Melanie Richards’ Fiber CraftsA blog for knitting, sewing, and weaving projects.https://fiber.melanie-richards.comMelanie Richardsmr@melanie-richards.comA small tapestry for my niece2023-12-20T00:00:00.000Zhttps://fiber.melanie-richards.com/small-tapestry-for-niece/
<p>This one’s not too deep! Wanted to weave a little thing with yarn I got in a kit from Maryann Moodie ages ago. I freestyled the design as I went along (which you can tell from the color transition at the top, which I weave last), and decided it was a color palette my smol niece might like.</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-small-tapestry-l.webp" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-small-tapestry-m.webp" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-small-tapestry-s.webp" alt="Alt" width="2000" height="2500" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>(By the way, it’s impossible to take a good photo right now. Seattle: what is sun?)</p>
<p>Techniques include basic weave, soumak (the little cream bumps), and rya fringe. There were a few different cream-colored yarns in various weights, so I wove little bits of fluffier yarn into the main blocks of cream.</p>
Strawberry marker pouch2023-08-28T00:00:00.000Zhttps://fiber.melanie-richards.com/marker-pouch/
<p>To coordinate with the <a href="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/pen-pouch/">pen pouch</a> I sewed earlier this summer, I made a zippered marker pouch!</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-marker-pouch-open-xl.webp" /><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-marker-pouch-open-l.webp" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-marker-pouch-open-m.webp" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-marker-pouch-open-s.webp" alt="A cotton pouch in checkerboard pattern with a red zipper, and markers peaking out from the zippered opening" width="2400" height="1800" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>This was my second time following <a href="https://youtu.be/i1AsfZRYlRM">MADE Everyday’s zipper pouch tutorial</a>, which is well explained and (IMO) straightforward to follow.</p>
<p>The last time I made one of these I had a beast of a time getting a needle through the full sandwich of fabrics + the zipper strip. I was hoping this time would be better since I had one less layer (fusible fleece instead of quilting the outside to batting + another thin layer of quilting cotton). Alas, my machine just doesn’t want to go through that thick section. I had to hand-sew a little bit, hence the lumpy bit next to the zipper.</p>
<div class="c-media c-media--limit-width"><picture><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-marker-pouch-sketch-m.webp" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-marker-pouch-sketch-s.webp" alt="A sketch of the pattern, where I noted I would cut 3 inch squares that would end up being sewn down to 2.5 inch squares." width="1024" height="767" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>For this pouch, I knew I wanted to do a random-ish checkerboard pieced pattern, and I knew I wanted the pouch wide enough to fit those mile-long Tombow brush pens. Happily, I had a bright red 9" zipper on hand!</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-marker-pouch-side-2-xl.webp" /><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-marker-pouch-side-2-l.webp" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-marker-pouch-side-2-m.webp" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-marker-pouch-side-2-s.webp" alt="A checkerboard pattern of squares in the following fabric colors: cream, red, lime green, and a printed pattern of red strawberries on a white background. Their stems are lime green" width="2400" height="1800" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-marker-pouch-interior-xl.webp" /><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-marker-pouch-interior-l.webp" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-marker-pouch-interior-m.webp" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-marker-pouch-interior-s.webp" alt="A hand showing lining fabric in red and lime green" width="2400" height="1800" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>I made a game-time decision to cut two different colors for the pouch lining, and I really like the effect!</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-marker-pouch-side-1-xl.webp" /><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-marker-pouch-side-1-l.webp" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-marker-pouch-side-1-m.webp" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-marker-pouch-side-1-s.webp" alt="The other side of the pouch, with the same squares of fabric arranged in a slightly different order" width="2400" height="1800" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>While there are obvious imperfections in this pouch, I’m actually really happy with how it turned out! The dimensions and heft of the pouch feel really nice in the hand. The thickness is nice and sturdy without being bulky, and I think this will work out well for urban sketching with my Ecoline markers. 👩🎨</p>
Summer Pen Pouch2023-07-14T00:00:00.000Zhttps://fiber.melanie-richards.com/pen-pouch/
<p>Using and collecting fountain pens is a hobby that I’ve gone deep in the weeds on over the past year or so. I recently started carrying around a pocket notebook as a bullet journal, and decided to make a to-go-friendly version of a <a href="https://sewingillustration.com/products/pen-and-rotary-cutter-pouch-pdf-download-pattern">pen pouch</a> to accompany it.</p>
<h2>Take one</h2>
<p>As seems to happen with all new-to-me sewing patterns, I made a silly mistake on the first go-around with this watermelon-patterned quilting cotton:</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-watermelon-pouch-m.webp" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-watermelon-pouch-s.webp" alt="A fabric pouch made from solid yellow fabric and a yellow fabric with a pink and red watermelon pattern. A pink strap runs one inch from the bottom." width="1024" height="1365" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>There are 2 outer fabric panels, and the little strap is supposed to be attached 1" from the end of exterior fabric B. I attached it one 1" from the wrong end of that fabric panel, which means the pouch doesn’t shut fully when there are pens inside it.</p>
<p>That strap is attached <em>before</em> many other seams are sewn, and I did not have the heart to do so much seam ripping. I decided this would be a prototype that holds flat things, like loyalty cards.</p>
<h2>Take two</h2>
<p>That same day—it was a day off work—I tried again with some strawberry fabric and it was a success!</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-strawberry-pouch-m.webp" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-strawberry-pouch-s.webp" alt="A fabric pen pouch featuring a strawberry pattern on the flap and a bright green strap that it tucks into." width="1024" height="1365" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>This copy of the pouch came together much faster as well. This is certainly a project you can do in an afternoon.</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-strawberry-pouch-open-m.webp" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-strawberry-pouch-open-s.webp" alt="The pouch is open to show 3 pens inside. The lining fabric is bright green, juxtaposed against a secondary outer fabric which is cream." width="1024" height="1365" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>I still have plenty of growth to do as a sewist to get these turn-it-inside-out projects feeling crisp, but my lil strawberry pouch sparks joy. 🍓✨ It’s already come around with me in a tote bag and is doing the work of protecting my pens!</p>
