Smoking Needles

I now present you V1257...

2012-02-20T16:29:00.000-05:00

Since last summer I have been on a dress kick. I know it's partly due to Carolyn over at Diary of a Sewing Fanatic because she really knows how to work a dress and I can't let her out do me! Also Shelia at Sheliaz-CTK has really been rocking and flaunting her wrap dresses and I am ~~sick~~ jealous of them both. I've known for most of my sewing life that I don't have a body that works with wrap dresses. Imagine wrapping a piece of fabric around an hourglass. I need too much fabric around my hips. In my opinion. Anyway, I digress.

Carolyn wrote a post about sewing blogs and the different ways blogger present their projects. Some go into a lot of detail while others are simply "see what I made." I think I'm somewhere inbetween. Sometimes I'm very detail, other times not so much. Carolyn does wonderful interpretations of designer wear and I love seeing what she does. Frankly I'm probably too lazy to draft my patterns using a TNT. I don't directly follow designers collections. If it's not in the catalogs at JoAnns, I probably don't see it. My main goal in my sewing is fit. I want my clothes to fit well--DD cups are not easy to fit! I am especially proud of myself when I am able to accomplish a fantastic fit out of a Big 4 pattern. With that said...

I love this dress. When I decided on this fabric I was hoping I didn't look like Barney--the dinosaur, not Rubble! I am extremely happy I made a muslin because the sleeves on this dress are so small, they would have been tight on a broomstick!

I started my alterations with my usual wide back adjustment. Sometimes on knits I skip this alteration but after reading the reviews on Patternreview, I decided to be extra cautious.

Usually if I make this adjustment I have to continue it onto the connecting piece. I figured my fabric had enough stretch to be able to accomodate the skirt portion of the pattern.

Without even measuring the pattern I made my usual FBA. That was sort of a mistake because I didn't take into consideration I was using a knit and the FBA was a little to generous.

I'd rather have too much room than not enough.

The next thing to tackle was the sleeve. When I say it was small believe me...it was small.

This picture shows the altered sleeve piece. Because I made the top of the sleeve wider, I figured I had to make an alteration to accomodate it.

I'm not sure I would have accurately made this alteration if not for my Duct tape dressform. I pinned the pattern to it and was able to determine exactly how much tissue I needed to add to accomodate the altered sleeve.

Pattern Description:

Fitted dress has fornt bodice extending into sleeves, armhole seam on back bodice, straight skirt with front pleats gathered into band to form drape effect, back darts.
Pattern Sizing:
6-20 I sewed the size 20
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
I think it does other than I used a printed fabric.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked that it looks like a wrap dress. I also like the super deep V that doesn't show any cleavage! The things I didn't like about it were in the construction. As several sewers on Patternreview suggested, I used interfacing instead of the double fold bias tape to reduce of the bulk at the rathered band. Even without the bias tape, that area of the dress is about 1/2" thick!

Also the elastic that is on the front neckline pieces gave me fits. I didn't get a photo of it but on the right side of the bodice I had to reinsert the elastic five times before I was satisfied with the way it looked. Because of my over generous FBA I had to sew the front waist line about 3/4" deeper.
Fabric Used:
A knit from the 1/2 off Clearance at JoAnns
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
See above
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I'd absolutely sew it again and would highly recommend it to others.
Conclusion:
Put this one on your list. Parting shot...

You have got see this!

2012-02-11T08:35:00.000-05:00

I don't have children but sometimes as my mom use to say, " I can show you better than I can tell you!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl1ujzRidmU&feature=player_embedded#!

Full steam ahead

2012-02-10T10:00:00.001-05:00

After spending most of yesterday recovering from the "JOB FROM HELL", I cut Vogue 1257 out of my fashion fabric.

I made a muslin after reading the reviews on PatternReview.com and because I made a ton of alterations to the pattern. Although my muslin fabric was hideous, I'm grateful I made it. The reviews were spot-on. The sleeves were so tight, had the fabric not been knit, or had I flexed my arm ever-so-slightly, I would have "incredible Hulked" out of the entire dress. Who in the heck has arms that small? The sleeves were so tight, my husband had such a confused look on his face and furrowing between his brows, I knew without a doubt something was amiss!

After examining the pattern envelope more closely I do notice that the sleeves look tight on the model. Also on the back of the envelope, on the "stretch meter," it says stretch "FOLDED" fabric. Yikes! In my mind that means instead of 2-way stretch, the fabric needs to have 4-way stretch. Aha...No wonder the sleeves are cutting off my circulation!

The other thing I noted when I was altering the pattern is that the seam between the bodice and the skirt is supposed to be about 2" above the natural waistline. Nothing annoys me more than when sewers do not pay enough attention to the proportions on patterns. We too often forget that a pattern is a starting point for the masses. Once we get it, we have to customize it to our particular shape. More later,

Today I got fired!

2012-02-08T16:27:00.002-05:00

A wonderful thing happened to me today. I got fired from the job I've only had for two weeks. Why is that wondeerful? I've wanted to get a job with this property management firm for about four years. In that time I've wondered why the turnover of the property managers was high but didn't know why. Well, now I do.

I didn't want to complain about it but from the time I walked in every morning until the time I left every evening, I was going full steam ahead. Prior to being hired, the position I was filling had been vacant for two months. I was expected to know how to catch up with all that work as well as keeping up with current work. I was so busy each day that there wasn't any time to get a sip of water or even make a trip to ladies room. I kid you not. By the time I got home every night I was so mentally drained all I could do was go straight to bed. Each day was like the one before it.

Training for the job did not exist. I was told once how to do a thing and was then expected to be completely versed in that particular operation. I made a mistake on a bank deposit slip last Friday and evidently that was the last and only straw. As soon as I arrived this morning I was given the news that my performance was not up to par and that they would no longer be needing my services.

What a relief! I wanted to quit last week but didn't know how. I wanted to make sure I gave it my best effort but all I really wanted was out. No amount of money is enough to expect a person to work at that pace. Did I mention that all of the tenant files are still on index cards? WTH. In this day and age all of that information should be computerized! Anyway I got fired and I'm happy about it. I don't need the money, my husband didn't want me to work, and I didn't need the stress. To make this sewing related I will say that I was the best dressed in the office. The owner commented on my outfits each day. I'll go back to whiling my days away sewing and doing whatever else I please.

Leather skirt refashion

2012-01-29T19:03:00.000-05:00

Wednesday night I got an idea in my head that I just had to try. I've had this Isaac Mizrahi leather skirt for about eight years and will admit that now it is waaay too tight.

I started by removing the thread from the side seams and the rear waistband. I removed the lining from the back waistband and cut at the side seams leaving an additional one inch of lining fabric from the back lining on both sides.

I used the leather back to draft a paper pattern to use for the new back lining and new back fabric. For the fabric piece, I added a foldover waistband and 1 1/4" hem allowance.

I had the black ribbed fabric in my stash. After cutting the new fabric back, I folded over and stitched both the waistband and the hem. I stitched the lining to the waistband and then stitched back and front lining pieces together. Next I cut and inserted the elastic into the back waistband.

I pinned the front over the back pieces at the side seams into the previously stitched seam. Without using any special needle, thread or sewing machine foot, I stitched the front and back together through the original stitching line.

It was actually very simple and came out exactly like I envisioned.

I'm sure I've seen this look in RTW but I think it was a pair of jeans. Although I don't have a photo of me in my newly refashioned skirt, it is a perfect fit and now we get lots of wear.

I got the job!

2012-01-25T07:35:00.000-05:00

That's right. Had I checked my phone I would have known that they called almost immediately after I left the interview! I start Thursday. The husband doesn't like the fact that I'm going to be working full-time but he'll just have to get used to the idea. For the last three years I've only worked part-time. I'd just had enough of working with unprofessional managers. 'Nuf said.

In my last post, Scrapyard Butterfly asked, "Is there a bra pattern you recommend?"
I can't recommend any particular pattern because I'm still in the beginning stages of learning to sew them myself! I am using Ann St. Clair's pattern, the Queen Bra Elite. It is apparent to me that her patterns are to be sewn with her fabric. She offers kits. Beware. The instructions leave a lot to the imagination. Even with my years of sewing experience, I'm not sure I could have been successful with the pattern had I not taken her workshop. The first pattern she drafted for me was too small; the second one too large. I drafted the final pattern which did fit. So you see, even a fitting "expert" doesn't always get it right!

With the little experience I've had sewing bras, three successes and three failures, I've learned that the bra patterns that are on the market are much like ready-to-wear sizing. Each designer determines their own sizing and there is absolutely no uniformity from one designer to another. As I learned from my most recent foray, fabric choice is also crucial to the correct fit. The very nature of a bra makes it impossible to know if it will fit until it is fully constructed. That being said, altering a bra after it has been constructed is nearly impossible.

I'm not giving up. The bras that I consider successes are extremely comfortable and I want more. The only reason I'm exploring other patterns is because the Ann St. Clair pattern has the seam in a position that I don't particularly care for. Stay tuned. I'll be working on a bra later today and will keep you posted.

I've been sewing!

2012-01-24T13:06:00.001-05:00

First I haven't made any progress on my muslin for Vogue 1257 because when I got ready to sew, I couldn't find the envelope or the instructions! WTH! I have searched high and low to no avail. Now I'm just waiting for JoAnns to have them on sale so I can purchase and another copy.

In the meantime, I made another bra. Yippee! Maybe not. It was all for naught. As I was sewing it my husband declared that my boobs were not as big as the bra looked. I thought it look big but figured by the time I sewed all the seams it would fit as perfectly as the last one I made. After all, it was the same pattern. Wrong. I used different fabric and it made a huge difference! There's no need for me to sew the straps because the bra fits me just like it does on the mannequin. I'm too old to use socks or tissue so I'll remove the underwires and chalk it up to experience! I'll not be deterred. I may even work on another one later today.

Today I was called in for a second interview for a position at a property managment company. They put a lot of emphasis on being professionally dressed. I thought the blond afro would be too much so this is what I wore.

The head guy kept commenting on how much education I had, like it was a bad thing! I don't think a Bachelor's degree is so much education. Could it mean that I'm over qualified?

BTW can you believe I'm 10 weeks post op on the total knee replacement and I'm already in heels. Yep. I'm not wearing them very long but I can walk in them without limping. The only difference is my stride it not as long as it used to be. Who cares. Diva's shouldn't be hurried!

No sewing here...almost

2012-01-13T20:44:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday I had every intention of working on a muslin of the Vogue dress I last blogged about. After performing my wifely duties, I cut the pattern out of an absolutly hideous knit fabric I found in my stash. I think I bought it just for the purpose of muslins. Sewing it didn't happen because I found a mysterious lump in my armpit. My first thought was of course, was breast cancer. After totally freaking out the husband and myself, I spent the rest of the day thinking the worst. Sunday morning after closer examination, Dr. Husband decided it wasn't cancer but instead a boil. Whew! That made me feel much better and guess what? He was right! Well, on one hand he was right. It was not A boil but two boils. Yikes! Until they burst, there won't be much sewing goin on here.

BTW I know you all think mentioning my wifely duties was TMI. Get your minds out of the gutter! My Saturday wifely duties are making coffee first thing then patching jeans that no thrift store would accept and would better be used for rages except that the husband feels that an $8000 machine should at least be able to make the world's rattiest jeans like new! LOL.

The year in review - 2011

2012-01-04T18:37:00.000-05:00

Now would probably be a good time to review 2011 both sewing and otherwise.

It's hard to believe I had three surgeries last year.
Two on my knee and one on my breast.
I got a new car!
Made 16 dresses.
I became obessed w/linings.
Of the 16 dresses more than half were lined.
Made 5 jackets
Only lined one.
Didn't like one of the jackets.
Has a matching dress, didn't love it.
If I don't like them next Spring they will be relocated to the local thrift store!
Made two tunics...only wore one.
I made Vogue 1250 twice and hated it both times.
One I re-made into McCalls 6319, the other was remade into Vogue 8685.
Great saves.
I learned to make bras. Not just any bras but bras that fit me! Yippeeee!
I've made 3 so far.
I also made panties and have made 6 pairs so far.
Only made one pair of slacks. Hmmm. Wonder what was up with that?
That was unusual but I know why.
The weather was hotter than fish grease all summer.
'Nuf said.
I can make an FBA on any style blouse, dress, or jacket.
I think I'm a sewing genius!
Hands down my favorite pattern of the season was Vogue 1179!

Here are some of my favorite looks from 2011:

Who knows where my sewing will lead me this year. I'll just go with the flow. Thanks for stopping by.

It's a New Year...Monday Musings

2012-01-03T09:52:00.000-05:00

Although I haven't gotten a lot of sewing done recently, I did manage to finish a fully-lined version of Simplicity 2648. I used a black polyester garbardine from my stash -- ala LBD. Please forgive the wrinkles.

I also used Jessica's lining a sleeveless dress tutorial and let me tell you, it was spot-on. I highly recommend you bookmark the link. It was really convenient to have my laptop right next to my sewing machine.

I'm still recovering from my knee surgery which is the main reason my sewing is suffering. In the past I was able to have marathon sewing sessions and while I won't be having any anytime soon, I expect my sewing to pick up substantially. In fact I am prewashing the fabric for my next project...Vogue 1257. Last summer I became fanatical about lining everything and that hasn't changed. I am going over in my mind how to line this dress as well.

Did you see the latest episode of Hoarders? Three inches of German cockroaches? Really?
Did you make any New Year's resolutions? I didn't and never do.
I wonder how long it will be before I can wear heels again?
Now that my knee is on the mend I hope I can get back to my exercise schedule.
Reality TV?...enough already.
Mob wives? Really?
I got a JoAnns gift card for Christmas. Yippee!
The days are getting longer...Spring is on the way.
I just finished a great book...Why Me. I downloaded it from B&N onto my tablet. It's only 60 pgs.

Getting Back in the Swing of Things

2011-12-10T12:36:00.000-05:00

Well I'm four weeks post-op and my knee is finallly starting to feel better. Physical therapy is helping but it's very hard work. In another four weeks I'll probably be fully mobile and have my strength back. I can't sit for extended periods because it's bad to have my leg bent for long periods and it's uncomfortable.

