Must Be A Better Way...

2007-09-19T07:10:00.000-07:00

After my trip to TDO for zippers yesterday I made another change purse (a belated birthday present for my horse-loving sister Sue). I was determined to come up with a simpler way to insert the lining. I applied the 2 lining pieces to the zipper underside BEFORE I applied the 2 purse pieces to the top of the zipper. Then leaving the zipper open I stitched it together and turned it through the hole. It worked fine except that I put my finger through the zipper when I turned the top right corner and had to work it back together and stitch over the corner. What do you think of being able to see the unfinished seams on the bottom and sides? I'm a little fanatical about unfinished seams, but the labor or applying the lining (especially many times over since I plan to sell them) in the traditional hand-sewn manner made me want to find another way. Now of course I am wondering if I should adjust my tutorial, or add another one, I am leaning toward adding another one.

Here you can see the unfinished seams.

Incidentally today is my last day free from employment. I start with a new company tomorrow (doing the same type of job I have done for about 10 years - textbook design). I am looking forward to going back to work - to the routine. I work from 9-3 which is pretty much perfect (having Friday off would be perfect... someday) I will be able to ride my bike to the train until the weather turns, then I will need to walk, which will take about 20 minutes.

I am going out with my girlfriends tonight - a nice way to celebrate the start of something new, and the end of a summer I will never forget.

UPDATE: My feedback from various sources has been pretty much universal distaste over having to see an unfinished seam!! I appreciate the feedback and ultimately tend to agree...

Wishing Well Change Purse

2007-09-17T06:34:00.000-07:00

Feeling bad after not winning some barkcloth fabric that I really wanted (to make it worse I was bidding for myself and for Claire at Needlebook, we were going to share), I was looking through the scenic fabric in my collection trying to come up with my next project.

When I noticed the well on one of the fabrics I realized what I needed to make. Earlier in the day I ran into a friend who told me that her daughter needed surgery, so I made this change purse for her as a way to say that I was wishing her and her family well.

There are 5 more of these available, so If you are interested in wishing someone well in this way, you can visit my etsy shop.

Change Purse Tutorial!

2007-09-14T09:57:00.000-07:00

I'm really excited to have finished the first Practically Necessary tutorial! (can you tell??) I made a few missteps along the way (as I often do) but I think I was able to smooth them out in editorial. When I made my first change purse I couldn't get over how easy it was to make, especially to put in the zipper. My friend Sara emailed me after the posting of Mae making one and said "could you teach me to put in a zipper?" That's when I knew I had to do it. Please let me know what you think of it, if you think it's clear, or if you have any ideas for improvement. Also, feel free to send me images of what you make - I'd love to see them!

I just put this change purse in my etsy shop if you know someone who would like it.

Connections, Contacts, and Cows

2007-09-13T07:13:00.002-07:00

Yesterday I got an inquiry from Julia at the Indiana Beef Cattle Association about one of my farmscene purses (pictured below) and it got me thinking about one of the scraps I had left from my Johnny Appleseed scenic fabric and about the fact that I have been wanting to create a tutorial to show people how easy it is to make a zippered changepurse. Which leads me to my thoughts about how I love the give and take from my various friends and contacts about my sewing business. Amber from Multi-tasking Moms originally requested one of my aprons in exchange for an ad on her blog for a contest she was having (I said yes), and also ended up buying a couple of custom made purses from me (see them below). When she requested a zippered changepurse my first thought was "well I've never done that before, I guess I'll have to learn how!" I don't think I would have done it if she hadn't requested it, and now I love making the changepurses, my daughter Mae has made one and I can see that they are a really nice addition to the purses in my collection - thanks Amber!

Back to Julia at the Beef Council - because she contacted me with a specific interest in cows I remembered the scrap of fabric I had, and I finally shot the pictures for the tutorial I have been meaning to make - thanks Julia!

Let's hear it for connections, contacts, and yes, cows.

Tutorial coming soon!

The farmscene purse that caught Julia's eye.

Amber's purse #1

Amber's purse #2, a gift for her mom who has a honey business.

Emily Likes Her Boots

2007-09-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

Emily returned to me via the postal service on Friday. I'm so happy to have her back! She is showing you the boots I made for her while she was gone.

I had to freshen up her face. When I made her I used the transfer that came with the pattern, and added to it with prismacolor pencils. It had worn off considerably so I just redrew it. She is the perfect doll, homemade, soft and pretty - but not so fancy that she needs to just sit on a shelf. She sits on my bedside table next to Raggedy Ann.

This is Emily's favorite quilt. I made this in the b.c. days when I had time to hand piece as well as hand quilt. I really like making doll quilts - they suit my love of making something and moving on to the next thing - boy I love to start new projects!

Mae's Favorite Barkcloth: Holly Hobbieland

2007-09-09T13:23:00.001-07:00

Sewing in the zipper.

Mae found a favorite barkcloth among the wonderful collection I just purchased on ebay. (You can see my collection of scenic barkcloth here). It looks like the home of Holly Hobbie and I think it must have been produced in the 70s. She made a changepurse yesterday. We have made things together before, and with each project she wants to do more on her own. She cut out the fabric, pinned it, and sewed it on the machine. One of the favorite features of my Viking Husqvarna is the low speed setting. It's great for sewing very thick fabrics, and it's perfect for young sewers because it's slow and steady.

I had to sew in the lining, that has to be done by hand in very small stitches. She is really proud of her changepurse. (me? oh just a little :)

Habitrail Home for a Hamster Named Cinnamon

2007-09-07T11:42:00.001-07:00

Mae finally got her hamster this week, which she named Cinnamon. After a brief escape from a hand-me-down cage, it was back to the petstore for the habitrail. I never had a hamster, but I always thought those cages were so cool! We also got the "transport unit". They both look like they were designed by Apple - so they fit right in our house. Mae is really excited about Cinnamon. Leo is only a little envious, but really seems to understand that a hamster is for a kid who is almost 10 - and that's more than 2 years away for him. We aren't supposed to handle her for a few more days, they need to get comfortable in their new surroundings first. But Mae has put the exercise ball in the cage, and then closed it up after Cinnamon climbs in - then she's off and rolling around the house!

It's been a really good week. I made a few more purses - this time from the black scenic fabric I have in my stash. A recruiter I met with early in the summer ordered an apron for her cousin's wedding shower, and I found a freelance gig that starts in a couple of weeks. I also got a much needed haircut, and I figured out how to do a bunch of things that are making my business (and my life) go so much more smoothly - hurray for progress! (I'd tell you what they are, but then you'd know what a bubble head I can be!)

This purse and a few others are in my etsy shop.