tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73929615076612802722024-02-18T21:16:13.214-05:00Kitty Kitty CraftsA feminist works to reclaim craft and get her quilt on.Karissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966083124927059835noreply@blogger.comBlogger334125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392961507661280272.post-27632805221773688772014-03-03T10:00:00.000-05:002014-03-03T10:07:28.517-05:00Plush swap love<i>(cross-posted from <a href="http://www.plushteam.com/2014/03/plush-swap-love.html">the Plush Team blog</a>)</i><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">I am delayed in posting about the AMAZING plush I received from M. Bridges of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MoonsCreations" target="_blank">Moon's Creations</a> for the annual <a href="http://www.plushteam.com/" target="_blank">Plush Team</a> swap, but that's mostly because I've been overwhelmed by the awesomeness of it! I had mentioned that I'm a huge Wes Anderson fan (and, honestly, who isn't?!?) and Marcy made up these super awesome Sam and Suzy Moon Buns for me!</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Just look at the details! Sam has a scarf and his Khaki Scout badges, and Suzy has a tiny pair of binoculars, awesome fluffy hair, and even her trademark blue eyeshadow!</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">I *adore* these little guys! Marcy was so sweet and included some little wooden rings to help them stand up, and they have a place of honor right by my TV!</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">Check out more of Marcy's plush <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MoonsCreations" target="_blank">here</a> (seriously--the quality of these guys is impeccable; you won't be disappointed!) and see the cat in pajamas that I made for her <a href="http://www.plushteam.com/2014/02/a-surprise-kitty.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</div><br />
Karissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966083124927059835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392961507661280272.post-22513142059199033542013-12-05T12:30:00.000-05:002013-12-05T13:21:35.722-05:00Popping in, popping up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello! Long time no....anything, really*. My hands have been too busy behind the scenes, making making making, for me to do some necessary typing! I just wanted to pop in here quickly to announce that <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KittyKittyCrafts" target="_blank">Kitty Kitty Crafts</a> is participating in this year's <a href="http://www.bostonhandmade.org/p/2013-holiday-gallery.html" target="_blank">Boston Handmade Gallery</a>! This year, Boston Handmade is working with Pop-Up Republic and has curated a gorgeous space right across from the Brookline Village T station (on the D branch of the Green Line, for you Bostonians). My work, along with that of <a href="http://www.bostonhandmade.org/p/blog-page_28.html" target="_blank">these other great local craftspeople</a>, is on sale there <a href="http://www.bostonhandmade.org/2013/11/opening-day-of-2013-boston-handmade.html" target="_blank">NOW</a>, from 11am–7pm Tuesdays through Saturdays, through Christmas Eve! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69JcvvprGrgv7nOCaDlstZr9NdmuRWEwK5KfnRj096ZF_3BjehSYppXicEbaNXiz-_wQiJf4g88NqjXSAofYoq2bU9hb9EtFuSd-raJxsEk9dCS42ILiaaDdXIuJp7lObCWH3WyezrYcu/s1600/hippos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69JcvvprGrgv7nOCaDlstZr9NdmuRWEwK5KfnRj096ZF_3BjehSYppXicEbaNXiz-_wQiJf4g88NqjXSAofYoq2bU9hb9EtFuSd-raJxsEk9dCS42ILiaaDdXIuJp7lObCWH3WyezrYcu/s1600/hippos.jpg" height="295" width="320" /></a></div>
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My wares include a number of hippos, both regular size and my yet-to-be-listed miniature ones (which you see above), </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtziTcg66Xfz7LgS0WffBq7JZBlQ_ErgKF9zBTKAzc0qhCkCEurBGhUa9KcniMf_rOPqTGreOHhJpWoLuCC4_0KaTc6eSqJ3wefCklbzIGFpsumAMHYmgaOkoDN0VMqte9-kEX7GdtuFU/s1600/giraffes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtziTcg66Xfz7LgS0WffBq7JZBlQ_ErgKF9zBTKAzc0qhCkCEurBGhUa9KcniMf_rOPqTGreOHhJpWoLuCC4_0KaTc6eSqJ3wefCklbzIGFpsumAMHYmgaOkoDN0VMqte9-kEX7GdtuFU/s1600/giraffes.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Giraffes small and large, </div>
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And a few manatees! I've also got a number of cozy scarves available, and NEW super sneaky sets of holiday postcards! (More to come on those.) All of my plush available at the gallery has embroidered eyes—no buttons anywhere to be found, so everything is child-safe. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9nwDhq9ZuzTahIR6Wd9kya4sXL71NAuHjMCrcCkBdys4T9e6FgVM-MoNHWvOxgacMbVcCCfVvn52CCBALxiMFFrBzZuPpnatsP5DJsQ_CwwEh_35SOrFlzjDqgODg-vG-QPLGYcViIK8/s1600/BHaframe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9nwDhq9ZuzTahIR6Wd9kya4sXL71NAuHjMCrcCkBdys4T9e6FgVM-MoNHWvOxgacMbVcCCfVvn52CCBALxiMFFrBzZuPpnatsP5DJsQ_CwwEh_35SOrFlzjDqgODg-vG-QPLGYcViIK8/s1600/BHaframe.jpg" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
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(check out that adorable orange giraffe that made the sign collage!)</div>
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The news of <a href="http://bazaarbizarre.org/boston/" target="_blank">no Boston Bazaar Bizarre this year</a> hit everyone really hard. I'm super happy that this pop-up gallery exists, so us locals still have many opportunities to buy handmade holiday gifts. I'm also so happy to have been asked to participate in this great shop with such a talented group of people! </div>
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If you're in the Boston area and still reading this, there is a <a href="http://www.bostonhandmade.org/p/blog-page_3240.html" target="_blank">Handmade Holiday Hurrah </a>grand opening party tonight(!!) at the gallery from 5–9pm. There will be snacks and music and many of the artists will be there (myself included). I'd love to see you if you're around! And if you're NOT local, I have large hippos, giraffes, manatees, and scarves available and ready to ship, all the time, from my shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KittyKittyCrafts" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
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<i>*Psst: If you missed hearing from me, you can always find more up-to-the-minute chatter in <a href="https://twitter.com/KittyKittyCraft" target="_blank">my Twitter feed</a>.</i></div>
Karissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966083124927059835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392961507661280272.post-86347536090181558832013-05-12T10:06:00.002-04:002013-05-12T10:06:45.194-04:00Plush Team!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuHR0zlRVwNHtyw6jOqK1ZOe1nUpZETK0jzRppxwnvJxfWOXnFkuKzdGFqjb_QItEek0VjftcEhRODAlduw1YtzvthrTvpyuo_8ICR5SeK3O0O4Bq4eLmbYRm57_LcSpllklXfCS4VDo1/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-05-12+at+10.01.20+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuHR0zlRVwNHtyw6jOqK1ZOe1nUpZETK0jzRppxwnvJxfWOXnFkuKzdGFqjb_QItEek0VjftcEhRODAlduw1YtzvthrTvpyuo_8ICR5SeK3O0O4Bq4eLmbYRm57_LcSpllklXfCS4VDo1/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-05-12+at+10.01.20+AM.png" height="320" width="261" /></a></div>
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Just a quick note to mention that I was accepted to <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/plushteam" target="_blank">Etsy's Plush Team</a> this quarter (yay! that was a big 2013 business goal for me!) and I have <a href="http://www.plushteam.com/2013/05/evolution-of-giraffe-plush-design.html" target="_blank">a post up today</a> on the evolution of my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KittyKittyCrafts?section_id=12708710" target="_blank">giraffe</a> plush design. Please go check it out! </div>
<br />Karissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966083124927059835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392961507661280272.post-90370259733042313052013-05-06T12:30:00.000-04:002013-05-06T12:30:03.588-04:00Progress<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/8714308266/" title="Couture dress front by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img alt="Couture dress front" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8406/8714308266_7107c7313f.jpg" height="500" width="265" /></a></div>
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Well, I certainly didn't *mean* to take a 6-month break from the blog, but...! Life, you know? I'm just popping in today to share a bit of progress, because even though things aren't being blogged here or posted to <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/">my Flickr page</a> (both things I really want to improve upon), they are happening. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/8713186199/" title="Couture dress midriff front by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img alt="Couture dress midriff front" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8272/8713186199_a7a498a833.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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For instance: this dress. This is my in-progress couture dress from the <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/The-Couture-Dress/53">Susan Khalje Couture Dress class</a> on <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/">Craftsy.com</a>. I have been working on this pretty much exclusively for two months already! I had hoped to finish a month ago, in time for my birthday, as is my tradition, but alas... (I tabled the dress for a day and whipped up another, so no fretting! I did have my birthday dress!) I knew this dress would be time-consuming, but underestimated exactly how much time! </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/8714308278/" title="Couture dress front bodice side detail by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img alt="Couture dress front bodice side detail" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8538/8714308278_941095209c.jpg" height="500" width="375" /></a></div>
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Still... It is phenomenal. I am loving it. The dress is made from an Amy Butler voile print, underlined in silk organza. I got a deal on the silk because it was "printed" to look like a linen texture. The printing side is a little sticky to iron, but the other? Fab. And it's silk! And it was half price. Score. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/8714308216/" title="Couture dress back by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img alt="Couture dress back" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8279/8714308216_b909a70cd7.jpg" height="500" width="375" /></a></div>
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In these photos you can see the silk organza underlining and the many many many catch-stitches I did, in various thread colors, to hold the seam allowances open by tacking them to the underlining. In some places on the underlining you can see the grainline marks that I transferred while tracing, or even my marker labels of "front" and "back" on the circle skirt pieces, which are slightly different. You can also see the back of my hand-picked zipper. It was my first time doing ALL of these techniques, much less in one garment! </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/8714308564/" title="Couture dress hem by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img alt="Couture dress hem" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8414/8714308564_309fc4242d.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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And oh, this hem! This hem. I have spent probably 12 hours on this hem! Fully encased in there is a 2" wide strip of horsehair braid! I didn't leave enough hem allowance to enclose the braid when I cut the skirt pieces, so I created a hem facing out of a wide bias strip of lining fabric. The horsehair braid was catch-stitched to the turn of the hem, and then shaped into a curve and catch-stitched at the top of the braid as well. The bias strip was then pressed up and fell-stitched to completely cover the horsehair braid--both to hide all those loose catch-stitch threads and to keep the braid safe from washing and wearing. And look at those lovely cones and graceful folds of fabric! I'm very pleased with these results. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/8713186137/" title="Couture dress hem detail by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img alt="Couture dress hem detail" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8139/8713186137_99ddf203a5.jpg" height="375" width="500" /></a></div>
