On a Lark » felt

Purple and yellow make a good pair

Emily — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:00:12 +0000

Among many things I’ve picked up while living with my roommate is a healthy appreciation for the purple and yellow color combo. It’s good. Accept it. Where is this going? I made a little graduation gift for my roommate! I picked up some fat quarters from Joann’s for the project. Typically, I don’t use fat quarters because they aren’t a great deal and I don’t like the name. But in this case it was perfect. Two fat quarters = one excellent wallet.

I got the ideas for the felt from this pillow. But as it turns out, I’m not so good at translating a picture into the same shape free hand. All things considered it turned out pretty well.

Graduation is sneaking up in the next few days. I’m VERY excited, but I’m definitely going to miss my roommates and our little house. Onwards and upwards.

The best Carhartt hoodie ever

Emily — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 20:02:26 +0000

Who would have guessed that my local True Value Hardware had two full aisles of crafting stuff? And the best color of felt around? It’s only oatmeal, but it’s a really nice oatmeal. I’ve been wanting to try some more applique for a while now, and just like this post, I really like making my Carhartt stuff feel like my own. And plus, they’re work clothes, so if they don’t turn out great, it doesn’t matter.

I decided to go with a leaf design, like I did on my laptop sleeve, because they are easy to sew and cut. Are you sensing a pattern here? I like things to be easy. The flower/leaves on the front turned out to be a little bit too small to put through the machine, so I broke out my bright pink embroidery hoop and went to work. Hand sewing can be pretty soothing. As long as there isn’t much of it. Again, I like easy.

On the back, I went back to the machine and bingo bango they were done. I’m pretty happy with the way it turned out, hopefully it’ll make it through the wash alright!

I have time to write this post because I passed my Coast Guard Exams today! Five tests later and I can finally relax and start getting ready for my last few exams. Woohoo!

Stuff I Like: New Fabric Etc.

Emily — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:20:33 +0000

This weekend felt like June. And not even the type of of June we sometimes get where it rains the whole time. The nice type of June. Anyhow, there’s nothing like beautiful weather to make me remember all the news things that I like (and that you might like too!)

1. Ambiance Bemberg lining: This is a really luxurious feeling lining that I’m using for my graduation dress. I’m using this fabric from Fabric.com. It is a bit of a trick to deal with. Case in point, Pattern Review has a three page discussion in their forums about how to handle it (check it out here). But still, I sort of love it.

2. New spring projects: Inspired by this pillow, I bought myself some felt. It’ll probably be a while before I get to actually put it into use, but for now it’s something colorful to think about:

3. Headway on winter projects: And this is also an example of why I need a serger. Or more aptly, need some kind of crafty patron that would like to donate a serger to my cause.

Graduation Dress Bodice Interior

Topstitching Fun

Operation Graduation Dress is chugging along. This is a good project for me because, usually, once I get going on a project, I like to finish it in one shot, even if it takes all night. It’s taken some serious self control to work on it for a few hours here and a few hours there.

4. Chubby puppies: That’s right, the puppy from a few posts ago is now giant. He’s more than doubled in size in his week and a half of life. We’re going to name him Otto (aka the Ottoman Empire or Ottopotamus). He’s adorable.

5. The new Vitamin Water flavor Spark. It is delicious.

What do you like right now?