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).

One sock a year later

...and am truly starting on the second to the pair! I had a lot of 'false' starts (knitting the cuff and having to take it apart because of a mistake). Then, life happens...I just keep going!

Walkaway Dress

Butterick 4790

I've been wanting to sew this dress since last year! And, finally...I made my muslin. Now, to look through my stash and find pretty fabric! I planned to be a good steward and use what I have on hand for my projects; only to buy when necessary! ;D

This pattern is simple and quick which means I can make more than one dress using lots of pretty fabrics!

I agree with all my sewing blogger colleagues...that you should ALWAYS sew a muslin first before cutting your pattern from the 'good' fabric!

I will update when I find a fabric...HAPPY SEWING!

Instant Gratification

I've been under the weather a bit.

And, my constant project at the moment is knitted dishcloths.

I wanted to sew something quick! I just got my new biz cards and needed a new card holder!

So, back to bed, I go to rest and knit more dishcloths...satisfied!

HAPPY CREATING!

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year and hope all is well thus far!

2011 ended with great accomplishments creatively (and, personally)!

I love making/giving (and, receiving) handmade gifts!  For my family in Chicago, I purchased fleece to make throws.  For my niece and youngest nephew, I added binding (cotton and microsuede fabrics) to the edge of their throws.

For my dad, I used a solid blue cut of fleece and a cut of  flannel shirting fabric for the backing.  No binding, I "quick-turned" the edge!

For my sister's throw, I simply fringed the edge using pinking shears.  It turned out lovely!  And, for my eldest nephew's throw (not shown), I fringed the edges of his solid blue fleece using regular shears.

They all are enjoying their throws!

In between Christmas sewing, I purchased flannel and cotton remnants from JoAnn's to make boxers for my son.  When my two youngest daughters knew I was sewing boxers; they wanted boxers, too!

I found a really nice cut of pink flannel with black silhouette print of ladies on them in the remnant bin and made a pair for the 2nd oldest daughter...she loved them!  NOTE: if you are going to shop from the remnant bins, make sure that you have at least 26" or more of fabric; or just purchase 7/8 yard of your fabric choice!

It's a really simple and free pattern on Burdastyle; Michael Boxers pattern!  I am still sewing boxers!  Valentine's Day is fast approaching!  A nice present for your hubby!

Since I was on a flannel "thing" AND my brother and his wife had their first baby, I have been sewing cloth diapers!  There is a great and free pattern, Rita's Rump Pocket!  I found her instructions to be very easy to follow and they were pretty quick to make.

I will be making inserts for these diapers using the microcloths (?) that you use to dry your car.  You can purchase a pack at Wal-Mart (Automotive section) cheap!  When sewing with this pattern, I suggest sewing the channel for the elastic.  It looks better and it snugs the legs better - no leakage!  I will be making more of these throughout the year to donate!

Until next time....HAPPY SEWING/CREATING!

To Market, To Market

...to show my wares!

It fell good to get my mojo back!

I love these wristlet purses!

...and key wristlets.

I didn't sell a single thing!  But, I had an awesome time talking with the people!

Now, onto creating items for the shop and completing Christmas projects!

Until next time...

HAPPY SEWING!

Let's Catch-Up!

Drastic changes in my life from October 2010 to now!  But, I've kept to my creativity!

I created this Art Bra for Florida Hospital Fish Memorial's, Braz for the Cauz Auction; to raise money for uninsured women to have mammograms.

...the materials and my thoughts;

...idea in motion;

...theme = "Ice Cream Dreams", which represent hope and happiness!

And, that's what we need to hold on to, 'HOPE'!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you all!