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So, what's left? I've basted the skirt lining in place and am working on fell-stitching the bodice lining around ALL the outer edges, and then understitching it to the seam allowance as well. Then goes in the midriff band, and then the lining hem! And <i>then</i> all the finishing touches. Heh. So, I still have a ways to go, but nothing near all the work I've already put in, what with tracing and fitting and hand-basting the entire thing together... Still, it's the best fit I think I've ever gotten on a garment, as you will see! The work is all totally worth it, and I'm really enjoying the process. Still, I need to wrap this up, because I've got some <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/sets/72157604507915239/">plush drafting</a> to do! I hope to debut at least one new animal at <a href="http://bazaarbizarre.org/boston/2012-winter-fair/">this upcoming show I've been accepted to</a>! (!!!!!!!)</div>
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And if you're interested in more frequent updates from me, I hang out on <a href="http://twitter.com/KittyKittyCraft">Twitter</a> a lot, and have been posting on <a href="http://instagram.com/kittykittycraft">Instagram</a> and my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KittyKittyCrafts">Facebook</a> page a bit as well. </div>
Karissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966083124927059835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392961507661280272.post-84665480974290976072012-11-12T12:30:00.000-05:002012-11-12T12:30:02.841-05:00Please give.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHNN7Nsg-YbtzT-zGEmEhlvsK9rJYCSRFOoloZS3hQCWBKj5pliKIRSI8NRJs8PA2kr_Nuniol3atzUgUQyhUwIlgp1sUNZjxur4mPmihLJr4l6uUXGA4CtAfyobxlXBh4zIIPe7m6Lrh/s1600/GH-redcross-prize.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHNN7Nsg-YbtzT-zGEmEhlvsK9rJYCSRFOoloZS3hQCWBKj5pliKIRSI8NRJs8PA2kr_Nuniol3atzUgUQyhUwIlgp1sUNZjxur4mPmihLJr4l6uUXGA4CtAfyobxlXBh4zIIPe7m6Lrh/s1600/GH-redcross-prize.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As I mentioned <a href="http://kittykittycrafts.blogspot.com/2012/11/bonnie-quilt_2.html">in my last post</a>, we were very fortunate during Superstorm Sandy and didn't even lost power. So many others were not nearly so lucky. I wanted to help, but what could I do? </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/8179161906/" title="Hippo for donation by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img alt="Hippo for donation" height="180" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8179161906_c2b53a4b27_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Enter Gather Here. The lovely and generous Virginia and Noah have <a href="http://www.gatherhereonline.com/_blog/GatherMakeRepeat/post/Hurricane_Sandy_Red_Cross_Fundraiser/">organized a fundraiser</a>. All funds go to the Red Cross, BUT! there are a ton of <a href="http://www.gatherhereonline.com/_blog/GatherMakeRepeat/post/Superstorm_Sandy_Raffle_Prizes/">amazing prizes</a> donated by lots of amazing makers. For every $10 you donate, you're entered into a drawing to win one of these fabulous prizes.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/8179161456/" title="Hippo for donation by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img alt="Hippo for donation" height="180" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8179161456_51b57f6e99_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am of the belief that we should do good without expecting something in return (the good deed is all the good we should need, no?), but sometimes it's hard to know <i>where</i> to give or <i>how much</i> to give. So, in addition to making my own donation, I've made the hippo you see in this post especially for this raffle <a href="http://www.gatherhereonline.com/">Gather Here</a> is hosting. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/8179160770/" title="Hippo for donation by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img alt="Hippo for donation" height="180" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8179160770_0378266df4_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you haven't given any money yet, please do consider making a donation to the Red Cross. And if you have, feel free to enter yourself in the drawing to win something awesome. The fundraiser is open until 11/19, so there's still time! You can see how much has been raised <a href="http://www.gatherhereonline.com/_blog/GatherMakeRepeat/post/Raffle_Numbers/">HERE</a>. So many people have given time and talent and amazing handmade goods; it's a wonderful community, and I couldn't be happier to be a part of it.</div><br />
Karissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966083124927059835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392961507661280272.post-74468025121119106642012-11-02T16:30:00.001-04:002012-11-02T20:51:32.681-04:00Bonnie Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7626059152/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Bonnie quilt by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img alt="Bonnie quilt" height="180" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7272/7626059152_f781c41b37_m.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Oh my. You know how it is when your to-do list is so long and overwhelming that instead of diving in and doing ALL THE THINGS you just come home from work, drink vegan white russians, and collapse on the couch? Yeah, that. For me, it's not really a lack of crafting, though there is some of that; it's more a lack of photo-editing and uploading and blogging and linking. It just feels like so much effort; I've been skipping it.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7626036080/" title="Bonnie quilt by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img alt="Bonnie quilt" height="227" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8293/7626036080_2912f135c2_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">BUT! This is my attempt to return! And catch you up on some un-blogged project, plus some goings-on. First: the Bonnie Quilt! This is a wallhanging that finished around 44" square. It was commissioned by Bonnie, who lives next door to my parents (and has for my entire life) and just did a lovely living room remodel. She has a wood-paneled wall behind her couch, across from a big bay window. When she removed the old art she had on the wall, it was discolored, so she ordered a quilt from me to fill that space. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7626044720/" title="Bonnie quilt by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img alt="Bonnie quilt" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7249/7626044720_1a2aaecfae_m.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The colors she's using for her new living room are a dark brick red, tan, and some deep green furniture. Not my usual palette, but she wanted lots of colors in the quilt, and I knew that Civil War repros were the way to go. Luckily, my LQS <a href="http://marketplacequilts.com/">MarketPlace Quilts</a> carries a wide variety of gorgeous repros, so I got exactly what I needed: cranberry, deep purple and blue, and a little teal. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7626050808/" title="Bonnie quilt by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img alt="Bonnie quilt" height="180" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8422/7626050808_bb9e10bf00_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I drafted my own string blocks so that the secondary diamond pattern in cream would be created, and I just love that effect. The cranberry border has a narrow flat-piping to set it off, and I like the end "framed" result. I quilted a diagonal grid through the center bit, and carried some of the lines through on the border as well. When I was in Wisconsin in June (yes, this has been finished since May but is only just now hitting the blog), my mom and I helped Bonnie hang it up, and it was the perfect addition to her new room. Success! </div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">So, here's a quick rundown on what's up with me these days:</div><ul><li style="text-align: justify;">First, we survived Sandy without even losing power. We are incredibly lucky and feel so very grateful to have been spared the worst. I'm doing a bit to help those who weren't so lucky, and will have more info on that next week. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KittyKittyCrafts">New photos in the shop</a>! I finally got around to some props and styling and re-photographed ALL of my inventory. Take a peek, and let me know what you think! I have a half-dozen more manatees to add once I get them photographed! </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Impending <a href="http://kittykittycrafts.blogspot.com/search/label/Dear%20Jane">Dear Jane</a> update! For REAL; I'm on row H now, guys! I've certainly fallen off my block-a-week schedule, but when we were fearing we'd lose power during Sandy, I heated up the iron and prepped 5 more blocks, so I have some catching up to do. </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://robert-kloss.com/">Rob's</a> book is coming out SOON! We'll be in DC and Baltimore in less than 2 weeks for a mini book tour, and I couldn't be more excited or proud. <a href="http://mudlusciouspress.com/books/">You can pre-order here</a>, and check out some amazing art created in response to the book <a href="http://sundoglit.com/2012/11/01/first-installments-in-texts-inspired-by-the-alligators-of-abraham/">here, at Sundog Lit</a>. There's a lot more coming, so stay tuned! </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Last but certainly not least, I'm going to be an auntie! My brother and sister-in-law, who were <a href="http://kittykittycrafts.blogspot.com/2011/11/wedding-chantilly.html">married last October</a>, are expecting Baby Swenson in March. I'm knee-deep in nursery decor right now, and the baby handmades haven't begun yet! </li>
