Sommer Designs

Felt Club is so much fun

 
(photo stolen from Jennifer Ramos! Thanks Jenn!)

Okay, I think I have a new favorite event. I had so much fun yesterday! Even if I was alone, and didn't get to take as many pictures as I wanted to; even if I didn't get to spend the day walking around meeting and talking to all the fun folks I've known online for years and years; and even if every single bone in my body was screaming last night.

 

My pals, Jennifer (Textle Fetish) & Shari (her trusty helper & my trusty bathroom-break-helper), were two down from me and provided endless laughs. It was great to hang with them all day!

 

Kelley, & her helper Paloma, were directly behind me. I was so glad when I saw in the set up that Kelley was so close because I didn't have the heart to ask for that placement! (Thanks again Jenny!)

 

I got to see Kellie & Matt again - they are loads of fun and so sweet!

  

I finally got to meet Miss KB, who is darling and sweet, and has a rocking booth set up and fun, fun, fun products.

I also got to meet Jennifer & her sister Christine, from Starving Artist Bazaar, who was my neighbor (but the picture was terribly blurry, sorry Jenn & Christine!)

I wore my previously mentioned Doily Dress! Hard to see - just a simple doily sewn on to my boring $17 dress, and there are vintage MOP buttons in the center of each of the flowers! I layered the dress over a vintage slip that I dyed ORANGE!

 

There are so many other people I got to see & finally meet - I can't even think straight right now, so sorry if I've left you out of my shout out here. It was so fun - Jenny Ryan and her army just rock this event! There is so much talent out there, it just boggles my mind. I'm really looking forward to next year - and if you couldn't make it yesterday, hope you'll try in 2009!

I'm so tired right now - I promised myself I would start a new routine this morning and walk, but I'm thinking today might not be the best day for new routines! This is how exercise never happens! Hope you all had a fantastic weekend, and if you're in any of the Southern California fire zones - hope you're safe.

Doily's & Dresses

 

Answering the age-old call of 'oh dear, what will I wear?' I picked up this dress a couple of weeks ago at Ann Taylor Loft, on extreme markdown of $17. I was planning to wear it Sunday, but of course, couldn't leave it alone. That's the curse of a box full of vintage lace trim!

There are worse things, right?

Hey L.A. - FELT CLUB this weekend!

 

Thanks for the jacket love yesterday!

I am so excited for this weekend! It's time for FELT CLUB! This is my first time, and I'll be there as a vendor. I can't wait to see many of my internet friends - some that I've never met, but have 'known' online for years.

If you aren't familiar with Felt Club, it's an annual indie craft fair that features some very cool designers and crafters - everything from handbags, jewelry and paper products to plushies and one-of-a-kind artwork.

This year, the event is at the Shrine Auditorium near downtown L.A. and besides over 125 vendors, there will be a DJ, snack bar (and regular bar, you know, in case you need a Margarita in the middle of the day...that won't be me). There will also be DIY workshops,  (which I am very excited about, but since I am selling, won't be able to take part in...*sad face*) by Jenny Hart of Sublime Stitching and Kaari Meng of French General (how totally cool is that?).

Annnnd, Swap-o-Rama-Rama will also be taking place upstairs, where participants can bring clothing to swap and REFASHION. (double *sad face* that I can't take part in!!!)

Dudes, seriously, if you're in L.A., this is a no-brainer. Hope you'll make it - please stop by and say hi if you do!

Tutorial: Refashioned Thrifted Jacket!

It's about time, right? About six months ago, I picked up this cute, cropped jacket for $3. Yes, that's right, THREE DOLLARS.

 

I loved the color and the woven houndstooth design - it's fully lined as well. I didn't like the buttons; they were covered in the same material with a goldish rim around the edge.

And it looks like there might have been a belt at one time, because there are little loops about 5" up from the bottom.

As soon as I saw it, I knew what I wanted to do.

I thought the houndstooth pattern would look fun if it were appliqued with a big, bold floral pattern - and Heather Bailey's new Pop Garden was perfect, the hardest part was deciding on the colorway.

 

Since I was going to be cutting out the flowers, I really wanted a strong *pop*. This was a little too dark.

 

This was a little too bright for me.

 

Ah, this was just right!

I decided to start with the back, and I cut out the big floral bunch in a rectangle so there was extra fabric around the bunch of flowers. I cut and ironed the same size of Stitch Witchery (double-sided) interfacing to the piece of fabric, and then cut out the floral bouquet I wanted to use.

