Plaza Pants and More

Here is the picture of the Plaza Pants (a Sewing Workshop pattern). I love these pants. They are so comfortable. I did'nt have to alter the pattern in any way other than the length. They have a smooth front,elastic waist.

I also made a top and matching shrug from this pattern.

Here is my version.I think I should have made the tank top a little longer. The idea is to get away from wearing oversize t-shirts and sweatshirts, during my weekend errands (fabric and book stores) and leisure activities (hanging out with framily and friends).

Speaking of hanging with friends,I spent Super Bowl Sunday with my sewing buddy Faye

I enjoy visiting her. She is very inspiring,plus I get to see all her latest creations. Faye has a wonderful eye for fine fashion details.You will be in for a treat when she gets her new camera. I returned home loaded with new ideas and a lovely piece of fabric from Faye's stash.

We are planning to attend a sewing expo in Atlanta next month.

Good Shopping

I went book shopping today during lunch and purchased a few goodies. The "Chic Bags"book has been on my want list for a while. It has a lot of fresh looks and great instructions. The "Passion for Patchwork" has quilted projects which I 'd like to make as gift items for gifts.I've done a little quilting(1 table runner) before and it was really relaxing.Several ladies I've recently met at the fabric store, have advised me to take another stab at it.

These magazines are going to the top of the magazine pile next to my bed.To top off the day,when I got home from work my Ebay wins were in the mail box.I guess I've got tote bags on the brain. I love making them. The Athena Blouse pattern is a good basic for my wardrobe makeover. It will probably hit the cutting table Saturday after I return from the fabric store. It's going to be cold and rainy tomorrow.Excellent for staying in a warm dry sewing room

I completed my Plaza pants and a pair of jeans. I'll have to post pictures of the finished products later when DD slows down enough to take photos. Both fit great.This was my first time making a pair of jeans.Now,I have another great reason to avoid the mall.Well,except for accessories and shoes. Here's a picture of the pattern and the denim.The denim has just a hint of stretch and it is super dark. I made view C. I'm so pleased with this pattern.I know I will make at least 3 more pair.

In the Bag

Sometimes I need a quick project.You know, an instant gratification thing. Lately I don't get as much time to sew as I use to,because of my new job.I'm not complaining.I enjoy my job and having more $$$ to spend on sewing stuff. I like to have some sewing time every week. So I think I'll keep a few things instant gratification projects on hand for the busier weeks.

Here is a quick project which I completed Saturday night.

I made view D. It's on display in Hancock Fabrics so please excuse the ceiling view.I should have taken a photo before having it placed on display.

It's so easy and quick. I plan to use this pattern again. I think I would make a great gift to have on hand for those girlfriend birthdays that sometime spring up. The only notions it called for was five 1.5 inch rings and a magnetic clasp. It took 2 hours from cut to finish and that was while doing laundry and watching TV.

I've got my Plaza pants cut and marked. Maybe I can get to them this evening.

Wardrobe Makeover-A Beginning

I have purged my closet of all garments that just don't work. Anything that doesn't fit,is the wrong color,or is just butt ugly has been given the boot. I also did this with my dresser drawers and it leaves me with a lot of empty drawer and half of a closet to refill with better choices.

My daughter helped me with this task and some of her comments(usually said during fit of laughter) about these clothing mistakes were: "Ugly,skanky and "Mom,what were you thinking!" I took a few pictures of some of the clothes I got rid of. Just to give y'all some laughs.Here are my clothing confessions. The Tye dyed t-shirt created during a workshop.This just represents one of 27 tired shapeless t-shirts. The short negligee with furry stuff. This thing is 12 years old and a size 10.Last of all,my muu-muu ,which I wore after I brought my newborn daughter home, 12 years ago.I've been wearing this thing every Saturday and Sunday morning since then. I know it's a shame.

First of all I'm in need of some basics: Black pants,black dress,white shirt and a red dress (Yes, this is a basic that should be in every woman's wardrobe.) Now I don't want to make the basics back to back. I think that could get a little boring. I need plenty of artsy accent pieces that are truly me. So I'll alternate between basics and accents.

First, the black pants.I have selected the Plaza Pants from the Sewing Workshop pattern collection. I have purchased a lightweight wool blend which should drape and press nicely.

I'm off to the cutting table.

The Trench Coat -Finished

I finally finished my trench coat! I like to enjoy the process,so I took my time and payed attention to details.There was a ton of top stitching which I usually try to avoid,because I don't do it well.However,I've decided the only way to improve is with more practice. I found this fabric in the home decor section of Hancock Fabrics a year ago with the intent to make a jacket of some sort,but it got lost in the stash pile.I know it's a little busy but I really like it. When I saw this McCall's pattern,I knew I had to dig the fabric up. I made the beige coat on the pattern envelope. I recently got a job,so I'm no longer a SAHM. I wasn't able to spend as much time sewing as I like. So whenever I did get some sewing time in,I really wanted to make it count. This is the first finished project of 2008. My wardrobe makeover is well underway.