</ul>Karissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966083124927059835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392961507661280272.post-47891505239526603072012-09-07T12:30:00.000-04:002012-09-07T10:20:52.984-04:00Manatees!<div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7949350274/" title="Newsletter #1! by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8318/7949350274_0996557be7_n.jpg" alt="Newsletter #1!" height="316" width="320" /></a><br /></div><br /><div align="justify">Have you <a href="http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=0e2e9aab82a2f7c7e4b5b860e&id=8afc63d8eb">seen</a>? Did you hear? <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KittyKittyCrafts?section_id=11285720">Manatees</a> are now available in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KittyKittyCrafts">my shop on Etsy</a>! Newsletter subscribers were the first to find out. Want to be included? Sign up <a href="http://etsy.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=0e2e9aab82a2f7c7e4b5b860e&id=b9ae0437a6">here</a>!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7882286536/" title="zigzag manatee 6 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8302/7882286536_1615178c3e_m.jpg" alt="zigzag manatee 6" height="192" width="240" /></a><br /></div>I've always loved manatees, since I first saw them as a kid at <a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/homosassasprings/">Homosassa Springs</a> in Florida, where we used to go when visiting my grandparents. My eighth grade speech was on manatees and conservation, and I had a plush manatee long ago, a last-minute purchase from an airport gift shop before we flew back to Wisconsin. Manatees are gentle, beautiful herbivores, and I knew I needed to honor them in softie form!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7805184180/" title="monsterz manatee 9 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/7805184180_54bc2ca516_m.jpg" alt="monsterz manatee 9" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /></div>The problem was I couldn't figure out how to attach the head to the body. Should I shape it with a dart? Add a gusset? I was stuck. So when <a href="http://www.whileshenaps.typepad.com/">Abby Glassenberg</a> announced a softie design class at <a href="http://www.gatherhereonline.com/">Gather Here</a>, I jumped at the chance! Abby is one of my softie-making idols, and working with her was so exciting! She helped me figure out the head, and gave me some great suggestions for the flippers and shaping the tail. If only I could have her help me with ALL of my designs... Her <a href="http://whileshenaps.typepad.com/whileshenaps/learn-to-desing-your-own-plush/">Design-Your-Own Plush</a> series has been invaluable, and I am eagerly awaiting her new book on the same topic, due out this spring!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7805189124/" title="mod dot manatee 1 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8305/7805189124_a340d230bb_m.jpg" alt="mod dot manatee 1" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /></div>I hope you love these little guys as much as I do! They are SO fun to make! I use some quilt batting in the flippers and tail to add a little extra *squish*, which may be my favorite part of all!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7881794840/" title="2 hippos by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7250/7881794840_bf88af5ce1_m.jpg" alt="2 hippos" height="192" width="240" /></a><br /></div>Of course, I am still making my beloved hippos, too! There are plenty more listed in the shop, including this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/107138453/pink-and-green-hippo">pink and green one</a> inspired by fabric chosen for a custom job, and this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/107137869/fish-hippo-sale-second">sweet fishy one</a> (at a discount!) with a little pucker on its belly. They all need good homes, and I need some more room for new softies!<br /></div>Karissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966083124927059835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392961507661280272.post-3458763693056764212012-08-16T16:30:00.004-04:002012-08-16T16:58:57.797-04:00Introducing...The Betty Skirt!<div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7625739380/" title="Betty skirt - border print 2 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8147/7625739380_68a1fcf06f_m.jpg" alt="Betty skirt - border print 2" height="240" width="145" /></a><br /></div><div align="justify">Remember <a href="http://kittykittycrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/award-and-skirt.html">this skirt</a>? Well, here it is in full. It is a super simple construction: two lengths of fabric, sewn selvage-t0-selvage, and then gathered the heck out of to fit a waistband. Super easy. So easy I felt confident enough to tackle it with a border print (gasp!). So easy...I made a whole bunch more!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7625779722/" title="Betty skirt - Innocent Crush voile 3 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8010/7625779722_75fc188a2f_m.jpg" alt="Betty skirt - Innocent Crush voile 3" height="240" width="135" /></a><br /></div></div><div align="justify">Here's my second version, out of Anna Maria Horner Innocent Crush voile. I'd had this in my stash for a long time and just didn't know what to do with it. Proof positive that sometimes holding onto something until the right project comes along is important. I wear this skirt all the time now!<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7625776954/" title="Betty skirt - Innocent Crush voile 2 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7112/7625776954_c6a82fcced_m.jpg" alt="Betty skirt - Innocent Crush voile 2" height="240" width="139" /></a><br /></div><div align="justify">This one has a few improvements over the first. Namely: pockets. Not as awesome of an addition but even more necessary: underskirt. (This one is made from a dark gray Bemberg rayon.) Because these skirts are made from cotton lawn or voile and are floaty. All it takes is one little breeze to pick up any bit of that 100"+ hem circumference and <i>woosh!</i> the skirt is around your shoulders. Yep, the built-in underskirt is a necessity, which means my border print is relegated to having a slip and / or heavy tights underneath.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7625814656/" title="Betty skirt - leaf lawn 4 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7136/7625814656_c067fc0fb4_m.jpg" alt="Betty skirt - leaf lawn 4" height="240" width="180" /></a><br /></div>And my third and, arguably, best version: the leaf skirt. This one is made from <a href="http://kittykittycrafts.blogspot.com/2011/05/nyc-fabric-haul.html">fabric I picked up at Mood last April</a>. That was actually when I got the idea to make this skirt; it just took me a year to put it into practice!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7625804248/" title="Betty skirt - leaf lawn 2 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7246/7625804248_7ee578f48a_m.jpg" alt="Betty skirt - leaf lawn 2" height="240" width="180" /></a><br /></div>Check out that fabulous pattern-matching for the inside of the pocket! Too bad I ran out of fabric and couldn't match as well on the other side...<br /><br /></div><div align="justify">So, why is this named the "Betty" skirt? Two reasons: 1) The fullness of the skirt totally reminds me of something <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=betty+draper+season+1&hl=en&prmd=imvnso&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=NikkUKGeNaSj6wGaroD4Dw&sqi=2&ved=0CDQQ_AUoAQ&biw=1866&bih=1070">season 1 Betty Draper</a> would've worn, and 2) Wearing a super full and floaty skirt makes a girl feel like <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112697/quotes">a total Betty</a>.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7625939368/" title="Amber in Betty skirt by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7129/7625939368_cea3844636_m.jpg" alt="Amber in Betty skirt" height="240" width="180" /></a><br /></div>This skirt was so easy to make that I felt confident enough to make one long-distance for my friend <a href="http://ambernoellesparks.com/">Amber</a> in DC! Look how cute she is in it! I love how she styled it with that striped top, too (the two of us are a little obsessed with print-mixing). I was able to use her measurements and make her two skirts that fit perfectly with no alterations! That made me awfully excited.<br /><br />I want to remind you about my newsletter (which you can sign up for <a href="http://eepurl.com/kD_ov">here</a>!) and my Facebook page (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/KittyKittyCrafts">here</a>!). New softies revealed and online this weekend; I promise!<br /></div>Karissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966083124927059835noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392961507661280272.post-80113902860642997762012-08-09T16:30:00.000-04:002012-08-09T13:06:16.883-04:00Catching Up: Tops<div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7625709412/" title="Lavender blouse 4 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7278/7625709412_7e1dd02e5a_m.jpg" alt="Lavender blouse 4" height="240" width="152" /></a><br /></div><div align="justify">What's a girl to do with an overwhelming pile of photos to be edited (from, seriously, <i>months</i> ago) and then blogged? Just plunge in, I suppose.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7625712030/" title="Lavender blouse 5 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8146/7625712030_615b515594_m.jpg" alt="Lavender blouse 5" height="240" width="180" /></a><br /></div><div align="justify">So, this is me, plunging. Remember in the spring when I was making tops? <a href="http://kittykittycrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/jasmine-top-in-teal.html">Like this one</a>? I decided I was on a roll and would finally make up some that were in my stash / on my to do list for years. This is one of them.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7625704910/" title="Lavender blouse 3 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8434/7625704910_05d8657240_m.jpg" alt="Lavender blouse 3" height="240" width="143" /></a><br /></div><div align="justify">I bought this fabric probably 5 years ago. It's some kind of polyester crepe thing that I would never buy now. It frays like mad, too. But at the time, I was wearing a RTW peachy-champagne-colored top in a similar silhouette that I just loved, so decided to make my own version of it. Out of this lavender satiny stuff.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7625699982/" title="Lavender blouse 2 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7276/7625699982_9fff3db3e0_m.jpg" alt="Lavender blouse 2" height="240" width="132" /></a><br /></div><div align="justify">The pattern is <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-2414-misses-tops.aspx">New Look 6705</a> and, from what I can remember, worked up quickly and easily. I French-seamed the entire thing, and omitted interfacing in the yoke. This top is really similar to the RTW one I loved (and still wear a few times every winter), except the fabric is thicker and doesn't drape as well. I always worry about wearing things that are so flowy / blouse-y--do they read maternity? I paired this with a tight skirt, but I don't know if that makes a difference. Thoughts on this? I may revisit the pattern for some of the other options; doesn't the little <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-2414-misses-tops.aspx">puff-sleeve version</a> look adorable?<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7625726474/" title="Roundabout Blouse 2 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8021/7625726474_6b66d20db1_m.jpg" alt="Roundabout Blouse 2" height="240" width="180" /></a><br /></div><div align="justify">I was on a roll, and French-seaming ALL the things, so I finally made up this <a href="http://www.fabricworm.com/anmahoseparo.html">Roundabout blouse</a> from the pattern by Anna Maria Horner. There is a sad, sorry lack of these on the interwebs; what gives, crafters? Nobody else likes this pattern? I got the pattern to make the dress, originally... and then I realized that drop-waist dresses look godawful on me, so I scrapped that plan for the blouse instead. A blouse that I can't wear with a skirt, because it makes me look like I'm wearing a sack. This is definitely a with-pants pattern.