tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26407863282008175552024-02-20T20:16:17.903-05:00Behind the SeamsTaki Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10996871065898481090noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640786328200817555.post-87594174497089457752012-06-24T17:19:00.001-04:002012-06-24T17:19:51.932-04:00The BugSo the craft bug is hitting me again. I have been on quite a hiatus but all I can think about now is making something. This week with the kids a way I am hoping to tackle something relatively easy. Perhaps a quick top or skirt. Wish me luck. Hopefully I can pick up some momentum.Taki Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10996871065898481090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640786328200817555.post-48842593078906194412011-12-31T19:33:00.001-05:002011-12-31T19:36:28.611-05:00Closing Out 2011<p align="center"><a title="2011 Craft Review by takij, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/6609598497/"></a></p>Hello Everyone,<br /><br />Can you believe 2011 is over. I don't have much to show for it project wise but I am not discouraged. The new year is right around the corner and hopefully there will be some progress with the items I am able to produce.<br /><br />Sooo what did I do this year:<br />I was able to finish one scarf (I promise I just haven't uploaded the finished pics yet),<br /><a title="Multi Directional Diagonal Scarf Revisited by takij, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/6228459929/"><img alt="Multi Directional Diagonal Scarf Revisited" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6103/6228459929_f74b553bb5_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" /></a><br /><br />start a cowl,<br /><a title="GAPTastic Cowl by takij, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/6609436149/"><img alt="GAPTastic Cowl" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6609436149_2415d31b3d_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" /></a><br /><br />and leave a lot of things unfinished (no pics, just go back a few posts).<br /><br />Yay me!!! (actually epic fail but whatever).<br /><br />I am considering merging my two blogs so come <a href="http://takij.blogspot.com/">follow me here </a>as well so you don't miss anything. More on that once I make a final decision.<br /><br />Wishing all of you a great 2012.Taki Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10996871065898481090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640786328200817555.post-64199500786554934872011-10-09T22:50:00.000-04:002011-10-09T22:51:02.252-04:0015 MinutesYep... I have done absolutey nothing. Maybe not absolutely nothing but I think my last post was about baby steps. Heck, what is smaller than baby steps because that is where I am. So be it. Life is all about reflecting and restarting so I am restarting.<br /><br />Every day 15 minutes will be devoted to my "creative" side. Be it sewing, knitting, or even sitting down at my piano for 15 minutes. I think 15 minutes is a good start. We'll see.<br /><br />For the rest of the month I am going to be working 15 minutes on my UFO's. Yeah, I have way to many and I can't stand it. Off the top of my head I know of a scarf, a sweater, a skirt, and 2 shirts that are unfinished (oh, and a dress).<br /><br />Before I start anything new I want to make sure I have a clean, fresh start.<br /><br />Here is a scarf I have been working on since January 23, 2011. GASP. It has been sitting on the needles forever. Oh well.. I will get it done.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Multi Directional Diagonal Scarf Revisited by takij, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/6228459929/"><img alt="Multi Directional Diagonal Scarf Revisited" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6103/6228459929_f74b553bb5_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" /></a></p>Taki Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10996871065898481090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640786328200817555.post-12641009858370998712011-05-02T23:57:00.000-04:002011-05-02T23:57:11.729-04:00Baby StepsWow, has it really been 2 months since I last posted. Geez...this blog as well as everything else has taken a back burner to my new job. It is a 9-5 but new jobs always take some adjustment. Me, I have crashed just about every day once I get home from work. I am determined to get moving again though. So here I am.<p>Don't expect anything major though. As the post title implies I am taking baby steps. Only one or two small crafting goals per week. It may be something as simple as picking my next pattern or it may be to do a couple of steps to finish a UFO. I refuse to set myself up for disappointment. Just coming back to blog is really major progress for me.</p><p>So my sewing/knitting/crafting goals for this week: Finish the seam and belt on my shirt.</p><p>I did finish the majority of the New Look 6915 shirt I was making but somehow never got back to finish the bottom seam. I am going to make a belt to go with it too, I think. I am not 100% sure on that but I will decide and do it or not.</p><p>I really don't like posts without pictures so here is a random pic of a nest my daughter found while we were outside gardening.