No More Google Reader

I read this last night at CNet and heard it on the news this morning.

So how are we to read our beloved blogs now?

The article lists these alternative methods:

• Google Currents, which works with only tablets and smartphones right now, uses the same idea 
• Google+ gives people a way to keep tabs on both news feeds and social activity by friends, merging two, once disparate Web activities, into one experience.
• standard viewing option in Safari, with what is now known as "reader." 
• On the Web there are tools like NewsBlur, FeedReader, Netvibes, and RebelMouse.
• 5 alternatives suggested from CNet
• Blog Lovin which I think I might try

Do you read your blogs through google reader?  Do you other methods?  Any suggestions?

I have google reader on my phone and laptop.  Now time to prepare to switch, grrrr.  All that just cuts into sewing time  and other fun time.

A Good Day

You know when you have a really good day?  Well, today was a good day

• Erin and I went to Joann’s and Hancock’s to get fabric and patterns for some maternity clothes.  I will be making an assortment of things from regular patterns to actual maternity patterns.  She isn't showing much but this was a day that worked for us to go and we took advantage.  I have a pile of things to make over the next 3 months.
• This is one of the patterns we purchased and I have started cutting it out.  Thought it was a good one to make while I wait for my serger to get fixed.

,

• Talked to Paige on the phone today
• Talked to my brother also
• Kaitlyn made chocolate chip cookies
• I ate some of Kaitlyn’s chocolate chip cookies
• Took a nap
• Went for a walk
• went for a drive with hubby, checking out things on the farm
• Meredith went to the grocery store for me
• and I got this in my inbox

The picture was this one, something I had pinned at Pinterest.


Here is the link to the Polyvore information on this outfit.
Isn’t it a great outfit?

Questions and Answers

If someone leaves a comment with a question, I always try to email them with an answer.  There have been several the last few posts, so I thought I would answer in a post.(answers are in italics)

On Vogue 1197

Jeanette posted:
I love your new top! And, the smaller cowl. How much did you reduce it?

It is the cowl from the short sleeve view.

Sunfli posted:
The cowl on you doesn't look as low as on your "dummy" or on pattern envelope picture. I really like the neckline on you. Did you adjust that?

I did not adjust it, I do think you could take a 1-2" from the width of the cowl.  This would pull the neckline closer to the body.  I think it is close to a 1:1 ratio cowl to neckline.


On my McCall's Cape
Gail posted:
How easy would it be it make a lining for added warm and comfort?


It is very easy to add a lining, in fact, I there are one or two reviews on Pattern Review with some instructions. 
 
BTW, The gloves came from Coldwater Creek orginally $29.99 on sale for $9.99.
 
On My Image Carigan:
My Summer Touch posted:
Did it take long time to make?
 
It really didn't take long to make.  Buttonholes took the longest.
 
 
***********************************************************************************
 

Thank you all for the wonderful comments on my garments, I really appreciate the comments and your time to post them.

Happy Sewing.

Projects

It has been over a week since I have posted.  I have been very busy with many different things:

1. Spent a couple of days(last weekend) at oldest daughter's house. We had so much fun.
2. Cleaned out closets, rooms and the attic.  Organized everything in an extra bedroom and rented a booth at a local flea market.  We have lived in our house for over 20 years, my tastes have changed and my aunt and I like to go to auctions, enough said :) We will see how this goes, hoping it brings in some money, I will use it for fabric!
3. I just need buttons for this:

4.  I have to have the opportunity to make two of this pattern for my girls for an upcoming performance for the Music Department.  They are in orchestra and the department is going to do a performance of Scrooge.  The teacher said their costume didn't have to period authentic as the performance will change yearly and they can wear the costume for more than one year.  I have the fabric for Meredith's and getting ready to cut it out.

5.  Scrapbooking - all the track pictures from this spring are done.  I took lots of pictures!  I am trying to stay motivated to work on a double layout or two everyday.  I have about 3 more weeks then basketball starts, I am hoping in those 3 weeks, I can be totally caught up, it is only about 6 months of this year.  Fingers crossed.