Made in 2023 Q12023-04-04T00:00:00.000Zhttps://fiber.melanie-richards.com/q1-crafting/
<p>I got married (twice!) this quarter, so I didn’t have much time for analog making other than 1) designing wedding materials and 2) keeping up my journaling habit. I did get in some small projects here and there!</p>
<h2>Journal cover</h2>
<div class="c-media An A5 journal clad in a single panel of fabric in abstract black and white doodled shapes. A black and gold Sailor fountain pen sits beside the journal"><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-journal-cover-l.webp" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-journal-cover-m.webp" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-journal-cover-s.webp" alt="x" width="" height="" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<div class="c-media A 2 inch fabric flap inside the Hobonichi cover."><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-journal-flap-l.webp" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-journal-flap-m.webp" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-journal-flap-s.webp" alt="x" width="" height="" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>I sewed a journal cover for my Hobonichi A5 Day-Free! I had intended for this to go inside a plastic cover, but it didn’t quiiiite fit, so I put Velcro dots under the flaps. If I were going to make this again (without the plastic cover), I’d sew the flaps down. I am not quite sure who makes this fabric; it’s a quilting cotton I bought in Tokyo years ago.</p>
<p>I’ve really been enjoying my journal with this nice cover on top. Sometimes if I’m writing on pages near the front of the book, I’ll un-Velcro the cover so that things are a little flatter. I also picked up <a href="https://shop.mochithings.com/products/139843">an elastic band</a> to keep the journal shut.</p>
<h2>Bookmarks</h2>
<div class="c-media An arrangement o 6 solid, dark forest green fabric bookmarks"><picture><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-bridal-bookmarks-xl.webp" /><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-bridal-bookmarks-l.webp" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-bridal-bookmarks-m.webp" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-bridal-bookmarks-s.webp" alt="x" width="" height="" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>For our the U.S. wedding I made fabric bookmarks for the people in my bridal party. They’re a solid forest green quilting cotton, and go along with a hand-selected book for each person.</p>
<p>I used <a href="https://www.peekaboopages.com/diy-fabric-bookmark/">this pattern</a>, but I can never seem to get the fourth edge as crisp as the pattern author.</p>
<h2>Seedbed scarf</h2>
<div class="c-media Rahul posing in a navy blue scraf tied in a note under a black wool pea coat"><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-rahul-scarf-l.webp" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-rahul-scarf-m.webp" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-rahul-scarf-s.webp" alt="x" width="" height="" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<div class="c-media The navy scarf folded in a zig-zag pattern on a table. It has a bumpy checkboard pattern of alternating knit and purl stitches."><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-navy-scarf-l.webp" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-navy-scarf-m.webp" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-navy-scarf-s.webp" alt="x" width="" height="" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>In December I finished actually knitting the <a href="https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2018/10/02/seedbed-scarf/">Seedbed Scarf</a> for my now-husband, and it took me until end of March to weave the ends in. 🙈 I feel bad that it’s ready just in time for it to get warmer soon, but at least he’ll be able to wear it for chilly weather in years to come.</p>
<p>The yarn is <a href="https://www.toltyarnandwool.com/products/yoth-father?variant=11503634885">YOTH’s Father worsted-weight yarn</a>, and it looks like Concord Grape was probably the color I used, though it’s a navy blue. 🤔</p>
<h2>Sketchbooking—it’s grrrreat!</h2>
<p>Didn’t do much sketchbooking at all the past 3 months, though I did draw little spot illustrations in my daily-ish journal. In the last week of March I was finally able to make it to a monthly craft night I hadn’t been to in the past couple months. At the time I was between fiber crafts, so I decided to just play around with my fancy crayons (Neocolor IIs):</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-tiger-sketchbook-xl.webp" /><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-tiger-sketchbook-l.webp" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-tiger-sketchbook-m.webp" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-tiger-sketchbook-s.webp" alt="Left sketchbook page: a quilt like grid of abstract shapes in blue and teal, include some shapes like waves. Right page: a teapot with a tiger’s yum face. The spout and handle have a tiger pattern. Underneath are shapes in orange, yellow, and charcoal." width="" height="" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>I wanted to draw a vintage teapot and stumbled upon the BEST one: a teapot themed after Tony the Tiger, an American cereal mascot. From there I just filled in a bunch of geometric shapes in a gridded layout. I work right to left in my sketchbook because I’m left-handed and it reduces smudging. Can you believe I have a BFA and no one ever told me that might be a good idea?</p>
<p>In any case, whenever I go to this craft night, I’m always floored by <em>how much more fun it is</em> to make things in the company of others. I generally identify as an introvert, but there’s a social aspect to making that can’t be beat. It also helps my sense of safety in socializing that the craft night I go to still requires proof of COVID vaccination and mask-wearing.</p>
<h2>More making stuff in Q2!</h2>
<p>Now that all the marrying is done and our main obligations at the moment are to enjoy the life we’ve built together, I’m looking forward to a spring spent making things, tending to our plants, and starting a vegetable garden.</p>
Sketchbook pouch2022-11-18T00:00:00.000Zhttps://fiber.melanie-richards.com/sketchbook-pouch/
<p>I wanted a protective cover for my sketchbook when oot and aboot. At first I cut some materials for the <a href="https://sewsweetness.com/products/creative-maker-supply-cases">Creative Maker Case</a>, then got way too intimidated by all the moving parts. I decided to simplify (lol, sort of) by making a quilted zip pouch!</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-posca-xl.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-posca-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-posca-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-posca-s.jpg" alt="A black pouch with a patchwork panel made of triangles, squares, and rectangles. Colors include red, yellow, pink, blue, teal, black, and white. There are black and white squares in a checkboard pattern. Two red and yellow Posca markers are next to the pouch" width="1257" height="943" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-peek-xl.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-peek-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-peek-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-peek-s.jpg" alt="An A5 notebook poking up from the top of the pouch" width="1257" height="943" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>This pouch fits an A5 notebook in comfort and style. It’s a little too risky to jam my sketchbook and Hobonichi in there at the same time, so if I want to bring both along on travel, I may want to make another.</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-of-sketch-pouch-xl.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-of-sketch-pouch-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-of-sketch-pouch-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-of-sketch-pouch-s.jpg" alt="A sketchbook where I’ve sketched out some quilt blocks in vibrant Posca paint markers. There’s a bunch of fractions for each block with the note “lol all this math is probably wrong”" width="1257" height="943" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>I knew I wanted to go with super bright colors inspired by my Posca paint markers, so I sketched out a couple iterations of the geometric patchwork area.</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-piles-xl.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-piles-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-piles-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-piles-s.jpg" alt="The raw shapes stacked in bright piles, according to color" width="1257" height="943" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>All my colors cut out! It only took, um, a few more months to get everything together.</p>
