Monday Musings 2/17/2014

1. Another Monday and another Winter weather advisory. Enough already. Flint, Michigan has had the second highest snowfall in the state this year and I have had enough! Spring won't get here fast enough.
2. I braved the weather yesterday and made it to church. Little did I know how bad the weather was and how treacherous the roads really were. I prayed the entire way!
3. On the way out the door I grabbed a Sprite and a straw. I didn't want to ruin my lipstick.
4. Out of a brand new bag, why did I get a straw with a crack in it. That was the most miserable drink I every had and I was dying of thirst!
5. I had to take my shoes to church in a grocery story plastic bag. Time to either make or buy a tote!
6. Yesterday I went to an absolutely wonder flute concert. The artist, Jessica Cech had a very inspiring story. A doctor of music, she developed "focal dystonia" she lost the ability to form an embouchure which almost ended her career. The fix...prayer
7. I'm in the throes of an evening wear alterations. Yikes! Oh how I hate alterations. Not only am I removing 4" from the hem, but I have to take 1" on each side of the bodice top which encompasses removing and reinserting the zipper. It's not as bad as I first thought. The dress is from JCPenney but the construction is very "RTW" and won't involve me having to deal with a separate lining.
8. Had to put the coat I'm working on for myself to the side...bummer.
9. I'm still "playing with dolls."
10. I'm working on a two-room doll diorama. It's coming along nicely. Am using recycled materials. Having a great time.

Barbie of the week (last week)

If you're old enough, you'll recognize this as a vintage Barbie. She is my original Barbie gifted to me by an uncle 50 years ago. She is wearing a vintage one-shoulder jumpsuit. When I removed her from the case I spotted the jumpsuit and had to put her in it. The accessories are not vintage. Before I could dress her I had to do a quick wash and repair job. The outfit was "child" filthy and literally falling apart. The waist seam was just held together by a few threads and the zipper was in no better shape. Here it is from the back.

Who puts a zipper in a Barbie outfit??? This doll is not in mint condition. There are scratches on her back and the family dog once chewed her face! My child mind proclaimed to everyone that "she had bad acne!"

It was not until I took the photo below that I realized vintage Barbies had some "serious side-eye" going on! LOL.

Like me, Barbie is still fabulous in her fifties! Stayed tuned!

One for me One for her

I finally sewed something for myself.I absolutely love Homespun. It's a 100% cotton, loosely woven fabric. I've had this piece for over a year and although it was earmarked for a different top, there wasn't enough of it. The bodice is Simplicity 2642 the rest is just two squares of fabric.

I added the infinity scarf to give it a cowl neck look and to make it look a little more "artsy."

It features a slight crossover bodice with gathering at the shoulder and elastic empire seam. I used foldover binding as a facing with stretch lace as a casing. I paired it with brown leggings and knee-high boots. It'll be a great "errand" outfit.

Of course I made another Barbie outfit. I have well over 50 Barbies and it's my plan to do an outfit every week this year or at least until my interest wanes. I'm still just having a great time with them. I even "rescued" a Tiana, of Princess and the Frog, from the Salvation are this week. She was only 65 cents so expect to see her in weeks to come. She needs a serious makeover. So without further ado, here's

Barbie of the Week 

She's wearing McCall's 6232 view F. You've seen the fabric before. I used it for my first maxi dress. The dress is best described at a "sleeveless, turtleneck, tank dress. Actually I had to take it in quite a bit because it mostly resembled a sack. That's right. They're doing some creative fitting on the pictures on the pattern envelopes even for dolls. I'll also add that sewing the turtleneck was a PITA. Do you know how small that is and with a knit fabric. All I can say is I don't have a clue where this commitment and patience has come from.