6.  A big box of knits from Fabric.com just arrived and now I am busy prewashing fabric.  That knit sale a couple of days ago, really got me. 

I think that is most of it.  Homemade chicken and rice soup is on the stove, big high school district championship football game is tonight and it will take me some time to put on enough layers so I won't freeze at the game.

Thanks

for all the comments and compliments on the Anthro-inspired top, it made my day.

Also, happy to report the poison ivy is gone, hurray.  No more itching!

Now to include a picture:

Working on the hot pink view because it looks alot like Anthro top  called Muted Lavender 

Jalie 2806 with Adjustments

Here is the first Jalie 2806 I made and it is a great top.  I have been wanting to try it again but the sleeves were just a bit tight on the Jalie pattern.  I took out my trusty Simplicity 4076 top and compared the sleeves, granted the sleeves on the Simplicity are a bit belled shape.  Ages ago, I had redrafted this to be a basic long sleeve.  Well, back to comparing, there is more room in the Simplicity pattern but the armsyce looked the same.  With this new knowledge, I used the Simplicity 4076 sleeve pattern and I can say it is a much better fit for me. 

Here is the new top, fabric from Fabric.com, a lovely border print.  I couldn't use the border since it runs the non-stretch direction!

close-up of neckline.

A bit off-topic.  Washer broke last night, repairman out and he can fix it but parts are approximately two-thirds the cost of a new washer.  New washer delivered tomorrow.  Then on the way to town about an hour ago to take the twins to basketball practice.  A flat tire!  We were a half-mile from home, so I ran home to get hubby's old farm truck.  The girls were on time to practice and four new tires were put on my SUV.  Things happen in three, not looking forward to that third thing.

Off to cut out a pattern, that will make me feel better.  New brown slacks, they will match this top.

Magazine

Barbara , if you are reading this can you email me at sew_forth@hotmail.com? I have a question about your address and then I can get you magazine in the mail. Thanks.

A picture now, this is a small tree in our basement, which is known as the man cave!

A Giveaway

Just because:

• it is a short week
• the sun is shining brightly
• Christmas is coming
• Thanksgiving is a few days away
• I am making my Black Friday list
• all your nice comments
• and many more reasons, too many to list

So leave a comment on this blog post and you could win one of the following. If you have a preference leave that in your comment.

Blogger Help Site

Just thought I would share this wonderful site, Sneaky Momma Blog Designs, I am having so much fun reading her tips and updating my blog.

I should be finishing Kaitlyn's quilt so I can move onto fall clothing but I can't pull myself away!

See my signature, something I learned from Sneaky Momma

Questions Answered

Thanks for all the nice comments on dd#4's top.

Here are a few answers to questions

Stephanie asked

Do you think it would be easy to change it to a side zip and more fitted in the back?

The pattern has no zipper at all, I think a side zipper would be a good solution for a more fitted top. Thanks for the idea.

LittleMiss asked

I want to try to make it in a knit. I hope that will work

I think it would be great in a knit, you could possibly go down a size if you wanted it more fitted. The neckline is low and square so it is easy to get on.

Grace wanted to know what my dds' 8th grade dance dresses looked like.

Well, the darker green was purchased on clearance at Dillard's in January. The other one was purchased at a store called Deb.

It was fun to see the different styles they selected but were in the same color family.

New Look

No, not the patterns, a new look for my blog. It was way past time to update my blog, so see what you think of it and my new banner and my new profile picture.

I think I will go sew something now.

Book Winners

Pam Erny wins the Serger book
Marty wins the bag book.

Pam, I have your address but Marty will you me email me your address.

Thanks for all the wonderful comments and congratulations to the winners.

I'm getting DSL

I'm getting DSL
I'm getting DSL

Yes, I am excited. It was something Centurytel told me wouldn't happen for quite sometime. They called last night, and I said "get out of here", salesman chuckled. Then I said, "sign me up!"

November 26th is DSL day.