</p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5682725930/" title="Birds Nest by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5682725930_78a327931d_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Birds Nest" /></a><br /></div><p><br /></p>Taki Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10996871065898481090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640786328200817555.post-80941653112216601602011-02-27T20:36:00.000-05:002011-02-27T07:15:15.680-05:00A Few Purchases<p>Even though I haven't been sewing much (<a href="http://takij.blogspot.com/2011/02/day-one-of-29.html">new job</a>) that doesn't stop me from buying sewing items. Why should it? After perusing the New Look catalog at Joann's I decide to pick up a few patterns and some notions that I needed. </p><p><strong>New Look 6648</strong> (chill mode)</p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5480824068/" title="New Look Patterns by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5137/5480824068_482c86e0d0_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="New Look Patterns" /></a><p>I love this style of shirt. Once I find something I like I am likely to have LOTS of them. I can think of 3 RTW shirts in my closet that are like this. Two of them are the same but just different colors. I have a few knits in my arsenal to make this.</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>New Look 6915</strong> (work mode)</p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5480222227/" title="New Look Patterns by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5055/5480222227_4f26ee9aeb_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="New Look Patterns" /></a><p>And another I like what I like shirt. I have some RTW shirts very similar so I wanted to see if I could just make a few more that I like. My work wardrobe is lacking and with spring knocking on the door hopefully I can whip up something wearable for work.</p><p>Somebody, please kick me back into sewing gear!!! This weekend I was going to sew but I just needed a weekend of nothing. I was able to recharge my batteries some and hopefully can get back at the sewing machine soon.</p>Taki Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10996871065898481090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640786328200817555.post-76518362784201952862011-02-10T19:02:00.000-05:002011-02-10T19:03:30.698-05:00Can't Let It Go<a title="Restyle Items by takij, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5434952406/"><img border="2" alt="Restyle Items" align="right" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5299/5434952406_f756841a3b.jpg" width="240" height="180" /></a> <p>Have you ever cleaned out your closet and just could not let go of some things that you really needed to. Well that is what I did the other day. Start cleaning out my closet. I did manage to get rid of a nice chunk of things so progress was made but for some reason some items I just couldn't toss. </p><p>Now that I know a tiny bit about sewing some of the the things that no longer fit me the way I want can probably be refashioned into other items. Dress into shirts. Skirts into shirts. Skirts into different skirts. You get the drift. I may or not be able to do anything with them because lets face it the fabric is not going to get bigger which means I would have to get smaller. I'll have my daughter take a look and see if she likes any of the fabrics and wants to try and refashion into some items for her wardrobe. These hips of mine are going to do me in!!! My recent frustrations with sewing are also making me think just restyling a few items will be fun and help me get back on track.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Taki Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10996871065898481090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640786328200817555.post-68671462797012428172011-02-08T21:04:00.000-05:002011-02-08T21:04:00.835-05:00UFO- Can I Finish--- PLEASE!!!<p>I started this sweater on January 1st and it is still not done. I told my daughter she would need to try it on a lot as I go along so that we can make sure it fits properly. She had been doing pretty good until about a week ago. I needed her to try it on and no go, to busy, then sick. UGH. I just need to finish the bottom ribbing and the arms but I really didn't expect it to take so long. Part of it is my fault as my knitting mojo was in hiding. I will finish though. SOON!!</p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5428832405/" title="$5 In Paris Sweater by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5173/5428832405_28c92f67a2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="$5 In Paris Sweater" /></a><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left"><br />Maybe I can finish this weekend. Maybe, we'll see. I have a lot going on right now so all things are coming to a grinding halt!!!!<br /><br /></div>Taki Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10996871065898481090noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640786328200817555.post-45508758514393790662011-02-05T22:07:00.001-05:002011-02-05T22:07:34.683-05:00I Think I Cut the Wrong Size- McCalls 5522<p>VENT..VENT...VENT and RANT. I am in the process of cutting an 8 for McCalls 5522. I looked at the envelope sizes and measurements on the pattern pieces at least 10 times and now I look again today and am cutting out an 8 instead of what I probably need, a 10. GRRRRRRRR!! Thank goodness I was only aiming for a wearable muslin and thank goodness I have 2 daughters so it may fit one of them it turns out anywhere near decent. </p><p>I don't even want to go back in the sewing room. Everything I have made thus far is a wadder. I am going to the library and getting a book to make pillowcases. I am serious. February may just be pillowcase month for me. I am totally that frustrated with sewing right now. I know it takes time and consistency but I may just need to take 20 steps back and start all over as if I never even tried. Back to square 1 for me. Thanks for letting me vent if you read this far!!