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Bobos in Paradise by David Brooks in 2010 explains the psychology behind this (and it's an entertaining read.) The gist of this is that aging hippies reconcile their wealth with their values by spending ridiculous amounts of money by justifying the social value of their purchases. So, for example, they don't just buy expensive tile for their gigantic new bathroom - they buy tile made by an indigenous people in the Amazon rainforest that can only be made under the light of a full moon. The guilt over lavish spending is assuaged because it supports these people and becomes its own status symbol. Retailers have of course noticed this and it explains a lot of the labeling and "stories" that marketers put together for a product. So, yes, it's just a freaking knitting pattern but it gives you an extra rationale to feel morally superior for buying *this* pattern.
Cashmerette's new book is already a best seller on Amazon just from pre-sales, it's not even out until October. Ahead of the Curve: Learn to Fit and Sew Amazing Clothes for Your Curves
I wanna like it, but sometimes her designs seem frumpy to me so I think I am going to wait to order a copy.
Very cute! Added to my liked patterns. There are seamed patterns out there, I'm exaggerating a little, but they're definitely far, far outnumbered by circular sweaters.
This is why I design my own patterns a lot of the time. The Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns is really, well, handy for this, since it breaks a lot of the math down for you based on gauge. If you want a design feature like a puffed sleeve or something you have to futz with it, but it's a good starting point.
I'm working on a massive art nouveau cross stitch this mucha 4 seasons print, if you're curious! which is a lot of fun but I'm realizing my standards for podcasts / listening material while stitching are... super high. So does anyone have any fave podcasts / audiobooks? I don't like spooky / crime stuff, i did like Limetown though, and the liturgists (back when it was good). I'd love to find some stitch n bitch kind of pods.
I knitted my first usable piece this weekend (a tiny hat via a Purl Soho pattern!) and wondered if I could ask the knitters what they think: would a kit like this be a good investment? (https://www.amazon.com/Circular-Knitting-Interchangeable-Patterns-Projects/dp/B07ZKK2DPW/ref=sr_1_8?crid=3CLY3J6GJ2793&dchild=1&keywords=circular+knitting+needles&qid=1611003288&sprefix=circular+knitting+%2Caps%2C199&sr=8-8)
I'm a little overwhelmed at the sizes/lengths of circular needles and I'm realizing just how few options I have available locally. Also, how much wiggle room do you have if a pattern says to use size 10.5 needles but you only have 10's and 11's on hand? Thanks for any help, I don't know anyone who knits in real life.
This book (10-20-30 Minutes to Sew) is from 1992 so it's dated but might be helpful with tips for dividing your sewing into small chunks. Full disclosure, I haven't read it myself, but I remember a friend of mine raving about it!
I love that he came out with a platonic one recently: Not Pounded By Anything - such an asexual ally! The man contains multitudes.
Whose Body? on Librivox is my go-to audiobook for practically anything! Librivox is basically Project Gutenberg for audiobooks, so there's lots of Wodehouse and Austen and other classics
Yoshiko Tsukiori new sewing pattern book for (Japanese) plus sizes 2L (B94, W78, H102) to 7L (B124, W103, H127, Height 160). Many of her previous books were translated into English, French, etc. so maybe this will be too. However her earlier plus size book did not make it abroad but was quite well reviewed in Japan. This new one has 32 patterns (including alternate views) plus 6 block-type basics all in her usual voluminous styles. I know there are a (very lol) few here who share my liking for this type of aesthetic so hope this is of interest.
Managed to finish my quilted Ayora jacket by sewing only 3 snaps instead of 4 lol Love the finished result (did several alterations for fit and preference) but next time I will bias bind the seams before assembly to save most of the hand work. Next time will be my wife's if we get time to muslin fit this weekend.
Before then, making my kid's Kiki's Delivery Service costume: just longer version of the cover dress from this Fu-Ko pattern book with ink blue brushed needlecord. Can use remnants for a red velvet hair bow and canvas satchel (perfect for storing treats). We already have a 'witchy' broom so the trickiest part may be making sure she doesn't take the cat along....
I don't have the right amount of yarns for any of the knitting projects I wanted to start, so just making more presents: mostly beanies (very popular this year) and some accessories using techniques from Anna Maltz' Marlisle book. As a sewist, it's so funny to see Marilla Walker modelling in that book, wearing some of her own sewing pattern samples.
