Falltastic

Sew, this won't be as much as a sewing blog as a reflection of where I'm at.  My husband is hard at work at painting and moving furniture to create me a sewing area in our dining room so I won't have to hide in the bedroom to sew.  He is my biggest supporter.  I am going to convert a "shrank" we brought from Germany into a sewing storage area and an old pine table as my sewing station.  This will make my bedroom back into a bedroom and not the sewing area.  My room that would be a sewing area is now my prodigal son who has returned home after a divorce and while he finishes school.  I don't begrudge him being there, but he does take up space. 

I love the fact that my husband supports my efforts.  I finished a pair of pants today (a muslin) McCall's 6361 to see if the pant pattern will work for a lovely wool I have.  The one thing I don't like about the pants is that they are slightly tapered which is horrid on my figure which is very much curvy hourglass. My husband helped me alter them so the pants didn't look so clown-like.   I altered them on the sides so the the pants were more straight leg.   I made the pants out of a heavy navy poplin, so they will get use.

Tomorrow is my last night of the first college course I've taken in years.  I've done well, but tomorrow is a group presentation in which the only group working on it is me.  I made a powerpoint presentation because,except for one member who gave me a brlliant definition, the others were just not there.  I feel good about my participation and I've never done an on-line class before, so this was a lot of learning. 

I have staff training tomorrow and then college, so busy busy day.  I love my job, but feel I little overwhelmed.  I will end this blog now, Sew, not much to say, but this is a busy week.  I have to watch New Jersey Housewives to get my fix.  Ciao for now....

Fall into Sewing

Sew, I tried very hard to make that Vogue pattern to work, but even my husband said it was horrendous.  It didn't fit better after I adjusted the shoulders, the sleeves.  I admit, I chucked it into the trash...I hate waste but really, it was not going to work and if I held onto it, it would be calling me to finish it.  I hate not finishing a project, but oh, well.

What did work is that I have been doing some fall sewing.  I made a lovely cowled sweater.  I used Butterick 5388 and the only modification I made was to add an additional tuck in the front because the sweater knit was stretchy and the neck was too loose.  I also got busy making a lined vest and skirt. (The sweater is an RTW I scored at Marshall's last winter.  I thought it looked nice together.

To add to that sewing frenzy, today I whipped out McCall's6116, a cordoroy shirt dress.  Sorry about the blurry image, but wanted you to get the whole effect.  Sew, now I have some lovely wools to make some new trousers, and skirts that I need for work.  I can't ever find good wool pants in my price range (cheap), and that don't need much alterations, so I'm going to make my own.  I will make a muslin first to make sure they fit.

Sew, that's what I've been up to. Squirrels are busy putting away their nuts.  I'm busy squirreling away some lovely winter clothes.  Sew much better than shopping...

Back to the Future

Sew, I spent the day making the Vogue pattern V8728 which is a remake of a 1946 dress.  I thought it would work well on me because I have an hour glass shape and usually anything fitted on top with a full skirt works well. 

This was odd.  The top was too big and the skirt is more full than I'm used to.  It's probably because I used a heavier fabric but I wanted something to transition into the fall.  I'm going to have to take the shoulders up about an inch so that the neckline doesn't sit oddly, wide and ugly.  The sleeves were also a little too pronounced so I will take them in alot to sit closer to the pattern picture.  On the plus side, I got this lovely striped seersucker for less than $3.00 a yard because it had a bad smell and no one would buy it.  I washed it, smell gone (it smelled like it had been in storage a long time).  The fabric is a heavier seersucker than you usually see in the store, so I think it is an older fabric.

On the pattern, the neckline is wide rounded but it leaves too much to spaced.  So by tucking up the shoulders it changes the pattern a bit, but I like it better.

This week I bought some fabulous fabrics for some lined trousers, a fabulous Donna Karan jacket, and a vest and skirt.  All ready for the fall.

I also signed up for weightwatchers with a plan to drop the weight I've put on since recovering from ankle surgery.  I just want to drop 25 lbs....not much,  but seems like a lot from where I'm looking.

