the geranium dress

One small dress, almost complete. The buttons are missing, but that will require a special trip so it's not happening anytime soon. I'm not sure where the dress fabric is from, but the bodice lining is from my Grandma's stash. It's the perfect shade of blue. The pattern, Made by Rae's Geranium Dress. I took the easy way out and didn't notch the neckline. Next time. Maybe. With pockets and sized for Amelia.

the last few months

This guy turned one and had no interest in his cupcake. He did however happily sample all of the gift wrap.  Oh Baby Grey.

I spent time with the always amazing Renee, gingerbread extraordinaire.  She's a genius, that carved her own templates for the brownstone details.

There was also Charlotte's 4th birthday (in October!).

And a photoshoot with Lucia and her iPad loving baby sister Senia.

Sewing has been happening too.  After the matching Christmas pajamas and Amelia's outfits, I did a 180 and made myself a shirt (Tova number 4,736).  I used Nani Iro double gauze Melody Sketch in Faded Navy and I love it so, so much.  Almost to much because now I want to buy a whole lot more.  I have more projects planned for myself and a few ideas for Amelia's May birthday.

And things that didn't make it to instagram but have been sitting on my phone....

An after Thanksgiving visit from my parents.  We arrived at the Brooklyn Flea early and were sent away.  So a quick detour to show them Barclays. (However Amy and Jamie are the only ones to have yet gone inside.  They spent a whirlwind 24 hours with us.  And the Nets.)

Followed by this amazing show at the Brooklyn Museum.

Our stocky tree, which I loved dearly.

And some Christmas morning madness with Rire and scrub clad Amelia.

Last but not least, the winter wonderland that is my parents driveway.  

Ann Hamilton at the Park Avenue Armory

I'm not always patient (Rire is nodding vigorously right now), so when we approached the Armory and the line stretched not just down the block, but around the entire block, it crossed my mind to just kiss the $24 dollars in tickets goodbye and go right back home. I'm a homebody, I admit it. But I dutifully shuffled into the line and bit my tongue. Luckily, my savior soon appeared and said anyone with tickets could go right in. I hustled. Considering it was Saturday and the crazy line outside, it didn't feel crowed inside. Civilized clusters waited for their chance to swing and crowds sprawled willynilly on the ground under the billowing clouds.  It was worth the trip.

2013

Prospect Park did not disappoint. I'm not a resolution maker. I'd rather health, happiness and general goodwill should be the norm. Happy New Year!

2012

I made them matching pajamas. Luckily, they humor me. If I had more time I would have made some for everyone. But time, as they say, was not on my side.

Amelia, when not covering her brand new guitar with stickers, insisted on taking some Christmas morning photos. She has an eye no?

I made her scrubs, among other things which I never managed to photograph. It was a whirlwind holiday, not many photos taken. But there was tons of family, lots of food and snow. Also early bed times and sleeping late. Oh vacation...

And Vlad. Waiting, watching.  Barking. He means well.

I told her to freeze and she threw her arms up like a criminal.

Happy New Year!

Sandy

(All of these photos are from my instagram feed, normally I wouldn't cross post, but I never say much on instagram and more did need to be said about these.)

I'm not sure what the news outside of NYC is saying. Any day now they'll show the tree being raised in Rockefeller Center and to those watching on TV, NYC is fine. Completely a-okay. But two weeks later, this storm is hardly over. Red Cross and FEMA are the names people know and recognize. I sent my $10 via text, just like everyone else. But that's just not enough. Each day that passed, it became clearer and clearer that things were getting worse not better. No power, heat or hot water in many communities. Complete loss of homes in others. Cold weather and unshakable dampness with mold starting to grow.

Oddly, or perhaps not, Occupy Wall Street stepped in, and maneuvered around, all the red tape that hinders traditional relief efforts. Their Occupy Sandy hub at 520 Clinton is a block from my house.

I pass this church daily, but Friday was the first time I went inside. Hard to imagine but all these supplies were gone by the end of the day. It fills and empties daily. Rinse, repeat.  Daily. There's an over abundance of clothes, never enough batteries, toiletries, food or tools. UPS stepped up in a major way, donating trucks to help deliver the Amazon Registry Donations that have been rolling in. (That registry by the way, is genius.) They are harnessing every social media outlet available to meet the exact needs of the those effected - in real time. 