Ohhhh. Maybe that is in our future. I typically make him speak at our Quilt Guild Meeting. He and his Dad (also a textile chemist) worked with Harriet Hargrove on her book, from Fiber to Fabric. https://www.amazon.com/Fiber-Fabric-Essential-Quiltmaking-Textiles/dp/1571200258/ref=nodl_?dplnkId=275c4b1d-2d36-4f54-ac3f-e48f79d837e9
My mum has the same problem so I got her this ergonomic handle you can use with standard crochet hooks
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004ALF72G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I've got a set of tool drawers that hold all my machine needles, feet, marking tools, bobbins maintenance tools etc , it's really good and doesn't take up much space
Holy crap, I cannot imagine spending more than $5 on a project bag. The ones I use rn is a free one I got for spending $100 at LYS and random cloth dust bags that came with some more expensive purchases.
The main bag I use to carry my stuff is a tote from Everlane that I bought on sale for $25 and a pencil case to carry my hooks. I used to keep my stitch marker boxes, a pattern keeper and a folder with other patterns + small notepad with gauges and notes. I swap out the individual muslin project bags depending on what I want to work on that day. I have some more of those bags in my amazon list in case I need more and they're less than $2 per bag. They're not super cute but if I wanted something more I'd rather sew some myself before paying purse prices for project bags
This electric seam ripperelectric seam ripper is the same as this pet hair trimmer.
Hardware stores are a haven for cross use tools and exposing how overpriced hobby stuff is. The first time I saw a nice, wide wooden seam roller, perfect for flattening while ironing, was at my local hardware store in the tile/wallpaper placing aisle for I wanna say $3.87? No more than six bucks.
Here's the brand name (and imho much shoddier looking) version. $16. There's a plastic one from Singer for $10.99 but both options are online only.
Chart holders, like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Knit-Picks-Knitting-Chart-Keeper/dp/B00I4D81TC
Super easy to diy and you can even get one that actually fits a whole A4 paper! It costs over 20€ here, the one I made cost me about 7€
If you're on Android mobile, the go to rec is Firefox with uBlock origins personally but I like Kiwi Browser more. It allows for chrome extensions which makes it a thousand times more useful for me than Firefox Mobile in its current state. Auto redirects amp links to normal ones as well.
Does anyone have recs for a fabric hammer I can use for whacking at bulky seams instead of my clapper? My clapper is a combination point turner/sleeve board/clapper and when I whack bulky seams with the end, it's kinda dislodging the wooden parts from each other, if that makes any sense.
Should I look for a hammer used in leatherwork? I don't want something too heavy/industrial, just something that's...not part of a bigger tool, hahaha, and preferably not made of wood. Would something like this work, do you think?
Hi, sorry to add on to this days later, but this book focuses on using shapes to create garments - https://www.amazon.com/No-Patterns-Needed-Couture-Simple/dp/1780678282/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ZDZT8A11WO8C&keywords=rosie+martin&qid=1657419944&sprefix=rosie+martin%2Caps%2C82&sr=8-1
The other book by the author, DIY Couture, is also focused on drafting but isn't as shape-focused. It's still very good!
I appreciate the hustle, but get this book from the library: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1596684836/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_NCH5BJWCEZRVHW3WV33G?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1.
Do the math, write it out, and go.
Someone should come out with a pattern for Borat's bathing suit (this, if you haven't seen the movie, link NSFW-ish) with Icelandic Lopi as the suggested yarn. That would be super manly.
For along-the-wall storage for lighter things, those snap-together wire cube shelves can be super handy because of how configurable they are--there are some decent ones that offer something like 16 cube configurations for $60. There's all kind of inserts you can use with them, but they are a pain to assemble.
For carpet protection, there are things like (craft/splat mats)<https://www.amazon.com/WOMUMON-Washable-Waterproof-Anti-Slip-Protector/dp/B0823M9GPB> with rubberized surfaces to avoid slippage. Some kinds of (pet blankets/rugs)<https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CF2SDVS> may also work, but generally you'd not find a solution under $20-30 for a partial area. Plastic protectors also exist. I would avoid using drop cloths in the long term because they are a slip hazard and be careful about thrift store finds for soft goods because they can be really difficult to clean.
Else, whatever fits from the thrift store or garage sales. Folding tables, like for camping, can be really handy for smaller spaces but are also not the most stable--the the extent that I almost prefer to work on a hard surface on the ground. For permanent tables, ones that can adjust their height easily are really worth it.
Oh if you want fancy fancy rape measures, here's one on amazon for nearly £60...
I made the mistake of click something and adverts for stuff like this were following me around for quite a while...
The best book I bought to learn socks is Getting Started Knitting Socks by Ann Budd.
It is ideal for visual learners. Every step to knitting socks is shown. There are patterns for basic socks written for different gauges and yarn weights. I bought it in print back in 2007. After I bought a smart phone I got the Kindle version. It’s handy having the book on my phone for when knitting socks when traveling.
