My New Toy

First, did you guys know that I guest posted over at Sew.Craft.Create? Head on over to enter the giveaway of a Silly Monster or Silly Monster Pattern!

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Remember a few months back, when I complained about my sewing machine's tension not working? Well, lucky for me, my husband did. And when the tension went out for the third time (that he heard about it) last week, Jake decided it was time for a new machine. Plus, my birthday is at the end of the month, so it was a good excuse.

I don't know about you guys, but when it comes to spending a lot of money in one shot, I get a bit anxious. . . and I usually chicken out (which is going to make buying a house an absolute nightmare for me). I shopped around and ended up with this new beauty.

Even after testing it at the store and loving it, I ended up walking around the store aimlessly for a while, on the phone with my husband. He had to convince me to buy it. And then, when I got home, I wouldn't open the box for an hour or so. Don't get me wrong, I was SUPER EXCITED about it, I was just so afraid of it not being what I wanted and the trouble of having to take it back or something. . . am I crazy?

How appropriate is it that I ended up buying a machine from Singer's "Confidence" line?

I've only sewn a few small things on it, but plan to try it out on a new dress for me today and tomorrow. I also plan to spend some time just trying all these stitches! (Is 89 a dog? It is. . . it's a dog.)

With the limited amount I've used it, I already know that I love the automatic threader (my finger's on that below), and that there is a thread cutter on the machine. I can't wait to get to know this machine and sew lots of great things on it! Wish me luck!

Taking a Risk.

For some time now I have hoped to be as awesome as some of my favorite craft blogs and create and sell my own patterns. While I'm still working on my skills at making clothing patterns, I have discovered that I have a talent for making toy patterns. I know that it's unbecoming to compliment ones self, but I also know that it is a great thing to have confidence. And isn't that what this blog is all about? Giving confidence to try new things, at the risk of failure?

So, I've done it. Decided to take the plunge and start my own shop! Introducing:

I struggled with the name. I didn't like the long sound of "Craft with Confidence Shop". So after ruling out "The Smiling Shrub" (based on translations of the last name), and Jake's suggestion of "The Bookworm" (wa?), Jake asked me what "Vivian" meant. "Vivian" means "lively". Done and done.

It's not much to look at right now, with there only being one item for sell... but that brings me to my second announcement. Introducing:

I have made a PDF pattern. At the beginning of the day, I didn't know how to create a PDF file. After downloading several programs, bugging my BIL about it, and getting a bit frustrated, I finally figured out I could do it directly from my Word program. DOH!

I have to say, it's pretty awesome. Tons of pictures, same detailed step by step you are used to from my tutorials, easy to follow. Plus, I decided that I would include a Limited Production Licence with the pattern. You can make and sell up to 10 with the purchase of the pattern. If you want to sell more, we need to talk and do another agreement (and I need to figure out what to do. . . because I still have no idea what I'm doing here!!)

Eventually I will make sock items to sell, and more patterns. Slowly, slowly.

There you go. I'm diving in, just hoping and praying that I don't fail. I would love any feedback you might have on my shop, like what items you would like to see or . . . I don't know anything you have to say!

CONFIDENCE!!

(woah, that totally makes me think of Mad Eye in Harry Potter, "CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" and yes, I am a nerd)

Socks to Arm Warmers

You probably recognize these socks. When I make sock monkeys I usually like when the heel (that becomes the mouth) is a different color than the rest of the sock to help make it stand out. That's why the third pair in this set didn't make the cut.

So I found a different use for them. I mean, sure, I could have used them as socks; but where is the fun in that? Look at my new arm warmers!

After I showed these to Jake he asked me if I could make thumb holes in a few of his sweatshirts. . . More things for the project list.

Well? Do you want to make some?

Supplies:

• 1 pair socks
• basic sewing supplies

First step is to cut the thumb opening. I cut from one heel shaping seam to the other.

Slip the sock on your hand and figure out where you want to cut it. Mine ended up being about 4 inches from the toe.

You can just snip a little on the side instead of measuring, just be careful not to cut yourself!

Now you need to cut 1 1/2 inches from the removed toe portion. This will be used to make the cuffs.

From the cuff piece, cut off 1/4 of the length. The small piece is for the thumb and the rest for the fingers cuff.

*EDIT* After making a second pair, I have realized that the 1/4 piece is just too small! So I suggest cutting a second strip from the toe portion of the sock (1 1/2 in wide), then cut that in half and use the half for your thumb cuff. This will make the thumb cuff easier to sew and more comfortable to wear. Still cut 1/4 off of the first piece and use the 3/4 portion for the fingers cuff.

The thumb cuff is the toughest part of the process only because it is so small. 

With right sides facing, pin one end of the cuff on the inside corner of the thumb opening (next to the fingers opening). Next, pin the center of the cuff to the other corner of the thumb opening. Stretch the thumb opening out and pin in between the pins already there. Finish by pinning the other end back around by the inside corner and placing a last pin in between. You should end up with 5 pins.

Now you need to sew with the edge lining up with the edge of the pressure foot. Stretch as you go to make it as smooth as you can. It seems intimidating, but just go for it and it's easier than it looks.

Turn the sock inside out and pin down the side of the thumb cuff and sew as far down as you need to close off the opening.

Once it's sewn, poke a finger through the opening and fold the cuff down in half.

By hand, slip stitch the fold down. Don't pull the stitches too tight because the opening needs to stretch a bit when you use it.

The hardest part is done! It may feel a bit snug, just stretch it out a bit and it will fit.

To make the fingers cuff, fold the longer piece in half width wise right sides facing and sew along the short edge.

Once sewn fold it in length-wise in the circle with the wrong sides facing, matching raw edges.

Pin the cuff on the right side of the sock matching all three raw edges and sew on the edge of pressure foot.

Tuck the seam in and you're done! Repeat on the second sock.

Now go show off your new arm warmers!

Pulled up:

Or pushed down!

This would be awesome in argyle. Oh the possibilities!

No costumes yet. Halloween sewing to commence tonight!!

Cucumbers.

I thought you might like to see what happens when I leave the hubby in charge of getting a snack for the kids. 

Cucumbers anyone?

I have nothing against the kids eating cucumbers. I'm not a fan of them, but everyone else in the family loves them. I just think it might be better to have them at least sitting at the table...

And this is not the first time that I've discovered Hero on the floor eating a cucumber.Check this out from 2 years ago.

ahhh. he didn't even have all his teeth!

(Sorry for the lack of crafty inspiration. I'm working on a few things, one I'm hoping to have ready soon for you!)