NOT A PRIMARY COLOR

July 21, 2025

July Makes So Far

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Sewing | Klum House Fremont

I made another Fremont bag, this time using all Klum House waxed canvas. I made this set in 2020 using accent fabric I’d sourced on my own and boy has it stretched out. I also added that little initial tag between the handles, which made the zipper catch and the bag collapse in a weird way. The light colors of the set were risky and they definitely showed a lot of wear immediately. Ah, learning.

The only change I made to the exterior was to hem the pockets to the right side, taking inspiration from the hems on the Naito bucket bag. I like how the pocket contents don’t get caught on the hem ridge when I grab things.

This bag is quite roomy, so I wanted at least one more interior pocket to organize things. I added one to the front lining of the bag, totally forgetting that the one little rivet on the exterior would go through it. It worked out though, perfectly aligning with the stitch line. However, I may have punched right through these stitches, so there’s some risk it’ll come undone with wear.

The interior pockets were stitched on with two lines, the first at ⅛” and the second at ¼”. The instructions only include the ⅛” line, but on my first Fremont, I didn’t like how the raw edges of the pockets were just flapping around inside the pocket.

The only other modification I made was to add this very simple water bottle loop. Again, this bag is very roomy, so I wanted a way to keep things in place. It’s just a strip of fabric with two double fold hems, inserted into one side of the lining. To get the approximate size, I hemmed a long strip of fabric, wrapped it around the bottle adding a little bit of wiggle room, and finally seam allowance. I totally guessed the placement and ended up moving it a little lower after turning the bag right side out.

I love Klum House bags and kits, but they’ve made a significant change recently – kits no longer come with pre-cut fabric. I understand this change, but was pretty shocked and bummed to not be able to jump right to sewing after unpacking the kit. When I purchased this kit, I also bought the Slabtown in the same colorway (I want to replace the bag set mentioned above) but I have to build up motivation to cut out all the pieces out.

Ceramics | More Nerikomi

I wet sanded and glazed so many pieces last week. It’ll be a while before they’re fired, but I’m so excited to see how they turn out!

I also had a big fail after spending so much time making this flower log. The goal was to turn this slab into a plate, but the white clay was too dry to properly adhere to itself causing bubbles. At least I sort of improved my coil making technique in the process!

I was able to use some of the flowers to make a mug, so it wasn’t a total fail.

July 6, 2025

Coping With Crafts | June-ish 2025

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Sewing | Summer Outfit

I have been wearing this combo a lot lately. It’s perfect for gardening, dog walks, potting at the studio, and everywhere else.

I had a pair of thirfted shorteralls (I refuse to use the word shortalls) that I outgrew a few years ago and have been missing ever since. Then I saw True Bias’s Riley pattern and knew the white Carhartt denim in my stash would be a perfect combo. I’m also wearing a hacked Seamwork Orlando.

They came together pretty quickly and I excitedly used some vintage feed sack cotton for the pockets and tags. I especially love the back pocket detail.

I ordered some vintage French laundry initial tags a while ago and have slowly been adding them to my makes. They are a lot smaller than I thought they’d be, so I used some of the feed sack cotton again. I machine stitched this one on, but will hand sew all future tags because the P got a little obscured.

I LOVE this shirt. After making this version, I knew I needed another one. The denim is light weight, maybe 5 oz, and it’s the perfect layering piece. I changed the construction on the bottom placket edge a bit to reduce bulk.

I took a Procreate workshop a while back and decided my iPad needed a better travel case. This quilted fabric was originally going to be a wall hanging that sat unfinished in my stash for a few years.

Wildcraft workshop | Weave a Sunhat

Textile Indie teaches really fun and rewarding basketry classes at Wildcraft and this sunhat was my third workshop with her. I managed to take only a few process shots, all of which include me trying it on. The construction was way more complex than I thought it would be, but it was so much fun to try a more involved basketry project.

While this hat fits my giant melon and was woven pretty neatly, the shape is not quite right. It’s too square at the top and really accentuates my big head. I’m pondering ordering supplies and trying to make a more rounded one at home.

Glaze Fun

The pottery studio I have a membership at only has paint on glazes available, so I decided to turn these pots into “test tiles,” which made the process of glazing way more enjoyable. Three nerikomi pieces have made it through glaze firing. I’m waiting to share them once more are finished.

