Merry Christmas!

I have been missing in action for so many reasons, mainly Life. I have been sewing, completed a number of Christmas presents which included a quilt for my youngest daughter. See below

 

I wish the picture was more clear, then you could really see the colors.  It is a queen size and made from scraps of African fabrics and she absolutely loves it.  I have now completed a quilt for all three of my children and now my oldest wants another one because hers was made when she went off to college in 1992 and it was only a twin size. Not to worry, I have already begun her queen size.

I have really enjoyed reading all of your blogs this year and commenting on many. I endeavor to do better with my own posts in 2014, God willing.

I hope everyone is having a Merry Christmas and wonderful holiday season.

As always, Happy Sewing.   

Classic Camel Look

Classic Camel Look by sdcunni featuring coach gloves

Carven camel coat
$2,310 - avenue32.com

Banana Republic stiletto boots
bananarepublic.gap.com

Etro wool shawl
luisaviaroma.com

Coach glove
coach.com

Wool hat
modcloth.com

Sewing Plans

As I stated in a previous post that I have decided to get a little smarter with my sewing.  I am developing a sewing plan for fall garments.  Each time I make that declaration other things start to creep up that try to put a little hitch in my giddy up, not to worry, I am not going to let them this time.
I begin by pulling some of the fabrics that I want to sew first and I am starting a list:

2 black pair of dress pants, lined
2 pencil skirts, one black and one navy
2 skirts made out of the various pieces of wool in my stash
2 button up white shirts
Shirt dress
3 color blocked dresses, not sure of the color combinations at this moment
3 lined pant suits
2 coats, the current boxy shape and another 3/4 length
2 or 3 cardigans, one or two in the traditional style and another in the wrap style

I know this seems like quite a lot but I am pushing myself to get back to the day when I would make a garment a day just because.  My closet is boring right now and I need to add some life to it.  I have made myself a promise that I will not purchase one single garment as everything I on my list, I want to make it myself. 

This list does not include the 4 garments that my youngest daughter has requested, she will be home to visit me this weekend for a whole week. I will pump her stuff out and add a couple of my easier pieces in as well.

This should keep me pretty busy...Hopefully in a week I will have something to post.

As always, Happy Sewing.

Great blog on Tailoring

If you have not already checked out this blog http://finetailoringbyjim.blogspot.com you must.  Great tailoring tips from a professional.

As always, Happy Sewing, until next time.

Sewing with a plan (SWAP)

Hello All

I know it has been a while and I really can't say why I haven't blogged.  I have certainly been busy sewing but not necessarily for myself. I have made quite a few dresses for my granddaughter and that has been enjoyable.  She is 12 and loves it when her "Nana" makes her things. 

I have certainly been reading everyone's blog and loving the many garments you are creating and feeling a little melancholy because I have not been in the mood to sew for myself.  I have hit a sewing wall.  I am normally very creative and always thinking of garments I would like to make. Lately I have been going into the sewing room with every intention to sew and then loose all interest.

I thought about just making anything to get out of the slump I'm in but that hasn't proven to fruitful. I am kind of excited about fall because it is my favorite season of all.  This brings me to the title of my post.  I think if I have a plan for what I want to make maybe that will help drive the creative juices, so for the first time I am sitting down and coming up with a plan for some new wardrobe additions.  Then I will choose the patterns and fabric and hopefully I will be back in the sewing saddle.

I did visit Joann's on yesterday and did my part in purchasing some 70 cent McCall's patterns.  I wonder how much Vogue will be on sale considering they are celebrating their 70th year.  Just a thought!

So until next time....Happy Sewing everyone!

Enjoying this Summer Solstice

It is a gorgeous day, this first day of Summer. I am thoroughly enjoying it even though I am at work and currently on my lunch hour.  Decided to post one of the garments I have made over the last couple of weeks.  I needed (you see I said needed) something to wear to a retirement party on last week and I did not want to spend hours and hours making something.  I knew I wanted something quick and easy that looked (to the untrained non-sewist ) as if it took a while.  I had this gorgeous fabric ( I think anyway) that was gifted to me.  I like the feel of the gauzy fabric and the print and I knew I wanted a jumpsuit.  It actually came out just like I wanted it to and I really enjoyed wearing it.  I will have to post that picture later as someone else took it for me and I don't have a copy as of yet.

The picture does not do it much justice but at least the colors are pretty.  My review is below. I made the view E on the pattern.

Pattern Description:  McCall’s 6083, jumpsuit in three lengths.

Fabric Used: Gauzy cotton combination which was gifted to me.  Love the vintage look of the fabric.

Pattern Sizing: (14-16-18-20-22)

Were the instructions easy to follow? This pattern was self-explanatory and I didn’t need the instructions.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  Nothing other than I just liked the pattern.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I adjusted the waist in the front about 2 inches as it was too long because I have a short waist.

Would you sew it again? Probably not as one thing I have come to realize about myself.  There are not too many things I want to make duplicates of and I have too many patterns that I want to make as well.

Get out and enjoy this beautiful beginning of summer and as always, Happy Sewing.