To The Max.

I.am.scared.of.sewing.with.knits.

There. I said it.

My Mom has sewn with knits for years, and has always loved them. When I was a girl Mom made me some darling dresses with knits. I love the way knit feels, and I love wearing knit-y things. But, I've always been a little hesitant sewing with them.

I have made myself a few knit garments, and usually they end up on the side of a-pain-to-sew-with and I-don't-wear-it-long-before-I-get-rid-of-it-because-it-looks-homemade. I hope someone out there understands. I'm not a perfectionist for the most part, but I hate it when I sew up a garment and it looks like I sewed it. Cringe.

Well, the time rolls around again when I voice to Mom how much I would love to have a maxi knit skirt that is cute and comfortable and I sewed it. And, of course, Anna Maria Horner having just come out with new knits gave the perfect excuse to try ONE more time and get over my fear of sewing with knits.

People, I'm here to tell you….. I DID IT!!!

That's right! All those pictures above are photographic evidence. I purchased a piece of Anna's knits from some of our favorite fabric folks (hi, Quilt Home!), and made myself a skirt. In fact, I made it in about 1 – 1 1/2 hours one evening. So I could wear it to Church the next day, of course. And, I love it. Yay!!!!

This knit is a dream to sew with. Most of the other knits I've worked with want to catch and slide around, then catch some more. Then, when you put it on it wants to grab you and cling in all the places you are telling it not to. Not this knit! I also just used my regular machine with a stretch knit stitch (because sergers kind of scare me to death). No problem-o.

So, I guess this means I'm officially a sewing with knit survivor and advocate, right? I know (because My Mom has told me this for years…) that not all knits are created equal. So, if you're like me and have sewn with knits and had bad results, pick another knit and try again. You can conquer! And, while I'm at it, may I recommend the knits that I used?

Did I mention it's as comfortable as pjs?

If you have any knit experiences (bad or good) do share them!

xoxo Achaia

Smile for Sophie (she’s amazing, cute, talented, and funny!)

A month or so ago Sophie, asked if we could come out to her house and model some vintage wedding dresses for her. Sophie is a super talented, cute, happy, funny photographer, who also happens to be a fabulous friend. Of course, what could we say but "yes!"?!

Above you'll find some of the results. We also got to model with Sophie's sister (Hi, Clara!!)….. You can see all of them over at Sophie's blog!

We had an awesome time dressing up and roaming around the property looking for the perfect spot! Thanks, Soph, for inviting us!

xoxo

Happy birthday to our Abs!

Dearest Abigail~

What a wonderful surprise to be blessed with a 3rd daughter! You have always been so full of life, love, and laughter. I truly value your zest and your tremendous loyalty.

May The Lord Jesus Christ continue to guide and direct you all the days of your life.

I love you, Mommy

Happy 22nd birthday, Abs! We love you so very much and know we are so blessed to have you as a partner-in-crime. Thanks for being a great sister. We are so excited to see what God will do in your life this next year!

xoxoxo Apphia, Achaia, & Abiah

Needlework Thursday

Today I've been thinking about all the marvelous things you can do with a needle. Just seeing a Pinterest picture or a photo on someone's blog of something beautiful that's stitched makes me giddy.

The most recent hand project I've started on is this beauty above. Talk about LOTS and LOTS of cross stitching. I know. I bought the PDF pattern on Etsy a few months ago, and just a couple weeks ago decided I was ready to plunge in. It will be soooo exciting to see it completed!

Below I'm going to share with you some beautiful handstitched works. Some of the forms are different (crewel, most just embroidery). Enjoy the eye candy!

xx Achaia

Crewel Embroidery. I absolutely LOVE this.

I love Anna Michelle's work, and this ballerina is no exception.

Raindrops keep fallin' on my head….. Simple, but packs lots of punch in all the colors, don't you think?

I bought this PDF pattern already, and am looking forward to making it. How can you resist a cute tiger??

I LOOOOVVVVE Rita Hayworth's blouse in this photo!!! All the attention to detail + the styling = magnificent. It doesn't even seem to bother me that the photo's in black and white so I can't see color. I can just imgaine…..

Anna Maria Horner put this little birdie on a sash for her daughter a few years ago. Cutest thing.

Love this piece.