fabricluver

2009-10-22T11:24:00.002-04:00

1st vest finished last fall

Cardigan without a pattern finished Spring '09

Finished a 4 part bargello series shown hanging at work
Our latest addition, Mickey, an Irish Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier who is the love of our lives

Sewing - none other than home dec for daughter.

Lots of knitting going on. I need to post more pictures. It does help to remember your password in order to blog :)

2009-02-11T13:58:00.002-05:00

Long time . . . well, let's see. Over Thanksgiving, I started knitting and it finally clicked. I just fell in love with it! I had made 3 scarfs last year but just couldn't get the rhythm going but over Thanksgiving it started falling into place. I finished our daughter a scarf out of off-white baby alpaca and it is so soft - and she loves it. I finished it in the car on the way to her house where we spent Christmas.

Then . . . (Project 1) I decided it was time for a sweater so I started a drop shoulder raglan for me. I wanted something simple to wear with jeans just to see how it all goes together. The back on that is done and just a few inches on the front.

Then . . .(Project 2)in November our local yarn shop had a class on a vest. I decided what perfect timing and that it should be a great first garment. It was good timing and it is a good first garment. I think it is a little big but I do like it and it is finished and wearable (which I think is pretty good for a first garment).

Then . . . (Project 3) in January DH says he wants a sweater also. I choose the Cobblestone Pullover, downloaded the pattern, purchased the yarn from Yummi Yarns (our local yarn shop) and thought - hmm, his birthday is in Feburary, wouldn't it be nice if . . . yeah right! His birthday isn't until the 23rd but I'm not that fast. I have only about 1" to go on the body until it seperates and then I need to start on the sleeves. DPN will be a first and looks like it will be quite hilarious. My sister gave me some basic instructions but I will be at the yarn shop a lot for help. I love the yarn and the pattern. I hope it will all work.

I will try to get pictures of all the knitting this weekend to post. From what I see online, my are very, very basic and beginner but I will post for my future reference also.

Sewing - absolutely none! DH is astounded - I think he enjoyed having the living room to himself (with the TV full blast)and me upstairs in the sewing room. Everytime I go in there I just look at all the projects and I want to start again but the sweater has kept me away. There is so much I want to do. Now that the days are getting longer, I am walking again and feeling more motivated to do everything all at once.

I have just read sewing blogs that I have missed for months and I'm really motivated. Work is slow, we have laid off 4 people out of 8 so I may have more forced time sooner than I want it. I knew it - that is what the stash is for! LOL

It's good to be back but I don't think I will ever be a great blog poster. I really do appreciate the time everyone puts into theirs - it's good inspiration for all of us.

2008-11-21T19:30:00.003-05:00

Ahhhh Friday - 10 days off - ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Plans - none. Only Thanksgiving dinner with my Mom and family - wonderful. Other than that - absolutely no plans at all. Can't wait to see what evolves.

Hope everyone enjoys the Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family.

2008-11-15T16:50:00.002-05:00

11/30/08

I have saved this post since I received in May of 2004. To me it is that special and I hope and pray I NEVER forget it. I read it every year and always forward it to friends and family who may be sick of it - but I hope not. Here it is and I hope you will pass it along also - we ALL have so much to be grateful for.

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN

I AM THANKFUL FOR THE SPOUSE WHO IS NOT DOING DISHES BUT IS WATCHING
T.V., BECAUSE THAT MEANS HE/SHE IS SAFE AT HOME.

FOR THE TAXES THAT I PAY, BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT I AM FINANCIALLY
SOUND.

FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY, BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT I HAVE
BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS.

FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG, BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE
ENOUGH TO EAT.

FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK, BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE
SUNSHINE.

FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING, WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING, AND GUTTERS
THAT NEED FIXING, BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME.

FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT, BECAUSE IT MEANS
THAT WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

FOR THE PARKING SPOT I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT,
BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING AND THAT I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH
TRANSPORTATION.

FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL, BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM.

FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH THAT SINGS OFF KEY, BECAUSE IT MEANS
THAT I CAN HEAR.

FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING, BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES
TO WEAR.

FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY, BECAUSE IT
MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.

FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS, BECAUSE IT
MEANS THAT I AM ALIVE.

AND FINALLY.......

FOR TOO MUCH E-MAIL, BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE FRIENDS WHO ARE THINKING
OF ME.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYBODY!

2008-11-15T16:09:00.003-05:00

Ahhhh - home; clean house; caught up at work; just caught up reading favorite blogs although not taking time to comment; our two labs in the house totally focused on rawhide bones; cold, windy, rainy outside- I think there may be a prediction of light snow tonight; cats napping - I think I can make it.

It was a very very very busy, stressful few weeks but I think we made it through with flying colors! Our daughter is doing great. Surgery went fine, biospy great and she is recovering nicely. I loved spending the time with her and have more admiration than ever for her being single and taking care of her dogs the way she does. She has a 10 month old Newfie and an 8 year old lab who are both just wonderful. She is the type of "mom" who thinks these pets have to walk and play a lot each day or the world will end LOL

I stayed a little over a week and then she and the dogs came home and stayed with us for another week. Last Saturday I drove her and the dogs back up and then flew home on Sunday. Monday was definately a house cleaning day - it was horrible. Do you guys know how much Newfie drinks and slobbers? Whew! But they are really sweet and worth it on a "GrandMom" basis.

Sewing - no, plans to sew - no. Tomorrow we are planning to go to SC and winterize the camper before freezing temperatures hit. Today, was the first full day we have had to relax and that is exactly what we are doing. I finished "The First Patient" by Michael Plamer and am anticiptating what to start next. Jack did the grocery shopping this morning and we will grill NY Strip steaks for supper along with a baked potato and salad.

At work we are switching to QuickBooks Enterprise and it seems very easy. However. that type of transition is never easy and I know stressful. So I may not be posting often but then again sewing definately reduces stress.

i really appreciate all of you who blog frequently - that definately takes a committment and time. You all inspire me and I thank you because you bless my life, help keep me sane, and help me to realize that sewing does the same for many others.

I love Thanksgiving (it is my birthday season) since I know how very much I have to be thankful for. Life is good and I hope you think so too. There is an email I hope I have kept and will share it with you if I can find it.
Susan

2008-10-25T08:46:00.002-04:00

No sewing going on here of any kind. I will be leaving to drive to our daughters early tomorrow morning for her surgery on Tuesday. My sister is traveling with me and I am so glad. I love being with her and it will be very nice to have her along for the 7+ hour drive and also to have her support during the week.

I am taking yarn and hopefully she can coach me on knitting. I ordered enough yarn several months ago for a sweater but I am just learning and it will be so nice to have someone right there to ask questions. Yes, feel free to take pity on her - lol. She is very patient - thank goodness. She is also taking yarn for socks so it will be fun.

