Help!

I purchased this lovely, colourful dress from a thrift store today! 

Here's the issue: it's too small across the bust and back. It is fully lined and has a zipper back. I really do not want to chop it and make a skirt. I would like to somehow alter this dress to fit!

Maybe, add side panels in a solid color? I don't know?! Please help!

Couture Sewing with Susan Khalje

I've been wanting to take at least one of the classes on Craftsy! Well, my hubby purchased not one, but two classes for my birthday in April!

So, I am currently working on Couture Dress with Susan Khalje! I've been sewing 25+ years and love learning new/different techniques.

I decided to use Simplicity 2588 dress pattern; which has pleats, darts and princess seams. And, I ALWAYS have to adjust the fit for me on any bodice!

So, here is the dress hand basted! The front pleats look weird and needs to be more centered and closer together. Also, I think I'd like the waist higher. Other than those few adjustments, it's perfect! And, fits me wonderfully!

I will be sure to let you see the finished project! Until next time...

HAPPY SEWING and Happy Mother's Day!

Please Don't Leave...

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Still Settling In...A Little Spring Cleaning

I've done a fabric de-stash! Not just fabrics though, it included trims, scissors, and lace (loads)! All of the fabrics (mostly cottons) were donated to a wonderful group of quilting ladies who donate quilts in our community! The trims, lace and other notions are donated to a veteran's organization thrift store in our community!

I found a few "keepers" like, some vintage buttons (mother of pearl-like?); a couple of pieces from a costume that may become (earrings?); a "freecycle" container full of embroidered eyes, letters, hearts and such; and a couple of pieces of lace appliqué of which a nice fabric necklace will be made! Here's a pic of the instructions on how-to from a past issue of SewStylish mag, Spring 2011.

My next cleaning/de-stash project will be more trims and beads and some jewelry items! Now, back to finishing some costumes!

Until next time,

HAPPY SEWING!

A Beautiful Weekend and Other Things

My children and I had a wonderful day! My son loves to build and that's just what he did for the duration of the day! My baby girl and I sketched and colored! (That's my silly drawing.) Her glasses have no lenses...they are her "cool artist" glasses and she wears them every time she creates! We had a blast!

Last week I made myself a robe with ultra cuddle fabric...almost like working with velvet. It was a little difficult, but it turned out great and I love it! This week I made a half-apron for myself! And, I continue to work on stilt-walker costumes...something I love to do is make costumes! Planning on Renaissance costumes for hubby and I to attend some Ren Faires!

Until next time...HAPPY SEWING! And, HAPPY BIRTHDAY (today) to my baby girl! (She bought herself a pair of Converse All-Stars and she's happy!)

Hello, again!

Hiya!

It's been a long time since I last blogged. I hope everyone is well!

Here's what I've been working on: cotton boxers; flannel pj pants; flannel pj shorts; and chef hat for hubby!

What are you working on? Until next time...HAPPY SEWING!

Saturday Stitching

I was able to work on a few projects today...while adding to my wardrobe! Yippee! I will look cute on the next few #datedays with hubby!

Both projects were easy and quick! The linen shorts took about an hour to complete. And, the 'playsuit' took under two hours.

In the midst of me sewing the jumpsuit, my machine slowed down quite a bit. An indication that I will be replacing the motor soon. Of course I have a backup while my featherweight gets a new heart!

Until next time...HAPPY SEWING!

Sewing Bits and Other Stuff

This past week I accomplished completing some projects.

Ruffled scarf,
Asterisk wall quilt, and
Receiving blankets for a friend!

Oh, and we had a visitor come and hang out ALL day on my window!

HAPPY SEWING! Have a great week!

Pillowcases for my Young'uns

I've needed to work on something personal and instant gratification. I whipped up both pillowcases on the serger and used the extra fabric for the cuff.

Charlie (from about 4 years old) has been intrigued by the solar system. He will be my NASA engineer. ;D

Sewing at New Heights

This past week I've been sewing stilt walker costumes. Two sets of top, pants, and the wrap (not shown).