strawberry pin cushions
Thanksgiving was a very very nice break. I sat on the couch and watched tons of tv, but didn't feel too lazy since I picked up working on the pleat dress again (last touched ~1.5 years ago). It's actually almost done this time -- I've taken it apart at all the main seams and resewn it to fit me, replaced the white with a deeper pleat of moss green, and added the same green as bias trim along the armholes. I just have to finish the zipper and hem the thing, and I'll be done!
Strawberry pin cushions are also a fun thing to work on in front of the tv.
I used the martha pattern. Even though I made them bigger than the template, they are still too small to hold more than 15 pins. Still, they're cute to look at and snuggle nicely in your palm.
I went the embroidery route since it looked nicer than the felt caps at the website, and satin stitched the leaves vs. using stem stitch as recommended. I also added french knot seeds.
Tip: use 2-ply embroidery floss instead of 3. I tried 3 for the first one (fuzzy calico one in the back of the photo), and the leaves are kind of lumpy. Also, add the seeds as concentric arcs, instead of randomly scattered. It looks more realistic that way.
Other things done this past week: got a dress super-on-sale a few weeks ago, and fixed the holes and made it a nicer shape (more sheath-cocktail-y instead of a flared a-line with weird goth jester hem) just in time for upcoming cocktail parties. Much cheaper, faster, and less headaches than making one from scratch. :)
fit of optimism
Joann's had a sale on Butterick patterns - $2 each!
In a fit of optimism, I bought patterns for 3 very cute dresses:
Butterick patterns: B4914, B4915, B4849
Half the reason I got the 2nd pattern was because I bought the same dress (ignore the weird shrug) earlier this year, so I know it's a nice shape for me. By same, I mean exactly the same .. the dress I got at Macy's was a Maggy London brand, and the Butterick pattern is from Maggy London as well.
Look, a cute cocktail dress: at Nordstrom's, or DIY with the Butterick pattern
And for the 3rd pattern, I have to admit that the A Dress a Day blog was a big influence. She showcases these awesome dresses ALL THE TIME.
insides of a box
I got shoes from Piperlime.
I like it when they pay attention to packaging details. The shoes come in a plain white shipping box, but when you open it, there's a nice surprise of limes printed all over the insides.
halloween hats
Fleece with felt detail. Fleece is very forgiving. :)
Mine is a polar bear (and there were armlets to go with it) and Steve's is Keroro Gunso, aka Sgt. Frog.
ケロケロケロケロケロケロケロ