It's been quite a ride. In an effort to use this space again, to blog regularly, and to write more, I've gone through and cleared out a ton of old posts. I still have them saved in draft form, but hopefully they've disappeared from the blog proper so that I have a clean slate to start over with.
I've left up a few posts, but mostly for posterity and to give background.
I graduated in 2013 with my MS in pharmaceutical sciences, struggled until February 2014 to find a job, started working as a clinical research coordinator (which proved to not be a terrific fit, but I suspected as much when I was hired), then my organization lost funding and I'm in the last few weeks at work before I'm downsized.
The really fantastic thing about my soon-to-be-past job is that it finally allowed me the time and money to pursue my hobbies - sewing and knitting - to an extent I've never been able to before. I've started producing clothes and knits that are more consistent with my personal style - and I've started incorporating more couture techniques into my sewing.
I bought a Brother 1034D serger on Black Friday last year, and I honestly have no idea how I lived without it. I've been sewing primarily knits lately with heavy emphasis on boxy tops, V-neck fitted tops, and pencil skirts.
My favorite pattern companies include Colette, Sewaholic, Grainline Studio, Megan Nielsen, and Papercut Patterns. I've thoroughly enjoyed the Perfect Pattern Parcel and the 8 Days A Week pattern collections that appeared last Fall.
One of my more recent challenges has been sewing bras - specifically the Cloth Habit Watson bra - though I'm planning to branch out into the Pin Up Girls pattern line soon. Sourcing materials has been the biggest hitch for me, since money is tight due to impending unemployment. I have the materials and patterns to start sewing athletic gear and I'm super excited to give that a shot - The Fehr Trade Duathalon shorts, the Surf to Summit stop, and Papercut's Ohhh La Leggings are all on the list.
I'm also in the process of piecing a quilt. It's the Crimson Cross pattern from the Little Bits Quilting Bee book. I'm in the process of assembling the blocks now - a few at a time after work.
As for knitting, I successfully knit something for nearly everyone on my list for Christmas this year, though I photographed nearly none of them. I'm currently working on a pair of Gemini Mittens (on Ravelry) for myself that are lavender on the outside and gray on the inside. I've also got a pair of Monkey socks on the needles, a pair of Toe-Up Guy socks on another set of needles, and a pair of Vestigial socks as well. I'm probably going to end up frogging the Vestigial socks though, since I don't think the yarn is well suited to the project (aka I have a ball of yarn I'd rather use for a pattern like that one).
It's been a desperately cold winter here in Ohio. We haven't gotten near the amount of snow we got last year, but the temperatures have been bitter and the wind has been awful. I've been bundling up in my warmest things and been matching up patterns with stash fabric and yarn to keep me busy. I seriously can't wait to finish these mittens - I've got half a thumb left to knit then they're done!