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7625723620/" title="Roundabout Blouse back by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8021/7625723620_64f1c35784_m.jpg" alt="Roundabout Blouse back" height="240" width="180" /></a><br /></div>The fabric I used (<a href="http://freespiritfabric.com/core-pages/gallery.php?gal_id=301&sw_id=4206">Valori Wells Nest voile</a>--super old, I know!) is sheer. And directional. So I ended up making the Roundabout slip, in the cami version, to go underneath. And for that, I used more of the cotton-silk poplin I had leftover from <a href="http://kittykittycrafts.blogspot.com/2011/08/i-made-wedding-dress.html">CK's wedding dress</a> last year. It's nearly gone! But oh man, is it luxurious. I French-seamed the cami (<i>ALL the things!</i>) and made the straps a little long, so it wouldn't peek out the neckline of the blouse. I gotta say, that bias-cut cami is a sexy little number. If you haven't made one for yourself, you really should. The silk is just an added bonus.<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7625720094/" title="Roundabout Blouse 1 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8281/7625720094_7b70b9c2eb_m.jpg" alt="Roundabout Blouse 1" height="240" width="180" /></a><br /></div>I think this project is successful, though if I remade it, I would shorten the sleeves to just above the elbows, tighten the cuffs a smidge, and leave the neckline pleats closest to the shoulders on the front undone. It's a leeeettle bit snug up top *ahem*, but with no other shaping, nothing worth performing an FBA on.<br /><br />And there you have it: two tops I made in March, photographed in April, uploaded in July, and blogged in August. There is more where that came from, so keep your eyes peeled!<br /><br />I also want to shamelessly plug my newsletter (which you can sign up for <a href="http://eepurl.com/kD_ov">here</a>!) and my Facebook page (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/KittyKittyCrafts">here</a>!). I'm editing photos for my newest batch of softies, to be listed in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KittyKittyCrafts">my shop</a> soon, but if you join the newsletter, you'll get the first peek! They're awfully cute, if I do say so myself!<br /></div>Karissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966083124927059835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392961507661280272.post-53261770165453886902012-07-13T11:16:00.004-04:002012-07-13T16:02:25.874-04:00Fashion-forward, or fashion fail?<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDeAXgkoankQ2i6H70kL1AVCzmIZQdLi0_7IEfxjEKBZFJYPx5kFDDT5gGB3_kEACKMsWffIXYpWq-7JNEf6apLRwROYH6nkfb5XMUuf55kfWdGYFzZzg1nnmSckccDlRTQV_H6H2Jl30n/s1600/ff+or+ff.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDeAXgkoankQ2i6H70kL1AVCzmIZQdLi0_7IEfxjEKBZFJYPx5kFDDT5gGB3_kEACKMsWffIXYpWq-7JNEf6apLRwROYH6nkfb5XMUuf55kfWdGYFzZzg1nnmSckccDlRTQV_H6H2Jl30n/s320/ff+or+ff.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5764746811389601410" border="0" /></a>Oh hai. Remember me? I used to craft stuff and blog about it here. I'm still crafting stuff, but I've realized that I am really really awful about downloading the photos from my camera to the computer, and then doing the necessary photo editing, and then uploading, and then posting. Ugh.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So, while I work on getting my act together (because, really, I have <span style="font-style: italic;">so much</span> to show you!), here is something for you to contemplate: Is the outfit above fashion-forward, or a fashion fail? It's something I pulled together on Tuesday, channeling <a href="http://www.mondoguerra.com/">Mondo</a> and trying to bravely match some prints. I wore it all day, but even though Rob and my friend Amber applauded my fearlessness, I'm not sure. Apologies for the crappy cell phone pic--the tee is <a href="http://shop.maryink.com/product/squash-blossom-tri-blend-tee">this amazingness</a> from <a href="http://shop.maryink.com/">Maryink</a>, and the skirt is <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/5802405530/in/set-72157604503488670">this</a>. What do you think? Fearless, or stupid?<br /></div>Karissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966083124927059835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392961507661280272.post-24083644594009586542012-06-01T09:30:00.006-04:002012-06-01T09:34:58.352-04:00Licorice Dress, part 1<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame- color:rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7309218964/" title="Licorice dress 1 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8001/7309218964_1fbe16cf78_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Licorice dress 1" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, as usual, I'm a day late and a dollar short, as my mom would say. I finished this dress on Memorial Day, but then didn't have a chance to photograph it for a few days, so I missed the chance to be in the <a href="http://rhinestonesandtelephones.blogspot.com/2012/05/lovely-licorice-parade-and-top-five.html">Licorice</a> <a href="http://misscrayolacreepy.blogspot.ca/2012/05/licorice-parade.html">parade</a>. Ah well.</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame- color:rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7313995018/" title="Licorice Dress 4 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7213/7313995018_4128f7df7d_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Licorice Dress 4" /></a></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Anyway, this is the final pattern from the <i><a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/colette-sewing-handbook">Colette Sewing Handbook</a></i> and the last bit of the <a href="http://rhinestonesandtelephones.blogspot.ca/2012/01/introducing-sew-colette.html">Sew Colette</a> sew-along. Sniff. When I first saw the book's patterns, I was really excited about this one. But as the time to make it drew near, I became ambivalent. That is, until I made the muslin. Because, holy crap!, this style looks really cute on me! </div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame- color:rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7313991414/" title="Licorice Dress 3 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7096/7313991414_b6c3297633_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Licorice Dress 3" /></a></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The dress took me a while because it's fully lined and I followed all of the instructions. I must've spent two hours on the collar alone, with all the trimming and grading and clipping of curves.... By the time I got to the sleeves I just wanted to be DONE, so I went with pre-made bias tape I had on hand. I'm not ashamed. </div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7313988070/" title="Licorice Dress 2 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7216/7313988070_0fc00527a7_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Licorice Dress 2" /></a></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When I made the muslin, I tried it on with the <a href="http://kittykittycrafts.blogspot.com/2011/12/peony-dress.html">Peony</a> belt I had made and really liked the look, so I made another to wear with this dress. I really like the kind of pop the electric blue gives it; what do you think? Too much? </div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame- color:rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7313999204/" title="Licorice Dress sans belt by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8015/7313999204_9d4018f7dd_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Licorice Dress sans belt" /></a></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I pretty much just made my usual modifications to the pattern. The double-pointed darts are tricky, so I didn't want to mess around with them. I removed 1" from the bodice because I'm a shorty, did a sway-back adjustment, and extended the back darts both up and down for a smoother shape. I read over the finished garment measurements and decided there was enough ease built into the pattern that I could forego my usual FBA. Yessssssssss! </div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame- color:rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7314005684/" title="Licorice Dress hems by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7229/7314005684_3ea8af9f89_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Licorice Dress hems" /></a></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, I like this dress. The sleeves are going to save me at a family function in a few weeks (<a href="http://kittykittycrafts.blogspot.com/2012/05/mom-you-not-gonna-like-this.html">cough, cough</a>), so I'm happy about that. I think I could've gone a little more snug on the elastic, but I'd rather have the cuffs be too loose than too tight. Like <a href="http://luckylucille.com/2012/05/completed-licorice-dress/">Rochelle</a>, I found this pattern to be a bit short. Instead of doing a normal hem, I used more of the pre-made bias bind, so I only took 1/4" off the length. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And that's that! I have another version of this dress coming up, and a reveal of <a href="http://kittykittycrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/taffy-and-question.html">what I did with the silk</a>! So stay tuned...</div>Karissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966083124927059835noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392961507661280272.post-84220084419533996832012-05-26T10:00:00.020-04:002012-05-26T10:00:00.816-04:00Mom, you're not gonna like this....<div style="text-align: justify;">So, you all know how much I love my <a href="http://http//kittykittycrafts.blogspot.com/2010/09/newest-ink.html">sewing machine tattoo</a>, right? Because I love it. So so much! But... Well, lately I've been feeling like it's weirdly floating on my arm. I think the placement is spot-on, but while sleeveless, my arm just felt...incomplete. See here:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame- color:rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6894136122/" title="Truffle dress 6 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7249/6894136122_0e2a05e36e_m.jpg" width="116" height="240" alt="Truffle dress 6" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So I, uh, had a little work done.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame- color:rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7273137670/" title="Sewing notions half-sleeve 2 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8146/7273137670_19ba7bfe96_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Sewing notions half-sleeve 2" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Okay, it's kind of a lot of work (though you would be impressed to know how little time and money it takes to permanently mark yourself like this!). I had requested a loose half-sleeve of sewing notions, and that's what I got!</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame- color:rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7273091178/" title="Sewing notions half-sleeve 8 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7102/7273091178_e3ff61bcc7_m.jpg" width="139" height="240" alt="Sewing notions half-sleeve 8" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I went to <a href="http://http//witchcityink.com/">Witch City Ink</a>, as before. I would (and do) recommend this place to anyone wanting a tattoo! I had wanted <a href="http://http//witchcityink.com/portfolios/molly-mckinnons-portfolio/">Molly</a> to do this one, since she had done my sewing machine, but she's no longer there. So I had <a href="http://http//witchcityink.com/portfolios/p-j/">P.J.</a>, and he was awesome. Amazeballs. The shizz. For serious. Case-in-point: I showed up with a bag of notions, he took photos of my stork scissors, needle threader, thread cutter, thimble, some vintage spools, and a handful of buttons. Two weeks later I showed up for my appointment and he had drawn this. The pattern pieces with stitching lines (so couture!)