I'm easing back into sewing. I started by sewing three pairs of panties this week. It felt good to get back to my favorite thing.

I just need to pop these in the wash so that the elastic will draw in. Every time I sew a knit dress, I immediately cut as many pairs of panties out as possible out of the scraps. I use one pin to keep pieces together and then I drop them into a Sterilite container that I've reserved. When it's time to sew, half of the work is already done. After all, you can never have too many undergarments. Can you??

What day is today?

2011-11-30T15:49:00.000-05:00

I'm losing track of what day it is.
Friday will be three weeks since my knee surgery.
I haven't had on makeup or decent clothes in as long.
It's getting better but I am so over feeling like my knee is in a vise.
I think the pharmacists, the doctors and too many other people are a little too concerned that I might get addicted to painkillers.
After all I did just have major surgery!
Don't they know that I'll never get addicted to anything that takes away from my sewing addiction?
I'm just saying.
I'm starting to want to sew but it's still a little to uncomfortable to sit with my leg under my sewing table.
Not only that, I'm not supposed to be in a sitting position too long.
TV Evangelist Pat Robertson has to be on crack.
He doesn't know what "mac & cheese" is?
You old fart you know what it is and it's not a "black thing."
If you really don't know what it is, it's time to pass the reigns to someone else.
FYI black folks call it "macaroni & cheese" so you tell me where "mac & cheese" came from?
Don't get mad. Somebody needed to say it.
Note to self--sewing this weekend!

Thursday Thoughts 11/17/11

2011-11-17T18:11:00.000-05:00

If you are squeamish at all, don't continue reading. This picture was taken earlier in the Fall.

One week post-op!
Knee, leg, thigh all hurts like hell.
Maybe I didn't have replacement surgery after all.
I think my leg got run over by a truck!
I used to think I was Superwoman.
I now know better.
If my sewing machine wasn't in the shop and I wasn't on bloodthinners...I still wouldn't be sewing.
Who wouldv'e thunk walking up or down 9 stairs would be such a chore?
The only thing I really want to get out of bed for is physical therapy and bathroom activities.
Sometimes you really do just need to do nothing.
I'm rather enjoying it.
I could enjoy it more without the pain!

I'll leave you all with a few pictures of my knee...you've been warned!

I'm home!

2011-11-15T23:08:00.001-05:00

I was released from the hospital Sunday. It should have been great day but Saturday night my mom tripped in the garage and had to spend several hours in the ER at the same hospital I was in. She wound up chipping four teeth and breaking one rib. Add to that the pharmacy wouldn't fill my prescription for pain medication and the surgery totally brought back my maralgiaparasthetica symptoms. Tonight I'll dig out my TENS equipment to help me manage the pain.

I can't do any sewing or paper crafting because I'm on blood thinners for nine more days and can't risk cutting myself.

Physical therapy has been going really well. They say I have a high pain tolerance. Really? Quite a bit of swelling has gone down now and I can barely move my knee at all! So much for pain tolerance.

Thursday Thoughts 11/10/11

2011-11-10T23:08:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is my knee surgery...wish me luck!
Mammogram came back no cancer. Yea.
Problem is that the saroma is back.
WTH
Didn't I have surgery in March to combat that?
Whatever.
I always say don't stress over the things you have no control over.
I love Burn Notice.
WTH
The Duggars are expecting their 20th child.
I'm surprised it doesn't just fall right out.
What is holding in?
You know what I mean.
I took my machine in to have it serviced since I won't be doing any sewing for a while.
Although they know I bought it there, they won't service it under the warranty because I didn't have my receipt with me.
That's a bunch of crap.
Got home and couldn't find the receipt.
I found the receipt for two machines I bought in the early '80s but not for the one I bought last year.
Oh hell.
I'll keep you all posted.

Fight Like A Girl

2011-10-26T15:46:00.000-04:00

I'm sure my postings are going to become sporadic for a while, but I'll still be around. I've been spending so much time on my papercrafting blog, I'm Black Martha, I'm neglecting this one.
This month is Breast Cancer Awareness month. As you all know I am a 2 year survivor. My cancer is in remission or at least I think it is. More on that later. Every time I see or hear "Fight like a girl," I cringe. To me "fighting like a girl" evokes visions of scratching, biting, kicking, and hair pulling. Frankly I find it insulting and belittling. What I'd rather see is "Fight like Ali" or "Fight like Mayweather" or "Fight like ________," Frazier, Holmes, Thomas"Hitman" Hearns, Evander Holyfield, or even the ear-biting, tatooed face, Mike Tyson. Any of the great's name could be placed in the blank. Can you tell I'm a boxing fan? I want cancer to be fought with some ass-kicking, punch-throwing, raw power. I'm talking rope-a-doping, butterfly-floating, and bee-stinging all against breast cancer. Fight like a girl just doesn't work for me. I just had to get that off my chest.

Is my cancer in remisson? Right now I'm not sure. I finally talked the orthopedic surgeon into doing my knee replacement surgery although he would still like mr to try and wait 6 years! WTF. Is he crazy? I'm already bone-to-bone on one knee with only a sliver of cartilege left on the other. So the surgery is scheduled for November 11th. The problem is that I have to get the okay from my PCP to have the surgery done. Lately I've had lots of disccomfort in my right breast and I just feel like something is wrong. Although their are no symptoms associated with BC, I am having all the same issues I had when my cancer was first diagnosed. I've been talking to my husband about it and he says I'm justing coming down with a cold. I hope he's right. The only other thing could be that I'm having the same fluid buildup that I've had in the past. I can only hope. For now I'll just have to sit and wait and hope that the phone doesn't ring with the dreaded news.

Simplicity 2284 in Fleece

2011-10-17T11:45:00.000-04:00

I finally finished this jacket. I've had the fleece since last season but couldn't settle on what to do with it. I'm really loving Cheetah print these days and decided to try to do something with the fleece that wouldn't be so casual. I think the very nature of fleece tends to make it casual.

I've sewn Simplicity 2284 before and decided it would be a good choice because of the princess seams. I pressed the princess open and topstitched on both sides of the seam. The only other changes I made were to eliminate the center back seam and to eliminate the facings and lining. I bound the edges with a braided binding that I found at Haberman Fabrics in Royal Oak MI...62 miles away.

The only problem was that I only bought three yards. Surely three yards would be enough to bind the entire jacket and sleeve. What was I drinking. I was about a foot short on the binding. Luckily my husband was working well south of Haberman's and was able to take a small detour and pick some more up. Whatta man. Next up is a LBD out of Simplicity 2648. I have to have something to wear with it...don't I.

What I'm working on

2011-10-14T00:24:00.000-04:00

I'm still working on the fleece animal print jacket. I should have been finished but I needed foldover binding. I broke down and drove 62 miles to Haberman Fabrics in Royal Oak, Michigan to spend $6 for what I needed. And "no", that is not all I got. I couldn't possible drive all that way and not pick up a few extra things. I bought a few bra-making supplies but that was it.

Can you believe this picture? That is an entire sheet of Bounty paper towel covered in my blood. I was serging the sleeve seam on my fleece jacket. What happened next happened so fast all I know is my Kai thread snips slid off my sewing table and before they made contact with the floor, they made contact with my leg. It's looked like I was bleeding to death. The entire lower outside of my ankle and foot were covered in blood. I was bleeding all over the floor and the first thing I grabbed was that paper towel. It was laying on the top of the trash so I hope I don't wide up with the "heebee geebees." Talk about a freak acciden!. The cut only looks to be about 1/8" long but boy did it scare me. It took a few minutes for me to realize I needed to elevate my leg to help stop the bleeding.

I'm sure you all know this is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Make sure you are doing monthly self-exams and if you haven't already, call and schedule your yearly mammogram. I won't be able to participate in any of the Breast Cancer walks this year (bum knee) but I'm still doing my part. I'm making cards to give to a local women's clinic. If you'd like to see some of what I've been up to lately, visit my card blog at I'm Black Martha.

'Til next time!

I'm still here

2011-10-08T09:15:00.000-04:00

I can't believe I haven't blogged in over a week. I haven't done a lot of sewing but some. I'm currently working on a Simplicity jacket pattern that I'm making out of fleece. I need to find the perfect binding to be able to finish it.

I had a failed attempt at another bra using a different pattern. My technique wasn't the problem...the fit was. I've learned that there is no standard for bra patterns. Each designer decides what size to call them just like in RTW garments. I made the mistake of trying a different pattern and it was a disaster. I hate that you really don't know whether the bra will fit or not until you are finished. Part of the problem is I'm not trusting my own instincts because bra-making is so new to me. Yes, the cups looked too large before I started but I didn't trust myself enough to try a smaller size. I know that if you have the greatest stretch going vertical and put something heavy in it, it will stretch more. Again, a trust issue. I'm going to keep at it because the two bras that I've made since the workshop are the most comfortable I've ever worn. BTW did you know that the average bra size is now 36DD? That's right.

I'm on my laptop because once again my desktop is in for repair--yep, another nasty virus. I love my laptop for laying in bed and goofing around on the internet but when I need to be productive, I want my desktop. I had to go to the bank yesterday and frankly I didn't even know how to conduct my transaction. I've always handled my bills online!

While doing laundry Wednesday morning around 4 a.m., I heard what I thought was someone breaking into the house. Picture me running into the laundry room with morning breath, sans wig, makeup, shoes and wearing ratty old pj's, wielding a 9 mm, shouting freeze mutha*#@*%* to the washer and dryer! Is that funny or what?? Called my husband at work to inform him that I would be going against his wishes and getting a new washer and dryer and a cooktop and if he didn't like it he could get the "F" out. I didn't say the word...I actually said "F." It seems he knew the shell of the washing machine had broken away from the frame. He knew but failed to tell me. The darn thing is a relic from about 15 years ago and I don't know why he was trying to hang onto it. Needless to say, my new appliances are being delivered today!

Vogue 1220

2011-09-30T17:15:00.002-04:00

Pattern Description:
Loose-fitting, mid-knee length dress has shawl pleated collar, partial waistline seam, pleats, side slant pockets, princess seams in bodice back, back darts, short sleeves turn back cuffs, stitched hem facing, right fly front button closure and tie belt.
Pattern Sizing:
8-22. I cut a 16 through the neck and shoulders gradually out to size 20 at the hips.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
I think it does. Do you?

Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions were pretty good but steps 12-14 totally confused me. I made it work but thank goodness I my belt covered it up.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I didn't have any dislikes with the style. I love the pockets and the shawl collar.
Fabric Used:
I think it's a stretch twill
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I'm not sure I needed to but I didn't want to use the design ease in lieu of an FBA so I made a 1" FBA. Doing so was quite tricky.
I cut the pattern apart at the underarm mark to add a sideseam and a dart. I divided the dart between the sideseam and the collar and making four pleats instead of three. Then added an extra pleat to the waist making three instead of two.

I also made a 3/4" wide back adjustment.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I'd love to sew this again in denim.

Conclusion:
All-in-all this dress went together quite easily and any issues I had were operator error!
BTW the dress looks a little rumpled because these pictures were taken after a long day at work!

Cheetah on the prowl

2011-09-29T08:53:00.000-04:00

Finally. Pictures of Vogue 8685. I only had 1 yard of the ITY cheetah print and wanted to save it for just the right project. Was this the right project or what? The black is Ponte from JoAnns. I thought I might need a cheetah print purse to pull off this look but actually, I think this bag makes the outfit really pop.

Initally I underlined the bodice only, as I thought the weight of the skirt would necessitiate it. Wrong. The skirt needed it to. Having already attached the unlined skirt to the bodice, I laid the midriff, yoke and skirt pieced together and cut out a lining. Then I slip stitched the lining to the bodice/midriff seam. Next I stitched over the previous top stitching and voila`.

I didn't have enough of the nude colored lining; I had to settle for the off white. I like the lining because it gives the dress a more covered feel. In a dress as form-fitting as this one, it is easy to feel as if all of your imperfections will be seen. The husband absolutely loves this dress and I think with a black cardigan, this could be a year-round dress.

A few bra photos

2011-09-28T18:46:00.000-04:00

I'm sure you thought you were going to see me sans clothes...no such luck. I didn't want anybody to go blind. Here's a few photos of my finished bra on a mannequin.

BTW these are the pictures of the bra I drafted!

Bra success

2011-09-27T07:58:00.001-04:00

My bra saga is over. Just as I thought, I was able to draft a pattern from the two patterns that didn't work. It fits perfectly. I also realized the instructions are missing some very important tips! I'm glad I made one so soon after the workshop because everything was still so fresh in my mind. I was able recall and record most of what was left out of the instructions. I'm already working on a fourth bra! I don't necessarily need more clothes but you can never have too many bras.

My bra saga continues

2011-09-25T11:24:00.000-04:00

Anne did indeed draft another bra pattern for me but I'm wondering if the redraft was some cruel joke or what. The redraft is not too small, but rather a single cup will fit on my head like a beanie. Now, I am beyond pissed off. I wasted more of my precious time and supplies. I am really wondering if she actually knows how to "custom-fit" a bra. Can I be the only one this has happened to or are my expectations too high or my fit too complicated? If I'd been fitting people for and sewing bras for 25 years, I'd hope there wouldn't be a challenge I couldn't conquer. I guess this time I made my seam allowances too narrow? WTF!!

When my neighbor dropped the pattern off she commented that her bra didn't fit as well as she expected and that she would work on tweaking the pattern. I'm sorry, for $175 I expected my bra to be a near perfect fit the first time around. It's not as if you can salvage or alter an ill-fitting bra. This experience has totally soured me on hands-on classes. There was a little too much emphasis on "it's in my book" ($30 extra) and too much time spent with students that did not have enough sewing experience to even be attempting to make something as complicated as a bra. I'd say that less than half of the class finished even though we ran over by an hour and a half.

One good thing has come from this experience. I now have a bra pattern that is too small and one that is too large. I'd say I'm knowledgeable enough to be able to draft a nearly perfect fitting bra pattern from the two.

Lend me your ear. What do you think?