In keeping with one of my sewing goals,I learned a new technique.The Hong Kong facing technique is a method of covering the inside edge of a facing. It's one of those little details that make garments look professional inside.See the little satin edge.

I learned this technique from the book, Power Sewing Step By Step by Sandra Betzina. It's a great book to have in your sewing library.

2008 Sewing Resolutions

Earlier in the month I decided to give myself a fashion makeover. So my sewing goals are in line with that plan.I suppose by putting this out in blogland,I will be compelled to successfully complete my goals. So here goes.

1. Clean out closet and get rid of everything that does not fit.
2. Make a list of wardrobe basics needed. Sew them.
3. Clean out pattern and fabric stash.
4. SWAP-Sew With A Plan
5. Learn to fit a jacket properly
6. Sew weekly
7. Learn more tailored finishing techniques
8. Experiment with Burda World of Fashion Patterns
9. Try a technique from every monthly issue of Threads magazine.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas !

UFO #1-Done

I finish one of my UFOs. I started this pencil skirt at the beginning of this month and stopped with just the hem to finish. Some how I ended up with 3 skirts in the closet that just needed to be hemmed. I guess I just like to have a little hand sewing to do while watching TV. Now I've got 2 more skirts hems left. I don't want to start the new year with any UFOs.

Here's my version in chocolate brown with a pink RTW jacket.

Inspiration

Often I look for fashion inspiration in catalogs a nd on the internet and can find tons of fashionable looks on thin models. This can be a bit disheartening because I'd like to see fashionable looks on people who look like me and I am far from thin. I'm not whinning about it though.There is no self hate here. One of the many reasons I like sewing blogs so much, is all of women have different figures and sew to dress themselves fabulously.They post a cool designer garment (often runway pics) and then a few days later...BAM... their own awesome version of the look.

I like seeing fashion pics of Jill Scott, Jennifer Hudson, Monique and Queen Latifah. These beautiful women are always styling. Queen Latifah has a fashion line and these pics are a few looks I could see myself wearing.

I'm planning to do my own versions of each outfit including the bag as part of my total wardrobe makeover. I can see a lot of room for embellishments and additional detail which would allow me to use a couple of patterns for several different looks. I think I might have some similar patterns in my stash that could work. Good thing Hancock Fabrics is having a pattern sale.

Joy,Joy,Joy !!!

I had the most splendid time sewing with my new friend,Linda.

We got together at her home for some good sewing fellowship,this past Saturday.The first thing she did was present me with this beautiful Kwik Sew pattern.It was sweet surprise and I love it. She had her sewing room all set up for total sewing comfort and a fantastic sewing library. I worked on a skirt and she worked on a cute top and a pants fitting muslin. I got the chance to see all the cute fashions she had sewn and posted on her blog. Linda is a terrific seamstress ! I had so much fun !

Sunday evening, I cut out this trench coat from a zebra print,I've had in my stash for a year. I hope to release my inner diva for the New Year. I've been watching "Tim Gunn's House Of Style"and "What Not To Wear"and have to decided to give myself a fashion makeover. I'm going for the bold,creative look. Live out loud and in living color.

My Latest Completed Projects

As promised,here are the pictures of my latest projects. This is one of the patterns and fabric I picked up during my shopping trip with my sewing buddy,Faye. This is Mccalls 5520. The fabric has a little metallic fiber running throughout the print.This was really easy to put together.One hour from cut to finish.Next time I'll make it with a smaller neckline.I don't want my bra strap showing.

I did some knitting and felting. This hat is the result. I love the felting process.

I did some crochet.

My daughter Ashley,loves all things pink. She knows how to crochet but, she usually ask me to make this and that. She doesn't like to follow patterns. She's a free style girl.

Finally a New Post !

The bad blogger returns.I've been away from blog land for a long time and I have missed it. My artwork sales have taken off suddenly and with that goes the creation of more art.Plenty of painting + family stuff + plus daily life stuff + procrastination = No time, to blog. I'll do much better. I promise.

A lot has been going on since my last post.Here a quick run down.

Melody nominated me as a Rockin' Girl Blogger. She is so sweet. She is also a brilliant entrepreneur.This is her online store. I missed her at the Sewing Expo in Novi, Michigan,this year.

I'm nominating Faye. Her blog is inspiring and fun.Visiting is like having tea with a friend. I had the pleasure of spending a shopping day with her and even though we became acquainted by blogging,it felt like we have been friends forever. We had lunch and did fabric and pattern shopping.

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.

My family is very supportive of my art career and while I was visiting, my brother took me to some really cool galleries. I love visiting Michigan in the fall.

This is my Pumpkin with pumpkins. My DD attended the Sewing Expo with me. She had more fun taking pictures and raiding her grandmother's yarn stash. She sew a little bit. She enjoys knitting more.

After we returned home, it was back to more painting and sewing,in preparation for the Holiday Artist Market. I have dolls and paintings in this venue. So far the dolls are selling well. Here are two.They come in many colors and fabrics. I love making them because they require two the two thing I love,...sewing and painting.

So that's the quick run down of what I've been making lately.

