Fabric Swatch Display Idea

While at my local Ikea this weekend, I got some cool ideas for setting up my sewing area.  One of the "rooms" they have set up in the Workspace area is modeled after a sewing/craft studio, complete with a hacked cutting table, inspiration board, and lots of counter space along the walls.  I particularly loved the idea of using their Finlir photo frame to display fabric swatches.  The 12 pages of the photo frame would be great for holding together swatches of fabric for a quilt or a collection of garments.  It would be easy to flip through the swatches to see if the fabrics chosen would make a cohesive project or not.  Or, display certain swatches of fabric as art in your studio.  This is definitely something I'm going to try!

What I'm Working On - Simplicity 2652

On a better note, here's a muslin that worked out and is now moving into final construction stage:

Simplicity 2652 - Inspired by Project Runway. There's all sorts of options to change this little jacket up, like different sleeve lengths and collar details. I'll be sticking with the cropped jacket and short sleeves, but I had a bit of difficulty attaching the collar. I'll probably go with the neckband instead.

This jacket looks even cuter on in real life than on the mannequin. The back looks a little funny in the photo since it forms an elastic casing, which pulls in and shapes the back.

I especially love the darts on the sleeves, front, and back of the jacket. It gives it an extra dash of interest.

I'll be cutting out the real fabric for this tonight, a bright pink linen blend with some nice drape and body. And then, if this one turns out nicely, I'll make another one for work.

Vogue 1020, or "I'll Never Make This Top Again"

You'd think by now I'd know what looks good/doesn't look good on my body.

So why in the world did I think that a top with gathers spanning across my midsection would be attractive?

I cut a size 12 in the hopes that maybe it wouldn't be so snug and tight. Well, it wasn't in the bust but it was certainly pushing the envelope when it came to my tummy and hips.

There's a reason it's pictured on Ethel and not on me. Ouch. Frankly, it doesn't look half bad on her!

I was going to try letting out the seams a bit around the waist area and taking it in more in the bust, but when I tried it on and looked in the mirror, I knew I'd never be completely satisfied with how it would look and it would probably end up in the back of my closet, never to see the light of day.


Frankly, my heart wasn't into it and I guess I knew deep down from the beginning that it wouldn't work out. My stitching kinda sucked around the neckline. Plus, I couldn't do a neckband since I ran out fabric to make one. Double suckage.

Well, moving on then....

Everyone Needs An Assistant

Like any good kitty, Binky feels that it is important to "lend a paw" with whatever I'm working on.

Pretty Pretty Pincushion (and muffins!)

Since I have special pins for quilting that I don't want to get mixed into my regular sewing pins, I figured I should have a special pincushion just for them. This pattern is from Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted gifts, and was a seriously easy project to whip up in an evening.

I opted to not use embroidery thread to accentuate the different segments and instead covered the intersecting segments with a button to hide the fact that they didn't meet perfectly in the center (whoops!) I probably could have stuffed it a little firmer.


Also made some yummy blueberry muffins today. Dee-lish!

Project Runway Season 6 @ Fashion Week

While it was my intention this week to do daily updates on my favorite designer's shows at New York Fashion Week this week, it wasn't meant to be due to my awful cold earlier in the week. It just wiped me out and I couldn't keep up with all of the juicy photos being released on WWD.com. But tonight I did catch a glimpse of the final three shows for Project Runway Season 6, which has yet to have a release date due to legal squabblings.

Read about the show and view the photos here. Frankly, the shows are underwhelming but if I had to pick a winner, it would be designer #3.

Swatch Sunday

Le Coq de Granville by Nicole DeLeon-Hoover for Alexander Henry. Found at Fabric Worm.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Instead of a cheesy card, whip up some of these cute and easy felt hearts from The Purl Bee. That's all for today!