2011-09-23T18:47:00.000-04:00

I spent the last two days in hands-on classes at the American Sewing Expo. The first was a Designer Jeans class with Angela Wolf while the second was a bra-making class with Anne St Clair. This post is about the bra-making class. The class cost $98 and the supply kit was $75. I was required to send in my ribcage measurement, full and upper bust measurements as well as requiring an in-person fitting the day before complete with bras to try on in the size she chose. Sewing machines were provided. There were about 40 students w/varying degrees of sewing experience and three instructors. I think each student was given a bra pattern based on the shape of their breast. We were each given a "custom-fitted" bra pattern. The emphasis is on "custom-fitted."
Initially we were guided through the beginning stages of bra construction from layout, cutting, and width of seam allowances to actual sewing. We were expected to wait for the go ahead to the next step. At times there was quite a bit of waiting and later I abandoned "getting the okay" and followed the pattern instructions. When I finally tried my bra on to adjust the straps, they don't have "hardware" because it's "custom-fitted," to my dismay, it didn't fit. It was too small! The bra cups were about one size too small! WTF??? My $200 "custom-fit" bra was too small. I didn't measure myself, or "custom-fit" my own bra. Anne did. Her response was that it fit better than the one I had worn in and that my seams were not 1/4" but 3/8" instead. Oh I see, it's my fault the bra doesn't fit! I've been sewing for about 44 years and I know the difference between 1/4 and 3/8. If each seam has to be an exact 1/4 with no variation, none of the bras should fit anyone sewing them! The center front of mine was about two fingers away from my body. "Custom-fit" my ass. In her defense, she did offer to redraft my pattern. I think it's the least she could do.
It was my intention to make another bra as soon as I got home while the construction was still fresh in my mind. Couldn't do that. I had a bra that made me look like I had two pairs of breasts and wouldn't be wearing under any circumstances. Janet Grimsbey her assistant said she too thought I needed a larger cut size. Ann suggested I wear my ill-fitting bra on weekends or donate it to a women's shelter! Other than being steaming mad at Anne's accusing the poor fit to my seam allowances, I was also out of the supplies for one bra. She just didn't get it. I didn't think what I was asking for was unreasonable. I spent my entire day working on a "custom-fitted" bra that didn't fit and I'd used part of my supplies in doing so. After a rather heated exchange Anne begrudgely gave me another bra kit but while trying to find one she stomped and threw things around in a very child-like manner. I was disappointed to say the least. The situation should have been handled totally differently with her taking the blame for the faulty pattern drafting and offering replacement supplies.
I still don't have my redrafted pattern but a neighbor that was in the class offered to pick it up and deliver it to me later today. I hope it works this time. I did learn how to construct a bra so the class was not a total failure but it might be if the replacement pattern doesn't fit either. My advice to anyone that take a bra making class from Anne, or anyone else for that matter, make sure that you sew your bra to the "try-on" stage before leaving the class. Otherwise, you make be stuck with a bra that doesn't fit and that you don't know how to adjust.

The Dior Dress

2011-09-19T18:28:00.000-04:00

This is my latest version, version #4, of Vogue 1179. I call it the Dior Dress because when I look at the fabric I see D's, I's and O's. I order the fabric from Fabric.com a couple of months ago. The only changes I made were to shorten it one inch. Because I cut the fabric on the crosswise grain, it hung a little longer than I liked so I removed the hem and shortened it one ince. I did keep the same 4" hem as directed by the instructions. My husband likes it but wondered why I was still sewing summer garments. I told him it was a transition piece! I was too lazy to get dress to take photos but they are forthcoming!

I've nearly finished with Vogue 1220. Hopefully I'll review it before the week is out.

Thursday Thoughts 9/15/2011

2011-09-16T02:28:00.001-04:00

I know it's really Friday morning but this is my blog and I can do what I want! LOL

I've been 54 for 30 days.
I've been on a sewing terror this week!
I finished Vogue 8685.
Started and finished another version of Vogue 1179.
Made alterations to Vogue 1260.
Cut V1260 out in a Mocha-colored stretch Twill
I seem to be stuck on Vogue patterns.
I stayed in my sewing room so long on Tuesday I felt like I was working in a sweat shop!
My back is still hurting.
Bowling season has started.
Yes, I'm bowling--two leagues.
Yes, it's hurting my knee.
No, I don't think I can make it through the entire season.
Yes, I hope I can have the knee replacement at the beginning of 2012.
Movies and books about climbing Mt. Everest fascinate me.
I just finished reading the Help.
Loved it! (singing)
Right now I'm laying in bed with my laptop on my lap watching Soul Men with Samuel Jackson and the late Bernie Mac.
It's hee-larious!
Might be funnier if they weren't bleeping out all the curse words!
Guess I don't need to be hearing that kind of language anyway.

So what's going on in your neck of the woods?

I should be finished but...

2011-09-13T16:29:00.000-04:00

I'd like to thank all of my followers and especially those that leave comments. I appreciate you and don't think I thank you all often enough.
I'm still working on Vogue 8685. I should be finished but now that the side seams are sewn, I've decided it probably needs a lining. Gosh I can be so flighty sometimes. I decided to underline the bodice (ITY knit) because the it is lighter weight than the skirt (ponte).

After I tried it on I decide that I probably should line the skirt too. On the one hand I might not to have a control garment if I lined it but on the other hand it might be quite warm in warmer weather. Hmmm. What do you think?

Like the previous version I omitted the zipper as it's easy to get on and off without one. It's coming out just as envisioned and if I must say so myself I do look HOT in it. How do I know? The husband was giving me goo-goo eyes when I tried it on. He wasn't feeling it at all when I had it pinned to my dressform. He doesn't quite have the vision he thinks he does.

When paired with these shoes...WOW! My husband says these are stripper shoes but agreed that they look great with the dress. Hey strippers need love too! I'm flattered that he thinks I look good enough to be a stripper. LOL. I just have to make sure to stay off my feet the day before I wear them so that they don't bother my knee. Gotta go now and figure out how to go about inserting the lining.

Y'all come back now...ya hear!

What I'm working on

2011-09-10T19:31:00.002-04:00

I'm working on another version of Vogue 8685. I only had about one yard of this animal print fabric and was waiting for the right project. I have shoes that match! This is what I have so far. Stay tuned for the finale.

McCalls 6243 - Updated w/photos

2011-09-05T23:50:00.002-04:00

My current project is this relatively easy sheath dress. The zippers and the interesting angled seems are the thing that make this dress special. If I were able to sew right out of the envelope I imagine I could finish it in two hours of less. Of course I haven't sewn anything right out of the envelope in years and even then I probably shouldn't have. Little did I know that my breast and butt would wind up going south and the hips would go east and west. We won't even talk about the abdomen--but I digress.

The first thing I had to do was trim the pattern pieces, pin them all together and hold up to myself so that I can determine what changes need to be made.

That was a little more difficult with this pattern because the front pieces are cut on a single fold of fabric, while the back is could on a double fold. To make things easy on myself I just decided to make a 1" FBA. Because the front pieces are different on each side, I had to mark and alter each side separately.

See what I mean by should have been "relatively easy?" Altering this pattern wasn't so difficult but I used nearly and entire roll of tape in the process.

After all of the front pieces had been hacked, taped, rearranged etc. this is what the altered pieces looked like.

I knew the side seam bust dart would prove nearly impossible to sew without being pointed at the tip, so I decided to go with a multiple dart look. On the right side I divided the single dart into three smaller darts.

On the left side I sewed two darts and rotated the third one into the upper bodice seam.

I absolutely did not like the zipper insertion but couldn't figure out any other way to insert it and have the end look nice. It doesn't show because the zipper pull covers it up nicely...but it looks like crap!

The back needed a little more shaping so I added waist darts.

The fabric is Ponte knit so I opted not to include the back zipper. The two zippers that I did use cost more than the garment fabric! I also didn't like the idea of just turning under the neckline and armholes so I chose instead to sew small separate bands. After sewing the bands on I realized they are quite tight. Not so tight that I want to take it apart, but tight enough that I'll make the notation on the back of the pattern envelope in case I sew it again. I did sew the hem by machine as instructed by the directions but I don't like the look of it and plan to remove the machine stitching and finish the hem by hand. In the next couple of days or so I will post picture of me in wearing it. It wasn't until I uploaded the pics from my camera did I notice the stains on the front. I hope they come out in the wash.

Update w/photos
Frankly, I'm not happy with any of these photos but after having my last knee injection today I did not fill like re-shooting them. You get the idea about the fit though. I'm not feeling these shoes with this dress but again I wasn't willing to try another pair right now.

And last but not least, my favorite shot...what in the heck was I doing?

Y'all come back now, ya hear?

Do - You - Know - What - Today - Is?

2011-08-30T17:54:00.000-04:00

It's my second wedding anniversary! Still in marital bless. I wanted a freezer and he got it. Kind of hard to believe I didn't want something sewing related but I didn't.

Pattern Review -- Vogue 8685

2011-08-23T16:59:00.002-04:00

Pattern Description:

Close-fitting, mid-knee or below mid-calf length dresses. Features bodice with pleats, darts, midriff, yoke, topstitched trim and back zipper

Pattern Sizing:

6-20

I sewed a 14 through the bust gradually going out to a 20 at the hips.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

I think it looks exactly like the pattern envelope. What do you think?

Were the instructions easy to follow?

I didn't follow the instructions because they have you sew the bodice together and then attach it to the skirt. I don't like that construction at all. I sewed the front together then the backs and then pin-fit the side seams. I construct most dresses this way.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I liked that there were pleats under the bust instead of a dart. With my cup size it is nearly impossible to sew one dart in such a a way that it isn't pointed at the end.

Fabric Used:

The fabric was from the clearance table at Joann's. It was called Ottoman "something". It is a polyester and spandex blend. The fabric was very easy to work with and is as comfortable as a nightie.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

Before starting I had to make my usual FBA. I made a 1" FBA with a dart at the side seam and then rotated it to under the bust and turning it into an additional pleat. Now instead of having three pleats at the underbust like the original pattern I have four. This is what my upper bodice piece looked like after the alteration.

I also raised the armhole about 1". All summer I've been forgetting to do this alteration and wide up having underarm flab showing or way to much bra.

The dress called for a back zipper which I originally installed but wouldn't you know it had a very warped look. I wish I had followed my first mind and omitted it. As I was removing the zipper I realized the warping was operator error...who'd a thunk?? I do need to work on the center back seam because there is something weird going on where the bottom of the zipper was. I think the camera flashed before I was ready!

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I will definitely sew this again. I may sew it again as my very next project.

Conclusion:

Add this pattern to your list.

Monday Musings

2011-08-22T13:21:00.001-04:00

I finally got some sewing done. I'm working on Vogue 8685. Can I say I love it? Yes I do! I picked the fabric up at either JoAnn's in the clearance area or Walmart. I don't remember. I know that never happens to you, right? I don't have any pictures but hopefully tomorrow.
Although the pattern has quite a few pieces, it went together fairly quickly. It has lots of topstitching and I was worried that the midriff is not lined and the weight of the knit might need it. It didn't. I did make an FBA because frankly, I am obsessed with not having any pulling across the bust. Once I made the FBA, I then had to alter nearly every other pattern piece for the dress to fit together correct...it was worth it. The envelope describes it as close-fitting, that may have been an understatement. Let's just say I'm glad I don't have a problem wearing shapewear! I wish I had followed my first mind and eliminated the back zipper. Although the zipper installation was a breeze the finished look isn't. I didn't interface the zipper area because the knit I used was quite substantial, I got one really warped spot that is going to necessitate me removing the zipper. I'm able to get the dress on with the zipper zipped up so it won't be a problem. Oh and I finally remembered that most sleeveless or near sleeveless style armholes are usually way too low for my liking so I raised the underarm 1" and it is absolutely perfect...or is that just me??
Now on to my musings...

Like Carolyn I've only made dresses this season. I wonder if it was because it was so hot this summer I didn't want anything that close to my crotch? Just saying!
I watched one of my favorite movies last nigjt, To Kill a Mockingbird. For the first time I contemplated how relevant the movie still is. Think it isn't? Think Susan Smith.
Did you know that Harper Lee is a woman?
If I'm not mistaken she won a Pulitzer Prize for it.
Not before nor since has she written another novel.
Reports are that she did the bulk of the writing for Truman Capote's In Cold Blood but received no recognition for it.
Everybody remembers where they were and what they were doing on 9/11.
Supposedly, the average woman buys four pairs of shoe a year. Huh?
I think I bought four pairs last month!
I wonder how much fabric the average sewer buys a year?
Guess how many books the average person reads a year?
Zero.

That's all for now. Y'all come back now ya hear!

Thursday Thoughts

2011-08-19T18:50:00.001-04:00

I know it's Friday but I was thinking about some of this stuff yesterday!

What in the heck is going on with Blogger? There are some blogs I can't comment on anymore because Blogger prompts me to sign in over and over and over...you get the point. Is it just me?
I haven't sewn in over a week but at least I've been thinking about it.
My knee feels a little better and I do mean a little!
I've been making lots of greeting cards.
A woman with an upscale boutique is selling them in her shop for $15 a piece! Yikes.

Bowling season is all set to start back.
I had to cut my nails.
Waaaaaaaaaaah
Orchestra season will start in a couple of weeks so they were going to have to go anyway.
If you don't really want to know...don't ask me...cuz I'll tell you like it really is. Example..."Do you like these shoes?" "They're cute, are you going to the club after work?" "No, why?" "Those are going to the club shoes!" "No they're not. These are work shoes." " Sure those are work shoes...if you're a stripper!" "Don't they look good with my suit?" "What suit? You have on a flannel shirt, some leggings and shoes that are not appropriate for an office!" The moral of the story is, "if you don't want to know, don't ask me!"
I am ready for my husband to stop working 12 hours 7 days.
Money isn't everything.
I just signed up for the Friday Night Sew In hopefully it'll be what I need to jump start my sewing

Happy Birthday to me

2011-08-16T18:51:00.000-04:00

That's right today is my birthday...double nickel minus 1. I share the celebration with Angela Bassett, Madonna, and Michelle from Cheap and Picky who by that way has been AWOL from blogland.