Knitting | Port Jacket by Ozetta, plus an oldie refashioned.

I started this jacket in January and have been slowly working on it, trying to manage hand and wrist pain. Most of it was knit using the Portugese knitting style where the yarn is held around your neck. I think my flat knitting tension is a lot more consistent with this technique. I want to focus on adding a few more cardigans to my wardrobe and now feel pretty confident they won’t have obvious knit and purl rows.

The way the button band is knit is straight up magic – how does this even work?! I really waffled on my button choice. I planned to use the vintage buttons on the left, but didn’t like the combo of dark brown yarn and yellowy wood. I bought these too big toggles (right) in New Zealand, which if they’d been like a 1/4″ smaller would have worked pretty well. Then I found these vintage dark brown buttons in my stash and loved the way they looked.

I just wove in the last end this morning and now the whole thing is drying. I’m hoping I’ll get to wear on chilly mornings this summer.

In other knitting news, I’m still working on this duplicate stitch project. I also redid the collar since I hated my first attempt. Here’s what it used to look like. A really kind fellow knitter fixed the shoulder I accidentally unpicked while trying to redo it. I could not make sense of the stitches, but she fixed it in a couple of minutes!

June 23, 2025July 21, 2025

Nerikomi Mugs, Plates & Art

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After months of “research” (watching videos and saving posts) I finally decided to just try it. I bought four colors of mason stain, carefully mixed them in my garage, and made my first mug. For future reference here’s what I used:

MA6600 – Best Black
MA6471 – Old Gold
MA6126 – Hazelnut Brown
MA6109 – Deep Brown

I mixed 5% of the wet clay body’s weight of stain into 3 lbs of clay. I chose 3 lbs because it felt like a manageable wedging amount. After mixing the black, I decided to bump it up to 10% for a more saturated color. White porcelain is generally recommended for mason stains, but Clay Art Center’s BC 6 fires to a creamy white and I was curious if it’d work. It’s also recommended to use the dry clay body’s weight, but I didn’t want to introduce more dust into this process.

This technique uses small balls of clay that are kinda pinched together and shaped. The handle is made with a “log” of balls and attached before trimming. The piece is then slowly dried to leather hard and trimmed inside and out. I learned the ball technique from here and here. Once bone dry, I used a sanding sponge to smooth everything out and crisp up the lines.

I also used the ball technique to make a small plate.

Once the first mug had survived the bisque, I felt ready to spend a little more time playing with patterns. I layered deep brown and unstained clay slabs to created these zebra lines.

You can be really ordered and precise with this process, but I actually really like not knowing how shapes will turn out when I’m a little sloppy. So many fun surprises happen when I just let go.

These plate forms were perfect for these slab experiments.

Nerikomi produces a lot of waste, so I wanted to try using leftovers to create a wall hanging similar to these beautiful things. I also tried making flowers, but there’s not enough contrast between the gray background and hazelnut brown petals. Some of the leftovers were really dry, so I really hope this thing stays together.

I haven’t glazed anything yet (only three things are bisqued), but I’m planning to use Mayco’s Stoneware Clear (fired to cone 6). One of the mason stains recommends using zinc glaze for best results. Fingers are crossed!

June 3, 2025July 6, 2025

Updated Sewing Machine Covers

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I decided to remake my sewing machine covers (here and here) for a couple of reasons. First, my serger didn’t have its own cover. Second, the current covers don’t fit well when the tables are on, meaning they either look silly or the tables are off and in the way. Third, I wanted them to all kind of coodinate, so I planned on using the same leftover bias tape for the piping for a through-line. And fourth, I had so much leftover canvas in my stash that needed to be used.

Serger Cover

The first cover I made was for my serger since the plastic one it came with was just sad. I hadn’t played with surface design in years but inspiration hit and I pulled out this old screen and just went for it. I used the free Closet Core patterns so I wouldn’t need to draft anything. I like how they have rounded edges, piping for some structure, and the sewing machine pattern has pockets, which would solve the issue of where to store the tables. I followed the instructions for the first cover, but the piping running all the way down the hem makes it really bulky so on all the others I ended the piping right before the hem line. I also added a pocket to the back since my serger has a detachable table.