Now back to my regular scheduled podcasting and sewing

New Jeans and Photography Class

I traced and cut out these jeans last night and then tonight started sewing them. I hope I chosen the correct size - I am loving the way they look so far. I have just finished the back pockets, lots of topstitching but boy they look good (if I do say so myself).


For 3+ years, I have owned a digital SLR camera. It takes wonderful pictures but if the user (me) knew more it could take fantastic pictures. The store hubby purchased my camera (Christmas present) offers classes and today I finally took one. SLR basics. I loved it - aperture and shutter speeds aren't so mysterious anymore. Next week is expanding on this for 45 minutes and then 45 minutes on Photoshop. I am there for that one and then the following week is tips for lowlight photography. Count me in. I am so excited.

Home Alone

Twins are at a Student Council event
17 year old daughter is at a friend's house
College girl is, well at college
Hubby is still at work.

Me home alone, thought it sounded great at 5 pm, but now it stinks (and I have 2 more hours of quiet). Too quiet, I have watched one movie, fast-forwarded through the beginning and end of another. Put up a review at Pattern Review, traced an Ottobre jeans pattern for me, and decided when I am an empty nester , I might have to work at Wal-Mart or something like that in the evenings. Especially when hubby is working late. Too quiet, too quiet.

Be careful what you wish for, it might come true? I did wish for that when my 4 were little and it was never, ever quiet.

On a Roll Sewing

Count them - 4 projects in this post. My satellite internet service, Direcway or Hughes (Hughes bought Direcway), has been on the blink and the repairman has failed to show. No surprise there, the business I bought my satellite from has very poor service. I have another repairman coming on Wednesday. We have had no rain for 6 weeks or more, and 90+ temperatures. I think the ground is so dry that the pole for the satellite has shifted and the satellite is off position. I was so frustrated on Friday, after waiting around the house for 4+ hours for the repairman (remember second day in a row), that I went out and tugged and pulled on the satellite pole. Well, we have an internet connection now - low but at least a connection. I will take what I can get.

What does this have to do with sewing - well, no web-surfing just quite a bit of sewing. Plus all that time at home waiting on the repairman, I put that to use. So, here are pictures and information for 4 projects:

Project #1 - Simplicity 4208

Check out the link for my original post and first garment from this pattern. You will also find my Limited Too inspiration. The fabric is from Joann's sale section. I am so pleased with the results.
Simplicity 4208

Project #2 - Simplicity 3904

Pattern: Simplicity 3904
Description: A That’s So Raven pattern – Girls’ dress in two lengths, top and shorts
Sizing: 8 to 16 or 8-1/2 to 16-1/2. I made a 14 for dd#3 (oldest twin)
Instructions: The instructions were clear. I really like how the front band is constructed. This gives you a beautiful front band with nice results.
Likes/Dislikes: I like the looks of the top, trendy and Limited too-ish. It is a quick garment to sew. No dislikes
Changes: I took out 3” from the back skirt part. The top was too big for my daughter and most of that appeared to be in the back. This eliminated the gathering on the back skirt section. I wish I had added 2” to the top length
Fabric: Cotton fashion fabric for the print from Joann’s. The solid brown is a quilting cotton.
Conclusion: A cute, fun top for my daughter. She is thrilled and seems to favor this style. I noticed she tends to try on this style and we have purchased 2 with similar styling. A winner for her and a winner for mom to sew.

Project #3 - Simplicity 4020

My inspiration was from

Stacy Sew's post on Demi's Top . Stacy posts on her blog a Celebrity Style Watch and when I saw Demi's top and Stacy's recommendation - I knew I had to make this top. I had the pattern and perfect fabric in my stash.

