I owe a somewhat belated "thank you" to my dear friend Joy, who gives the BEST birthday presents!
Yeah, who else's friends sent them the new Amy Butler book In Stitches for their birthday? Hm? And Generation T to boot! You see, Joy is whiz behind a Singer. I've been drooling over her crafting talents since our teenage years back in Indiana. The treasures in these two volumes are already inspiring me to inch my sewing skills nearer to hers. Thanks, Ms. Joy Olivia! (Decor8 posted a preview of In Stitches a while back, where you can see a few of the projects from the book. I think my kitties would be thrilled with that kitty tube! You can see other projects previewed on Flickr.)
There's another BIG HUGE GINORMOUS online thank you I owe for a birthday present (Mom, I'm looking at you), but it's going to have to wait until a few details are smoothed out. It's gonna knock your socks off. In fact, despite my earlier representations, I may not post an FO report for the Norwegian Mittens until I can also present this thank you.
One more progress report and thank you - thanks for all who wrote in with suggestions for seaming garter stitch. Sometime when I'm feeling ambitious, maybe I'll compile your suggestions here. I ended up sticking with the method I was using from Knitters' Companion and using a less obtrusive yarn color, and I'm mildly satisfied with the result. This blankie ain't the prettiest thing that ever graced a stroller. But it has now taken on blankie shape, at least. And I am pleased with the way seaming has seemed to even out the differences in gauge on the various strips. Here's a preview (though you can't see the seams):
Now, to weave in the 100+ ends remaining. Ugh. I never thought I'd get myself into a triple-digit situation. The things one does for love!
Posted by jess at October 29, 2006 2:41 PM | TrackBackCan't wait to see the compilation of garter stitch seaming solutions - I am sure this will be incredibly helpful.
Belated b'day wishes to you!
Posted by: meg at October 29, 2006 3:53 PMI never knew you were a Hoosier (me too)! Yet another reason to love your blog.
Posted by: Chelsea at October 29, 2006 6:30 PMgreat presents! you do have an awesome friend there :) i'll have to check out that preview to see what's in the book but with amy butler, i'm sure it's fantastic.
Posted by: gleek at October 29, 2006 6:45 PMThat Amy Butler book is so gorgeous... it almost makes me want to retry sewing myself. I'll have to take out my stitch ripper as a reminder of what good friends we were the last time I did any sewing.
I'm sure that you'll do wonderfully, though. Looking forward to seeing some super-pretty sewing fos!
Posted by: laura b at October 29, 2006 8:14 PMyea! i'm so glad you got them... wish i would have been organized enough to send them on time. for your 30th next year i'll definitely be better prepared!
sorry i missed you friday and sunday on the cell. i'll try buzzing you again this weekend. we're overdue for chatting!! :)
Posted by: joy at October 30, 2006 11:21 AMYea, fun books! That's a great gift. Good luck with those ends. You should take a "before" pic of them to frighten us (for Halloween, you know). I'm glad to hear the seaming was completed to your satisfaction.
Posted by: Katie at October 30, 2006 1:08 PMI LOVE In Stitches! I'm not much on sewing either but it has inspired me! I dragged my sewing machine out of the attic last night. I can't wait to see what you decide to make in that book. I want to make everything!
Posted by: allison at October 30, 2006 3:44 PMcongrats on the books! i received IN STITCHES as a gift as well and i LOVE IT!! her fabrics are really great too. enjoy!
Posted by: high-strung at October 30, 2006 6:04 PM3 digits worth of ends to weave in- that IS love! But, babies are definitely worth it!
Posted by: Nonnahs at October 30, 2006 6:44 PMi love that amy butler book! the kitty tube is #1 on the list. filled with catnip, perhaps?
Posted by: amisha at October 30, 2006 7:59 PMOoohh, I love that book.
But you know what I love even more? The fact that I found that tutorial for hemming jeans like a pro. OMG! How can I ever thank you for having that available. It rocks! My jeans look perfect. Thank you very much. :D