tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-110995262024-03-13T15:42:04.175-05:00Li'l Miss Muffett's World of Sewing and Other AdventuresSewing*Family*Sewing*Artwork*Sewing*
you get the idea....Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438319095780906710noreply@blogger.comBlogger213125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11099526.post-55851964981295089812012-12-10T16:39:00.001-06:002012-12-11T08:34:05.213-06:00Happy Holidays!Hi guys! I'm popping in for a quick greeting! I just looked at my last post and I can't beleive it's bee a year and a half ago. Good grief! <br />
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I'm proud to announce I just finished up my first semester of nursing school! It is going so well and I'm really loving it. I took my final this morning so I'm officially on Winter Break. Whoohoo!<br />
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Now that I have a little time, I plan to do some sewing. you will not believe what happened the other day! Okay so, I haven't sat down at my sewing machine for weeks, right? Well, my husband was looking for something on my table and he picked up a box of thread and guess what was right next to his finger...? You'll never guess! A friggin' Black Widow spider!!! Yes, a Black Widow was squatting in my sewing supplies! *shudder* This really worries me though since I've only seen them outside. I hate that they have migrates INSIDE the house. Blech!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmyNgKz4KPr67RR_pF8oUkHxkqr17QtHSa5jYbwPZAKNd8QWkYTy4u8NhHLtw8OJetMn86E9xLLZ-R5ecAZf1kmnHz-un3rbYpM2XYq6CD2u0GDOHbe-fypk7jE6cVM2divXt/s1600/DSCN2618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmyNgKz4KPr67RR_pF8oUkHxkqr17QtHSa5jYbwPZAKNd8QWkYTy4u8NhHLtw8OJetMn86E9xLLZ-R5ecAZf1kmnHz-un3rbYpM2XYq6CD2u0GDOHbe-fypk7jE6cVM2divXt/s320/DSCN2618.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anyhoo, I just wanted to say "Hi!" and let you know I'm alive! I hope you all have been doing well with no venemous spiders inhabiting your space!<br />
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Merry Christmas!<br />
HeatherHeatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438319095780906710noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11099526.post-25086658342670303302011-06-08T14:54:00.000-05:002011-06-08T14:54:01.377-05:00Saying Goodbye...for now...Well, everyone, the time has come for me to throw in the towel for a bit. I really had plans for the year with lots of info and tutorials, but it just hasn't worked out. I'm simply scatterbrained and have a hard time getting myself orgainized. School and family take presidence over all. I know I haven't posted for a very long time and the posts are few and far between but I do think about the blog a lot. Right now I just need one less thing to think about. Otherwise, I'm doing well, family is good and school is great! I'm on Facebook and will continue with that since I'm in contact with so many members of my family there. So if you want, hit me up.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438319095780906710noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11099526.post-32551824130512510682011-04-21T15:51:00.000-05:002011-04-21T15:51:45.565-05:00I have been sewing...really!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You know, I think I've used that title before! ;-) I even have proof! This is one of the new patterns being released for spring by <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/">Colette Patterns</a>:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUF2DT-T_BrkoeDEbccwMFXxIGtvzj3D-IfIolViTDRiUmIQ9k1akWjFjNjnkD4D53TIDjHj-Lf8X0WPJ9qynZIRJTVUnfnm0Z5sYEgcvcxObODH8K_P64If6sWAqWMthiHXBz/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUF2DT-T_BrkoeDEbccwMFXxIGtvzj3D-IfIolViTDRiUmIQ9k1akWjFjNjnkD4D53TIDjHj-Lf8X0WPJ9qynZIRJTVUnfnm0Z5sYEgcvcxObODH8K_P64If6sWAqWMthiHXBz/s320/001.JPG" width="260" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's the <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/violet">Violet Blouse</a>. Here's the back, too:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5B5GJdeIYChtJkWk1SHk-7StluSQkXv6TuIR0kX79XIDq6xs6ArKepJSz6o-9BeAC6MsCePjekT0T3wFY5_2tHml8jHMOUlOI5dTYJ3slatpGa1RElgkKjZLr8BEvLx7PUz8/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5B5GJdeIYChtJkWk1SHk-7StluSQkXv6TuIR0kX79XIDq6xs6ArKepJSz6o-9BeAC6MsCePjekT0T3wFY5_2tHml8jHMOUlOI5dTYJ3slatpGa1RElgkKjZLr8BEvLx7PUz8/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have to say, I really love this blouse. I was a little hesitant at first when Sarai sent over the line drawings. I was concerned about the collar looking too childish but it really doesn't. Honestly, it fits so well and goes with just about everything. I've worn it with jeans, skirts, and my white capris like I am here. It looks super under my jean jacket too. My husband even noticed it (he never notices my clothes, unless it's underwear) and said he really liked it and the vintage feel it has. Yes, MY husband said that! I used a cotton voile that I found at my local thrift store. I'm not sure if it's vintage but I love it just the same. For all my sewing sistas out there, I used the size 18 and made no alterations. I think I will just lower the bust dart a bit (yes, there's one in there...) to accommodate my ginormous rack...although it is getting smaller! I had to buy new bras even! Gasp! I just haven't had time fiddle with fitting a new pattern, let alone make any new ones. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyhoo, I also made the <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/ginger">Ginger skirt</a> but I used a horrible mustard brown fabric to test it and I can't bring myself to photograph myself in it. I have a cute stiped denim that I want to make it up in using Version 3 for the chevron effect.</div><br />
I've also been busy testing for <a href="http://patternsbyfiggys.com/">Pattern's by Figgy's</a>. Below is the Jane Dress and Blouse that will be available soon! It's a lovely little dress with two sleeve variations and a blouse that has a hip sash as shown below. Both sleeves can be used for the blouse also.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhepgq6Ch2SBUyo1lUMIni-bs_WzCQ4P6wB6niLDd_hM0DTXJE1PDkz6yCHgMMWmtBey21wOEd9oNkxT4aj1LW5yCI8jXJYCyqiC2pX9jFu-uGvtFl6OfV0R5-LxizgPgHfRZ/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhepgq6Ch2SBUyo1lUMIni-bs_WzCQ4P6wB6niLDd_hM0DTXJE1PDkz6yCHgMMWmtBey21wOEd9oNkxT4aj1LW5yCI8jXJYCyqiC2pX9jFu-uGvtFl6OfV0R5-LxizgPgHfRZ/s320/005.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The little dress is made from cotton voile that may look familiar...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_MzfiUHQcM2NLxE0UkMQZzCagWx8KlGAGknC0XaZrl02ciiFf8ZeHRKrEMzfOzgK1KxlrrRtOINRJRXOoYSuChin4M0Ye81DubMaqvEPm2CFVfXRSfwX5qXOmHk5BKu2pgXm/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG_MzfiUHQcM2NLxE0UkMQZzCagWx8KlGAGknC0XaZrl02ciiFf8ZeHRKrEMzfOzgK1KxlrrRtOINRJRXOoYSuChin4M0Ye81DubMaqvEPm2CFVfXRSfwX5qXOmHk5BKu2pgXm/s320/001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The blouse is made from a lightweight cotton seersucker. </div>That's it for now. I've got more pattern testing going on here at the ol' sweatshop. More on those soon!<br />
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Have a very Happy Easter is you celebrate it! If not, have a nice weekend!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438319095780906710noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11099526.post-90524485208215983142011-03-09T11:20:00.000-06:002011-03-09T11:20:32.671-06:00Sewing for Boys!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I'm so thrilled to finally announce what Shelly and Karen from <a href="http://patternsbyfiggys.com/">Patterns by Figgy's</a> have been up to. As you probably know, I've been a pattern tester for PBF for the past several months (almost a year, I think). Recently, I was able to let it slip that these lovely ladies were writing a book....but a book on what?! Well finally we can let the cat out of the bag! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It's a book all about sewing...FOR BOYS!!! Something that I think a lot of people have been pining for. I tested just about every pattern in the book and they are all great! I even got to make a garment for the photo shoot, which was pretty exciting for me. This is the garment I made:</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiUxlO_eg-q3kU_ZpLATNx7gvc1wt_10tcqqpUUX8AT8Tssmy4AWLnIsfkBzztlpLmtC1Cpcu9GVvVWxzUo0X6ynfySPwPbwwEQkfkaW_iH97iaSGAwJaF4K2tDOwwvwxxSq1/s1600/Kai_Sewing-for-Boys-552x368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" q6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiUxlO_eg-q3kU_ZpLATNx7gvc1wt_10tcqqpUUX8AT8Tssmy4AWLnIsfkBzztlpLmtC1Cpcu9GVvVWxzUo0X6ynfySPwPbwwEQkfkaW_iH97iaSGAwJaF4K2tDOwwvwxxSq1/s320/Kai_Sewing-for-Boys-552x368.