I am typing on the new laptop and with a 17" screen - it is sweet. It will be traveling with me. I've never been gone from work at the end of a month before so this will be interesting. I can log in remotely and close October if I have to but the plan is for me to wait and close on Tuesday 11/4. I should be home late on Monday, 11/3. Jack will be driving up that day to stay a week with her. We won't see each other for 2 weeks - that is a long time! We've never been apart for that long before but it will be ok.

Our daughter is having a fibroid tumor removed and they will be cutting through the abdominal wall - so some pretty major recovery time. The main problem is her dogs - one 100# lab and one 100# Newfie puppy. I'm not sure how we are going to handle things after the first two weeks. We have decided to play it by ear and decide what to do as we go along. We have suggested bringing her and her dogs home after the first week but we don't know if the doctor will allow that. Then we also have 2 labs and 3 cats so it could become a 3-ring circus. I don't think she can handle the dogs for at least the first 3 weeks so we'll see. A lot is up in the air at this point and that makes me nervous - I like to know what is happening and when so I can prepare. But there is just no way to do that in this situation.

Today will be spent doing a little cleaning, laundry and packing. Prayers and good wishes would definitely be appreciated. I want to make sure we do things in the best possible way for everyone concerned.

2008-10-18T09:25:00.002-04:00

No new pictures to share due to computer problems - again. I'm going to try a new video card and if that doesn't work it will be time to purchase a desktop replacement. I have a HP picked out and it looks like it will be a great laptop for what I want. I just really didn't want to buy one right now.

I may sew a little today on the mohair coat and maybe finish a wrap knit dress. Jack and Duffy are at the lake and I'm just taking a weekend to relax. I started and finished a book last night so a trip to the library is necessary along with several walks in this wonderful weather.

2008-10-18T09:23:00.001-04:00

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Jackie!

You are a Jackie. "I do everything the right way."

Jackies are realistic, conscientious, and principled. They strive to live up to their high ideals.

How to Get Along with Me

* Take your share of the responsibility so I don't end up with all the work.

* Acknowledge my achievements.

* I'm hard on myself. Reassure me that I'm fine the way I am.

* Tell me that you value my advice.

* Be fair and considerate, as I am.

* Apologize if you have been unthoughtful. It will help me to forgive.

* Gently encourage me to lighten up and to laugh at myself when I get uptight, but hear my worries first.

What I Like About Being a Jackie

* Being self-disciplined and able to accomplish a great deal

* Working hard to make the world a better place

* Having high standards and ethics; not compromising myself

* Being reasonable, responsible, and dedicated in everything I do

* Being able to put facts together, coming to good understandings, and figuring out wise solutions

* Being the best I can be and bringing out the best in other people

What's Hard About Being a Jackie

* Being disappointed with myself or others when my expectations are not met

* Feeling burdened by too much responsibility

* Thinking that what I do is never good enough

* Not being appreciated for what I do for people

* Being upset because others aren't trying as hard as I am

* Obsessing about what I did or what I should do

* Being tense, anxious, and taking things too seriously

Jackies as Children Often

* Criticize themselves in anticipation of criticism from others

* Refrain from doing things that they think might not come out perfect

* Focus on living up to the expectations of their parents and teachers

* Are very responsible; may assume the role of parent

* Hold back negative emotions ("good children aren't angry")

Jackies as Parents

* Teach their children responsibility and strong moral values

* Are consistent and fair

* Discipline firmly

http://www.helloquizzy.com/tests/are-you-a-jackie-or-a-marilyn-or-someone-else-mad-menera-female-icon-quiz">

2008-10-06T07:18:00.004-04:00

This is Burda 09-2007-115. They are finally finished after being cut out many months ago. Thanks to Sigrid for her tutorial on Burdaenglish, I was able to get them together. These are a poly/rayon and lightweight. I really didn't like the fabric that much to start with but now they are finished, I'm fairly happy with them. They were finished last week.

This is Burda 01-2008-116, the famous wrap top. It is made from 96% cotton & 4% lycra and the fabric is probably a little too heavy for a top but since I freeze in my office I thought it would be good. I did some of the same modifications that others did on Pattern Review i.e. making the ties 6" longer and I actually sewed the ties right sides together and turned. It is headed for the laundry today since I kept rolling the chair over the long ties. I made it yesterday.

Also from the same fabric, I finished the pants yesterday from Butterick 5101. There is nothing special about them so I didn't photograph. They are very comfy. I hemmed them to wear with flats to ensure a completely comfy outfit.

This is Butterick 4914, Maggie London design that was finished last week. This is the 2nd time I have made it and it is very easy to make and so comfortable. I lengthened the skirt portion and raised the top for better coverage. I just love this fabric. Here is a side view where the middle section gathers:

So yesterday, the wrap top and knit slacks were finished and the above dress hemmed. I hate hemming knits. Fusing in the steam-a-seam and then twin needle topstitching is just a pain but it sure makes a pretty hem. It was nice to be able to get the dress hemmed while the machine was threaded up with a twin needle after making the wrap top.

Today is the usual house chores and then I hope to a least get a skirt done. Wish me luck. I hope everyone else had a great weekend.

2008-10-05T06:37:00.003-04:00

I cut - check; I sewed - ummm, no; but I did cut:

Butterick 5101 - the dress in a green/black geometric print (on the right);
- and the pant in a black knit - they look like very comfy pants;
- then I cut Burda 01-2008-116 the wrap top (that everyone has made and loves) in a black knit;
- and I cut V2987 top in an EOS mesh knit - sort of a animal print green/rust colors;
- and I cut McCalls 5138 from a green stripe fabric purchased from a textile outlet in SC very cheap. It washed and dryed great.
- and I cut a skirt in a green/black animal print from New Look pattern that I too lazy to go upstairs and get the pattern# (it has diagional seams). I don't have anything in an animal print except a bag I made last year (I will get a picture later) and decided I should have something in a animal print. The black wrap top will go with this skirt.
- and I will cut today the jacket from V2987 in a dark green ultrasuede. From the pattern reviews that I've read this looks like it will be a bear to make but I bought this fabric last year for it so I'm going to give it a go and see what happens. It wasn't expensive fabric and if it doesn't turn out that's ok. The EOS mesh knit goes with this.

I hate to cut things out. I have to do it on the dining room table and since it is too low it kills my back. So I usually cut out several things at once and get it over with. I still have two other jackets that I would like to get made and a pair of slacks that would be good for fall but I'm going to get these sewn up first - which i'm off to do!

2008-10-04T08:13:00.002-04:00

I had more computer problems last weekend so I took it into work and our IT guy checked some connections and we think that may have been the problem. I sure hope so - since having it home it seems to be working fine. I hope it stays that way.

