Tuesday, February 11, 2014

V-Day Giveaway 2014


Last week, that flying squirrel appeared from nowhere, and squeaked at me "Give it away!" all after one year. By that I realized V-day was coming around the corner and I had to be ready for another giveaway announcement before too late (I was late in the last year, but it was the squirrel's fault).

In case you are not familiar with this habit of my blog, I tell you that throwing Valentine giveaway posts is the only and the most important annual project in this tiny blog. This year, I made a small pouch and stuffed it with some sewing-related miscellaneous goodies as the giveaway prize. If you are interested in winning the prize, please leave your comment here and also share your story of your current project(s) with us if there is any! I'll pick up one winner after closing the comment section and let you know the winner's name in the next blog post. I hope you are going to enter the draw and enjoy the game.


A handmade pouch.
I printed one of my favorite photographs that I took in the last year for my other blog "photo maisonette" on a cotton fabric, and sewed a small pouch with the fabric. It is a palm-sized simple pouch and the print is of course water proof (I mean, washable). Zipper opening applied, silk dupioni lined, lightly padded. I met the cat in the forest. It is a cute thing and I hope it is enough photogenic to everyone.





Stuffings
1. My favorite "Kinkame Beauty" threads in two colors (salmon pink and grass green).
Do you have particular brand of threads of your favorite? I love these and I cannot replace them with other brands. They're plainly some polyester threads, though, they're made from continuous(longer) filaments of polyester fibers and have a different texture from the ones the common spun threads have. Spun threads are usually made from staple(shorter) fibers and are less lustrous than these "core threads (single core wrapped around by longer filamentous fiber, I guess)". So far as I feel, they make seams suppler and slinkier, and thus the feminine garments get better looks with them. I know most of you don't believe me, because many didn't. But if you're interested, please take a chance and enter the draw to get them and see how you think.

2. Pre-printed tiny stickers for piece identification.
You always do put those label kind of stickers on your pieces after cutting, don't you. I know you do. And I do too. Until recently I was using those common little dots in different colors for identifying pieces and sides after cutting pieces. But now I'm using self-printed Right/Left Front/Back etc labels too, because I'm too lazy to write words in them every time I need. I put some sheets of my labels in the pouch too. By the way, don't forget to take off all the printed labels before going out in your new garment. It is slightly worse than having a tiny round yellow dot in your back of the right sleeve ;)

3. Japanese Double Gauze Handkerchief
The last one is a small piece of handkerchief with a print of hand stitches, which is made of double gauze. It is particularly useful for covering small pieces of delicate fashion fabrics while ironing and fusing interfacings. I always have one of them on my sewing table when I work on my projects, and usually finish each sewing session by wiping all over with it for cleaning fluff stuff around the space. And then all I have to do is throwing it into the laundry bin. Easy!





***Please read***
Anyone who is interested in winning the prize, please leave your comment below! Your story of current project(s) in the comment will be much appreciated(I love your stories). I am going to close the comment box at noon on 17th(JST=UTC+9) February (Mon) and will pick one winner by random drawing. Anybody in any area on our planet can be involved in this draw. You don't particularly need to disclose your e-mail address to me for entering the draw, however, please do not forget to leave your name, otherwise you may not be included in the draw. I will announce the recipient of the gift in the next blog post, so, please come and check to see whether you have won the prize or not. If the person who was chosen in the first place seemed not to respond to the winner announcement, the second drawing will choose one new winner and the first winning will be cancelled, and so on.
***


Happy sewing and happy socializing!

xoxo
yoshimi

62 comments:

  1. I'd start here with my newest project. I've just finished my spring blouse in a pink ultrasuede. I need warmer weather!

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  2. What a gorgeous giveaway. We have a cat exactly like that living across the road from us and he visits us sometimes.

    As for my current project, I'm in the middle of making a cushion featuring an appliquéd and embroidered hare.

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  3. Right now, I am sewing a shirt dress made from black and white plaid fabric. As I am affraid of collars AND button holes, I am quite sure I must have been out of my mind when starting this project...
    Best wishes,
    Ulrike

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  4. I'm currently working on a few printed tote bags, part of a larger project!