Oh yes,there has been some sewing of garments too.(I had to have something to wear to the show receptions) I will post the wearable goods later. I'm going to bed.

Sewing "Style File

What inspire you to create? Do you have so many ideas,you can hardly decide what to do next?

I get inspired by many things.I read magazines,watch TV,surf the Internet and people watch.Most of my sewing projects are born from magazines.My favorite fashion mags are InStyle and Lucky.My favorite sewing mags are Threads and Vogue patterns.

I keep a "style file".This is the main tool that helps me to decide what to sew next.My "style file "is a huge notebook with removable plastic page holders.This allows me to remove the pages and take them to the fabric store.It also helps with accessory purchases.

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

Cool SWAP tops

Here is one of the tops from my SWAP.This is made from a linen blend from my stash.The ring for the closure,is recycled from an old handbag.The pattern is Vogue 7876. You can see it here .

The fabric has sequins scattered all over.I wore the top and found out a secret that most sewing folks,already know,sequins must be removed from all facings and any areas that touch the body.These little pretty babies cut me to shreds-well actually-some nasty little cuts under my arms.I came home,snatched it off and removed those sequins so fast it made my head spin.After that,I put it back on,and went about my business in total comfort.
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.

This orange shirt did not turn out so well.There is some pulling across the top of the chest( could be the bra).I didn't notice it until I saw the picture.The first time I wore it open with a tank top underneath and it looked OK.It goes with this skirt .

It is made from a linen blend.It is so comfortable and breezy.I love bright color,so despite the fit,I'll be wearing it anyway,just not buttoned.

Midnight Musing

Some paintings sell and some don't.Here is one that didn't.I think I'll make a few changes and put it in a different gallery and see what happens.It is after midnight and I'm playing in paint.It's crazy.

SWAP Failure

Busy bee.That's me.I've been pouring most of my time into my doll making and paintings.It dulls the pain of failure,which was the result of not completing the "SWAP (sewing with a plan,PR contest).

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.

Swap Progress

Here the dress for the swap and a skirt.I got DD to take the picture between rain drops.Please excuse the wrinkles.I wore the dress all day.

The dress is made from a embroidered cotton from my stash and the skirt is a linen blend.I used the top from this Simplicity pattern and the bottom from this Vogue pattern.

I added lace between the bodice and skirt which hides the elastic.Both dress originally feature a back zipper.I eliminated this by making the skirt a little bigger,creating gathers.The added elastic allows it to pull in closer to the body.It is so comfortable.The skirt is a TNT.I made the one shown in yellow on the pattern package.

Its raining again today so I guess I'll spend more time in the sewing room.

I'm getting real nervous about finishing the swap.I'm really far behind.Six down,5 pieces to go.

Great Saturday

I found all my specialty feet and their uses at this site. www.april1930s.com/html/common_basics.html You are right,Cidell.Thank you.

Looks like there will be some artistic sewing in my future.

I went to my LYS(local yarn shop) today,for a sit and stitch session.I had a wonderful time.There were seven other knitters,all more advanced than me.This month marks one year since I learn how to knit.One of the other knitters has been knitting for one year and has made 2 sweaters,12 scarfs,6 handbags,4 baby blankets,2 pair of socks and a prayer shawl.She also spins and dyes her own yarn.My year of knitting produced 2 scarves (I finished the one pictured below,today.) and the nightmare sweater.

Here are some of the dolls I've been sewing.There are works in progress,not finished yet.Featured here are the twins,a queen bee,lady bug,butterfly,and dragonfly.All the bugs have hand painted faces and the twins have a bit of embroidery lips and noses.I'll be selling these dolls during the Summer Artist's Market. hope they sell.I could use some $$ for fabric and the new fall patterns.

Last Saturday's Yard Sale Finds

I love yard sales and flea markets.I usually find some cool goodies with out spending a lot of $$.Last Saturday I went to a yard sale and found a cute little sewing box with a group of sewing feet inside.










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.

Progress Report

I have been a bad blogger.I apologize for not posting for such a long period.I enjoy blogging and reading other blogs.I wonder how others manage to update daily and give so much detail on a regular basis? I really need better time management skills.
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.

I used the top part of the sleeveless dress pictured on this pattern.The problem was that after I re-drew the pattern cutting lines,I neglected to adjust the wrap placement markings and the "V" was at the top of my neck and the shoulders were pulling forward.I was rushing and did not try it on until I completed was almost completed.I used the bottom part of this Vogue pattern view B.(the purple dress)

I added to the sides and made it way too big.Never sew when you are tired or sleepy ! I had to take the dress apart and almost start from the beginning.After a good night's sleep,started again.I know my dress doesn't look anything like either pattern but I think it turned out OK.I'll post pictures later.

I've been working on a bunch of dolls for an upcoming arts & craft market,as well paintings for my show in September.I have ten dolls in different stages toward completion at this time.I have three paintings going on at once.

So you can see why,I need "time management skills".I've been told to "choose one thing and stick with it"but I won't.I love to sew,paint and make dolls(it combines sewing and painting).

Well,it is late and I'm sleepy.I'll post a few pictures tomorrow.