?? ALL HIS IDEA! Amazeballs indeed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame- color:rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7273111318/" title="Sewing notions half-sleeve 6 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7083/7273111318_4ffd07c24d_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Sewing notions half-sleeve 6" /></a><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame- color:rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7273122528/" title="Sewing notions half-sleeve 4 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/7273122528_d50967313b_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Sewing notions half-sleeve 4" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And see how he added this additional pattern piece to tie the new work into the existing sewing machine? Brilliant. He also drew it right on me and avoided my inner and outer elbow, for which I and my tolerance for pain are very grateful!</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7273118028/" title="Sewing notions half-sleeve 5 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8156/7273118028_226513bb31_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Sewing notions half-sleeve 5" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Mom: I know you said, after the sewing machine: "I hope you don't sleeve out!" I'd say I haven't. Yet. I'll also say that I'm certain I'm not done forever...and if I'm honest, not done by a long shot. I'm definitely going to want something when <a href="http://http//kittykittycrafts.blogspot.com/search/label/Dear%20Jane">I finally finish my Dear Jane</a>! But done for now. Sort of... I'm going back today, in a few hours, for some shading in the metallic areas and color in the buttons and thread spools. But then I'm done. For now. I think. ;) </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>**If you read me through a feed reader, many apologies for the multiple early posts! I have a hard time editing in Blogger in my iPad so was trying a new app, but it was publishing immediately! Anyone have any recommendations for blog editing apps? </i></div><div style="clear: both;"></div>Karissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966083124927059835noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392961507661280272.post-74923187152349993662012-04-29T19:30:00.002-04:002012-04-29T20:02:14.823-04:00A Taffy, and a Question<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6980043166/" title="Untitled by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7244/6980043166_06cecc1c5e_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="Untitled" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">At the last minute, I finished my <a href="http://http//rhinestonesandtelephones.blogspot.com/2012/04/sew-colette-taffy-blouse.html">Taffy</a> for <a href="http://http//rhinestonesandtelephones.blogspot.com/2012/01/introducing-sew-colette.html">the Sew Colette challenge</a>! Actually, I must confess: I think of this as a wearable muslin, as I never made one (a first in a long while). </span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6980044828/" title="Taffy blouse 2 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/6980044828_ec9b1547aa_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Taffy blouse 2" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">I did read others' feedback on the pattern, so I made adjustments to the paper pattern before cutting out my fabric. I added an inch to the neckline at the shoulders, tapering to the pattern as written in the centers. I also did my usual removal of 1" at the waist because I'm a shorty. </span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6980049986/" title="Taffy blouse 4 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7239/6980049986_261494b974_m.jpg" width="134" height="240" alt="Taffy blouse 4" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">All of the fabric for this blouse was left over from the <a href="http://kittykittycrafts.blogspot.com/2011/11/wedding-chantilly.html">Chantilly dress I made for my brother's wedding</a>. I made my own bias tape, and I'm happy to report that cotton lawn makes a really nice one! It's thin but holds a crease well and hardly adds any bulk to the finish, even though all edges of the bias-bound garment are five layers thick! </span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6980053944/" title="Taffy blouse 6 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7217/6980053944_63009f175a_m.jpg" width="184" height="240" alt="Taffy blouse 6" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Still, the top didn't fit me very well. The front was fine with only the shoulder width adjustment, but the back? Super baggy. More than just me not doing a swayback adjustment (which would've been a good idea, but I forgot, mostly). I ended up pinning out up to 3" in the center, tapering to nothing at the ends. I like the tailored look here--it kind of reminds me of <a href="http://http//kittykittycrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/jasmine-top-in-teal.html">my Jasmine top</a>, with the center seaming. </span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6980057580/" title="Taffy blouse silk by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7123/6980057580_43b26bef01_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Taffy blouse silk" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">So now, the question. As mentioned, this is my wearable muslin. In fact, way back in January, I bought this sweet blue printed silk charmeuse to use for this blouse specifically - I think I have 2 yards. Instead of making a regular muslin and using the silk, I'm waiting on some <a href="http://http//www.createforless.com/Sullivans+Spray+Fabric+Stabilizer+14.5+oz/pid51968.aspx">fabric stabilizer</a>, which is in the mail but hasn't arrived. This may be a good thing, as I'm not sure this top is for me. </span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6980051536/" title="Taffy blouse 5 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8159/6980051536_a273604988_m.jpg" width="167" height="240" alt="Taffy blouse 5" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">What do you think, dear reader? Should I make the swayback adjustment to my pattern piece, possibly add a center back seam, and make this top again using the silk? Or should I call it even and use the silk for something else--another <a href="http://http//kittykittycrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/jasmine-top-in-teal.html">Jasmine</a>, perhaps? What say you? I'm leaning toward saving the silk, but could be convinced otherwise...</span></div>Karissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966083124927059835noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392961507661280272.post-74933696741429048282012-04-25T16:30:00.000-04:002012-04-25T16:30:00.553-04:00An award, and a skirt<div style="text-align: justify;">
I saw a sweet blog comment this morning from <a href="http://makingitwell.blogspot.com/">Johanna</a> saying that she'd found me via <a href="http://darling-autodidact.blogspot.com/">Rachel at Darling Autodidact</a>, who had given me an award! It seems Rachel <a href="http://darling-autodidact.blogspot.com/2012/04/sunshine-liebster.html">has nominated me</a> for a Liebster. Rachel mentions in her post that she had been nominated twice before actually posting about it, and I must say that I've done the same! I was first mentioned by <a href="http://2hippos.blogspot.com/">Ronit of Two Hippos</a> <a href="http://2hippos.blogspot.com/2012/03/bandwagon-jumped.html">a month ago</a> and did nothing about it (shameful!). SO. Here is my appreciation! Thank you to all those fabulous ladies! </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
According to Ronit, "The award--whose origins are unknown, as best I can tell--is for small blogs and helps spread the word about them." The whole thing feels a little chain-letter-y to me, but I'm happy to present to you five blogs, below, with fewer than 200 subscribers, according to my reader. This should not be so! </div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://atableintheshade.wordpress.com/">A Table in the Shade</a>: Written by Molly, my former assistant who moved away (*sniff* she's legendary, I tell ya) and <i>then</i> found sewing. Her site is gorgeous and her work is impeccable!</li>
<li><a href="http://summeratgrandmashouse.blogspot.com/">Summer at Grandma's House</a>: Kris is a really great quilter who uses a ton of color to make really fun stuff! </li>
<li><a href="http://ice-pink-stars.blogspot.com/">Ice Pink Stars</a>: I just found this blog, run by Allie, who is super cute! She has a great style, some crafty tattoos, and makes some fabulous garments!</li>
<li><a href="http://thecataloguer.wordpress.com/">The Cataloguer</a>: Another new-to-me blog, by Liz, who also makes some fabulous garments!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.gatherhereonline.com/_blog/GatherMakeRepeat">Gather Here</a>: A local (to me) stitch lounge full of crafty people and tons of inspiration!</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So there you have it. If you don't know these blogs, please check them out! And, because this post wouldn't be complete without a picture: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisV3A6t1O3CRMV-DnowJNrI_1p5qJOklhmNXtzfFWRaeN0Y1nTziOSw2IXaNrgXku6iPtw9-R_JftpK5uOzhGFNkd-RNBTgfEIDN_Vfc0duukeDlDrebeA8oE5lWbNf3FoAsZikvmex05Q/s1600/Betty+skirt+rev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisV3A6t1O3CRMV-DnowJNrI_1p5qJOklhmNXtzfFWRaeN0Y1nTziOSw2IXaNrgXku6iPtw9-R_JftpK5uOzhGFNkd-RNBTgfEIDN_Vfc0duukeDlDrebeA8oE5lWbNf3FoAsZikvmex05Q/s200/Betty+skirt+rev.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Here's a skirt I whipped up on Sunday. I was in a mood to clear out a bunch of my stash fabric, most of which has already been pre-washed and earmarked for garments that I just never get around to sewing. I <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/KittyKittyCraft/status/194102853973966848">Tweeted</a> that I wanted to wipe out a bunch of it with some garments; this is the only thing I actually accomplished. Still, it's AWESOME. I'm calling it my Betty skirt; full photo shoot (plus 2 more versions!) to come... </div>Karissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966083124927059835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392961507661280272.post-77919799670310450222012-04-18T16:30:00.002-04:002012-04-18T16:30:00.148-04:00Featured!<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdT1H4qE-OjxOEWsSvle9myXXCwwZAx7vyN4ZfRW2ZFvScySTfvIHCat2xNAakjOV65r9wI-B_QUgF9GpKYR0sVH2zHFFGH37qyX50jLI8ejfTIxOGZ-o0185grVe0ptyG6jPeotE8O7i/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-04-18+at+3.14.47+PM.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 166px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdT1H4qE-OjxOEWsSvle9myXXCwwZAx7vyN4ZfRW2ZFvScySTfvIHCat2xNAakjOV65r9wI-B_QUgF9GpKYR0sVH2zHFFGH37qyX50jLI8ejfTIxOGZ-o0185grVe0ptyG6jPeotE8O7i/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-04-18+at+3.14.47+PM.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732823456469323026" border="0" /></a>Aww, sweet! <a href="http://kittykittycrafts.blogspot.com/2012/04/jasmine-top-in-teal.html">My aqua Jasmine top</a> (which I'm wearing today!) has been featured in <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/?p=5055">this week's Top of the Tops</a> for <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2012/03/spring-top-sewalong-2012/">Made by Rae's Spring Top Sewalong</a>! I'm so jazzed because there are SO many great and inspiring tops in <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/springtops2012/">the sewalong pool</a> on Flickr (305 at this very moment!) so I am floored to be included, especially in this week's group! Hop on over to Rae's blog to vote for your favorite <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/2012/04/top-of-the-tops-%E2%80%93-week-3/">here</a>!