B 530 Cover

After the successful serger cover, I decided to work on the one for my secondary sewing machine. Since the images in the CC tutorial showed the same machine as mine, I wrongly assumed I wouldn’t need to make any pattern adjustments. So without testing, I block printed the same design as the original cover and started assembling. I omitted the second pocket thinking that the free arm and table could just fit in the front pocket.

It came together quickly but the table did not fit in the pocket. Thankfully, it’s stretched out over the past couple weeks and now is just a very snug fit. But this didn’t happen before I made three frustrating mock-ups trying to find the right size before re-printing new fabric. A second pocket was added to balance out the weight of stored items.

Coverstitch Cover

After making the serger cover, I was able to check the fit of it on my coverstitch machine. The L-220 is a little smaller than the L-460, but the cover seemed to fit just fine. At this point, assembly was super fast, even with block printing, and there was no need for a pocket on this one.

This design is one of my favorites. It’s made up of four blocks and is really fun to print.

B 770 Cover

Then I hit a wall. I had used all the surface designs I’d already made into blocks (or screens), plus I’d need to adjust the pattern to fit the 770’s honker size. I made a few mockups and then decided that it would be easy enough to just shave off some length and re-attach a side if necessary. After flipping through an old sketchbook, I decided on a very simple square design. I opted to not print the main pattern piece since there wasn’t an easy way to ensure the surface design would line up neatly.

This one isn’t fully finished yet. The canvas seems like it’s growing, so I’m going to wait to finish the seam allowances and hem.

I’m really happy I decided to tackle this project. The covers look great, they coordinate well with the room, and I used up a lot of materials.

May 19, 2025July 21, 2025

May Update (plus some other months)

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It’s been a minute. I’ve still been making, but sharing feels kinda weird. Here’s some stuff that I’ve been busying my hands and mind with…

New Zealand Possum Scarf

A person holding a knitted swatch in olive green yarn, seated on a wooden surface with a patterned fabric in the background.

Close-up of knitted pieces in progress using olive green possum yarn on a patterned blanket.

While in New Zealand in March, I bought this possum yarn in the most perfect color. If you want to learn what the hell possum yarn is, here’s a pretty thorough blog post.

Graphite Ingrid Top

A person with curly hair smiles while sitting on a couch, gently petting a small, shaggy dog beside them.

A knitted black top with a textured pattern laid on a colorful patterned surface.

I finally finished this knitted top. Good grief, this pattern. You can read more about why it was such a slog to finish it here. Some additional notes on this pattern are that I redid the neckline picking up every 2 out of 3 sts instead of as instructed and used a different cast off method for both the neckline and hem. The first neckline attempt flipped out at the back and the thought of having to sew the entire hem this way made me want to light it on fire. I used a stretchy knit bind-off method from an Ozetta pattern instead.

Some Ceramics

A handmade ceramic mug with a textured, brown and yellow glaze, sitting on a wooden shelf among other pottery and colored pencils.

A green ceramic pot holding various art supplies like pencils and markers, placed next to other decorative pots on a wooden shelf.

A close-up of a textured orange ceramic mug held in a hand, with a patterned cushion and a colorful blanket in the background.

A handmade green ceramic mug filled with tea or coffee, sitting on a textured teal surface beside a patterned cushion.

I think I’m finally finding a rhythm at the pottery studio. I’ve made several mugs, pots, and bowls, all while using new-to-me clay bodies and paint-on glazes. I even made my first nerikomi project.

A pottery workspace featuring a wooden table with various clay materials, a bowl of black clay, a sketchbook with floral designs, and a digital scale.

A workspace featuring a small bowl made of grey clay filled with black powder, accompanied by a jar of liquid and a dropper, with additional clay objects in the background.

The studio I’m a member at doesn’t allow dry media like mason stains, so I had to do this in my garage with a respirator on. It was messy, but I’m definitely getting better at wedging!

A handmade ceramic mug with a patterned design, resting on a wooden surface beside a yellow sponge and tools for pottery, with plastic wrap in the background.

I’m really hoping this little nerikomi mug stays together as it dries. I also need to figure out how to clean it up a bit. The clay was really wet, so some of the black clay created a film on the unstained parts. This process was slow, but I’m really excited to explore this technique more!

