Category: crafting

Parent category for craft types

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Vacation Sewing

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
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Going to Scotland! But first, making things!

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!
Posted on by — 4 Comments

The middle cool thing in a list of otherwise undesirable tasks

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
Posted on by — 4 Comments

Back to the Beach

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
Posted on by — 4 Comments

Ooh La La, My Guster Glasses and Earrings

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
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Lomochrome Purple, part two

Lomochrome Purple in the Autumn

When I shot my first roll of Lomochrome Purple in the spring, I thought that it was pretty interesting. But I also thought that there just wasn’t enough green around to make it amazing. I decided then that I’d need to try again in the summer for sure, but also in the fall. In the […]

Read More: Lomochrome Purple, part two
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Cooper Gristmill

In the beginning of August, Neil and I took an after-work trip to Cooper Gristmill, a lovely historic mill surrounded by lush trees and babbling water. It’s been nearly three months since that trip at this point, but luckily images keep. Everything outside my window right now is orange, so the green of these images feels like such a throwback!

Read More: Cooper Gristmill
Posted on by — 2 Comments

Not a Rhinebeck Sweater

Traveller's End Cardigan

This weekend is Rhinebeck weekend, and I am not there. For the fourth year in a row. That’s ok, though, because I still have a sweater to share, and I wore it for a week in Ocean City, NJ, which is a very different kind of getaway than a weekend in Upstate NY would be, but it was nice in its own way, and perfect for new-sweater wearing.

Read More: Not a Rhinebeck Sweater