I woke up this morning with a terrible migraine and didn't finish my birthday dress. The dress wasn't a problem because I had no plans because I husband is on 13 hour shifts. I have to work tomorrow and I'm just happy to be alive. My knee is hurting like hell after having my injection so I'll be spending the rest of the evening relaxing with an ice pack. I didn't ask for any gifts because there is nothing that I need or want. On second thought I guess I did a get a gift...my new car. I'd post a picture of it but my knee hurts too bad to brave the stairs, pull the car out the garage and snap a picture. I did get a fantastic surprise today. While at the doctor's office I pulled my electronic tablet out of my purse. Not paying attention to what I was doing I pulled it out upside down and it fell out of the case and went crashing to the floor. Luckily the floor was carpeted. Anyway stuck in the case behind the tablet I found a $125 money order that I was sure I'd thrown out in last week's trash! Yippeee! I love finding the money. ( In my mind I'm jumping around doing the happy dance!)

Ya'll come back now ya hear...in my best Beverly Hillbillies impersonation!

Butterick 5496

2011-08-12T21:26:00.000-04:00

I hate to admit it but I've been know to thrown on an oversize T-shirt and leggings to run errands. Not anymore. Nothing could be easier than this tunic. There are two main pattern pieces: front and back. The fabric is from Red Tag section at JoAnn's and I'm sure I got it during one of their half-off specials. I used foldover elastic around the neckline. On the inside I used french seams. I wasn't getting quite the coverage I wanted over my butt so I added a 3" piece of some scrap fabric I had laying around to the bottom/hem. I especially like the elastic waist as it gives this tunic some shaping without a lot of extra fitting. I did add 3/4" to the center front as a cheater FBA and lowered the elastic 3/4" on the center front as well. I've already made it a second time. I added a seam to the center back just to see how little fabric I could use to make it. Try 1 1/4 yards of 60". Not bad if I say so myself. This will be my go-to outfit for running errands.

Thursday Thoughts 9/11/2011

2011-08-11T17:15:00.000-04:00

I hadn't sewn in almost two weeks!
I stitched up a tunic today.
It's really cute, or is that just me?
My knee has been hurting really bad.
Tuesday is my birthday.
I get another knee injection Tuesday.
Some birthday present.
Fifty-four is the magic number
Who wound've thunk it?
I've been in a cleaning frenzy.
My refrigerator is so clean inside it belongs on an appliance showroom floor.
I needed to purge some shoes; my goal was ten pairs.
I managed to get rid of 18 pairs! Yay!
I've been making tons of greeting cards.
I'm thinking of renting a booth at a trade center to sell my cards.
Husband says," No" because it would be Friday, Saturday and Sunday every week.
I'm still thinking about it. 8-{
I lost 4 lbs this week.
I gained 4 lbs a couple of weeks ago.
I think I'm having a water retention issue.
Better take my water pills more consistently.
I have been eating like a pig.
Mainly fruit...go figure.
I went to the Secretary of State Tuesday to renew my license and plates for my motorcycle and car.
I wound up not getting my license renewed because I would have had to get my picture taken.
I didn't get the picture taken because I didn't have on makeup.
Call me vain I don't care.
I'm going back tomorrow in full makeup.
Don't hate me 'cuz I'm beautiful.

Monday Musings 8/1/2011

2011-08-02T04:11:00.000-04:00

I spent the better part of today looking for my checkbook.
I still haven't found it!
I cleaned out every purse I own in my search.
Why is that we never take all the crap out of the previous purse we've used?
Who needs 10 pens in a purse?
I did find my MP3 player and Bose earbuds.Yippeee!
Also found a card I made for my husband for Father's Day 2010!
I've stashed my checkbook and extra checks somewhere because I can't find either.
If you like brownies don't be sucked in by the new FiberOne commercials...dry and crumbly is how I can best describe 'em.
Not sure what my next sewing project will be...I'm betting it'll be a dress.
I go to the Orthopedic surgeon tomorrow for a knee injection. Sure hope I get some relief.
The ants are finally gone. Yippeee!
The fruitflies have moved in. Bummer :-(
I haven't even put 100 miles on my new car yet.
Hoarders is absolutely digusting. I love it!

Butterick 5600 - A Pattern Review

2011-07-27T23:14:00.000-04:00

Pattern Description:
Semi-fitted misses' dress, straight, above mid-knee with front darts, back pleats self-faced yoke front and neckbands, side seam pockets outside casing with elastic, self ties and stitched hem.

Pattern Sizing:

6-22 I cut a size 16 through the neck and armholes with a 20 from the waist and hips.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
I think so. Do you?

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the shirt-dress style with the added ruffle
Fabric Used:

Cotton Seersucker. I've had the fabric in my stash for a while and was hestitant to use it for this dress because I only had 2 1/2 yards and it's 45" wide. The pattern calls for 3 1/8 yards. I thought that was a lot so took a chance. Glad I did.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I started by incorporating a deeper dart then added 1" to the bodice above the dart to lower it as well lengthen the bodice. I added 2" to the skirt and lowered the casing in the center front to accomodate my tilted waist. I'm just not into slips so decided to line the entire dress with a lightweight knit fabric.
I made more work for myself by deciding to line it only after I'd already sewn the back yoke.

I omitted the pockets because I didn't want to make my hips any larger than they already are.

I cut the yoke, waist casing and ties on the length-wise grain to add some interest. I originally used six buttons but the pattern calls for the buttons to be spaced way too far apart so I went back and added equally spaced buttons in between the original ones. I ended up using 11 buttons in all.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
This dress came out just as I envisioned it. For a while I thought it would look like a house dress.

I've wanted a seersucker dress for a long time. The knit lining made it super comfortable. I just love it. My husband says it looks like a maid's uniform! WTH.

Conclusion:
Did I say I love this dress??

I'd like to make another out of a khaki fabric with sleeves.

Can you see me now?

2011-07-26T20:12:00.000-04:00

Ten hut! Sometimes a girl (okay old lady) just wants to have fun and fun this dress is. I just whipped it up today. It's McCall's 6319 view B. I purchased this fabric from JoAnn's a couple of weeks ago with the intention of making this dress. How often does that happen?

As in my last three dress, one of which hasn't been review yet, it's fully lined with a lightweight knit fabric from Walmart. I added a bust dart to the left side only, lengthened the bodice 1" and the skirt 2", turned under 1"and hemmed it with a double needle. I cut a 2 1/2" strip of fabric for the elastic casing using 1/2" elastic instead of the 1/4" suggested.

I also added a narrow strip of fusible interfacing to the neckline but it is still larger than I'd like. The armholes are also lower than I'd like as I can see some armpit flab!

I'm still fabulous...in my mind anyway. The shoes are from 2005 and the belt recently from the clearance rack. Although I think the hair is too outrageous for my office job, I'm leaning toward wearing the dress to work. Whadda you think? Although the employee handbook says dress should be business casual, most of the ladies dress "goin' to da club lateh." At least I look like I might have to report for duty somewhere. LOL

Monday Musings 7/25/11

2011-07-25T23:59:00.000-04:00

Today I finally put the finishing touches on Butterick 5600. Yay I promise to have pictures in the next couple of days. I had to purchase additional buttons that's why no pictures now.
I've already cut out my next project...another dress!
Happy birthday to me. Although my birthday isn't until the 16th of next month I picked up my present today...a 2011 Buick LaCrosse.
I loved my 2008 Cadillac CTS but there were no 2011's available with keyless entry. The keyless entry was a deal-breaker for me. I hate digging in my purse for my keys.
I hate new car smell...it gives me a headache.
I didn't get any sewing done yesterday because my brother and SIL came for a visit.
My brother and husband get along so well and are so much alike.
I called my brother by my husband's name about 50 times!
I love my SIL to death.
I want to go on a fabric shopping trip...like I need more fabric.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Crackle nail polish and have been wearing it every day.

Monday Musings 7/18/2011

2011-07-18T12:28:00.000-04:00

Yippee! My nails are actually growing. I don't want dragonlady nails...just something I can polish
I love this new Crackle nail polish.
I've got to finish the dress I'm working on so that I can move on to another project.
I need to make more panties...okay it's more a want than need!
I've been buying way too much fabric lately.
I was early for my doctor's appointment today...Yippee!
I was 24 hrs early for my doctor's appointment today...Bummer!
I only lost .2 lbs this week.
At least I didn't gain.
Still can't workout because of the bum knee.
I need to try getting more sleep.
I was falling asleep at the computer earlier.
Thank goodness for coffee.
Yesterday it was hotter than fish grease outside.
They are projecting more of the same today.
Guess where I'm going to be???
Is there a reason people think you want to be bothered with their little rowdy children.
Just because you can have a baby doesn't mean you should or need to.
My husband is twisted!
I'd better get sewing.

Today is National Sewing Day

2011-07-17T11:49:00.000-04:00

Sewing machines used to be everyday appliances...not so much nowadays. The first sewing machine patent was obtained by Thomas Saint in 1790 and since then the sewing machine has undergone many changes. Join me in celebratting National Sewing Day by doing some sewing today!

Thursday Thoughts 7/13/2011

2011-07-15T00:51:00.000-04:00

The Vogue 1250 remake is such a fun dress to wear. I told my co-workers I borrowed it from Tarzan!
Speaking of Vogue 1250 I made another version of it last weekend and it too was a miserable failure. Why? you ask...think sausage casing.
I used the correct fabric but sewed it without alterations. Big mistake. I'm going to try it one more time this weekend. If it doesn't work, I'm done.
I'm currently working on Butterick 5600. I'm using a blue and white stripe seersucker.
I'm starting to have visions of a housedress. We'll see how that works out.
My husband washed a load of his clothes complete with an entire pack of chewing gum in is pocket.
I should have suspected something when I opened the washer and everything smelled minty fresh!
Wouldn't you know I wanted to wash some fabric!
I only lost .3 lbs last week. At least I didn't gain.
I'm getting a new car for my birthday next month. Yippeee! We're already looking.
I'm obsessed with sewing dresses right now. Last summer it was jackets.
I cannot justify buying one more pair of shoes!
I love teaching sewing classes.
JoAnns sewing classes are too expensive.
I absolutely love Hummus and can eat it every day.
I need a vacation.
I have a doctor's appointment Monday. My knee has been killing me.
I didn't sew today although I had intentions.
I had to go to work with chipped nail polish because I was out of remover. That won't happen again.

Vogue 1250 - The Redo

2011-07-08T20:20:00.000-04:00

Remember this dress? I wasn't happy with it and decided to make McCall's 6319 out of it.
Pattern Description:
Fitted dress with tapered skirt has lined bodice and elasticized waist
Pattern Sizing:
8-22
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
I made View C and yes I think it looks like the pattern envelope, do you?

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, the instructions were easy to follow...if only I'd followed them. Totally because of operator error I had to take the bodice apart twice. In doing so I stretched the fabric badly and had quite a bit of my bra showing at the underarm. It was not until I started to sew the skirt that I realized I had so much bra showing because I cut the top at 22 at the shoulder instead of a 16. I knew I wouldn't be happy with it so I took it apart a third time! Yikes! Way too much work for about $7 worth of fabric. Sometimes you just have to tough it out to show yourself you can do what you've set your mind to.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like that the pattern didn't use a lot of fabric
Fabric Used:
I'm not sure what the exact fabric content is but it is probably a Rayon a knit that is very drapey and lightweight
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
The fabric was much too flimsy for the Vogue dress and I didn't feel comfortable in it. The fabric was actually to flimsy for this one too so I wound up lining the entire dress. I had enough fabric left over to cut a new from. I used the front of V1250 skirt to cut the skirt back, cut the new back from the old back with a center back seam and cut the front from the previous upper front. I was really pressed for fabric.

I noticed that other Pattern Reviewers didn't but I felt the pattern was just screaming for a left side bust dart.
I also added 2" to the bodice with additional 1 1/2" to the skirt length.

I feel that the fabric necessitated extra stabilization measures

I added a full lining of a lightweight knit fabric I had in my stash. I didn't use the top lining piece but instead the actual front and back pattern pieces.

I used the idea from the Tracey Reese Vogue 1224 dress for the elastic casing.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I do have fabric to make it again and might make a different view. It is very easy and a quick so, so yes I would recommend it to others.
Conclusion:
All of a sudden I'm obsessed with linings. This is the third dress I've lined this summer. More times than I've ever lined summer dresses before!

July 4th Sewcation

2011-07-02T14:19:00.000-04:00

Hi all. I don't have any plans for the 4th other than to have a three-day Sewcation! Yay! I'm still working on the Vogue 1250 redo. Would be done had I bothered to follow the instructions :-( I do hope to finish it later today. I went to JoAnns (no comments from you Carolyn) and picked up a couple of fabrics from the half off clearance rack and I feel a couple of dresses coming on.
While a lot of women seem to have issues going sleeveless and showing their arms, I'm not and have never been one of them. Hell, I got carded at the grocery store earlier. Anyway I am absolutely in love with dresses this summer--not skirts and tops or slacks, just dresses. I'm just going to run with it. I'm also loving belts. The wider the better.
Last week one of my co-workers commented on how nice I looked and said she had never noticed me ever wearing the same outfit twice! Huh! Okay I do have a lot to choose from but I try to rotate what I wear and try to never wear it the same way twice even if it only means changing up the shoes and jewelry. I will say that next to myself, she is the best dressed. There is a dresscode at my job but almost nobody follows it. I see so much cleavage, spandex, too tight everything, unironed, and flip flops that I could scream. You'd almost think I worked at a strip joint. I try to ignore it and lead by example but it doesn't seem to be working could be because the office manager is one of the main culprits! When I mentioned to one young lady that she shouldn't be using profanity, she had the nerve to be insulted. I could go on and on but I'm sure you get the idea. Wasn't I supposed to be talking about the 3-day Sewcation? I'm not sure where that came from but I do feel better now that I've gotten it off my chest.
So in the coming days there is a good chance you'll get to see Vogue

1025
8706
8632

Stay tuned.
Check out my husband trying to sew. It wasn't pretty

Pattern Review - Butterick 5638

2011-06-29T20:00:00.000-04:00

Pattern Description:

Easy Misses' fitted dress with belt and A/B, C, D Cup sizes

Pattern Sizing:

8-22 I cut a 16 through the neck, shoulder and armhole gradually out to a 20 at the hips

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

I think so, how about you?

