The Fabric Store Tourist

I have returned home to after spending a month in Detroit with my parents. During that time I went to a fabric store in Royal Oak called Haberman Fabrics.
It was feast for the eyes the minute you walk in. They are masters at merchandising.
this is the center display. There were sample garment all over the store. They have beautiful fabrics and fine notions. I love the quotes on the wall. I touched and felt almost everything.

I know you are wondering what I bought and I must tell you ...THIS PLACE IS EXPENSIVE !! I didn't buy any fabric. No, I am not a cheapskate and I understand everything about quality fabric and notions,but I just couldn't do it. I did buy a Burda magazine.(yawn)
If you are in Michigan,you must check out this store but make sure you take the BIG purse.

American Sewing Expo

No ,I haven't disappeard from blogging again. I've been in Detroit for a little over a week. I'm spending my time helping my mom through her recovery from a stroke,which left her partially paralyzed. She is making great progress and is doing really well in her therapy.It is important to her to get to do things she has always enjoyed,which largely includes sewing and doing crafts. We've always attended the American Sewing Expo in Novi,Michigan and this year she thought she would not be able to go because "no one would want to be bothered with pushing a wheelchair"she said. Well,I pushed my mom all over that expo and she was excited and delighted all day.Everyone there was so considerate and kind to her.We shopped until we almost dropped. After the expo we went to Joann Fabrics ,dinner and then a visit to her sewing buddy,Cynthia's home for a visit of her newly remodeled sewing room.

While at the expo,I met Rachelle from Smoking Needles . She is as beautiful and charming as can be.

A good time was had by all.

An Award For Me and Nominations

I've been nominated for this award.
This sweet,talented,beauty at Smoking Needles nominated me. Thank you very much. I'm honored.

Here's 1o things about me.

1. Every time I watch "Horders",I start furiously cleaning my house.

2. I love horror movies and books. I usually see most horror movies on the opening day.

3. I've been married for 26 years and my husband and I still date. I mean we call each other and ask for a date just like when we first met.

4. I'm an artist. I have had great gallery showings and sold all my paintings. Now here's the crazy thing... I haven't painted as much as a finger nail in the last 2 years. I'm afraid that I've lost my painting "mojo".

5. I have a very small fabric stash. Only 2 Rubbermaid containers and one of them is not even full.

6. I only buy patterns if I plan to make them within the month of purchase. The exception is if I attend a sewing convention,then,I stock up on indie patterns.

7. I love to bake. I like to try new recipes but, have never followed one to the letter.

8. I have a fear of heights and spiders.

9. I love to knit. My knitting is awful,but I refuse to give it up. The process is so relaxing. I enjoy the feeling of the yarn and the little rhythmic clicks the needles make as they touch.

10. I can't type and use the "hunt and peck" method to post my blog. It takes forever and I often worry that my posts are to short.

Here's the people I nominate:
1.T-Minus T-Plus
2.The New Vintage Wardrobe
3.Sew Passionista by Diana
4.In My Craft Room
5.All My Seams

Weekend Project-Finished

This weekend sewing project is almost finish.I haven't sewn the buttons on yet,but I can't wait to show it. Here it is,on Claire.
I used Vogue 8515.The fabric,chambray featuring window pane pin tucks, was given to me by a friend. I love textured fabric.but I certainly didn't want to do all that work. Here's a picture of the pin tucks.
I embroidered my buttonholes using a design program from Dakota Collectibles 2010.
The stabilizer I chose is Sulky Solvy. It dissolves in water,so that nothing shows on either side. This is the first time I've used an embroidery program for buttonholes. I'll definitely do it again.

Day 4 - Mean Jeans

Sometimes ,I make a garment that I think is just the “cat’s meow” after I try it on,a few minute after it comes f the sewing machine. Truth is ,I should remember that everything has to be wear tested. Only then, can I truly give it a rating .
These jeans are a good example of what I’m talking about. When I first tied them on.they fit beautifully .The only issue I had was the waist was a little too high.(above the navel). I could deal with that because ,I never wear my tops tucked in.However as the day wore on these jeans began to betray me. The waistband grew at least two sizes. The crotch and butt dropped down ( picture the old plumber sag).
Believe it or not I will make another pair. Next time I will make them tighter or perhaps not use denim with spandex.
I used McCalls 5894 The pattern instruction guides you to a fly front zipper being placed on the wrong side. It also seems to run large. Otherwise it’s a great pattern. I embroidered the back pockets using an Anita Goodesigns,Designer Roses II.

Day 3 Self-Stitch-September

I didn't have to go to work today. I spent a little time cleaning up my sewing room an organizing my tools. There is nothing like playing in an organized space. I started working on my Vogue top ,mentioned in my last post. so far so good.
The best part of the day was spending time with my friend Linda,who loves sewing as much as I do. We went out to eat and talked sewing most of the evening. It's good to have friends who share the joy of sewing. Linda was kind enough to take this picture of me in my "self made top".
This pattern used for this top is McCall's 6118 in a chamuese print from Hancock Fabrics.
I don't plan to make this pattern again. The off-the-shoulder neckline was a bit wonky.

National Sewing Month -Day One

I'm participating in"Self-Stitched-September".I took the pledge to wear something,made by me,everyday. This is what I changed into after I took of my work uniform.
The pants are made from matte jersey. The pattern I used is an independent line by Louise Cutting.It's called the One Seam Pant. They have an elastic waistband and are quick and easy to make. I've made them several times and love them a little more with each pair.
The top is made from a light weight knit,purchased from my friend Ebony. I used another indie pattern from Christine Jonson called the Princess Wrap #426 .

Did you know that September is "National Sewing Month".In celebration,I will sew or do something sewing related, every day this month. I'm cutting this pattern out tonight from a chambray fabric which has features a pin tuck pattern. I plan to add a little embroidery to this project,maybe.

Self-Stitched-September

It has been over a year since my last post and believe it or not, I've missed it.
Each time I thought about posting something,I'd put it of until:

• tomorrow-I've had a long day and I'm tired

• this weekend-I'll be off and have more time

• next week-Maybe then I have something to blog about

• next month-I'll just start at the beginning of next month

• 3 months later-I'm so embarrassed by my inability to blog with some regularity like everyone else.

• 1 year later-I've probably lost all my readers.What's the use?
  

After all that,I've just decided that blogging is something I enjoy and no matter how much time passes between my posts, I will not quit.

I have entered a challenge event called,"Self Stitched September" and have taken the pledge:
'I, Lisa H, sign up as a participant of Self-Stitched-September. I endeavour to wear only handmade and refashioned’ item(s) of clothing or accessories, every day for the duration of September 2010'.
This will be a great way for me to get back into the blog game and celebrate "National Sewing Month "at the same time.
It will also be a real challenge because,I wear a uniform to work. But after work,it's all me and my own sewn clothes.
Wish me luck.