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I finished another top last weekend and hope to get it posted soon. I've been a little busy, though, sending out my first ever order from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KittyKittyCrafts">my shop on Etsy</a>! Thanks, <a href="http://www.mochistudios.com/">Rita</a>!<br /></div></div>Karissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966083124927059835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392961507661280272.post-6188768767285648802012-04-15T11:00:00.001-04:002012-04-15T11:02:59.857-04:00Jasmine top in teal<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame- color:rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6933815258/" title="Jasmine teal 1 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/6933815258_03c3d52309_m.jpg" width="240" height="240" alt="Jasmine teal 1" /></a></span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;">I finally have a top finished that I can enter in the <a href="http://http://www.made-by-rae.com/spring-top-sewalong-guidelines/">Made by Rae</a> <a href="http://http://www.flickr.com/groups/springtops2012/">Spring Top Sewalong</a>! This is the <a href="http://http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/jasmine">Colette Patterns Jasmine</a> blouse, version 1 but with the shorter ties from version 2, sewn up in a loosely woven cotton lawn. It photographs a lot more blue, but is actually a teal color with bright white flowers.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6933823582/" title="Jasmine teal 2 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/6933823582_af786bd378_m.jpg" width="146" height="240" alt="Jasmine teal 2" /></a></span></div>Here I am wearing it with my <a href="http://http://kittykittycrafts.blogspot.com/2012/01/sew-colette-meringue-skirt-finished.html">Meringue</a> skirt, which gets a lot more wear than I initially thought it would! The blouse is completely cut on the bias, which gives it this lovely silhouette and also means no closures! Yay!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6933850112/" title="Jasmine teal 4 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7106/6933850112_d2e9841f39_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="Jasmine teal 4" /></a></span></div>Bias also means that the seams were a pain in the butt to sew with a loose weave. I think my fabric choice for this top made everything a lot more difficult than it needed to be. I ended up with a weird ripple / bump in the top of the center back seam that took me three tries to fix. Also: even after letting this top "settle" on the hanger for nearly a week before hemming it, the hem is still a mess.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6933859198/" title="Jasmine teal 5 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7250/6933859198_a4df2ce07f_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Jasmine teal 5" /></a></span></div>So, tucked in it is! The only change I made to the pattern this time around was to shorten the length at the shorten line by 1". (You really can't just take length off the bottom of this pattern because it is shape-skimming.) No FBA necessary. Yay! I also used a skinny ribbon for the collar loop because making one from the pattern piece I'd cut seemed impossibly small. I think for my next try I will increase the circumference of the cuffs by a tiny bit, as they're a little snug going over my elbows.</div>Karissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966083124927059835noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392961507661280272.post-60659966292122606972012-04-13T16:30:00.000-04:002012-04-13T16:45:50.844-04:00Okay, world....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpEGducQ7T-pPUngByKuoCQc0P2ZEPKMB1Hlyt1E2xIBKUXOup6rxDYdj_gl6lz6fk4RVdlIPpEx7wTEoC_7JD7QuCh85WzawsG4fbIMMIX_OvorUE5AuiRLiqgn8iE4JVBXGP9LBBtqL/s1600/shopislive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpEGducQ7T-pPUngByKuoCQc0P2ZEPKMB1Hlyt1E2xIBKUXOup6rxDYdj_gl6lz6fk4RVdlIPpEx7wTEoC_7JD7QuCh85WzawsG4fbIMMIX_OvorUE5AuiRLiqgn8iE4JVBXGP9LBBtqL/s400/shopislive.jpg" width="385" /></a></div>
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Introducing: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KittyKittyCrafts">Kitty Kitty Crafts</a>, my shop on Etsy. It's <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KittyKittyCrafts">live</a>! It's <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KittyKittyCrafts">open</a>! <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KittyKittyCrafts">It's ready for business</a>! You can also "like" the page on facebook by clicking <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kitty-Kitty-Crafts/225499570845364?ref=tn_tnmn">HERE</a>, and/or join my mailing list by entering your email address in the box to the left. </div>
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This has been many many many months in the works, but I am a full-on sole proprietor, with a DBA and a business banking account and an EIN and <i>so many official things</i>! I think I'm ready, world, to send you cuteness (in hippo form). </div>Karissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966083124927059835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392961507661280272.post-48398839299580555042012-04-09T16:30:00.000-04:002012-04-09T16:24:14.183-04:00Little birds in flight<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6994027155/" title="little bird mobile 5 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img alt="little bird mobile 5" height="154" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/6994027155_30a5a4d75a_m.jpg" width="240" /></a> </div>
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This birdie mobile, above, was made for some sweet friends having a baby! The pattern for all the birds is <a href="http://whileshenaps.typepad.com/whileshenaps/">Abby Glassenberg</a>'s "<a href="http://whileshenaps.typepad.com/whileshenaps/2011/08/little-bird-in-flight-a-free-sewing-pattern.html">Little Bird in Flight</a>", which is a free download / tutorial on her site. It is awesome. The birds are gorgeous; I mean, check out those wings!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6847904416/" title="little bird mobile 2 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img alt="little bird mobile 2" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7048/6847904416_e1d912df73_m.jpg" width="180" /></a> </div>
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I hung the birds from really strong fishline, so they have a ton of movement. I tied them to an embroidery hoop, then covered the outside in some ricrac to hide the threads. I think it has a cute, almost circus-y, look. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6994026385/" title="little bird mobile 1 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img alt="little bird mobile 1" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7045/6994026385_28dc4fb1c0_m.jpg" width="180" /></a>
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All of the felt came from a charm pack from National Nonwovens, purchased at <a href="http://www.marketplacequilts.com/">Marketplace Quilts</a> (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marketplace-Quilts/151672051541968">my LQS</a>). The colors are so vivid and the felt is so high-quality that it's easy to work with! Turning these guys right-side out is no easy feat, and with a lesser felt, would probably cause tears of rage. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6992974081/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="little bird pink 2 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img alt="little bird pink 2" height="180" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7176/6992974081_2685fac3f5_m.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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This mobile wasn't the first time I made these birds, however. This pink bird was made as a travel companion for my partner-in-craft, <a href="http://hilaryemersonlay.com/">Hilary</a>. She's off to a big adventure: quitting her day job to focus on her art! She's beginning an art residency in Colorado, and then...? <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hilaryemersonlay/elsewhere-studios-artist-in-residency-program">She has a Kickstarter</a> to help her on her way, and if you support her you get art in return! She's already funded (!!), but if you want to help her buy even more art supplies, click <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hilaryemersonlay/elsewhere-studios-artist-in-residency-program">here</a>. Best wishes and safe travels, friend! May this pink bird of happiness lead you to great things. </div>Karissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966083124927059835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392961507661280272.post-70450947081433277282012-04-03T16:30:00.000-04:002012-04-03T16:19:37.715-04:00Better late than never!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6894135724/" title="Truffle dress 5 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img alt="Truffle dress 5" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6894135724_65676b6007_m.jpg" width="109" /></a> </div>
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I am a few days late with this finish of the <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/colette-sewing-handbook"><i>Colette Sewing Handbook</i></a> <a href="http://www.coletterie.com/books/the-colette-sewing-handbook-the-truffle-and-licorice-dresses">Truffle Dress</a> for the <a href="http://rhinestonesandtelephones.blogspot.com/2012/01/introducing-sew-colette.html">Sew Colette</a> sew-along, but let me tell you: <i>it was worth it</i>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6894135894/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Truffle dress back 1 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img alt="Truffle dress back 1" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7227/6894135894_eb1dc33636_m.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
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Before I even stitched up my muslin for this dress, I made all of the adjustments I had made to <a href="http://kittykittycrafts.blogspot.com/2012/02/pastille-dress-done.html">my Pastille Dress</a>, except for a few random adjustments to the back bodice, to the pattern pieces. Then I stitched up my muslin and--miracle of miracles! It nearly fit! In fact, the front fit perfectly (!!) and the back fit perfectly, too, until about 5" up from the waistline. I am coming to terms with the fact that my back is narrower and shorter than Colette Patterns are meant for, so I went two more rounds to perfect the back so that it was nicely tailored. That is the piece that threw me off schedule to meet the sew-along deadline. (And the hem really is straight; I am just standing with my hips canted in this photo!)</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7040232809/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Truffle dress 4 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img alt="Truffle dress 4" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/7040232809_b890b1ab61_m.jpg" width="118" /></a></div>
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Here's a side shot, where you can see the drape a little better. Because of the print, it kind of disappears into the fabric, but there's movement when I walk, which is very sweet. The fabric I used is a gorgeously soft and drapey rayon poplin. I scored mine at a fabric store in Portland, Maine last summer, but some is still available <a href="http://www.contemporarycloth.com/products/van-gogh-%252d-mosaic-%252d-brown-%252d-free-spirit-fabrics.html">here</a> (on clearance!) It was my first time working with something like this, and I think I did pretty okay. I cut the fabric with paper underneath, to reduce the slipperiness, and I made sure everything was on grain before cutting.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7040232249/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Truffle dress 1 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img alt="Truffle dress 1" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7123/7040232249_53929708b1_m.jpg" width="119" /></a></div>
