The Oslo Sweater and Possibilities

November 4, 2016November 4, 2016 SewtropolisLeave a comment

I’ve been obsessed with finding patterns by indie clothing designers mainly because I want to see ‘what else’ is out there besides what the big patterns companies are offering. I stumbled upon Seamwork magazine and fell in love! They have a great online magazine, and if you subscribe, you get to choose 2 of their free patterns every month. Sign me up!!!

The first pattern I downloaded was the Oslo sweater pattern. To be honest once I downloaded it I was not looking forward to printing it off and taping all the sheets of paper together. So I thought I would take it to Kinkos to see if they could print it off on a larger printer (hoping that it wouldn’t cost a fortune) and lo and behold they had a printer on the floor – that I could use anytime – no special skills required … and didn’t cost an arm and a leg!!! I’m probably way behind the times here, but what a great surprise!! It opens up a world of e-pattern possibilities for me!!!

For fabric, I chose a gray wool blend sweater knit from Pacific Fabrics – it was a little on the spendy side, but I thought the Oslo would be simple enough that I couldn’t screw it up too bad – so I splurged!

I have absolutely no room in Athena to cut out patterns, so I loaded up 3-4 other patterns that I’ve been meaning to cut out and headed over to the KOA’s day room to use the big tables they have set up.

Side note – they keep the day room locked because the kids like to go in and trash the place. I had to ask them to unlock it for me and they made it clear that there were to be no kids in the room without their parents. No sooner did the KOA guy leave when I looked up and there were 3 little heads poking around the corner to see if the room was empty! And then 2 more kids would poke their head in, then 3 more, etc. etc. A few would walk in to see what I was doing, but for the most part they just hovered like vultures waiting for me to leave. Ahhh kids! Gotta love em!

Anyway, back to the Oslo! I ended up being able to use my serger on the whole thing and because of that it took me about an hour to finish it! It was SO simple! I’m glad I splurged on the fabric, it turned out nice enough to wear to work. (which is where I took the pictures – sorry they are so aweful) Had I bought a cheaper fabric it may have just ended up a ‘weekend wear.’

Next time I make it though I may try to make it a little longer. I find that it sits right at the widest part of my hips – which is not flattering for me at all!

Another option may be to add patch pockets to the front – and maybe a closure since I kinda like wearing it closed. I’d have to make it in a heavier weight fabric though if I were to do either of those, but I like this pattern because of all the possibilities – I like possibilities!

I like how the sleeves are done, I can either wear them rolled up, or down if I need them to be a little longer – again possibilities.

So that was one of my sewing project for the week! I also worked on Athena, I took out one side of the overhead storage in the back, which gives me more room to add a closet! No more fold lines in all my clothes – Yay! It has really opened up the back area! It doesn’t feel so cramped and now I’m thinking once I move out I’ll make that area the lounge area and put in a entertainment center…. the possibilities are endless, and I like possibilities.

Athena · Projects · RV Living

New Slacks and New Shower Faucet!

October 28, 2016October 28, 2016 Sewtropolis2 Comments

This week I spent a LOT of time fixing up Athena! After our “storm” last week I discovered that moisture has been making its way into the trailer though a side hatch door. The storage area accessible by the hatch door is under one of the twin beds in the back Well, moisture had no where to go except up – into the mattress. (I discovered it looking for one of the dogs toys).

One of the renovations I’ve been wanting to do is pulling out one of the beds and adding in more storage – so that is what I did. I pulled that sucker right out of there and put in a portable closet so I have more room to hang my clothes and one of these days I’ll make it to Ikea or Target to see if I can find a dresser or some other storage unit that is tall enough (counter height) so I can cut out fabric. Right now if I want to cut out anything I either do it on the floor or go to the ‘TV room’.

Anyway, once I pulled everything out, I had enough energy left over to put in a new shower faucet. What a FIASCO!!!!! It took me forever to pull the old faucet out – I swear that thing was welded in! I ended up having to cut the plastic pipes and reassemble the whole thing with ‘up-to-date’ fixings. But, four hours and three trips to Home Depot later – I have a new shower faucet and shower head! BOOM!

So remember when I was telling you how I have been working on using up my fabric stash. Well, I had this knit fabric that was kinda heavy that I can’t remember what project I had in mind when I bought in. After weeks of thinking about it I decided to make slacks since I can always use work and weekend slacks. I used Kwik Sew pattern 3115 which I’ve made plenty of times before – so much so that I’ve already added length and widened the band. All I had to do was cut and sew.