</p><p>I'm off to knit until I can get my mind right.</p>Taki Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10996871065898481090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640786328200817555.post-65672629194042485562011-02-02T20:07:00.000-05:002011-02-02T20:07:00.158-05:00Old vs. New- Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing<p>I got the original Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing a couple of months ago at the thrift store. I knew the new one was coming out as well but for $2.62 I snatched it up in a heartbeat. My library got the newest version so of course I was all over taking a look at it as well.</p><p>Just recently I needed to look up some information on pleats. Great time to compare. After thumbing through both of the books a lot of the pictures and information are exactly the same. There are a few differences though (this really pertains to the pleats section as I did not thumb through and compare the whole book).</p>First we will take a look at the Index and you can see there is an obvious difference in the number of pages dedicated to pleats. Twelve pages of content in the original versus six in the new version.<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5401390363/" title="Reader's Digest Sewing Comparison by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5180/5401390363_2998e43dfb.jpg" width="500" height="346" alt="Reader's Digest Sewing Comparison" align="center" /></a><br /></p><div align="left">Here is the content difference:<br />Vintage 1976 Version<br />-page of different types of pleats<br />-page of fabric considerations for pleats<br />-section on pleating on plaid fabrics (never even considered this, interesting)<br />-section on estimating amount of fabric needed<br /><br />2011 Version<br />-has a pleated skirt pattern at end of segment<br />-color pictures<br /><br />It appears contentwise everything in the 2011 version except the pattern is in the 1976 version. You can see the 1976 version has a few more details which to me are important fundamental details. The new version also has color pictures and nice glossy pages but when it comes down to the content section for pleats, I'll stick with the original.</div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Anyone have both the old and newer versions of this book? Which do you prefer?</span></div>Taki Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10996871065898481090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640786328200817555.post-21016694376241310412011-01-31T11:00:00.001-05:002011-02-10T19:06:36.603-05:00Oops, Wrong Color!!! - Burda Marie Skirt Lining<div align="left">I got a lining. I planned on doing a lining. But I guess this skirt didn't want to be lined!!! In the dark store when I got the lining and fabric I was so excited to have matching pieces. Now that I am home I can't tell if the subtle color on the fabric is red or pink. This basically comes down to me not wanting to use the lining I got to "coordinate" with what I thought was red in the skirt fabric. Bummer. </div><div align="center"><br /><a title="Lining by takij, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5401601478/"><img alt="Lining" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5096/5401601478_4a477da0b6_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" /></a></div><div align="left"><br />But I do have something in mind for it. Depending on how my skirt comes out I may suggest my daughter make one and use the lining for hers. So no lining for this skirt. I know, I know the lining doesn't show but if I am going to do it then I want it to match. That is probably just the beginner in me. We'll see how much I care in a few years.</div>Taki Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10996871065898481090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640786328200817555.post-11515219255686451672011-01-30T11:50:00.001-05:002011-01-30T11:52:07.535-05:00Burda Marie Sew-A-Long- Pleats?<p>Yes, I actually sewed something. A little something. I am playing catch up on my Burda Marie skirt but since I was up at 4 AM I didn't catch all the way up. Sewing and sleepy don't mix. Nevertheless I got the interfacing cut and ironed on and sewed my pleats. </p><p>I have got to be the world's slowest sewist (say that fast). Everything I check and double check and check again and check a website and a book. Just do it gosh darnit!!! Well, I wouldn't go that far but it seems like every step takes an hour of research if I don't quite get it. Perhaps it will pay off down the road but it really slows progress which can be demotivating.</p><p>The pattern said to baste all of the markings. I didn't do that but I gave it shot with the pleats to see if it would help me line them up better. One side I did the basting (since I marked the wrong side of the fabric anyway and the other I just used my tracing paper markings and retraced on the correct side. The verdict. Basting wasn't necessary. It was easy enough to line up but much quicker to just use the paper markings and no picking out of the basting when done.