Beyond donating money or goods, it can be hard to know just how to volunteer. How will my time and skills be of most use? When I walked in on Friday I didn't care how I was utilized, I just wanted to be put to work as quickly as possible. I ended up in the basement kitchen chopping vegetables from 9 to 4. Carrots, garlic, cauliflower, apples, potatoes. They feed thousands from that church basement. Hot food, sandwiches, apple pie. I feel like food prep and cooking might be slightly overlooked in the grand scheme of volunteering - I guess because people want to see things first hand and interact directly with those that need help. It feels more tangible I guess. But it's really worthwhile and I have to say, the kitchen camaraderie is pretty great.

Saturday Rire joined me.  And UPS was back.

We lucked out and managed to get a full tank of gas in under 10 minutes, so we ended up at Driver Dispatch. Ferrying car loads of supplies to Coney Island. We pulled up to the YMCA and in front of us people were lined up outside, waiting to receive a hot meal and basic supplies. Sobering. The atmosphere at 520 Clinton is one of gusto. Things are getting done. Stuff is moving. Things are happening. We got this. At the YMCA it was somber. Wait in line, get your food, walk home to a powerless apartment building before it gets dark. I walked out to the boardwalk to take it all in and collect myself. Looking to volunteer? You could simply help the elderly carry their food and supplies home from distribution sites. Or a parent trying to juggle a baby and bag of supplies up 12 flights of stairs. In the dark.

Our second stop was at the Coney Island Gospel Assembly. More supplies distributed, more feelings of just not being able to do enough, no matter how many supplies you filled your car with. I didn't take photos at either location out of respect for those there.  It felt intrusive to those that are living it. 

Sunday, we went back to Gospel Assembly with Rire, Chloe and two additional volunteers. People's Relief was coordinating volunteers and we headed to Sea Breezy Avenue tasked with building reports. Rire pointed out that we were standing right where the Brooklyn half marathon course passes. You turn off Ocean Parkway and head towards the boardwalk. I've done that 3 times and I couldn't even recognize the area. Sand. And more sand. Bulldozer required levels of sand.

Walking building to building, checking and noting it's condition. Feeling helpless when occupants asked us where we were from and how we could help them. Knowing that what they needed was power and we couldn't provide that. But we listened, because sometimes that is what's needed. The building themselves (large block apartment buildings) had flooded basements, knocking out the mechanical for who knows how long. The buildings were cold, freezing cold. And dark. We shivered in lobbies, rubbing our arms and stepping back outside, into daylight.  A military truck and personal were nearby, trying to figure out what to do next.

There is so much to left to do.

Hurricane Sandy

We are fine, completely 100% fine. Our power stayed on. The car, parked on the street, was fine and our cable/internet held till around 9:30.  A small miracle since it normally drops if someone sneezes next door. Even our windows were open for the majority of the day. We were lucky. The photo I posted the other day, of my bag sitting on a bench?  That Dumbo bench was underwater last night. My office building suffered some flooding from the horribly toxic Gowanus Canal, but our space, on the second floor had no damage. I normally walk to work and will do so tomorrow, not sure when the subways will be fully operational. The marathon is this weekend, a very small problem compared to the devastation that effects NJ and the 5 boroughs, but I can't help but feel for those coming (or trying to come) to NYC right now.

We stayed in yesterday, Rire trying to work from home as one by one his coworkers dropped out as their power went. I started sewing assuming the power would go at any minute. Just hoping it wouldn't be mid seam. I roasted a chicken, still assuming the power would go and our last meal should be a good one.

I had no sewing plan, but the longer the power stayed on, the more focused I became on finishing this in one go. The Oliver + S Ice Cream Blouse. I used bits and pieces leftover from other things. It looks like an unintentional homage to my alma mater, which incidentally canceled classes for today for weather related reasons for the first time since I was a student there in 1998. And considering the pummeling Syracuse gets from snow, that's saying a lot.

