New Books and Big Ideas

As I mentioned in my last post, I am completely nuts over japanese sewing patterns. In the last week I have made no less than 3 simple skirts, 3 pairs of pants, and a dress. All are from this book:

This morning, I remembered a post praising the miracle called Yesasia.com. I remembered most of all that the post (which I don't remember the name of) mentioned FREE SHIPPING worldwide with orders over $25. What? I hate paying for shipping. Its so darn expensive that I could buy another book for the same price it costs to send my book across the states. I bought 3 books this morning for under $50 shipping (or no shipping rather) included. The downside is that it may take more than a month to get my books, but by then I'll probably have forgotten I ordered them. I'll just get a big surprise in the mail! Already though, I can't wait to see whats inside them, so for now I'll post their pictures and pine away.



Perhaps more importantly, I have been making plans to open a new Etsy shop to sell garments that I've either made too many of or that don't fit Livy or Liam. Livy is such a ham that the moment I put her in something I've just made, she runs to the full length mirror and poses and twirls. She's only 22 months old and already a clothes hound. Liam keeps telling me he wants a new dress, so one of the books has boy patterns.

Anyway, I think at least 2 of the skirts and several pairs of pants will end up in the shop. I've also made three scarves that will end up there too. I'm hoping I'll be able to sell some since its justification to make more, but we'll see. I'm trying to use all natural simple materials that I've repurposed or recycled. Lots of linens, some wools, and a bunch of cottons. I've had a ball searching for materials, but I think I may have to find a source to buy some of it new since it takes a lot more fabric to make pants than it does to make a patchwork. In the meantime, I'll continue the search for recycled materials. Its hard to tell sometimes though if something is pure or a blend, if so what else is in it. I don't like not being able to list "100% of xx" on the label if I can't be sure.

My new addiction...

Vintage Fabric Girls Dress from Japanese Sewing Book, originally uploaded by String and Scissor.

girls clothing from Japanese craft books. They are some of the sweetest simplest things I've ever seen.



I've never (successfully) sewn something from a pattern because I hate to follow directions. I've also never (successfully) sewn clothing. Both of these things take too long for my taste and there are too many steps that I can mess up.

Yesterday I tried both and am very happy with the results even though the dress is a tad too big for Livy. I added seam allowances to the pattern and I'm really starting to wonder if they are already built in. I got the pattern from this book which came in the mail from Superbuzzy on Saturday.

It took me 4 hours from start to finish which included a little cuddle time with the kids. This pleases me tremendously because it means I must have improved my sewing skills quite a bit. since that time I tried to make a diaper cover.

One of the best parts is being able to use the vintage fabric I've been collecting. I have a ton of the fabric I used to make this dress because I thought I might mess up, but I'm thinking of making the same pattern from feedsacks next.

I really don't think I'd ever buy Livy clothing from a store again if I could sew fast enough.

Flickr Friends

From Charlotte, originally uploaded by String and Scissor.

Charlotte of Anknel and Burblets and I did a swap recently full of lovely vintage fabric, butter soft trims, and wonderful handmade gifts. Her package to me was so well thought out and wrapped so nicely - even the packing tape was something special.

Last week, I got several packages in the mail, mostly stuff I ordered from Etsy. Then I saw Charlotte's return address and excitedly opened that package first. The first item was a beautiful handmade zipper pouch that I immediately filled with my drivers license, cards, and money. The second was a beautiful green baby scarf that sets off Livy's red hair perfectly.

Charlotte - I had a great time swapping with you. Your generosity is truly amazing. Thank you so much for the Thank you gifts. They are extremely well made and will be cherished for years to come.

Midge the Pigeon

pigeon3, originally uploaded by String and Scissor.

This is the first of a series of stuffed animals based on Urban critters. They are 100% recycled and vintage wool felt and machine sewn. I love working with in this medium because its so forgiving and doesn't fray. I almost feel like I'm sketching with a sewing machine.

As for a name, Midge the Pigeon. Be on the lookout for Merl the Squirrel very soon.

Speaking of felt, look at this gorgeous lot. I am in love with the new felted wool bundles offered at Purl!

A Big Thank You

fabric, originally uploaded by String and Scissor.

I love good mail. And I got some this week. It actually surprised me to open the mail box and see this HUGE envelope with tons of stamps from Australia! I've never had an overseas package before. AND I'd completely forgotten that I'd won a drawing at Whizzme's blog for a bundle of fabric.

I ripped open that envelope and was immediately in love with every piece of fabric in the pile, the cute stickers, and the handmade card. Samantha was more than generous with the pile too. I didn't expect quite so much!

It was a beautiful pile (that I've already ripped into) and very much appreciated! Thank you so much Samantha - that was a great piece of mail that really brightened my day!

Three Little Pigs Cuddle Quilt

Three Little Pigs Cuddle Blankie, originally uploaded by String and Scissor.

Just popping in to show you my latest quilt. Its about18"x24". The Pigs scene is an applique I made from some vintage fabric I blogged about earlier. More pictures on flickr...

Livy: One of the two best things I've ever made

livy, originally uploaded by String and Scissor.

I started to take a few shots of some Cherry fabric that turned out to be a flour sack (picture at flickr to be blogged later) when my little girl, Livy came into the shot. She is 21 months old and a spitfire - every bit the redhead.

And her hair really is that red - really I think you'd call it orange. Its gorgeous. She is gorgeous. She's one of the two best things (along with her brother Liam) I've ever made, and one of the most rewarding.