Tuesday, March 05, 2013

wips and lessons


It has been a long time since I've reported on this embroidery project. I stopped working on it sometime last March and I finally picked it up again at the beginning of the year. I try to work on it at least a two hours a week. I hope to finish it by this coming Christmas.

It is rather embarrassing, but I must confess it actually smells dusty. It was in a fabric bag that wasn't closed and apparently, it has collected dust. Unfortunately, I can't wash it because the stamped pattern washes away. Achoo. ;0


I am learning how to knit and crochet. The knitting project is being done on red roving wool. I recast it probably half a dozen times before I felt I was ready to move on. It won't be the prettiest scarf ever but I will be the one who made it.


The crochet project is Peaches and Cream cotton in variegated blue.


I am also working on a shirt for myself. Yes, you do recognize the fabric.



I am teaching myself to do a French Seam. Because I like top stitching and am not quite ready to try felled stitches, I am simply top-stitching it after I press it.

I've been reading a lot of sewing blogs lately in order to get tips and ideas to improve my sewing skills. I find it frustrating because there is a great deal of sewing snobbery and style snobbery. I am not stylish. I just want to make well-made and attractive garments. 


I had the pleasure of clearing about six inches of snow from the driveway today. It is very pretty outside, pleasantly warm (around 29 degrees Fahrenheit).




10 comments:

  1. Hooray for learning new skills! Just take the good from what people share, and ignore the snobbery. I would love to learn how to knit. :)

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  2. I'm crocheting up another scarf--this time in broomstick lace. I've knitted and crocheted all my life--I find it very relaxing!

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  3. Warm??? I have been living in L.A. for too long. That deer forest embroidery is going to be the most glorious piece!

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  4. Oh gosh there there is sewing snobbery? I am really just about over some of this blogging high school nonsense. You are so talented Melissa. CC and I tried to crochet and it was funny.

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  5. Oh Melissa...I am loving the doe! So pretty! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  6. As I say often, you are so clever. I'm sure your scarf with be not only made by you but beautiful too. Love the embroidery. :)

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  7. French seams are so easy to do and they look so nice! Incorporating these simple but beautiful details in the pieces you make will be so rewarding.

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  8. How wonderful are you? Your husband is a lucky man to have a wife who refers to shoveling the walks as " a pleasure"! ;)

    I'm having crafty envy... so many skills you've purposed to perfect. Good for you, and I am encouraged.

    No reference here to HOW Melissa is doing, just WHAT Melissa is doing. I've been praying for you.

    Blessings, Debbie

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  9. Your such a Renaissance Woman. :) You do it all!
    French seams? Wow! I'm so impressed!! Seriously?! Those are tough!

    Stay warm!
    ~Liz

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  10. Wow! You are learning so many new skills! I was wondering how your sweet deer was coming along. I have been eager to learn crochet, it seem like such a perfect portable project. Have a great weekend!

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