<p>I did some bad math regarding the black frame around the main patchwork area, so ended up having to recut those pieces to make sure the A5 sketchbook would definitely fit inside.</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-xl.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-s.jpg" alt="Me holding the pouch in front of a white brick wall" width="1257" height="943" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-zip-xl.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-zip-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-zip-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-zip-s.jpg" alt="The zipper is bright yellow" width="1257" height="943" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-unzipped-xl.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-unzipped-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-unzipped-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-unzipped-s.jpg" alt="And the lining is bright yellow as well!" width="1257" height="943" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>I was honestly a little intimidated by installing the zipper, but actually it wasn’t too bad! The worst part of this was that my sandwich was WAY too thick when I had two outer pieces and the edge of the zipper piece sandwiched together. My machine absolutely refused to go through that. I ended up having to do some pretty sketchy hand sewing for those bits. It’s a minor miracle I did not accidentally injure myself.</p>
<p>All sketchiness aside, <a href="https://youtu.be/i1AsfZRYlRM">MADE Everyday’s zipper pouch tutorial</a> on YouTube made installing the zipper so much easier for me! Her directions are super clear, with the right amount of detail. I might poke around to find other fun tutorials on that channel.</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-desk-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-desk-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanie-richards-sketch-pouch-desk-s.jpg" alt="Me holding the pouch in front of cups of pens and markers" width="1200" height="1600" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>This was also the first project in which I used half-square triangles in my patchwork. I wasn’t sure how well they’d turn out but they ended up being my favorite part! Not too shabby!</p>
<p>All in all, I’m pretty proud of myself for finishing this project, and excited to use my pouch. There’s plenty of mistakes and wonkiness, but that actually makes me <em>more</em> proud of myself—for being proud of myself despite imperfection! That’s a win for me!</p>
Enamel pin wall hanging2022-07-28T00:00:00.000Zhttps://fiber.melanie-richards.com/enamel-pins/
<p>I had a decent amount of enamel pins rattling around in a wooden box that weren’t really seeing the light of day. I want to be able to look at the cute pins I’ve collected instead of hoarding them, so I decided to make a wall hanging!</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-pin-hanging-empty-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-pin-hanging-empty-s.jpg" alt="An 11 x 17 wall hanging with 3 thick bands of red, salmon pink, and yellow cotton fabric. The binding is salmon pink. There is a pattern of horizontal quilted lines 1.5 inches apart." width="1365" height="1024" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
</picture></div>
<p>The wall hanging is done up in solid quilting cottons from Joann’s, quilted with some batting. I added another layer of backing fabric in the salmon pink, in order to self-bind the wall hanging. With 4 layers including batting, the banner is fairly thick. It took some work to get the pins through, and I thought for a second there this might get repurposed as a table mat.</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-pin-hanging-full-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-pin-hanging-full-s.jpg" alt="The wall hanging is filled with all manner of cute enamel pins, including 3 corgis, web-themed icons, a couple cocktail, 'protect trans youth', and a couple eggs." width="1365" height="1024" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
</picture></div>
<p>I considered adding corners on the back or straps on the top in order to hang the banner from a dowel, but remembered I had some cute colorful binder clips. So, this is now hanging from two contrasting yellow clips.</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-pins-in-situ-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-pins-in-situ-s.jpg" alt="The banner hanging over my desk, which is white metal with a teal lamp on it. There's pen cups full of pens and markers." width="1365" height="1024" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
</picture></div>
<p>The wall hanging is the first thing on my office wall; I’m hoping to make some vibrant mini quilts to collage on the wall.</p>
<h2>Learnings</h2>
<p>I’ve never self-bound a quilted item before, and basically just YOLO’d it. I wish I had cut my backing fabric just a bit wider, maybe 1/4” or 1/2” in each direction. That would’ve helped account for the height of the “sandwich”. Where the binding looks especially wiggly or the corners silly (i.e. folded over instead of mitered) is where I really didn’t have enough room to do it right. I am, of course, too lazy to seam rip the darn thing and cut a new piece.</p>
<p>From <a href="https://newquilters.com/how-to-bind-a-quilt-backing-fabric/">these instructions</a> on self-binding a quilt, I’ll also try folding down the corners first (instead of folding them down after the first lateral fold), and hit the corner with a gluestick.</p>
<h2>Enamel Pin Sources</h2>
<p>I unfortunately don’t remember all of my sources; some are from Short Run Comics Fest, ECCC, or purchased elsewhere online. You can get some of these pins from:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://andreabelldraws.storenvy.com/">Andrea Bell</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CorgiThings">Corgi Things</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.thisishannako.com/">Hannako Lambert</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.hellomerch.com/collections/japanese-breakfast">Japanese Breakfast merch store</a></li>
<li><a href="http://lovetosewshop.com/">Love to Sew</a></li>
<li><a href="https://mis0happy.com/password">Mis0 Happy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://swag.netlify.com/">Netlify store</a> (well, in my new employee pack!)</li>
<li><a href="https://pretty-useful.co/">Pretty Useful</a></li>
<li><a href="https://theyetee.com/">The Yetee</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Clearly, I have room for more pins…</p>
Another Quilted Pillow2022-01-05T00:00:00.000Zhttps://fiber.melanie-richards.com/another-quilted-pillow/
<p>Happy one year to this blog, apparently! 🥳</p>