<table align="center" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0" border="0"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5400911871/" title="Burda Marie Sew-A-Long by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5057/5400911871_241479d907_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Burda Marie Sew-A-Long" /></a></td><br /><td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5401512312/" title="Burda Marie Sew-A-Long by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5094/5401512312_573f42ebf8_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Burda Marie Sew-A-Long" /></a></td> </tr></tbody></table></p>Even though I am participating in the sew-a-long I wanted to take a closer look at the pleats step because the hostess said she had a WT? moment when she looked at some of the instructions. <p>The instruction was this:</p><p><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Pleats<br />Lay and stitch the pleats one by one, starting at a pleat at the side. Fold the skirt so that the fold lines of the first pleat meet, right sides facing. Pin the pleat lines onto each other from the top ending at the arrow line. Stitch. Secure seam beginning and end (a). Then lay The other pleats in the same manner and stitch. Press the fold towards the side seams (b). Pin the pleats to the upper edges of the skirt.</em></span></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5401511980/" title="Burda Marie Sew-A-Long by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5174/5401511980_8befd0f0e0_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Burda Marie Sew-A-Long" /></a></div><p>Using my trusty <a href="http://seamstitchsew.blogspot.com/2010/12/first-sewing-book-purchase.html" target="_blank">Reader's Complete Guide to Sewing</a> and looking at lots of finished pics of the skirt I made sense of it. Basically it comes down to whether or not you stitch down (waist to hip) each pleat and then across all pleats at the top or only stitch across the top of all of the pleats. I see this as matter a matter of personal preference for where you want the poofiness to begin. I am glad that the hostess said that she had a moment of confusion because it caused me to really take a look at what was going on instead of blindly following.</p><p>So that is what is done thus far. It seems like it took forever and not that long at the same time. Not sure how that is possble.<br /></p><p>Until next time!!!</p>Taki Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10996871065898481090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640786328200817555.post-42645959664520583302011-01-25T01:50:00.002-05:002011-01-25T01:52:44.107-05:00Sew-A-Long- Already Behind<p>It is always something. I know I have been checking for updates for the Burda Marie Sew-A-Long but for some reason I am already behind. Somewhere along the way I missed some posts. Grrrrr. </p><p>Anyhow the pattern is cut but not the fabric yet. Indecisive me had picked a navy blue fabric and tonight changed my mind. I also have gray and a magenta fabric as well that I thought I could use. Who knows, depending on how much I like it there may be a second or third. I am thinking I want to do a lining though so I need to get up to the fabric store and get that. I hope she goes step by step through that because I have no idea how to add a lining. Tomorrow will be my catch up day I hope.</p><style type="text/css">.nobrtable br { display: none }</style><br /><div class="nobrtable"><br /><table align="center" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="0" border="0"><br /><tbody><tr><br /><td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5386154237/" title="Burda Marie Sew-a-Long by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5213/5386154237_a3d997a224_m.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Burda Marie Sew-a-Long" /></a></td><br /><td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5386154385/" title="Burda Marie Sew-a-Long by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5214/5386154385_ff013d0ff5_m.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Burda Marie Sew-a-Long" /></a></td><br /><td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5386757212/" title="Burda Marie Sew-a-Long by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5220/5386757212_183ebe8d6a_m.jpg" width="120" height="90" alt="Burda Marie Sew-a-Long" /></a></td><br /></tr><br /></tbody></table><br /></div><p></p><p>Come to think of it, I'll stick with my original plan I think because I am making a red shirt and navy and red always look nice together. Plus I don't have any gray or magenta thread. Problem solved. Moving on.<br /></p><p>In other sewing related news...well actually there is none. This will be my first sewing for 2011. I have been knitting, or supposed to be knitting this sweater for my daughter. It is coming along, just very slowly. I need to find the balance so I can get these projects done. Maybe I am just setting unrealistic timelines.</p>Taki Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10996871065898481090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640786328200817555.post-17510455845509328152011-01-22T00:56:00.001-05:002011-01-22T00:59:35.666-05:00Day Zero Project- Craft Related<div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5377203844/" title="Day Zero Project- 101 in 1001 by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5246/5377203844_726bc71c0c.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt="Day Zero Project- 101 in 1001" /></a><br /></div><p align="left">My list is finally together for The Day Zero Project- 101 in 1001. If you haven't heard of it <a href="http://takij.blogspot.com/2011/01/day-0-project-101-in-1001.html" target="_blank">check it out</a>. Most of you already have New Year's Resolutions but this is somewhat like a bucket list but you only have 1001 days (not the rest of your life) to complete your list of 101 and things. I am not going to share my whole list on this blog as I try to stick to crafty things here but if you are interested <a href="http://takij.blogspot.com/p/day-0-project-101-in-1001.html" target ="_blank">my whole list</a> is over at my other blog. </p><p>These are my craft related items. This may seem easy peasy to some of you so please don't suck your teeth or roll your eyes. This is MY list. I am slow as molasses when it comes to crafts so it is a big undertaking for me.