Sewing All Day

I had a wonderful sewing day. I made a bag to carry my knitting projects,from recycled materials. One pair of old jeans and three bandannas equals one bag. This type of bag is really not my style but I wanted to do something easy and I need a bag that I can take to the park or beach without worry about it getting dirty. I can just toss this in the washing machine. I used an OOP Butterick pattern as starting point,then I just went on to all kinds of experimentation. I going to carry it around tomorrow to test it out.

I want to knit something but I don't know what. I need some inspiration. That's why I love reading blogs. One stylish lady,Toy

,has some beautiful knit and sewn fashions on her weblog.

Another is Sheila
She knits,sew and crochets.Her garments are sophisticated and fit her perfectly.

Maybe I'll get there someday until then,I'd better find something beside scarf and hats.

I know I promised a ruffler tutorial today but I need a bit more time to do a really good one.It will be worth the short wait. I also made a dress that caused a few more gray hairs to sprout from my head. More on this later. Now here's a picture of one of the items I completed during my blog absence.

I did view A.

The hem is not crooked. My skirt fell down a little in front after my DD told my to "suck in your gut". It is made from challis which I think,is too light weight for this type skirt. However it is cool and comfortable. I'm not going to make it again.

Wearing The Anorak

As promised,here I am wearing the anorak jacket. Thank you all for the sweet comments. It's very light weight.Perfect for places that over do it with the air conditioning. The pattern is very easy.I want to try a shorter version in linen or denim.

I don't have to work tomorrow and plan to spend the entire time sewing.My DH will be at work and DD will be in school. I've got one UFO which need a hem and it will be finished. I been thinking about a new tutorial. I've been working with my ruffler foot and I absolutely love it.It seems like every top and dress features some type of gathering,this season,so I thought put it to work. So tomorrow,I PROMISE,a new tutorial.

A quick bit

I'm so ashamed that I haven't posted anything in a month. I must do better.It's an hour after my bedtime (11pm on workdays) and I wanted to post at least one thing.Even though I haven't been posting, I have been sewing. So here is a little bit. This pattern is from a previous post.This is my jacket made from purple crepe back satin. I know this is a bad picture (low battery).I was in a rush to post at least one picture. I'll post many more tomorrow. I PROMISE.

I Got It From My Momma

My Mom,brother and two nieces came from Detroit to spend a week of "spring break "with me. My Mom always arrives bearing sewing goodies for me. This time was no different.She brought two huge boxes of books,patterns and notions.

My mother taught me how to sew when I was 13. I was a totally unwilling student of any needle arts,preferring instead,comic books and horror movies.I usually griped and complained through every minute of the sewing process.However I did manage to create a couple of wearable items,under her instruction. During her recent visit she gave me one of my earliest pattern purchases. I'm not putting a date on this but some of you may remember when you had one in your closet. I was wearing that red jumpsuit proudly back then. Looking back now,I probably look a bit like a tomato pincushion.LOL

I'm glad she had the patience to teach me the craft that I now enjoy.You know it,"Mother knows best". Here are a few of the fantastic collection of vintage sewing books she gave me.
Some people read novels before bed,I read sewing books,magazines and pattern instruction sheets.I love the older sewing books.They cover every detail from A to Z. The Crochet book list 500 stitch designs.This is just a small peek at what my Mom brought.There is also a series of books(12) called 'The Art Of Sewing"by TimeLife. I'm still browsing the stacks.Thanks Mom.

I'm Back

I've had an incredibly hectic few weeks (art festival organizing,judging art competitions,work and family visiting) which kept me away from blog land,but I kept on sewing through it all. Sewing was a real stress reliever in these past weeks. I made sure to spend time each day in my sewing room. Sometimes I'd just browse through my sewing books or patterns and unwind.

This pattern is an oldie but a goodies.I purchased this pattern last summer.

Here is my version.No adjustments were needed. I wore it to work the next day.
Next up is a pattern that is almost exactly the same style.I purchased this pattern last month.

I used a printed chiffon from my stash and lined the body with batiste,leaving the sleeves and ruffles sheer. Sorry for the dark picture.
I finally my jeans back from being on display at Hancock Fabrics.Model garments are on display for six weeks. I used this awesome pattern.

I used this pattern for my jacket.
Here's my version. I wore it today for a media interview and art show reception.
Here is the back view of the jeans.
This is my first time sewing jeans and believe me,I will be doing it again! I love them. They fit so well and are totally comfortable. No compromises.