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very easy and straight forward.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I like the sleeveless style and the ruffled front. Of course you can't see the detail because of the fabric print! I disliked that the small dots (markings) on the side front and front pattern pieces did not seem to want to line up. It was very screwy but I channeled my inner Tim Gunn and made it work!

Fabric Used:

Cotton with a small amount of lycra from JoAnns

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I used the D cup pattern pieces and the only pattern alterations I had to make were to lower the bust point 1" and add 2" to the length.
This is absolutely the best I've ever installed an invisible zipper. This shot is after I'd wore the dress all day!To say I'm proud of it is an understatement.

After I was nearly finished, I decided it needed a lining. I did have to take the neckline binding loose but improvised on the front inset.

I used a very light-weight knit fabric from my stash for the lining and eliminated the armhole binding pieces.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I'll think I'll definitely sew this dress again. Don't know when but it is worth repeating.

Conclusion:

The reason I chose this fabric and style is because I found this belt on sale and just had to make something to go with it! I wore it to work today and got tons compliments. I felt very chic wearing it. Because of the high cotton content of the fabric, I say about 97%, the dress was totally "butt sprung" by the time I got home. This dress will have to be washed after each wearing to shrink the butt back into shape.!

Vogue 1250 Refashion -- Part 1

2011-06-28T20:43:00.000-04:00

I guess I owe Vogue 1250 another try. Why is it that not until I started the refashion did I realize the reason I didn't like 1250 is because my fabric was all wrong. My bad! The fabric I used has way too much drape. The fabric was just fine for Vogue 1179. See?

Not so much for 1250

I've been wanting to sew McCalls 6319 and decided to give it a try. I pin-fit my pattern to see what adjustments I might need to make. Oops...rewind. I first went to Pattern Review and while no one there did, I decided I needed to add a bust dart to my pattern. I do not like using the pattern design ease as wearing ease! Is it just me or is this pattern piece just screaming for a bust dart on the left side?? I didn't want any armhole gapping going on.

The red line shows where I cut the pattern apart and added a bust dart but only on the left side. Here's a picture of my altered pattern piece. I also added 2" to the bodice front and back.

I am a self-taught sewer and don't feel confined by any sewing rules. That said I hope I don't screw it up! I don't see any reason to add a dart on the other side because the shoulder pleats take care of that.
Luckily I had enough leftover fabric to cut the skirt front. I used the original Vogue lower front piece to cut the skirt back. I added a center back seam to the upper back of the original pattern and was able to cut the bodice back by placing the pattern center along the seam.. After removing the darts I was able to cut the bodice front out of the upper dress front.
After I sewed the bodice together, it became apparent that this is fabric is too drapey for this dress as well. Initially I wasn't going to line it but I dug into my stash and found some knit lining --"fabric of unknown origin" from Walmart. Actually the fabric really reminds me of "Jet Set" from JoAnns. Anyway...
The dress is going together really well. I was concerned about the neckline possibly being wonky so I added some clear elastic to the shoulder seams and the neckline.

I stretched the elastic slightly (on purpose) while stitching and although in the photo it doesn't look that great, once I understitched, trimmed and steamed the seam it's perfect.
To give you an idea of what the finished dress will look like...

The skirt front is pinned in place.

So far the refashion is going just as I planned. More later

Monday Musings 6/27/2011

2011-06-27T18:27:00.000-04:00

There are some very interesting stories about student loan debt here.
After church I spent the rest of the day sewing and scrapbooking.
If you haven't seen Hachi: A Dogs Tale with Richard Gere, you've missed a good one.
I cut Vogue 1250 apart last night. I tried to like it but I just couldn't.
I'm refashioning it into McCalls 6319..
I finished Butterick 5638 last night.
I fully lined it!
My stylist gave it two thumbs up!
You'll have to wait to see it. Weather not very photograph worthy today.
Remember these shoes from this post, they were supposed to be my go-to shoes this season.
They are going-to my SIL. I only wore them twice!
They will not stay on my feet. I've tried everything. They flop up and down like slippers.
A Diva like myself cannot go around tripping over her own feet.
Don't worry, I'm replacing them with the exact same pair a size smaller!
If I see one more ant in this house "they gone make me lose my mind, up in here up in here!"
How did the Fourth of July get here so soon?
I've been taking Calcium per my oncologist not the intended purpose but I think it helping my fingernails to grow.

Thursday Thoughts 6/23/2011

2011-06-23T22:57:00.001-04:00

Debbie Cook of Stitches and Seams wondered why I have a dozen pairs of shoes in my sewing room. They're in there because I have to audition my outfits before I wear them. When I get my garments to the point that I can try them on, I like to do so with the shoes I plan on wearing. Being the procrastinator that I am, I don't have time in the mornings to figure out what I'll wear.
If I must say so myself, I am the best dressed woman at my job.
I'm loving the dresses I've been wearing, both current and from seasons past.
I'm wearing an absolutely beautiful ring and bracelet that I ordered from HSN.
I lost 2.4 lbs this week.
I gained 2 lbs last week. In my defense I did have on a pair of lined slacks when I weighed in.
My sewing mojo is off the chain!
Is it ever going to stop raining?
Yikes! JCPenney has stopped selling my favorite Geena DeRossi handbags.
BTW how do they ever make any money. Seems everything is always on sale or marked for clearance.
Guess I can say the same thing about JoAnns too.
My dining room is still my unofficial scrapbooking room
I know it's bad when I get excited about $3.59 gas.
I need to stop buying fabric.
That's not about to happen!

V8724

2011-06-22T21:51:00.000-04:00

Pattern Description:
Very easy Misses' close-fitting dress in two lengths with overlapping front pleats and custom-fit cup sizes
Pattern Sizing:
6-20 I made the size 20
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
It looks exactly like the envelope only problem is you can't see any detail with the fabric I chose!

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Super easy
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I think this pattern would look good on all shapes and sizes. I especially like that the back has princess seams allowing more opportunities for alterations if needed.
Fabric Used:
Matte Jersey from my local Walmart
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I didn't make any changes on the pattern...but I should have. This is the second garment I've made recently and didn't consult Pattern Review first...mistake. You absolutely must add the the front armhole shaping. As it is I only sewed 1/4" seam. It's not just the way I'm holding my arm that is showing so much underarm skin. Don't make the mistake I made. Next time I will add 1/2"-3/4" at the front armhole shaping.

I cut the D cup and while looking at the dart I thought of converting it to gathers but didn't...that too was a mistake. The dart is so deep that I had to sew the dart much higher to get some of the point out of it. No amount of steam helped. I did have some gaping at the center front and decided to sew it down because I didn't want any cleavage showing. I used Steam-A-Seam on the hem and then topstitched with a double needle.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I'll sew it again and would recommend it to others.
Conclusion:
I sewed the majority of this dress on my serger and estimate that my actual sewing time was a little less than an hour. You can't beat that.
(My photographer insisted on taking my pictures as I was trying to get out the door to work!)

Monday Musings

2011-06-20T15:42:00.000-04:00

Today I'm working on finishing up Butterick 5638. I was nearly finished when I decided it absolutely needed a lining. I've got it cut and ready for stitching.
I think I'm going to try cutting out several different patterns today. I usually only cut out a new garment after I've finished the previous one.
I absolutely must make more panties this week. I am in love with the ones I've made and have been wearing nothing else.
I can tell when my husband loves the outfit I'm wearing. He insists on taking my picture.
Wish he'd actually learn how to take better pictures.

This outfit is from Summer 2009 and it still fits...Yippeee!
Why are there over a dozen pairs of shoes in my sewing room?
Want to know what frustration is? How about preparing your fabric, laying it out on the cutting table, envisioning how absolutely gorgeous you'll look when you finish the garment only to realize the pattern pieces aren't in the envelope! WTH. Have to wait until patterns are on sale because I refuse to pay full price.
I teach sewing classes at JoAnns and while I love it, I wished they would allot more time to finish garments. Two classes three hours each is not enough time to finish a Cynthia Rowley dress if you don't have any real sewing experience. I don't get to pick the patterns for my classes!
It seems I haven't sewn a pair of slacks in forever! Need to remedy that soon.
Don't you hate it when you put something away to make sure that you can find it when you need it only to realize you've forgotten where you put it...the cable that works for two of my digital cameras!
Oops. Found it. I moved it and didn't replace it.
I have to get my teeth cleaned tomorrow. How exciting :{

A little bit of everything

2011-06-12T15:04:00.000-04:00

I live in a rural community right outside of the city and I love it. We own quite a bit of property and I really love not having neighbors to bother me. I'm at a point in my life where I really enjoy the quiet. This is what I woke up to in my front yard this morning.

It is not at all unusual. I'd venture to say that you don't see much of this in the city. We have a small swing set in our back yard and yesterday I saw both a huge black bird and a small rabbit make an attempt to walk up the slide only to wind up back at the bottom. Very entertaining to say the least.
The class I taught at JoAnn's yesterday went well. It was also 1/2 on classes day. I usually sit in the front of the store sewing and promoting my sewing classes. It was a good day and I expect to be really busy over the next couple of months.
Don't you love it when you dig something out of your closet from a couple of season ago and

it still fits.
it still looks good on you.
it's still in style.

That's what happened to me this morning. This dress is from 2009 and is still one of my favorites. I got the fabric at Walmart and only paid $1.50 a yard. Not too bad for a $3 dress. The cropped sweater came from Dots for $12. I wore this to church but of course I had shoes on!

My mojo is working overtime so expect quite a few posts this month with lots of pictures!

I have new panties -- Kwik Sew 2908

2011-06-11T03:20:00.000-04:00

Kwik Sew 2908
Pattern Description:
Misses Panties
Pattern Sizing:
XS-XL
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Hard to say because the pattern envelope only has drawings. I sewed view B and while the pattern envelope gives the impressions of bikinis but they are more like high cut briefs. They are not as high as my navel.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions were easy enough but it took me a minute to wrap my mind around how to sew the crotch lining
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I started out with Kwik Sew 2100. Even after altering them some they were HUGE. The sizing is WAY off.

Fabric Used:
Leftover Matte Jersey from previous projects
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
According to my hip measurement I should wear an XL. I compared a favorite pair to the sizes on the printed sheet and decided to cut a Small instead and added 1" to the front width. That alterations was spot on. I also decided to cut the crotch piece separate and attach as instructed for KS2100. I've not very fond of the loose crotch lining in the front. I also narrowed the crotch piece by 1." As it was it was much too wide.

I guess I wasn't paying attention and cut my elastic the lengths suggested for View D. Although it was for the wrong view, I liked the fit and will continue to use the elastic measurements from that view.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Ocne I figured out the size, I made three pairs. I'm impressed because they are very comfortable.
Conclusion:
I honestly don't think I'll ever buy panties again. Why would I? It only took me about 40 minutes to make a pair for a fraction of the $8 a pair that I usually pay. I have enough left over Matte Jersey from previous projects to keep me in panties for years albeit quite a few will be made from the same fabric and I don't have a problem with that.

Thursday Thoughts

2011-06-10T20:32:00.000-04:00

I know, I know...it's Friday but I was thinking about some of this stuff yesterday!

I'm wonking on Kwik Sew 2100--a pair of panties. Is there a reason I didn't read the reviews on Pattern Review before I started. Based on my hip size I cut out a size 9. Can I say they are HUGE. I know my butt is on the big side but this size 9 is huge in a way you can even begin to imagine. Also I totally disagree that the instructions are so fantastic...in my opinion they aren't.
Alright Style network. Enough Project Runway already!
I found fabric in my fabric closet that I didn't even know I had.
I can't believe I acutally bought a few yards of fabric today!
I lost 1 lb this week.
I gained 1.8 lbs last week.
You have got to try "Daily's". It's a 10 oz frozen drink with the alcohol already added. Love them
Hmmm. Might be where the 1.8lbs came from.
How could it be in the 90's Tuesday and Wednesday and not even reach 60 today?
I could watch Sling Blade a bajillion times and not get sick of it.
When people say I don't act like I'm 53, is that a compliment?
I rode my bicycle a couple of miles yesterday...my knee hurts.
I wish I could stay awake and watch late night t.v.
I'm not good at returning people's phone calls. I just don't like talking on the phone about nothing.
I have a class to teach tomorrow at Joann's. Gotta get ready.

Memorial Weekend Sewathon Part 2 - Picture heavy

2011-06-07T20:34:00.001-04:00

Here's the other two dresses I made on my Memorial Weekend Sewcation
Vogue 1221
Pattern Description:
Vogue Patterms American Designer Tracy Reese
Partially lined, pullover dress has short dolman sleeves, elasticized waistline and neckline with tie ends stitched hems and above mid-knee length.
Pattern Sizing:
8-24
I sewed a size 20
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
I think it does but you can see much detail here

I plan to wear it off the shoulder

I threw on the green shoes because I thought it looked a little boring. I need a belt or something.

On the other hand there is nothing boring about this version.

I like it with or without a belt.

I don't really like it on the shoulders but maybe I just need to tighten the neckline elastic

With a narrower belt than first photos.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

The instructions were easy to follow but if I hadn't I don't think I would have gotten it together correctly
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern
I actually never noticed the pattern until I saw Melody's of Crazed Sewer's version.
Fabric Used:
The blue is Matte Jersey from Joanns. I'm not sure of the actual fabric content of the yellow and black but was visiting a sewing blog and the owner mentioned that an internet seller had this fabric. I bought it (over a year ago) and while I originally thought I would make a twinset out of it, I think it serves this dress much better.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Beware. This dress is extremely short. I added 3" to the center front bodice gradually going to just 1" on the side seam to match the 1" added to the bodice back. I then had to straighten the center front to reach the fold so I just slit the pattern which exposed a nice "pie slice" which I filled with more tissue.

