August Blog Catch-Up

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!

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...

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...

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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!

Art Institute Outing

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

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!