<br /></p><p>Here you have it. My craft related items from 101 in 1001.</p><p> <ol style="margin-top:0in" start="1" type="1"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Knit a blanket</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Take a sewing class</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Make a quilt.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Make a garment for each person in my immediate family</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Only give handmade gifts for Christmas</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Make 25 new garments (0/25)</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Make a holiday wreath.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Make curtains for bathroom.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Make pillows for living room sofa</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Make a necklace.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Wear an outfit of only handmade items </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Make at least one item from all the fabrics in my current stash</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Do a knit-a-long</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Do a sew-a-long</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Make 4 pairs of pants.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Sell a handmade garment.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list .5in">Make a dress for New Years Eve.</li></ol><p align="left">Yep, that's part of <a href="http://takij.blogspot.com/p/day-0-project-101-in-1001.html" target=_blank">THE</a> list. I am looking forward to checking each item off.</p><ol style="margin-top:0in" start="1" type="1"> </ol>Taki Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10996871065898481090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640786328200817555.post-9473312899642662602011-01-10T22:23:00.000-05:002011-01-10T22:23:39.805-05:00The Purple Sweater<p>I finished this sometime last year but I can be quite lazy when it comes to blogging. Blogging is a lot of work. Taking pictures, writing the post, uploading everything, and oh how about the first step..doing something worth blogging about.</p><p>Knitting my first sweater qualifies as blog worthy doesn't it. So here it is, my first ever knitted sweater.</p><p align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5345112172/" title="The Purple Sweater by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5041/5345112172_f43722276e.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="The Purple Sweater" /></a></p><p>This is a free pattern I found on Ravelry called <a href="http://www.bluealvarez.com/bluealva/patterns/purplesweater.html">Purple Sweater</a>. This was for my daughter but it turned out to big. Wrong type of yarn, lesson learned, it fits me though. Kind of. The majority of the sweater is stockinette and on the pattern picture it rolls but it rolls A LOT!!! My plan is to go back and do some ribbing around the sleeve ends and bottom of the sweater. </p><p>It is warm and would be comfy it it wasn't for so much rolling so once I fix it I'll be happy. The next time around I will try it on more often. There is some wonkiness in the body under the arms and the decreases along the side but for a first sweater it is almost wearable. A few tweaks and it'll be fine. It already a tad fuzzy but I have been throwing it on when I am chilly so as long as it gets worn I am happy.</p><p>Question for you knitters: Should I unknit and do ribbing or just pick up stitches and add the ribbing? And how many rounds of ribbing should it take to tame the roll? </p>Taki Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10996871065898481090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640786328200817555.post-89605395239547964932011-01-03T07:42:00.001-05:002011-01-03T07:42:00.689-05:00Knitting and WalkingThe first project of 2011 is..... drum roll please.......<br /><br />a knitted sweater for my daughter. The first one didn't come out so well so we are going to give it another try. Same concept of knitting top down but a different pattern will be used and there will be a bazillion fittings to make sure it fits how she wants it to.<br /><br />It is going to be a 3 color version of the $5 in Paris sweater. I found it on Ravelry but it is a free pattern that is <a href="http://knitting-up-a-storm.blogspot.com/2007/04/5-in-paris.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><a title="$5 In Paris by takij, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5319399279/"><img alt="$5 In Paris" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5284/5319399279_f2f8ed26bd.