My friend Faye came to the art reception and after we had coffee and "sewing talk". She had a bag of fabulous fabrics and shared her plans for upcoming sewing adventures. I can't wait to see the finished fashions. I've got to catch up reading her blog and all my other favorites.I have missed y'all.

I've got a lot more to share but I'm sleepy.Plenty more to come tomorrow.

What I Do With My Scraps

Carolyn asked the question,"What do you do with your scraps?" Here's my answer.

Sometimes I fold them and place them into my scrap box and they are never seen again.

Sometimes,I give them away.

Sometimes,I make dolls.

Sometimes ,I make little bag for gifts or to sell at craft fairs or bazaars.

This one is pieced together and was inspired by one of the local fiber artist.This one became a canvas for one of my paintings.

This one features fabric scraps and a knitting gauge piece.

All are lined with more scrap fabric.
I'm planning to make a few pin cushions which were featured in "Quilts and More " magazine. Scrap projects are great when you need an immediate gratification boost.Especially after a difficult or frustrating sewing project.I glad Carolyn asked that question. She's so inspiring.

Steam-A-Seam Tutorial

I think tutorials are so helpful and I've learned a lot from many others by reading theirs . So I thought I'd try6 and give back by sharing a little joy of mine called Steam-A-Seam.I use it often but most recently in a shirt yoke application. Steam-A-Seam (I will refer to this as SAS) is a fusible tape that doesn't gum up your machine needle and it doesn't add unneeded thickness to your fabric.I was making a cotton shirt using McCalls 5587 which has a yoke in back.This is the method I use.

Here's my first tutorial I hope it's helpful..This makes yoke application and top stitching a breeze.First tear of a strip of SAS and apply the sticky side down to inside shoulder seam allowance which has been press and trimmed to 3/4 inches.

Peel away the paper,exposing the fusible webbing.
Apply the folded,webbed edge of the yoke facing to the shoulder seam and outer yoke.

Press with steam and do not move the fabric until it is cool.

Now you are ready top stitch without the worry of slipping layers. I use a blind hem foot to give me straight top stitching.Simply butt the edge of the seam to the lip of the foot and sew.I hope this picture is clear enough to see that the white plastic in my foot is touching the raised edge of the seam. Adjust the foot to the distance of your choice to sew from the edge.I like 1/8 and 3/8. The result is 2 parallel rows of top stitching and a joined yoke in fewer and faster steps than the usual method of hand stitching.It looks equally as nice inside as well.
I also use SAS to attach patch pockets.I respect the art of couture hand stitching but most of the time my sewing time is limited and I need great clothes fast. Try it you'll like it.I finished this shirt and a second this past weekend. I have to sew on the buttons and then I'll post photos.

The Sewing Expo

This past Saturday I went to the Original Sewing Expo in Atlanta with my friend Faye .We shopped,enjoyed fashion shows,and shopped some more. Here's Faye enjoying Vogue Fabrics. She is so much fun. I'm glad she was with me.

Here are the goodies I picked up. The lavender fabric is linen and the booklet are from Louise Cutting.The patterns and double tracing wheel are from Vogue Fabrics.

I also got this fabulous Rowenta iron,which I have already put to the test and I love it ! It steams forever. I've aways hated ironing but after using this baby,it's a cake walk. I even ironed DH work clothes and DD school uniform for the week.They usually iron their own clothes and were quite surprised.

The thing that I like most about the sewing expos are the New Designer Fashion Show.I enjoy seeing how the designers use the a few patterns to create several different looks. They make small changes,use different fabrics and embellishment techniques to make a full and flattering wardrobe. I never make changes and mostly stick to the suggested fabric listed on the pattern envelope. I have returned from this show filled with inspiration. The pattern is just a vehicle,I can take it as far as I want,in any direction. I love sewing!!!

The New Chick

There's a new chick in my sewing room! She has been wearing my clothes but,I don't mind. She's been a great help so far. Her name is Claire. She hasn't been adjusted or belly-padded yet. I'll do that later after some study on how to do it.

One of my Sewing resolutions for this year was to learn more about fitting.This weekend I bought this book to start me on that quest.Many of of the sewing/blogging sisters have this book in their library and have given it the thumbs up. I love blogging.There is so much good advice available. Just ask and you get honest answers,not paid endorsements.I've been reading though it during lunch break at work and I can't wait to get started.I'm going to hold off until after the Sewing Expo in Atlanta, this Saturday.I'm almost too excited about that to concentrate on much else.