Yeah, a gel crayon…. these are the ones I got, which was why I mentioned them in “things people look for on Amazon list” Bible Highlighters
Oh I love EPP! I can’t do it without a leather thimble on my ring finger and silicone finger tip grips on my thumb and pointer finger. They make sewing the tiny pieces so much more comfortable and fast! I use an off brand version of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OSP7J3O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_JJ6NZ311G1MCFPJQHNPS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I got this book recently and found it to offer a pretty comprehensive overview of what style elements are flattering for different figure features. It also totally gives me a “Color Me Beautiful” vibe.
It's a Toyota Oekaki Renaissance - don't think it's made any more, but here's a link. I also got the quilting table add on, which makes it a lot more practical for a lot of stuff, but doesn't look quite as good lol.
They did it in quite a few colours.
Single ply is a common thing that is not roving. Examples include chroma from Knitpicks. Even Lion Brand roving is a single ply.
Roving is stuff like this; https://www.amazon.com/MOMODA-Colors-Felting-Spinning-Materials/dp/B071LTSBV2/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=pencil+roving&qid=1643738299&sr=8-4 There is no twist to keep the fiber together.
I have a sweater drying rack (like this https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B010AKLH38/ref=cm_sw_r_apanp_PZgQeV6X7tw93) that at least in my small place fits (carefully balanced) over the tub to solve for that problem.
Maybe a book for beginners that has some variety? I love my DK sewing books- I've not made any of the patterns because I wanted them more as references, but there are a lot of choices for patterns & projects.
I have the Colonial dual sharpenerColonial dual sharpener . It won’t take a nick out of the blade, but it will sharpen quite nicely. I put a mark on my blades each time I sharpen them (with a sharpie) so I know how many times I’ve done it. After 3-4 times, it isn’t strong enough to sharpen more. I have a Gingher whetstone that will also work (and will sharpen forever), but it’s hard to use on the curved surface.
No, it was a kit for that kind of tiny baking! Much more satisfying than EasyBake, honestly, because EasyBake used mixes and took ages to cook. We got this kit and so far she has made peanut butter cookies, a chocolate layer cake (with buttercream frosting) and today the cupcakes. She's nine, and she doesn't need me to do much of anything besides beat the egg and get the pan out of the oven, so I count it as an enormous success.
I wouldn't want to watch a video of the process though :)
I rather like 1866 for the Chanel-inspired jacket vibe. I've been wanting to make a Chanel jacket for an age (what was it, about a decade ago when they were all the rage in the home-sewing community?), but haven't gotten around to it. I've pretty much got all of the fabrics and notions (except the chain to weight the hem), and a variety of patterns to choose from, including Claire Shaeffer's Couture Cardigan Jacket book and her pattern (wherein she shows how to make the distinctive Chanel three-piece sleeve). Dunno. Maybe I should make that my big project for the year (assuming I ever get my sewing room squared away -- we moved 14 months ago and it's still inundated with boxes which need to go elsewhere, which has been held up by bathroom renovations). OTOH, I'm desperate for new basics, so ... meh.
My boyfriend got me this Panasonic 360 iron for Christmas and I freaking love it. It is cordless which makes it very easy to use. The base heats it back up which I think makes it safer since it slowly cools when off the base. It auto shuts itself off after a certain amount of time but it only makes a subtly clicking noise when turning off.
The manual says to use tap water. To fill it with water, you slide off the water part from the iron part which is pretty cool for me. I keep the iron part heating up on the base while refilling the water part. The base has a lid too so you can carry it if needed. The iron is smaller than a lot of other brands which I like for my small hands.
I have used it on jersey, quilting cotton, canvas, and flannel and it worked great on all of it.
Regret purchase…investing so much money time after time in Rowenta irons. I used to replace them every year. Stopped buying Rowenta because they leaked like a sieve. I have been using a Black & Decker for 6 years.
Best time saving purchase: heated ironing board. Reliable Ironing Board A considerable investment, yes. However if you do a lot of sewing with slippery fabrics, the vacuum is like a third hand. The heated surface also makes pressing finishes crisper. There may be cheaper places to purchase this than Amazon. I bought mine 10 years ago when I was designing and making bridal veils.
This is the one I got: https://www.amazon.com/INTAJ-Rosewood-Yarn-Winder-Handcrafted/dp/B08P5NTTVS/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?crid=1ILQ20WN5NR8V&keywords=yarn+winder&qid=1642533055&sprefix=yarn+%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-6
My plastic knot picks one works better!