So that's my life this week.  Tonight finish up college work and back to work tomorrow.  This was a fun weekend.  I was in a zombie apocolypse video shoot yesterday for a staff appreciation day next month, and I spent the day in our library mascot uniform.  Sot though this weekend was short because I worked, it was fun.

Denim Days

I must confess, I didn't manage to sew 30 minutes a day,  I'm lucky if I sewed at all last week.  Going back to school and working, and taking care of my family/dogs is about all I can handle.  I was very happy to have Labor Day weekend to sew. 

Sew, I thought I'd try sewing with denim.  I chose a heavy stretch denim with a particularly nice stripe to it  and McCall's 6361 Palmer Pletsch pants and skirt pattern.  I made the skirt because I didn't want to make any mistakes making a pant and being disappointed.  The skirt was easy to put together.  I don't have the patience to do all the fittings the pattern recommends, but it was almost exactly right; I only took the waist in a bit.  I used a beautifulI flowery fabric for the waistband lining and the pockets, kind of like my little secret.   One note to consider that I wish I had known.  According to Burda, I didn't have to use a denim needle with a stretch denim.  Good to know but I didn't really have any problems.

A side note-today the weather was sew beautifull; the high this morning in the 60's. Instead of sewing, I took my dogs for a walk in the fields.  Until today, I\tt's just been too hot to enjoy the outdoors except very early in the morning.  The coolness is something we haven't seen in several months.  I am so tired of the heat and glad for fall.

But I do want to make a couple of summer dresses with a jacket to transition to fall using a Lisette pattern (2209) that I admire.   I actually thought the patterns were for younger women, but I've seen some reviews by women my age and thought I could get away with it. 

Well, I need to get to cutting a pattern out.  The part of sewing I dislike the most.  My spouse did buy me a dressmaker's form for my birthday and that makes me feel more like a seamstress.  Sew, see you soon.

Pink and Perky

Sew (so) I had my first day of college class last night after umpteen years of not going.  It is wierd seeing so many young people in one place.  Thank God that my degree program is for adults returning to school, so most of my classmates are close to my age. 

I wore my new dress to work today and got a lot of compliments.  I don't usually wear pink, but everyone thought it was very classy.  My husband gave me the best compliment.  He thought I'd bought the dress!  He said is was as good as store bought.  Course you and I know that "store bought" is not all that well made, but I know what he meant.

Today, a woman asked me who was my seamstress...I took great pride in saying it was me!  Here is a lousy picture (my husband is not a good photographer) and a closeup of the fabric.  I used McCall's 5882.  It's the second time I have made it and love the pattern.  It's quick and easy.  I like the combination of mixing fabrics.  For this dress I used a patterned eyelet that had flicks of silver mixed on the flower pattern.  The main part of the dress was a striped seersucker.  They really complimented each other don't you think?

Sew, that was it!  A great day.  Tonight, with my goal of doing at least 30 minutes of sewing a night, I am going to cut out a skirt in denim with a new pattern.  I'll keep you posted!

Dog Days of Summer

So since the last post, I've been working to get myself back in the saddle of dressmaking.  I've made it a personal goal to make at least one thing a week and I've accomplished that.  As I read somewhere, I try to do at least 30 minutes each evening.  I keep my sewing machine ready and waiting and I can watch my shows.  I've never been one to just watch tv-I often read a book or cross stitch because it seems idle just watching tv.

Sew (so) what have I been working on?  I've really enjoyed making McCall's M5882, which is a sweet little summer dress that works really well with some of those fabulous quilting cottons.  I made two dresses with quilting cotton and they came out beautifully.  I'll post pictures later. 

I also made a cute wrap skirt and attempted to make a pretty little top, but somehow the measurements were much smaller than it says.  The blouse is more tight fitting and bunching in the back.  I'm sure it's my fabric choice. 