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a><br /><br />While working on this I have found that knitting and walking is not that hard. I was tired of sitting on my bum so I stood up and just started walking in place, then marching in place, and then walking laps from my kitchen, to sewing room, to living room, around the foyer, and back to the kitchen. Of course my family looked at me like I was crazy but hey, I can burn a few calories while knitting. Not bad.Taki Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10996871065898481090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640786328200817555.post-47724016280225180452010-12-31T22:24:00.000-05:002010-12-31T22:24:17.997-05:00Final Project-- Knitting Needle CaseYes, finally, it is done. The knitting needle case that I have been putting off doing forever. I buckled down and worked on it off and on for the past few days but I was determined to have it done before 2011 made its appearance<br /><br />After searching the net for a while I found <a href="http://alexandrasknits.blogspot.com/2006/01/tutorial-alexandras-needle-case.html">this case</a> and it seemed practical. They all seem practical so this is just the one I picked. I guess so it could hold a lot, lot, lot and the majority of my items will be in one place. A few dimensional adjustments were made but for the most part I stuck to the tutorial.<br /><br />Warning...you may need to put on shades or some type of protective eye gear. Looking at it may make your eyes cross. Don't judge me..clearance fabric is great. I'll start you off easy so your eyes can get adjusted.<br /><br />All rolled up...<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Knitting Needle Case by takij, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5311423450/"><img alt="Knitting Needle Case" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5162/5311423450_44a92449c5.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a></p><br /><br />Prepare your eyes it is slowly coming undone.<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Knitting Needle Case by takij, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5310832723/"><img alt="Knitting Needle Case" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5286/5310832723_6d083b9432.jpg" width="375" height="500" /></a></p><br />Ta daaaaooow!!!! (Do your eyes hurt now? My brain actually hurts a little, just grab the needles and run!!)<br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Knitting Needle Case by takij, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5311423308/"><img alt="Knitting Needle Case" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5087/5311423308_e6df722e58.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a></p><div align="left">Everything nice and tidy in one spot. No more looking in this bag or that can or wherever else. No excuses. I do see that I need some colorful needles to make this clash just a tad bit more.<br /><br />With that being said I have rolled up 2010 (ha, ha,) and am ready for a great 2011.<br /></div><div align="center"><br /><strong><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:78%;color:#ff0000;">(ugh, the red clashes with everything!!)</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Wishing you and yours a prosperous 2011.</span></strong></div>Taki Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10996871065898481090noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640786328200817555.post-43948538146390221172010-12-29T21:22:00.000-05:002010-12-29T21:22:49.870-05:00Gloves<p>I did it. I finished the gloves I made for my sister. A while a go when I was sharing that I had learned how to knit she said, "Ooooooohhhh, I want some hot pink fingerless gloves!" After searching through Ravelry I decided on the Knucks pattern and got busy. These weren't hard to knit at all and I feel like I learned something which is always spectacular. When I gave them to her she is either a really good liar or she really liked them. My thought is that I make them a little longer next time so I told her they were my trial run. She can tell me any modifications she wants for her second pair.</p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5305316586/" title="Knucks by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5289/5305316586_1e910aae34.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Knucks" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">I totally forgot to take pictures with them on her hand but here a few pics from the process and on my hand.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5255133483/" title="Knucks- Thumb by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5285/5255133483_49d1794c07.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Knucks- Thumb" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5279702253/" title="Knucks by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5206/5279702253_501efb5a66.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Knucks" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">I am definitely making some of these for myself. Scarf down, hat down, dishcloths down, sweater down, and gloves down. What shall I tackle next on the knitting front?</div>Taki Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10996871065898481090noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640786328200817555.post-51260956930682560652010-12-28T00:07:00.000-05:002010-12-28T00:07:01.112-05:00Time For Another DishclothYes, it is that time again. Another dishcloth/napkin/whatever!! These are my little break projects while I figure out what I am going to knit next. I am almost finished a gift for my sister but need to get a tapestry needle. My hands needed to knit so it was dishcloth time!!!