The front. With stubborn wrinkle that wouldn't iron out. And polka dot lining

The back. With button loop. I like this pattern and think the dress version will need to be made. My intention is to set what I've been making lately aside for Christmas. But I think I need a mini fit model...

tova top, version 2

Tova Top, number two. Wrinkled from wear. And made from remnant fabric found in the depths of Jem's basement. I'm happy with an $8 shirt. I cut the fabric for this on Friday and managed to finish Saturday night. All I had to do was stay up till nearly midnight! That said, it came together quickly (for me) without any major missteps. The small fits me well, the shoulders hitting in exactly the right place. I'm pretty sure my hem is straighter than it looks - no promises though. I took care to finish the interior seams neatly and am rather proud of that. I may fiddle with the collar on a future version.  I can't leave well enough alone. 

And now it's time to figure out what to make next while we still have power.

Friday Saturday Sunday

Amelia is now under the impression I make all of her clothes. While this is widely inaccurate, I hope no one corrects her. Friday I finished the Oliver + S Sailboat Top with fabric from my Gramma's stash. This top was my first time making button holes. Not perfect, but not terrible. Attaching the inside hem piece stumped me for ages. I read, reread, read again. And then finally it makes perfect sense and you feel mighty dumb. The arms seem long and wide at the wrists, so I rolled them for the photo. This is when it would be handy to have the niece living locally, so I could figure out if things fit or not.

This I finished awhile ago, intending to add sleeves. Which I did. But they restricted movement so off they came. I'll make adjustments and try sleeves again another time. It was also crammed in my dresser drawer, excuse the wrinkles. This top sews up so beautifully.

To briefly recap the weekend... Friday morning at Local 61 with Renee. Brainstorming and taking a few photos for an upcoming project. Very excited. Saturday Rire and I headed to Dumbo, lunch at Superfine and then walking around the waterfront. And the photo I have to show for it?  My bag on a bench. I also managed to sew a second Tova, photos coming.

This morning uptown, celebrating Charlotte's 4th birthday. Now home, wondering if Sandy will pack the punch the news promising.

fall colors

A rat darted out from under a garbage can, directly to my left while I waited to cross the street this morning, in broad daylight. Unacceptable. It ran right into the street and proceeded, Frogger style, to stop and start it way through two lanes of traffic. Somehow it made it and disappeared into the garbage can on the far corner. I hate rats. The rank marginally higher than mice, only because mice want to live in your house. They want to settle in and have their names added to your mailbox. While rats, for the most part are fine living outside in the secrets Nymh tunnels.

In other news, I watched Julie and Julia and realized I still have no idea how to chop onions.

I've also started hoarding fabric.  I finally understand my grandmother.

big love sewing

Switching gears and back to sewing something for myself.  While watching Big Love. They go surprisingly well together. I'm on season 1. Only 6 years late.

So, the Wiksten tank. This was the first pattern I tackled after taking my brand new sewing machine out of the box. 2 pieces (plus binding) and beautiful French Seams that have forever ruined me because pinked or zig zagged edges now look messy. I raised the neckline slightly for this one, I don't like wearing tank tops under tank tops and the first two flash more bra than I generally like to show anyone that's not my husband.

It's current state is hemmed with a finished neckline. This capped sleeve version has been on my mind since the first time I Google image searched the tank top and I love it...so I'm going to roll the dice and attempt sleeves without a pattern. This could go either way. It's also why I yanked the bolt off the rack and clutched it tightly at P&S Fabrics last weekend.  Plaid!

On a side note, I talked Rire into going to a Relaxation & Meditation yoga class last night. We walked in and someone was already standing on their head. What I had I gotten us into? The instructor glided (seriously, he didn't walk, he glided) over to us and asked in a whisper chant if he had been before? 
No.
But you have yoga experience? 
No.
Just watch closely, only one part moves swiftly, watch me and others around you.
OK.  (Copy off the people next to me? Done.)

It was all going fine, but every time he reminded us to have "no thoughts" I realized my teeth were clenched and I had so many thoughts ping ponging around I didn't know which one to clear first. I don't think that is how it is supposed to work... 