 

I positioned it on the back of my jacket, pinned it, pressed it,

 

and then sewed it on just using a straight stitch (wrangling all those turns!).

The front needed some color as well, so I did the same with the smaller flowers in the fabric pattern:

 

Now, I could turn my attention to the button situation.

 

After going through my stash of vintage buttons, I decided some of the beautiful rhinestone buttons I had been hoarding for years would be put to good use here.

At this point, I decided to make things complicated for myself. I thought the centers of those gorgeous flowers would look extra sparkly if they were beaded. So, with no beading experience, and a complete disdain for handsewing, I decided to add little *pops* of beading...ugh.

 

It does look cute - it was a good idea. HOWEVER, sewing beads onto fabric that has already been interfaced and then sewn to an already heavy piece of fabric (a woven with a lining) proved very difficult.

 

If you think you'll want to add beading to a project, try to do it while the piece is still raw. I beaded all the flowers on the front, and just a few on the back before I ran out of patience.

 

But still, I'm pretty happy with the end result!

 

After all, it was just a $3 jacket. *wink*

 

Lacy Belts

This is so typical of me: it is Saturday. I have a bunch of bags on my worktable, waiting to be finished. I am standing in my studio, looking around, thinking about what else I can be doing. I am, forever, obsessed with finding uses for the Motherload of Vintage Trim I acquired last year. I am, forever, obsessed with using the plethora of cotton webbing and military belt buckles that I have. It was kinda like that.

 

What do you think? Lacy Belts? Sort of like utilitarian meets funky-functional? I kind of like them, but I might be the only one. I made one and asked Scott what he thought, and he just raised his eyebrows and mouthed, "oooooooh". That's code, for, "you're on your own with this one."

 

Anyway, I made some, because I'm always trying to think of low-cost gift ideas. These will be available at FELT CLUB on Sunday at the Shrine Auditorium - I'm so excited about FELT CLUB!

I get by with a little help from my friends

 

What a great community - when you have a problem, just ask. I'm so happy Leslie chimed in yesterday with advice on my thumb issue, and Shari immediately offered to meet me and help. We met up yesterday at Liscat, a wonderful, beautiful, inspiring yarn store in Long Beach.

Shari pulled out my inside-out thumb and got it started rightside-out. She sat with me while I continued, and made sure I was on the right track.

 

I must have been knitting from the inside, I have no idea - I really have no recollection! It's like I have thumb amnesia. I don't know what I did, but it's been corrected. And, I had the opportunity to visit with a good friend who introduced me to a new spot.

 

Liscat is such a cool place - I think it used to be a bank, so it's got these skyhigh ceilings and windows, and so much space! There's still a vault there too, and the owner has rented the space to a sewing teacher who has classes there - it's been renamed The Sewing Vault, and it's awesome.

 

There is color and creativity everywhere. I'll have to return one day soon when I have more time (and more money for yarn!).

I came home and last night finished both handwarmers! I can't believe I'm finishing projects! Maybe I should finish some of the ones that are languishing instead of starting new ones? Maybe.

Thank you Leslie and Shari, for all your help and advice.

OH! Before I forget - go check out Shari's tutorial! She took a boring cardigan and remade it - she wore it yesterday, and it's INCREDIBLE!

Getting on...

 

It was surprising to me how emotional yesterday was; did anyone else notice that? No matter which 'side' you were on. I found it impossible to concentrate, and spent most of the day in a semi-vegetative state on the couch with Toasty.

And today is bittersweet. While I am overjoyed that this country has taken such a huge step forward; I'm disappointed that California has taken such a huge step backward, and passed Proposition 8, which will ban gay marriage.

But now all the hoopla is over, and the signs will come down, and the commercials will stop, and we can, once again, get on with life. And I can get back to that pile on my worktable.

But first, let me share a knitting disaster:

 

Thanks to Shari, I figured out how to pick up the stitches and knit the thumb - but I can't for the life of me figure out why it turned out inside-out.

Today is the day.

 

That is all.

I have finished objects.

 

That would be the only reason for a Sunday night post, right? Sort of. It's been that kind of weekend. I had three beverages containing alcohol on Friday night and have felt like a truck hit me all weekend. Yesterday, I seriously thought I had the flu. [voice of reason in my head: no, you dolt. you just can't hold yer liquor.]