<br /><br /><br /><p align="center"><a title="Three Easy Washcloths by takij, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5298658783/"><img alt="Three Easy Washcloths" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5008/5298658783_b46d1bc61a.jpg" width="500" height="375" /></a></p>I wish I used a solid for this so you could see the stitch details. Beginners mistake no doubt. I still like it though.Taki Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10996871065898481090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640786328200817555.post-69691958723887565532010-12-26T22:59:00.007-05:002010-12-26T23:07:02.650-05:00My First Sew-A-Long- Burda Marie Skirt<div align="left">2011 is guaranteed to be a year of firsts when it comes to my sewing. I joined my first sew along which is being hosted by <a href="http://stitchinmysideregan.blogspot.com/2010/11/ring-in-new-year-sew-along.html" target="_blank">Regan over at Stitch In My Side</a>. This will also be my first time trying a Burda pattern as well so it will be a double dose of firsts.<br /><br />We will be making the <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/marie" target="_blank">Burda Marie skirt</a>. Cute isn't it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnb2aKmwO8T-ctDAz8VAoOy-MRFW5heCdN4GIntRZoILLh21as3SsWMmamkKLBhy0wCaxK7AoB334dLxf5l74enq-a8wweBA9xwdTYxhz_ky7S62imz4L_hWrEDBXaZt7hGWhhmDpv2Q/s1600/Burda-Marie1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 251px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555205063168165570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnb2aKmwO8T-ctDAz8VAoOy-MRFW5heCdN4GIntRZoILLh21as3SsWMmamkKLBhy0wCaxK7AoB334dLxf5l74enq-a8wweBA9xwdTYxhz_ky7S62imz4L_hWrEDBXaZt7hGWhhmDpv2Q/s320/Burda-Marie1.jpg" /></a><br />Hopefully it really is for a Novice like me but if not I think being part of a group of other people doing it too will help in case I have any question.<br /><br />Well here it goes!!<br /><br />Download pattern-- check<br />Print page with test square-- check<br />Measure test square-- check<br />Adjust print settings-- check<br />Print page with test square-- check<br />Scratch my head-- check<br />Recall my knowledge of ratios and do a quick equation-- check<br />Adjust print settings-- check<br />Print page with test square-- check<br />Measure again-- check<br />Do a happy dance-- check<br />Print the other 8 pages-- check<br /><br />Not so bad. Now I just have to decide on a fabric and see if I have interfacing as well. I am thinking navy blue because I already have the fabric and I don't have a navy blue skirt. </div>Taki Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10996871065898481090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640786328200817555.post-51372493419351775412010-12-21T08:08:00.001-05:002010-12-21T08:50:07.993-05:00Window Woes<p>This window is on the front of my house in my office. Everyday the sun totally beams through this window to the point where it is blinding and I have to move. If only I could have some solar panels and put all that energy to good use. Anyway I need some type of curtain or shield to go in this window but the shape is throwing me off on how to achieve a nice barrier between me and the sun. Any thoughts?<br /></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5280294258/" title="Office Window by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5283/5280294258_893ee57579.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Office Window" /></a></div>Taki Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10996871065898481090noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640786328200817555.post-89658162662538832912010-12-12T17:04:00.000-05:002010-12-12T17:04:02.501-05:00Dishtowel<p>This is smaller than most dishtowels but I wanted to see how big of a product a roll of the Sugar N' Cream would yield. I know it all depends on the stitches you are doing so there will be some variances. For this I used a Labyrinth pattern and it gave me a 10"x 16" cloth. I guess I'll just use it in the kitchen for a drying towel. I was hoping for something big enough for a handtowel to hang in the bathroom but this is to short. Next time.</p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5255747760/" title="Labyrinth Dishtowel by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5085/5255747760_4a788c44ca.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Labyrinth Dishtowel" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5255134241/" title="Labyrinth Dishtowel by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5045/5255134241_3f484b6bf4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Labyrinth Dishtowel" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Taki Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10996871065898481090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640786328200817555.post-64664167734991393422010-12-11T16:27:00.000-05:002010-12-11T16:27:48.429-05:00Finally Hemmed the Jeans<p>These jeans, the ones I posted about <a href="http://seamstitchsew.blogspot.com/2010/07/i-need-to-hem-these-jeans.html">here</a>, finally got the hem they deserved. It only took 3 or so years but who is counting anyway. When you absolutely nothing to wear that will put a fire under you to get something made or altered just in a nick of time. </p><p>I was in such a hurry I really don't have any photos of the process. Here is quick snapshot of me pinning. </p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5251908361/" title="Original Hem Alteration by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5005/5251908361_92830606b1_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Original Hem Alteration" /></a></div><p>Exciting right. But it worked out perfectly. Kind of. After doing one leg it was still a little to long so I did the second leg an 1/8 of an inch more and voila, perfect. Kind of. If going out with to different length pants legs is your idea of perfect. Yes, I ran out of time but here is the finished product for one of the legs. </p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5251908559/" title="Original Hem Alteration by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5041/5251908559_f800d6fbfe_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Original Hem Alteration" /></a></div><p>I don't think anyone noticed since it was such a slight deviation and if all someone can look at is the hem of my jeans then I should be worried.