The bodice is lined with an electric blue quilting-weight cotton, which really did the trick! It's structured and the bodice looks extra smooth, where it would sag slightly if unlined. Because the rayon is so drapey, though, it kept sliding off the table, ironing board, sewing desk... The neckline gapes a little, probably because it could've benefited from some stay-stitching right off the bat.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/7040232559/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Truffle dress 3 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img alt="Truffle dress 3" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7127/7040232559_59a6d51143_m.jpg" width="120" /></a></div>
I love everything about this dress: the shape, the feel, even the skirt drape, which I wasn't crazy about but decided to include because I think Sarai knows what she's doing! I would like to make another in a crisper fabric, more like the example in the book. And then I'd like to make one without the drape, maybe with a fuller skirt (with pleats at the waist?), or maybe another using the skirt pattern from the Pastille dress instead... I dare say, it may be the summer of the Truffle for me! </div>Karissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966083124927059835noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392961507661280272.post-53746193410242828542012-03-23T16:30:00.000-04:002012-03-23T15:26:10.062-04:00Psst!<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUSQf_aVQ6EGpVLQAOwbm8RStAILqWtAUSv_gH3kitK5K_TV2g5IHkxJRkbnQk8D6YntBObJL_TapWFY5d2hh6iGHE7b_baMjYnozFFVbc1B2OygqKFyg7MOcW-D7LolIMlJ_hbwX01E6/s1600/photo.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUSQf_aVQ6EGpVLQAOwbm8RStAILqWtAUSv_gH3kitK5K_TV2g5IHkxJRkbnQk8D6YntBObJL_TapWFY5d2hh6iGHE7b_baMjYnozFFVbc1B2OygqKFyg7MOcW-D7LolIMlJ_hbwX01E6/s320/photo.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723175503267175922" border="0" /></a>While I finish getting <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KittyKittyCrafts">this</a> all set up, I'm happy to announce that I have work available for sale at the <a href="http://arcworksns.org/ArcWorksGalleryStore.aspx">ArcWorks Gallery Shop in Peabody</a>! The photo above is of some of my hippos plus a super soft all-flannel baby quilt (one of two) that is for sale there. The photo was taken by my lovely friend <a href="http://argylewhale.blogspot.com/">Elise</a>, who manages the shop. She also taught the fabulous <a href="http://kittykittycrafts.blogspot.com/2011/11/i-took-workshop-and-bloat-of-hippos.html">workshop I took</a> back in October, is a tireless cheerleader for handmade, and super awesomely asked for some of my stuff. And guess what? The "x" hippo has already sold!<br /></div>Karissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966083124927059835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392961507661280272.post-50504250207043895702012-03-22T16:30:00.000-04:002012-03-22T16:00:17.366-04:00Birthday gifts update<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6866195627/" title="Kate bday baskets 1 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7208/6866195627_fd55f4867c_m.jpg" alt="Kate bday baskets 1" height="174" width="240" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Argh, so behind on documentation! I have been cranking away at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KittyKittyCrafts">a little something</a>, plus trying to keep up with my <a href="http://kittykittycrafts.blogspot.com/search/label/Dear%20Jane">Dear Jane</a> (and failing) and <a href="http://rhinestonesandtelephones.blogspot.com/2012/01/introducing-sew-colette.html">Sew Colette sew-along</a> (doing marginally better), but it seems blogging is the thing that always falls by the wayside. What you see above was crafted and gifted in January. January!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6866196823/" title="Kate bday baskets 2 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/6866196823_af1db676c9_m.jpg" alt="Kate bday baskets 2" height="120" width="240" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">These are versions of the basket from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Zakka-Sewing-Japanese-Projects-Household/dp/1584797207"><span style="font-style: italic;">Zakka Sewing</span></a>: the big one was enlarged by 1" and the smallest one was decreased by 1". What makes them awesome, though, is that I embroidered various designs from this (free!) <a href="http://speckless.wordpress.com/2011/12/21/sketchy-cats-embroidery-pattern/">sketchy cats embroidery pattern</a> by <a href="http://speckless.wordpress.com/">Speckless</a>. The embroidery designs are so cute that I had a hard time choosing which ones to use!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6866196591/" title="Kate basket big detail by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7204/6866196591_a455f59285_m.jpg" alt="Kate basket big detail" height="204" width="240" /></a><br /></div>But this bit? This is my favorite bit of all! These nested baskets were gifted to my friend <a href="http://www.kateracculia.com/">Kate</a> for her birthday. Awesome. I embroidered for that entire weekend (you can see the other embroidery I did <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KittyKittyCrafts">here</a>) and totally killed my hand, though. Definitely not something I'm used to working on!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6866220165/" title="Sandy bday gifts by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7198/6866220165_566c1b661b_m.jpg" alt="Sandy bday gifts" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">These gifts were made for my friend Sandy, also in January, and gifted before her February birthday. It was a big birthday for her, and she celebrated by going on a safari in Africa! I knew I wanted to make something that she could take along on her trip, so I made the above: a boxy toiletries bag lined in oilcloth and made following <a href="http://sew4home.com/projects/storage-solutions/930-travel-accessories-cosmetics-a-toiletries-case">this tutorial</a>, and a travel portfolio from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fabric-Fabric-One-Yard-Wonders-Projects/dp/1603425861/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b"><span style="font-style: italic;">Fabric-by-Fabric One-Yard Wonders</span></a>.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6866219587/" title="Sandy travel portfolio 3 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7069/6866219587_0b28f4123e_m.jpg" alt="Sandy travel portfolio 3" height="210" width="240" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So far this is the only project I've made from the book, but it turned out well and Sandy said it was invaluable for her trip. I don't have a passport (<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I know!</span></span>) to test the pocket, but I guess the measurements are spot-on, which was my biggest worry. It is a great gift for someone about to take a trip, that's for sure!<br /></div></div>Karissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966083124927059835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392961507661280272.post-52546462899143053512012-03-06T12:30:00.001-05:002012-03-06T15:52:52.197-05:00A Crafty Swap<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6624430815/" title="Rita package 1 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6624430815_c1e7c8f7fd_m.jpg" alt="Rita package 1" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm back from 4 full days in Chicago, where I attended <a href="http://www.awpwriter.org/conference/2012awpconf.php">AWP</a> for the first time, tagging along with my <a href="http://rkbirdsofprey.blogspot.com/">writer husband</a>. It was SO fun and I'm having a hard time transitioning back to my normal life after spending so much time bumming around with so many awesome people. Part of my transition back includes catching up on my Google Reader and finally blogging some photos I've had marked as "private" in <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo">Flickr</a> for what seems like forever. So, I'm getting to it!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6624431569/" title="Rita package 2 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6624431569_5c784a8557_m.jpg" alt="Rita package 2" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What you see above is my contribution to a Handmade 2011 swap with <a href="http://www.mochistudios.com/">Rita of Mochi Studios</a>. The premise of the swap is that you post on Facebook that you will make something handmade for the next five commenters, but only if they in turn post and pledge to make for their next five. I'll say that I did this with varying degrees of success, but that I was exceedingly happy when Rita requested that we do an exchange. Then came the problem: What do you make for someone so crafty and awesome that she could certainly make it herself?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6624432219/" title="pin cushion caddy 1 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6624432219_1ffdc41366_m.jpg" alt="pin cushion caddy 1" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Enter the Pincushion Caddy from Anna Maria Horner's first book. By all accounts I've read, this is a challenging project. I always thought it was a great idea, though one that won't work for me: my kitty loves to pull pins out of things, so I have to keep mine hidden at all times. Anyway, I'm here to say: YES, this project is a bugger.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6624426633/" title="pin cushion caddy 2 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6624426633_fc637b04a3_m.jpg" alt="pin cushion caddy 2" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /></div>Stuffing was HARD. I found it easiest to leave two openings, one on each size. I also found that a jar of Newman's Own salsa was the perfect size to help the center keep its shape while stuffing. And oh, these photos? They are of my third pincushion. The first was not nearly so pretty.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6624433681/" title="Rita drawstring 1 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6624433681_262e070835_m.jpg" alt="Rita drawstring 1" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /></div>What turns out well EVERY time, though, is the <a href="http://incolororder.blogspot.com/2011/11/lined-drawstring-bag-pattern.html">lined drawstring bag</a> from In Color Order. Along with these crafted gifts, I included some <a href="http://www.roostbooks.com/patchwork-style/">crafty</a> <a href="http://www.roostbooks.com/natural-patchwork/">books</a> I knew Rita wanted, just to round things out.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6866207711/" title="Rita swap foxes 1 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7204/6866207711_9277beb1b2_m.jpg" alt="Rita swap foxes 1" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /></div>And here's what I got in return: two sweet <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/81720195/two-foxies-in-a-log-plush">foxes in a log</a>! Squee! They are so cuuuute! When Rita first posted them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MochiStudios">her shop's facebook page</a>, I freaked out. I'm so happy that they are mine!