<p>Just a short one to mark the occasion. A few months back I posted about a <a href="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/a-cozier-reading-chair/">pillow and pouf</a> that I made for my reading chair:</p>
<div class="c-media u-limit-width"><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-full-chair-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-full-chair-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-full-chair-s.jpg" alt="A living room scene shows a brown leather chair with a pillow on top, and a poufy cube ottoman in front of it. The pouf is made out of a natural linen with a design of large painted black-and-gold dots, and the pillow has strips of this and cream fabric." width="1024" height="1365" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
</picture></div>
<p>I ended up (over the last few months…) making another quilted pillowcase with the remainders from that project, plus a few monochromatic fat quarters I was holding onto:</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-quilted-pillow-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-quilted-pillow-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-quilted-pillow-s.jpg" alt="An overstuffed 24” quilted pillow made from randomly placed strips of fabric, sitting on a dark blue couch. The fabric is; black and white floral, black with white dots, cream with black and gold dots, and solid pale cream." width="1800" height="1350" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
</picture></div>
<p>This one came right in under the wire in 2021; I was off work for NYE and had a remote “Sew Day” with my mom, where I ended up finishing this pillow. That entailed doing the quilting, and attaching the “envelope” pieces in the back to the quilted pillow top.</p>
<p>About Sew Day: my mom and one of my aunts (her sister) get together on Fridays to sew over FaceTime, when their work schedule is a little more flexible. It’s such a nice idea and I’d like to dip in more often on my lunch breaks. I had crashed their party big-time in September while on staycation between jobs. Wish I could stay the whole session every week!</p>
<div class="c-media u-limit-width"><picture><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-quilted-pillow-left-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-quilted-pillow-left-s.jpg" alt="Side view of the pillow from the left" width="1024" height="1365" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
</picture></div>
<div class="c-media u-limit-width"><picture><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-quilted-pillow-right-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-quilted-pillow-right-s.jpg" alt="Side view of the pillow from the right" width="1024" height="1365" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
</picture></div>
<p>In any case, this is just a self-drafted pattern where I once again cut my fabric into strips in a pseudo-random arrangement and sewed ’em together. There are some things I would change about the design; “randomness” is always an interesting visual challenge. How to make things feel organic but balanced?</p>
<div class="c-media u-limit-width"><picture><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-quilted-pillow-floor-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-quilted-pillow-floor-s.jpg" alt="The pillow is thrown on a carpeted floor, and in front are my feet and legs in bright red sweatpants. The pillow is square and about three foot-widths in either direction." width="1024" height="1365" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
</picture></div>
<p>This will serve as a throw pillow (though I am leaning against it now whilst couch-blogging), so, feets for scale.</p>
<p>Have a cozy and excellent New Year!</p>
The Poofiest Rug Mug ☕2021-11-06T00:00:00.000Zhttps://fiber.melanie-richards.com/mug-rug/
<p>Today I present to you the poofiest mug rug in all the land:</p>
<div class="c-media c-media--limit-width"><picture><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-mug-rug-finished-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-mug-rug-finished-s.jpg" alt="A poofy, large woven mug rug lying on a table. Two half circles in goldenrod and light blue point towards a tawny diamond in the center. The backdrop is a cream yarn, and there are also bands of speckled grey, goldenrod yellow, and brick red. There’s little gaps in the weaving on the edges of the half circles." width="960" height="1280" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
</picture></div>
<p>I’ve <a href="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/leftovers-upon-leftovers/">woven coasters before</a>, but always kept the backs of these fairly raw, in that you might be able to see where I wove in lose ends or tied things off, were you to look at the back. I thought I’d try making a mug rug with a fabric backing. So I wove the top, sewed the right side to some natural-color linen, turned it inside out and: poof.</p>
<p>I’m not super happy with how this turned out. What I didn’t have in mind to start is that by sewing things up this way, I’m effectively doubling up the height of the woven “fabric”. Hiding the seams by turning things inside out works nicely with woven items that have dimension (like a pillowcase), but not so much with something that needs to lie flat…unless perhaps I was using a lighter weight of yarn. It also places stress on the areas that are color-blocked; you can see little gaps between the yellow/blue and cream in the photo. I lazily omit sewing these little gaps together, and it tends not to matter much when the weaving displayed flat, like a tapestry. But here it’s a nope.</p>
<p>So, the next time I make a coaster or mug rug and want a backing fabric, I’ll just sew the fabric to the wrong side of the weaving and let the coaster have a visible seam. Learning: that’s why I’m here.</p>
<p>Here’s some process images of this mug rug:</p>
<div class="c-media c-media--limit-width"><picture><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-mug-rug-circle-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-mug-rug-circle-s.jpg" alt="The blue half circle on the loom. The shape really feels like a half circle!" width="960" height="1280" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
</picture></div>
<p>This half circle actually turned out much better than usual! I made a template with some thick paper and marked the circle onto the warp strings using Sharpie. Before I’ve either winged it (nope) or used a "cartoon", which is a piece of paper with your design drawn on it, that you attach to the loom so it sits behind the warp strings. It was harder doing the half circle that’s facing the other direction—small rounded arc down—but I’m pretty pleased with this!</p>
<div class="c-media c-media--limit-width"><picture><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-mug-rug-loom-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-mug-rug-loom-s.jpg" alt="The finished weaving still sitting on the loom. The first couple inches are narrower than the rest of the weaving." width="960" height="1280" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
</picture></div>
<p>Let me tell you more about catastrophy. I had left my loom leaning against a wall at some point, and our Roomba came around and tried to eat the dangling ends of yarn. It pulled them REALLY TIGHT, and while I was able to ease up most of the tension, you can still tell from my wobbly selvedge edge where the Roomba tried to have a go at this weaving.</p>
<div class="c-media c-media--limit-width"><picture><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-mug-rug-back-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-mug-rug-back-s.jpg" alt="Natural linen fabric pinned to the weaving, now off the loom." width="960" height="1280" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