Turns out that for years I thought this fabric was black when actually it’s a deep dark blue! Ha!! I normally wear either black or gray pants (minimalism technique) so adding blue gives me one more option – and it’s a deep enough blue that I won’t have to try and mix and match tops.

I am really happy with the way these slacks turned out. I widened the waist band so it sits a little higher on the waist… and work appropriate. I’m tempted now to find more of this fabric and make another pair… but I have so many OTHER projects I want to get to. More next week!!!

Nikol

Projects · RV Living

Sewing and Quilting up a Storm!

October 24, 2016 SewtropolisLeave a comment

This week I managed to make quite a few things – because it pretty much rained all week! Last Friday the weather reports for the weekend said to expect the worse storm in 50 years! So I went home and battened down all the hatches on Athena, rolled up the awning, made sure the propane tanks were filled… And then waited and hoped that the storm wouldn’t blow all these trailers over like dominoes!

While I waited I made a sleeveless tunic for work. I’ve been trying to use up fabric that I have had for YEARS including this black with white polka dots- almost sheer knit fabric. I had to buy a lining fabric to line it with, because it was just a little too sheer!

(Once again I ask for forgiveness with the pictures! I recently took up running again and well – this is how I look afterwards.)

Because it is fully lined, I had to alter the pattern to compensate for a full lining instead of just a neck facing. So basically I made two tunics and sewed them together.

I like the asemetrical design, but next time I will make it all the same length so I don’t have to worry about it being ‘off trend’.

By the way- the storm of the century never did show up. It rained and the wind blew – but it was just another PNW day!

Sunday I rented time on a longarm and started quilting my Gypsy Wife quilt. After 3 hours of working on it – I am not even half way done. So needless to say I’ll be working on it again this coming weekend.

Projects · RV Living

A Day With Nothing To Do

September 30, 2016September 30, 2016 Sewtropolis2 Comments

Last weekend the stars all aligned in the right order and I actually had 2 days with nothing on my calendar! Raising my boys those days came few and far between – I’m talking years! But now it seems they come along every few months and when they do I bask in the glory of a day with nothing to do!

I started my day baking a loaf of Greek Yogurt Banana bread because I had a couple of bananas that were past the point of when I like to eat them and some Greek yogurt (of course) Then I made a loaf of The Best EVER Chocolate Zucchini bread to use up one of the zucchinis my sister gave me out of her garden. I found the recipe on Pinterest and let me just say – OMG!! It is SO freaking good! It has the consistency of cake – I’m sure it’s not good for you at all even with the zucchini, but I don’t care! I can easily eat the full loaf, which is why I took both loafs to work with me on Monday and shared them with my co-workers.

I also had a gallon bag full of huckleberries my sister had given me a few weeks ago. I love making jam, so that gallon bag is now 6 jars of jam – some of those jars will become Christmas gifts! (PSA: yes, it’s time to start thinking of Christmas especially if you like to make your gifts like I do!)

But the best thing I did this weekend was sew while binging on Longmire! I love that show and not to give anything away -but one of the main characters (Vic) is now living in a Airstream Argosy motor home! JUST LIKE ME!!!! (except I have a Argosy travel trailer – but STILL!!!) I think it’s becoming a thing!

Back to sewing – I finished my shower curtain!

Really all I had to do was hem all the edges and add grommets. I don’t know why I procrastinated so long. My bathroom is starting to look legit. I think it’s time to renovate!

Anyway, once I was done with the shower curtain I decided make a baby quilt using the left over fabric. I cut a bajillion 2.5″ squares for this quilt to assemble 49 9-patches. Once again a quilt I saw on Pinterest was my inspiration. (I love Pinterest)

I was able to sew this quilt together fairly fast (which seems to be key with me), so next weekend I think I may start another quilt just like it using all my leftover orange and white scraps.

Before you even ask – No, I’m not pregnant and as far as I know, neither are my boys. I’m learning that not all my quilts have to be queen size. In fact, it might stand a better chance of getting finished if I make fewer blocks (i.e., crib size). This quilt will probably end up in my Etsy store once I get it quilted – which is on my list of ‘to-do’s’ this weekend.

Till next week!