    This is a very sweet giveaway, I'm curious about the thread!

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  5. I'm making a very simple linen print shift dress. It' s a small blue and white abstract floral with a scattering of lime green. Perfect for our hot weather! I hope I win the giveaway, what a lovely prize.

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  6. I'm working on a pair of jeans - only the waistband to go!

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  7. I love your blogs and the bag is very cute. I would love to win. My current project is a red dress for a Valentine's day luncheon my husband is taking me to on Friday. I'm hoping I can get it finished by then. I'm going to try out one of the Amazing Fit patterns in hopes that it won't need too much adjustment. I also have a self drafted dress with little pleats along the bottom to finish ( it could be my alternative.) I have a skirt almost finished with a godet in the back instead of a kick pleat.

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  8. I have just finished a pair of school trousers and a pair of dress shorts for my son. Then I have a top and the strawberry dress to finish before I allow myself the excitement of sewing a Style Arc pattern that is for a dress for my friend's wedding in May.

    I won your giveaway last year (or the year before?) - the magnetic needle case. I love it and use it to store all my hand needles. So easy to find a needle now.

    What a cheeky squirrel!

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  9. The kitty is so cute and looks so much like our cat Ponyo (our daughters named her after the girl/fish in a Miyazaki film, strange name for a cat, right?)
    Currently I am working on a safari jacket for Spring and I just did a post about my inspiration for the jacket on my blog. I started my blog very recently, so I don't have any finished garment pictures up yet, but soon...

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  10. I am finishing my third muslin of Vogue 8926. It's sleeveless, fully lined, and has more shaping at the waist. Before I start on my next version of that pattern in a dark green rayon, I'm going back to an unlined linen jacket I started a while ago that I'd like to be able to wear this spring!

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  11. I have to start saying that I love your blog :) I love your stile and how fresh your clothes are! This year I haven't sewed any piece of garment. Last year was better as I was taking sewing and pattern making classes. Right now I'm making some cushion covers with some great fabric I got online... don't even know if this counts as a projet LOL

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  12. Right now I am working on a pair of trousers -hopefully a wearable muslin. My next project will be trousers (I've already downloaded the pattern from Tamanegi-kobo -thank you again for introducing me to that site) and I have a new knit top pattern (to break away from trousers) I would like to try.
    Thank you for having such a fun blog. I smile every time I read your posts.
    Happy Valentine's Day to you.

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  13. I am making yet another pair of trousers from Burda 7447,but my next project is more exciting. It's a retro full skirted shirtdress in a grey flannel; I'm so looking forward to it. I really like your idea of labels for pattern pieces , why I have never thought of that I don't know.

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  14. I went through a closet purge this weekend (so painful, especially admitting that the me-mades are not all practical or flattering..), so I realized I have very few skirts now... I'm getting ready to make 2 pencil skirts: 1 in black linen and 1 in a floral synthetic that I am not able to identify...
    I don't comment often on blogs but your special favorite thread got my attention, I'm super curious now!!

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  15. Oh, such a lovely little pouch! But what I’m most excited about is actually the Kinkame Beauty thread, it sounds great and I do believe you that it makes a difference, so I’d love to try it!

    As for my current project … Uhm … Can I just mention one, maybe, instead of all of the ones I’ve started in parallel?…
    I’ve just made a toile for a skirt for my sister. It’s for her birthday and I drafted it from scratch and I don’t even know her current measurements, so it’s really just something like a more elaborate gift card in the shape of a skirt that might not fit at all. (:

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  16. What a fun grab bag! I've never thought of using stickers to mark my cut pieces. I'm currently in the middle of a paper piecing quilt, but am going to put it down to start a wool duffle coat for my husband. Or maybe a winter dress for myself :)

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  17. I love your blog! I am currently sewing baby girl dresses for my two week old granddaughter. After all, Summer will be here eventually! (It's -6 degrees Fahrenheit today) I would love to win your giveaway!!

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  18. The cat looks like a cat I had a while ago. Her name was Star. I miss her so much.

    Anyhow, my current project is a forest green embroidered skirt and a white Alabama Chanin long sleeve shirt.