And yes, I have been sewing and can't wait to show you what is complete. Last week I finished some Burda pants that I've had cut out forever and finished a knit dress except for hemming which will get done this weekend. It has gorgeous fall colors against a black background. Also done is a pair of black crinkle pants to wear around the house. They had been cut out for quite a while also.

It is truly fall here and I love the crisp cool days with the sky such a brilliant blue. I only wish fall lasted much longer than it does.

I have some great fall fabrics that need to be cut out and sewn - I just need to decide what to do first. Hmm - what a nice decision to contemplate. I need to paint a door frame and since the weather is so nice I will try to get a little work done in the yard. New fall fabric to cut into, beautiful weather, a long weekend at home with DH - how divine!

2008-09-22T07:02:00.003-04:00

Jack's cooking was a great success - just look

On the left is a low fat version of chicken strognoff served on top of whole wheat, no yolk noodles. On the right is a low fat version of eggplant parmesan. Both of these are for us to eat on this weekend along with some turkey chili that I will make today. It is chock full of veggies and very low calorie. Much needed after this:

2 racks of smoked ribs, not pictured are stuffed baked potatoes, slaw and baked beans. I didn't try the baked beans but the rest was beyond delicious!

On the sewing front, all of the hand work for the coat is done. Yeah! I cleaned off the dining room table and left it much more presentable in its fall attire.

I'm going to fall short of sewing something new to wear this week but that's ok. The coat is ready to sew and I feel like a really big load has lifted having that much done on it. My sewing room is clean and ready to go should I get a chance to be up there today.

I'm off to read some sewing blogs to see what everyone accomplished this weekend. Mondays are always a treat for that reason. Then its house cleaning, laundry etc.

2008-09-21T07:40:00.004-04:00

Coat Sew Along progressing

Yesterday was a great day for working on the coat. I have silk organza mounted to all pieces of the mohair except for the collar and facings. It was time consuming but not hard. This was done to keep the mohair from bagging anywhere like the seat or elbows. It's a rather drapy fabric and the SO will help it keep it shape over time.

Today I will attach the hymo (hair canvas) to the front and collar. I am making View B of Vogue 2884. There is not any padstitching on the front itself but there is on the collar. I have read over Paco's directions so many times and I think I understand what needs to be done. I also printed them out along with many of the other posts to the Coat Sew Along Blog and have a notebook that is being complied as we go along. He is so incredibly talented and generous to make this information available to us. Tany translated everything and we all have access to a great tailoring tutorial.

I need to preshrink the tape and then will be doing all of the hand sewing today. If I can get that done then I will feel I have a good start on this coat. I think it is going to be a perfect weight and a coat I will wear a lot.

Picture of messy work table

Jack is doing some major cooking today and I'm staying out of the kitchen. He's going to smoke 2 racks of ribs, chicken breasts, make baked beans, slaw and I'm really not sure what else. The Yankees play their last game in the old stadium tonight at 8pm but pregame activities start at 1pm so he will be a happy guy this afternoon cooking and watching TV. Oh - I should mention we have several cold Coronas waiting to be enjoyed too. I will try to get a picture later today of the kitchen - it will be a disaster! Good thing that Monday is a house cleaning day :)

2008-09-20T07:01:00.007-04:00

It's here - can you feel it? Fall! I absolutely love fall and the cooler weather it brings. Our nights are dropping into the 40's and the daytime highs are mid 70's. Just about perfect.

Yikes - too long without posting but not much happening in the way of sewing. After finally recovering from back issues, a week ago last Friday, I had a dental implant. That just wasn't a piece of cake. I still have stitches that will hopefully come out next Tuesday and now I am so lucky to have caught Jack's cold. Yuk - runny nose, congestion, raw throat. But that will pass - soon, I hope.

Today I am going to make myself get back to the coat. Everything is cut out except for the hymo (interfacing) and then it is time to thread trace. I am bribing myself into doing this with the promise that I am going to cut out a dress for me and make it this weekend to wear next week. I NEED something new to wear! It may just end up being a knit top but something will get sewn.

I am also going to test my gauge for a sweater that I want to knit. I ordered yarn from Alpaca Direct earlier this week, Tuesday I think, and I got it yesterday. That was fast and I love it. It is so soft. What I bought was on clearance since this is my first sweater and I am a very new beginner in the knitting world. I did make 3 scarfs last year but that is all I've done. There is no telling what this sweater will look like - all I'm hoping for on it is just learning experience.

My sister knits beautifully and we will be spending a week together in late October. DD who lives in VA is having surgery and we are both going up to help out. DD has a lab and a Newfoundland puppy - he's over 100 lbs now but not yet a year old.

Needless to say he has grown a lot since this picture was taken. We are all looking forward to being together and it will be a perfect time to have DS help me with my knitting. Lord knows I need it and I just hope she has the patience :)

Last quilt pictures

This is the scrappy peach and green baby quilt top - still needs quilting but some (not all) of those scraps are gone from my stash - Yeah! The center was a leader/ender project and the stars are from Miz Bonnie's Quiltville site. I just started at the center and worked my way out with what I had.

Scrappy Amish top - After I finished the winter bargello, I had a lot of blues/purples left over and decided I should stick with the resolve to go ahead and use those scraps up right then and get them out of the quilting stash - so I did. Those colors made me think "Amish" so I pulled some black out of the stash and went from there. It's fun to start at the center and just work with the scraps you have and see where it goes. I have no idea where the black fabric came from but I was happy to use some of it.

The quilting bug came and went so now it's on to sewing. Of course I want to get these quilted so they will be ready to go when needed.

It's a cool foggy morning and I will get my walk in early. It should be a very relaxing weekend. Hope yours is good too and filled with sewing.

2008-09-08T20:21:00.002-04:00

On the left is the completed spring bargello. The center is machine quilted using an invisible thread and the borders are hand quilted. This was the first bargello technique that we did and the easiest since it has staggered seams - no matching.

The right one shows the winter bargello - sort of like a mirror image, with the borders added. Both of these have some of my hand dyed fabric in them. I love the borders on the winter since they are all hand dyed. I really like the variation in the fabric.

Since I had mentioned in my last post that I thought it would be a good idea to use the scraps from whatever project I just finished, as soon as I finished it to make a scrappy quilt (and get rid of those scraps) - that is what I am doing! This is from the winter project and I had quite a bit of the border fabrics and those 3 outside colors just said "Amish" to me. So look for a scrappy Amish quilt coming up soon. It is so much fun to figure these out as I go. No pattern, no templates, nothing - just rotary cutting, sewing and pressing.

Oh - the peach/green baby quilt - I forgot to take a picture. I will do that later. I like how it came out but those colors and fabrics really date it.