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Photo courtesy of PBF</em></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Too bad I can't be credited with making the little guy too 'cause he's darn cute! Please check out their blog for more sneaky peaks and more info!</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438319095780906710noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11099526.post-30594531860861040352011-03-03T14:25:00.000-06:002011-03-03T14:25:29.501-06:00Getting Clean ...and a Recipe!A few weeks ago I came across the <a href="http://1greengeneration.elementsintime.com/">One Green Generation</a> blog while they were going through a <a href="http://my.cleanprogram.com/">detox cleanse</a>. I followed along until they finished and it seemed like such a great experience for them! I bought the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Clean-Revolutionary-Program-Restore-Natural/dp/0061735337/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1299181579&sr=1-1">book</a> and have been working my way through it. It sounds like a cool deal to me so I told hubster about it and it's a go with him too. I want to finish the book and then we'll get started. The total cleanse is for 21 days + a week long elimination process that is done before the cleanse is actually started. I think I'll do the whole thing, but I told my husband he can at least try for the 7 day cleanse and if he feels up to it he can continue with me. I'm pretty excited about it and if anyone is interested I can do daily posts like they did on OGG. The book says keeping a journal is a good idea anyway.<br />
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Anyhoo, on to the recipe! This is another "bath and body" recipe in my quest to make myself and my environment cleaner and greener! This time it's for a powdered deodorant. I used to use just straight baking soda but found that it really made me itch so I went back to the stick deodorant/antiperspirant. I was reading recently that the soda by itself is too strong and that it should be cut with corn starch so I thought I'd give it another go. I tried this recipe and have been using it for over a week and really like it. I even got hubby on board! I'm pretty sure the recipe came from the OGG blog too, I just cut mine down so it would fit in my 4 oz. jars.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4MgzbhE0FOzYlo0Wd7fHkCIJA_nrNQ4waR1IQpM2Zh_Id7UCf06cmwdiwzMv4xYGdwmcosCE9-e5XCb9EEgMEMmOIS6Zqsw_kW0JU-3jKBE8f0lj3LKrO0U6EZNwwfm5LGPB/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4MgzbhE0FOzYlo0Wd7fHkCIJA_nrNQ4waR1IQpM2Zh_Id7UCf06cmwdiwzMv4xYGdwmcosCE9-e5XCb9EEgMEMmOIS6Zqsw_kW0JU-3jKBE8f0lj3LKrO0U6EZNwwfm5LGPB/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<u><strong>Powdered Deodorant</strong></u><br />
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1/4 cup Baking Soda ( I use Bob's Red Mill "Aluminum Free" Baking Soda)<br />
1/4 cup Cornstarch (I'm wondering if arrowroot would work too?)<br />
2 drops Tea Tree essential oil (I use NOW brand)<br />
1 Bay Leaf<br />
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Mix the soda and starch together. Add the 2 drops of tea tree oil and stir with a toothpick (or whatever you have on hand. I used a bobby pin since I was mixing this up in my bathroom!). Pour into a small jar or other container with a tight fitting lid. Stick one bay leaf in there and close up the jar. Shake to mix it all up. I let mine set overnight but I don't know if that's absolutely necessary. I'm sure you can just use it right away. To use, I take a cotton ball and use it like a powder puff to apply enough powder to cover my underarm area. It doesn't take much! <br />
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Now, this doesn't prevent wetness; although, the starch does absorb a little. I swear I have had no odor and my husband says he hasn't either! Cool! The real test will be this summer when even the store bought stuff doesn't help me out. <br />
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Next up is homemade laundry detergent! There are about a bazillion recipes on the web for laundry soaps. I'm trying a powdered one and I'll let you know how it works!<br />
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In sewing news, the time is coming when I'll <em>finally</em> be able to unveil what those crazy <a href="http://patternsbyfiggys.com/">Pattens by Figgy's</a> ladies have been up to with their book! I can't wait!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438319095780906710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11099526.post-17441714365077804472011-02-10T08:05:00.000-06:002011-02-10T08:05:37.293-06:00Good MorningHello, everyone! No, I have not fallen off the face of the earth! I just happen to be highly disorganized and bogged down with school. I really envy the ladies that are super busy and still have time to sew and post! How do you do it?!<br />
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Anyhoo....enough whining! <br />
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I haven't sat down to my machine in what feels like weeks. I will be soon as I've been asked to test some more patterns for <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/">Colette Patterns</a>! Whoo hoo! I think you're gonna love 'em! Also, Sarai has some lovely tutorials up for inserting lace for the Nutmeg pattern that you definitely must check out! I tested that pattern last year but lost my photos when the lightning struck our house and killed the comupter. I need to pull those out and retake pics! The knickers really are devine and I wear them often! <br />
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Hope you all aren't snowed in too badly! <br />
Have a great weekend!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438319095780906710noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11099526.post-73612304341765832462011-01-14T12:12:00.000-06:002011-01-14T12:12:07.332-06:00Somethings Gotta Give...I'm back hitting the books again after a glorious, month long Winter break! I have three classes this semester and it looks like they're going to be a little tougher. Especially Human Anatomy. I'm already seeing that I'm going to have to let a few things go, or at least "lessen my presence". Unfortunately this blog is probably going to be one of them. If you haven't noticed, I have a little poll in the right hand column to see what kind of tutorials and posts about lingerie sewing you'd like to see. I still plan to honor that, but the posts may come far and few between. Not that I've had any rhyme or reason to my posting to date, but you get my meaning. I figure I'll know more as I get into the semester to see really how difficult my classes will be. <br />
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As for the poll, I see most of the votes are going towards bras. My fave! So, what do you want to know? Fitting techniques? How to construct a bra from beginning to end? Fabrics, patterns, and other components? Anything?! I'm excited about putting together posts and tutorials and really want to know what exactly you'd like to see! Let me know what you want to see for the other stuff, too. Kelly asked about a bias-cut slip for the curvier set. CarlaF wants to know about fitting bras. I can do a post on sewing panties. What do YOU want to know?! Post in the comments or email me privately if you'd like. I'm all ears!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438319095780906710noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11099526.post-91695511310146605302010-12-31T08:56:00.000-06:002010-12-31T08:56:23.277-06:00Happy New Year!Hi everyone! I wanted to drop in for a quick post to wish you all a Prosperous and Happy 2011! <br />