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  19. I just finished two cute projects, a sewing tool organizer (Mega pinnie) and a pieced hst wallhanging which is hand quilted.
    I need to buckle down for some utility pieces - new pajamas and new work shorts. The pajamas are a quick sew through the serger/overlocker. The shorts have a lot of tedious topstitching.
    Thanks for the giveaway.

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  20. What a beautiful gift set! Whoever wins will love it!

    I'm just starting a Style Arc Romy anorak in a steel blue triple wool.

    Thanks for your V-day generosity!

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  21. My current sewing project is getting back into sewing! I will be getting a sewing machine for my birthday and am collecting notions & other sewing necessities now so I'll be ready.

    Yoshimi, I fell totally in love with a skirt I saw earlier in the blog but you said it was no longer available from the Japanese company.

    No way of getting it at all?

    Thank you for a wonderful blog full of inspiration.

    Carol

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    1. >Hi Carol, thank you for leaving your comment! Can you tell me which skirt you are interested in? If it is written "no longer available", there is usually no way of getting it... However, companies often update the version of patterns and it can be the reason for the unavailability. I can check if you would like me to do.

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    2. I think you called it the mermaid skirt? Sometimes also referred to as a trumpet skirt, Flared at the bottom.

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    3. Hi Carol, that pattern is one of unavailable ones. I'm sorry but I can't find anything substituting from the shop. I hope you'll find similar patterns in your further search!!

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    4. Thank you for searching. Very kind of you. I've looked over pattern catalogs but still can't see anything quite the same. Maybe I can adapt something.

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  22. Those stickers are genius! I have a couple of baby dresses and totes to finish, and then I need to decide if I'm going to sew anything maternity for this pregnancy. The problem is you have to sew fast enough to fit your shape before it changes entirely again.

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  23. Yoshimi, I've ejoyed your beautiful, ethereal creations on your blog (as well as the photos on your other blog!). What a lovely giveaway -- a beautiful piece of your craftsmanship, sharing the things you've found most helpful. Yes, please enter me in your drawing. Cindy C., creativehormonerush@gmail.com

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  24. What a wonderful pouch full of treats! That little cat will never know how famous it has just become in the sewing blogosphere. I'm close to finishing up Vogue 8985, a simple pullover dress with sleeve bands and an elastic waist, in a black rayon/linen fabric.

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  25. What an exciting giveaway...and i love the cat pic! My unfinished projects list is embarrasingly long including a puff pillow, pair of shorts, messenger bag and more. I have them cut and ready to go....now i just need to sneak in some sewing time around kids time!
    Thank you again for the lovely giveaway opportinity...christine

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  26. This pouch is adorable. Please put my name into the draw. The cat reminds me of my cat Parsley Paisley Parsnip Streisand Nightingale who has been in heaven for many years but still visits in dreams.
    Please do a tutorial on how you printed the fabric for this pouch. You did a beautiful job as you do with everything you make. What transfer paper did you use?
    I'm also inspired by working with new thread – it sounds wonderful and as I'm planning to start making lingerie, it seems to be the absolutely perfect thing. The labels will be so handy for those Tilton Sisters' patterns with all those pieces.
    I am working on a mustard-yellow ochre Spring swing coat made of 100% polyester twill, quite heavy weight upholstery fabric, which can act as showerproof fabric and will be a raincoat for rainy Vancouver spring weather.
    Thank you always for your beautiful posts.
    Barbara – barbarariches@telus.net

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    1. Hi Barbara, thank you for your comment! As for printing on cotton fabrics at home, I used a printable cotton sheet that we can find in larger stationery shops. The sheet can be printed with common household inkjet printers and the print isn't fading away but waterproof once after drying. I don't know if there is such things in your area, but mine is
      http://www.a-one.co.jp/product/search/detail.php?id=30503 (Japanese)
      Hope it helps.

