Japanese Dress Books

Since starting to sew about a year ago, I've admired Japanese Dress Books for their simple, pretty aesthetic.  My interest was piqued after seeing some finished projects made from patterns in these lovely books, so I bought myself a couple.

For a long time, I was intimidated.  Written entirely in Japanese, I couldn't possibly see how anything I might make from these books would turn out the way it was supposed to.  So, I would pull the books, flip through them, bookmark projects ... and then put them back on the shelf.

And then, one day in my post-Christmas, pre-week long work excursion madness, I pulled Stylish Dress Book off the shelf, and with the help of label-free started tracing out my pattern.

Working with Japanese dress books is shockingly easy. The diagrams are super clear, and working through them was a snap.  My tunic isn't perfect, but I'm pleased with it as a first attempt at working from a foreign-language pattern. I particularly like the mis-matched buttons, some of which came from my grandmother's collection.

Now, if I could just get my sizing right ...

Flannel + Lace = Cozy Goodness

I confess: I love pyjamas. If it was acceptable to wear them everywhere, I absolutely would without a second thought.  (A quick side-note: if you're one of those people who insists on wearing pyjamas to the grocery store, stop.  I'm telling you as a friend. Really.)

Anyway, when Anna Maria Horner's Folksy Flannel collection landed at my favourite crafty shop, the workroom, I knew that I had to make something.  My first instinct was, of course, pj's.  But wait!  What if there was something made of flannel I could wear to the grocery store?  What if it had ... lace?

I decided on a new scarf. It came together surprisingly well (no seam ripper required) and I think it showcases the pretty prints nicely.  In fact, I liked my new scarf so much I made my sister one, too.  Scarves are so much better extra long, and my new Folksy Flannel scarf is no exception.

My new scarf is so delightfully cozy and warm, like a mug of hot chocolate after making snowmen.  And perfectly appropriate for strolling in public.

And if I close my eyes, it's just like wearing pyjamas.

It's a Dog's Life

This is Gordon. He likes to sleep. A lot.

That's all.

A New Year

What does one write about on a blog? I've struggled with this for a week now since making the decision to embark on this journey. After much consideration, I thought I would start with a posting about my most imperfect, sad (?) looking project thus far. You see, I'm a perfectionist, both at heart and by trade. So, when I one day decided to try my hand at free-style embroidery (on a train, no less) ... well, you can see the results for yourself.

But, you know what? I think I love it. Sure, everything is out of proportion and the flowers don't really look like flowers. There are worse things. Right? Anyway, I think I love it, because to me it's the start of loving my imperfect, perfect life. Maybe that's what this blog will be about. That, and all sorts of crafty fun. (Does it count if I point out the project above is still unfinished? Hmm. I see what you're saying: it isn't very un-perfectionist of me, is it?)

Because it's a new year, I thought I might start with new year's resolutions. My sister suggested I make it a resolution to post here once a week. It's a good one, so I'll start there. Also:

*Don't worry so much. About anything. But especially small things that I can't control, and probably don't matter anyway.

*Be nicer to everyone. Including myself.

*Be better at staying in touch. Boy, am I bad at this. Really, really bad. 2010 will be better.

*Don't use this blog to rant about politics. I'll try my best, but I'm not making any promises on this one.

Do you have any new year's resolutions?