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I've been planning for the next year and hope to share more about sewing bras and other lingerie. If there is anything you'd like to see in the way of tutorials or anything at all let me know in the comments or you can email me privately! My email is over there on the right hand side bar------------><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">A Thousand Happy New Year's to you all!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">XOXO</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438319095780906710noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11099526.post-77920066830989185562010-12-22T09:02:00.000-06:002010-12-22T09:02:00.151-06:00Handmade Christmas Wrap-upNo pun intended!<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOgT8yrM3qRcpkV6vTV7hkzwKrpmamy85WUFkbmLmRKjNtlWRGqjVlLG9mWqWsRufzI3sYvxbbxFYrVw9KtBjgzl5O93VNilxfkU8CkbiWM6CcIm1BN6BnGB5jL2NpIjADZQ-/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMOgT8yrM3qRcpkV6vTV7hkzwKrpmamy85WUFkbmLmRKjNtlWRGqjVlLG9mWqWsRufzI3sYvxbbxFYrVw9KtBjgzl5O93VNilxfkU8CkbiWM6CcIm1BN6BnGB5jL2NpIjADZQ-/s320/002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">These are the lounge pants for my eldest nephew. I hope he likes them since there isn't anything really spectacular about them. They are a super soft knit and the Ooga Booga print is kinda fun and funky. Hopefully enough so for an 11 year old dude.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Now everything is all wrapped and under the tree waiting to be taken to Grandma's on Christmas Day! I've surprised myself in that I got done early. I'm the usual type to wait till the very last minute. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope all of your holiday runnings are going well and you all are enjoying the season!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm taking a little bloggy break till after the first of the year so we'll see you all on the flipside!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>XOXO</em>,</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Heather</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438319095780906710noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11099526.post-64045230538284317992010-12-20T09:58:00.000-06:002010-12-20T09:58:10.012-06:00Handmade Christmas Part 2<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjJBqz8k79nM_bXJsjJmIRbYevjZ5CKgedY_908cgWwN3Fa1Vgl47d9yJoDYZpuu_S4U-gIKU9fPJ6EULfq_TarQLT8uiP0cVaRx-rX2AwsoCL68ozx0pgvKTNNUDxHHG4cXn/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjJBqz8k79nM_bXJsjJmIRbYevjZ5CKgedY_908cgWwN3Fa1Vgl47d9yJoDYZpuu_S4U-gIKU9fPJ6EULfq_TarQLT8uiP0cVaRx-rX2AwsoCL68ozx0pgvKTNNUDxHHG4cXn/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">I finished up the outfit for my niece over the weekend! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">I used the Ines top from Ottobre 6/2010 and it went together like a breeze! I love the little puffed sleeves and adjustable ruching on the sides. It just makes it fancier than a plain ol' t-shirt. The skirt is simply three rectangles sewn together and seamed up the back with an elastic waist. Can't get much easier!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RSJYjnQKVGkQ75UxKLjckem-fjZVzLn7ylroXZrCujPOs485wrhpDTfuljtwyyI_x7wjmLPrZRncQLyuVvYEBwE64W_6TLHi4dKTQbx4Sqv8pW_Vd3ZDrQuvaOpIfskPpXbF/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RSJYjnQKVGkQ75UxKLjckem-fjZVzLn7ylroXZrCujPOs485wrhpDTfuljtwyyI_x7wjmLPrZRncQLyuVvYEBwE64W_6TLHi4dKTQbx4Sqv8pW_Vd3ZDrQuvaOpIfskPpXbF/s320/006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I added this little panty, also from Ottobre 6/2010, because I've been wanting to try it out. The only change I made was not using the waistband. Someone else had made these up and posted on Ottobre's Flickr site that the waistband came up really high so I left it off and just added elastic. The fabric is some nylon/lycra from Victoria's Secret that I purchased through a coop, Kathy's Lace and Elastic Outlet.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I made my younger nephew a tote bag and I completely forgot to take a picture of it before I wrapped it. I guess I got so excited! I had made him one a few years ago and it has hole worn in it, so my sister thought a new one was in order. Don't think I'm not absolutely tickled pink that he used that bag so much he wore <em>holes</em> in it!! To me, that's the awesomest thing ever! ;-)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Next is some lounge pants for my older nephew. I have some Ooga Booga knit that I'm using for that. Hopefully, I'll finish those up today!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Just 5 more days until the Big Day!!</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438319095780906710noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11099526.post-62126802778492985282010-12-14T08:04:00.000-06:002010-12-14T08:04:09.515-06:00She Likes It...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQXJFOLy_SztGsfZ6XAuZzPIqPKRhfWflG1BLh1PQAMHyk9mOOj6jW6GlSyC7M9te3f3jOJp1DwmWAnox8PX4Ml9zJPWNKk2rl38mISjgLjUrb27kPx7KJDsgrrj01LVNFkto/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQXJFOLy_SztGsfZ6XAuZzPIqPKRhfWflG1BLh1PQAMHyk9mOOj6jW6GlSyC7M9te3f3jOJp1DwmWAnox8PX4Ml9zJPWNKk2rl38mISjgLjUrb27kPx7KJDsgrrj01LVNFkto/s320/003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>and says it makes her feel like a girl and grown up. I think that's a good thing.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438319095780906710noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11099526.post-27558343427204561742010-12-13T09:51:00.000-06:002010-12-13T09:51:19.851-06:00Handmade Christmas part 1My daughter, believe it or not, has been begging me desperately for a Christmas outfit to wear to Grandma's. She even wants a dress! The ultimate Jean Girl wants a dress! I think I will faint now... She showed me a picture from a magazine that has a girl in a long sleeved striped top with a little sundress over it. I said I would get to it if I had time... LOL! I'm sneaky that way. <br />
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Anyhoo, I've been pouring over all my patterns and Ottobre magazines to find something suitable and hopefully that she'll like. It's probably going to come back and bite me in the butt for not working with her on it, but what can I say, I'm a glutton for punishment! I've already finished the striped top and I wrapped it before I took a picture. Doh! It's Ottobre 2/2007 design #3(I think). I used some Chez Ami black and white striped cotton/Lycra. I actually made myself a shirt with the same fabric and the same pattern. I made mine with an aqua neckband but chose white for hers. I love that shirt and I hope she will like hers. For the dress, I'm using Lana from Ottobre 5/2010. I think the woman in the magazine looks so cute with the long sleeved dress underneath. I figured it'd be a lot more modest and warm than a tiny sundress. The most trouble I've had was finding fabric to use. Most of the knits I have are boyish or way to thin. I ended up going to the thrift shop in search of fabric and came away with a $2 long sleeved knit dress in a pretty plum color. It came with a vest too but I was able to cut the entire pattern from the main dress. That pretty much reduced it to shreds!<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphPIgPAJzQ9KYPFb7Kq9DhSxwu8kAblLUqdhpYFLzn-YBCGKGmLDkh6NFkJ4mdGq8sel76wdDwQqlqW6BVrIYrOxK2tI7aSW_4Wvmd3utHZMhgn9QKtUIhHF6ZtCUyUDNQP8K/s1600/handmade+christmas+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphPIgPAJzQ9KYPFb7Kq9DhSxwu8kAblLUqdhpYFLzn-YBCGKGmLDkh6NFkJ4mdGq8sel76wdDwQqlqW6BVrIYrOxK2tI7aSW_4Wvmd3utHZMhgn9QKtUIhHF6ZtCUyUDNQP8K/s320/handmade+christmas+001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This is all I have left!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Now I have the pattern all laid out and ready to sew. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtH_Ia13VcPI8wjUSaYIG7-71LLaFHGZex5o8uYXKxr3LMrp0nhVoEgbyTQOV0LT2Yo6Jcd8_1BxOz4rKcOKjdrbkU0ThJjclCanhGR5SpzouB7GbugowwA1Q-awi8claO6UT/s1600/handmade+christmas+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGtH_Ia13VcPI8wjUSaYIG7-71LLaFHGZex5o8uYXKxr3LMrp0nhVoEgbyTQOV0LT2Yo6Jcd8_1BxOz4rKcOKjdrbkU0ThJjclCanhGR5SpzouB7GbugowwA1Q-awi8claO6UT/s320/handmade+christmas+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I've read others' reviews and it seems like a quick sew. I'll probably get it done today while she's in school. I may wrap it, but I'm itching to just give it to her when she gets home!</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438319095780906710noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11099526.post-66715193092504025572010-11-29T15:01:00.000-06:002010-11-29T15:01:43.830-06:00A Handmade ChristmasSeriously, what could be better? <br />
My husband and I have had a rough year financially and since I have enough fabric to supply a small craft store, I'm makin' gifts this year! My nephews, niece, and niece dog are all getting handmade goodies. I'm in the planning stages as I await measurements from my sister. I need to ask my brother how big his "daughter's" neck is. I might make her a collar or something. As I get stuff done I'll share it here! <br />