</picture></div>
<p>Sewing the fabrics together…</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-mug-rug-rip-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-mug-rug-rip-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-mug-rug-rip-s.jpg" alt="A visible seam on the top of thwe weaving, and a seam ripper." width="1800" height="1300" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
</picture></div>
<p>But the first time around, I sewed the fabric the WRONG side of the weaving and had to seam rip the whole darn thing. Much more annoying with a weaving than quilting cotton, ugh.</p>
<div class="c-media c-media--limit-width"><picture><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-mug-rug-mug-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-mug-rug-mug-s.jpg" alt="The mug rug on the table again, with a plain white mug sitting in the center. There’s room for a second mug" width="960" height="1280" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
</picture></div>
<p>And yet, I persisted. And we now have a rug mug! There is room for two mugs, so Rahul and I can be adorable and use this together while having coffee/tea and reading on the weekends.</p>
<p>I STILL have leftover yarn after this weaving, so I think I will just make a pom-pom garland. Now to dig up that pom-pom maker I have yet to use…</p>
Making Plans: Fall/Winter 20212021-10-29T00:00:00.000Zhttps://fiber.melanie-richards.com/making-plans-fw-2021/
<p>Well, October is nearly over (HOW), but no time like the present to document my fiber craft goals for Fall and Winter!</p>
<h2>Lingering projects</h2>
<p>Firstly, I have a couple small housewares projects to finish up:</p>
<ol>
<li>A 24" throw pillow that will match the pillow and pouf <a href="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/a-cozier-reading-chair/">I made for my reading chair</a>.</li>
<li>A mug rug I’ve woven from leftover worsted-weight yarn. The woven bit is done, just need to cut a rectangle of the backing linen and attach it to the front.</li>
</ol>
<h2>Knitting</h2>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-fw2021-knitting-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-fw2021-knitting-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-fw2021-knitting-s.jpg" alt="A maroon scarf with a nubbly texture. Four beanies, each with a pom pom on top. A pair of socks where the trim, heel, and toes are a different color yarn than the body of the sock." width="1027" height="840" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
</picture></div>
<p>I took a long break from knitting in the warm months, so there’s a couple different knitting projects on my list:</p>
<ol>
<li>Purl Soho’s <a href="https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2018/10/02/seedbed-scarf/">Seedbed scarf</a>, in a navy yarn. I was previously working on a Ravenclaw scarf, but then JKR revealed herself as an unapologetic TERF, which means that project was promptly frogged. I hope someday the creator of a beloved series <em>about the power of friendship, kindness, and acceptance</em> looks back on her transphobia with embarrassment and regret, but I shan’t hold my breath. Nor will I wear anything from the fandom, lest that send signals that I don’t wish to send. Anyway, I have a few skeins of navy yarn that needed a project, and the Seedbed scarf is a nice simple one. I’m planning to gift it to my S.O. when finished.</li>
<li>Also from Purl Soho, the <a href="https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2014/10/22/classic-cuffed-hat/">“Classic Cuffed Hat”</a> pattern. Possibly with leftover yarn from the scarf. I’ve attempted this beanie before and didn’t get too far with my rudimentary skills. So yeah, let’s try this again!</li>
<li>Socks. Socks socks socks. I really want to try making them. They’re small, useful, and you can do some nice funky things with surface patterns and colors. Summer Lee has some great sock knitting patterns, so I’ll start with the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/im-so-basic-socks">I’m So Basic Socks</a>. Now inviting any sock knitting words of wisdom!</li>
</ol>
<h2>Other projects</h2>
<ol>
<li>I bought a rug loom forever ago, then warped it a little less forever ago, and it’s been sitting in a corner of the living room. Intimidating me. So I am going to forge on ahead with <a href="https://www.balfourand.co/rug-weaving-online-course">Balfour & Co’s rug weaving course</a>.</li>
<li>Not too many sewing projects on the horizon, but I do want to make some <a href="https://store.closetcorepatterns.com/products/carolyn-pajama-sewing-pattern?variant=39419144306822">Carolyn pajamas</a> bottoms with some fabric I bought years ago from Mood Fabrics.</li>
</ol>
<p>What are you aiming to make in fall / winter of this year?</p>
On a tool roll2021-09-09T00:00:00.000Zhttps://fiber.melanie-richards.com/tool-roll/
<p>I’ve been aiming to get more into <a href="http://www.urbansketchers.org/">Urban Sketching</a>, i.e. sketching cool sights on location. Something that became obvious to me right away is that I need a better on-the-go setup for my colored pencils. Awhile ago, I had bought a little plastic sheath box to store the pencils in, which is nicely compact. However, it rattles pretty loudly, and the tips of the pencils get dirty as they all hit the same end of the box. Instead, I wanted something that would keep the colored pencils a little more separate, so that they wouldn’t cross-contaminate each other, so to speak.</p>
<p>Enter the <a href="https://www.bookhou.com/collections/for-makers/products/pattern-tool-roll">Bookhou tool roll</a>!</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-roll-folded-vert-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-roll-folded-vert-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-roll-folded-vert-s.jpg" alt="A folded, black canvas tool roll with a black leather cord wrapped around it. A patch on the front reads 'tired hands, quiet minds' and has a glowing hand illustration on it." width="1536" height="2048" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
</picture></div>
<p>For this one I used some black-and-white fat quarters that I’ve had for years, supplemented with plain black canvas for the exterior. I chose a plain, heavy material in case this takes some abuse in backpacks.</p>
<p>I also sewed on a patch that I’ve had probably since 2014; it reads “tired hands, quiet minds”. I can’t remember for the life of me where this particular patch came from, but I *think* it might be from a conference I attended that year. In any case, good excuse to finally use one of the patches I have around.</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-roll-unfolded-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-roll-unfolded-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-roll-unfolded-s.jpg" alt="The tool roll unfolded. There is a pocket with a flap, and a row of spaces for pencils to slide in (also with protective flap). Materials used are a black and white floral print, and a painterly striped black and white print." width="1800" height="1350" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
</picture></div>
<p>The interior of the tool roll has a row of slots sewn in for the colored pencils, and a perpendicular pocket that can house pencil sharpeners, erasers, and assorted whatnot.</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-roll-detail-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-roll-detail-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-roll-detail-s.jpg" alt="A close-up of the side pocket." width="1800" height="1350" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