It looks like the coat sew-along is back on track and I am really behind. The muslin for the mohair is done but I need to cut the fabric out and baste the silk organza to each piece. Hopefully, that will be first on my list for next weekend. The trench is still on hold for the moment - the excess weight is going away albeit slowly so I will wait until I finish the mohair and see where I am. The mohair is loose enough that it doesn't really matter for it. I think I will love this coat if all goes well with it.

I am stopping by Hancock's tomorrow after work on my way to visit my Mom. I need batting for all these quilts I'm making and more quilting needles and thread. I also need a month long vacation to sew - wonder where I can pick that up? LOL

I can't wait to get back into making things for me to wear. I keep reading the sewing blogs and making lists of what patterns to buy. And no - I didn't make either pair of black pants, but I will sometime.

2008-09-07T06:51:00.005-04:00

Sewing/Quilting

I picked up groceries on the way home Friday so Jack wouldn't have to and I cooked yesterday for the week. Turkey chili, honey mustard chicken and scalloped potatoes, mixed veggies. We still have some leftover chicken parmesan & noddles from last week so this week is taken care of. All weight watcher meals so that will be good. Most weeks Jack does the grocery shopping and the majority of the cooking but since he and Duffy are at the lake I thought I would get it done before he gets back today.

Yesterday I worked on the winter bargello and decided there wasn't enough fabric to continue the design so it is getting 4 borders added of some of my hand dyed fabrics. I just love these and hope the end result turns out well. I am going to try and miter the corners - I think there is enough fabric. Picture later today.

The peach and green scrappy baby quilt is almost finished - just have to finish adding one border. I love doing the math on these made up quilts. The center is small squares that have been a leader/ender project forever - when I could remember it which obviously isn't often. It ended up an odd size so the remainder of the quilt was calculated as I went along. I think I am going to like the end result. But I still have peach and green fabrics - I was really hoping to use it all but that isn't happening. I like to keep a baby quilt on hand since it seems like I always can use one for a gift at one time or another. I will post a picture later today also.

I have so many works in progress or unfinished ones that it is bugging me. I really want to finish some of these up. Everytime I finish a quilt I always think it would be a great idea to make a scrappy quilt from the fabrics left - right then. I doubt that will really happen but wouldn't it be great?

I would like to get the binding sewn down on the spring bargello and finish quilting the dining room tablecloth. Those are first on my hand sewing list. Not much to do on either one but they have been waiting patiently for quite some time. Next will be the lap scrappy quilt I posted a few days ago - that one just needs to be hand quilted.

Then on the garment list I have 2 pair of black pants to sew. One is a Burda cut out last year and I'm really needing black slacks so I want to get it done. The other is just black crinkle cotton drawstring to wear around the house. I made 3 pair of these last year and I just love them - great for lounging and being comfy. Then I have some other fall fabrics that I would love sewn too. Time - where does it go? LOL

I will leave you with this optical illusion quilt that I made a few years ago from a Karen Combs class. I absolutely love it - how it changes when you blink or move around the room. It is hanging on the wall behind my desk at the office. I really need to put a fall one up.

2008-09-03T19:07:00.003-04:00

No sewing of any kind going on for me during the week. I have been able to start walking again this week and discovered this growing in our backyard

I guess it is some type of mushroom - kind of pretty in a way.

The pear tree is loaded with pears and the dogs are loving to eat those. They like the apples too but seem to prefer the pears. It is really funny to watch them.

Jack is taking Duffy with him to the lake tomorrow after work, they will come back on Sunday. I really hope to sew something this weekend. I will have lots of uninterrupted time - now if I can just decide what to do with it.

2008-09-01T07:43:00.003-04:00

My back is almost back to normal and I've been sewing! Not clothes but quilts - I think the quilting bug has bitten again. But I want to sew clothes too! Just not enough time for it all.

I took on online course for bargello techniques and loved it. The first picture is "summer" with matching seams, it is machine quilted with invisible thread and is already hanging in the library at the high school. The second bargello (fall) has fractured seams and needs to be layered and quilted - I will machine quilt it in the ditch using invisible thread. I am going to add to the "winter" bargello and make it longer. Spring isn't pictured, it is machine and hand quilted and just needs the binding added. I will show it when it is finished. All four of these have some of my hand dyed fabric in them so they are really special to me. They all should also be rotated so the design is horizontal instead of vertical.

The last quilt is my first scrappy quilt using Bonnie's method. I absolutely love it and have already started another one. Plus I have sorted through my scraps and have quite a few new projects planned. It is addictive! This one will be hand quilted and it is lap size - plenty long enough to tuck in under your feet. I have almost finished my current hand quilting project so I need to buy batting and get this one layered and basted. It was so much fun.

Time to get the house cleaned and laundry done. Hopefully I can get back to the sewing room later today.

2008-08-12T15:40:00.003-04:00

I didn't mean to stay away so long. For several weeks we had no internet service and then I hurt my back. We finally have Verizon as our ISP and we love it. The back issue is going to take longer to resolve. This has happened before due to one leg being longer than the other, hips getting out of alignment resulting in inflammation which = a lot of pain. It will get better but for now no type of sewing is going on.

I have picked up some cross-stitch that I started on long ago. It is a blue iris and I save it in my grab & go bag. You know, that bag you keep just for emergencies when you may have long waiting periods. I can do that while laying flat on my back but I really miss being in my sewing room. Hopefully soon.

2008-07-23T19:31:00.004-04:00

The computer is home and working fine after absolutely nothing being done to it - although I paid $65 to be told it wasn't worth fixing. Hmm, lets see - how much trust do I have in these people whom we use for our internet service? Absolutely none and they will hear from me about the charge once we get our ISP switched over - we are still waiting to see if that will happen. We are so tired of dealing with them. Ok enough griping.

I'm not sewing right now but am so ready to get in my sewing room that I can hardly stand it. I wore a dress today that I made last year from an EOS knit. I love the fabric but should have bought more. I really wish it fell below the knee but this was as long as I could get it with a 1/2" hem. It's one of those I think is slimming and so very comfortable to wear. It's Butterick 4788. I wore a cami with it and I think it looks ok in the front but the back has a "V" also and to me seeing the cami in the back looks weird. Does anyone ever see this? Do you think it looks ok?

I picked blackberries at a friends house last night and had enough to freeze for 10 smoothies. We had one tonight and it was wonderful! She will have raspberries soon and I have an invite for those too.

Wishing everyone happy & productive down time

2008-07-20T07:44:00.004-04:00

The jacket is McCalls 4878 and is made from an eyelet purchased from Metro Textiles last year - it was made last year also. I love this jacket - it is so lightweight and cool. I asked for advice on Stitchers Guild last year on using this material for a jacket and of course received a lot of advice. So as recommended, I used silk organza to underline the jacket and this gives it more weight while still allowing it to be cool and breathable. The fabric really said "skirt" but I wanted it to be a jacket and thanks to the advice given, it worked!

