Getting Organized for Summer Sewing

In the new house, I've been working on a sewing area. Mom came to visit (with Dad & dogs) and helped a lot.

I have my sewing machines and tools in the small room (office) since it has a built in wall unit. Then, all my fabric storage and cutting table are in the big room next door.

Finally setting up a sewing area again

All progress on unpacking and setting up a sewing area were suspended when I was hired to be a classroom teacher in August 2016. Now that school is out and I have about three weeks before summer school starts, I started unpacking!

First, I had to move all my books & bookcases across the living room. Then, I could position the plastic shelving for fabric & other craft supplies. Now, I need to give the shelves a good wipe-down before putting away my fabric and yarn.

Working on a blouse

I wanted to test the fit of Butterick 5218 so I dug out some linen scrap fabric from two earlier projects. I was able to get the front, facing, and sleeves out of the toile.  I pieced the back by adding a CB seam and a seam crosswise about 5 inches above the hem. The collar & under collar were also cut from the black linen.

I'm using my vintage Singer 301A for the first time and it seems like a dream! I just love it.

Finished a lovely new shawl

I found Marly Bird's No Stopping Me Now shawl pattern and fell in love. Bought some Red Heart Boutique Unforgettable for the project. Colors I chose were Winery and Tidal. I think they are really pretty together!

The shawl was fun to crochet but the yarn makes it very difficult to rip out mistakes. But the finished product is lovely.

In progress

Finished except for running in the ends

This shawl is comfy to wrap around my neck for some color and a little warmth.

About to do some sewing

I was just hired as an office specialist (secretary) and need to beef up my professional wardrobe. I have a few patterns/fabrics ready and bought a few more at Joann's Fabrics yesterday.

100% Rayon, making the view on the bottom left. Pretty aqua and white fabric.

Making the view on the bottom left for this one, as well. 100% rayon, purple, pink, and aqua.

Knit for view on left, 94% poly, 6% spandex

Another Garter Stitch Shawl Completed!

Finished another MarlyBird Garter Stitch Shawl, this time for a belated birthday gift for my Grandma Hulda.

I chose colors that I hope she will love! All colors from Vanna's Choice yarn by Lion Brand.

The purple is a bit softer in person

Completed section two in this photo - on to seed stitch and i-cord bind off

All done except for running all the ends in!

Yarn Day!

Today I went shopping for yarn and the types I wanted were on sale at Joann Fabrics. Found some great color combos for various gifts I need to make. I don't think the recipients read my blog so I feel pretty safe posting. If they do see they won't know what's for them anyway!

The shawls will be the Marly Bird Garter Stitch Shawl like the one I made myself already in the KAL. It's a fun pattern, a bit mindless, very relaxing, and turns out to be a nice shape with good drape. About to cast on one of the shawls this evening, as a matter of fact!

For a shawl

To make a cowl

Another shawl

Dishcloths / potholders / trivets

Cowl