</picture></div>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-roll-test-pencil-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-roll-test-pencil-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-roll-test-pencil-s.jpg" alt="A blue pencil with one lined sewn after it. No other pencil slots are sewn yet." width="1536" height="2048" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
</picture></div>
<p>To space the pencils, I slipped one pencil into this tool area, and put my finger down where it had enough space to comfortly but snugly fit. This ended up being ~5/8"—terribly convenient given that this is a standard marking on sewing machines.</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-roll-pencils-flap-down-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-roll-pencils-flap-down-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-roll-pencils-flap-down-s.jpg" alt="A rainbow array of pencils inserted into the slots, with the protective flap down over their tips." width="1800" height="1350" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
</picture></div>
<p>I sewed 5/8" slots all the way down the row; it fits 16 pencils.</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-roll-pencils-flap-up-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-roll-pencils-flap-up-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-roll-pencils-flap-up-s.jpg" alt="The protective flap is lifted to show the pencil tips" width="1800" height="1350" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
</picture></div>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-roll-pocket-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-roll-pocket-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-roll-pocket-s.jpg" alt="A hand slipped into the side pocket, which is about a hands-width." width="1800" height="1350" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
</picture></div>
<p>As I had feared, the worst part about this project was putting in the grommet. I kid you not when I say I sweated bullets placing the grommet into the final piece. Perhaps due to nerves, one of the test grommets I did on scrap fabric ended up looking better than the final result! C’est la vie.</p>
<p>I think what was challenging for me was getting the bottom half of the pliers lined up with the eyelet just so. It seems like if you apply uneven pressure, or are just a little off with the tool, bad things happen. Being just a bit off is easy, as you’re working with a couple slippery pieces and having to hold everything steady on two sides of the fabric. It’s maybe hard to tell from the photos, but the grommet looks like absolute butt. Luckily, the knot in the cording covers up the worst of my sins, i.e. the back side of the eyelet/washer combo (which isn’t really flush to the fabric, and is sort of jaggedy). I imagine this must get easier over time, but I also have a mind to remove any jackets with interesting hardware from my sewing wishlist. 😉</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-roll-cover-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-roll-cover-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-roll-cover-s.jpg" alt="The folded-up cover again, with the cord playfully curled to the side." width="1800" height="1350" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>Since I left the outside of the tool roll a solid color, I think this will be an opportunity to embroider some custom patches and swap them out on the front of tool roll from time to time—great excuse to finally use some of the embroidery floss that’s been lying around!</p>
A cozier reading chair2021-08-16T00:00:00.000Zhttps://fiber.melanie-richards.com/a-cozier-reading-chair/
<p>Last year, I finally got around to purchasing a reading chair, and was absolutely astonished by how expensive ottomans are. I suppose an ottoman might be considered a nice-to-have. Clearly, mainstream furniture brands assume that if you’re in the market for one, you must be willing and able to drop anywhere between $100–$450!</p>
<p>The great thing about having (or growing) sewing skills is that you can make your own. 😈</p>
<div class="c-media u-limit-width"><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-full-chair-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-full-chair-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-full-chair-s.jpg" alt="A living room scene shows a brown leather chair with a pillow on top, and a poufy cube ottoman in front of it. The pouf is made out of a natural linen with a design of large painted black-and-gold dots, and the pillow has strips of this and cream fabric." width="1024" height="1365" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>So, over the past <em>several</em> months, I’ve been working away at a pouf ottoman and new pillow for my reading chair! The pouf I actually finished way back in February; everything takes me forever, and I wanted to prioritize the ergonomics of being able to put our feet up when we read.</p>
<div class="c-media u-limit-width"><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-pouf-progress-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-pouf-progress-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-pouf-progress-s.jpg" alt="Partially-sewn-together pouf fabric in a sewing machine" width="1024" height="1365" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>For the pouf, I followed <a href="https://thehappyhousie.porch.com/how-to-sew-a-diy-pouf-ottoman/">this pattern from The Happy Housie</a>. I was worried that sewing together the edges into a cube would be a bit fiddly, but actually, things seem to fall into place quite naturally.</p>
<p>The larger drama actually was polyfil’ing this thing. I had ordered pillow inserts (for pillows), and polyfil (for the pouf) online. The package with my polyfil was stolen or lost or something—whole long saga—so I ended up in short term pulling the polyfil out of the pillow inserts and using it in the pouf. Once some polyfil finally showed up, I put <em>that</em> in the pillow insert. Hence the pillow looks a little lumpy, because I am not a factory machine.</p>
<div class="c-media u-limit-width"><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-pillow-sketch-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-pillow-sketch-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-pillow-sketch-s.jpg" alt="A diagram of the pillowcase strips design penciled out on graphic paper. Specific measurements are listed next to each strip in the design." width="1024" height="1365" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>For the coordinating pillowcase, I ended up sketching my own simple design. I had purchased 24" pillowcases, thinking that they were measured corner-to-corner, like a monitor screen. They are not. I ended up cutting down one insert to 20" and sewed that back up again. For the other insert, I’ll keep it 24" and use it as a floor pillow.</p>
<div class="c-media u-limit-width"><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-walking-foot-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-walking-foot-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-walking-foot-s.jpg" alt="Quilting the pillowcase in the machine, using a walking foot" width="1024" height="1365" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>First time quilting anything or using a walking foot! Speaking of expensive items…at least this is a one-time purchase.</p>
<div class="c-media u-limit-width"><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-pillow-close-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-pillow-close-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-pillow-close-s.jpg" alt="The quilted pillow with cream and dot-patterned stripes, resting against the back of a brown leather chair." width="1024" height="1365" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>The completed pillow! It’s a little wrinkly because I could not help but use it immediately.</p>
