Crocheting while sick

Hey Guys! I have not been feeling well lately and been getting only 4-5 hours of sleep a night for about several months now. It's starting to get to me now because I've been basically staying in the house on my off days to try to catch up on sleep. If I'm tired, I don't wanna sew and since I'm always tired, it feels like I'm never gonna finish this coat. Have you guys ever been in a sewing rut or started a garment and felt like it took FOREVER to finish?

Since I got my new computer, I've been catching up on my favorite bloggers and crafty websites and came across a cute crochet hat on Threadbanger. I use to crochet a looooong time ago when I was about 8 or 9 but I've completely forgot. So I figured now is good time to start learning again since I can create something out of my insomnia instead of watching infomercials and reruns all night. So I bought a learn-how-to-crochet book and got started! I decided on this regatta rolled brim hat that is basically a "sc" stitch all around. I had to do a chain of 78 stitches because my head is so big! LOL!! Initially, I thought "78 stitches can't be right" because I only knew one way to make a hat which was starting from the top. So, I took it upon myself to dismiss the beginning of the directions and start a chain of 10. Well 4 hours later, I realized that my hat was looking like ReRun's from Whats Happening! So I had to take it loose! I was so pissed at myself. Luckily, I only used a half a skein of yarn for this project. ***Paging all knitters*** If you guys could recommend some good crochet reference books, I would surely appreciate it. :-)

The book is titled Chicks with Sticks How to Crochet

It was difficult for me to find the next chain because the yarn was so thick. I can't even tell where there are errors.

I would definitely make this hat again in a solid color. With some more practice, I think it can look just like the illustration.

Winter Coat Update

Hope everyone had a Happy Holiday!! I know, I know.....I've been gone for a while, but I've made a little progress on my coat. I finally had to bury my old computer that was 5 years old. It got to the point where I couldn't even work from home because it was so slow!! We had our good times and bad times. I just got my new computer last week and still trying to get comfortable with it (Windows Vista). I'm excited again since I can post on my blog. Although my computer was out, I was still able to view all of my fellow bloggers and their creations from work. Thank you guys for leaving words of encouragement on my blog while I was out of commission. Also, I'm looking for a new template for my blog so if you guys know of any free template websites, please let me know. Now, back to the coat.

I've completed the shell of the coat, but still working on the lining. So far, I'm not loving it, but maybe after the lining is in, buttons are on, and a good pressing, I'll feel better about this piece. I welcome all suggestions and constructive criticism for this coat. Ok, so here goes........

Excuse the strings and the crookedness(?). I tried to pin the coat closed so you guys can get an idea.

I loved the standup collar in the version I'm making but I think it's too high. When I tried it on, it reminds me of Count Dracula!!

I Need a Coat!!

This weekend I've decided to get all of my coats and jackets out of storage to get ready for the cold months. Well, what do ya know!! I can't fit any of my coats. I usually go to Target(Tarjay) to get my coats. Target clothes are generally very stylish for the fraction of the cost. So as I was heading to Target, I came to the realization that maybe I can make my own. I made a beeline to G Street Fabrics an went back to the $2.97/yd trusty clearance table and Voila! I found a wool that I feel I can use for my first coat.

This wool is very plain to me, so I decided to use this graphic print fabric for the lining. I've had this fabric for a while now and didn't know what to do with it.

Hancock is having a sale on McCalls, Butterick, and Vogue Patterns this week, so I bought 2 patterns: V8438 and B5145. The Vogue pattern is my favorite out of the two, but I decided to do B5145 since it looks a little easier. Wish me luck!!!

Fast and Easy! B5247

At least thats what the pattern says. After pulling out my fall/winter wardrobe, I realized that I don't fit any of my "transition" clothes anymore. My transition clothes is what takes me into the next season without looking too crazy (D.C. weather can get kinda iffy). I picked up this pattern and gave it a whirl since I don't own any tunics and I guess it helped that it said 1 Hour Express!LOL!

It actually came out kinda cute. It took me more like 2 hours from start to finish (sunday night football), but I'm sure the more experienced sewers out there would've finished it in under an hour. If I make this again, I will make the short-sleeved version a little longer. I still have the hemming to do on the blue/green version, but wanted to post tonight since I'll be working long hours this week. I would definitely recommend this for a beginner since it's only 4 pieces and doesnt have any pattern markings(darts,etc.). I actually found this easier to make than my pajamas.

Elementary, My Dear Watson!!

I'm working on getting a better camera!!

This is what I like to call my Sherlock Holmes capelet. I picked a wool blend plaid fabric from the clearance table at G Street Fabrics. I'm really pleased with how it came out except for the matching of the plaids in the front. As I was cutting it, I was so focused on matching the front with the back, that I completely forgot about the collar. I would definitely make this capelet again, but with a heavier fabric and a stiffer interfacing. I would like to start a coat for winter that is very sleek in a solid wool fabric. Do you guys have any recommendations on an easy wool coat pattern that you guys tried before?

Yay!! My first pair of pants!

DISCLAIMER: Please forgive me for my horrible pics. :-)

I've been in a sewing rut since I'm working more hours at my job. Since my job is the cause of my stress at times, I decided to make items for work. I picked up some weight recently and only a few pair of pants still fit, so I've made two pencil skirts and pants to wear to the office since my last entry. I chose a basic pattern from Vogue that I felt I could accomplish pretty quickly. G Street Fabrics is the closest store to me and also my favorite. They're pretty pricey and rarely have sales, but they have a great selection. The first area I go to is the clearance table where you can get everything for $2.97/yd!! It ranges from cottons, wools, silks, etc. Considering their fabrics range from $17 all the way up to $99/yd, it's a steal. The instructions were very easy to follow and came out decent for my first pair. Since I don't have any experience with alterations, I experimented with the crotch of the pant to eliminate some of the extra space that's usually in the front of pants. I scaled down 2 sizes on the curve and it worked great for front of the pants. The back was a different story as it caused the pants to "scoop" down a little by a inch or so.

I've probably committed a sewing sin, but I did not use muslin. The first pair I made were a little too snug around the thigh area but "gave" a little throughout the day.

I gave an additional inch seam allowance and the second pair fit alot better. If you guys have any tips or suggestions on books to alter pants I would surely appreciate it.

Birthday Present Finished!!

I had to buckle down for the past couple of days and finish this top since my friend's birthday is this weekend. I'm pretty satisfied with it, but now I'm not so sure if she will like it. As I said before, she is very picky so I'm having last minute jitters. There seems to be some puckering on the yoke of the top. I put this top (size 12) on a plus size dress form since this is the only one I have. The large dress is causing the pleating to spread apart so I'm thinking this could be the cause of the puckering. Any suggestions on how I can fix this?