</p><p>It was quick lesson that I enjoyed getting back at the machine and doing. I am looking forward to my next project. Hopefully I will have sense enough not to wait until the last minute on whatever it is.</p><p>I used the the tutorial found <a href="http://www.daciaray.com/?p=38">here</a>.</p>Taki Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10996871065898481090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640786328200817555.post-16014965855304750842010-12-08T20:42:00.000-05:002010-12-08T20:42:31.803-05:00Kercheif Cowl<p>"Cowl, what is a cowl? I have never heard of that." Truth be told it is not a word I hear to often either.</p><p>This is a cowl.</p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5244500947/" title="Kerchief Cowl by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5045/5244500947_94d79c82c6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Kerchief Cowl" /></a></div><p></p><div align="left">Actually that is a almost finished cowl where I just couldn't deal with the ends and put them off until the next day.<br /><br />If you want to keep your neck nice and toasty through the winter months a cowl is great. I got this pattern on ravelry.com. One thing I love about ravelry.com is the Advanced Search option. I knew that I didn't have a lot of yarn to work with so I was able to find a nice project for the amount of yarn I had.<br /><br />Here is the finished project. I have it on now and my neck is very, very warm. This may not be taken off for a while!!</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5245100996/" title="Kerchief Cowl by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5290/5245100996_a412a88fec.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Kerchief Cowl" /></a><br /></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">It is hard to see in the picture above but there is a triangle at the top that folds down. My colors all just blend together so you can't tell. You can see it a little better with the cowl pulled up higher. Warm neck and face!!!</div><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5245100792/" title="Kerchief Cowl by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5290/5245100792_b6a0e46c0f.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Kerchief Cowl" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />Yes, my hair is a mess. Don't judge me. </div>Taki Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10996871065898481090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640786328200817555.post-35914942064090711672010-12-06T21:33:00.000-05:002010-12-06T21:34:13.601-05:00First Sewing Book Purchase<p>Look what I scored at my local Goodwill store. I have gone in there a million times and thought I looked through all the books never to find any sewing books. Come to find out I never made it to the very last bookshelf. Lo and behold this was staring right into my face. I dare not tell about the happy dance I wanted to do. I know there is a newer version but for $2.62 this one will do for the moment. </p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5239486001/" title="Thrift Store Sewing Books by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5288/5239486001_15bf193ef6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Thrift Store Sewing Books" /></a></div><p>I also picked up this Coats and Clark Book. Don't they look happy together!!! I can't wait to thumb through the both of them a little bit more.<p align="center"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5006/5240084280_a033d1d756.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Thrift Store Sewing Books" /><br /></p><p align="center">These are my first ever sewing book purchases. I usually just check them out from the library but I am happy to call these my firsts.</p>Taki Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10996871065898481090noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2640786328200817555.post-73775113028010978892010-11-29T20:38:00.001-05:002010-11-29T20:38:00.598-05:00COMPLETED- Fingerless Mitts<p>UFO Week Project 1 Completed</p><p>These Fingerless Mitts were sitting around unfinished for quite a while. Glad to have them done. It is a quite quick and easy pattern to knit up but I can see now that seaming is not my thing.</p><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5219116685/" title="Fingerless Mitts 11-29-10 by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5290/5219116685_f03bfb002a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Fingerless Mitts 11-29-10" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/takij/5219707204/" title="Fingerless Mitts 11-29-10 by takij, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5207/5219707204_8a35796556.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Fingerless Mitts 11-29-10" /></a></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">I used some leftover Lion Brand Jiffy yarn for this. This yarn is so fuzzy and splity. Glad to know that so I won't choose it in the future. Any yarn lovers out there? What is your favorite to work with?</div>Taki Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10996871065898481090noreply@blogger.com0