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Are any of you haveing a Handmade Holiday?<br />
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P.S. I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving if you celebrate it. We did and I'm still stuffed!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438319095780906710noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11099526.post-86354916491476535302010-11-12T11:51:00.000-06:002010-11-12T11:51:00.568-06:00Sewing for the Boy!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Well, I've been sick for going on 3 weeks now. It's my danged sinuses, and I'm too cheap to go to the doctor for meds. But, I tell ya, it hasn't slowed me down in the sewing room! Besides my test sewing for the <a href="http://figgysstudio.blogspot.com/2010/11/drum-roll-please.html">book</a>, I've really been on a kick of sewing for Conner lately. He's been going through this stage where he doesn't like his jeans with snaps. His little fingers aren't quite strong enough to snap those buggers. I think most of this stems from bathroom breaks at school and having to schlep back down the hall, pants undone, for his teacher to help him with them. I certainly can't blame him! That sucks. So anyhoo, I had made him up the <a href="http://patternsbyfiggys.com/2010/05/dapper-dillingers/">Dapper Dillingers</a> awhile ago in a twill and he has really been wearing those out. I love the styling with the flat front and all. I think they look more 'grown up' than an all-elastic waistband, too. Here they are:</div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4fJ9m4yT1bpdTUF8RJ7dUBYbNPs4MMd00hsl-Hqeq_6uYFMvJzI1hsWbu5bs9uvVl-7WXtz9ErDv3nNJEImksvVRJnHVOgc66C1-TiThWeG4BrWMAOmllTjY3J8tKBCEBnB8/s1600/Dapper+Dillingers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4fJ9m4yT1bpdTUF8RJ7dUBYbNPs4MMd00hsl-Hqeq_6uYFMvJzI1hsWbu5bs9uvVl-7WXtz9ErDv3nNJEImksvVRJnHVOgc66C1-TiThWeG4BrWMAOmllTjY3J8tKBCEBnB8/s1600/Dapper+Dillingers.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I decided to make him a pair in denim since it's getting cold here in Kansas. I have some really nice stuff that I've had setting around for quite awhile. I made him some jeans a couple of years ago from it and they outlasted every pair I bought off the rack! They still look good even now, they're just too short. Conner is pretty thin, only a 20" waist, so I made him the size 4/5 Dappers. The length was spot-on, too. I might need to lengthen just a touch next time so they last even longer. I didn't want him walking on the cute cuffs, though. Although, if he did, and the fabric frayed, the cuff would be so easy to replace! For this pair, I drafted a faux fly so they would have the look of jeans. I love how it turned out!</div></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ly6sTN2O2VNhp4zqaYGU_VFKVun_0XiT45aP-VNQuTe1jO4lAmdzE0t7bHSdlPIcZSZoT9-w0-5z0b4KsMW1jVjcjZSZ4iQ-msbeCGl5P6-UYHhvCvllTu_YNEQT6cLAWJvH/s1600/Dapper+Dillinger+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Ly6sTN2O2VNhp4zqaYGU_VFKVun_0XiT45aP-VNQuTe1jO4lAmdzE0t7bHSdlPIcZSZoT9-w0-5z0b4KsMW1jVjcjZSZ4iQ-msbeCGl5P6-UYHhvCvllTu_YNEQT6cLAWJvH/s320/Dapper+Dillinger+001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Sorry about the wack-a-do coloration. I don't know what's wrong with my camera. It's almost 6 years old, that's what's wrong! You can find more detailed pictures on my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/missmuffett/5166773311/">flickr page</a>!</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I also made him another pair of jeans. This is from one of my favorite Ottobre patterns. It's from the 1/2009 issue and is design #21, among others (it's the base for several styles in the issue). They are an elastic waist pant and are somewhat slim fitting although it doesn't look it on him! They are so easy to throw together; I swear it takes me about 30 minutes. Plus, it's a blank canvas for all kinds if embellishment: pockets, patches, etc. Next go on these, I will add a faux fly too and maybe a separate waistband.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4t4Y2RmDpzeDnK6DIoV34_9zFxJU8af4ewWV29moKMX1eCIeZyEOE20mot4ije-bnhvpR1u46nXyqU4RQKs6RLbD3Oov27A6QPVLjIR0-puNvt7t8T4K4hWAiS3YXZ1TGQp0f/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4t4Y2RmDpzeDnK6DIoV34_9zFxJU8af4ewWV29moKMX1eCIeZyEOE20mot4ije-bnhvpR1u46nXyqU4RQKs6RLbD3Oov27A6QPVLjIR0-puNvt7t8T4K4hWAiS3YXZ1TGQp0f/s320/001.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwCUuHtU0WaUNPEWlEiGQLorg-pw7olNK0QWYbOjOK1XmEfyxSmx9iHHYMxchcZXjx_YZztqWB3qokIglcBoTqbsbZ8bkiuDPvBY3LFoKp2Hp-vZbqzx4mb8-ALrtFSbKU4E0/s1600/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwCUuHtU0WaUNPEWlEiGQLorg-pw7olNK0QWYbOjOK1XmEfyxSmx9iHHYMxchcZXjx_YZztqWB3qokIglcBoTqbsbZ8bkiuDPvBY3LFoKp2Hp-vZbqzx4mb8-ALrtFSbKU4E0/s320/005.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">And last is a <a href="http://patternsbyfiggys.com/2010/05/tee-for-two/">Tee for Two</a>! I made this up using some of Patty Young's "clown stripe" knit that was gifted to me by <a href="http://figgysstudio.blogspot.com/">Shelly</a>. It's some pretty lush stuff. I've read about the extreme shrinkage so I washed and dried 2-3 times before I cut into it. He wore the shirt and then I washed it on cold. The second time it was still the same size so I think we're good.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEVAaAZDd4oq12zjLh09ZCe0Eddrb-mE-u0HtI3RxIDgdHh7z2E4WcVMKwHIy0Y-2a36QrgMb7Nj4gqE8WP4QoyHyjheZmI9CVS-KQA-nIq3jOqiGJBjvwZAwob6NbJiQu-Hv/s1600/Tfor2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEVAaAZDd4oq12zjLh09ZCe0Eddrb-mE-u0HtI3RxIDgdHh7z2E4WcVMKwHIy0Y-2a36QrgMb7Nj4gqE8WP4QoyHyjheZmI9CVS-KQA-nIq3jOqiGJBjvwZAwob6NbJiQu-Hv/s320/Tfor2.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">It fits so good and I love the slimmer cut, too. These are a fast sew and they have raw edges so no hemming! Makes 'em go that much faster! I was going to cut out a few more but didn't get around to it. I think this weekend I'll buckle down. He really needs some long sleeve shirts!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">It's kind of funny because I just told <a href="http://bred2make.blogspot.com/">Millie</a> how my kids were getting to the point where they don't want to wear "Momma Made" stuff. This week Conner has worn at least one handmade garment each day! We even had two days where everything down to his undies were handmade. Love those days, even for myself! So I guess I'm eating those words, Millie! Ha! And I'm tickled pink!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! We have a chance for snow! I think that's a perfect reason to snuggle up in my sewing room!</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438319095780906710noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11099526.post-82639015067887417152010-10-30T22:21:00.001-05:002010-10-30T22:22:05.747-05:00Happy Halloween<div style="text-align: center;">Just a quick post to wish everyone a fantastic Halloween! </div>This is the first time in 13 years that I haven't had to make a costume. I'm a little sad... but also a bit relieved since I've been so busy. I have no cute pictures to offer either. I'm a slacker, what can I say...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Everyone have fun and be safe!!!</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438319095780906710noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11099526.post-31893326576799440892010-10-18T12:19:00.001-05:002010-10-18T12:25:53.070-05:00Those Sewing Whirlwind Pics!Hi! Happy Monday! <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">First off, I want to sincerely thank each and everyone one of you for your kind comments about my Mother-in-Law on my last post. You all are just such a wonderful bunch of people! You truly warm my heart. That may sound cheesy and cliche, but it's true dammit and I make no apologies. She is doing much better now, thank you. She spent 5 days in the hospital and we found out this all stemmed from a really horrible sinus infection. She feels better than she has in months so we have been wondering how long she's been carrying around this infection. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Anyhoo, I finally had some time to snap pictures of my 'whirlwind sewing escapade'! This is a pretty long post, so go grab a cup of tea real quick! ;-)</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Okie dokie, Numero Uno is the easy peasy <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/2008/07/tutorial-circle-skirt.html">circle skirt</a>. I think this took all of about 30 minutes to make, cutting time and all! I just plugged my measurements into the formula given in the tutorial. The only thing I changed was the waistband. Instead of using wide elastic I used a brown cotton/Lycra and made a band about 14" wide x my waist measurement. I then stitched up the side and folded it in half, wrong sides together. Aligned the raw edges of the waistband and skirt and stitched them together. This makes the very comfortable "yoga waistband" you may have heard of. I can leave it wide or fold it over. For the hem, I was able to use my handy dandy rolled hem foot on my regular machine and <em>voila</em>! A skirt!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsCpsdo8UIBNI6kQ3h34tJyMg-C7R3ZR_xIkp0jum84WjHb8qvQJSqh-GYiouRTirForuZnd5MuJtTMl4ONsLVDW8w5wGy43O-JMpID0MMX2pTo45P9ahxRNLGhSTcF1WzX_m/s1600/DSC00073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsCpsdo8UIBNI6kQ3h34tJyMg-C7R3ZR_xIkp0jum84WjHb8qvQJSqh-GYiouRTirForuZnd5MuJtTMl4ONsLVDW8w5wGy43O-JMpID0MMX2pTo45P9ahxRNLGhSTcF1WzX_m/s320/DSC00073.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The fabric is some I've had in my stash for probably 10+ years. It's kind of a weird color and I have nothing to wear with it at the moment. The fabric is most likely poly and has a touch of sheen. It's sort of a heathered brown/gray with peach... I dunno.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Next, is the bra. This is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/52234835/merckwaerdigh-pattern-bhl15-for-big-size">Merckweardigh BHL15</a>. She now has an Etsy shop and the patterns are in English! Whoo hoo!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fYi7koARoz1k_gb4A635guxEsDwdctDmz276fhMOQ9HKoQzbJnP9EAu5jBBi2_JazHI1Io3uwicez9y_b7DyjfRNUO2sr8eYuNH9FaIdKNeO3Byk2tvO9_eWR5sVRVwNpAqF/s1600/DSC00074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fYi7koARoz1k_gb4A635guxEsDwdctDmz276fhMOQ9HKoQzbJnP9EAu5jBBi2_JazHI1Io3uwicez9y_b7DyjfRNUO2sr8eYuNH9FaIdKNeO3Byk2tvO9_eWR5sVRVwNpAqF/s320/DSC00074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> I used some odds and ends to put it together but I like how it turned out. I've made this bra before but I used all stretch fabric and it wasn't supportive at all. That bra is too big now, but I thought I'd try this pattern in a non-stretch fabric. I bought this tricot last year to use for some custom order panties and was dissapointed to find that it was a bonded nylon tricot. Bonded = No stretch, what-so-ever. The shop said nothing of this in their discription, of course, so I ordered it. It worked out fine though because it happens to be the perfect fabric for bras! My favorite RTW Freya bra is made of some similar stuff! Well, anyway, after all that the bra didn't fit in the cups, which is really too bad since the band and underwires fit perfectly!! The lower cup is good but the top squishes my breast tissue in a very unflattering manner. I'm thinking, and if I can get up the guts, I can slice the top cup while wearing it down to the seam and measure how much I need to add then transfer those findings to the pattern. I still haven't gotten up the nerve yet but I may try it. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Lastly, This is my mock-up of <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8546-products-9220.php?page_id=863">Vogue 8546</a>:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsooSNCO4C_NtEV0DzgSU0OTuBCcziNpYvlYoR5weYJOjqZjDSG3Bmy2SErcG5sTTKEFyBt9Y7Jezwj9HGh7Bk9wPJEzEyEHZnQYHvfugN-inu74kPo-NYfjbnxg-0ixHTL7q6/s1600/DSC00080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsooSNCO4C_NtEV0DzgSU0OTuBCcziNpYvlYoR5weYJOjqZjDSG3Bmy2SErcG5sTTKEFyBt9Y7Jezwj9HGh7Bk9wPJEzEyEHZnQYHvfugN-inu74kPo-NYfjbnxg-0ixHTL7q6/s320/DSC00080.JPG" width="215" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">This first picture turned out all fuzzy for some reason. Sorry 'bout that!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bpB2AOPWvhSMjUdy_uHpxGiaf2C4_UyhaqRpuczSRsrm9GM4Q6-c2Z3-My3GzJNvWqgp2cogUUifcQPtEq9tP0UnqCkK3ixj_TZIf0Sp8QHMeJtCnetm2A_gCAwA9gQIVR6_/s1600/DSC00079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5bpB2AOPWvhSMjUdy_uHpxGiaf2C4_UyhaqRpuczSRsrm9GM4Q6-c2Z3-My3GzJNvWqgp2cogUUifcQPtEq9tP0UnqCkK3ixj_TZIf0Sp8QHMeJtCnetm2A_gCAwA9gQIVR6_/s320/DSC00079.JPG" width="247" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The back shows the wacky fabric a bit better. I really should take a close-up. It's some funky stuff, I'm tellin' ya. I'm forever attracted to the funky fabrics, though. I have a slew of '70's polyester autrocities, but I love 'em just the same. This fabric has a little bit too much body for this jacket. I think it will be much better in something more fluid. That's something I don't have in the stash at the moment, though! This fabric adds too much bulk in front and that's something I really don't need! All-in-all, I really, really like the jacket! It's very comfortable and I'm keeping my eye out on a good deal for some wool jersey. The only thing I'm going to add is a big button, kind of where my hand is in the front view, to hold it closed. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Now for a bit of exciting news! As you know, I have been a pattern tester for some time. Most recently working with <a href="http://patternsbyfiggys.com/">Patterns by Figgy's</a>. Well, the lovely ladies behind PBF, <a href="http://figgysstudio.blogspot.com/">Shelly</a> and <a href="http://onegirlcircus.com/">Karen</a>, so very graciously asked me to be one of their pattern testers for their NEW BOOK!!! It's coming out next year! Yes!!! Shelly and Karen are writing a book and I get to help test for it. I'm also now an official tester for Wiley Publications. My name will be in the book and on their website and everything! Needless to say, I'm so excited and feel so honored! The only thing that really sucks is I can't tell you what the book is about. YET! As soon as I get the go-ahead, I'll let you all know. I can tell you right now some of you are going to be most pleased...</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, I guess that's it. I think I have about three posts in one here folks, but it's been building up! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Have a wonderful week!</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438319095780906710noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11099526.post-6523682943620219452010-10-11T20:16:00.000-05:002010-10-11T20:16:59.617-05:00Feeling the BlahsWell folks, I really have a lot of stuff to show you and some very cool news, but I feel like shit. I had to put my Mother-in-Law in the hospital on Friday. That was an all day affair, of course, and I've been up there with her most of the day, everyday. Hopefully we'll have her out tomorrow. I haven't got a damn thing done and now I'm really starting to feel like hell. I hope I'm not getting sick but it's going around. Grr, I just don't have time for that. <br />
Conner and I did go get batteries the other day so my camera is up and running. I'll try to post pictures sometime this week of the things I've made. I already had a picture of my brown Schoolhouse Tunic (I forgot about that the other day) so I can share that with you now! Gratuitous dog shots included!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfwn6C1Fte6iOF6Nfs1IViJvTH47f4YaiH9txt9Br5Csi6fV5YtSpMJgxJBN1fIUXmxy0tyokPC-FoE4ZVsgGmSBO_BgLyZkCGguM2N0xrWstzxb9gK9cGAkobVQbWuanY_wU/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfwn6C1Fte6iOF6Nfs1IViJvTH47f4YaiH9txt9Br5Csi6fV5YtSpMJgxJBN1fIUXmxy0tyokPC-FoE4ZVsgGmSBO_BgLyZkCGguM2N0xrWstzxb9gK9cGAkobVQbWuanY_wU/s320/012.JPG" width="304" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438319095780906710noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11099526.post-76659656799285535102010-10-05T10:42:00.002-05:002010-10-05T11:37:17.064-05:00Sewing Whirlwinds Are the Greatest!Wow, this is my 200th post! How about that?<br />
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Well I had a nice sewing whirlwind of a weekend! No homework is the greatest thing ever. Ever! I made no less than 4 garments! And guess what? My damn camera is out of batteries so I have nothin' to show! Yet. Anyhoo, here's what I made:<br />
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1. Panties for a custom order. (I can't show these 'cause they're all packed up to be shipped.)<br />
2. My Brown Schoolhouse Tunic (which I love and have worn twice already)<br />
3. A super easy circle skirt for me, a la <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/2008/07/tutorial-circle-skirt.html">MADE</a>.<br />
4. A BRA for me! (Can you believe it?)<br />