Ok - the pants. Hmm - Vouge 7881. This material is a linen look and very thin - probably too thin for pants and that may be the reason for the folds in the front. But what causes the folds in the back? I need to work on the fit but don't know where to start. I know the ladies at SG will help so I will post there. I think these should also be a little longer. And just to show you I don't wear black all the time:
This is the Burda top I finished a few weeks ago and it definitely looks better with a cami underneath since the fabric is so thin :)

The spring bargello is almost finished, it just needs borders and then I will machine quilt it. Hopefully, I can get it finished before school starts. Jack teaches at our local high school and several years ago he took a wall hanging I had finished to show to some co-workers. The librarians asked if I would make some for them to hang. I keep rotating about 6 different ones but I'm sure they would like something new to hang. I am going to try and make the 4 bargello wall hangings the right size for them. The second lesson was posted yesterday and I'm trying to decide on the colors for the summer version.

Speaking of Jack - here he is with his favorite girl, Sadie

2008-07-15T11:44:00.002-04:00

No Computer = No Blog

My home computer died again for the second time this year. The first time, more memory was added (why can't I have that done too?) and they cleaned up some sort of virus and miscellaneous junk on it. I am interested to see what is done this time and how long it will take.

We have a dish on the house for our internet service and it has been less than satisfactory for the last 3 months. It seems like our service is down more than up. But we have called Verizon and hopefully by the end of this week we will have steady reliable service. Here's hoping anyway.

I didn't do any sewing this weekend - clothes that is. I did finish the bargello and it is ok - I'll post pictures once the computer is back home. I could have done better in choosing the colors but I really wanted to use some fabrics from my stash and not buy any. Also finished the applique on the quilt center that I've been working on. The sewing room is clean, new fabrics put on inventory cards and everything is in its place. Now to find the time. Plus I have to get back to the coats! I have everything for both of them except for the buttons and a buckle for the trench.

I worked outside on the yard this past weekend since I've managed to let it go. The last few years all of the beds have had a heavy layer of mulch put down so they all looked ok - just a few weeds here and there. Well, they looked ok until you started looking :) Anyway, I got a few of those cleaned up and they look much better. Once I get started on these, I really like to keep going because the end result looks so good.

Hopefully, I will have a cleaned up computer by the end of the week and new internet service so I can show you a few more pictures.

2008-07-09T19:47:00.005-04:00

V8472

As you can see from the close up of the fabric it really is a black background with a white pindot. I don't know why the one pictures shows swirls. The closeup shows the lining attached at the side seam with a swing tack to keep it in place. The top is lined with black Ambience and the skirt with a cotton batiste. Someone had mentioned on their blog of using a serged sting to attach swing tacks and I thought it was a great idea and used it here.

I don't remember when or where I purchased the fabric but I had originally thought to use the back side for the front. Since it reads gray overall, I decided not to since I look better in stronger colors. I really liked this pattern when it came out so all I had to purchase was some red for the jacket and I have the look on the pattern cover. The jacket is lined with white Ambience. After wearing it today and seeing these pictures, I think it is a little large. I could easily take up 1" at the waist and quite a bit more through the hips. I think it will look better more fitted.

I did quite a bit of fitting and am learning more all the time. I took out at least 1/4" front and back horizontally below the neckline and at least 1" on each side of the neck in the back and 1/2" in the front. The jacket probably has 1 3/4" taken out of the front yoke. When I tissue fitt the pattern it seemed almost too small so I added more from the bust down and ended up taking that out plus some. I cut a 16 through the neck and went up to an 18 the rest of the way down. I think I could have used a 16 all the way. I'm so afraid of getting it too small and not being able to wear it - however, this one will get taken up. It was very comfortable to wear.

New fabric purchases from Fabric.com. They had a sale on knit fabrics! Oh, and I have space in my sewing room - so it's ok!

I really should write down what pattern I want to use these for when I order them. The one on the right is for a top, the middle 3 - the top one is for a skirt - I think, the middle black is for several tops, and the bottom one in the middle is for another top. The last two are for dresses and they are my favorites. I love both of those.

The bargello is coming along slowly - maybe something to show this weekend. The trench for the coat sew-along needs sleeves put in and more pictures. There just isn't enough time :)

2008-07-06T19:20:00.002-04:00

The Vouge dress and jacket are finished and were even photographed but the pictures turned out horrible. The black fabric with tiny white dots showed up as swirly fabric. I'll try taking pictures again whenever I wear it to work this week. I am pleased with how both pieces turned out. My TNT pant pattern was made again using a pinkish mystery fabric and they just need to be hemmed.

More fitting has been done on the trench but I am still waiting on feedback before going any further. I am ready to move along on the coat projects.

Vacation is almost over and I have really enjoyed it. We watched a lot of movies and I got some sewing time in. It was very relaxing and much needed. Tomorrow is housecleaning and laundry day and a dental apt. in the afternoon.

2008-07-04T06:25:00.003-04:00

Happy 4th to everyone!

I am loving this week off but where have the days gone? It's Friday and I haven't accomplished a lot. It has been a much needed break with nothing scheduled. I started my exercise routine again on July 1 and I am so sore - and so very out of shape. It's been nice walking every morning and chatting with the neighbors who I hardly ever get to see. The days have started out slow and remained that way throughout the days - so different from what I am used to. I think I must be wound pretty tight :) Jack would just roll his eyes at that amazed that I don't realize it.

I did finish the dress except for the handwork and have the jacket cut out but I still need to work on the trench for the coat sew-along and will get that done today. Finally got the lining for it ordered from B Black & Sons yesterday. I still need buttons for both coats and need them soon. The samples I ordered from The Button Drawer haven't come yet and I'm wondering if they forgot to send them.

The email from Fabric.com arrived in my inbox yesterday and I just couldn't resist the knits that were on sale. I had been looking for a nice black for a wrap top and hope what I ordered will be a good weight. I also ordered several prints, 2 for dresses, 2 for tops and 1 for a skirt.

I keep thinking that I won't make any more dresses but they are so comfortable. The problem is the white icky looking legs versus hose in the summer. I like the Jergens tanner since it has a nicer fragrance that many of the others don't have and I use it sometimes. Our office is very casual and it doesn't matter how I dress but I've found that I feel better if I dress in more appropriate office attire. So I either need to buy hose and pumps for the summer or get used to bare legs with a light tanning lotion and sandles. I have to say the latter sounds better to me. I seem to have this ongoing argument with myself all the time and right now neither side is winning - as you can tell :)

I really hope everyone has a long wonderful weekend.

2008-07-02T07:59:00.002-04:00

Phew! Good thing I know I need to loose weight - if not these pictures sure show it ;) This is Butterick 4598 that I made last fall. It still needs to be hemmed but I cannot find the hem tape which I also purchased last fall. I put it away in a safe place - sound familiar? I was going to get it hemmed while on vacation but I have another problem with it. That V at the front neck sticks out - you really can't see it in these pictures but I have to fix it somehow. I will post on Stitcher's Guild and see what is recommended. And this won't be worn until quite a few pounds are gone!