Nikol

Athena · Projects

Hives, Sharks and Athena’s New Look

September 16, 2016September 16, 2016 SewtropolisLeave a comment

I spent most of my weekend painting Athena (more on that later), Saturday was absolutely beautiful out! Not too hot, not too cold – it was just Goldilocks – except there was something in the air that caused me to constantly sneeze and made sweet Grace break out in hives! I was in and out of the trailer all day and each time I came inside I would find her scratching at one part of her body or the other. Poor girl was just miserable. After I saw the bumps on her face I gave her a 1/2 a Claritin and hoped it wouldn’t kill her. It didn’t. In fact, she started to feel better within the hour! After that she was good and there’s been no sign of the hives since – Tis the season!

So remember those shark slippers I made? Here’s a picture of the recipient wearing them! LOL I love the smile on her face! Made all the frogging (rip-it, rip-it … get it?) worth while!

Okay, now onto Athena! Here is the before picture!

And here is the after!

I’m not quite done, I still have to do the hitch, tank, bumper and a few minor details, (which I am doing in orange) but I can’t believe what a difference painting makes! It’s like I have a whole new trailer!

The hardest part was getting up on the roof – I have a slight fear of heights, plus I had a hard time trusting that the roof wouldn’t collapse. Once I realized it was going to hold I actually did okay. That big box is my A/C & unit – the one that kept me cool on those hot-ass summer days! One of these days I’ll get it replaced with a new one which are half the size and twice as quiet!

I first put on a clear coat of Kilz to seal it, then used this enable paint from Home Depot.

I had the colors picked out since I bought the trailer 3 years ago! I’m so glad I hung onto those paint chips – if I hadn’t it would have taken me another week to decide on colors. (I can make a decision – I just like to take my time doing so) As it was it took me all day Saturday to put the Kilz on – then all day Sunday to paint just the top half. I worked on the bottom half on Sunday and have been coming home after work each day to do the trim.

It’s supposed to rain this coming weekend so I may not get the chance to finish painting everything. What I don’t finish can wait till we have a stretch of sunny days again – even if that isn’t till Spring. Plus, it’s not like I don’t have a host of other projects I can work on.

Nikol

Adventures · Projects

Hiking the Clackamas and a Bra

September 9, 2016September 9, 2016 Sewtropolis2 Comments

I did it! Actually my sister and I did it! We hiked the Clackamas River trail from end to end – a full 8 miles and it was beautiful!

At the trailhead getting ready for our adventure.

We decided to start on the end of the trail that had the highest elevation so that most of our hike was on a downhill slope. Not that it was easy, but there was one part in the trail that we both agreed would have been a bitch to hike up!

There is a beautiful waterfall right at the 4 mile mark where we decided to stop and have lunch. Besides the main waterfall there were 3-4 other smaller waterfalls – even one where you could walk behind.

And everything was SO green! It was just beautiful!

Grace found a nice mossy rock to scratch her chin on… until Leo showed up.

At the end of the trail there was a bench that had a bunch of trinkets imbedded in it. My guess is that the items were found on the trail at one point or another.

If you are ever in the Mt. Hood area and are looking for a beautiful hike to do, I highly recommend the Clackamas River trail. It’s beautiful and even though it was rated ‘difficult’ it wasn’t too difficult. We were exhausted afterwards, and pretty sore the next day – but still glad we did it!

Okay, now onto project news. As you know I have been working on three projects simultaneously: A bra, a fusion quilt and a shower curtain for Athena. Well, I finished the bra!

I knew going in that this was a practice bra so I allowed myself to make plenty of mistakes. I did ‘unsew’ some parts, but not too much – I didn’t want to waste too much time picking out stitches knowing this was just a practice piece.

Before I cut out the pieces, I took my measurements as instructed… and made the recommended size based off of those measurements even though it was MUCH larger than the ‘ready-to-wear’ size I normally wear. Turns out – it was too small. But now I know I can increase the band measurement AND the cup size for the next one.

I used some scrap fabric I had left over from a top I’m working on for the main fabric. I still have enough left over for another bra. I’m not too thrilled with the lining fabric and will probably try to find something with more substance to it.

and I really don’t like the ‘super mesh’ so think I’ll try to find something else to use. (the Super Mesh is used for the back piece – it’s hard to see in the picture because it’s so thin).