I did get some sewing done this past weekend.Last Friday I got this pattern and some fabric from Hancock Fabrics ....

and by 2:00am Saturday morning I finished this shirt and cut out another.I love uninterupted late-night sewing.After sewing until wee hours I got up early enough to hit the yard sales and found this for $1.00.
Old school sewing books are full of forgotten basics(grain line,marking,pressing,etc) and cool retro details.This book is my bedtime read this week. If you should stumble upon this book,grab it.I think you'll like it. I'll be sharing what I learn in future posts.

New Spring Looks

When it's cold and rainy outside I cuddle up to computer and browse the new spring patterns.Here are the ones I plan on buying.This one is top on the list. This is second but I'll make it first because I've already got the fabric for it.
I've seen the anorak in every fashion magazine this month.Oprah is wearing one on the cover of "O" this month.
I love these pants but I'm a little concerned about how they may look on my body.I have no waist and plenty of belly.Hmmm.

You know it going to be a good fashion season when,you like all the views on your pattern covers.

Happy Birthday to Me

Yesterday was my Birthday and it was great.My entire weekend was great.

Friday afternoon, I recieved fabric which I ordered on Tuesday night from Fashionista Fabrics . Is that fast service or what ! Melody is the owner of this wonderful fabric store and she is a delight. I got the latest Burda Plus Magazine also. Melody,you were right.Thank again.

Saturday,I spent quite a bit of quality time with my sewing machine,working on this skirt.

and this top(the blue wrap).

I'm still working on the skirt.I finished the top and here it is. I need help. As you can see,the shoulders are hanging off and the back neckline stands away and doesn't lay flat against my upper back. This is the first time I've had this kind of fitting issue. I was thinking about making a seam in the center back to take up the slack. Please share your ideas on how to fix this and avoid it in the future. I like this style and would make it again.
Sunday,I got B-day gifts and warm wishes. A new dressform is on it's way. Most of my friends know I'm working on my wardrobe and being the sweeties they are,they gave me accessories. Shoes, belts,fabric and jewelry. I spent the day relaxing and in joyeous reflection on the blessing of wonderful people in my life. That also includes my blogging friends.Love ya'll.

It's Alive !

My jacket is finished.You can now call me "Dr.Frankenstein",because this experiment,turned out to be a monster. I spent my entire Saturday, sewing this beast and watching Project Runway-Canada. Every step of the way,I wondered why I just didn't give up and throw it in the trash. I spent a lot of time ripping out seams and cursing one of my sewing heroines,Sandra Betzina. I still like her but,what was she thinking with this construction method? The pattern cover shows the jacket in denim and she has the bottom facing applied after the top part is topstitched,lined and put together.I know this may not sound bad but let me make it clear...I was topstitching thru five layers of denim weight fabric! Two folded edges of facing and the top portion plus lining and interfacings. I was using a size sixteen needle and topstitching thread. Threads were popping and I broke two needles. I went to bed totally fustrated at 1 am. with the partially sewn bottom facing and jacket crumpled in a heap on the floor.

This afternoon after I returned from church,all refreshed,I returned to my sewing room and my monster.To solve the breaking needles and threads problem,I steamed and pounded every seam and fold. I placed the topstitching thread in the bobbin instead of on top and regular thread on top.

The pattern has a strange curving of the sleeves near the inside wrist. It is hidden by the pose of the cover model. I made a poor fabric choice and the jacket is too short and boxy for my rounded figure. I have learned from my mistake so all is not lost.

So with out any further whinning,I present....my Monster.

Here is a close up of the sleeve detail.

Now,I need and easy project and some chocolate to heal my sewing ego. LOL

Sewing Weekend

I did'nt see a lot of patterns to purchase from Buttericks new collection. This one is the only one that is appealing to me. At least during my first viewing.The other dress seem to be the same old stuff with different numbers. Usually I will see another sewing sister in blog world, take one of the "same old stuff"patterns and turn it into an, exciting "must have". Then I'll see more potential.

Here's what I'm working on this weekend. I've already cut,marked and did a bit of sewing.

I'm using a fabric found in the home dec department of Hancock Fabrics. The fabric was really stiff and because the care method suggested was Dry Clean Only,I didn't pre-wash it. Well,after I basted the fronts and backs together and tried it on,it felt like I was wearing a cardboard box.I became disgusted and considered trashing it. I tested a scrap in the washing machine and it came out soft,supple and ,non-damaged.I washed the partially sewn jacket in hot water and dried it in the dryer.I am quite pleased with the results and I'm eager to finish it.

So this weekend,I am staying home and sewing. I'll share my progress all through it.

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.