I am working on another Vogue 8472 and have the tissue fitting done and it is cut out. The dress is black with tiny white dots and the jacket will be red.

I am also working on a quilt from 2006 from block of the month by Beth Ferrier. I am appliquing by hand - I just couldn't bring myself to do this on the machine so it is going slowly. I should finish the main body tonight and then I will layer and baste it together and start hand quilting on it. I'm going to quilt it in sections since I lap quilt and don't want to drag the whole thing around because it is huge. I will still have the 4 corners to applique and there is a lot on each one.

I also signed up for a bargello class from Quilt University that starts Saturday. We will learn 4 different bargello techniques and I hope to use some of my hand dyed fabric for this. This will be fun - I need something different. Not sure I need another project but it will be fun anyway :)

2008-06-30T16:01:00.003-04:00

Here are the same pictures with lines drawn. I am unsure about the forward shoulder adjustment - blue line or red line?

This is Simplicity 4084 after some initial adjustments have been made. I have more to do!

These pictures were taken after I let out the seams from the waist down on the side, back, and front & back princess seams. I think there may some some extra fullness now that I will get rid of. For starters I will take the front princess seams back in and try it on again. If it still has extra, then I will take in the back princess seams. Or would it be better to adjust the side seams first?

I do have shoulder pads in and the armsyce seems ok. I am unsure if the arm syce starts in the right place - is it too far out?

I now have the waist marked - it is about 1" high. I think I should lengthen it since the coat length is about where I want it now.

Also, I need to make a forward shoulder adjustment.Comments please?

2008-06-29T13:29:00.006-04:00

Come along with me for my morning walk . . . . . . . .

(Click on each picture for a larger view)

Just starting out - this is the gravel road behind our house which is about 1.5 miles round trip. Our house is on the right behind the hemlocks. The next picture shows a lonely gate in the middle of a pasture - I just love it.

As we go up the hill you'll see a tree on the right and there are several houses below. Last fall, I came across a black bear standing in front of that tree. He looked at me - I looked at him and we both took a very slow step back. He then turned and trotted up the hill on the left. I haven't seen him since.

As we go on out the road we come to Joe's pasture on the right. They just bailed the hay in this field and you can see the long row of giant marshmellows at the back of the field. These covers protect the hay until it is needed next winter.

Around another curve and if you turn at the barn on the left we come to Lisa's. She runs the Fern Center and loves purple as you can tell below.

An old rock wall tumbling down greets us at the end of the road with yet another old barn across the road.

If I stop at the end of the road and turn left, this is the view I see looking up the valley - more beautiful pastures.

Going back toward home and looking left, I see Jim's house and his white barn. He doesn't farm but just uses it for storage. Joe's barn is peeping through the trees in the next picture. He use to raise Belgium horses - think Budweiser Clydesdales and you get the picture. They were beautiful and we loved having them across the road from us. He and the horses have been gone for many years.

Teresa had posted a beautiful picture of the red outbuilding on her property and that made me think to take pictures of what I see on my daily walks. Thanks Teresa for reminding me to take notice of the beauty of where I live too.

2008-06-28T11:23:00.005-04:00

First day of vacation - whooppeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Ahhhhhhhhhh.

Updated pictures for the coat sew-along. Els asked that I take pictures of the short coat (Vouge 2884) in a "holding the tray" pose. Her point is that there may not be enough fullness to the coat as to capture the design look. I see what she means. The line drawing itself doesn't seem to show as much fullness as the pattern cover.

The trench needs some work. I see pulling above the hips in the front and the back but this muslin "sticks" to whatever you have on. I forgot to put shoulder pads in but I think the fit needs to be worked on first.

I have absolutely no plans for the next 10 days other to sew and enjoy the time off. Well, there is the back porch that needs to be cleaned from top to bottom and stuff like that. I am just going to unwind and enjoy the time. I hope to get to work on some quilts that have been sitting for awhile.

This is what I wore on Wednesday. The top and skirt were made from more fabric from Metro Textiles purchased last year. The fabric is a black background with white dots - it doesn't photograph well - it looks swirly here. I enjoyed working with the border and just love this fabric. It is a cotton and very cool. I lined the jacket in white and the skirt in black. The jacket is McCalls 2643 and the skirt McCalls 5330, view C. DD says not to wear together, too matchy. But this is the first time I have worn the jacket as a separate piece. The jacket has gotten a little tight and I'm not sure I could get the skirt on. I have got to get this weight off!

I hope everyone has a great and productive weekend. I'm off to sew. Oh - and another thing I want to do on vacation is learn more about blogging - as you can tell I have a lot to learn!

2008-06-25T20:43:00.002-04:00

No sewing or working on the coat sew-along tonight. Work is nuts right now - it's the end of the month and we are closed next week. The next two days will be fun too. But then I have 10 - yes, ten whole glorious days off!

I did order some button samples from The Button Drawer today. I'm having trouble finding a buckle for the trench though. Anyone have a good source for buckles? I will check out Hancock's this week but that is probably doubtful.

2008-06-24T20:19:00.006-04:00

Kwik Sew 3108 - made of a cotton that looks hand dyed with eyelet at the bottom. This fabric came from Metro Textiles last year and I had a hard time deciding what to do with it. This skirt has godets and it is so cool and comfortable - just an elastic waist and it seems to fit the fabric perfectly. I didn't have enough of the border to make all of the godets so some are just plain fabric but the skirt is so full at the bottom that it isn't that noticeable.

The story behind my trip to NYC last year is really special. For Mother's Day my daughter flew me up to NY (she flew up from her home in VA) and treated me like royalty. We had an entire day at the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa - manicure, pedicure, massage, and facial. She even bought me some wonderful day and night creams for my face since she knew I wouldn't buy them for myself. We shopped several days and the shoe shopping at Macy's was wonderful. I have never in my whole life seen that many shoes in one place! Can you tell I'm a country girl?

She agreed to go to Metro Textiles with me and of course we both enjoyed Kashi and I spent way too much money. But hey, I figured that I would probably never be back there again so I needed to stockpile some of that wonderful fabric :) And yes, I'm still sewing on it.

This shirtwaist was made last year and I made one just like it for her. Since she lives in VA we would never wear them together - gasp! She talked me into the red belt and sandles. This is the shoe haul - hers are the snazzy ones in the back - 6 pair! That girl knows how to shop and is trying to teach me!

I can't begin to tell you what a special young lady she is. The story of what she did for Jack's Father's Day is for another post. It was just as special and for a hint I will tell you he loves the Yankees.

I have a wonderful family and I am so very blessed.

