Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Tuesdays Are My Stitchy Night

Wow, what a week it has been! I am feeling pretty run down and lethargic. Truly as lazy and slow as a slug. So much so that I gave myself a mental health day yesterday and I slept the entire morning away!

The weekend was a blur. I had yet again procrastinated in my sewing class and left things to the last minute. Why, oh why, do I do that?! So, for most of the weekend, I was stressed about sewing my project. Saturday, I spent the majority of the afternoon sewing my samples so I could turn them in for grading and get caught up. That was all relatively easy. Once I finished, I got ready to meet up with Claire and AM. AM was in town and treating me and Claire to dinner for our birthdays. Mine was the 1st and Claire's is the 16th. We decided to try Zazie in Cole Valley. Little French bistro that gets rave reviews. To be honest, I forget all about Cole Valey. It's a tiny 3 block quaint neighborhood hidden amongst the huge houses of Cole Valley and Ashbury Heights. Everything was delicious and superbly done. We had a leisurely 2.5 hour dinner spent eating and catching up and we weren't hurried in any way by the waitstaff. That's always nice. We left happy and by the time I got home, I had to lie down and go to sleep...so heavy was my food coma.

Sunday woke to a new day and I headed to Absinthe for brunch with another friend. Hayes Valley was hosting a Union Designer Faire and so I went to take a look around and found a wonderful tote that I have been trying to resist for months. I love the color of it...a wonderful burnt orange...just perfect for Fall! I had to cut the fun short (plus it was freezing for an outdoor fair!!) though since I had to go back home to sew. I think I spent more time restitching things and pulling my fabric from the "teeth" of the machine than actually sewing! Serious battle of the wills with the Singer machine! Ugh! So frustrating. I was all worried I wouldn't have time to finish my tee by the Monday night deadline! I was kind of right. By 10pm, I was beat and in need of a siesta on the futon so I stopped for the night. By that point, I only had sleeve hems and bottom hem to sew up. I finished those up during my "mental health" day and was able to model it for my sewing class last night. It's a basic 3/4 sleeve purple crewneck tee. It doesn't make much of a statement but seeing as I've never used a machine before the beginning of September, this is a huge accomplishment. I actually made a wearable piece of clothing! Mind you, it's far from perfect. I sometimes have problems sewing a straight line and it's a little too big in the sides but that doesn't matter much as this will be added to my sleep attire and who cares what I wear to sleep provided I don't get cold in the middle of the night. So the tee was a success...next project...pajama pants!

Here's an impromptu pic of my tee and new tote.


Last week was mentally draining so my stitching (and sewing) suffered. I'm close to finishing Letter G (Gigi) so I won't take a picture. Just a little more backstitching and all the beading left to do. I've been on a one project kick which I know gets boring for you guys in blogland.

Some exciting news...the final QFRR finally landed to its original home last Friday! Yay! In 13 months, it has travelled within the US, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. This piece of fabric is more well-travelled than I am! A huge thanks to Edgar for inviting me into the RR and for stitching on it as well as a thanks to Wendy, Carol R., Rowyn and Donna. I love it!

Quaker Style Friendship Sampler by Samplers and Such
36 ct. Lakeside Linens Vintage Light Examplar
Belle Soie Creme de Menthe & Gloriana Birch Brown (1 over 2)


Now to decide what to do with it. I am still going with my gut feeling of turning it into a small pillow for the bedroom. The colors coincide with the ones on my duvet. Now just curious if I do it myself or send it off to be finished. Decisions, decisions.

Well, that's about it for today. This week, I hope to finish Gigi, start Newton again and maybe, possibly start on a scarf. That's assuming I can find my knitting needles...they're around here somewhere!

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend and best wishes for a calm week.

Until next time...

8 comments:

Margaret said...

Nice tote bag! I can see why you wanted it! And congrats on getting your Quaker RR back! It's beautiful!

Deb said...

It definitely must be that time of year to feel sluggish!! Your Quaker RR is beautiful!!

staci said...

Wonderful job on your top and bag! I always envy those who can sew :)

Love your QFRR...it's gorgeous and you must be absolutely thrilled to have it back!

Missy Ann said...

Your RR is beautiful!

Congrats on the wearable clothing - that is a major accomplishment. I need to look into a sewing pattern for pj pants. My ds needs more and it kills me to spend $10 or more a pair.

Yoyo said...

Your Red Sampler is gorgeous and the Quaker is looking very nice too. You are doing great for a gal with only a few sewing lessons under her belt!! Love the tee, am in need of a new sleeping tee, he he he he, and I realllllllllly love purple.

I do hope your sister will do well with her treatment. Sending prayers and hug for you both.

Meari said...

Sometimes we just need a mental health day, don't we?

Congrats on completing your first sewing project. You should be proud :)

Your RR looks great. I say 'go for it' and make the pillow yourself. It's not hard. If you need help, just email me. :)

Siobhán said...

Lovely tote bag! Yeay on the Quaker RR--it's beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Hey, but you are actually making clothes ! I only sew square pieces together, and if I have pre-cuts, even better ! I have had my sewing machine for 15 years (bought with great expectations and quickly abandoned, as I didn't seem to be able to master it), and have only really started using it - making easy models such as sachets, pillow covers and hold-alls.
Congratulations for DARING... Applause. Enjoy Sunday.