Pattern Review

Description: Misses’ Pullover Knit Tops
Sizing: 4 to 20, I made a 10
Instructions: The instructions are good and the instruction drawings very helpful.
Likes/Dislikes: Several pattern views to make, I probably will not make view A or B but the others I like quite a bit. I say this because of the batwing type sleeves, but I do have a RTW garment with these sleeves and I really like it. I should re-evaluate that statement! I made View E, but used a contrast fabric for the band. I also like that this is a quick garment to sew. My wardrobe is in desperate need of clothes. I wear jeans, walking shorts or semi-dress pants to work, (offset printing, graphics, sign-making, etc) I need nicer looking tops to go with these items. I like to look nice for the customers but need to be able to work. This top fits the bill.
Changes: The pattern instructions tell you sew the side seams of the bodice and then sew the side seams of the bottom front and back. You then sew the bodice to the bottom matching notches and the large dot on the bodice. I thought this might be a bit awkward, so I sewed the front and back bottom piece from large dot to large dot, then stitched the side seams. I found this to be fine.
Fabric: A sweater knit purchased last year from Textile Studio, I believe. The brown contrast is from Gorgeous Fabric, just a bit leftover from another top.
Conclusion: I wasn’t sure about this style, but I LOVE it. Thanks to Stacy for providing the inspiration.






Project #4 - Onion 5038
Pattern envelope picture

Pattern Review

Description: Knit top with waist seam, button front band, 2 sleeve options and cuff option
Sizing: XS to XL, I made a small and added 1” to the length.
Instructions: Brief but very good. When you purchase an Onion pattern they will mail you the pattern itself and email you the English instructions. Do note – this is only for patterns with “ENG” after the pattern description. This is helpful for seam allowances and hem allowances to add, the pattern piece to trace and cut out plus construction information. You will get these English instructions soon after purchase, which helps in your anticipation of the pattern. Study the instructions and plan your fabric!
Likes/Dislikes: I like it all, the look, the pattern, the sizing, the finished garment.
Changes: No changes except for my additional length.
Fabric: Knit from Lucy’s Fabric and the brown trim is leftover from another project.

Conclusion: A winner. My mind is racing with ways I can change this pattern




Final thoughts on all my sewing:

It might have taken longer to take the pictures, d/l them to my computer and type the riveiws than it did to sew Simplicity 4020!!! I am so happy to be in my sewing room and to have a bit of internet service, I missed my online friends.

Rockin' Girl Blogger

Belinda nominated me for this award on Saturday. Thanks, Belinda.

Now I get to choose 5 women bloggers worthy of the "Rockin' Girl Blogger" award. If you get nominated, place your pretty pink badge on your site and then list 5 of your favorite Rockin' Girl Bloggers. This is the hard part, great blogs, great women.

Here it is:

1. Bonnie D. - we are on the same sewing wavelength. The projects and fabrics are the same or oh, so close!

2. Mary at Right Sides Together - love her sweaters, sewing and other activities

3.Autum of Creative Little Daisy - she started my adventure in blogland - I found her blog and was hooked on reading blogs

4. Tany - a wealth of information and such beautiful projects

5.Debbie - In the Bag - have you seen this lady's purses - incredible.

Tagged, I'm it, for now!

I have been tagged by Debbie

First, the Rules:

• Someone Tags you
• You post 5 things about yourself that you haven't already mentioned on your blog
• You tag 5 more bloggers

Okay, I have been thinking about this for a couple of hours. Posting 5 things that are somewhat exciting but not too exciting!!!

1. I was an athlete in high school. I could have played college basketball (small college). I also ran track, in fact, my 3200 meter relay team still holds our school record. This record is 20+ years old. I joke with one of my relay teammates, we didn't know how good we were at the time. I have 2 state track medals to prove this to my daughters. Oldest daughter has 2 state medals in the same event. Pretty cool.

2. I finished college in three years and missed graduating with honors by .007.

3. My mom encouraged my sewing and would do all my unsewing for me. Spoiled, yes, I was.

4. I was a super-tomboy growing up and loved to help my dad on the farm. My favorite job was agriculture related.

5. In my 30's my hair became curly, probably from the gray I cover with hair color!!! I have tried everything to try and straighten and defrizz it. Well, I found a wonderful straightening iron and it works tremendously. Guess what, I like a bit of curl in my hair, makes me look younger, IMHO!!!

You're it.... Debbie from In the Bag, Lindie, Beth and Linda. I know it is suppose to be 5, but most of the other blogs I read have been tagged. So 4 will have to do. Enjoy your weekend.