Tuesday, March 13, 2012

GreenStitch Episode 52 - Why I Didn't Clean My Sewing Room

Thanks for tuning in to another episode. Haven't listened yet? Get it here.

The batik quilt from the guild retreat is in its messy stage in this photo - just blocks clinging to my makeshift design board (aka, batting taped to the wall). I trimmed up the setting squares and put a silvery batik border around it. I'll post another photo once it's back from the longarm quilter.

Also, if you look closely, you can see a proper little stepstool on the floor. If you use a design wall, and it's actually a must for any sort of on-point setting like this, please use something sturdy. I was lucky to have no ill effects from my clumsy tumble off a folder chair earlier! All it took was a little asking around at the retreat center to come up with a better way to reach the top of my wall. I'm embarrassed I was so cavalier about it, but I hope you can learn from my mistake.

Here's the cute potholder made out of selvedge strips foundation-pieced onto a square of muslin, then layered with Insul-Brite and a cotton backing. So cute!

OK, here's one of the things I uncovered while trying to clean my sewing room. Ugh - awful, right? I have no idea why it didn't felt, but it did shrink up and get lumpy and thick. It was a no-risk proposition to cut that thick neck off and slice right up the center front.
It's still not a wearable cardigan (sleeves just too lumpy!) but I have to say, cutting the sweater and adding a cotton placket and neck binding was way, way easier than I thought it would be. Even though it hadn't felted, there was no unraveling in attaching the fabric. I didn't actually sew on these vintage buttons - just put them in place for the photo. Now I'm on the lookout for a cute, pastel, springy crewneck sweater so I can make myself a fun spring cardigan.

Here's the laminated garden apron that also distracted me in mid-clean. I had already started detaching the binding, thinking I would just narrow the bib portion. I realized the whole thing was just too long and too stiff to be really useful as a full apron. So...


...slicing right across the middle turns this into a right-sized, highly useful apron for the garden. Despite our unseasonably warm March weather here in New York, it's still too early to really get out and plant, but I'm really looking forward to using this soon.


26 comments:

  1. Hooray, good to hear from you again. As usual, a podcast filled with great ideas. Thank you, Tami In Denver. p.s. loving pinterest too.

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  2. Good morning - just so you know. We miss you - Tami In Denver

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  3. Hoping to hear from you again soon...all the best, Nancy in Ontario, Canada

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  4. Adding my voice to say that I miss you, too, Anne! - fun4Tracey

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  5. Hope all is well! Missing you in NH

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  6. I was just thinking about your podcast and how much I've missed it. Hope all is going well; that only too much fun and too much sewing is keeping you from podcasting. Miss you!

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  7. Anne are you ok? We haven't heard from you in 3 months, 4 if you count July. Even if you can't get a podcast out, leave us a short blog post letting us know your ok! :D

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  8. Really miss you! One of my favorites! Praying all is well.

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  9. Hi Ann, just adding to the consensus that you are missed and hoping all is well. Come back soon!

    x

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  10. Great podcast!....and I agree, having Christmas on a leap year would be nice!

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  11. Hey Anne, What's Up?? I really miss your podcasts!

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  12. I've missed your podcast too. Hope all is well.

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  13. Hi Anne, Just wanted to stop by and let you know I miss your podcasts and blog posts. Am looking forward to hearing from you again. Tami In Denver

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  14. I hope you are well and able to resume communication with your fans in the near future.

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  15. Hi,

    I miss listening to your podcast. Just wanted to let you know that you are missed.

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    1. Adding my agreement to this--wherever you are, I hope that you're well! And I do miss your podcast!

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  16. Please post a podcast. Your listeners miss you.

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