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  27. What a lovely thing to do! and your kitty pouch is super cute!
    I am working on a couple projects right now. I'm trying out a new-to-me patter company, StyleARC, with their Marie jacket and Elle pants. This will be my first jacket and first outside-the-house pants! Then I'm going to try Victory Patterns georgia dress!
    Rachel - artgirlrachel@gmail,com

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  28. It has been such a cold and snowy winter here (New York) that my latest and upcoming project are all PJ pants. Two pairs fell in to tatters, and so I am replacing them and also making a couple of pairs for my spouse. I'm wearing the first completed PJ pants, as I write, pink and navy striped jersey. Beyond this, I am just dreaming of colorful skirts for Spring, whenever it finally arrives!

    Please enter me in the giveaway - the kitty reminds me of one I used to have and I am intrigued by the thread! Thank you!
    ~Jen U.

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  29. What a sweet little pouch! And the stickers would be so handy. I am working on two quilts, plus some stuffed toys for my wee granddaughter's birthday. Also, I'm sewing a pretty navy/white dots dress for myself.

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  30. First of all.... using little stickers to identify front/back etc. is brilliant. Am I the only person in the sewing world to not know about this idea? I am surprised that JoAnn's doesn't sell them.

    Any how... Pattern Review is focusing on Maria Denmark patterns right now, so I am currently working on a tank top. My first one for my daughter I did by the size chart. She thinks it is perfect, but I think it is a bit toooooo form fitting. So, I'm getting ready to cut one out a size bigger. I honestly think she will look better when the shirt does not look like she was poured into it. Then I am going to try a tank top for me, and move on to a couple other patterns from Maria Denmark.

    I had to laugh when I saw the squirrel - that means I've been following this blog for one year! I started last year just at Valentine's Day and remember the little give away.

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  31. Ooh what a lovely giveaway!
    I'm working on a big apron for myself from a crazy cat print. After that I've got to switch my machines to sewing with knits and make a couple tops for my Mom and a couple for me!

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  32. That is very cute and just right for Valentines Day. This time of year in the U.S., we are under the spell of the Groundhog! (He is like a squirrel that lives under the ground.) On February 2, we have "Groundhog Day" in the U.S., and it is a custom that Mr. Groundhog comes out of his hole, and if he sees his shadow, then he runs back into his hole and we have six more weeks of winter. Well, this year, Mr. Groundhog saw his shadow so we have too much snow! So I will think about Valentines Day and forget about Groundhog's Day. And I will keep sewing until it is spring!

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  33. What a cute little bag -- and sweet of you to host a giveaway, too! I love reading your blog and seeing what projects you're working on. I am making a long sleeved shirt for my husband's 65th birthday -- am about halfway through at this point.
    Margaret

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  34. Alas, Madame Yoshimi, but I am making nothing right now! My girls and I are busy working in a vineyard tying the grape vines to the wire. All day. I can only dream of what I would like to make.....
    However, I would very much enjoy being entered in the giveaway. What a sweet bag. And such fun stuffing stuff that you put in there.
    Regards-Jamie

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  35. Awww, your little purse is just adorable - what a great cat photo. I'm visiting my very first cat cafe next week when we visit Tokyo. So excited.

    At the moment I'm working on making a dress version of the Grainline studios Tiny Pocket Tank. I'm only new to sewing so have no idea if it'll work or not. Wish me luck.

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  36. What a generous giveaway! The pouch is so cute. I'm currently working on my first pair of jeans (Jamie Jeans from Named Clothing). I'm nervous about the fit but I'm learning quite a bit along the way! Happy Valentine's Day!

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  37. Thank you for the giveaway! but please do not enter my name because you have ben so generous to me already. I am only commenting to "join in"! The sticker idea is genius! I've never heard of that before. I'm a caveman and still just use a pin to mark the back.
    I am currently sewing an Issey Miyake designed dress, it is a bit autumnal for our hot weather right now but I cannot wait to wear it very soon!

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    1. I have been using chalk. And sometimes it rubs off before I want it to, so don't feel bad!

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  38. What a fantastic give away. I have been following your blog and others for a few months. Just recently started back sewing, after many years away. Can't believe I stopped sewing all together. Guess life happens...but I'm back.

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  39. Working on deciding what to work on LOL :)

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  40. I am working on the first of many muslins to make an evening dress for a function that I am chairing in June. I am not easy to fit, so wish me luck!

    The little give away is absolutely charming, as is your blog. Thank you for contributing to my joy of sewing.

