From K - Travelux Pearl Sewing Hit List

Today I'm excited to introduce you to my new weekend getaway... my home away from home... my sweet little humble abode in the woods... The Travelux Pearl.

 

I literally sigh just saying those words out loud, I am SO excited! Three weeks ago we drove 2,000 km to pick this little pretty up and I've been smitten ever since. It's a 1972 ninteen foot Travelux trailer (the Canadian version of an Airstream).

The previous owner named this trailer 'the Beast' which seemed far from fitting for it's tiny silver stature. The instant the keys were ours, we renamed her the 'Travelux Pearl' to emphasize the true rarity of this trailer.

We've spent the last few weeks plotting and planning our trailer reno, and she's gonna get a total overhaul (we're talking GLAMper status people). While my hubby is busy wielding the woodworking tools, I've been writing out a sewing hit list (what you didn't think this post would be fabric/crafting free did you?!).

Here's my hit list so far:

• Constellations Bed Quilt;
• Hubby's Camping Quilt (special by request);
• Upholster new foam cushions;
• Sew and install curtains;
• Sew som throw pillows; and
• Make a puppy bed.

I've got a deadline of July 23rd to finish these projects so I better get a move on stat. If anyone has any glamper, camping or upholstery tips I am all ears! I'm jumping into the deep end with this one.

From A - Red Carpet Lady Skater Dress

In early March, or what feels like a lifetime ago, I was lucky enough to get a ticket to the Veronica Mars Movie premier and after party in New York. Not one to have already have a dress for such occasions, I decided to try making my own (partly because I am cheap and definitely because I hate shopping).

I wanted something that would be dressy enough for the premiere but casual enough that I might actually wear it again. Kitschy Coo's Lady Skater Dress in some black polka-dot knit fit the bill perfectly.

I dressed it up with a sequin belt that my grandmother bought me when I was about 8 years old and some fancy nylons I picked-up in the big apple. I even wore make-up. Overall, a passable red carpet outfit for about $35.

I literally got up at 4:00 in the morning to finish sewing the dress together before my 6:00 a.m. flight (which meant no muslin on this one). The fit is is a little looser than I would have liked but otherwise fantastic considering my recklessness.

Due to the last minute construction, I didn't have time to hem the dress before getting on the plane. Luckily this wasn't a problem with the knit fabric. The Mr. was relieved that we weren't going to miss our flight when I decided to skip it and very happy that the coverstitch machine wouldn't be joining us in NYC. I'm hoping to give my lady skater a nip/tuck plus hem treatment soon.

This pattern was quick and easy. The finished dress is lovely, comfortable and has now been fondled by the V-Mars cast, which makes it a definite winner. There are definitely more of these in my future (likely a peplum tee version in the next size down).

(And yes, the premiere was awesome...I even met Ira Glass. He is the coolest.)

From K - Directions Baby Quilt Top

When life gets crazy, I often find that the best solution to slow it down is to sit down at my Janome and sew. I'm not talking 'mandatory sewing to narrowly meet a looming deadline' sewing either. I'm talking about the type of sewing that is defined by not being defined at all. No plans, no limits, no rules - that is the type of sewing that stops time and stress and just gets me energized again.

A couple weeks ago I cleared my sewing space, removed all my WiPs from sight, and just sat down to sew. No real goal in mind, no real plan, just a charm pack of Simply Style and some Kona yardage.

I started by making half square triangles and ended when I had a quilt layout on my design wall that seemed fitting. Toss in some sashing and a border, and before I knew it, I had a baby quilt!

Amanda pointed out that the negetive space in this quilt resembles a north arrow from a map. It felt a bit ironic but still fitting to call this quilt 'Directions' as this quilt started with no direction, but then ended with one.

You win some, you lose some, and sometimes you just learn something. I definitely learned something in this quilt. I'm definitely seeing more of this laissez faire quilting style in my future.