Cuteness Overload.

I have not accomplished nearly as much sewing as I had intended to up here in Big Bear. Work hours in the shop have been a little more than I had thought they would be, and at the end of the day, I've gravitated more towards the couch than the sewing machine.
I have nearly finished one baby dress! The last thing I need to do is attach the snaps and maybe a little bit of ribbon for trim. With only one garment done, this means my fabric supply is still hanging around in a giant shopping bag. I have no right to be shopping for more. However...
I came across Allegro Fabrics. Cute, kid-centric stuff, and lots of retro designs. And even better, the prices aren't horrible. Sale prices run about 4 and 7 dollars per yard. It's taking a lot of restraint for me to not order anything right now! I am definitely bookmarking them and coming back when I have used up some of the fabric I already have and can justify a purchase.
www.allegrofabrics.com
My knitting is coming along, too. I have gotten comfortable with the continental style knit and purl stitches, and after some practice, I am ready to begin knitting my first hat.
Ok, now I'm feeling inspired to get up and be productive with my day off!!
Cheers!
Red

For Funsies!

Now that I am not feeling the pressure of required schoolwork, I find it's a lot more fun. Things were a little slow in the shop yesterday, so I compiled some collections of fashiony things I liked.



Ooh, it's hot here. Off to find a cooler spot!
Cheers!
Red

Big Bear Livin'.

So it's the end of my first week here...and it's gone fairly well. I am staying in a trailer next to the shop, so there's no need to commute! The trailer has plenty of room, as well as WiFi (yay!) and Dish Network (yay!). I have been working in the shop pretty much all day every day, except for Thursday when they are closed. I got today off, though, and I am hoping to get a few things done.
A customer came in the shop on Tuesday wanting a new set of slipcovers for her rocking chair pads. My first freelance job! We helped her pick out some upholstery fabric and I got to work. I finished them up yesterday, and I think for having to start from scratch and make my own pattern, they came out pretty good.

My other project has been updating the shop's blog, which can be found here:
http://www.yarndesignersboutique.com/blog.html
I had my first knitting lesson yesterday and apparently, the way I learned to knit and the way I have been knitting is totally ass-backwards, so now I have to forget what I know and start over. :) Crochet is next on the list, and needlepoint if we have time. My first knitting project is going to be a hat!
Today is the first day I have had to start on my Etsy stuff, but I think we are going to pare down my hours in the shop a bit so I should have a little more time to get things started.
It's beautiful here, too. I forget that I'm in southern California. It looks a lot like home around here! Thursday I got to drive all the way around the lake and find a sandy spot to dip my toes in. Friday and Saturday we had clouds and humidity, but today, it finally rained. It's pleasantly cool, though. The altitude hasn't messed with me too much, other than my sinuses going a little bonkers, and sometimes I feel a little tired.
I have gotten to meet a lot of really nice people so far, people who are really dedicated to the crafts that they make. It's kinda neat.
My hot glue gun is calling. Watch for my Etsy shop to be up and running soon!!
Cheers!
Red

Side Note:

As much as I would have liked to have made my own dress for the portfolio show and graduation, I simply did not have the time. I also knew from my experiences looking for a dress to wear to a wedding last summer that it's difficult for me to find clothing in stores. I'm tall, my bottom half is larger than my top half, and I'm just all kinds of special. So, I had heard from a friend about a shop online called eShakti a while back and decided to check them out.
I have to say that the worst part of the experience was taking my own measurements. (Not that it was difficult, it was just discouraging!) They have sizes 0-26 ready to ship out immediately, or they will take the measurements you give them and make you a garment exactly to your size, for a mere $15 extra. The styles lean towards vintage, which I love, but they are classy and cute and appropriate for many occasions. I chose this dress:

Their promise is to ship orders within 3 days and have them in your hands within 7 days. I got an email apologizing that eShakti was a day behind in production, but I still received my dress in plenty of time, and even better, it fit great.
Another awesome feature is that if you like an item, but you wish it were longer, or it had sleeves, or whatever, they will do it for you. Materials are of good quality and the sewing is done well.
Overall, the dress I got was cheaper than I would have found in a retail store, and the fit was better than I would have found anywhere else. I am looking forward to buying from them again!
www.eshakti.com


Cheers!
Red