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6866209271/" title="Rita swap foxes 3 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7041/6866209271_4ae620b19e_m.jpg" alt="Rita swap foxes 3" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /></div>Possibly the best part? Rita embroidered the log with this bit of sweetness. Aww! Check out the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mochistudios">Mochi Studios Etsy shop</a> if you'd like to get your own! <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/82260645/two-owls-in-a-log-pod-plush">These owls</a> are also incredibly adorable, as is everything else in the shop! Rita's craftsmanship and embroidery are exquisite; I'm so happy to call her a bloggy friend!<br /></div></div>Karissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966083124927059835noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392961507661280272.post-39704255551258008852012-02-28T12:30:00.003-05:002012-02-28T17:12:11.635-05:00Pastille dress: DONE<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6939382291/" title="Pastille 1 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/6939382291_4b1d59a565_m.jpg" alt="Pastille 1" height="240" width="134" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally. This dress... I will say up front that this was probably the most difficult dress I've ever made. This one dress represents 13 hours of fitting (three muslins, oy) and 9 hours of construction. And I still have to tack the facings to the seam allowances.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6793269444/" title="Pastille 2 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/6793269444_ee58ca00e7_m.jpg" alt="Pastille 2" height="240" width="136" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Apologies for the dark photos--I'm still trying to figure out my camera's white balance (and I thought I had it!) These were taken late last night, and I am heading out of town super early tomorrow, so wanted to get this posted before I take off!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6793270754/" title="Pastille 5 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6793270754_b96ce8b0d4_m.jpg" alt="Pastille 5" height="240" width="148" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, the dress. I was afraid of this dress since I got the book, and for good reason. Here's a brief rundown of the adjustments I made:<br /></div><ul><li>FBA of 1.5"</li><li>short-waisted adjustment of 1"</li><li>removed over 1" of width from the back bodice</li><li>removed an additional 3/4" from the back bodice length, regraded front to match</li><li>sway-back adjustment of 1" </li><li>lengthened back darts by 2"</li><li>used invisible zipper instead of centered one</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;">YEAH. And, looking at these pictures, I realize I probably should've gone at least another round to reduce some width from the bottom of the front bodice, which is looking a little baggy, but...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6939385749/" title="Pastille 7 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7042/6939385749_91e4fd1c75_m.jpg" alt="Pastille 7" height="240" width="135" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I used a gorgeous linen/rayon blend for this dress. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Pros</span>: the color is a lovely deep periwinkle that is definitely MY kind of color, plus I think is flattering on me (plus it goes with all of my jewelry). Once I pre-washed the fabric, it got really soft and comfy. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Cons</span>: the fabric is incredibly shifty, which made it difficult to cut. REALLY difficult to cut. I pre-washed and hung it to dry and it got that soft, rumply look--which will not iron out. And yet, the dress holds its shape fairly well and it incredibly comfortable to wear. For a first try, it's definitely a keeper.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6939383255/" title="Pastille 4 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/6939383255_7179fa8a5c_m.jpg" alt="Pastille 4" height="240" width="133" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I didn't have time to make the neckline bow, and now I'm wondering if I should or leave the dress without. I do feel it needs a little something there... I'll be interested to see what everyone else does!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6793273284/" title="Pastille back by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7041/6793273284_120e58d870_m.jpg" alt="Pastille back" height="240" width="133" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In all, I feel like the back is more successful than the front. I'm also wondering about making this as just a skirt. It would probably work well enough. I think the length on me is just perfect, too. Still, I'm ready to be done with this dress and move along, even though I know I'll have these bodice issues for the next dress as well. I'm heading to Chicago for the next five days (AWP! Anyone else going??) so it'll be nice to take a little break from my sewing room and spend some time with my <a href="http://kittykittycrafts.blogspot.com/search/label/Dear%20Jane">Dear Jane</a> instead.<br /></div>Karissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966083124927059835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392961507661280272.post-21681360639059201572012-02-23T12:30:00.003-05:002012-02-23T12:57:12.338-05:00Portfolio dress in velveteen<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6866255677/" title="Portfolio velveteen 1 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7208/6866255677_fd130a3cc3_m.jpg" alt="Portfolio velveteen 1" height="240" width="138" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I will confess: I've been a bad <a href="http://rhinestonesandtelephones.blogspot.com/2012/01/introducing-sew-colette.html">sew-along</a> participant. I am having massive problems fitting my <a href="http://www.coletterie.com/books/colette-sewing-handbook-the-pastille-pattern">Pastille dress</a>. I started it late because I was working on this dress, which maybe wasn't the best idea, but it feels good now to have a completed dress that worked out while I'm struggling with my third (!) muslin for the Pastille. (Just....ugh.)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6866257231/" title="Portfolio velveteen 4 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7204/6866257231_f407441d08_m.jpg" alt="Portfolio velveteen 4" height="240" width="180" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So. This is the <a href="http://www.sewlisette.com/AP/OLV-U02245.html">Lisette Portfolio dress</a>, sewn up in a luscious Loulouthi velveteen that was gifted to me for Christmas by a friend. Though I bought some Innocent Crush velveteen in October, this was my first time actually sewing with it. It wasn't as difficult as I thought it might be. I followed Anna Maria Horner's tips <a href="http://annamariahorner.blogspot.com/2010/11/now-then-velveteen.html">here</a>, which I highly recommend. I finished all seams with an overcast stitch to minimize raveling over time; I'll let you know how that works out.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6866256137/" title="Portfolio velveteen back 2 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/6866256137_0b6c30cc17_m.jpg" alt="Portfolio velveteen back 2" height="240" width="129" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The pattern came together easily. I opted not to use a contrasting fabric and instead fussy-cut the yoke and other details. I used a lightweight cotton lawn for the pocket lining and the facings, so as not to add bulk. I chopped 2" off the bottom, because I'm a shorty. I usually remove length at the waist, but because of how this one goes together, I didn't want to mess with redrawing those curves. My pockets are a little low, but I can live with that.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6866255889/" title="Portfolio velveteen 2 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/6866255889_fe99387cd3_m.jpg" alt="Portfolio velveteen 2" height="240" width="110" /></a><br /></div>This is the first time I've really done any pattern matching to speak of, and I think it turned out really well. I knew that if I didn't take the time to match the flowers up all the way around, it would've bothered me every time I wore it. I've already worn this twice, and it's comfy and warm--the perfect winter dress.<br /></div>Karissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966083124927059835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392961507661280272.post-82299432762456129412012-02-07T16:00:00.001-05:002012-02-07T16:28:38.388-05:00Quilted wall hanging for Gramma<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6624475999/" title="G Mary quilt 1 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6624475999_34df1bd3ef_m.jpg" alt="G Mary quilt 1" height="240" width="240" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally: here's my final Christmas present. <a href="http://kittykittycrafts.blogspot.com/2009/12/gifted-hunters-star-christmas-quilts.html">A couple of years ago</a> I had made quilted holiday wall hangings for my mom and gramma, which were a big hit. My gramma liked hers so much that she wished she had another hanging of the same size that she could use for all seasons, so that's what I made. Though, I must admit, it looks a lot more Christmas-y in these photos than it does in person.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6624480019/" title="G Mary quilt hanging by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6624480019_d53bee102d_m.jpg" alt="G Mary quilt hanging" height="209" width="240" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The fabric I used is from the <a href="http://bluehillfabrics.net/collections/item/34-house-of-the-7-gables">House of the Seven Gables collection by Blue Hill Fabrics</a>. I live near the <a href="http://www.7gables.org/">House of the Seven Gables</a>, so <a href="http://destinationsalem.blogspot.com/2010/06/gables-inspires-two-new-fabric-lines.html">this connection</a> was too good to pass up. Big bonus that the fabrics were perfect for her living room, too!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6624480443/" title="Iris and G Mary quilt by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6624480443_7c95124610_m.jpg" alt="Iris and G Mary quilt" height="240" width="180" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The pattern is one I had made before, <a href="http://kittykittycrafts.blogspot.com/2010/08/gifted-wedding-ish-quilt.html">way back here</a>, for a wedding quilt. I really like how this same pattern can look so modern and so traditional, depending on fabric choice.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6624476675/" title="G Mary quilt 2 by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6624476675_c2fcd91e1c_m.jpg" alt="G Mary quilt 2" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I hadn't free-motion quilted anything in a looooong time, so I was really afraid at how this one would look, but it's a little like riding a bike. Though having a beer for lunch first certainly didn't hurt!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karissajo/6624479563/" title="G Mary quilt machine-bound corner by KittyKittyCrafts (Karissajo), on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6624479563_da7948ccda_m.jpg" alt="G Mary quilt machine-bound corner" height="180" width="240" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I machine-bound this quilt to save some time. I think it looks okay, though not fantastic. I may have to try some other method next time to find a way that will work better for me.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Quilts have been few and far between for me lately. I'm hard at work on a Lisette Portfolio dress out of velveteen, continuing to avoid working on my Sew Colette Pastille dress for the sew-along... Fitting is scary!<br /></div>Karissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14966083124927059835noreply@blogger.com2