Books and Movies...

We've been traveling a lot lately.  This means many hours in the car with little to do.  We've been listening to books.  My husband generally picks the books.  The last book was "12 Years A Slave" by Solomon Northup.  Given the subject matter, it was difficult to listen to but being a historical narrative it was interesting.  This book was a best seller in it's time.  It is in the public domain now and should be freely available.

When we got home, we decided to watch the 2013 film "12 Years A Slave".  This was an oscar winning film that year.  I fully realize that books can not be turned into movie word for word but it sure would have been nice if there hadn't been so many liberties taken.  After listening to the book, the movie was not so good in my eyes.  There was really no need for the sex scenes.  Implication was all that was necessary.  The story line doesn't need those scenes to keep it interesting.

A little more research revealed that PBS had produced a movie in the mid-1980s called "Solomon Northup's Odyssey".  It was later released to video as "Half Slave, Half Free".  We've decided that we're going to watch this version also.  According to everything I have read, it is the better movie.  Hopefully, we will find the time to watch this version while the book is still fresh in our minds.

Have you watched this movie? 

Well, I suppose I should move on to some sewing and not dwell on the book/movie. 

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Sleeveless Shift Dress

The dog days of summer are coming and we must be prepared. 

This is the Farrah Sleeveless Linen Dress by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $548.00.  This is a variation of the dress from the  Basic+ Shift Dress post from early in the month.  That means that the same pattern would apply. 

This dress is a good example of a way to use a large scale print breaking it up with seams. The fabric on this dress is linen. 

Do you like the idea of using the same pattern multiple times?  Do it help with the fitting process?

Happy Stitching!

Shopping Bags...

Back in February I made shopping bags for my husband.  They have been very useful every single week.  Our grocery trips always end up with us going to multiple stores.  Grocery shopping is such a chore. 

Now, my son has requested his own shopping bags.  So, I made him two using the same pattern as the bags made for my husband.  He doesn't drive so he will need a sturdier bag to carry things from the local Dollar General.  Yep, that will be his grocery store throughout the summer.  Since they are the only grocery store in the little town where he is living.  They do carry basic refrigerated items and a large selection of canned goods.  Although some of his friends might take pity on him and take him to the next town to Walmart.  There will be no summer bus service to Walmart provided by the school. 

Here's the bags that I made him:

I'm sure if he wants more he will request them. 

This is the last of the yellow/blue stripe fabric in yardage form.  This fabric could yet show up again in quilt blocks.

Happy Stitching!

More Stitching....Dishcloths....

When we are traveling, I also try to have a project or two in the car with me.  It makes me feel productive while sitting those long hours.  The latest projects have been crocheted dishcloths.  Here are most of the ones made on the last trip:

I think this isn't too bad given that I got bored making these on the return trip.  I was a bit surprised that I had not made one of the dishcloths with the twist thread and a off-white trim but I still have more yarn and another trip.  I was also surprised that the one on the bottom was missing trim but that is easy to fix and I think it will be green twist.

Can you tell that the dishcloths are different sizes?  The pattern that I use as is is a bit on the large side and I prefer a smaller dishcloth.  The first one I did was about 3/4 of the size of the original.  I kept reducing from there until I got to where I thought it should be which ended up about 26 stitches.

The pattern that I used is Lily Sugar'n Cream Dishcloth and Pot Holder.  I'm sure you've guessed that the yarn is Lily Sugar'n Cream.  Generally, I always use the natural or the green twist.  It might be time to expand those color selections a bit. I have tried the scents yarn and it is truly smelly.

I'm sure my son will take most of the current batch of dishcloths.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Woven Tank

Summer is coming and I continue to think of things to keep cool.  A woven tank would be fit right in.  Here's this tank:

This is the Theory Bringham Silk Dot-Print Tank.  This tank is nicely fitted in upper bodice and flowing in the body.  Price tag:  $225.00.  You can find it on the Neiman Marcus site.

To me this looks more like a sleeveless top than a tank. If you look at the Neiman Marcus site you will see that the back isn't very scooped which is traditional on a woven tank.  It just needs a neck opening large enough to get your head through.

My first thought for the tank is a sleeveless version of the Scout Tee:

You may have to raise the armhole on this to use this particular pattern.

This is the 4-Way Tank Top pattern by Silhouette Patterns.  This pattern is more of a traditional tank top.  Plus here is the darting.

For those who may be interested in developing their own tank top pattern, check out these articles on "How to Make a Tank Top Pattern, Part 1" and "How to Make a Tank Top Pattern, Part 2".

Hope your inspired to make your own tank top.  Once it is fitted you can make it a tunic length or dress length.

Happy Stitching!