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I'm also working on <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8546-products-9220.php?page_id=863">Vogue 8546</a>. I've been wanting to make the jacket/cardigan up for quite some time now. When I saw that <a href="http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com/2010/10/vogue-8546-muslin.html">Debbie</a> was working on it the spark was renewed. I don't have many large pieces of fabric in my stash that would work but I found a crazy double knit from the '70's that was long enough. It's a bright cherry red and kind of obnoxious. I'll post a pic of that too!<br />
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After I pick up the li'l mister from school, we're going on a battery run.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438319095780906710noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11099526.post-49742676082931468952010-10-01T20:51:00.001-05:002010-10-01T21:12:03.422-05:00School House Tunic #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Friday to ya! I finished up my toile or "wearable muslin", if you will, of the <a href="http://www.sewliberated.com/patterns.html#school">Schoolhouse Tunic from Sew Liberated</a> this morning. I gotta say, I LUV it! </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MAaARyUii-j9_WnvTqnxP_JC8bWKE95JMntBVXdbcqI6S7eJq_35-1EAwe6ZGSzW5y-DPS1hlkDW5bl_7Dk-rorPXB3XBltKD4I8K-BsDITxsHBxWRTJm7dOLO-ItfzlcUc2/s1600/School+House+Tunic+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MAaARyUii-j9_WnvTqnxP_JC8bWKE95JMntBVXdbcqI6S7eJq_35-1EAwe6ZGSzW5y-DPS1hlkDW5bl_7Dk-rorPXB3XBltKD4I8K-BsDITxsHBxWRTJm7dOLO-ItfzlcUc2/s320/School+House+Tunic+007.JPG" width="223" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It may not look like I like it here, the sun was in my eyes... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before I cut into my brown fabric, I wanted to test this baby out. This style of front, empire seam to be exact, is not always my friend since it's almost always to short to cover the girls. I think the style itself looks pretty good on me, when it fits. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I did a kinda-sorta tissue fit. I just held the front piece up to get an idea of where it would hit on me. It was fer sure too short. I guesstimated that I needed about a 1 1/2" FBA. I use the method from <a href="http://www.palmerpletsch.com/store/index.htm">Fit For Real People</a> for adding a dart to a dartless top. It should be noted that the fabric is not really the right kind of fabric for this tunic. It really needs something with more drape. This is a stretch poplin that I've had in my stash for awhile. It was a long enough piece so I just went for it. It just has too much body so it kinda sticks out from <em>my</em> body when I wear it, and boy does it wrinkle like a mofo! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYgJus974N1tZIIO4NqjDFv7uZedyncLz6T6xnxXhbXDACa9Wf9gWJIVXMZbfFmw-m7A6PyG6yf-4QyfFV_HLX24QJKhK5gaDEGnGhb6HacDjLEyDXLAgOxeMmjrFUac6b7iu/s1600/School+House+Tunic+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisYgJus974N1tZIIO4NqjDFv7uZedyncLz6T6xnxXhbXDACa9Wf9gWJIVXMZbfFmw-m7A6PyG6yf-4QyfFV_HLX24QJKhK5gaDEGnGhb6HacDjLEyDXLAgOxeMmjrFUac6b7iu/s320/School+House+Tunic+009.JPG" width="245" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back. Wrinkles. Meh.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8qJpAACvV_QTPC9yKHMU1ceZ8ZA-0VjD94-5KDZmKNwrATWZ_dRJQVeAvESWBe8HQ6liw5rUbGktAUWDEqeFxKyAhBT1RKF5jbrAyqEyjvRip0sVQbGx0AHXrKbTw-cNQq9u/s1600/School+House+Tunic+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8qJpAACvV_QTPC9yKHMU1ceZ8ZA-0VjD94-5KDZmKNwrATWZ_dRJQVeAvESWBe8HQ6liw5rUbGktAUWDEqeFxKyAhBT1RKF5jbrAyqEyjvRip0sVQbGx0AHXrKbTw-cNQq9u/s320/School+House+Tunic+010.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Belted. I really like this look. Helps cut down on the poof factor.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjna2lCUD4pEMNqTDceOGRLKrsT24zaljR7CSPE94GgYi36ABcV7fZibkF6tUXQrLrrjLa8WgYaiHgPSAsbs-Ib1Np1xIGuEC3aDKVUkrnbZQbpq9F5iTV0wM0AWmreYCoqOhta/s1600/School+House+Tunic+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjna2lCUD4pEMNqTDceOGRLKrsT24zaljR7CSPE94GgYi36ABcV7fZibkF6tUXQrLrrjLa8WgYaiHgPSAsbs-Ib1Np1xIGuEC3aDKVUkrnbZQbpq9F5iTV0wM0AWmreYCoqOhta/s320/School+House+Tunic+011.JPG" width="269" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My little ham. He wanted to get in on the action. He made sure I said "cheese".</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8rKN6LsL6dBnpmjrCu87KXCxv1Ofksm_DU4Z9DBTBFehF66_6mCMmWhUU9dC4rqbqNV79jDCC-79fk1JYfW6a_VG20da9boE6gBFbDO0zNWKZbdqHuTmKjmlIWd3_h0fJYh1/s1600/School+House+Tunic+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU8rKN6LsL6dBnpmjrCu87KXCxv1Ofksm_DU4Z9DBTBFehF66_6mCMmWhUU9dC4rqbqNV79jDCC-79fk1JYfW6a_VG20da9boE6gBFbDO0zNWKZbdqHuTmKjmlIWd3_h0fJYh1/s320/School+House+Tunic+001.JPG" width="305" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's one before I did my hair and makeup. It shows the lines a little better.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnRHjqaVkpwge6JMV66TRJdElg_Y3qzOh221jejNP3g7C6JwCWVi1NXE7VrkC-SQ7BoePHg_mRtfaiZzCIWSENHN2SWlZBGeDPfB2FZvFGQLsTF5iX9ATu7HM29jlaYHbatEU/s1600/School+House+Tunic+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnRHjqaVkpwge6JMV66TRJdElg_Y3qzOh221jejNP3g7C6JwCWVi1NXE7VrkC-SQ7BoePHg_mRtfaiZzCIWSENHN2SWlZBGeDPfB2FZvFGQLsTF5iX9ATu7HM29jlaYHbatEU/s320/School+House+Tunic+003.JPG" width="235" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And another. This shot is to emphasize the poof factor with this fabric. I'm <em>not</em> pregnant. You can see the bust dart I added here better, too. On my next version, I need to raise the point up about an inch because this one doesn't point to my apex. I also don't really like the elastic in the sleeve. I think I'll just take that out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All-in-all, I really like this top. I've worn it all day and I've been very comfortable. There are lots of styling options, which is a bonus. When I was working on this last night, I tried it on over my jeans and that looked pretty darn cute, too! I hope to get my brown version done this weekend since I ended up not having any homework. Woot!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have a Happy Weekend!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438319095780906710noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11099526.post-58793536147439545612010-09-26T11:05:00.004-05:002010-09-26T13:39:10.571-05:00Fall Sewing<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Fall has to be one of my favorite times of the year! I love the crisp air. I love taking the kids to the pumpkin patch. Just the general feeling and smell of Fall. I don't know how to describe it. One other thing is wearing layers! I'm not fortunate enough to have a beach bod so tanks and shorts are not really my thing. Jeans, sweaters, skirts with boots, and long sleeve tees...that's my thing. I just splurged on <a href="http://www.sewliberated.com/patterns.html#school">this pattern</a> from Sew Liberated:</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvopvt5VX9IRHzTQ9wB3kmMu8HIUu2wxLAQqXJVPfa7zvTlrezfO0GtjL7471JSzjskdPYe-U5vJDAEmMX_q8eWmMKW5S_mnWqrmM5nCAiIkVe-2wEspdxy6k_ZZxzKHdYQE_/s1600/school_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvopvt5VX9IRHzTQ9wB3kmMu8HIUu2wxLAQqXJVPfa7zvTlrezfO0GtjL7471JSzjskdPYe-U5vJDAEmMX_q8eWmMKW5S_mnWqrmM5nCAiIkVe-2wEspdxy6k_ZZxzKHdYQE_/s320/school_large.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I see this becoming a staple in my wardrobe. The tunics I've seen made from this look really good. I have this cute brown rayon I picked up at the thrift store the other day, 4 yards for $4, that I think will work nicely. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugMpR9dLCsbN9ShdjTFfjuheOzeadC83JMFZBmOJT6CEu6Rub87naiApuJKLFZA6iVM69mqbiB8Y6B3WfFFFMs7MyVYYbIMCrlcagbAtOmKY0Y1AKLVbK9JHqn-knAVF47plc/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugMpR9dLCsbN9ShdjTFfjuheOzeadC83JMFZBmOJT6CEu6Rub87naiApuJKLFZA6iVM69mqbiB8Y6B3WfFFFMs7MyVYYbIMCrlcagbAtOmKY0Y1AKLVbK9JHqn-knAVF47plc/s320/001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If you've made this, let me know what you think of it!</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438319095780906710noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11099526.post-42731009080628009692010-09-24T15:24:00.000-05:002010-09-24T15:24:22.403-05:00Another award!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iQGYDQwCADVwq5Pj5Scly9mxt_bHSeEw50qys42Mg_TR8Kj17byEn83JLnjNpUtD4b6TPWcm6bdvGugus8kxyyGOa-ZVIL2IsWcBU-lcjTZ0DF3owIt3bj7Nsy2Sfal9Apsj/s1600/SPARKLE_AWARD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0iQGYDQwCADVwq5Pj5Scly9mxt_bHSeEw50qys42Mg_TR8Kj17byEn83JLnjNpUtD4b6TPWcm6bdvGugus8kxyyGOa-ZVIL2IsWcBU-lcjTZ0DF3owIt3bj7Nsy2Sfal9Apsj/s1600/SPARKLE_AWARD.jpg" /></a></div>Holy crap! <a href="http://fivemuses.blogspot.com/">Clio</a> just awarded me with this lovely little award! Wow, two in the space of less than a month. I'm feeling awesome. I just 'found' Clio's blog recently. She makes <a href="http://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2010/09/creating-and-destroying.html">beautiful</a> <a href="http://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2010/04/review-and-final-thoughts-christening.html">things</a> and she is venturing into sewing lingerie. You all know I feel about <em>that</em>! Anyhoo, the rules for this award are:<br />
