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Keychain: Weaving Within Reach

Posted by Anna Graham
September 20, 2018
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So this is a fun little project I just couldn’t resist. Leather and weaving? Count me in! When Anne emailed me I knew I couldn’t say no. Anne is an amazing creative and her newest book, Weaving Within Reach, just came out. If you remember earlier this year, I finished my arm knitting pillow, which was a project in Anne’s other book: Knitting Without Needles. So I knew from that experience that her books are beautifully put together and the projects are fun! I’d never really done any weaving before except the paper kind and maybe a moment or two in the 90s during Girl Scouts, but I was eager to jump in.

I thought that I would have a hard time sourcing materials, but I was super happy when I realized a couple of the projects that caught my eye had easily accessible materials. I stopped into Michaels over the weekend and picked up what I needed. Love that when one shop has everything you need!

This lanyard/keychain took hardly any time at all. I was worried I might get confused and end up with a knotted mess, but nope! I think this ended up being one of those super satisfying projects that goes off without a hitch. My kids are even asking to make one now! I’m very excited about putting mine to use, I just love the texture. I grabbed a split keyring and a trigger clip from my hardware stash (yes, that’s a thing, ha!). Times like these it comes in very handy. I think in total it took me less than 45 minutes to make one.

Honestly, I wasn’t sure how a beginner like me would do with this book, but it’s perfect! Anne has the projects broken down into types of weaving – simpler to more complicated AND she has the approximate time to complete which I found super helpful not knowing much about the time commitment a project might take. I think this would make a gorgeous gift for a crafty friend, you could even plan it out and make things together as a sort of craft night! It’s beautifully laid out and there are tons of step by step pictures. Go for it!!!

My next project I’m going to make from the book is the Twine Glass Sleeves. I think I’ll make mine into a vase, but I wanted to grab the perfect glass so I wasn’t robbing one from our cupboard. I already have the twine, too, which is exciting!

* I was given Weaving Within Reach book and these are my honest opinions.

sewing

Forage Kalle Shirtdress

Posted by Anna Graham
September 14, 2018
3 comments

I so enjoyed making this Kalle Shirtdress. It was actually my first time sewing a Closet Case Patterns pattern, even though I’ve bought a few throughout the years, I had yet to make one! It feels good! I absolutely love the style of this shirt. There are enough special details that make it feel fun and fresh while being a classic pop over that I know I’ll be wearing a ton.

The Essex washed up beautifully as expected and I think it’s a perfect pairing for a top like this. The cotton/linen blend is so comfy and I feel like it made sewing this top a breeze. This is the Direction print from my collection for Robert Kaufman, called Forage. I love the subtle print and I think it feels like just the right scale for a garment. I used Interweave Chambray (in Denim) for the facings, and I love the subtle touch it adds, enough that I know it’s there and makes it a really special detail that you can’t find in a store.

I did add an inch and a half to the length of the top, but I think I could have gone at least another inch (for next time! and there will be a next time!). The top is cropped, but I have yet to find a high waisted jean that I like – working on it and maybe I’ll even make a pair! But I think it’s a must have for this cropped version, I just love it!!! The hem is so good and I love the button placket and collar. All the details really make it feel so pro.

Pattern: Kalle Shirtdress (View B with cropped length) with 1.5″ added length, by Closet Case Patterns
Fabric: Forage (by me!) for Robert Kaufman Fabrics, facings are Interweave Chambray in Denim (I could only find some at fabric.com, if you know of another shop that has some let me know and I’ll link them here, it’s been one of my favorite chambrays for years)

sewing

Forage Minimalist Wallets

Posted by Anna Graham
September 7, 2018
5 comments

Forage Minimalist Wallets - Noodlehead Of course I had to make some Minimalist Wallets using my new fabric collection, Forage. I love that they use up very little fabric (and I’ve even seen so many using different combinations of fabric for the different cuts) that there seems like an endless amount of combinations. I think that’s one reason I love sewing so much, one project can be sewn in so many fabrics for an infinite number of possibilities!