From K - Travelux Pearl Sewing Hit List

Today I'm excited to introduce you to my new weekend getaway... my home away from home... my sweet little humble abode in the woods... The Travelux Pearl.

 

I literally sigh just saying those words out loud, I am SO excited! Three weeks ago we drove 2,000 km to pick this little pretty up and I've been smitten ever since. It's a 1972 ninteen foot Travelux trailer (the Canadian version of an Airstream).

The previous owner named this trailer 'the Beast' which seemed far from fitting for it's tiny silver stature. The instant the keys were ours, we renamed her the 'Travelux Pearl' to emphasize the true rarity of this trailer.

We've spent the last few weeks plotting and planning our trailer reno, and she's gonna get a total overhaul (we're talking GLAMper status people). While my hubby is busy wielding the woodworking tools, I've been writing out a sewing hit list (what you didn't think this post would be fabric/crafting free did you?!).

Here's my hit list so far:

• Constellations Bed Quilt;
• Hubby's Camping Quilt (special by request);
• Upholster new foam cushions;
• Sew and install curtains;
• Sew som throw pillows; and
• Make a puppy bed.

I've got a deadline of July 23rd to finish these projects so I better get a move on stat. If anyone has any glamper, camping or upholstery tips I am all ears! I'm jumping into the deep end with this one.

From A - Red Carpet Lady Skater Dress

In early March, or what feels like a lifetime ago, I was lucky enough to get a ticket to the Veronica Mars Movie premier and after party in New York. Not one to have already have a dress for such occasions, I decided to try making my own (partly because I am cheap and definitely because I hate shopping).

I wanted something that would be dressy enough for the premiere but casual enough that I might actually wear it again. Kitschy Coo's Lady Skater Dress in some black polka-dot knit fit the bill perfectly.

I dressed it up with a sequin belt that my grandmother bought me when I was about 8 years old and some fancy nylons I picked-up in the big apple. I even wore make-up. Overall, a passable red carpet outfit for about $35.

I literally got up at 4:00 in the morning to finish sewing the dress together before my 6:00 a.m. flight (which meant no muslin on this one). The fit is is a little looser than I would have liked but otherwise fantastic considering my recklessness.

Due to the last minute construction, I didn't have time to hem the dress before getting on the plane. Luckily this wasn't a problem with the knit fabric. The Mr. was relieved that we weren't going to miss our flight when I decided to skip it and very happy that the coverstitch machine wouldn't be joining us in NYC. I'm hoping to give my lady skater a nip/tuck plus hem treatment soon.

This pattern was quick and easy. The finished dress is lovely, comfortable and has now been fondled by the V-Mars cast, which makes it a definite winner. There are definitely more of these in my future (likely a peplum tee version in the next size down).

(And yes, the premiere was awesome...I even met Ira Glass. He is the coolest.)

From K - Directions Baby Quilt Top

When life gets crazy, I often find that the best solution to slow it down is to sit down at my Janome and sew. I'm not talking 'mandatory sewing to narrowly meet a looming deadline' sewing either. I'm talking about the type of sewing that is defined by not being defined at all. No plans, no limits, no rules - that is the type of sewing that stops time and stress and just gets me energized again.

A couple weeks ago I cleared my sewing space, removed all my WiPs from sight, and just sat down to sew. No real goal in mind, no real plan, just a charm pack of Simply Style and some Kona yardage.

I started by making half square triangles and ended when I had a quilt layout on my design wall that seemed fitting. Toss in some sashing and a border, and before I knew it, I had a baby quilt!

Amanda pointed out that the negetive space in this quilt resembles a north arrow from a map. It felt a bit ironic but still fitting to call this quilt 'Directions' as this quilt started with no direction, but then ended with one.

You win some, you lose some, and sometimes you just learn something. I definitely learned something in this quilt. I'm definitely seeing more of this laissez faire quilting style in my future.

From A - Chambray and Liberty Infinity Scarf

If you've been visiting this blog for any length of time, you'll know how I feel about Liberty of London's Tana Lawn. What I didn't mention when I shared my lap duvet a few months back is that I bought a half yard more fabric than I actually needed for the project so that I'd be able to make an infinity scarf.

With a dear friend's birthday on the immediate horizon, I decided that it was high time to follow through with my plan. I ended up pairing my precious Mauvey with some dotty chambray. The resulting scarf is lightweight, soft and drapey, making it a perfect layering piece for Spring/Summer or year round in my neck of the woods.

I didn't bother following a pattern for this project and just cut two 15" x WOF strips and serged them together. Total project time from sending fabric photos to Kelsey to finished was about an hour. It took more time to finish my text message conversation and cut the fabric than it did to dig out the serger and actually sew it all together.

Carefully wrapped and on its way to its final destination, I have to say that I already miss having this little gem around my neck. I hope my friend agrees.

From K - Finished Catnap Sew Together Bag

Time has been scarce lately and finding snipits of crafty time has been far more difficult than I'd like. Sewing is my jam though, so to keep myself sane I picked up a project that I can work on in small intervals. Let me introduce you to what's held my attention as of late - my new Sew Together bag!

I took the time to fussy cut some little scraps for the front of my bag, and chose a dark contrasting print from the same line for the background and back panel.

Last week I shared some progress pics and explained why I went with Lizzy House's Catnap line for this bag. Since then, I branched out by adding a gold metallic confetti dot neutral into the mix. I love how easily it fits in.

The contrast fabric in the pocket linings makes me unnaturally happy. Not too surprising since linings have always been my favourite detail. My catnap dress is a good example of that.

I don't have a tremendous amount of experience with installing zippers so I found the pattern directions to be extremely helpful. This bag is definitely the cleanest zipper installation I've ever done.

The details in pattern are so clever. I will definitely be making more of these in the future.

If you've made a Sew Together bag leave a comment below to let me know, I love seeing all the variations popping up online!