Merry Christmas

As I sit here this Christmas Eve completing some garments for New Year's Eve, I reflect on the real reason for Christmas.  My three children are all grown and I have 4 grandchildren that of course are expecting great things for Christmas but I am at the age where I am so grateful for being alive to experience whatever each day holds.  I don't have any needs that have not been provided for, and the few wants if I wait a few minutes they become unimportant.  I am so thankful for the gift of Jesus Christ to the world and his sacrifice so that all of us can enjoy so much.  Thankful for living in a country where we have the freedom to choose what we believe in.

So for this Christmas I am simply grateful for the simple things of a loving family, health and strength, abilities and talents and for just another opportunity to show the real reason for the season and that is most definitely Jesus Christ.

Everyone enjoy your Christmas with family and friends and don't forget the reason for your celebration.

As always, Happy Sewing!!

Pink Dress Fall Day

I found this wool knit piece of fabric at a Atlanta thrift store while visiting my oldest daughter in June.  It was 4 yards and cost me $3.98.  You know I grabbed it and paid for it with no problem. I love finding bargains at thrift stores and I have found some of the nicest pieces of fabric in those places. This fabric is the perfect weight, it hung well and was not too hot.  The temps begin around 58 but after church it was 78.  The dress was perfect.

I use V1482 as my starting point.  I liked the pocket detail on this dress and decided I wanted two pockets in the front instead of one. It was an easy fix to add to the front pattern piece what was needed and remove what was not needed for my vision. This pattern also runs big and is a little short for my taste. I cut the large but removed about 2 1/2 inches and added 3 inches to the length. I could have cut the medium and probably will next time as I want to make this in a black knit to wear with boots.


Here is the completed version:

 Well on to the next project and fall addition.  As always, Happy Sewing.

My Mini Me is also My Muse!

I am knee deep(in my mind, that is) in fall sewing.  Each time I want to make something for myself, in comes someone requesting something made for them.  This is the case with my youngest daughter.  Yesterday she saw a skirt I completed and decided she wanted the next one to be for her.  I enjoy sewing for her because my garments look so good on her frame.  She is 5'9 barefoot and everything  looks good on her.  So of course I made her the skirt she requested and of course it came out just as I envisioned.  So she decided to get dress and take some pics for me on this beautiful fall day.

On to fall sewing and whatever else pops up.
As Always, Happy Sewing!

Ankara Maxi Patchwork Skirt

I just completed this ankara maxi patchwork skirt for my goddaughter.  I needed to complete it so that I could get busy with my fall sewing.  I have been eyeing all of the magazines and cannot wait to make some new items to add to my own closet.  Since Fall is my most favorite time of the year, I don't know where I want to begin first, dresses, pants, suits, outerwear, etc, too many choices but I suppose I will just have to jump in head first.  

Anyway, here is a pic of the skirt made for my goddaughter,  Will be back soon with pics of my fall sewing.  

 

Ankara Patchwork Skirt

As I have stated many times, in love with African or Ankara print fabrics.  A couple of weeks ago, I participated in a Flea Market/Car Wash.  Had a wonderful time and made quite a few contacts.  This patchwork skirt is a result of that car wash.  Completed this lovely one for one of my new contacts.  I am certain she will be happy with the result.

I like this skirt because there is no pattern, only measurements. I have made it three times now so it flows together with no problems.  I originally made the skirt for myself and had never worn it.  I decided to offer it in the flea market and it was a crowd pleaser.  I will make it again for myself with a few additions I have been thinking about as of late.

Almost ready to begin my fall sewing.  Ahh Fall, how I love thee, let me count the ways... LOL! It has been tremendously hot and humid this summer season so I am looking forward to my favorite time of the year.

Until next time, Happy Sewing!

60 IS SOMETHING SPECIAL

Hello out there.  It has been a couple of months since I last blogged, been a little busy.  Well at the end of July I attended a milestone birthday party for a childhood friend.  It was also sort of a mini reunion with other childhood friends.  This year we will all turn 60 and I am excited to say the least. Thinking about getting older you have a tendency to reflect on what you wish you could have done better, but I say don't get stuck on what you could have done better, reflect, correct what you can and move forward.

 Me in my me made outfit which I love the simplicity of it.

 These ladies and I went to elementary, junior high, middle school, high school and college together.

 This is the birthday girl and I.

Great times were had by all and I hope we share many more milestone birthdays.
As always, Happy Sewing!

Checking In!

It has been a couple of months since my last post.  Many changes have occurred and that is a good thing. I have been busy sewing for others including my youngest daughter.  She is my perfect model and I am having a blast sewing for her.  Here she is in New Look 6391, view D.

I really loved her many poses on the back deck of her new townhouse.  She is doing great things at the ripe young age of 29 and I am so proud of her.

I like the fabric she chose which is one of Nicole Miller's designs at JoAnn Fabrics.  The dress was so simple to make and she wears it well.  She has become my new inspiration.  This should help me clear some of my stash and help her add additional items to her walk in closet.

As always, Happy Sewing!

Hello Spring 2016

Hello Spring 2016 is what the calendar says but the temps in north where I am currently say 23 degrees and it is cold.  Nevertheless it is still a wonderful day.  I have been quite busy doing a little of this and that.  Blogging has certainly been on my mind but has been pushed to the bottom of the list of things to do.  Trying to get better but stuff happens on a regular basis that always interfere.

There has been a great deal of sewing going on, mostly for others as well as many alterations. I have been teaching a number of people how to sew which has been very interesting as well as a number of fashion shows at high schools and colleges. Those events were great fun.

A number of positive things transitionally have occurred and will occur in the next couple of months and I am excited for that.  Moving in April and looking forward to that. I have been living in this state for 34 years and am looking forward to the move as it is necessary and definitely time for a change. Change can be difficult but if handled correctly can do wonders for the soul.  I am excited for this next chapter in my life.

I think I posted a while back about my love of  African or Ankara prints as it called.  I have a few pics of items that have recently been made from these prints. I am still in love with the prints and will always incorporate them into my wardrobe some way.

 Love the way this jacket came out.  I wanted to mimic the topper look that seems to be popular this season. It came out the way I envisioned, had to match the pattern in the fabric but that was pretty simple.  Wish I had gotten a back view of the print as well.  The pants were also made from a pretty print and I was able to match them the way I saw them in my mind.  Very happy the way both translated into garments.

This last pic is of my youngest daughter who opted to do a selfie in her bathroom and not have someone take a better photo of her in the jacket and pants.  I do love the look on her and hopefully she will get her mom a better picture.  As always Happy Sewing, until next time.

Happy New Year 2016!

I have been reading the blogs I follow today and seeing what everyone is posting.  My only plan as it relates to the blog is to be more productive.

Praying each everyone of you a Happy and Productive New Year and as always Happy Sewing!