Warm Fuzzies

Infinity Gown

A couple weeks ago, I used a sewing machine to sew a dress for a black-tie event that I would be attending...my first attempt at machine-sewing a garment, ever. I didn't want to make anything too complicated - I just wanted something simple and practical, yet elegant. I've had my eye on the infinity dress (pure genius) for a while now, and after seeing the very attractive results of a few other talented ladies, I decided to take the plunge and try my hand at making one for myself. I purchased extra fabric in case there were any mishaps. Of course, there was also a "Plan B" already hanging in my closet (who cares if I've already worn it before?) in case things the sewing gods really had it in for me.

I first used this instructable to make a floor-length A-line skirt. I was already aware that there was very little floor space available in my apartment, but this project really drove it home. It's a really big challenge to get fabric to lie flat when it's on top of a bed. But I somehow managed, and cut out the pieces. I sewed the pieces together, and due to the interest of time, did not finish any of the seams. If I could do it all over again, I would have taken the extra time to make the inside of the dress look as good as the outside. I did not bother making the waistband in the tutorial, opting to sew the waistband and shoulder straps to the skirt in one go. Next time, I think I will first finish the skirt with the waistband, and then attach the straps - just so the dress looks as well-assembled off as it does when it's on.

Sewing the dress was a breeze, and I spent some time playing with the shoulder straps and tying them in different ways. I love how the length of the straps allows for many different styles. Although the dress was less than perfect, it looked pretty darn good on, if I do say so myself.

At the last minute, I decided that I needed to put something in my hair.  I used fabric scraps to make little flower hairpins, which took all of 5 minutes.  I don't really have a good photograph, but you get the idea.

mmm...Pizza...and Cheese-kun

I have an unhealthy obsession with manga and anime.  I find the artwork fascinating, the stories thrilling, and the authors brilliant.  It’s always been a guilty pleasure of mine.  I recently finished watching Code Geass, and enjoyed it thoroughly, especially the first season.  Imagine my pleasure when I found this pattern for Cheese-Kun (Pizza Hut’s mascot in Japan, who makes a couple appearances in the animation).  I wasted no time diving into the project.

When I was 80% finished with crocheting my very own Cheese-Kun, I ran out of yarn.  To quote Kurtz, "The horror, the horror."  I actually purchased the yarn on clearance from my LYS, which unfortunately, did not have any left when I returned with the hopes of purchasing another ball to finish my project. (darn!) I was, however, able to find the same color in a cashmere-blend, and decided that the dyes matched well enough to make the purchase.  So that's how Cheese-Kun gained a bit of upper-class flair.  After stitching on a face and stuffing him, I looked at Cheese-Kun, and he looked at me. He was missing something.

I stopped by a Pizza Hut after work and sweet talked the pizza boy into giving me an empty Personal Pan Pizza box. I placed my Cheese-Kun next to the box. Hmm, still missing something. The pizza box felt...empty. So I knit a pizza slice to fill it.

And with that, my Cheese-Kun was complete. You see how happy he is?

I’m having a bit of trouble finding a place to display him, though. Wherever I put him and his entourage, they look out of place. Oh well, the space by my woefully neglected sewing machine will have to do.