I finished a scarflette.  Don’t you love the color?

If you follow along on Facebook you probably know that I got a treadle sewing machine.  Singer model 115, 1921.  Bought it from the original owner (I even have the old, hand-written receipt).   Wonderful condition.  I scrubbed down the parlor cabinet which is why I took the head (machine) out and left it on the built-in in the breakfast nook.  Looks nice there though.  Check out the mermaid details.  Now I just need to learn how to use it.

I’m onto making a cardigan.   My carpal tunnel and tendonitis issues have not really gotten in the way of my knitting, even though I’ve been working up a storm (on the computer).  I’m not going to question it, just accept it and be grateful.  I mean, look how far along I am!  I’m changing up the pattern a bit: 2×2 rib instead of cables, half or 3/4 sleeves instead of short, and adding a mustard-gold stripe or two running through the cuffs and waist ribbing.  I’m looking forward to making the button band as I’ve never made one before.   The main color is “Squirrel Heather,” isn’t that cute?  Both are Knit Picks Swish DK.

I got some Spoonflower samples today!  Always exciting.  When I discovered they now offered cotton lawn I had to come up with some designs to test it out. (Lawn was the first thing I requested back when I first signed up with them.)  The samples you see above are all printed on lawn.  The colors came out mostly as expected which is nice.  Can you see the old-timey circus/Alice influence?

The fabric itself is a looser weave than I was expecting; maybe it will shrink up a bit in the wash.  My idea was to construct a wee 1930s dress for myself from Spoonflower lawn.  And, I suppose, some dolly dresses too.  What do you think?

I printed the strongman design on canvas.  I really like the canvas. (I wasn’t expecting to as I haven’t had much use for it; perhaps that will change!)  There were other strongman versions on quilt-weight fabric but I don’t like them as much.  Somehow the details didn’t show up as well. (Plus the scale was smaller so the little guys just seem sort of lost.)  I think this design would need something a little more if it were ever to be printed, some kind of design element in the background.

The diamond/star design is printed on their standard quilt-weight fabric in a slightly different colorway from the same design above it.  I like the softer, more greenish version in the lawn. (Although the bright red, blue and white is appropriate for our holiday weekend!)

Have you printed up anything at Spoonflower lately?

Anyhow, I wish all my fellow U.S. residents, citizens and ex-pats a Happy July 4th weekend!   Actually, a lovely weekend to everyone!

I’m now the proud owner of a dickie.  I never thought I’d say that so feel free to laugh with me.  But this is not a silly polyester/cotton blend faux turtleneck sweater.   I don’t know how old this one is but it’s so pretty and, despite how delicate it is, it’s in such good condition.  I particularly love the bow/ruffle at the neck.  I’m either going to leave it as a dickie or somehow incorporate it in to a dress, perhaps as a bib.  Wouldn’t that be lovely?

I’m also adding to my collection of millinery flowers and rayon fabric.  Everything has a purpose; not that I’ve necessarily figured out the future lives of these treasure but I will – someday!

Last weekend a friend and I went to the Vintage Clothing & Textile Show in  Burbank.  It was a relatively small gathering of vendors but there were a ton of people there, so much so I felt a little overwhelmed at times.  Nonetheless I found some pretty things.  Some of the fabric I picked up is cute but kind of malodorous.  (Something I did not realize until I got home, of course.)  I spent some time searching online for remedies because, assuming the fabric in question was 60+ year old rayon, I wasn’t confident I could handwash it without suffering terrible consequences.

I posted a question in Etsy forums and lo and behold, answers!   The black fabric is now non-smelly and ready to be made into a little dress thanks to 1 part cheap vodka to 1 part water in a spray bottle.  But I have to tell you, the vodka/water solution I used on both pieces did not work out so well for the nutmeg-colored one.  Initially it toned down the funk but after several sessions the stench simply evolved into another smell, which reminded me of old crayons.  Pungent old crayons.  That led me to wonder if 1. The smell will ever leave, and 2. Is this even rayon?  Because, does rayon smell like smelly old crayons?  I’m no textile expert so I really don’t know.  But the smell was annoying enough that I took a chance and washed it.  First, I hand-washed it.  Now, it’s in the washing machine.  Yup, in the machine.  I mean, if it’s going to smell then it’s useless to me and I’m not going to pay a fortune at a fancy dry cleaner.  I’m just not.   (We’ll see what happens!)

UPDATE:  After washing the rayon in the machine, using the delicate cycle (which included a good, long soak in OxyClean and Arm & Hammer detergent) and tossing it in the dryer on low, the fabric has come out smelling good and not worse for wear!  Yay!

I also started two sewing projects this weekend: a 50s sundress in a kitschy Hawaiian print and a pair of shorts.  Shorts!  I’m excited about making a pair of shorts.  (I only have one pair, from the Gap Kids clearance section.)  I even made a muslin since fitting pants can be tricky.

Oh, and I’m working on the 2 Hour Sweater. So far I’ve logged WAY more than 2 hours for this project but it has been a breeze so far.

Stay tuned and Happy Week to you!

My dreadful cold turned into a terrible sinus infection and I’m finally, 3 weeks later, feeling almost completely normal and I plan to feel much better in a couple of days!  Huzzah!  Thank you so much for your kind comments while I’ve been hiding out in my little house recuperating.

The onset of winter has brought some bright and sunny yet chilly weather to these parts and it really feels like Christmas now.  Gosh, the holidays just seemed to sneak up on me this year – do you feel that way too?

I’m almost done with my stockings and the gifts are wrapped and ready.

Christmas baking is well under way.

Pie: Ah, yes, you say you’ll have only one teensy piece but you know that’s a lie.  Just have another blasted slice already.

Jen: OK, done.

Anyway, dears, have a merry, merry holiday! I’m going to enjoy a little break and I’ll talk to you soon!

{Shop Announcement}

My wee Etsy shops are closed until January 3rd but my own store, love Liette, will remain open.  Although physical goods won’t be shipped until the new year, you can still purchase downloadable items like patterns, printable paper and such.  The cold that I’m just getting over has taught me I need to slow it down a bit so I’m going to be taking it easy until January 3rd.   As always, please feel free to contact me during this time.

Thank you for all your support this year!

xoxo