Greetings Gentle Unravelers!
This week I am profoundly grateful for the diversions that making brings… I needed diversions this week! And so I am sharing the plethora of them that have been entertaining me! Buckle in!
The sewing. Oh my. Well, there is a very good reason I keep sewing the same things over and over again… I have made the muslin… done the adjustments… and all future garments fit absolutely perfectly – no guessing – no hoping – no worries. Thus was the story for my 4th pair of Free Range Slacks. They are glorious and I have fabric coming to make one more pair for the winter! (No images here, but you will absolutely see me modeling them in Erie… I plan on posting some #PostcardsFromPresqueIsle on IG while we are away!)
Now comes the story of sewing a new-to-me pattern. With sketchy measurements (because deep arm scythes) here is my first try. It needed several adjustments. Sigh. While it is a wearable muslin, it feels very awkward on top… too loose… too much movement because it is so loose. (Good thing I have no shortage of sweaters to wear with it! Haha) I have made several adjustments to the pattern and think that my next attempt with corduroy will go much better. It calls for French Seams (which I did on the denim muslin) but I think that will be too bulky with the corduroy so I am going to give flat-felled seams a try and I think they should look and feel nice. AND!! I have plans for a fun little flannel inner pocket on the corduroy ones! The pluses though… I love the pockets, the details, and the style. Oh my are they all awesome! Stay tuned for the second go at this pattern.
Because packing my knitting is the first thing on my list for vacation…I pulled out the knitting bag that I used last year, and inside was a project I started on vacation in Erie and had not touched since! (Ravelry link) It looked easy but once I got through the “easy” lace portion and started on the “challenging” lace it became very clear that this was not vacation knitting. But I got it out and started again and made progress! I have completed the challenging lace and have started on the second (of 5) pattern repeat and things are going well. I am bringing this back to Erie and along with my in-process (but also forgotten) Close To You shawl. One of these projects is more likely to be finished than the other… if I do any knitting on vacation! Ha!
One would think a still life would be easy, but giving those stationary objects form and life is tricky!
Finally… there has been painting my friends! Pumpkins! Water! And FALL leaves! (I am also working on some grapes that Kym has challenged me with… stay tuned!) On Monday I bought a “travel palette” and yes… I am going to paint on vacation! Haha! (Honestly, my fear is falling behind in painting class and I won’t be able to get two paintings done in 2.5 days to meet the final class deadline for homework.) I am thinking about painting all.the.time. I am looking on YouTube at painting videos. I am looking on Pinterest at painting ideas. It has become a bit of an obsession and I am having so much fun!
I definitely think landscapes are my “sweet spot” and I so enjoyed painting this fall scene!
Whew… that’s a LOT of making! Hahaha!
How about a cool down with some reading?
I am currently still happily immersed in life with Ruth Galloway and I am loving it. So. Much. I also started Setsuko’s Secret and it is the perfect companion to the Sharon Says So podcast on the same topic. So much too unpack. These books are diversely different and that is a very good thing!
I had just one reading finish this week… and it left a very sour taste in my mouth. I should have listened to my inner voice that urged me to bail on this book early on in the listening. I know many of you loved Ozeki’s Book of Form and Emptiness… but me…not so much. I had hopes the Book Story would take over and I liked those parts of the book but ultimately it was an epic failure for me. But this is what makes reading so incredible… what I don’t care for, you might love! And there are so.many.books to read!
And there you have my very busy making week! As always, if you wrote a post to share please leave your link below and thank you!
See you back here tomorrow with A Gathering of Poetry!
I think your Studio Tunic turned out GREAT, Kat. I know what you mean about the deep armscyes . . . they ARE deep. (I think it’s a very . . . generous . . . fit up top for all the sizes.) As for the seaming with a heavier weight fabric (like your corduroy), I agree that French seams might be too much — although flat fell seams will also be bulky. . . (I have thoughts. Let me know if you want them.)
Your painting is coming along so nicely, Kat. But you already know what I think about that. 🙂
And, yes . . . our world would be very dull if we all loved the same books!
I love all your making! That tunic looks great and I bet you will love it in corduroy. And your painting is looking good, too. I really like your landscapes and you’ll have lots of inspiration from Presque Isle. I can just picture you painting plein air! (Can you do watercolor that way?) Have a wonderful time; I’m already looking forward to your postcards!
oh my your paintings are lovely! I am excited that you have a vacation and I know how much you going there!!
In spite of the fit issues, I think your tunic looks fantastic and very comfortable, and I am excited to see your corduroy version! The painting looks like it’s bringing you a lot of joy, too. I’m delighted to hear that you’re bringing it along on your trip — I expect you’ll get a lot of inspiration there!
Count me as another who really likes your tunic Kat. It looks great (love the denim) and I bet it is just so comfortable. Looking forward to seeing your new pants on IG soon. Your painting continues to amaze me. You really are so talented and your love of it shows in what you produce. Well done! Wishing you fabulous weather, safe travels and a fun time – ENJOY!!
Love your sewing projects! My sewing list to do it getting very long and your projects are just adding to my list. Hope you have a wonderful vacation in the Mid-West. I just returned from Chicago and Fall is always the best by Lake Michigan.
I am looking at that pattern sitting atop my shelf… I really need to pull the trigger on that one! Have a wonderful vacation!!
your paintings are beautiful!
I agree with Kym about the bulkiness of seams with corduroy. Could you serge the seams? (I’m not sure if you have a serger.) Your paintings are gorgeous! I hope you have a vacation that is so enthralling you don’t bring out the knitting!
There’s a softness about your paintings that makes me want to look further into them. Pumpkins have never been so inviting.
Here’s hoping for good weather on your trip and you bring back lots of things to show us……art craft and photos 😊
The energy here is palpable! (And wearable!) Phenomenal tunic. (That would be a lifetime achievement for me…) And your paintings, Kat! I have to say, your landscapes are my favorite–and while your trees are usually what captivates me most, I have to give it to the grasses this week. Wow, well done. I am curious if there will be a PI painting one day?!
Your paintings are beautiful. What a lot of making. You are so right about reading. It would be a dull world if we all liked to read the same thing. I hope you are enjoying your vacation.