It helped immensely that the weather fully cooperated - clouds, some wind, and, *gasp* rain. I finished my secret project and promptly cast on the Delores Park Cowl with that delicious Malabrigo. Twenty-four hours later [yes, that's right] I finished Delores. I slipped that baby over my head and I haven't taken it off since, except to sleep, and I swear, I thought about sleeping with it on.

I'll be making another one very shortly.

In the meanwhile, I've cast on Toasty. This is my first time working with DPN's and I'm having a hard time. It feels very awkward. I'm afraid when I get to the thumb, I'll need some help.

Anyway, that's my weekend update - I'm trying to spend less time holed up in my studio working on the weekends and evenings - that partly explains how/why I've been so knit-productive [must keep hands moving]. That, and CNN. 

Tomorrow it's back to work.

BOO! I have updates!

Happy Halloween! I have a lot to say, so I'm just going to plow through the list!

1. Major update in the Del Cerro Tote department! Many are in limited quantities thanks to my recent jaunt downtown (I don't normally 'jaunt' around, but it's Halloween, so I thought I'd give it a go.)

2. Sommer Designs is having a 12-hour Spooktacular Sale! Seriously, if you have your eye on something, now is your chance! 20% off sitewide, BUT, it's only from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m., California time, with promo code "SPOOKY". Details, and my cute graphic, here.

3. Hello St. Louis! I have super exciting news - NEST was asked to set up a holiday display of  some of their fabulous products at a WHOLE FOODS MARKET in St. Louis! How flipping cool is that? My Melrose Hostess Apron is part of the display! I think that means that I can say, my product is in a WHOLE FOODS MARKET??!! Holy cow! So, if you are in St. Louis, or know anyone in St. Louis, go in and check it out, and support NEST - talk up the store personnel about how cool NEST and their designers are! The store address is: 1601 S. Brentwood Blvd., Brentwood, MO

4. I have to deliver another bag to Cathy today, and I'm already thinking about another hank of that Malabrigo. It does that to you.

5. Have a great weekend my friends! XO

Yarn Porn

 

I visited Cathy at Twist yesterday to deliver some bags [See? I'm not the only one who thought the Del Cerro Tote made a great knitting bag], and of course, I got sucked into her yarn vortex.

 

The real tragedy is that I forgot my camera! This is beautiful, gorgeous, luscious Malabrigo; which I have not yet owned, let alone touched. Shocking Pink and Black Forest. If you haven't yet fondled Malabrigo, you must. You will not believe how soft and delicious it is.

Last night, while Scott was on a business call, I rubbed it against his cheek. He concurred.

I'm planning the Delores Park Cowl for these. Doesn't that look perfect for chilly days and nights?

 

I bought yarn.

Well, what did you expect? You know me, I have more projects than I have skills, funds, or time for. But those are mere technicalities, right? I won't let them hinder or hold me back from beautiful, delicious yarn.

Behold.

 

From Lori Lawson, Capistrano Fiber Arts, 2 skeins of 100% superfine Alpaca in these beautiful Autumn colors. (Check out her Etsy shop - she has some yarn on sale! These were only $10.00 each - but there is some superfine wool in her shop as low as $7.50!)

 

From Michelle Hoffee, I bought two skeins - one is a super bulky wool and the other is a finer wool - both in these gorgeous Candy colors. Michelle explained the heat process that the fine wool went through which bonds and strengthens it, so it has the durability of silk, but the washability of wool. Does that make sense? (*wondering if I have that correctly?) Anyway, it has a lovely sheen, as well, that is not picked up by the camera.

I've been thinking about hand-warmers lately [not that I need them right now; I'm reading about so many of you who have seen your first snowfall and we're stuck in 90 degrees. Seriously, enough already. I want my layers.] Anyway, Leslie wrote up two patterns for hand-warmers that I've been ogling, and I think I may use the two different yarns for each of the patterns. I've never attempted thumbs before though, so hopefully it won't become a frustrating, unfinished project.

 

I also fell in love with these skinny scarves that Michelle makes with superfine mohair and that bulky yarn. This was so me, I had to have it.

 

Michelle was generous enough to share her pattern with me and I think I might attempt one as a gift with her bulky yarn. How yummy, huh? Like I said before, I'm anxious for cooler weather. Now you know why.

But that's not all.