I added 4"to the skirt. I didn't line the blue version but lined the skirt of the yellow/black combo. I wanted the top to look the same as the bottom so I underlined the bodice top.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I've already made it twice so I probably won't sew this again year. I highly recommend it to others but caution that both the bodice and the skirt run extremely short!
Conclusion:
I plan to wear both dresses off the shoulder as I like the look better. I used the elastic piece that came with the pattern but think it needs to be shortened so that the top won't be so sloppy looking. Even on the pattern envelope the model looks as though her elastic at the neckline need to be shortened.
I wore the yellow/black dress Sunday and got sew many compliments I wanted to jump back and kiss myself! LOL

Fruit of my Memorial Weekend Sewathon Part I

2011-06-03T21:32:00.000-04:00

Don't faint...I'm finally posting a review pictures. I will say I fell short of my 7 garment goal. I had every intention of sewing when I got out of church Sunday but the weather put a damper on that. I spent most of the evening huddled in the laundry room. There were all sorts of tornado and severe storm warnings out. On Monday my husband decided he needed my undivided attention so that day too was a bust. I did sew on Tuesday and am really happy with the five garments I did get made--all dresses.

Vogue 1179

Pattern Description:

Very loose-fitting, pullover dress, above mid-knee length, has pleated front cowl collar and wide stitched hem.
Pattern Sizing:
6-22 I cut a size 16 at the neck and armhole and at the side seam gradually out to a size 20.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
I think so. What do you think

Were the instructions easy to follow?
So easy even a caveman could follow them.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
There is absolutely nothing to dislike about this pattern. It's been reviewed 21 times on PatternReview.com
Fabric Used:
Matte Jersey from Denver Fabrics.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
The only alteration I made was to add 2" to the length. That was a first for me. I always have to make detailed alterations on my patterns.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Would I sew it again...already have

Conclusion:
This dress is so comfortable and stylish. It can be dressed up or down just by changing your jewelry and shoes. If you don't already have this pattern run, don't walk, to your nearest Vogue retailer!

Blogger sucks

2011-05-29T01:12:00.000-04:00

I tried to post earlier but something was going haywir with Blogger. Now that I've vented...
I'm having a Memorial weekend sewcation. I just finished my fourth garment in four days. My goal is one garment a day until and including Tuesday. I promise to post some pictures soon. It's been so long since I posted a picture that I bet you guys are losing interest. Fear not, photos are coming...I promise.

Thursday Thoughts 5/26/2011

2011-05-26T13:50:00.001-04:00

I'm going to stop complaining about the weather. Last time I did the weather was hot and humid.
Today it is cold as Hell. That's an oxymoron if there ever was one. I'm keeping my big mouth shut on matters of the weather!
The elephant has finally left my sewing room. That's right. A project that should have lasted no more than a week, dragged out to almost two months. I don't love it but I do like it a lot and am sure I'll wear it.
Thought I'd have photos to post today but it's much too cool and windy to be outside trying to take pictures. I don't like the pictures I get inside so I'm not even going to try anymore!
I made a dress yesterday that I absolutely love. So much so that I am going to make another one using the same pattern ASAP. Might even make two more!
Can you say DKNY?
It's amazing how much a UFO in my sewing room paralyzes me.
How did I get talked into replacing an invisible zipper in a satin, bias cut prom dress.
At least the zipper was in the side seam.
Why didn't I realize that Monday is the holiday?
While I was thinking I was totally healed from my latest breast surgery, whenever I overdo it I get a sharp remainder!
I have the absolutely best husband in the whole world.
He bought me a new laptop that I absolutely didn't need.
Not really complaining but I don't really love the widescreen format. All this scrolling is driving me crazy!
Hmmm. I wonder if I was already crazy?
I need a new shade for my nightstand lamp.
Still haven't made it to the laundromat!
Only lost 1/2 lb last week.
At least I didn't gain.
I weigh-in again tomorrow.
My goal is 1 lb.
Queen Latifah has a new clothing line that is going to er sold on QVC.
She also commented that she finds the label "plus-size" to be offensive.
I totally agree with her.
I've used it in the past...I won't ever use it again.
Why should being larger than a size 8 be a negative thing?
It is totally asinine for a size 10 model to be considered "plus-size."
Why do we buy into such crap?
Might seem hypocritical of me.
Trying to lose weight back to where I was pre-cancer and meds on doctor's advice.
I do think an additional 25lbs is too much!
Be a follower and leave a comment for a chance at four handmade sewing note cards!

Thursday Thougths 5/12/2011

2011-05-13T20:51:00.000-04:00

I love watching Project Runway reruns.
I've just started watching Sex and the City reruns. Lovin' it.
I've been watching way too much television lately.
My mom and my niece spent the weekend. We had a coffee club meet up. It was great.
At coffee club you have to show up all natural (ie no makeup or wigs). It lasted about 3 hours.
We had a great time. Just coffee, cookies and conversation.
I took pictures for some scrapbook pages.
On Mother's Day I wore a jacket that I made last year but never got to wear. It looked great.
I've almost finished that elephant in my sewing room. Just need to insert lining in the jacket.
I have to take comforters and blankets to the laundromat soon.
I'm thinking about making a bunch of cards and selling them at a flea market.
I wore a top Tuesday that I didn't wear at all last year.
I lost 3lbs in two weeks.
Still need to try and workout.
Why is their so much crap on my dresser and nightstand? Is it just me?
Three weeks ago there was snow on the ground. Today it was 84 and kind of miserable.
I hate to complain but it is too hot and humid!

Thursday Thoughts 5/5/2011

2011-05-05T10:04:00.000-04:00

I survived the breast surgery...Yippeee!
I don't know what they gave me as anethesia but I was "loopy" for three days!
Today was the first day I could shower...thanks, I needed that.
Today was the first time I took off my bra since the surgery...OUCH. I don't want to do that again soon.
I had an allergic reaction at the hospital and at home. I almost scratched my skin off.
Thank goodness for Benadryl.
The drugs they had me on made my knee feel fantastic. No pain.
The orthopedic surgeon doesn't want me to have knee replacement for 6 months to a years.
Says I've already been under the knife twice this year. Okay....and???
Says we are going to throw the kitchen sink at it until that time.
I have to go to physical therapy for my knee.
I might be able to start back exercising around the first of June.
I gained 2.5 lbs last week. WTH.
My mom and I are fast becoming the best of friends.
She was here Sun-Tues and is coming back for Fri-Sun.
I'm still not driving. It hurts my breast.
My mom's driving scares the crap out of me.
Why is a 77-year-old woman doing wide pimp turns and speeding?

On the Vogue 1250 bandwagon

2011-05-01T16:33:00.000-04:00

Before I forget, congratulations Faye. You're the winner of the sewing theme cards. I probably won't be able to get them in the mail until the end of the week so be on the lookout for them next week. I have my surgery tomorrow morning so I won't be able to mail them any sooner.
I haven't been doing my usual amount of sewing for a couple of reasons. First I'm smitten with making greeting cards and second, standing at the ironing board is murder on my knee. Tuesday I go back to see the orthopedic surgeon to find out how soon I can get the knee replacement. Any amount of standing causes my knee to swell up larger than my breast. WTH. No need in putting off the inevitable.
Yesterday I cut out and sewed Vogue 1250.

After checking out what was up on Pattern Review, I decided that I should make some adjustments to the pattern before I began. I didn't want the drape to pull across the front nor did I want it too tight around the hips. I went a little overboard in my alterations. I wasn't feeling the fabric either. I'm considering this my muslin.

Husband and I both hated it until I added the belt. He loves the fabric. Me...not so much. Can I wear a black belt and nude colored shoes together?

I added a center back seam in the bodice with some additional width. For the next version I might add side seams to the skirt. I also added to the length of the bodice both front a back...bad idea. I guess I didn't need that but I'd rather have a garment that is too large than one that is too small. I added 3" to the skirt which I did need. I haven't hem it yet.

This dress is super easy to sew but somewhat difficult to alter. I'm making it again because I love the drape. Might try to make it tonight.

I finally wore Simplicity 2684 to church today. My stylist (husband) didn't go so I took it on myself to wear it like this.

He gave it the seal of approval after pointing out that he thinks the "shrug" looked a little "hootchie" and the hair a little to wild! What? I need a new stylist.

Thursday Thoughts 4/28/2011

2011-04-28T17:25:00.000-04:00

My breast surgery is scheduled for Monday morning at 8:45.
My knee is killing me. As soon as possible I want to schedule the replacement.
I currently have a "weather knee". I can tell when it's going to rain by my knee pain! LOL
I'm still jammin' to old Aretha Franklin tunes.
I can't believe I bought two McCall's patterns at Walmart. I didn't want to have to wait for the Joann's sale.
I just caught a look at myself in the mirror...I am tore up from the floor up!
I could watch Sling Blade with Billy Bob Thornton a billion times and not tire of it. He wrote, directed and starred in it.
I love Turner Classic Movie channel.
My mom and I are getting along better than we ever have. We spent three hours on the phone Sunday and two hours today. I hope it lasts.
Yesterday at the job I don't think I did a single thing right! I had a terrible day to say the least.
I've been selling the cards I make.
Don't forget to follow, leave a comment and mention on your blog for a chance to win a set of sewing themed cards. You have until midnight EST. I'll announce the winner some time tomorrow.

Monday Musings 4/25/2011

2011-04-25T14:22:00.002-04:00

I haven't posted any reviews or garments lately. I need to get with it.
There's an elephant in my sewing room. You know that project that is just looming so large and you can't seem to get it finished. It's a dress and jacket combo. I really am sick of it. While I usually never move on to another project until the current one is finished...I'm going to have to make an exception...Today!
I love making cards almost as much as I like sewing. Since I've gotten the Close To My Heart sewing stamp set I've been making tons of card with the sewing theme. Follow, leave a comment AND mention on your own blog for a chance to win a four card set. Winner will be announced Friday.
I wonder how many people are actually reading my blog.
The picture I posted with the three children...I'm the youngest girl. My knees still look like that!
I have the best husband in the world. I recently read a sentiment that said "Marriage is not finding someone you can live with, it's finding someone you can't live without!" Amen.
Although it has been less than two years, I almost don't remember my life before I got married.
I remember now...I had breast cancer.
The youth group at my church is the BOMB!
There were so many babies crying in church yesterday I almost lost my religion. Do people not know how annoying it is?
I think Extreme Couponers are nuts!
They took the stitches out of my knee a week ago. I'm not limping but I think the knee replacement is inevitable. If possible I'm going to try to hold off until February. That way I get most of the bowling season in and don't miss the golf season.
I worked out today. Upper and lower body. Ask me tomorrow how my knee feels.
I bought five shoulderettes/shrugs at Dots over the weekend. I should be ashamed of myself because I could easily whip some up on the knitting machine.
I haven't knit anything on the machine in ages. I'm going to take the measurements from one of the ones shoulderettes I bought and knit some before the summer is over...I promise.
I bought two pairs of killer heels over the weekend. Even with my bum knee, I will be rocking those shoes like it's 1999! Hmmm. That sounded much cooler in my mind.
I bought four ITY knits from Denver Fabrics when they had free shipping. I'd better get to sewing.
Why is it that now that my nails are growing a little, I need to start practicing to go back to the orchestra in the fall. I play violin in a community orchestra. The nails HAVE to go.
Guess I had more on my mind than I thought.

And the winner of the note cards is...

2011-04-15T14:53:00.000-04:00

The winner of the sewing note cards is Mushywear! Send your snail mail address and your cards will be on the way.

Sewing Note Card Giveway

2011-04-13T21:08:00.001-04:00

I'll be announcing the winner of the sewing note card give away Friday morning. Don't miss out. You must be a follower, leave a comment, mention give away on your blog with a link back to my blog.
I've had way too many posts lately without pictures. This one isn't sewing but it is my favorite childhood photo. Guess which one is me!

Oops, I did it again. Note card give away

2011-04-12T13:03:00.001-04:00

I goofed. For the give away you must be a follower and give a shout out about the give away on your blog and link it back to my blog. I know it's sort of a pain but it'll be worth it. The cards look so much better in person. I'm going to extend the give away until Friday at noon EST. Winner will be announced Friday morning April 15th. Would be a great tax day gift! Thanks and good luck.

Monday Musings and A Give A Way

2011-04-11T14:38:00.000-04:00

Not a lot going on here but I do plan to sew later.

The reaction to my sewing note cards was very encouraging. As a result I am having a give away. The give away will be a set of four sewing note cards. Just leave a comment if you are interested. I'll announce a winner Thursday morning and get the cards in the mail Thursday evening. As an addtional note, because of the lumpiness of the flowers, foam tape and the head of the pin, the card will not go through the machine at the post office. It requires manual handying thus requiring 20 cents additional postage.

Just a few thoughts

2011-04-09T16:44:00.000-04:00

What I'm sewing
Simplicity 2648
Butterick 5468
What I've been listening to
Aretha Franklin's 30 Greatest Hits
What I've been watching
Native Son
I'm Not Rapport
Rabbit-Proof Fence
Homeless to Harvard
Project Runway
Extreme Couponing
What I'm reading
Book of the Dead - Patricia Cornwell
Weight Change this week
Loss 2.6 lbs.

Sewing note cards

2011-04-06T10:19:00.001-04:00

The knee is getting better every day although I do have a hideous bruise on the back of my hand from the IV. I got quite a surprise on Monday. The surgeon that performed my scope called me to make sure everything was okay. Wow! I was impressed. That has never happened to me before.
The Simplicity dress is not finished although it should be. I'd planned on sewing yesterday but got caught up making cards. It's so addicting. So while no sewing got done, I did make a set of sewing note cards.

Gotta go finish my dress! Maybe I stop teasing you all and have a picture of it tomorrow!

Still Recovering

2011-04-03T10:56:00.000-04:00

I was going to try and make it to church this morning but decided against it. I've taken the "cast" and bandages off and didn't want to risk anybody accidently bumping my knee. I do have same pain and pressure and am going to try to stay off of it as much as possible. I did manage to do a few minutes of sewing on the Simplicity dress and it is looking fantastic if I must say so myself. This dress is so Carolyn of Diary of a Sewing Fanatic. I know I have you all drooling now but you'll have to wait. I will say that it includes piping. Right now I'm going to pop a Vicodin and lay down. When I get up I hope to be able to put the finishing touches on the dress. In a few days I'm sure I can get dressed up and all fabulous and snap a few pictures.

