Well hellooo there!  Sure has been hard for me to get back into the swing of this blogging thing.  Maybe now that the weather has finally sobered up and taken a right turn towards the direction of Spring I will feel inspired to get outside to take pictures of my makes. 

In preparation for that I've decided it's time to actually learn how to use that fancy camera I just had to have when I started blogging.  Big expensive fancy camera does not instantly equal better pictures like I once thought.  You have to know how to use it and that doesn't mean turning the dial to auto mode.  My local university once offered non credit courses on the subject.  I tried to enroll in a Spring course and was told they had to cut costs and cancel the course.  I was now stuck with manual in hand and a serious case of the yawns.  I did a lot of research online trying to find an affordable online class, one that I wouldn't lose interest in.  My first go was with this Craftsy class.  I made it about 2/3rds of the way in and gave up because my internet connection is a total piece of shit and I spent a majority of time waiting on the page to buffer.  Totally weird because I don't have that problem when I watch Netflix.  Any tech junkies out there wanna offer some advice, I'm all ears.... Right now I'm currently taking the DSLR basics course offered by A Beautiful Mess.  So far I'm really enjoying it.   Each lesson can be read at your own pace and it's really easy to understand.  I've got a lot to learn when it comes to focus and exposure as you will see in some of the pictures in this post.  I can't wait to actually know what the hell I'm doing!

Right before Christmas I got a coverstitch machine.  It sat on the floor for a couple months untouched as I was scared to use it.  I finally dusted it off and used this pattern, the Idyllwild top/dress pattern by Itch To Stitch to make a couple t-shirts with it.  This is a fitted style tee which I really like.  The pattern comes with 7 sleeve options, 2 neckline options and 3 different length options AND it's only a buck. 

My first tee was made with a ponte knit from Joann Fabric.  Since ponte is heavier with a little less stretch than most knits I wish I would of sized up.  It turned out a little too snug and outlines all the bumps and bulges you don't particularly want emphasis on.  This is the only picture I was able to get that didn't show the complete outline of my bra or my belly button...your welcome.

My second version I used a black & white striped jersey knit from Fabric Mart.  I so wish I could link you to some of this awesome fabric but it seems they are all out.  It's lightweight and has the perfect amount of stretch that makes it super comfortable. 

Playing with my camera in manual mode here.  I'm pretty sure this isn't the ideal exposure but I kinda think it looks neat. 

Learning to use my coverstitch has been a lot of trial and error (same can be said for my camera).  The amount of helpful youtube tutorials on the subject is lacking.  If anyone knows of any please let me know.

I know there are a ton of great t-shirt patterns out there and you probably already have your favorite or TNT but if not I highly recommend this pattern.  I've got enough of the black/white jersey knit leftover to make a short sleeve tee to wear to death this summer.