The wooden one I have will not stay attached to my table!
It may just be a general problem? Not sure. This is the type I just got: https://www.amazon.com/INTAJ-Rosewood-Yarn-Winder-Handcrafted/dp/B08P5NTTVS/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?crid=1ILQ20WN5NR8V&keywords=yarn+winder&qid=1642533055&sprefix=yarn+%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-6
Agreed! I prioritize having purses / totes bags that are knitting compatible (that is: large + no zippers / velcro to snag yarn on) and having simple cotton drawstring bags or ziploc that I can throw into them. I'm not into fancy project bags.
My favorite knitting book is the Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible, and I use it a lot!
So sorry to hear about your home situation!
Here are my most used tools, but I do mostly garment sewing, so I don’t know if this stuff would apply to you:
A sewing extension table for my main machine.
Clover magnetic wrist pin caddy. I don’t typically wear it—it sits on my machine, but I can simply slide pins in the general direction and they will snap onto it.
Fine silk pins (I started using these for everything years ago and never looked back).
Schmetzneedles in bulk. (Cheaper, and I don’t have to run out all the time for needles).
A set of good acrylic ruler and guides, especially a hip guide.
A good set of pattern weights.
A large kitchen island as a workstation—mine is from IKEA (but discontinued). It has four huge drawers where I store patterns, thread, notions, etc, so that everything is both tucked away and right where I need it. Love it and will never get rid of it.
Odds and ends that I love and use all the time: Buttonhole cutter, simflex sewing gauge, leather hole punch, snap setter, and a huge assortment of sewing feet.
I don’t own, but would love a huge custom cut cutting mat that would fit my kitchen island in the exact size I need.
In the past I’ve owned an adjustable dress mannequin that didn’t get a ton of use and took up a lot of room. I might consider another one in the future, but only a really nice one that is weighted correctly and doesn’t fall over when you look at it wrong.
Sure - it's the binder that acts as the cover to this book: Deluxe Wedding Planner & Organizer: Everything You Need to Create the Wedding of Your Dreams.
Further down the page, the product info tells you that the binder measures 11.4 x 2.5 x 12.4 inches. The interior pages, folders etc are all 9 x 12 inches so they hang out of a standard binder.
I'm open to fixing this binder, but the covers hang cockeyed. When it's closed one corner sloughs sideways and at an angle from the spine and other cover. My guess is it was squooshed in one position too long, but so far smooshing it the opposite way doesn't stick.
Honestly if you want to learn basic flat-pattern drafting, there are a ton of great books out there with all the information you'll want. I used this one when I was getting started and liked it, but there are others. If you're anywhere close to a city, most larger libraries are going to have at least one pattern-making book in their collection. If you live close to a university with a costuming or fashion major, that library will likely have a wider array of resources. Bonus: free or very low cost compared to one of these online courses.
What I use is these so calling them balls makes sense. They are actually much more common where I live and the skeins I see others using are more used in pre-made kits. Also a fun part of "US vs us", the DMC numbers are kinda useless since we have a different number system.
I found a version for sale on Amazon, but you might try Etsy? Here's the link for where I found my copy but it's unavailable right now.
Did you happen to read about it in "Couture Sewing Techniques" by Claire Schaeffer? It had great tips for shrinking wool plaid or patterned fabric, so that there wasn't any interruption of the design. That's where I got the idea to steam-shrink wool in both knitted and sewn clothing.
I have the older edition of this book, but it's an amazing resource nonetheless:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1600853358/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_2D8E2M36AX9B7XHSAJ6V
>had to balance my phone on a spinny chair with books on top
I feel this. I used to have my step ladder on top of my bathroom sink and my phone propped up with my soap dispenser on one of the steps aimed at my bedroom. I got this tripod and it made documenting my projects 1000x easier and more enjoyable.. I also found a good spot in my living room after I moved some plants outside for summer. Unfortunately I have no idea what to do with this enormous monstera plant that has to come in now that it's colder. I'm not willing to give up my posing spot for it.
I made a bunch of similar things because my hair can get super tangled from like, existing, and they massively help with that, especially overnight (satin pillow not doing it). The "pattern" I "used" (i.e. got the extremely basic shape from and then gave up trying to follow and just made the rest up as I went) called it a bonnet. Image search also threw up 'sleep cap' and 'sleep sock'.
https://www.amazon.com.au/Awefeel-Jumbo-Night-Braids-Bonnet/dp/B07Y7V5Q6M/ closed end
https://www.gentlemane.co/listing/607545014/braids-and-locs-satin-bonnetsleeping-cap open end
The difference seems solely to be 'these are for sleeping in to protect hair' and 'these are for wearing outside'.