As you can see I didn’t get the elastic on right so the piece is a little large for the ‘hook & eyes’. Overall it was a good learning experience and I did print off the next size up so I can get started on the next bra right away. However, I’m not sure how much sewing I’ll get done this weekend. My goal is to try to paint Athena while the weather is still nice. Water somehow seeped in last winter and I want to make sure it doesn’t seep in again this winter. I did put some sealant on the seams, but I’m thinking a coat a paint can only help.

Happy sewing!

Athena · Projects · RV Living

Showers and Sharks

August 19, 2016August 19, 2016 Sewtropolis1 Comment

The temps last weekend reached into the 90s – which is hot by Seattle standards, so I planned on staying out of the heat as much as possible! In fact, that was my plan all along after being on the go for the last few weeks, but it was nice that the weather cooperated with my plan.

Athena has a A/C unit which is 35+ years old – but still works! Once it awhile it would trip the circuit so I’d have to go to the back and flip the switch. Honestly thought I was counting my blessing that I was flipping a switch in my 35+ year old trailer than going without A/C in my “high efficiency” apartment!

This past weekend I also put sealant on the cracks in my tub so that I can take a shower in my trailer and not worry about water seeping down to the sub-floor. (Not something you want at all)

The shower is a little small, but it works and beats hiking over to the KOA showers! I have one of those shower heads where you can switch the water on or off. My water heater does not hold a lot of hot water – so being able to switch it off is important if I want hot water for the full shower! On my list of upgrades is to replace it with a tankless water heater. Then I can shower without turning the water on & off OR going outside to light the water heater! Ahhhh the luxuries!

So now that the shower is up and running I started working on a shower curtain to match the rest of the curtains in the trailer – and was promptly side tracked with starting a Fusion quilt! This is just the first block – I only have 48 moe to go.

I had seen these on Pinterest and thought they were so pretty. Then, when I was out in Minneapolis my friends mom mentioned she had started one – and really that’s all it took to get me motivated. The fact that I just so happened to be cutting 5″ squares for the curtain also helped.
I have been on a roll with crocheting lately – that super secret project I mentioned here, are these Shark Slippers!

I get a kick out of these things!

I have to admit there was a lot of frustration in making these – mainly because I am not a proficient crocheter. I have to look up the abbreviations over and over, but I got it and if they fit my hella big foot they are sure to fit the recipients size 7 foot! The pattern is from Penelope vt on Ravelry. If you make them follow the directions no matter how crazy they seem and save yourself a lot of frustration at the end!

Till next week!

Adventures · Projects · RV Living

My Succulent Garden

August 13, 2016August 12, 2016 Sewtropolis2 Comments

I’m exhausted!!! For the past 2 1/2 weeks I have been living out of my suitcase – literally! Long story but the lesson is to ALWAYS talk to the KOA manager if you want to confirm your reservation! There was no room at the Inn for the first part of August so I had to leave the KOA for a couple of weeks until a spot opened up. I took the opportunity to have some work done on Athena and managed to stay with my sister in Spokane, my brother and a friend of mine… and of course a vacation in Minneapolis. It was kind of fun until the last day – and then I was just anxious to be settled again and surrounded by my own things.

So, I’m back now and I will give the KOA kudos for putting me in a much better spot! I have huge shade trees on both sides of me and I’m even closer to the walking trail!! All is good in my world.

I have to talk about my latest obsession: succulents! Yes, those little cacti looking plants! I saw some starter succulents at the farmers market not too long ago and regretted not picking up a few. I don’t know what triggered it, but I just thought they were the coolest looking plants! I guess I didn’t pick them up because I’m really not a plant person and was afraid I would kill them. But after reading about how easy they are to care for I started to give them a second thought.

My sister has a bird bath in her back yard which is filled with Hens & chicks. A friend had given her one a few years ago and she said she “stuck it in the bird bath” and forgot about it. I wish I had a picture because the bird bath is now overflowing with Hens and chicks succulents I mentioned my obsession to my brother-in-law while I was staying at his house and even he has a succulent garden!

To start my succulent garden I took a few hens & chicks and planted them, along with some other succulents I found at a local nursery in these orphaned sugar and creamer holders that I’ve been unintentionally collecting. I pick them up for their color (I love all things aqua) and use them to hold various things like paperclips, etc. Then the other day I found this orange teapot at the Goodwill store and voila – instant succulent garden for Athena!