Surgery was a success...so far

2011-04-02T04:47:00.000-04:00

Thanks to all who were praying for me. So far it seems that the surgery was success but I won't be really sure until "cast" is removed and I am walking on my own. I do have some pain but I think it is the pain from the surgery and not from injury. The surgeon did tell my mother that my arthritis is bad and that he didn't removed the cyst as it will only come back. I am to see him in two weeks to discuss further treatment. I spent most of yesterday in a drug-induced stupor and remember very little. So keep up the prayers because God is faithful and just and answers of believers.

Today is Thursday?

2011-03-31T14:35:00.000-04:00

I don't know what planet I was on yesterday but I thought yesterday was Thursday. Oops! Anyway just got back from the surgical oncologists office and it was not good. When I thought things couldn't get any worse...I thought wrong. I need to have surgery again. WTH. My breast tissue thickened so much from the radiation, that it is not allowing the fluid to disperse into my tissue and for the hole from the lumpectomy to collaspe onto itself. The surgery will entail removing that thickened tissue and the resulting cyst and hopefully that will solve my breast issue. What a bummer. I will probably miss the rest of the bowling season and a part of the golf season. Yikes. Life goes on and I'm still here and that is all the really matters.
I did manage to get my husband to photograph me in my March jacket--Vogue 8300. I wanted to wear it with the Simplicity dress but my stylist (husband) vetoed that look. I have to admit I do like this look.

I'm currently in "The Sewing Zone" so I'm off to work on my second version of the Simplicity dress!

Thursday Thoughts 3/30/2011

2011-03-30T18:17:00.000-04:00

First...my knee. Yes I do have a cyst on my knee. No...draining it won't help. I have almost no knee cartlidge left as well as a torn meniscus. The result of many years as a competitive skater, running, aerobics and bowling. It gets worse. I need to have knee replacement but the surgeon doesn't like doing it on someone as "young" as I am unless it's absolutely necessary. Hurting like hell doesn't make it "absolutely necessary?" My only other option is to have arthroscopic surgery. They go in and clean out as much debris (loose andbroken cartlidge) as possible and hope it works enough for me to get older! WTH. I don't want to miss the golf season so I'm going to give it a try. I'm scheduled for surgery Friday morning! Yikes! They are not wasting any time. Surgeon also said that my right knee is not looking so good either but since it's not giving me any trouble, we'll just wait and see.
Second I have to see the surgical oncologist tomorrow. My breast has once again filled with fluid. I know what you're thinking because I'm thinking it to...I'M FALLING APART! I just had it drained in January! I really wish they could add some kind of stopper or cork like a wine bottle so that I could just drain it myself next time. I could remove the cork and drain as often as would be necessary.
Lastly here's some pictures of me wearing my February jacket and the Simplicity dress. The dress is so slimming and as you can see it's navy. Several commenters thought it was black. Now that's it's been mentioned I think I will make a black one. Right now I'm working one that is a small plaid pattern.

I hope you all appreciate my braving the cold of the garage for my craft. I couldn't brave it long enough to photograph me wearing my March jacket. I hope to be able to some time next week.

Monday Musings 3/28/2011

2011-03-28T09:31:00.000-04:00

I'm nearly finished with my third JAM. I don't looke it but I'll wear it anyway. I just need to hem the sleeves and add the buttons and buttonholes. I will say that I love the buttons I've chosen. As soon as it warms up a bit outside I'll have pictures of JAM #2 and 3. I don't like the I prefer taking my picture outside and right now it's just too darn cold. Hurry up Spring!
My washing machine has been getting quite a workout as I've washed nearly 50 yards of fabric from my stash. I want the fabrics to be ready to go for my Spring and Summer sewing. I'm well on the way.
I'm not exactly sure what my next garment will be but I have a sneaking suspicion that it will be a repeat of the Simplicity dress.
Later this morning I have an appointment to see an orthopedic surgeon about the cyst on my knee. The cyst is on the back of my knee and is about 6cm long. Ouch! No wonder I can barely walk. I hope he is able to drain it today so that I can get back to my regular activities...especially working out.
Because I hate posting without pictures, here's a picture of me and my granddaughter. Hmmm. She doesn't look very happy does she?

Monday Musings

2011-03-22T11:00:00.000-04:00

I can't believe this is my first post of the month and the first in over a month. WTH! I've been spending way too much time scrapbooking and cardmaking. Sewing will always be my first love but with scrapbooking and cardmaking, you get instant gratification! Some ink here, a stamp image there, throw in some colorful paper and voila!

I did manage to finish my February Jacket of the Month. I used Simplicity 2284.

Sunday I got a burst and made pattern alterations to Simplicity 2648. Monday I stitched it up in about five hours from start to finish. It's ready to be worn. I like it so much I'm absolutely sure there is more than one in my future.

The photos are not doing the jacket nor the dress any justice and I'm not in the mood to get all doll up! Both patterns offered different bust cup sizes and I think I've made a rather enlightening observation. For my particular body type the D cup offers more than enough width but not enough length. I've noticed this on other patterns as well. Unfortunately I'm a person that tosses the pattern pieces for cup sizes that I'd never fit into so I can't make any comparisons but I am wondering what the difference is on the length measurements on those other pieces as compared to the one I use. For the jacket I didn't make a center front length adjustment and feel as if it hikes up a little in the front. On the dress I added 1" to the overall length of the bodice adding an addition inch to the center front. It worked like a charm. I'll be making a full review of both pattern pieces in the near future but for right now I am making a muslin of my March Jacket of the Month.
On the health front I am still having knee problems. As a result of not being able to work out I have gained 5 lbs! Not a good thing. I'm still wearing the brace and am using a cane. I was limping so badly I felt stupid. My husband bought me a cane and I couldn't be happier. My doctor agreed to sign the handicap parking permit form with no hesitation. They have finally determined I have a Baker's Cyst in the back of my knee. I am waiting for an opening with the orthopedist to have it drained. I've been told that as soon as it is drained I'll be good as new!
I have to leave you with this photo. My dear husband has been at it again. He is still picking out wigs for me. This time I went with him. His first choice would have made me look like a straight up hooker! I vetoed it and several others immediately. This one though captured my personality to a tee! Not only that...I love my smile. Till next time.

Bad blogger and Simplicity 2284

2011-02-20T14:27:00.001-05:00

I cannot believe that this is only my third post of the month. I did manage to start on my jacket for this month, Simplicity 2284, so I should be finished by the 28th. It might wind up being a muslin but I don't have necessarily a problem with that. I'm not loving how it's fitting my dressform especially the pulling up of the front. My dressform is a duct tape double, so it's fitting my about the same as my form. I'll have to make a final determination once I attach the facing and sleeves.

I already know that my jacket for March will be the same pattern that I used for January because I absolutely love the style and fit of that jacket.

Thursday Thoughts

2011-02-03T10:15:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I made a very dedicated effort to go to work but got no farther than the end of my driveway! To add insult to injury I also locked myself out of the house. I had to walk around the corner to a friends house in almost knee-deep snow and ask him to drag himself out of his nice warm bed with his wife and assist me! He helped me get in the house and he and another neighbor managed to get the car unstuck. Not all was lost. I did manage to finish my jacket and can I say "I LOVE IT!"

The lining made all the difference in the world. Between Claire Schafer's High Fashion Sewing Secrets and Jackets for Real People I tried several new techniques that all worked perfectly. I especially liked Claire's tip for fusing the hems-both jacket and sleeve. After I interfaced the hem with fusible interfacing, I marked and turned up the hem allowance and steamed it in place. Next I fused Steam-A-Seam 1/4" from hem edge and removed the paper backing. Using the JFRP bagging technique I sewed the lining in only allowing a hem seam allowance of 3/8". I treated sleeves that same way. Once the jacket was turned inside out I fused the hems into place. It worked like a charm.

I just need to give the jacket a final steaming and start on the matching slacks. That's one jacket down and eleven to go! I like this jacket so much I can imagine making eleven more just like it! After the work I put into drafting the lining, which I must say fit the jacket perfectly, I will make this jacket again but not immediately.

I'd also like to add that having good sewing reference books is a must. Every sewer will eventrually run into a situation that requires knowledge they may not posess and what better way than a good reference book. Sure the internet seems to be where everybody gets there information nowadays but I'll never give up my books!

Jacket Not Finished

2011-02-01T22:47:00.000-05:00

I fell short of finishing my jacket for January but I have a good reason. The jacket went together so easily and I like it so much that I decided I would go on and draft a lining after all.

I used the instructions from Claire Schafer's High Fashion Sewing Secrets as a reference and so far everything is coming out perfect.

The only thing left to do now is to attach the lining to the jacket. I probably won't get that done until the weekend unless I get snowed in tomorrow! At least give me an "A" for effort!

Procrastinator that I am...

2011-01-30T13:04:00.000-05:00

I finally started on a jacket for the "One Jacket a Month" challenge. Since I'm going to be really pressed for time, I chose a pattern that I've already used--Simplicity 4273. I like jackets that I can wear without a blouse underneath and I can see myself making this one a few more times. Because I'm pressed for time, I probably won't be lining it. I know, I know. I said I'd draft a lining for it if I made it again. I lied! I will be making this again and yes, I will draft a lining for it the next time. I had enough fabric that I also cut out my favorite Painter's Tape Pants. I abolutely wearing suits. They're a no-brainer. Grab a suit, throw on some shoes and accesories and I'm ready to go. If I'm going to be finished with the jacket this month, I have to get off of here and start sewing!

Choir Robe

2011-01-27T11:59:00.001-05:00

I finally hemmed Butterick 5522. Prior to hemming it, I didn't particularly like it. My husband even commented that it looked like a choir robe! Not quite the look I was going for but I think he was right. With styling of jewelry, makeup, shoes and hair I like it a lot better.

I'm still in search of a good place to take photos since the weather has turned cold. I can't seem to get good photos inside and I don't like the look of fooling around with the exposure with photo editing software. The garage, with the door open, seems to be the best. Might need to rearrange a few things but I think it'll work.

Now that this dress is fiinished I can work on the pants refashion. My crafting is all over the place right now. I've been working on cards, I machine knit a blanket (which I forgot to phototgraph) finished up the dress and have a class to teach tonight at Joann's. There are not enough hours in a day!

Pants Refashion

2011-01-24T17:02:00.000-05:00

Right before I began my quest to lose some weight I made what I thought was a fantastic pair of slacks. I never could get the back crotch fitted so I never wore them. Fast forward six months and 20+ lbs lost and the back crotch did even almost fit. The fabric is a tropical weight menswear fabric that I just can't give up on. Today I decided to use my TNT Painter's Tape Pattern to refashion. I took all the seams apart and the front crotch curve. I also took the waist band off but left the fly front zipper intact. I even too the darts out.

After I pressed all the seams open, I laid my pattern on top of the pieces and recut them.

I probably won't reuse the waistband because I have several yards of the fabric left and will just cut new pieces. I sure hope this works! Wish me luck. I'll leave you all a picture of my mother who turned 77 last week. She still looks fantastic. Hope I will when I'm her age.

I'm on the mend

2011-01-21T05:14:00.001-05:00

I'm finally on the mend but it seems these days I spend more time in doctors office's than I do at home! Tuesday they tried to drain my knee but for some reason nothing would come out. They finally decided to administer Cortisone and I was prescribed a knee brace as well as an anti-innflammatory. Something must be working because I'm no longer on crutches. Yippeee!

I was finally able to get my breast drained and what a relief that has been. On the downside, once again it appeared to be filled with bloody fluid. When the doctor asked, "have you been doing heavy lifting" I didn't bother to reveal that I bowl three times a week with a 15lb. bowling ball or that I do strength training with weights. I don't consider either "heavy lifting" but I think he'd see it differently. Although I hadn't bowled in about three weeks I did on Wednesday and yes, I did have some mild discomfort. I bowled games of 220, 210 and 209 for 639 so the knee doesn't seem to adversely affect my scoring. Now I seem to be coming down with a cold or the flu so I've been trying to get lots of rests and unfortunately haven't done any sewing. Yesterday I did start to take apart a pair of slacks to try and recut them with a smaller pattern. We'll see how that goes.

I'm still on the cardmaking kick. Here's one of my latest.

Sound off Saturday

2011-01-15T10:45:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was my mom's 77th birthday. She is spending the weekend with me and I've planned a surprise family dinner at a Japanese bistro for later. This is the card I made for her and she absolutely loved it. That being said, I probably won't get any sewing done.

I did manage to almost finish Butterick 5522.

I still need to hem it and fine-tune the fit. I was rather shocked when dh saw it laying on my cutting table and replied, "it looks like a choir robe!" Yikes! Not quite the look I was going for. I will say that I must find a fabulous piece of chunky jewerly before I can be photographed in it. I am noticing some drag lines near the bust but the dress is fitting me a lot better than my dressform. I can't remember if other reviewers at PR mentioned it but I think the back of this dress is huge. I'm still scratching my head over the "fitted" description of the pattern. There is nothing "fitted" about it. The sleeves are the real star of the pattern and were surprisingly easy to construct.

I did remove the back zipper and the back is vastly improved now.

On the health front, although my knee pain has been finally diagnosed as "joint effusion of moderate size" aka "water on the knee" it still hurts like Hell. I can put weight on it now but I live in a quad level house! Yikes! I have an appointment for Monday morning at 9:30 to have it drained. Don't know when I'll be able to get back to exercise and bowling. I've also go an appointment for Monday night at 7 to get the fluid drained off of my breast! Hopefully I'm on the mend.

Thursday Thoughts

2011-01-13T11:11:00.001-05:00

Right now I'm working on Butterick 5522.

The adjustments I've made so far are :
Lowered the depth of the front neckline

Added a bust dart ala Nancy Zieman

Removing this hideous zipper

I also added 4" to the length. The fabrics are a brown and cream Ponte de Roma.

On the health front, the MRI of my knee showed "joint effusion of moderate size." Huh? In English it's "water on the knee." What? You mean I'm limping around on crutches for water on the knee? Don't know the results of my breast MRI yet but I need those ASAP. Carrying around a small melon (in addition to the two large ones I already have) is really working my last nerve. That excess fluid is leaking into my arm so now I'm back to wearing the compression sleeve and glove!