1. Tell us what you like about your own blog. <br />
2. Then send the award to 10 other blogs that you read.<br />
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Hmmm...what do I like about my own blog? Well, I love writing about sewing and it's such a thrill to see that other people enjoy it and hopefully learn from me. I get emails with questions and I'm so happy to help other seamsters out. I've "met" so many wonderful people through my blog, too! In the area I live there is not much sewing activity. Sure, there are the quilters but they are really clique-y and I've yet to find someone who makes their own clothing. If I do find someone and try to engage them in a conversation their eyes glaze over for some reason so I just shut up. I don't get it. Anyhoo, it's wonderful to have this seemingly unlimited supply of sewing friends! <br />
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Okie dokie, on to my nominations! I read a LOT of sewing blogs! These 10 are just a very small sampling of blogs that I enjoy reading, get tons of inspiration from, and/or the ladies behind the blogs have become darn good friends (in alphabetical order):<br />
1.<a href="http://beangirldesign.blogspot.com/"> Beangirl</a><br />
2. <a href="http://biginjapanadventures.blogspot.com/">Big in Japan</a><br />
3. <a href="http://cheapandpicky.blogspot.com/">Cheap and Picky</a><br />
4. <a href="http://creabh.blogspot.com/">CreaBH</a><br />
5. <a href="http://feathertysews.blogspot.com/">Feathe</a><a href="http://feathertysews.blogspot.com/">rty Sews</a><br />
6. <a href="http://figgysstudio.blogspot.com/">Figgy's</a><br />
7. <a href="http://kbdesigns74.blogspot.com/">Just Keep Sewing</a><br />
8. <a href="http://katiekadiddlehopper.blogspot.com/">Kadiddlehopper</a><br />
9. <a href="http://onegirlcircus.com/">One Girl Circus</a><br />
10. <a href="http://jemimabean.blogspot.com/">Quality Time</a><br />
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The only thing I hate about these "chain letter" kind if awards is I'm seriously leaving a whole bunch of blogs out! Gulp! I mean really, take a look at my sidebar and how stinkin' many blogs I have listed. Also, I'm sure several of these ladies have been nominated for this award before. If they have then they're off the hook...for now. <br />
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Well, that's all I have for you lovelies today. I have been sewing, A LOT, but it's not something I can talk about yet. Are your curiosity juices flowing? Good!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438319095780906710noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11099526.post-5372280574465081462010-09-07T20:31:00.001-05:002010-09-07T20:33:48.093-05:00I have been sewing...really!Yes, it IS true! I have actually been sitting down at my machines and sewing stuff! First, I want to apologize to any of you who had trouble posting comments. I've had a couple of people email me and say they couldn't. I think I got it fixed so let the commenting commence. I love hearing from all of you!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-p_SvGRIIC-aZcx4YHVWDkfdlBDN2lubLhf9-q_y2jWjy85zZBaqM-mVbxtwXltK6j1uRTL_6pJc3cdNbeKTh0MkhrKHT_4wTL77eQQeB3dVToHJ7U7F6CX96itLlZOB2O2WY/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-p_SvGRIIC-aZcx4YHVWDkfdlBDN2lubLhf9-q_y2jWjy85zZBaqM-mVbxtwXltK6j1uRTL_6pJc3cdNbeKTh0MkhrKHT_4wTL77eQQeB3dVToHJ7U7F6CX96itLlZOB2O2WY/s320/022.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This picture is as good as it gets for now!</span></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Okay! First sewing project is <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m5893-products-10130.php?page_id=108">McCall's 5893</a>. I finally made myself a maxi-dress! Better late than never! The fabric was bought last summer and I never got around to it. This is supposed to be an easy one hour dress but it has taken me like a week to finish. I cannot place any fault on the pattern though. It's been all me. The fabric I used was pretty thin and stretchy so I decided to add a lining to the bodice. I just used the outer fabric and cut another bodice piece for this. For some dumb reason I thought I could stitch the neckline and armhole and then it would all turn inside out perfectly. Well, no that didn't happen. No matter how I twisted and turned it just didn't work! I tried and tried to figure it out but since I basically had two tubes attached by two big pieces of fabric it would never work. So, I spent over an hour on that little gem before I realized I was just going to have to rip the armhole seams out. There was no question. Dammit! Amazingly, I found a tutorial on how to do this type of bodice with a lining just in the nick of time but I'll be damned if I can't find that blog now! I may have to do up a tutorial myself on it 'cause it's a pretty handy technique to have stashed away in the ol' noggin! If anyone is interested in a tut let me know and I'll get to work on it. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I also did a 1.5 inch FBA and it turns out I didn't need it. The fabric stretched sooo much I ended up taking out 4" on each side. Yes, a total of 8"! That's just ridiculous. I *almost* started ripping the bodice and skirt apart and then I smacked myself back into reality. I just cut that sucker apart and re-sewed it. This ended up being a very good thing since the bodice and the skirt were both too long and now they're just about right. The bodice is still a bit long. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Another thing I changed was I didn't make a casing at the bodice/skirt seam as directed. I hate doing that and think it looks really sloppy. Instead, I just measured the elastic to fit around me just under my bust. Then I stitched it to the seam allowance just as you would a waistband; quartering the elastic and dress, stitching with a zig-zag while stretching the elastic to fit. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaE3_ihRVBEdlOx5jqs-b9M6YUXUkOgVLoTceZ5iJ1tulfpIvKZpJwwcwwI_Mfif_RD39Y5fqTcirTFgpgupFJ4OLP6g8BUJbKBBWCZrDRwcfN6nhLzNuxGFL33W4YN5jfm8Qn/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaE3_ihRVBEdlOx5jqs-b9M6YUXUkOgVLoTceZ5iJ1tulfpIvKZpJwwcwwI_Mfif_RD39Y5fqTcirTFgpgupFJ4OLP6g8BUJbKBBWCZrDRwcfN6nhLzNuxGFL33W4YN5jfm8Qn/s320/006.JPG" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Wow, that doesn't make a lick of sense but you understand now why a one hour dress turned into a 1 million hour one.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Next up is some more sewing for the little girl I used to babysit. She's turning three so I wanted to make her some new outfits for fall. I've only made these little pants so far. I used Ottobre 1/2009 design #21 for the base. I adapted it into one piece instead of two so you just cut out, sew the inseam and crotch, hem, and make the waistband casing and yer done! Love that!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPU83TrOUaDL0UsAnsYyZAx-p9925z7B9q1qHzTsqHUuOJw8d2bHxou9D6x_XxekDMtx9FCaHbfRntnONK2_PVuaKOn7bl4KuPhaI1CFbxCMPn6FMbgpDwIDM95hTO4FL0VFuO/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPU83TrOUaDL0UsAnsYyZAx-p9925z7B9q1qHzTsqHUuOJw8d2bHxou9D6x_XxekDMtx9FCaHbfRntnONK2_PVuaKOn7bl4KuPhaI1CFbxCMPn6FMbgpDwIDM95hTO4FL0VFuO/s320/002.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now I just need to find some fabric to go with this rosy coral! I'm having a really hard time. None of my knits go with it, unless I use white, so I'm probably going to have to use a woven. I have some more knit tops to make and maybe some jeans. I'll share those when I get done!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Looks like lots of back to school sewing has been going on around the blog-o-sphere. I love to see all the cute stuff people are making. The weather is starting to turn cooler and the trees are starting to let go of their leaves. I love this time of year! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438319095780906710noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11099526.post-55181431067820372842010-09-04T16:05:00.000-05:002010-09-04T16:05:18.375-05:00My first Award!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpc5G_0t1-1hzoXGYLhsWx9y0WlZ2tomWNHtdML94zu9VlRDb6djfgSVHSVAV0r1wCdgg4UfnMvL-0LAIj_DOvVwVxgb-K5fauxcXrVuFUuuegvJitrtaURrvydpw36ddn-06/s1600/beautiful_blogger_award%5B5%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpc5G_0t1-1hzoXGYLhsWx9y0WlZ2tomWNHtdML94zu9VlRDb6djfgSVHSVAV0r1wCdgg4UfnMvL-0LAIj_DOvVwVxgb-K5fauxcXrVuFUuuegvJitrtaURrvydpw36ddn-06/s320/beautiful_blogger_award%5B5%5D.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The totally awesome <a href="http://biginjapanadventures.blogspot.com/">Big In Japan</a> nominated me for this award and I feel pretty honored! She's cool, a rock star, and has a bunch of awesome lookin' tats. I have to admit I have a bit of a girl-crush on her too(Shhh...don't tell).<br />