I’ve been sewing a little too, but nothing is photographed 🙂

March 26, 2025June 3, 2025

Ceramics 🤝 Textiles

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A couple weeks ago, one of my favorite youtubers reached out to say she was using my 9-patch quilt as inspiration for an upcoming video. I LOVE HOW IT CAME OUT and I’m feeling inspired to start tackling my own tile project!

February 23, 2025February 23, 2025

Are vintage sewing tools better?

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I’ve had this set of Dritz pressing tools for close to a decade now. They’re fine – they make pressing things easier for sure, but they aren’t pretty, they’ve developed some hollows, and I’m pretty sure the plaid side is a pilling polyester blend (just looked it up and, yes it is).

After perusing Etsy and Ebay for vintage hams and sleeve rolls, I finally bought one of each and was pretty surprised when they showed up.

Firstly, the shape and size are different. These old things are significantly larger and rounder than their newer versions.

Secondly, they weigh more. They are super packed with filling and even at their age, show no hollows.

Thirdly, the materials seem to be of higher quality. The woolen side especially, feels like it’s made of all natural materials. There’s no pilling either.

And lastly, they just look nicer. I think if the newer versions were heftier and made from better materials, the appearance wouldn’t irk me as much, but now that I’ve seen what Dritz used to offer, they just look cheap.

February 22, 2025May 21, 2025

February Update

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Things feel dark as fuck, but I’m still making shit. I hope you are too.

A very stained shirt.

After years of flawless use, my go-to washable marker let me down. On a white shirt, no less. I also used the shittiest interfacing I have in my stash and it has not held up to the numerous stain remover and bleach baths this shirt has been subjected to.

It’s the Closet Core Jenna. It was worked on over a few months and I plan to make a light-ish weight denim version soon. I learned how to do the burrito method on cuffs and waistbands when I was taking patternmaking classes in Oakland, CA but had never tried it on a collar before. IT WORKS SO WELL!

My one pain point in the construction was hem gusset. There’s no way to stitch it down neatly. The white fabric is a little sheer, so there was no hiding that it doesn’t quite line up with the shirt hem. I took them off and I’m kinda mad about it.

A very big bag.

I’ve been toting a lot of things back and forth from the office. Several paper bags have ripped on me, so I made this huge tote out of this really fun Japanese fabric my husband bought me a few years ago. I added a lining too.

A very lumpy mug.

Who doesn’t want to press their lips against ceramic lumps? I’m not sure why I went with this texture, but I did. It kinda reminds me of a corn cob.

And another brown sweater.

I like what I like. Finally joined the fronts and back together – there’s only 7″ inches before I can start the ribbing.

February 1, 2025

Vertical Storage & Display

Last week in making.

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In an attempt to be productive while dissociating, I am prioritizing daily creative acts. And I’m going to try to document some of it too. Last week felt especially creative, so here’s what I did.

Fine Things Community Pottery Studio

I joined a brand new studio and successfully threw two pots! I feel really nervous not having the traditional support of a class, but I’m excited to explore some ideas outside of the scope of local classes. Here are the things I’m planning to work on:

Nerikomi patterned pieces (this technique excites me so much)
Tiles for my fireplace renovation
Chess set for my husband
Hand-built plates using MDF forms I eventually make
A tabletop lamp?

Painting Workshop

I attended a really lovely painting workshop taught by Allie Yacina at Happy Anyway. I am obsessed with sketchbook artwork and Allie has an incredible practice, some of which is currently on display at the shop. The morning consisted of creating color swatches using a primary palette, thumbnail sketches of a still life, and then a final painting. I left so inspired, I spent way too much money at the art store. Acrylic gouache is a fun medium and I learned just how creamy Caran d’Ache pencils are.

Cast on a New Sweater

In additional to just starting the Port Jacket, I learned the Portuguese knitting style. I wanted to try this method out because I read it can reduce hand pain and give you better purling tension. I’m not getting amazing results doing German short rows with this knitting style, but I’m hopeful it’ll get better with practice.

Shirt Sewing + A Weird New Shelf

And lastly, I made a lot of progress on this button up. All that’s left are the cuffs and buttonholes. I also bought and installed this so-hideous-it’s-kinda-cute towel rack that I’ve had my eyes on for months. I wanted something on the wall here where I could hang works in progress and in-use patterns. I also moved my small “design board” over to this wall too. It’s way easier to access now that it’s not behind a table. You can see I have quite a few outerwear projects planned!