Parent category for craft types
Last week I attended the first Polymer Claycation, an event that has risen up from the ashes of the old Clayathon. It happened at a different time of year, and at a different venue, but I saw many of the same familiar faces, and the make-whatever-you-like-to-make vibe was alive and well.
Read on to see everything I worked on, and to hear a little bit about the experience!
Read More: Polymer Claycation
I have two sweaters to show you! One of them I put the finishing touches on just this week, and the other one has been waiting for me to take pictures of it for roughly a YEAR.
The first cardigan is a pattern by Tin Can Knits and features a lovely cabled yoke. It was a bottom-up knit, which is not my favorite, but I enjoyed knitting the cables. And there’s something to be said for saving the interesting part for last.
The other cardigan is the Striped Yoke Cardigan, which is one of my own patterns. I made some significant changes to the yoke for a more customized fit, and I’ve worn it many times over the past year. This one was a top-down knit, which means you get to do the fun part right away, but then you’re stuck with the stockinette slog for the next few weeks until it’s done.
Both methods have their pros and cons.
Keep reading for more details, photos, and links to the patterns, yarns, and button-making instructions!
Read More: A Tale of Two Cardigans
I look out the window and all of the back yard trees are brilliant shades of orange and red. It’s lovely. A few weeks ago, when there was still some green to be seen, I treated myself to a roll of Lomochrome Purple so I could indulge in a bit of film photography with a fantasy color palette.
I also made a new playlist, and I called it Purple is a Fall Color. Despite the name and the cover image, the idea of “purple” doesn’t feature prominently in these songs. In fact, I am fairly sure the word “purple” does not appear in a single title or lyric of the 20-odd tracks. Sometimes a playlist cover is just a playlist cover.
Read on to see some of my favorite images from the roll, and to listen to some nice Autumnal music.
Read More: Purple is a Fall Color
It’s hard to believe after thinking about a potential trip to Glasgow for five years, here we are on the other side, having been there and back already. We’ve been home for more than a month! I want to share some of my favorite photos from that trip, but I’m actually not finished telling you about the sewing and knitting I finished before we left. So how about we wrap that bit up today?
So, last I told you I had gone down a shirt-making rabbit hole. I thought I was finished with that, but it turns out, I had a few more in me. And I wanted to try my hand at making a dress to wear to the Hugo Awards, too.
I sewed one more top based on my Barefoot Summer Sheath pattern, and one more Simplicity 3835. Then I got all experimental and added sleeves to the Sheath pattern, resulting in a dress that was super comfortable and nice enough to wear to an awards ceremony.
I finished the squishy garter-stitch shawl I was working on a few months ago, and it was actually just right for the Scottish weather and my short-sleeved dress.
Read on for all of the details!
Read More: Three shirts, a dress, and a shawl
Neil and I are going to Scotland in August, and I was thinking about what to wear on the trip. Jeans? Check. Funky colorful shoes? Check. A week’s worth of colorful handmade tops in colors that coordinate well with the funky shoes? Eh, not really.
So, I went shopping. Picked out three plaids and three florals, and sewed myself six new tops, using two tried-and-true patterns.
And then I had a photo shoot outside on a 90-degree day, and did six costume changes, including glasses and earrings, so that I could share these new lovelies on my blog. Come and see!
Read More: Vacation Sewing
We’re going to Scotland for Worldcon 2024 next month! I’ve been preparing for this trip in the most Lisa Clarke of ways: making jewelry and a shawl to coordinate with the convention colors. Oh, I’m such a nerd really, but I can’t stop myself! The artistic geniuses in Glasgow have designed an official tartan, a yarn colorway, custom fabric, and all kinds of other things featuring the convention colors and branding. And naturally that has inspired me, too.
If you know me at all, you know I love mixing up custom clay color schemes for special occasions!
If you’re headed to Worldcon, too, or you just like navy blues and deep purples, and light greens, and such, read on to learn more about the collection and maybe buy a little something for yourself.
Read More: Going to Scotland! But first, making things!
I’ve been thinking lately about sheath dresses and breezy summer tops and knowing my handmade wardrobe could use a little makeover. So…
I cleaned off my sewing machine, which was no small feat. It had spent the last four years gathering dust at the foot of my bed, and let me tell you, it gathered dust really well. If you ever wonder why I let four years go by between sewing sessions, it can usually be explained by the effort it takes to set up and break down the sewing area.
It started with an idea to turn my Barefoot Summer Sheath pattern into an ankle length dress, perfect for effervescent Summer entertaining. And it ended with said dress, five new tops, and a pair of PJ shorts. Seven items, six of which I will show and tell now, if you care to read on!
Read More: The middle cool thing in a list of otherwise undesirable tasks
We visited Ocean City New Jersey again, as we do. Every year it gets more difficult to find new perspectives from the same old scenery. This year, rather than fight it and dream up some new photo project for myself, I just decided not to force it. And yet, somehow, I still have a few dozen photos to share with you.
Read More: Back to the Beach
I’m going to a Guster concert next week. And I’m hoping to be one of the lucky ones randomly chosen to attend their new album’s listening party before the concert. And just in case I am chosen, I’ve whipped up a magnetic topper for my glasses, some earrings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces, all inspired by the new album’s cover art. Because why simply be a “fan” when you can be “that weirdo who made jewelry to match the album art”?
Read More: Ooh La La, My Guster Glasses and Earrings
I have a different kind of tutorial for you today. It is a departure from my usual kind of craft, but I’ve spent several months trying to make it work, and I am at a point where I’m very happy with the results. So, naturally, I want to share. Ready? Let’s put our own artwork on our glasses!
Read More: Pair Eyewear Toppers DIY
Barrettes
$30.00
Crochet Hooks
$24.00
Stick Pens
$16.00
Seam Rippers
$28.00
Dangly Earrings
$30.00
Inlay Rings
$24.00 – $32.00
Bangle Bracelets
$20.00 – $42.00
Stud Earrings
$16.00 – $20.00
Focal Buttons
$8.00 – $10.00
Shawl Pins
$30.00