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Anyhoo, since I'm the recipient of this mighty honor I'm required to tell 10 things you may not know about me! I'm pretty boring so I don't really know how entertaining this is going to be. Just fair warning to you all.<br />
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1. I got married right smack out of highshool. Well, about three months after graduation. I was 18 and he was just barely 20. We celebrated our 16th Anniversary on September 1st!<br />
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2. If I could be anything, I would be a dancer. Not an "exotic" one, although my husband would probably enjoy that for his eyes only, but a serious Dancer.<br />
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3. I used to want to be a tattoo artist. I had the machine, ink, supplies, and everything but it just didn't work out. I thought we were going to be able to move to a larger area so I could try for an apprenticeship and then the economy tanked. Now I'm just glad my husband has a job!<br />
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4. I think you all may already know this, but I'm going back to school. I never went to college, so it's been pretty exciting for me. I always wanted to go, and it's a bit of a dream come true.<br />
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5. I have a dark side (really, who doesn't?). I don't show it very often but it's there. Dark, fetish-y, underworld-y stuff is intriguing to me. I imagine the really gross aspects of my nursing career will be more fascinating than appalling.<br />
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6. I was only 21 when I had my first baby. Many people thought my husband and I got married because I was pregnant. Ha! We showed them!<br />
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7. I always have dreams where I'm back in highschool and I don't know my locker combination or my class schedule. I'm always the age I am at the time, too. Since when do 30-somethings attend highschool? What is up with that?!<br />
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8. The older I get, the more I'm becoming a germ-a-phobe.<br />
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9. I watch cartoons. On purpose.<br />
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10. I'm painfully shy. Seriously, if I know I'm going to meet new people I get really nervous and kinda sick. People probably think I'm a snob but I'm really just trying to hold myself together! LOL! Maybe when I dig deeper in my Psychology class I'll learn more about why I'm like that.... Once I get to know someone I'm pretty silly and loud.<br />
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Oh! Thank goodness that's over. I had a hard time thinking of stuff! This is more difficult than I thought!<br />
Now it's my turn to nominate! Several of my blog friends are already nominated so these may be duplicates for some. I'm suppose to nominate 5, but I'm doing 6! All of these ladies are just plain awesome!<br />
<a href="http://bred2make.blogspot.com/">Millie</a><br />
<a href="http://kelly.hogaboom.org/">Kelly Hogaboom</a> <br />
<a href="http://line4line.blogspot.com/">K. Line</a><br />
<a href="http://sewing-lingerie-myself.blogspot.com/">Tina</a><br />
<a href="http://figgysstudio.blogspot.com/">Shelly</a><br />
<a href="http://katiekadiddlehopper.blogspot.com/">Katie</a>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438319095780906710noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11099526.post-34393843015794999072010-08-17T10:50:00.000-05:002010-08-17T10:50:38.963-05:00School's in Session!I had my first day of school today! Well, just one class actually, Psychology. I was so nervous walking in there! My heart was pounding and I got the dreaded sweaty upper lip. LOL! My teacher seems really nice. She's upbeat and I think she'll be great. My husband had a Psych. teacher that had this low, monotone voice that was the worst! I'm so glad that's not the case with me. Let's hope my English teacher tomorrow is great too. <br />
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I've been sewing a little. I'd like to try and get a few things made for myself. I need to figure out some sort of schedule so I can fit sewing in with my classwork and Mommy duties. If anyone has any hints let me know! In school as a kid, I was the one who always got in trouble for "not using time wisely"! Unfortunately, I'm still that way. Ha! <br />
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My camera is busted so I have no pictures to share. I'm searching for my daughter's but have had no luck! <br />
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Well, I'm off to read the handouts I got this morning!<br />
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Have a great week!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438319095780906710noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11099526.post-57509536244397419382010-07-27T09:30:00.000-05:002010-07-27T09:30:44.808-05:00Lookie...lookie! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ffp8dCd3VB5vFPbzFQOCH0yLK9dQ_5wS4_-alogs2dQDYe88KrwGwlNyf_ONV0yAbYn2XpdfDnQP8iL7mM2yzn5En6GDt55cc0ttvRoACksdseo0kNMuAgfYhUAgycaUKLlG/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ffp8dCd3VB5vFPbzFQOCH0yLK9dQ_5wS4_-alogs2dQDYe88KrwGwlNyf_ONV0yAbYn2XpdfDnQP8iL7mM2yzn5En6GDt55cc0ttvRoACksdseo0kNMuAgfYhUAgycaUKLlG/s320/002.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Got these in the mail yesterday! One of the perks of test sewing for PB Figgy's is all of us testers got copies of the final patterns we tested! Isn't that sweet?! Way more than I was expecting. I'd say this is a pretty good gig! :-) <a href="http://kelly.hogaboom.org/">Kelly's</a> kids are featured on the front covers and I though that was pretty darn cool! On <a href="http://modkidboutique.blogspot.com/">Patty Young's blog</a> she has a little excerpt from the 2010 Bernina University Fashion Show and it features the Beach Bum Hoodie and Board Shorts!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The kids are spending the week at my parents so I'm getting ready for a garage sale this weekend. Not exactly what I enjoy doing but it's so much easier when they're not around and sifting through everything. Usually there are whines of, "you caaaan't sell thaaaat!!" So, it's best to do this sans kiddos. Then I'll be gearing up to sew some back-to-school clothes. I did get the Riff t-shirt from Ottobre 3/2010 made Sunday night but Conner wore it to Grandma's and I didn't get a pic of it yet. I used a striped knit and didn't do the guitar applique this go 'round. It was incredibly easy to sew and I did most of it on my regular machine. I just used my coverstitch for the hem and to sew the neckline and armband seam allowances down. Also, the bra I made, the Kwik Sew 3300, ended up being fit for the princess so I see a few more of those in store. She actually said it was comfortable! Holy crap! Now, if she was just telling me that...I dunno. I have tons of pretty fabrics and lace so she should have a nice collection here pretty soon. I so desparately need new ones myself but I'm waiting a little while to see if the girls shrink anymore. I'm planning on amping the ol' excersize routine once school starts and I have more time. Both of my classes are in the morning so I'll have extra time in the gym before I pick up Mr. C from school. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Y'all have a great week!</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05438319095780906710noreply@blogger.com9