No More Sewing Block

  The past weekend was super productive. I figured out the reason for my creativity block...my sewing room was full of junk and had become chaotic. It was time for a major de-cluttering,reorganizing and cleaning. I spent most of Saturday, going through patterns,fabrics,notions,books and various art supplies. I was determined to finish this in one day, so I only stopped for lunch, dinner and bathroom breaks.
   I advised my family that if anyone should disturb me, they would have to help clean. No one disturb me,even once.I started at 9:30am. I finished completely by 10pm. I went to bed exhausted but satisfied.
     Sunday, I went into my refreshed sewing room and finished this quilt.

 I also decided to get one more garment in for the Jungle January sew-a-long. I'll be making the skirt from this fabric and,out of print, McCall's pattern 5481. (I don't know why this picture is facing the wrong way)

  I've made this skirt before and the pattern has been adjusted,so I was able to get it cut and marked and ready to sew.

   I had little time today to sew. All that is left now,is the waist band and a hem. I hope I can get it finished tomorrow.
   

Stolen Sewing Time

I am  garment sewing blocked. I have no idea what I want to sew next. All my usual motivation boosters, my look book,watching Project Runway, are not working.
  This past weekend I had all day Saturday and Sunday to sew. My DH and DD were out with their friends and activities,all day. Leaving me to sew un-disturbed and guess what I did with that time? I layed around watching tv,reading and eating. What a waste!
    So I decided to work on a quilt.

    This is sewing meditation because its just straight line sewing. Add a little music and go into a zen place in no time. Today I had 15 minutes to myself for sewing and as soon as I stitch 2 inches,my DH bring his laptop  to me,with that frustrated look on his face. By the time I fixed his computer boo-boo, he returns to the sewing room with two pairs of pants that need "a little repair,while you've got your machine going".
   A "little repair" is a zipper replacement and re-seaming worn out areas. My 15 minutes of zen quilting was changed into 30 minutes of repair sewing. Damn!
   Maybe tomorrow.(Sigh)

Jungle January - Jacket Number 2

I finished another jacket for the Jungle January challenge.

 The pattern I used is Butterick 5616. The fabric is faux alligator print suede. The color is similar to a dark- wash denim with light and dark variations.

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I made the short white version (A) and made no changes. I did not have to make my usual FBA because this pattern runs a little larger. I interlined it,to give the fabric a little more body.

This pattern is super easy. There was a ton of top stitching,but that's the norm for this type of  jacket. I like using this type of button. All it takes is a hammer and a hard surface. No hand sewing--YIPPEE.

 

Here is the back.

I will definitely use this pattern again. I can see it in a few different types of prints or a bright solid with some machine embroidery. There are a lot of possibilities.

Inspiration

I had to share this with you. It is powerful and true.

First Garment-January Jungle Sewalong

My first garment of the year and first for the January Jungle sew along ( see the button on the right) is this snake print jacket.

From this pattern, Simplicity 2341. On my version, I left of the collar and quilted the center front and center back panels. I also lined it.

 I used a hera marker to place a couple of quilting guidelines. This marking tool is great because it marks by leaving an indention in the fabric that can easily be seen.

Quilt a piece of fabric the right general size of the pattern piece.

Then cut the pattern piece. It is time consuming but worth it if you want custom quilted fabric.

Here  is a close up of the zippered pocket and you can better see the print on this faux leather fabric.

I have had the fabric in my collection for about 7 years and I don't have any idea where I purchased it.
 I wore this jacket out and about today. I was comfortable and got a lot of compliments. I think I'll use this pattern again and do a different version in denim.

Finished Quilt

 Quilts are fun to sew and great to have lying around the house for snuggling under. I love to see my family or friends wrap themselves in one of my quilts while watching TV,tailgate parties,napping or just sitting around talking. I always have one or two in different stages. This one began back in September with this post .

Here is a better look at each block,which features machine embroidery.

A Coat For Ashley

I finished my daughter, Ashley's coat. She slowed down long enough for me to get a picture.

The pattern is McCalls 5525,view A. The fabric is coat weight wool from Joann fabrics. I started this one last February and dragged the construction out until March and put it away unfinished because cold weather was on the was out. Now she can wear it while it is cold. However she's always running out of the house without a coat,no matter how cold it is. " Mom,its not that cold",is her daily weather forecast. That's why I was shocked, when she ask me to make a coat. She says she loves it and will wear it ,even if it is" not that cold".