2008-06-22T13:48:00.006-04:00

Sunday 6/22/08

I have finished and finally photographed a few more things. First the Burda #117 from Feb 2008. I love this coat! It is so comfortable to wear - I just need a rainy day to wear it.

It was sized for petites so I had to lengthen it several places since I'm 5'9". This was the first time I had done a Hong Kong seam finish - not hard at all after I understood what to do. I really thank Laura for all of her help on this coat. I visited her blog many, many times and sent a few emails also. Even with her busy life right now she took the time to answer and I'm so very appreciative.

Next is Burda #105 from May 2008. This is a very lightweight (as you can see) cotton and will be very cool to wear. I got this from Metro Textiles last year. Either I'm standing crooked or I don't have it adjusted in the photo of the back.

I have several pieces in the wash preshrinking now for a pair of slacks, dress, jacket, and pull on black crinkle pants to wear around the house. But the main thing up next is the Simplicity 4084 for the coat sew-along as my second coat. It's time to draw in the seams and then cut out. This is a long process and after it is cut then I have to thread trace ALL the markings. This makes it much easier to analyze the fit after trying it on.

I only had one comment on the muslin fit for V2884 as my first coat. Since it's a loose fitting coat, I think I'm good to go on it.

2008-06-21T16:59:00.002-04:00

6/21/08 Burda 4/2008 #129

I finished this last weekend except for the hem. I used Steam a Seam in the bottom hem and a double needle. The sleeves were just hemmed with a double needle - no puckering anywhere. The instructions were quite a trip to figure out. Someone had posted a review on PR and I kept going to her pictures and they helped quite a bit. It's rayon and very cool and comfy.

2008-06-21T16:41:00.006-04:00

6/21/08 Coat Muslin

I just posted the first muslin pictures of V2884 on the coat sew-along blog. I have no idea how to get the pictures where I want them on the blog so I'm going to experiment here.

Here are the front and back views without sleeves. I think the fit is ok but we'll see what the experienced sewers have to say. The waist mark on the pattern is about 1" above my navel - I think that is where it's supposed to be. Let's see if I can get the other pictures in - yes but not where I want them.

There is some fullness in the front at the darts. The closeup above shows more on the right side - should I do anything there, or since it's a loose fitting coat, leave it? I am still trying to decide whether or not to add lambskin leather to the fronts, along the seam and at the pocket tops. That may help distinguish those lines a little.

The length and sleeve length seam good to me - can't believe I didn't have to add anything! I welcome your comments and suggestions.

2008-06-17T21:31:00.002-04:00

6/17/08

My Mom is 95 and lost the sight in her left eye Sunday. She spends most of her days reading and this is going to be very hard on her. I met my sister at the doctor this morning for her follow up appointment (after seeing the doctor in the ER on Sunday). They did many tests and it sounded like the loss of sight is permanent and the possibility of her loosing sight in the right eye is probable. A temporal arterial biospy is being scheduled.

She was born in 1913 and has always been quite a lady. She went to the University of KY and got her masters in home economics. She instilled so many good things in me - a positive can do attitude and love of sewing are two of the best. I wish I had the words to describe her but right now I can't. The tears seem to have come after a long day. I hope and pray she is able to keep the sight in right eye.

2008-06-15T19:47:00.003-04:00

6/15/08

We had thunderstorms yesterday afternoon and for some reason we loose our wireless internet connectivity after the storms. This has happened about 4 times lately and I hope it not part of our equipment about to go bad. They always seem to have us back up fairly quick - well, within 24 hours. Anyway, the rain cooled things down yesterday and I was able to spend the entire day in the sewing room. It was great!

I finished the gored skirt from lightweight blue cotton - it looks hand dyed and has an eyelet border. I traced 4 Burda WOF patterns and cut one top out that is almost finished - it is a white embroidered cotton with a border. I just need to add the elastic waist casings, buttons & hem. I need to learn to read these patterns first - I would have done the neckline differently but it's too late now.

The coat muslin is thread traced and basted together. I just need to take pictures and get opinions on the fit. It's a loose fitting coat and I think everything looks good but I'll see what the others think. I didn't make any adjustments. I washed the silk organza and the Kasha flannel backed satin so that is all ready to go. I tried batiste under the mohair but the SO definitely gives the feel that I'm looking for and they move together very well. I just need a camera for pictures - Jack thinks he will be home by Thursday and since he has the digital & video cameras with him, I am out of luck.

I just cut out 04-2008-129. It's a twist top - hope I can get it together. I tried raising the neckline after reading a review on PR - not sure I understand exactly what has to be done but I'm going to work on it right after I finish the white top.

I'm happy to have the coat muslin done as far as I can for now. I have been wanting to get the Burda patterns traced for months so I'm glad that is done. I walked again this morning but I still haven't gotten back into my exercise routine. Hopefully soon. I've eaten healthy all weekend and feel better for it. Tomorrow is house cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, and a doctors apt. I bet I can squeeze some sewing in somewhere ;)

2008-06-14T06:57:00.004-04:00

6/14/08

What a long hot week it's been! We've had temps in the 90's and should be having spring weather now - not late summer weather. Yuk! I have one air vent in the sewing room but it's upstairs and in these temps it isn't cool enough to enjoy being up there. However, a window unit is on the way and should be here hopefully by next weekend. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Work has been tough too. I work for a small company and we're having cash flow problems (interpret our customers not paying us on time which means I can't pay our vendors on time) so this makes for uneasy times and uncomfortable phone conversations every day. I sure hope it gets better soon.

No sewing going on but there should have been. My pattern for the coat sew-along has been lying on the dining room table all week waiting for me to trace it off and cut out the muslin. Marji has written two great posts on making muslins. I have them printed off and I hope to get that done today. I just haven't gotten the inspiration to do it. I need my fanny kicked to get it in gear. I can't even use the too hot excuse since I'm usually too cool when the air is on downstairs.

DH is still at the lake so no camera to take pictures of the trench but hopefully later this week. I stopped by Hancock's yesterday to pick up sewing machine needles since they were 50% off and more serger thread that was on sale too. They have just completed a remodel and it is so nice! The layout is great and there is more fabric too - but I resisted! I also picked up more coat muslin this week so I have enough for V2884 and the Simplicity trench. And I picked up the mohair from the cleaners so it is ready to go.

I have already walked this morning and todays plans are to take Sadie, Boo, Tigger, & Max to the vet at 9am. Will that not be fun? Then I need to put away this weeks purchases and start on the muslin.

The pictures above are two dress made for my sisters grandchildren. I just love that fabric - it certainly says spring. They were fun to make. And obviously I don't know how to get pictures where I want them in the blog.

2008-06-10T11:09:00.002-04:00

6/10/08

My goodness! Where did the weekend go? It's already Tuesday morning so I'm back at work and I'm just popping in for a minute. I did finish the Burda trench - at last! I will get pictures after DH gets back in town. I really like it - love the fit, plus it's lightweight and very comfortable.

