- Clean out closet and get rid of everything that does not fit.
- Make a list of wardrobe basics needed. Sew them.
- Clean out pattern and fabric stash.
- SWAP-Sew With A Plan
- Learn to fit a jacket properly
- Sew weekly
- Learn more tailored finishing techniques
- Experiment with Burda World of Fashion Patterns
- Try a technique from every monthly issue of Threads magazine.
Monday, December 31, 2007
2008 Sewing Resolutions
Monday, December 24, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
UFO #1-Done
Here's my version in chocolate brown with a pink RTW jacket.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Inspiration
Monday, December 10, 2007
Joy,Joy,Joy !!!
Saturday, December 01, 2007
My Latest Completed Projects
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Finally a New Post !
I won a first place award in a folk art show.
I had art show in September.Here are some of the pieces that sold.
I was able to really enjoy my trip to Michigan (where I'm from) with the money I made from the art show.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Sewing "Style File
I'll add swatches of fabric to pages after the garment has been completed.It's always fun and satisfying to look back and see looks I've copied and the money I've saved.
I know that many people have similar ways of keeping that sewing juice flowing.I love to hear about it.If you feel like sharing your "style file" or similar system,email me a picture with your tips.Put,"style file"in the subject box.I'll post them here with a link to your blog or site.
Don't leave me hanging.LOL
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Cool SWAP tops
The pattern was totally easy.I wanted to experiment with some different methods of closures,like my sewing heroine,Donna Ericson,hence the metal ring on the shirt.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Midnight Musing
Friday, August 17, 2007
SWAP Failure
I did complete the dolls in time to get them into the gallery by the deadline.This is Bud B.and Blossom B.Bumble bees of course.They haven't sold yet.If they don't sell from the gallery ,I'll try eBay with better pictures.
Yes,I'm guilty.I didn't finish the SWAP.I'm sure you want to know ,why didn't I finish the SWAP? After some serious reflection,I found that,I just had too much on my plate.Too many projects going on,with too many deadlines.I also still have some time management issues.I'm not totally depressed about it though. I got a lot of sewing done and I put a nice dent in my fabric stash.The absolute best part is,I gained a coordinating wardrobe,which I have been happily wearing.It is so good to not struggle over what to wear with this and that.
I'll try a SWAP competition again some day but no time soon.I found that I missed being able to jump from sewing ,to painting,to doll making,to knitting,whenever I want.When doing a SWAP you've got to spend an enormous amount of time,sewing.I truly admire those ladies whom were successful in completing the competition.
I love my wardrobe.I've got a few more finished pieces to show you as soon as I can get DD to take a few pictures.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Swap Progress
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Great Saturday
Friday, July 06, 2007
Last Saturday's Yard Sale Finds
I payed $1.00 for all this.I didn't know if they would fit my sewing machine but at this price I couldn't lose.I rushed home and tried them on my favorite baby and they fit just right.Know,I've got to figure out what they are used for. I know one is a ruffle foot and one is to fold and attach bias strips.I'll have to take a trip to the sewing machine shop ad find out.I can't wait.I'll have some time to do it tomorrow.
Tomorrow,I plan to go to my local yarn store for their"sit and knit".I hoping to make a knitting friend.From 11am to 1pm you can come in and sit and knit or crochet,while listening to relaxing music,in the company of others who do the same.Every since I bought my Stitch n Bitch book,I've been in search of a group of my own.I'm knitting my second scarf.I'm still fairly new to knitting.I completed one scarf which I started after my initial knitting lessons.After that,I thought I was hot stuff and started a sweater without a gauge swatch.I used the wrong sized needle and the wrong type of yarn for the project.It turned out awful.However,I do learn from my mistakes,so it's not a total loss.I going to keep the sweater as a reminder of what not to do.Maybe a before and after photo one fine knitting day in the future.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Progress Report
Here is what I've been up to.I'm still working on my SWAP items.I've finished 3 more pieces.One dress,a top and a skirt.I didn't have any problems with the skirt and top,but,the dress was a nightmare.It sent me into a panic because of fitting problems.I did a full bust alteration on this pattern.This was the first time ever.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
The First 3 Swap Garments
Next is my "safari suit".The shirt is Vogue 2815 and the shorts are Simplicity 4068.The shorts have a zippered fly and side pockets.
Last is the kimono shirt from McCalls 5233.It is not part of the swap.I just wanted to finish it before I went on to more SWAP sewing.
It's been a good sewing week.Here's what I've learned:
- Plan to spend at least 2 sessions cutting,marking and interfacing.
- Squeeze in at least an hour a day for one week.(that's 7 hours.Cool)
- Have all your supplies on hand.
- Take your time.Do not sew when you are tired.
- Use TNT (Tried N True) pattern if possible it save fitting time.
Thank you all for wishing me luck and giving me encouragement.I felt good knowing that my blog sisters are wishing me well.
Sew on to the next SWAP garments.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
My First Swap Contest
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Slinky Dress Photos at Last
I made the flowered one first,then the sleeveless one.I haven't worn either out and about yet.I have some reservation about showing my upper arms.However,it is getting really hot as the season moves toward summer.I think I may need to "get over it".
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Another "Threads Magazine"Adventure
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
A Thread's Adventure
For my latest sewing adventure,I've decided to test drive some of the information found in various Threads magazine articles and give you the scoop on what works and,what doesn't.
I 've started with January 2007 -issue 128,page 54-59.This article is called ,"The Secret to Slinky Knits".I have selected this fabric and pattern.It is slinky knit.I choose this pattern after viewing Melody's beautiful example .You can see it here. http://crazedsewer.blogspot.com/2007_04_01_archive.html
The article list basic tools-rotary cutter,cutting mat,walking foot,stretch needle,polyester thread,pressing cloth,and fusible stabilizer tape.(the brand I choose was Steam-A-Seam)
The article suggests using a rotary cutter and cutting mat.I did not use those ,because my cutting mat is to small.I used very sharp scissors and stayed close to the cutting surface without lifting the fabric too much.This worked fine.I also used weights instead if pins.I would suggest using as few pins as possible to avoid snags from pins that may not be sharp enough.The information for cutting was,right on the money.Everything went well.
And sew on...
I don't have a walking foot,which was one of the tools listed.I will be getting one.I was able to control most of the fabric shifting,but with a walking foot,I know this project would have went along a lot faster.All information for sewing and pressing was perfect.The Steam-A-Seam is something I plan to stock up on.It gave a smooth neckline and hem with no rippled edges,while adding a hint of stabilization.The stitch lenght,2-2.5(I used 2) and width 0.5-1(I used 1) was a traditional zigzag.The article advised that a serger was not necessary,so I didn't use one.This is my first slinky knit dress,It went together so fast,that I went out and bought more slinky knit and made a second version the very next day.
And sew on...
The verdict is in. This Threads,article is a winner and has helped me conquer my fear of knits.I'll post pictures as soon as I can get DD or DH to take them.Sew on to the next article.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Results of My 2 Week Sewing Challenge.
This "sewing challenge"has taught me the joys of taking time for myself and spending that time doing something that I greatly enjoy.I will continue sewing daily for relaxation and enjoyment.
On to the next sewing adventure.I've got a big pile of Threads magazines.I'm feeling brave...hmm.