<div class="c-media u-limit-width"><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-dot-fabric-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-dot-fabric-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-dot-fabric-s.jpg" alt="A zoomed-in view shows that gold and black paint designs have been printed industrially on the fabric. My stitches are a little wonky too!" width="1024" height="1024" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>The linen fabric is not hand-stamped/painted (though that would be fun!). Rather, I purchased it from <a href="https://stitchesseattle.com/">Stitches</a> in Seattle.</p>
<div class="c-media u-limit-width"><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-full-chair-low-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-full-chair-low-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-full-chair-low-s.jpg" alt="Another view of the living room, taken from closer to the floor so that the pouf looms larger" width="1024" height="1365" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>While I can spot all the imperfections that come with trying something new, I’m really pleased with and proud of my pillow-and-pouf combo! It’s so satisfying to make something useful for your own home…and a nice bonus to save some money doing so.</p>
All the small things2021-02-26T00:00:00.000Zhttps://fiber.melanie-richards.com/all-the-small-things/
<p>Over the past couple months I’ve been working on a bunch of small items, using up stray fabric here and there.</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-jp-drawstring-xl.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-jp-drawstring-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-jp-drawstring-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-jp-drawstring-s.jpg" alt="A small drawstring bag made of gilded, floral Japanese fabric. Between the various blossoms float some butterflies." width="2000" height="1500" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>Probably the most fun sewing project of this batch was a drawstring bag with lining (<a href="https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/how-to-sew-a-drawstring-bag-4685165">pattern from The Spruce Crafts</a>). I made this small bag as a replacement for the not-very-cute mesh bag that came with my reusable makeup remover pads, and used roughly the dimensions of that mesh bag to guide this project. I think it looks maybe 2 inches too long, but it works for the job at hand. I bought the fabric a few years ago in Nippori, Tokyo’s fabric district, and am fiiiinally getting around to using it.</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-jp-drawstring-pad-xl.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-jp-drawstring-pad-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-jp-drawstring-pad-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-jp-drawstring-pad-s.jpg" alt="A close-up of the bag with a reusable makeup remover pad peeking out the top" width="2000" height="1500" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-jp-drawstring-open-xl.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-jp-drawstring-open-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-jp-drawstring-open-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-jp-drawstring-open-s.jpg" alt="My fingers holding the drawstring bag open to show the solid navy lining fabric" width="1536" height="2048" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>I think what made this project so fun was working on the drawstring casing and lining. When you’re in the midst of it, the layers don’t seem like much. All of a sudden things sort of magically fall into place, as fabric is turned out the right way.</p>
<p>The last time I made a drawstring bag was in middle school home ec class, when everyone had to make a rather large drawstring bag: think of the type of large sack you might take on a sleepover. Those had much chunkier drawstrings! And no lining to speak of.</p>
<p>This fabric also made an appearance in a batch of masks:</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-gold-masks-xl.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-gold-masks-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-gold-masks-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-gold-masks-s.jpg" alt="A mask made with the gilded floral fabric and metallic gold straps. And a mask of cerulean blue with gold thread detailing." width="2000" height="1500" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-more-masks-xl.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-more-masks-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-more-masks-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-more-masks-s.jpg" alt="Three masks, two made of a light grey fabric with houses illustrated in white. The third has black fabric with little white rectangles on it." width="2000" height="1500" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>The grey illustrated-house fabric is also from a small cut of fabric purchased in Nippori. And I swear, this is the last batch of masks I’m making in this pandemic—I’m sick of them!</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-pine-sachets-xl.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-pine-sachets-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-pine-sachets-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-pine-sachets-s.jpg" alt="Two poofy, five-inch square sachets made out of black and red plaid flannel fabric" width="2000" height="1500" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>Also due to the pandemic, 2020 was the first year I have not gone home to my parents’ for Christmas. Which also means it’s the first year I bothered to get my own tree! We bought a small but real pine tree from the grocery store, and I thought it might be nice to make some pine sachets with the dried-out needles.</p>
<p>I cut and sewed enough of this plaid flannel fabric to make 6 sachets, but it ended up taking forever to get needles off the tree. So the remaining four sachets became a set of holiday coasters instead:</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-plaid-coasters-xl.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-plaid-coasters-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-plaid-coasters-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-plaid-coasters-s.jpg" alt="A set of four, square coasters made out of black and red plaid flannel fabric" width="2000" height="1500" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>And that’s it for this batch of tiny projects!</p>
Leftovers upon leftovers2021-02-21T00:00:00.000Zhttps://fiber.melanie-richards.com/leftovers-upon-leftovers/
<p>Many moons ago I wove <a href="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/hello-fiber-world/">an eggy tapestry</a> and ended up with a bunch of leftover navy and white cotton yarn. I’ve done a couple small projects with the leftovers and now I have…much smaller balls of leftover yarn.</p>