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  41. I am finishing a boucle coat. And then I have some fake fur to tackle. I should really be thinking spring!
    But it is hard with the winter we are having.

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  42. I'm finishing up a pair of trousers. My second fly front zip! It's better than my first one, but not by much. I hope I'm your lucky winner, the prizes are super cute!

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  43. Wow, such a sweet little pouch, what a lovely giveaway! I am starting work on the Republique du chiffon Gerard coat...I've spent a lot if time gathering up my supplies and now I am working on a muslin. I am really excited to get it done as I think it is a coat I will wear a lot!

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  44. I'm working a wall quilt to help me remember my grandparents. It includes pieces of my grandmother's embroidered dishtowels, some of her embroidered handkerchiefs, and hexagon flowers made with pieces of her blouses and my grandfather's shirts. Thank you for the beautiful giveaway! I love cats, fine thread, and double gauze! And thank you for your lovely and inspiring blog!

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  45. Hi Yoshimi,
    My husband needed a carrying case for his Tai Chi sword and fan so I offered to make him one using heavy black cotton from my stash. I added a pocket on the outside for the fan and made a long strap so he could sling the bag over his shoulder. Today he used it for the first time and said a couple of women admired it and asked him where he got it!
    Aloha, Kay

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  46. I've just finished sewing a wearable toile of Marfy 1913 and need to wash out the gelatine and if it wears lovely the silk is ready to go. I am so glad Roscoe (my dog) can't see the photo!!

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  47. I normally don't enter your giveaways, but you had to use a cute kitty and I loves me some kitty cats.

    I am making The Slowest easy to sew coat ever from McCalls M5987 and some washable wool blend in charcoal gray. I don't know why I keep procrastinating on this thing -- especially since Oscar de la Renta is doing something remarkably similar for F/W 2014!

    Well take care and you and Carolyn are just too talented. Love the other blog, too!

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  48. I am in the middle of making my second Moss Mini from Grainline Studio. This is the first garment in a coordinating outfit that will also include a Scout Tee and a Style Arc Stacie Jean Jacket.

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  49. Hello
    What a great giveaway. My current project is a knit dress for my niece. A while back I bought a dress for my self but I never wore it. When I tried it on again it just didn't look good and I thought I could fix it but I was never happy with it so I cut it up to make a dress for my niece and so far it looks great. Im just glad that the dress didn't go to waste. batresyohana@yahoo.com

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  50. I am looking at vintage (mid-60s) patterns for short, double-breasted ladies jackets. They look very fresh suddenly. I love the cat bag! so cute.

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  51. The cat's eyes are riveting! I am working on a crazy patchwork for a challenge in our group. Trying to change the way it is embellished by embroidering a full picture. Can' talk much more about it as it is meant to be kept a secret.
    Sobana

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  52. A beautiful little bag - I love kitties! :)
    I'm currently finishing a red corduroy skirt (Simplicity 2451) and have cut out a green Lola dress with a self-drafted hood. :) Not very exciting but comfy. :)

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  53. What a sweet give-away. Well, my current projects. I'm hooked on and exploring Style Arc. I love the simple and chic designs they offer. I have so far made Linda Pants, Susan Top, and I'm about to cut Adel Top -- can't decide on the fabric yet. I've also found some vintage patterns from the 40s that I'd love to try. I'm also looking forward to trying Tamanegi-Kobo's patterns. So many on deck!

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  54. Awww, your pouch is TOO cute!! I love the photograph of the cat you took, I did not realize that you were also a photographer! What I'm working on now is a pair of skinny trousers (Burda 7141) in snakeskin twill. I also have up on the blog right now a poll for folks to vote for which pattern to use for the upcoming Monthly Stitch challenge! So, please feel free to drop by the blog and cast your vote, there is a choice of 4 different patterns to chose from. Happy Valentine's Day!

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  55. The cat on the pouch looks just like my cat! Cats are hard to photograph, your picture is impressive. I'm currently working on a shirt, leggings, and a Lola dress-- all are finished except for the waist or hem bands, because that is my least favorite thing to do.
    ~Katie

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  56. The comment section of this post has been closed.

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