I am always trying to guess fabric choices.  Cottons are fairly simple, but then I'm not sure what works with what.  I try to follow the suggestions on patterns, but they aren't always that clear.  I would love to sew with some print jersey, but it's hard to find here in Oklahoma.  If you are quilter, there are lots of selections.  Dressmakers have to look harder.  But we did just get a new JoAnn's and my selection has expanded.  I guess people don't sew much here because the stores are full of polyester and lots of plain jersey, but I love a good print.

Tomorrow I start back to university which is a long time coming.  I'm hoping that I can get more respect from peers by doing so...

Anyway this weekend, I made up a top for my OU daughter, she wanted a rust colored linen with crochet trim.  The style was peasanty.  Well, it's finished but looks costumey, not what she imagined I'm sure.  It feels too stiff and doesn't drape.  I think a rayon would have been nicer, so I will keep looking for a soft rayon in the same colore.  Again, I'll post pictures for the blog tomorrow.

So that's all for now.  I'll post the photos and keep on sewing.  Now that I'm kind of hooked again. 

Finished Summer Dress

I finally finished my summer dress! I used Simplicity 2249 which is a very easy pattern to sew.  I made two changes, instead of facings, I lined the dress because I used a very thin dotted swiss.  And I took in the waist a bit.  Everything else was the same.  I chose a lovely fabric and it came out great.

Knowing your sewing machine

Do you use all the feet that come with your sewing machine?  I've got some feet I've never used and took the time today to practice each foot, try all the different stitches that I'll probably never use, andI  played with the fancy pattern stitches. 

This got me thinking?  If I have all the stitches, why would I need a serger?  I've had serger envy forever, but I don't know how to use one.  I've been sewing since I was eleven and I know I'm not ready to learn something new quite yet.  But I do love my sewing machine.  It's an old Pfaff 6150 and it does so many cool things.  I brought the machine from England and have to use a step down transformer to use it here in America. 

So I'm back to my original reason for looking at the feet with my machine.  I forgot how to buttonhole.. Yes, I admit I avoid button holes at every opportunity.  But I have to make some button holes in the coat I'm making and I needed to practice before I ruin the coat. 

But I need to stop now.  I have coat sleeves to sew on and then combine the lining with the coat.  Wish me luck on the button holes.

Sewing Requires Patience and Attention

So this has been some sewing week.  I remind myself that the Shakers allowed some imperfection in their work becuase they believed only God was perfect.  I'd like to think that is why I have some many mistakes, but that would be a lie. 

So I started making my Vogue reversible swing coat.  It is faux suede on one side and faux fur on the other.  I used a beautifl tan suede and a rich brown textured fur for the other.  It is designed to roll the sleeves to display the reverse and the collar also opens to show the reverse. 

From the beginning, I have made mistakes.  When I cut out the front piece, in small print on the pattern states to include an additional length for the roll.  Why didn't they just add it to the pattern I wonder?  I worked around it by sewing on the additional length.  It will fold on the seam, so it won't be noticeable.  I also had to take the side pieces apart because I mixed the front side pieces with the back side pieces. 

I'm taking my time to make sure it looks good.  I think it will be fine.  It's only the second time I sewed with fake fur, and it's a bit messy and a little more tedious to sew.

I believe it is my opportunity to learn patience and attention to detail.  Until next time.

Good Weekend of Sewing

So desapite one mishap, I feel like I had a good weekend of sewing.  My husband is buying me a new task chair so l will be more comfortble.  Anyways,the weekend started out as a disaster.   I tried to make this incredible pulllover top despite reading review of patternrewview.com that indicated it was a poorly designed pattern.  Well, turns out, it truly  is.  After three days of trying to fit the facing, I'm sad to say I gave up.  Too many patterns and fabric, not enough time to fight a pattern design. 

So now I'm working on my new winter coat, Vogue pattern 7627 which will be faux suede in brown on one side, and a curly faux fur  in black on the alternate side.  I think it will be amazing.  I would classify myself as an intermediate seamstress, but this will be my first time with faux fur.  I'm very excited to see how it turns out. I've finished the faux suede side and tomorrow will start the fur side.  Should be done by the weekend. 