May I interest you in these zippery things that you just need to iron down? As long as you cut the strip the right width, it will make the perfect bias tape!
The Reader's Digest Guide to Sewing, any edition, is good. You can buy an older edition for very little money. They are encyclopedic. I own a lot of sewing books because I enjoy buying them, but so many times I've realized that all the information is in the Reader's Digest Guide. I have an older edition from 1990. A newer edition I leafed through in the bookstore was a bit more project-oriented, but still seemed to contain the same basic information.
Alison Smith's The Sewing Book is good and looks attractive. It's published by DK. I own another sewing book from them and their books tend to be well done with lots of clear photographs.
from her website: > the career I looked forward to most was that of being a mother like Lilian Gilbreth of Cheaper by the Dozen fame
Lilian Gilbreth was an amazing woman who I respect tremendously, but she was also a feminist and the furthest thing from a capable housewife. She worked outside the home and hired help to do chores and cooking and child-minding.
more here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lillian_Moller_Gilbreth or here: https://www.amazon.com/Secret-History-Home-Economics-Trailblazing/dp/1324004495
Behold! Granted, it's all cheap Chinese knock-off brands with poly cotton thread but....it's great for when you really just need to get that one little seam done QUICKLY before work because you once again forgot to mend your favorite blouse and are already running late. ;-)
Famous Frocks little black dress is a book full of them: https://www.amazon.com.au/Famous-Frocks-Patterns-Garments-Inspired/dp/1452123659
Or in wovens, something like V1208 (bias cut), V1593 (seen on sewing bee this year), V8808 / V9373. Knits, kwik sew 4026, McCall’s 7653, New look 6206, or V1250?
Depends exactly what you see when you say little black dress of course! :-)
1/4" foot is absolutely worth it (they're generally fairly inexpensive as well). That having been said, I did quilt for years without one and just taped a 1/4" line on my machine instead, so if a 1/4" foot is prohibitively expensive for your machine, you can do without.
What ruler do you currently have? I have this creative grids ruler that I use for 99% of things - I like that it doesn't slip around and it has diagonal lines for squaring up HSTs.
If you aren't already, starching/pressing your seams (and then squaring up as needed) makes a huge difference, especially if you're doing a flying geese method that involves sewing/cutting on the bias
That's awful, I'm sorry! Would your set up allow for one of these desktop cutting mat/ironing board combos? Mine is a godsend when my sciatica is flaring up. Obviously it won't work for handling yardage, but for scraps and pre-cuts, it's perfect
oh hey, that's me! thanks :)
I love Sarah Veblen's Complete Photo Guide to Perfect Fitting - the photos are really well-lit and clear, which I appreciate because I always have trouble visualizing draglines in illustrations. I'm also investigating Fitting and Pattern Alteration (mentioned elsewhere on this post I think?) so far, I'm finding it incredibly comprehensive.
otherwise, just straight up muslining and trial and error. good luck!
One of my favorite and very comprehensive fitting books has an introductory section on the selecting flattering styles. It tells you start with the usually recommendations for your shape, for example, A-lines for pear shapes, but suggests that you get better at fitting you will have a better of idea of less-typical styles that will work with modifications.
So I found a tonne of heated towel racks but only a few clothing racks. Like this https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Reader-ECDRY-SIL-Stainless-Foldable/dp/B07H9LYXBK/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=heated+clothes+drying+rack&qid=1598756789&sprefix=heated+clothes&sr=8-4
How do you dry a full load of laundry though? Genuinely curious always trying to use less resources :)
One of these "Seams Right" doohickeys -- a different measurement on each side. I use it all the time, but it is especially good for hand-basting when you want to get close to the seam line but not directly on it.
I also agree with toiledunord about clear rulers -- can't live without those!
I haven't done much of a price comparison search, but the cynic in me says that there are sellers that are going to fully exploit this and charge extra to those who can't figure out to search for tea/dish/kitchen towel and are only searching for terms like unpaper or reusable paper towel.
The ad for this one feels like a parody: https://www.amazon.com/Washable-Reusable-Eco-friendly-Paperfree-Alternative/dp/B07G376745
After three terrible irons (tfal, kept getting replacements) I got one called “Beautural” on Amazon. I swear it is soooo good. I love it! I had to go back to a cheap iron at work (but really a same-priced crappy one(another tfal with a broken steam button of course)) and it sucks. The Beautural is so heavy and so good at steam. I like it more than the Rowenta I borrowed from a friend! I think I might buy their steamer because I hate ironing clothes, but this thing is the best for pressing!