4/23/10: The Birthday Skirt

Back in February, my pen pal, Carianne, was telling me how she likes to wear skirts and how her wardrobe was lacking this staple. Since I knew her birthday was coming up in April, I decided to help her out and I did this by simply entering my sewing room.

I first tried to figure out the style she would be comfortable in and because I couldn't find any skirt pattern out there that matched my vision, I turned roads and started drafting my own.
I learned the basics of pattern drafting last year when I designed a dress for a contest (an experience I should really post about!), so I had all the necessary equipment and knowhow. Read more »

4/12/10: Crocheted Earrings

I just recently finished crocheting a pair of earrings for my sister. I used the Lacy Leaf Earrings pattern from the May/June 2008 issue of Crochet Today--one of my favorite issues by the way! :D I used size 30 Knit-Cro-Sheen cotton crochet thread and a size 13/14 steel crochet hook.

So on to some Q and A:

How was the crocheting process? It took about a month for me to make these but that is solely due to the fact that I put this project behind other projects. However, they did take much longer than I expected. This is probably so because I was having trouble working the adjustable ring (first time for me to use this technique), and stuffing the berries with 12” of crochet thread.

Did I alter the pattern in any way? No, I followed it exactly. Size 30 thread. Check. Size 14 steel crochet hook. Check.

Would I do anything different next time? Yes. Since I had an incredibly hard time filling each berry with the called for 12” strand of crochet thread, I decided to find an easier method. I tried using a small bead and such but nothing worked. Nevertheless, I did eventually come up with a little trick. In the pattern where it says to decrease 6 sc (right before the berry stuffing), decrease only 3 sc; this allows a larger opening on top. It did the trick, they were 10x easier to stuff. Too bad I discovered this trick on my last berry!

For those who are on Ravelry, you can see this pattern's project page by clicking here.

4/8/10: Home Remedy for Wrinkling Fabric AND How to Make Crisp Pleats

I just was reading the Sensibility Sewing Forum and came across a great tip one of the members shared. Here is the conversation:

gentle__annie writes:

I bought a gorgeous cranberry wool skirt at the thrift store with the intention of turning it into a Civil War sacque coat for my little sis---however, the skirt was box-pleated, and although I've taken out the pleat stitches, of course very many creases remain in the fabric. Is there any way to get them out?

Di Di replies:

I was taught to remove fabric creases using white vinegar, either diluted (1/3 Cup to 3/4 Cup water) or straight from the bottle. You can dab it on with a sponge, or press cloth, or spray it on. It doesn't have to be soaking in it, but the crease line should be damp. Then using a press cloth, or piece of brown paper bag over the crease, steam with your iron. This has worked for me on several occassions. However, it might be possible that the skirt was treated with 'chemicals' to set the creases, or if the wool has some synthetics the creases might have been made permanent with heat. It those cases, you could be out of luck as 'set pleats' will be almost impossible to remove satisfactorily for your intended purpose.

Bel chimes in:

The vinegar treatment is useful for putting pleats into wool too.

And gentle__annie leaves with saying:

It worked!! The wool looks gorgeous now, thank you soooo much!!!!!!!

I will certainly keep this vinegar tip in mind! It will come in handy for making crisp pleats, something I am kind of obsessed about! :D