Hello new year. So we meet again…
2013 holds the promise of a new dawn and I find myself in need of a blog again. Writing about a project on a regular basis gives a certain amount of focus and drive, which I think will be good in my life. Besides, I enjoy writing and have missed it.
The only problem I have with this blog is that it’s specifically limited to sewing. I’m one of those people with a long list of talents and interests and it’s difficult to settle on one for any prolonged period of time. Flighty or versatile, you decide. Still, it has been difficult to build a place where I can go with all of my projects and ideas.
I’ve been painting lately. Watercolors, specifically, and it has been going surprisingly well. And I’ve been making tiny statues of monsters and cute animals out of sculpey. I’d like to post them here as well. You’d be surprised how different creative projects influence one another. Oh, and I want to write reviews for stuff I like, like TV shows and movies and books.
This blog started out as something very structured and limited in scope, because I hoped that I would learn to manage my ‘versatility’. I think blogging last year helped. I certainly proved that I could learn a complex skill in a short amount of time if I applied myself. I’m a seamstress now, whether I blogged about it or not.
There’s still sewing projects I have going, too. My Lala Orange costume needs to be made yet. In October, I made a bustier from the Simplicity pattern I’m using out of test fabric and it turned out rather well. A couple of days ago, thanks for Buttericks hyper-sale, I picked up a handful of patterns. They including some that would complete more of the monthly projects I had set up last year, like a button-up shirt pattern and a jean pants pattern. These projects require me going fabric shopping though, which is actually a rather big weakness in my sewing abilities. I have no real knowledge of fabrics and my research on the subject is very limited. I really just don’t know what’s out there.
Writing this, I’ve decided I’m going to go browse Hancock Fabrics after work.
And already, blogging is giving me focus and drive. I’m gonna go learn me some fabrics!
~Allie
Welcome back!
Good to see you blogging again, regardless of the topic. Since I only get to see you once or twice a year at cons, it’s the best way I have to hear what you’re up to! Let me know if you need any tips on fabrics!
Actually, I could use all the tips and help of choosing fabric that I can get right now. I’ve shopped most of the chain stores in town and just can’t find what I’m looking for. Honestly, I’m not picky anymore and I have quite a few projects, so I need a variety of fabrics. I’ve realized, I’m eventually just going to have to shop online, but of course I’m nervous about buying fabric I can’t touch. Any ideas of what to look for?
Depends on what projects you’re working on. Each type of fabric behaves differently, and is appropriate for a different type of project. Your local Hancock’s or Joann’s *should* have most, if not all, of what you’d need, unless you’re doing a very specific costume. Also, their stocks change every now & then, at least in the bargain bins, so sometimes you do need to check back, but that’s pretty rare.
What projects are you fabric hunting for right now?
Hmm….you’re right. I should be more specific. I think I can find something for my little origami backpack. I would like to find a cheaper fabric for a wintercoat, but I think the best I can do is linen. Do you have any suggestions for a button up shirt?
Winter coat: look at suitweights. Things you would use to make a suit or pants. You’ll want something durable. For a winter coat, you can also look at wools & wool blends, flannels, fake fur, & fleece. Linen works, but it’s pricey as hell, at least around here.
Button up shirt: cotton or a cotton blend of any variety. Check out the quilting fabric section. If you want to go really fancy, you can look at silks & satins, but slick fabrics like that are a bear to work with.
Backpack: again, check the quilting section for fun prints. I’ve seen asian inspired lines of fabrics meant to be used together as a quilt. If you use quilt fabrics or something w/ a similar weight, reinforce those fabrics w/ some interfacing (I’d go pretty hefty on the interfacing, but not sure how that’d behave w/ the folding/origami) & line it. Another option: use duck cloth/canvas. It’s very durable, & what most non-vinyl backpacks on the shelves are made of. I got a super fun green & ivory printed duck cloth once. It also comes in solid colors. If you’re feeling particularly creative, get some white or off-white duck cloth & stamp or paint designs onto it. Just make sure your medium is waterproof so it won’t come off in the rain. Duck cloth can be found by the muslin & also in with the home decorating/upholstry fabrics.
Hope that helps! Poke me when you need fabric suggestions for the next project!
You know what, Vicky? That was incredibly helpful!! Thank you very much! I’m going to go window shopping with new eyes and see what I can find….SO EXCITED! XD