Last Christmas, Santa was kinda enough to give me a really awesome new sewing machine. Although realistically, I probably didn’t need it (common I already had 4 others, even though they’re all hand-me-downs from Todd’s grandmas) and it would have never occurred to me to ask for it, apparently Santa felt I needed to resume sewing as a creative outlet.

I love this machine.

So naturally, it’s done nothing all year but collect dust while I’ve randomly collected fabric with no real project in mind. Last weekend I decided I needed a new skirt.

• Pattern: My own (I began with a standard a-line skirt pattern from McCall’s, and quickly deviated because I can’t follow a pattern to save my life)
• Fabric: Roughly 3/4 yard of batik fabric scored as a remnant, 2 king-size pillowcases with embroidery

I love this skirt. I realize repurposing pillow cases might seem a bit odd, but in truth, I’m lazy. I love embroidery, but didn’t want to spend days on this project. Embroidered pillowcases are much easier (and so much cheaper when on clearance for $5) for me to find than a pretty scalloped fabric or some sort of embroidered border.

There’s also another added benefit. You know how good it feels to get into bed with really nice high thread count sheets-especially in summer when it’s really hot and the cold cotton feels so good? Yeah, now imagine living 2 hours north of the Mexican border, complete with 110 degree weather and 80% humidity. Tell me that taking that super, nice, cold cotton feeling with you all day doesn’t sound good.

Does this animal look neglected to you?

Yeah, I didn’t think so either.

My puppy-bear is at the vet today having work done. I’m not sure I’ll be happy till she home again tonight.

To keep my mind occupied, I’m in the planning stages of a new sweater. Ever since the Kauni madness hit last year (do a search for Kauni on Flicker and see what I mean), I knew I’d have to make one. I just had a few issues to overcome:

• A complete lack of experience in stranded knitting
• Fear that this beautiful wool that cost me so much to ship from the Netherlands would be horrifically scratchy
• Fear of ruining said expensive beautiful wool by cutting for steeks
• Complete boredom with the pattern

So far, all obsticles have been over come with this swatch.