Thursday, January 29, 2009

Another Blue Blouse and More Purses

More purses, this one is my own pattern and some of my favorite fabric.




This is the back of this bag, I had just enough fabric and isn't it nice how the pattern centered for me?



Here is the front. I really like this bag and Kaitlyn suggested I just keep it for myself. I would but it is too small for all my junk!





Now my other blue blouse. McCall's 5471, which I made in here
I wear this blouse quite a bit but only under sweaters, it is a bit short and a 40-something woman should never show her belly in public! I lengthened the pattern 2" and this blouse is just right, declares Goldilocks. I like my BWOF blue blouse but I really, really like this blouse.

Here is the cuffs.




Here is the blouse, shirting from Joann's




More sewing, I spent the afternoon at my friend's quilt shop. We worked on 3 quilt tops and had so much fun sewing together. Do you know how fast you can make a quilt top when one person sews and the other cuts and presses? Fast, I tell you.
Also, I won prize over at Bubblegum 4 Breakfast and I just read Brigitte went shopping for me today. I am going to be stalking the mailman, how fun. Thanks Brigitte.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Warning.... Sunglasses required and a bit of Craftiness

Sunglasses? You ask? Well, Meredith and I took a class to make this star block in the fall. The thirty blocks have been sitting there and I couldn't take the UFO any longer. I started putting it together last night and here it is a finished quilt top. Isn't it the brightest, wildest thing you have ever seen? The brighter the better in Meredith's opinion! Off to the quilter tomorrow. Look at the bottom of the picture and you can see the stars better.



After two blouses, I need some quick projects. First I made some Valentiny type cards.



Then another one of Meredith's UFOs. The fabric for this bag was purchased in July for Kaitlyn. Well, the fabric sat and sat and Kaitlyn grew more impatient. I used Amy Butler's Birdie Sling pattern for this big bag. I had to change the handle as I didn't have enough fabric. I used a curtain grommet on one side of the handle. Cute idea but Kaitlyn is using this bag to hold her books and the grommet wouldn't support the 10+ pounds. I took it out, actually it fell out. The round hole needed support, so I stitched a zig-zag stitch around the opening. I used a short stitch width and went around the hole twice. Time will tell if this will hold.





Then using the grommets again, I purse of my own design. I hope the grommets hold!



I started another purse tonight, too. My friend has been selling quite a few of my purses at her quilt shop and I need to restock. That is a good thing.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Top and decorating

First off, a decorating project for under $15. See the framed letters?

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Kaitlyn and I did that for her room for around $15. The metal letters came from Michael's in the dollar section. We left the ribbons attached, bought scrapbooking paper at Michaels, too. Then stopped by Dollar General and bought these 5x 7 black frames for $3.50 each. Came home, put them together and hung them straight on her wall. This would be cute in 8 x 10 frames, too, but we live in a story and a half house, so the walls are shorter in some of the upstairs bedrooms. Can you see that nice layer of dust on the headboard!?! Speaking of the headboard, hubby made that a couple of years ago.



I made this top in December and never photographed it. Simplicity 2850, the version with the tucks on the sleeves. I made it here
My photographer was in a hurry again, so quality is bad, click on it for a larger view. Maybe you can see the tucks.




Several other things to post pictures of tomorrow. New blouse, couple of new purses, fabric cards and a dedicated scrapbooking area. Meredith is thrilled, it is in her room and she made cards all night long.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Pictures - Me in Blouse

As we hurried out the door this morning! The sleeves already have wrinkles, sorry. The first pose shows the blouse the best.



This one the lighting makes me look green! It doesn't normally have that wrinkle at the waist but my photographer doesn't look to see how the garment looks, she just wants to be done.



Some notes on fit as I have been wearing to today. The sleeves are too short, it is more comfortable with the sleeves rolled up. This might be in part to the tighter cuffs, this restricts the movement of the sleeve as you pick up items, etc. I think you can see on the picture, the cuff is snug on my wrist. The rest of the blouse is fantastic, I really like the fit and feel.

Off to sew, my chances are slim - the phone is ringing off the wall!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Happiness times Two


Thanks to Stacy and Melissa for nominating me for this award, I am so happy and honored.
Now here is what I am suppose to do:
Here are the rules of the award~ 1. Copy the award to your site - 2. Link to the person from whom you received the award - 3. Nominate 7 other bloggers - 4. Link to those on your blog - 5. Leave a message on the blogs you nominated.
I nominate:
Thanks again Stacy and Melissa.

I should have said Thank you

I asked all of you for opinions on my buttons and then I forgot to say thanks.

So.....
Thank You!!

Your choice was the best and I appreciate the input.

Monday, January 19, 2009

BWOF Blouse 1/2009 #120

Pattern: BWOF 1/2009 #120
Description: Parallel rows of horizontal tucks decorate this batiste blouse.

Sizing:
36 to 42

Instructions: They are really pretty good for BWOF magazine. If you are unsure about blouse construction, pull out a Big 4 pattern instruction sheet for guidance. I usually use my notes from the Pattern Review shirtmaking class with Shannon Gifford.

Here are several steps I took pictures during the construction.

Clipped the seam allowance on each side for the tuck. Pressed this tuck in place matching the clips on each side. With washable marker, drew 1/2" stitching line





The tucks press down and you can see the hidden stitching line. This is the way I did my pleats, the picture looks as if you stitch a different way and/or topstitch. So pick how you want the pleats to turn out!


I would fold back the facings a check to see if my pleats were matching on each front.