<p>First up, I wove a set of nautical-esque coasters:</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-nautical-coasters-xl.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-nautical-coasters-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-nautical-coasters-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-nautical-coasters-s.jpg" alt="A set of square coasters with tassles. In the middle of each coaster is a square made up of alternating squiggles in contrast to the main color (either navy or white)" width="2000" height="1500" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>Like all the objects I weave, this design followed my own pattern. The intent was to make 2 coasters for each WFH desk in this household: dark coasters to go under coffee mugs, and light ones for water glasses.</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-nautical-coasters-close-xl.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-nautical-coasters-close-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-nautical-coasters-close-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-nautical-coasters-close-s.jpg" alt="Close up of the same coasters" width="2000" height="1500" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-nautical-coasters-sun-xl.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-nautical-coasters-sun-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-nautical-coasters-sun-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-nautical-coasters-sun-s.jpg" alt="One of the coasters, where the bottom half of the navy yarn is a bit lighter in color than the top half" width="1435" height="1435" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>This one is kind of funny because if you squint, you might be able to see a color gradation in the navy yarn. The reason for that is that I hit pause for awhile on this first coaster, and just kind of left it out in my apartment in the sun. Apparently these yarns are not very color-fast!</p>
<p>I still had plenty of yarn left to burn when I finally finished these, so I knitted up a fast washcloth (good application for this, given that it’s cotton yarn):</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-nautical-cloth-xl.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-nautical-cloth-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-nautical-cloth-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-nautical-cloth-s.jpg" alt="A white knitted washcloth with two thick navy bands near one edge" width="2000" height="1500" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>This one is fairly free-styled, too. There’s a 5-stitch-wide seed stitch pattern around the edges, and the center of the washcloth is your basic stockinette stitch.</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-nautical-cloth-wide-xl.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-nautical-cloth-wide-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-nautical-cloth-wide-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-nautical-cloth-wide-s.jpg" alt="The washcloth folded hot-dog style" width="2000" height="1500" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>Need to work on my tension when switching colors, happily taking any advice there.</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-nautical-cloth-folded-xl.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-nautical-cloth-folded-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-nautical-cloth-folded-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-nautical-cloth-folded-s.jpg" alt="The washcloth folded down to a square" width="2000" height="1500" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>Now what to do with those tiny leftover balls of yarn…?</p>
Hello (fiber crafts) world2021-01-01T00:00:00.000Zhttps://fiber.melanie-richards.com/hello-fiber-world/
<p>Welcome to my new fiber crafts blog! I suppose I should start with an introduction…</p>
<p>I'm Melanie Richards, a Seattleite who has worked on the web in various and sundry roles (design, web development, platform program management). Like a lot of information workers, I spend a lot of time staring at screens and producing intangible outcomes. And like many others, I find it important to balance screen time with hobbies in the physical world. Part of this involves hiking along many of our local trails…</p>
<p>…and a big part of it is making things with my hands.</p>
<p>I actually picked up weaving a few years ago when I was feeling stressed about work and needed something to keep my hands busy. I watched a couple <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/sabo322">YouTube videos</a>, made a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/3ff3bErBSa/">hideous-looking tapestry</a>, and later took a workshop with Natalie Novak (who very graciously answered my peppered questions). My favorite item I've woven is probably this <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8WyfP2hxtn/">eggy tapestry</a>:</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-egg-weaving-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-egg-weaving-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-egg-weaving-s.jpg" alt="A tapestry of fried eggs on a navy background. The yolks are puffy, made of rya loops." width="1080" height="1350" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>My first entry into knitting came from a gift card for 1:1 instruction at (now retired) <a href="http://badwomanyarn.com/">Bad Woman Yarn</a>. I learned English-style knitting from the owner, so I've mostly made larger/smaller rectangles, very slowly. My favorite rectangle is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BdK8gtpn-Pm/">a blanket I made as a wedding present</a> for my sister and brother-in-law:</p>
<div class="c-media "><picture><source media="(min-width: 801px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-sis-blanket-l.jpg" /><source media="(min-width: 501px)" srcset="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-sis-blanket-m.jpg" /><img src="https://fiber.melanie-richards.com/assets/images/content/melanierichards-sis-blanket-s.jpg" alt="A knitted blanket in neutral earth tones, in large stripes along the bias" width="1080" height="796" loading="lazy" decoding="async" />
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<p>As for sewing, I grew up in a hobbyist quilter's home, surrounded by homemade things. I haven't actually sewn too many things (this was a once-in-a-blue-moon hobby), but having a sewing machine really came in handy early in the pandemic when the demand for masks outstripped supply.</p>
<h2>Goals for my fiber hobbies</h2>
<p>For each of these 3 hobbies I'd like to level up in some way:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Weaving:</strong> I'd like to do large-format projects! I have a rug loom from <a href="https://www.balfourand.co/">Balfour & Co.</a> and plan to take their <a href="https://www.balfourand.co/rug-weaving-online-course">rug-weaving course</a>.</li>
<li><strong>Knitting:</strong> I want to sew something other than rectangles (though I <em>did</em> knit a coffee cozy in the round before…it turned out ok). Specifically I'd like to try making a hat, socks, and *gulp* even a sweater. I am so intimidated by the idea of knitted items that really need to fit. Just have to do the gauge properly I suppose…</li>
<li><strong>Sewing:</strong> I'd really like to step up my sewing game! I upgraded my machine a few months ago from an old, bottom-of-the-line machine that wasn't really serving me anymore. There's a lot of things I'd like to do here: quilt, make some practical goods for around the house/my other hobbies, and especially some clothes. It would neat if most of my wardrobe is handmade someday, but miles to go between here and there.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Goals for this blog</h2>
<p>Primarily I'd like to document my progress all in one place for my own reference. I wouldn't call myself the most prolific crafter, but looking back on my earliest makes, I can already see the progress. I think it would be neat to capture that all in one place, in finer detail.</p>
<p>There's a really great and joyous community around these crafts, so I'd also like to participate in that culture of open learning. The community tends to be pretty heavily centered around Instagram today, so I'll post there as well. However, it's important to me to own my content, so that no matter where the community moves—e.g. if people finally get fed up with Instagram's demanding algorithm—I'll have that throughline. And honestly, I hope indie blogging does make a significant comeback.</p>
<p>That's me in a nutshell, looking forward to sharing what I make here! ✌</p>