I’ve been using this chair since 2009, and had this fabric in my stash since 2010. In 2013 I decided to put the two together, but I only got around to it in January 2014. It took about 90 minutes.
The fabric is organic cotton canvas, and I used almost all of it for this project. The remaining pieces went to my mom, so this was a very successful stash-busting project.
Here is the chair before:
It was so much easier to just do this project than to procrastinate it any longer.
Finally able to start unclogging the backlog of posts. Mardi Gras costume will be coming soon!
It’s a simple dress, which means it’s versatile and comfortable and fun to wear.
I used a vintage pattern that I borrowed from Caroline; I traced the pattern and forgot to copy the name or number! Luckily I haven’t seen her since then, so I actually still have the pattern in a very safe place, so eventually I can find out the relevant information.
Now I’m wearing it with a silk charmeuse slip, and I stay pretty warm. Without the slip, it’s been perfect for warmer days in Los Angeles on the bicycle. The short hem will be fun in the summer!
It’s made from a silky, slinky rayon. I also used the fabric for a dress shirt for my husband (which I will iron and photograph in New Orleans). The print reminds me of the Matmos from one of my favorite movies, Barbarella: Queen of the Galaxy.
I finished the seams in the serger. There’s a black invisible zip, which should be 6″ longer, but I had this size in my stash and I can easily get the dress over my shoulders (but the hips are another story).
I’m not sure about the neckline. Maybe I want to do something bold, like an appliqué or contrasting collar? Maybe I want it lower? For now, it’s bound in matching bias tape. I’d love any suggestions!
My husband’s cousin’s baby is such a sweetheart, and I love making little presents for him (and all my friend’s kiddos!). His name is Kekoa, he’s 2 years old, and tons of fun.
The ribbing is p1, k1 through the back loop (which is abbreviated as ktbl, which I pronounce as “k-table”). This twists the knit stitch, making the ribbing super stretchy and very neat. I use this for all my ribbing now!
I made this fabric yarn as a proof of concept. I loved working with it, and the way it turned out. I may use the rest of this white and gray to make yet another shopping bag (don’t worry, I’m giving most of them away. I don’t shop that much!).
I used a couple 1yd remnants of a tissue-weight jersey with high lycra content, and serged the pieces into a tube to cut a continuous strip. I stretched the strip while winding it into a ball, so the fabric curled onto itself into tube. The resulting knit fabric has a lot of body, but is also very stretchy.
Fabric yarn is an inexpensive, easy way to experiment with a different type of fiber, and I definitely recommend it!