I used the fusible interfacing, marvelous by the way, from Sew Exciting on the entire shirt. The facings I did like this this tutorial



Topstitched the collar:



The instructions just call for you turning under one side of the collar and stitching over the seam allowance. I didn't think this would be a good luck if the shirt was unbuttoned the top two buttons. I used a bias strip and then hand sewed it to the wrong side


I used the pin easing from Ann's blog and yes, it is lots of pins but it does work. I tried the gathering stitches and that was terrible on this blouse. I had many tucks, so I ripped out the seam and followed Ann's instructions.


Likes/Dislikes:
Likes first: I really like the look of the tucks, changes up a basic blouse. Now on the model the blouse has room for a turtleneck, well, I think this is because she is so skinny and needs a 32 or 34! Take a look at the other photo from the BWOF website, you can see a different look. The blouse has higher armscye, notice that in the picture without the model. Impossible to tell on the model, her hair is in the way on one side. The fit of the blouse is slim, so if you are wanting to layer it, go up a size. I do like the fit and look of this blouse. The tucks were easy to do.





Not really dislikes now but things I noticed. It is hard to tell about the fit of a BWOF garment on the models, they are slender, who knows if this is their size of garment and the awkward poses. The cuffs are rather tight on the blouse, so you might want to measure this against a favorite blouse. Not a measurement I normally think to do.

Changes: Added a bit of length, should have added about ½” more to the sleeves.

Fabric: A shirting blend from Gorgeous Fabrics. Gorgeous fabrics A shirting with lycra would probably be good for this pattern, too

Conclusion: A fun blouse with a decorative feature, check the sizing, it all depends on how you plan to wear your blouse.




Pictures of the tucks




Thanks all for the button opinions and votes. You picked a winner and my favorite, BTW.




Now if my blouse gets to tight, I have Kaitlyn to blame. She has been baking up a storm.



Meredith's job is to pick the colors for the icing. She was in a bright phase!





Now sometimes I think between my internet connection and bloggers unique features it takes me longer to post the review than sew the blouse!!

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Butterick 3634 and Another Holiday

I made his last week and I am just getting it posted. The pattern for the cowl neck top is a great one - the fit is wonderful. High armscye, slim fit, great for layering.

My complete pattern review is here



Then I made a diaper bag for a friend:


and decorated for Valentine's Day





Played with my camera and its settings



Now the house is getting ready for 5 more 14 year olds for a sleepover (no school tomorrow). I am planning to spend the evening sewing another blouse.

Planning to take pictures of my BWOF blouse tomorrow, I didn't get a chance today.













Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Pictures of Butterick Top and Which Buttons for my new BWOF Blouse?

First, I have been working on this blouse from BWOF 1/2009 #120





I can't decide on the buttons, so help me pick please. I added numbers by each button, so click on the picture for a larger view.




Catching up on some pictures. I made Butterick 5527 in December from a fabric.com sweater knit. I do like it, the picture isn't very flattering of the garment or the garment on me!


I wrote a review if you want to check it out.


Wednesday, January 07, 2009

A couple of better pictures







I reshot 3 of the outfits in natural light or what little natural light we have had. These pictures are so much better.

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Doll Clothes and Cakes

First, I am going to start out with some yummy goodness. Kaitlyn, youngest daughter loves to bake and decorate cakes. We have tried at home to work on this but it isnt' something I have done. Well, the young woman who will be making the wedding cake was so kind and had Kaitlyn over this morning for cake decorating lessons. Kaitlyn had an incredible time, learned so much and is going to decorate another one tomorrow. We also had to make a dash to Wal-Mart for a special knife, more tips and other goodies.

Doesn't it look beautiful?


How about this view? It tastes just as incredible, too. More time on the treadmill in my future.



I finished the American Doll Wardrobe for my friend's daughter. I used the book "Sew Today's Fashions for 18-inch dolls" by Joan Hinds. You can check out this book and others at this site

Lots of pictures and I will hit the high points, I started taking the pictures but dd#3 took over, so bear that in mind while checking out the clothing.

Wool coat, added decorative stitching on the collar and cuffs. I might need to add another row of snaps, this needs the double-breasted look of 2 rows of buttons. The pattern is designed for that.


Here is the stitching.



Then to go under the coat, a pleated wool skirt from the same fabric, a sweater vest and a knit shirt. I might have to make another shirt, this doesn't look the best. I think it might look better on the doll.



This fancy dress came from a Big 4 pattern, I think Simplicity and it was all the Disney Princesses. I didn't want to make this but the girls insisited, I am so happy I did, the dress is darling and the doll will be ready for a Valentine's dance. I used some flannel backed satin (the only formal type fabric I had) added ribbon for the straps and lace on the bottom. I had a small rose to add to the bodice.



This might be my favorite, quilting cotton in pretty blues and pinks, rick-rack at the hems, pink fabric sash and bow.




Summer outfit, capris with rick-rack at hem. Gathered blouse with lace trim and ribbon.


Close up of the trim, I added decorative stitching to the ribbon.


Pleated denim skirt with knit top




Another top







A nightgown and then I made a matching one for the little girl.









Low-rise jeans, with tag in seam (you can see it just a bit on the left). The jeans have belt loops and I used ribbon to make 3 different belts. She can mix-and-match with all the tops.





Another top for the capris.





Another top





I am so pleased with all these cute clothes and like how they will be a SWAP. Also, I didn't purchase anything to make all these clothes, I had the fabric, trims and notions in my stash.
One more thing that made this fun, I cut out all the pieces on New Year's Day and my daughters all helped. They would pick out the outfits, find the patterns and picked the fabric. A nice way to spend the afternoon.
Thanks to all for the kind comments on my last post. It is a new transition in life but a happy one for her and I am starting to see the changes in our relationship. She has called each night to chat, talk about insurance, wedding plans, etc. Life is good!