Sewing is my passion.  Although until recently, I put it off because it felt selfish to sit in my room sewing when I have a family and a job.  But there this nothing wrong with watching Sex In the City and sewing for an evening's entertainment.  Until next itme,  take care.

LIfe Changes

So as I contemplate how to make a double breasted coat dress for my friend Sydney (who is built like a model), I search patterns on line and found an interesting Simplicity patterin 2149 which is a new fall pattern of a longer classic jacket.  It's beautiful how they made it in tweed with black braid and lace trim.  I'm thinking it would be excellent for the fall with a pair of skinny black pants. 

So my mind is filled with what to make next after my jumpsuit fiasco.  I finally tried it on today and it is way too snug.  I'm so disappointed but lesson learned.  Try on and double check the pattern size multiple times. 

I'm looking to make another summer dress from a Simplicity pattern.  

For another change in my life, today, I enrolled at the University of Central Oklahoma to finally finish my degree.  I've tutored so many people on their schooling and I'm constantly educating myself by reading history and biography.  I am a smart intellligent person and I need the paper to say so.  I've enrolled in the Reach Higher program which allows me to finish my degree on a quicker pace and uses my work experience and knowledge and gives credit for real life experiences.   The school is very nice and everyone I've met wants you to succeed.  While my job has no where higher to go, I think it makes me more marketable to have the final paper. 

So my mind is full of sewing projects and school work.  I'm so excited on these new changes in my life.  Instead of just being a bystander, I'm an active participant.

Never Too Old to Learn a New Lesson

Today I spent all day working on the cutest jumpsuit.  I bought a fabulous woven plaid in turquoise, white, and navy.  I decided I was going to take this simple project and make it more special by completely using french seams throughout.  I also changed the elastic waistband by creating a bias strip to cover the elastic so that everything was neat, tidy, and very professional looking.  Because of using french seams, it is more difficult to try the outfit on as you go.  It is more difficult to replace the seams once they are in. 

Even though I checked the pattern for sizing, I was mildly surprised to that the hips ran a little wider than the same size in a Simplicity pattern.  I used a McCalls and pattern reviews indicated no major problems except the bodice might be a bit short if you are long waisted.  So I cut the pattern to size based on the information I read.

It came out beautifully.  All the plaid lines matched.  I took extra time to make sure that seams matched.  I embroidered a bouquet of fabric flowers and butterfly shaped buttons to a bright collage of flowers acrss the upper right bodice.  Just beautiful.

Time to try it on.  Hemming of the pant legs was all that was left.  I was so excited....I inched it up my backside and then realized...It wasn't going any further.  Nada, no way,  my butt was too big. 

So now it it hanging in the closet with the hope I might lose a little weight and can wear it.  But lesson learned,  Try the outfit on by basting the pieces together before fancy stitching.  Oh well,  but at least it is beautifully done...

Starting a Blog

Never thought I'd advance to this state of writing my thoughts on a computer vs. a journal.  But life is all about the learning moments.  I hope my blog will be an interesting journey of my sewing adventures and my life events.  I have lived a life that can seem to some a contradiction in many ways.

On one hand, I am a totally devoted wife and mother.  I learned all the domestic skills and love them.   I love the simple crafts generally associated with women.  I am quite skilled at embroidery, cross stitch, crochet, and sewing.  Plus I love to cook, and bake. 

Yet, I totally believe women can be anything they want and am angered when limits are placed on women. I entered the Air Force at 19 years old as one of the first women in the Avionics field.  I served 20 years.  I've never had a traditional job.  Life might have been easier for me, but I liked the challenge.

On one hand, my job and life requires that I be a public and outgoing person.  I have to teach classes and mix with all sorts of people.  I am an essentially a shy person and so when I go to work, I actually role play what I think a person who is outgoing should be like.  But when I'm home, I like sewing, reading, and spending time with my family.  I'm not much for going out and socializing.

So you see some of my contradictions.  I just see that these are characteristics that make me interesting.  Hopefully you will see that I have some unusual points of view and thoughts to share.