Monday Musings

2011-01-10T18:59:00.000-05:00

I finally finished the New Look 6407 blouse. I don't have a clue why it took me more than three weeks to finish. On the other hand I do. First I barely had enough fabric. Second the fabric was a total pain. It raveled like crazy.

The pattern ran extremely small. I cut out a size 22 and thought I would have to take huge side seams...Nope. As a matter of fact it was tighter than I wanted and I wound up removing the back darts. The sleeves are too tight especially in the forearm.

But I absolutely love the fabric print. I'll use this pattern again but believe me I will make some adjustments.

You can read my full review at Pattern Review

Another reason it took me so long is I'm on crutches! Too much step aerobics and bowling and my left knee just couldn't take it anymore. I can't put any weight on my left leg. I had an MRI last week but don't have the results yet. I'm hoping for the best. The final reason it took me so long to finish is that I've absolutely fallen in love with cardmaking. Here's a couple of the cards I've made.

M4261

2010-12-28T19:05:00.000-05:00

I'm still working on that same blouse and although it goes against everything I believe in, I actually put it on the back burner and inserted a quick project. Click here for the full review.

Absolutely no new sewing projects until I finish that darn blouse! Last night I did sew on the facings. Now I just need to hem the bottom, sleeves and add buttonholes and buttons. I will not take it into the new year. No progress on the sweaters. Frankly the only thing I want to do right now is make cards!

BTW all the prizes from the giveaway have been claimed.

Unclaimed prizes

2010-12-24T09:52:00.000-05:00

Hmmm... prizes 2 and 3 are still unclaimed! Prizes 1 and 4 were mailed yesterday. I'm going to give the remaining winners a few more days. Here I am thinking I was having a fantastic giveaway and the winners don't even want them?? What's up with that? I think if you register for a giveaway it is your responsibility to check back to see if you won. Is my thinking all wrong.

So on my little planet, not much sewing has been going on. I have a blouse in the works--it's been in the works for a couple of weeks--but my enthusiasm waned because it's not coming out quite like I expected. Since I can't go on to another project until I finish it, I'll have to dig deep and muster up enough enthusiasm to finish it. I did machine knit my granddaughter two sweaters for Christmas but have yet to assemble them.

So what have I been doing? I've been doing my Black Martha thing making Christmas cards! I made all of my own cards this year including the envelopes. Here's a few of them:

Yesterday during the cleanup I also make a couple of Valentine's Day cards. Talk about ahead of the game.

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and I am looking to my sewing New Year!

And the winners are...

2010-12-19T08:52:00.000-05:00

Gift #4 goes to Joyce in NC from JP's Creations

Gift #3 goes to Elaray from Another Creation

Gift #2 goes to Michelle from Cheap and Picky

Gift #1 goes to Jen from JT's Closet

Congratulations ladies! The sooner you contact me at knitmachinequeen@aol.com, with your mailing info. The sooner your gift can be on its way and off of my cutting table!

I haven't done any sewing this week but I did knit (machine) the pieces for our granddaughter a sweater. I hope to finish the pieces for a second one today and tomorrow and have to have them done by Thursday. I work so much better under pressure!

Giveaway

2010-12-16T21:12:00.000-05:00

I just want to give a brief description of my four giveaways. You must be a follower no later than Saturday, December 18th at midnight. I will announce the winners Sunday. Be sure to check back, you could be a winner.

#1

Can of 20 spools of thread
Dressform pin cushion
Serger book - used
Brand new Singer Sewing book
Brand new One-Piece Wearables book
Ceramic mug

Can of 20 spools of thread
Chair pin cushion
Selection of vintage sewing patterns
Pants for Anybody - used
Vintage Reader's Digest Sewing Guide

Can of 20 spools of thread
Vintage Better Homes & Gardens Sewing book
Fantastic Fit for Anybody - used
Beads and Buttons - new

Can of 20 spools of thread
Vintage Vogue Easy Sewing
No Time to Sew by Sandra Betzina - used

Disclaimer: I reserve the right to change to add to or omit items as I see fit!

Today is my blogoversary

2010-12-15T23:02:00.000-05:00

Do you know what today is? It's my blogoversary! (Sung to the tune of the Toni, Tony, Tone song) Don't forget to follow and leave a comment to be eligible for my giveaway. Four lucky winners will be chosen. Two years and counting!

International Mail

2010-12-14T21:57:00.004-05:00

I got International Mail yesterday. It's a first for me and was so exciting. I won a giveaway at Eve's House and all the way from the United Kingdom I got this beautifully wrapped gift box.

As if that wasn't enough, look at what was inside.

Thanks Eve. I'll be wearing this to all my Christmas parties this season!

Giveaways are the best but you can't win if you don't enter. Be sure to enter my giveaways to be awarded on Saturday the 18th in celebration of my second year blogoversary and 100th pattern review.

Blogoversary in four days

2010-12-12T13:06:00.002-05:00

I'm starting the countdown to my second blogoversary. What better way to celebrate than with a giveaway. Four lucky followers will have an opportunity to win one of four packages! At Ruthie K's suggestion it's only for US followers.

Tina of TCM asked "what's in the cans?" There are 20 spools of thread in each can. And since I love pin cushions so much I had to add those. Some of the books are new and some are vintage duplicates from my stash. Don't forget to follow and leave a comment. You can leave more than one comment to increase your chances. I'll announce the winners next Saturday, the 18th.

My 100th PR review & blogoversary in 6 days

2010-12-11T12:38:00.000-05:00

I've just posted my 100th review on Pattern Review...woohoo! To celebrate that and my second year blogoversary in a few days and I'm going to have an awesome giveway. As usual you must be a follower and leave a comment. The deadline will be next Saturday the 18th. Here's a photo of what will be included in the giveaway. Three luckly followers will win from this pile of stuff. Some vintage (old) and some new...as in brand new, never used! You could be a winner!

Simplicity 4273

2010-12-09T07:09:00.000-05:00

The jacket is finished and my pattern alterations from my previous post were spot-on. I think it is one thing to be a great seamstress but an entirely different animal to be able to sew a garment that fits well.

This jacket is everything I hoped it would be. Because it is an unlined jacket, I opted to use a hong kong finish on the inside seams. I'm not sure I'll ever do that again. Finishing the seams took more time than it would have taken me to draft a lining. I will make this jacket again but will line it the next time.

The jacket is great with my Painter's Tape Pants. The fabric is from my stash and I'll sure it was purchased at an estate sale. Not the best quality...looks like polyester garbardine but it is very comfortable and feels great against my skin.

I wish I could have had more photos but the temperature was only in the 20's and it was starting to snow.

Before the sewing starts - Simplicity 4273

2010-11-27T13:29:00.001-05:00

My next project is going to be the jacket from Simplicity 4273. I cannot believe that I don't have a black jacket. This jacket will match the Painter Tape Pants I just made and since I had six yards of fabric, I think I should make a matching skirt as well.

The days are over for me to simply trim a pattern and sit down and sew it. Actually those days probably never existed. I start with a size 16 pattern as I am a devout believer in the Palmer/Alto method. Fit for Real People (FFRP) is the best thing that has ever happened to my sewing skills.

The first alteration I always make on any jacket or blouse that has sleeves is to make a wide back adjustment of 1". It is a very simple alteration but one that I cannot get a good fit without. I make the alteration by marking a line the length of the pattern. Next I cut the pattern apart, spread it 1" fill in with tissue, finally taping the entire alteration. Unlike as suggested in FFRP I use 3/4" tape because it is more readily available.

After the back alteration, I make a 1" full bust adjustment (FBA). While on must princess seam jackets I make the alteration on the front side piece, on this particular jacket I made the alteration on the front piece only. This will be a first time for me making a princess seam jacket that also incorporates a bust dart. I marked the pattern piece, slicing, spreading and filling the alteration in with tissue and tape.

The red mark to the left of the center front and below the waistline represents where my waist is. To have the pattern fit as intended I marked, slice and lengthened the pattern piece 1".

The remaining pieces of the body of the jacket all had to be lengthened 1" while the facing had to be lengthed 1 3/8". Finally I measure the sleeve circumference, armhole opening and sleeve cap.

Simplicity 2501

2010-11-24T15:31:00.001-05:00

First I have to say I am very blessed these days. Eve over at Eve's House had a jewelry giveaway and guess who won? Righty-O, moi! Not only that, she also gave me an award.

Have I said how much I like awards? Well I do and will be adding this to my sidebar as well. If someone out there is having a giveaway that you think you'll like, by all means make sure enter. You can't win if you don't. The blogging sewing community is just fantastic. Thanks Eve, I love you girl!

I've been a lazy blogger lately but I've been sewing. Adding to my growing blouse collection is Simplicity 2501.

Pattern Description:

Misses' blouse with separate pieces for B, C, D cup
Pattern Sizing:
6-22
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Exactly
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the separate pieces for the different cup sizes. For me the darts were spot on. I didn't like the back neck facing. I don't know if maybe my fabric was too heavy but the sleeves were beyond poofy! I used my upright steamer to beat them into submission. There is no way I would have worn it if I hadn't be able to tame the sleeves.
Fabric Used:
Something from JoAnn's called Silky Prints--it's polyester
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
No need to do an FBA here but I did have to make my normal wide back adjustment. I should have lengthened the bodice about one inch with an additional inch on the center front. I find that for me when the pattern has separate pieces for different cup sizes, there is enough width but not enough length on the center front. It could be due mostly to the fact that I have a very erect posture. It feels a little wierd because the band is higher than my normal waist.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I will sew this again but think I will use a sleeve from a different pattern. When I wore it to work last week my boss said I looked like a librarian...not quite the look I was going for. I didn't have these skanky stockings on; bet I don't look like a librarian now!

Conclusion:

This pattern went together really fast. Sometimes it's nice to use a pattern that you don't have to spend more time adjusting than sewing!

Remember my Painter's Tape Pattern? I resurrected it and it's a perfect fit. Just look at that rear fit! I haven't hemmed them yet but I just couldn't resist photographing them. The red slacks are my first foray into Burda magazine patterns. More on those later. BTW I have a little survey in my right side bar. Can you take a few seconds and answer it. TIA.

Musings

2010-11-11T05:35:00.000-05:00

I've wanted to post about this for a while but just kept putting it off. October was breast cancer awareness month but every month should be. If you are not taking your breast health serious I implore you to do so right away. With the statistics being 1 in 8 women wil suffer from breast cancer, breast health should not be takien lightly.

It has almost been two years since my breast cancer diagnosis and I am still weathering the effects. Somehow I thought I would be back to my normal self by now but some days it is still a challenge. One side-effect of either the cancer, the radiation or the meds that I never told anyone about--not even my husband and I tell him absolutely everthing...after all he is my best friend--is not being able to read. That's right I couldn't read. Oh, I could read the words but the meaning mostly absolutely escaped me. I was fouling up at my job, at sewing, at everything. Even now I am still experiencing some short-term memory loss but that too is getting better. The great news is that about three weeks ago I realized that once again I can read and it's wonderful. I've always loved the library and the book store and I'm trying to make up for lost time. In the last two weeks I've read two books and am close to finishing a third. I've invested in a Pandigital color ereader and sewing is taking somewhat of a backseat. I'm dividing my time between sewing, reading and bowling.

I finally bit the bullet and threw out most of my wardrobe. Losing 30 lbs has some drawbacks. I'm working on a pair of slacks that I plan to blog about tomorrow so say tuned. BTW here's a burning question.

Please fill in the blank with your answer. I know I have to many______________ because I ________________. Can't wait to read the answers. My answer is....
I know I have too many pairs of shoes because I could sell half of them and still have too many!

Stick a fork in me...

2010-11-05T21:31:00.001-04:00

as in "I'm done" not as in finished. I'm wondering how such a simple pattern (McCalls 6122) could kick the livin' crap out of me. The first time I made it, it only took about four hours.

This time it took me about two weeks to finish. Don't get me wrong I love the finished blouse--the fabric print and the style--it's the getting there that beat me up.

I refuse to have UFO's layimg around so I could not move on to another project until it was done. It should have been a breeze; I don't know what went wrong. From the onset it wasn't good. I didn't have quite enough fabric to make the belt so I opted to cut the tie as long as I could as two separate pieces and figured I could sew them into the side seam.

That worked out good except when I tied it, it caused the back to bunch up at the waist and create a pool of fabric that was not attractive at all. Unfortunately I don't have the before picture but here's the after.

Not perfect but a lot better than it was. I'm not sure what the correct alteration would be but here's a picture of how I fixed it.

Starting a short ways from the side seam, I sewed a crescent shape from side seam to side seam along the back waist seam. Then I remembered that the pink plaid version was a little tight across the upper back! Yikes! The homespun at least was loosely woven and had some give, this fabric has none. It might be kevlar--as in bullet-proof. I think it looks good but I feel like I'm in a straight-acket. If I so much as cross my arms I am going to "Incredible Hulk" out of it. You know the feeling and I can feel you all laughing at the thought!

Next I got the facing and collar attached and let me tell you...it ain't pretty. Once again I referred to the pink plaid and yep, there was some craziness going on there too. Why didn't I remember all of that? Was I so enarmored with the pink that I totally forgot?

Inside collar...don't ask! It won't be seen.

Too short facing was an easy fix.

As if all of that wasn't enough, I'm thanking my lucky stars I decided to make the concealed front button closure. I could not get three out of the four buttonholes to stitch out correctly. My buttonholer did not like that extra fold of fabric. I wound up having to pick the buttonholes out and do them over. That was a thankless job. It's not pretty but nobody can see it. Finally when I thought nothing else could go wrong, as I was getting ready to pose for photos I noticed this at the center front peplum.

Is that part of a shoe print?? WTH! The only consolation is that the tie will cover it. Even with all the headaches and complaining I think this blouse looks fantastic with these slacks. This is one of the few pair that I can still wear. If you look closely at the back view, you'll notice that the slacks are a little big. I made them about 18 months ago out of the "Paper Tape Pattern" I drafted. I think my next project will be a pair of slacks from the same pattern with some minor adjustments and hopefully a better fit.

Notice the "hair"? My husband calls me "Curly Temple" whenever I wear it!