After all that wholesome yoga we got takeout and poured ourselves some wine - to clear our heads.

the good stuff

This was waiting for me when I arrived at work. A splurge for sure. My fabric budget is still decidedly $6/yard and under. Here is the exception. And it's so pretty I'm afraid to actually make anything. Knits and I finally started seeing eye to eye over the weekend. Made by Rae's Flashback Skinny Tee pattern is everything and more. There is a reason it's so popular. Aside from the farmers market we stayed in, lazy like, all weekend.

a workweek's worth of sewing

Elsie Marley's kcwc inspired me to focus just on kids clothing this week. Which by default means clothing for the niece. The fabric requirements are small and the fabric I have on hands lends itself to girly pieces.  Not so much for the 11 year old nephew.  I'm recapping my first 5 days now, while I'm home during daylight hours and can use a proper camera and natural light. Instagram can only do so much.

I finished the long sleeve Ayashe. I really like this pattern. I really wish I had enough of the yellow fabric to make longer ties. Moving on...

Next up a simple elastic waist skirt. Which is simple unless you are me. I wanted pockets, mainly because I thought it would be cute to line them with Birch Organic orange polka dots. Right? That would be so cute! And while I loved the idea, I didn't like my execution. The pockets had to go because now I wanted French Seams on the inside. While the Ayashe looks nice on the outside, I think it's a little messy on the inside (my own doing, not the fault of the pattern). I could avoid all that with the skirt. So I cut off the seams I had sewn and redid it pocketless with tidy little French Seams (not thrilled I lost skirt volume by doing that). The elastic waist does not have enough give, I was oddly stubborn about using the fat quarter width and not adding extra fabric. I have Amelia's waist measurement and this should fit her for about 5 minutes. There was also that time I sewed the waist band in facing the wrong side, but let's not talk about that.

And that brings me to knit fabric. I tried earlier this week and it wasn't pretty. I promptly ordered a walking foot and that was a game changer. Finally! A use for my countless boxy mens fit cotton race shirts. I turned the Al Gordon Snowflake 5K and Staten Island Half Marathon into a 3T pajama top.  I used Made By Rae's Flashback Skinny Tee.  Great, great pattern. I used the existing shirt hem and managed to not sew anything backwards or inside out. It was a good Friday.

KCWC day 1

The day 1 of KCWC plan is to finish my second Ayashe. Things of note, the top stitching on the cuff shouldn't slice straight through the middle.  I know this. And the too short bias stings. Sure to do nothing but annoy the wearer. But I had the worlds smallest piece of fabric (from my Grandma's stash) and I was determined to use it. Amelia may never get to meet her GG, but she will be wearing clothing made of cloth she picked out. I'm even toying with quilting (my Grandma's passion). I'll need a tutorial from my Auntie Karen for that.

As for the rest of the week. Knits. I shall tackle knits. Which thus far has done nothing more than waste a whole lot of thread. Tension? I think? I called my mom for advice. I went to Purl Soho yesterday. To touch the Liberty of London prints in person. So pretty! So not going home with me at this point. I did buy a tiny bundle of Birch Fabrics. Who doesn't love elephants?

the wiksten tova top

Coasting on my Ayashe sewing high, I cut the Tova fabric on Friday and had it sewn by Saturday evening. I didn't even have to take out any seams! Which is good, this fabric is on the lighter side and wouldn't have withstood that kind of abuse. In general I'm still learning the ins and outs of proper sewing, but even given that, this was quick and straight forward. Very, very happy.  

Placket, inset and collar all sewn properly! No alterations (not that I would know how to anyway), the small fit perfectly. I did forego the temporary gathering stitches on the sleeves, ample pinning worked fine. But on a sturdier fabric it would be worth the extra time. I don't have a serger and this fabric was quick to fray, so I finished all the edges with a zigzag, I'm hoping that does the trick.  Now to pick the fabric for version 2...

sewing above my skill level

I'm happy to say it can be done. I can follow a pattern and end up with a wearable thing, as long as I have the patience to remove stitches over and over again AND OVER again. It's embarrassing. Anyway, as long as Amelia's head can fit through the opening, success!

The collar tried to break me. The nice inside yoke did not trip me up at all, but the collar became my nemesis. See, that's just ugly. I can't topstitch, that's obvious. But even if you ignore that, it's all wonky.

At this point my stitch remover grew red hot from use and I eventually had to walk away.

I picked it back up on Friday, finally relenting and cutting new fabric entirely. And why not go contrasting for the inside? Nothing to lose at this point (maybe my sanity?). It's still not perfect, but it is so much better and I am more than OK with that.

The Figgy Ayashe Blouse, complete!