 

Michelle gave me these two skeins of undyed wool! I was so touched and so happy and thankful! At first I was thinking I would just use them as is [because, really, can we expect me to dye something?], but then I started thinking about Cathy - she has a whole dye kitchen at Twist, and I was planning to visit her tomorrow to show her these wonderful yarns. Maybe she has some advice? Maybe some of you do? I need to do this as simply as possible, or it won't happen. Advice welcome!

Anyway, I'm still working on my secret project and it's moving along very well! I'll be able to share it soon, I promise!

Meanwhile, there's another post up at Dinner Challenge - Linguine with Shrimp Scampi! Can you believe it?

I made so many new friends!

This past Friday & Saturday I had the honor of vending at Artistic License Fair in Costa Mesa. You know, this whole event/show thing is such a crapshoot. You never know what you'll find, or how you'll do, or whether the organizers have it together, or just threw it together. I find the last circumstance a lot, but my goal is to remain positive above all else, because to me, no matter how a show does, it's exposure, and that's worth a lot to me.

Apparently, this show has been around for 43 years. That, in itself, boggles my mind. I met a vendor that has been exhibiting there for 30 of those, and it was so interesting to talk to her and hear how the industry has changed and evolved in that time.

This fair was organized so well. The location, Estancia Park, was beautiful - we were on grass, under a canopy of California Pepper Trees, there was plentiful sunshine and a soft breeze - it was truly a vacation (after the back-breaking work of setting up, of course!). Kelley was there also, but we forgot to get a picture together!

I was next to LoriMarsha, who is so down-to-earth and sweet; it was great getting to know her better.

 

Shari came to visit (with a vintage Sommer Designs bag! I love seeing old bags!):

 

I had the nicest neighbors - Laura from Talisman Art Glass (spectacular work!):

 

Maggie, across from me, wove two baskets that weekend, it was amazing to watch! (I can't find her card right now, but will update when I do):

I met Michelle Hoffee from Made by Lovecraft, who has the most delicious yarns, and is so damn cute:

 

And also Lori Lawson from Capistrano Fiber Arts Studio, who had gorgeous handpainted and handspun yarn (I'm sure you can see where this is going):

 

How gorgeous is this?

 

And finally, the organizers, Nancy & Drew, who, as artists themselves, know exactly what to do [and how to do it] to make an artisan fair a success.

 

This was such a different event for me; it was so inspiring because I was surrounded by artisans and designers. There wasn't a replica booth in sight. Everyone was so nice and so down-to-earth and I left there on Saturday feeling so good about what I was doing, because there were so many other people doing what they loved, and sharing it with people who understood and appreciated handcrafted art and design.

The only downside is that I have to wait a whole year to do it again. Something else to look forward to, right? Hope you all had a fabulous weekend - I'll show you what I bought tomorrow!

And yet, another project.

 

As if I wasn't drowning in projects, yesterday I cast on something new. I can't divulge much because it's a gift, and the recipient sometimes visits here. Of course, this has been in the back of my mind for months, but a deadline looms and I thought it might be a quick knit. If I can keep up the pace I started with (we know how that goes, right?), it will be.

That's some delicious yarn up there, no? On the right, Manos del Uruguay, and on the left Feza Kid Mohair in two different colors. All knit together. Complete and totally yum.

It's perfect really, because the point I'm at with my refashion, I have to take a lot of breaks. Yes, there is beading involved, and it's tedious. I've decided I don't like beading. Of course, I'm going about it all wrong and in retrospect, could have made it much easier on myself.

I was planning to wear my refashion tomorrow at Artistic License Fair, but we're in the middle of another autumn heat wave, and it's going to be a million degrees out. Okay, not a million, but close. Actually, I think it's going to be beautiful and I'm really looking forward to it.

I was exceptionally excited to wear this because my tent will be next to my refashion hero of all time, LoriMarsha. Can you believe it? I mean, what are the odds? If you aren't familiar with LoriMarsha, you can see her here on Flickr, and on Etsy (she's closed the shop for the next 2 days, but check out her sold items). She's amazing. And I get to hang with her for two whole days!

Kelley is also going to be there, and we've decided (since it's a two-day) to have a slumber party and stay over Friday night. How fun will that be?

I have to leave super early tomorrow morning - so if you are in Orange County, and are looking for something to do - check out Artistic License Fair (Friday AND Saturday), at Estancia Park, 1900 Adams Ave., Costa Mesa. Good stuff.

Have a great weekend!

I'm working on something.

 

I'm not sewing any totes, and I'm not stuffing any liners. I'm working on a refashion, and I can't wait to show you.