Shawl Every Day 2021 - Day 18 - Rework
Everyone hates rework. Having to undo a bunch of work to fix a stupid mistake can be so frustrating. There’s always the questions of “Will anyone notice?” “Will it bother me later?” “ How much of it do I have to redo?” Add to that the feeling that you have wasted time by doing it the wrong way, then taking it out, then doing it the right away again.
Shawl Every Day 2021 - Day 16 - Glues and Tapes
These are the glues and tapes I keep in my shop at all times. My #1 go-to is cyanoacrylate glue, also known as super glue, krazy glue, or just CA glue. It’s perfect for 3D printing and foam board and even small wood projects. I recommend getting a kicker so that it sets even faster.
Shawl Every Day 2021 - Day 14 - No gatekeeping
Gatekeeping is when someone takes it upon themselves to decide who does or does not have access or rights to a community or identity. An example would be an exchange something like: “Oh, I like Pokémon too!” “Really??? Well, if you really like Pokémon, then what’s the third evolution of Sandile?” Gatekeeping can also be an attitude that if someone doesn’t use the “nice” tools or the “right” tools, then they’re not a “real” maker.
Here at Loops of Gray, I totally reject gatekeeping.
Shawl Every Day 2021 - Day 6 - 3D printing vs 3D modeling
3D printers have been around for several years, but a lot of people still aren’t sure what they’re all about. I’ve been printing for 3 years and the biggest confusing people have is the difference between just 3D printing and 3D modeling.
Shawl Every Day 2021 - Day 4 - Scissors
I keep a variety of scissors in my studio and use them for different purposes.
Shawl Every Day 2021 - Day 2 - Tool Tip: Kitchen Scale
A tool that I think should be in every maker/crafter space is a digital kitchen scale. The two things I use it for most is to 1) weigh yarn and 2) weigh my filament spools.
Five For Friday 4/9/21
I had bought this yarn for a different project, but it didn’t work out, so it’s been sitting in my stash for a long time. I finally decided to try out a mandala pattern and I think it turned out pretty cool!
Five For Friday 4/2/21
I spent a day putting pockets in all my favorite dresses because more things need pockets. This also lets me have my insulin pump in the pocket without needing to wear shorts underneath the dress. I lined the purple dress and the patterned dress with black fabric from a tank top that no longer fit. The black dress pictured plus another black dress got pockets made with taco fabric. :D
Five For Friday 3/26/21
I had been trying to figure out a good way to store all my quilting rulers and finally a friend came up with a great idea to do pegboard on the back of my door. Space is at a premium in my studio, so this was a great idea!
Five For Friday 2/26/21
My Sandhill Sling bag is coming along nicely. I love this pattern and I am feeling good about my progress so far. Nothing too crazy yet, but it feels like there are a lot of nice touches that make this feel really professional. And of course, I am a huge fan of the gray and yellow combo.
Combination Taco Bell/Pizza Hut Ornament
This is easily one of the craziest commission requests I've gotten and the most out of my comfort zone skill-wise. I was asked to turn an image of a Taco Bell/Pizza Hut on Jamaica Ave into a Christmas ornament.
3D printed wood table sign holder
One of the projects I'm most proud of last year was a set of 3D printed wood table decorations for a small wedding. It was my first big custom design and my first time printing with wood filament.
MtMW 2020 - Shop Small
Shopping at a small business supports a maker directly. The money I get from selling my hats, cowls, shawls, and other goodies goes directly back into the economy when I use it to by groceries, more knitting patterns (supporting yet another small business!), pet supplies, etc. I get so much joy in sharing my work with other people and I love to hear how they use the item or see pictures of them wearing it. You don't give that joy to people when you buy from a big box store.
MtMW 2020 - Community Over Competition
The maker community is incredible! I love learning new things from other makers and being inspired by what they make. There are a ton of badass ladies out there, but here are a few that especially kick ass.
MtMW 2020 - Silver Linings
One of the silver linings about 2020 is that in our new house, I got expanded studio space. I'm able to fit 2 extra bookshelves, a record player stand, a cat tower, plus I have the whole closet to hang my shawls and store my stash of handknits.
Meet the Maker Week 2020 - Say Hello
Hello there! Loops of Gray is a single-woman shop run by me - Melissa! I am based in St. Louis, MO and have lived there my entire life. I make all sorts of things, but my specialties are handknit shawls, quilts, and 3D printed stuff. I can also crochet, embroider, cross-stitch, and do some general sewing.
MMtM 2020 Day 31: FAQs!
Thanks so much for joining me this month in sharing a bit about myself and what I make. I hope you learned some things and would love to know what questions you have for me! Feel free to ask me anything about knitting, crochet, yarn, quilting, sewing, fabric, 3D printing, designing, mental health, or anything at all! New yarn from @owool
MMtM 2020 Day 22: Tools & Materials
Today I decided to show off my favorite tools that I use all the time, whether it be for knitting, sewing, or 3D printing.
MMtM 2020 Day 21: Change
What a week for change indeed! We finally moved to our new house and I've got most of my new office set up. I love the huge windows for natural light and how much space I have.
MMtM 2020 Day 16: Self Care
OMG, self care is so important. It's often hard to think about taking care of yourself when there is so much going on and so much to do. I always have a long list of projects I am working on for other people. Making things for people brings me a lot of joy, but it's just as important to make things for myself.