I cut out a gored skirt and have the pattern out for Vogue 2884 for the coat sew-along. I have to mark the seam allowances and then cut a muslin but I need to buy more muslin first. And I need to take the mohair to the cleaners for steam pressing. I'm going to have to make a list of what all needs to be done.

2008-06-06T20:07:00.003-04:00

6/6/08

Mohair - I pulled a hair - umm, a thread

What is mohair? I honestly had to look it up. It is made from the soft silky hair of the Angora goat and let me tell you it is fuzzy!

On the coat sew-along we were instructed to true up the grains. I was all set to take a picture of the mohair and explain that it couldn't be done since it was so fuzzy. I had to pin it to the curtains so I could see light coming through but I did it. It took several tries and I actually had to pick it out because of the fuzz but that is done.

Sandra Betzina in More Fabric Savvy says "underlining is not recommended because mohair will sag over the underlining in time. Lining is optional but it must hang free at the hem." Someone on the sew-along blog mentioned this so now I'm not sure what to do. I made DD a jacket last year from this fabric and I did attach the lining hem. I will have to ask her how it looks now. Her jacket is short - probably at high hip level.

I am looking forward to sewing tomorrow. I have snaps for the trench and hope to finish it.

2008-06-05T19:24:00.002-04:00

6/8/08

It has been a busy work week trying to get the books closed for May but I finished that today. And the best part is - tomorrow is Friday! I am so glad.

I picked up Vogue 2844 for the coat sew-along today since it was on sale at Hancock's. I like $3.99 patterns and I really look forward to getting back into the sewing room this weekend.

2008-06-02T08:24:00.005-04:00

6/2/08

I just finished my walk with it 68 outside and 54% humidity. It seems like a good time to blog while I'm cooling off. It will be a quick house cleaning today since I did major stuff last week and the dogs haven't been inside. Then it will be on to sewing.

The trench is coming along great. It is almost finished - need to attach the hem facings and topstitch only 20 times, put 8 rows of shirring in the waist and attach who knows how many snaps. Ok -maybe half way finished.

I mastered Hong Kong seams and really like the finish. On the seams that were pressed open, I cut bias strips 1" and with right sides together I used the width of the presser foot and moved the needle 3 positions to the right to join. After pressing, I used the #10 topstitch foot (Bernina) to stitch in the ditch. It worked great and there was no trimming. For the bound seams, I cut the bias strips to 1 1/2".

More introductions to our household: the first picture is Tigger and her name fits. She is a little monkey and loves to be everywhere. She has a basket in a chair in the sewing room and most days when I'm there, she is curled up in her basket. The next picture is Max and Boo. Max is an older cat - we're not sure how old because he adopted us about 10 years ago. He was skin and bones and had been abused. As you can tell we have added a lot of "fluff " to him and he is well loved. Tigger & Boo were adopted from the humane society. Boo is a scaredy cat as his name reflects. He is also diabetic and gets insulin shots twice per day. He doesn't mind them and he gets tuna at the same time - well, actually all the cats get tuna since I can't play favorites ;)

2008-06-01T07:34:00.005-04:00

6/1/08

The muslin was finished yesterday and the fit is great. I have decided not to turn the cuffs back to finish as 3/4 length sleeves but to leave them down for long sleeves. I really thought this pattern with all the shirring at the waist would emphasize my hips but it doesn't all. The fabric was cut yesterday and I started on the construction. I'm finishing the seams with a Hong Kong finish and I should have practiced before I started on the actual garment. I found the best instructions by Nancy here. After a morning walk I will get started on it.

I will start introducing you to some of our family members. Sadie is on the left and Duffy is on the right. They are both registered labs and will be 10 this summer. The pictures are several years old - they both have grey chins now. Sadie is the boss and she makes sure everyone knows it. Duffy is a lover and a leaner - he sits really close and leans against whoever is willing to pet the longest. They are our babies along with 3 rescue cats that I will introduce to you tomorrow.

2008-05-31T06:53:00.000-04:00

5/31/08

I had originally started this blog last year in May. I did about 4 posts and then dropped it. In reading back over them I noticed some negativity and I don't want my blog to come across that way at all - so they were deleted and I'm starting fresh! I am mainly starting it back up for The Great Sew-along but I would like to also post about my other sewing related activities and probably other stuff too. Maybe blogging will help me be more productive. Since I started sewing garments again last year, I am already wondering what pattern I used for that tan linen skirt, etc. So if I document it here maybe it will help my fading memory - ha!

I am participating in Marji's great coat sew-along and am so excited. Many thanks to her and all the other experts she has offering their assistance. I am so excited to start on this fun project! Here are my plans so far:

First (and this is not part of the sew-along) I am making Burda 117 from 2/2008. This is a trench that Laura has made and graciously shared pictures and tips on her blog (scroll down to 2/11). It is so cute. I have a deep spruce crinkle taffeta to use for this. The pattern has been traced onto pattern tissue and I have adjusted it to a tall. I stitched up the tissue and it looks good enough to start a muslin. I purchased a heavier muslin that will hopefully drape close to what the actual fabric will drape. So today I am cutting the muslin. I have no plans for the weekend so it will be spent sewing. Whoo hoo! Well, cleaning and some cooking on Monday. I have everything I need for this project except the snaps.

Second, and this is part of the sew-along, I am using a black mohair purchased from Kashi/Metro Textiles last year to make V2884. I did find a dark batiste to use for the underlining but I need to purchase the pattern. The Vogue patterns will be on sale next weekend at Hancock's so hopefully they will have it. If not I will order online. Then I need to find haircanvas. I have searched the internet and found it priced anywhere from $7-8 up to $30. That's a wide range people! I don't want fusible, it will need to be sew in. I think some recommendations have just been posted on the coat sew-along blog so I need to check those out and get some ordered.

Third, and this is coat #2 on the sew-along, I will be working on a trench, Simplicity 4084. I purchased Burberry fabric last year from an online source (don't remember now which one) but it was advertised as Burberry. It is solid black on one side and a black/tan plaid on the other side. I have been afraid to start on this since it is a heavier fabric and I have never sewn on this type of fabric before. But Kathryn from SG is lending her expertise on the sew-along and she has a lot of experience with trench coats and has posted some tips on Stitcher's Guild for working with this type of fabric. So it's now or never for me with this fabric and pattern. I will listen to all the experts and do the best I can. My fear is that it will look homemade but if I don't take advantage of the sew-along, then I probably would just let this fabric sit and age in my stash.

I need to get this pattern out and tissue fit because we start on the muslin in June. Hopefully I can do that this weekend.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and we all accomplish a lot! Above is a picture of our side yard. Now to figure out where the picture will post :)