I got a little carried away and bought too many succulents for my little containers, so I put the rest in a bigger pot and, if I can keep them alive, I’ll try to swap a few with my brother-in-law and sister. (the blooming looking plant on the far left is the Hens & Chicks from my sister’s bird bath).

If you are curious about these plants I have started a Succulent Garden Pinterest Board here. I dare you to scroll through and not think these plants are gorgeous!

Adventures · Projects

Floating Down the River

August 5, 2016August 5, 2016 SewtropolisLeave a comment

This past weekend I flew out to Minneapolis to spend a few days glamping with my friends. I won’t get into the fiasco with the missed flight because it all ended well and I was able to get to where I needed to be – just a few hours later.

I arrived in Minneapolis early Friday morning and had breakfast with son #2. We ended up going to Waffles and Black Coffee in the U-District. I highly recommend this place for the waffles! I ordered the Strawberry Shortcake Waffle and OMG it was so freaking good! I didn’t think I would be able to eat the whole thing – but I was wrong! I ate the WHOLE thing and didn’t regret a single morsel of it! Sorry no pictures of the waffle – but I took one of the Chai Lattee they gave me! How cute it that?

Glamping was in Lanesboro which is about 2 hours south of the Twin Cities. It’s a cute little town, rolls up during the winter, but during the summer there is people all over the place enjoying tubing on the Root River, biking along the trails, camping, shopping and even a theater group that is actually really good!

The picture below is of son #2, my BFF, her daughter and her mom and step-dad! When I talk about my Minnesota family – this is who I’m talking about!

One of the gals in our Glamping groups lent me a trailer for the weekend and let me just say – if I ever sell Athena, I might just consider getting a trailer with a pop-out! Wow! There was SO MUCH room – it was like staying in a mobile home! I love how she made it all homey for us! She even put out a scency candle and linens!

We drove back into Minneapolis early on Sunday so I could have lunch with both my boys before I had to catch my flight back to Seattle (I wasn’t about to miss another flight!). I won’t get into the slobbery cry session when I left or how much I miss them – if you are a mom – you get it! Even though they are men now, they will always be my boys.

I can’t yet show you the hand project I took with me to work on. It is a ‘commissioned’ piece and because it’s not finished I don’t want to ruin the surprise for anyone. I will say though that it is a crochet piece – and was super easy to tuck in my bag and work on during the flight to and from Minneapolis. I’m curious, if you are a quilter what type of projects to you bring to work on when you can’t bring a sewing machine?

Athena · Projects

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Napkins

July 22, 2016July 22, 2016 Sewtropolis4 Comments

I’ve been living at the KOA for about a week now and still really enjoy it. Every morning I take my dogs to the dog run to do their “biz” and thanks to living in the apartment for a year they know to hold it till they get there – which means I’m not pissing off my neighbors by having my dogs crap next to their RVs.

I’ve had to make a few ‘adjustments’ since living here the first is purchasing a Jetpack so I can get internet!! There is WiFi here at the KOA, but there may as well not be once everyone starts jumping on it to watch movies. So last weekend I bought a JetPack from Verizon, my new plan includes 24 GB – which I can already tell won’t be enough with all the Netflix binging I do. I figure now that I don’t have a cable bill I can probably afford to up the GB a little bit and still come out ahead cash-wise.

I’ve also been going to the library to check out DVD’s of programs that are on my list of things to watch… This week I watched the original “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy”. I had just finished watching the remake before I moved out of the apartment. (actually I only watched it because it had Benedict Cumberbatch in it and then was pleasantly surprised to see that Tom Hardy was also in it!! (those lips!!)

Anyway – where was I??? Oh yes…

This past week I also made some cloth napkins to put between my pyrex nesting bowls. I’m heading to my sisters in Spokane this weekend and I don’t want them to get scratched in transit. I purchased these bowls about 5-6 years ago at a vintage store in Minnesota. I used them only on special occasions because I didn’t want the boys to break them. If they were to get damaged or broken now my boys would never let me hear the end of it!

Anyway, to make the napkins I cut two pieces of fabric about 18″ x 18″, sewed them wrong sides together (leaving a 6″ opening) and then turned right side out. I then pressed and edged stitched around the edges – sewing the opening close. Easy, peasy and no scratched bowls. Hopefully!

Next week, I’ll share how I made Athena Jelly!