Weekend Sewing - Imaginary Wardrobe

Hello again! I needed a short break, but have been keeping tabs on what you've all been up to. I didn't feel like knitting or drawing or even eating much ice cream. I just felt like reading and being hermit-like. I think I read ten books and had a massive crush on a teenage vampire for about 36 hours...but that's over now.

I've spoken before about how much I love the work of fabric designer extraordinaire, Heather Ross. When she announced a design competition for her new book, Weekend Sewing, I knew I had to enter.

Armed with toasted slices of my first loaf of needed kneading bread, fried eggs and coffee, I got to work. I reached back to my roots, of conceptual drawing in design school, when the future was wide open and projects could have anything in them. (Not like now where I barely get to use color or imagination at all! Alas, that is what free time is for, right?)

I just had fun with this exercise, and thought up little vignettes where I would wear the clothes from Heather's book.

A Day at the Beach. Key components are sunglasses, a cover up that is easily thrown on, a big blanket, lots of sunblock, a fun hat, and a fudge banana ice cream treat from the guy named "John" if we're on the Jersey Shore. If it's Ft. Lauderdale, Coke Slurpees from the 7-11 near A1A and Las Olas are in order.

Morning at the Farmer's Market. I'd love to wear the big drapey, twirly wrap skirt from Weekend Sewing, apparently with a cropped jean vest too. I'd purchase fresh raspberries, heirloom tomatoes that may be eaten like candy, and knit a new market bag to go with my cute new imaginary shoes.

Summer Dinner Date, with my beau, Mike. It would be fun to dress up and have dinner al fresco. Bring on the Summer! I don't know if Mike would care either way if I wore cut-off jeans or a cute dress, he's one of those guys. However, it may be a nice change of pace for me! (Egads, what would Stacy and Clinton say at these statements? Perhaps they'd finally let me on their show...) I think he'd be more inclined to notice that I picked an ice cream flavor that he may not like, based on the pretty color.

Brunch with the Girls. I'm just missing my knitting! I'd probably forget to wear the necklace, sorry Mom!

Summer Barbeque and Pool Party. This is completely imaginary. I don't know anyone who owns a pool. But if I meet them and they want me to host a party, I could definitely whip up this tunic and eat the heck out of some corn on the cob.


I missed you guys, and am glad to be back. xoxo.

Purple Cables

We had a cold spell in February. After the tenth time walking to work freezing my head off in a thinly knit hat (Rowan Felted Tweed), I attempted to rectify this situation.

This purple chunky yarn was meant to be a purse a long time ago. One of those cute baguette clutches with huge cables and some type of velvet/sequin/tulle/extranneous embellishment that yours truly would have rigged up. It had been sitting in my sewing basket 85% completed for about four years now. I pulled it out (which was harder than it sounds, since I hadn't yet learned to seam correctly, and had knotted the bejesus out of it...) and whipped up this slouchy hat for myself.

Ahhhh. Warmth. Cozy. And huge!

I think I love it. (Wink wink)

In non-knitting news, I read The Soloist yesterday. I visited the Philadelphia Free Library to pick up books and kill time since I misplaced my housekeys (hopefully inside!) and had to wait for Mike to get home. The Soloist happens to be the book that they've selected for One Book, One Philadelphia this year. I had been meaning to read it, but had an extra incentive since the author is visiting next Wednesday for a discussion and concert with the Black Pearl Orchestra. The book was quick and the true story touched my heart. I found myself finishing it in one sitting (instead of finishing my taxes I might add...) It also reminded me how lucky I am.

If anyone wants to go to to the concert and discussion next week, just let me know!

Dinosaurs and Wrecking Balls

Last November, I waited for two hours in South Philly with hundreds of people to watch them break a giant piñata. This was schemed by a famous cruise line to break a world record. Much to the disappointment of the masses surrounding this five-story beast, it was never busted. They had a fake paper maché wrecking ball and everything. I saw a man lift said wrecking ball with his own two hands. Not even Andre the Giant could have done that!



After leaving and having only a donut to console me, I gave up on ever seeing a real live demolition. It's not a life goal or anything (that's saved for riding on top of an elevator at work a la Bruce Willis in Die Hard for the next inspection), but it would be fun to watch!

Well imagine my glee this morning when they just happened to be demolishing a building on my way to work and I got to watch a real, non-paper maché wrecking ball bust out some columns. I sat and watched for three strikes, and then laughed at another machine that was busily chomping off the roof. The angle, the bright yellow of the machine, the chomping teeth and pure silliness, it looked like an apatosaurus eating breakfast, if they dined on concrete and gypsum. I broke into a huge smile, because this is something my brother would have gotten such a kick out of.



I had to sketch it to remember this moment. Some things are too good to pass up, and what a way to start your morning.

One more...

One more. I can't get enough of these hats.



This one is off to a friend's mom in Atlanta.



Turqoise stretchy cotton (Rowan Calmer) for a sassy lady.

I cinched the top because it was just looking like something made for a Conehead.

Hope you're all staying warm on this chilly Monday! (here at least)