April 30, 2015

SEWING LIFE...

...thank God for leftovers!  It means that I don't have to cook which makes it possible for me to have a little sewing session before turning in for the night. 
Black ITY knit and Burda 7340.  Solid black ITY or jersey knit is a rarity in my neck of the woods.  I would have bought the entire bolt if my budget hadn't been protesting so loudly while I was in the store this afternoon.  And so the KNIT TOP FRENZY continues...

April 28, 2015

SEWING LIFE...

...the making of a MINI weeknight sewing session
Long ago stashed pretty fabric , and

A good cup of coffee  
A great combination...

April 26, 2015

KNIT TOP FRENZY CONTINUES...

...I finished the last top for my baby girl and was able to get a couple of easy Butterick 6065's made for myself as well
NewLook 6648 Dolman Sleeved top

Butterick 6065 Tank Tops for me
All went well so I'm calling this a weekend of sewing success.  Hope that it was the same for you...

April 20, 2015

GOAL MET - PROJECTS FINISHED...

...it's been an awful long time since I've been motivated enough to spend the ENTIRE weekend sewing.  I literally had to tear my self from the sewing room last evening.  I made these three  knit tops for my daughter.
Simplicity 1916 and Vogue 8881

Butterick 6065  
I love the Butterick 6065 tank; what's not to love - great fit, cute design, 3 easy pattern pieces. I made this pattern once before for myself but now I want another one for me from this fabric.  After making both tanks there will still enough fabric left for another project.  Might as well use ever drop of this long stashed jersey knit purchased on one of my NYC trips at Metro Textiles a few years ago.

I was even able to squeeze in a fourth top during my KNIT TOP FRENZY for my sweetie but it needs just a little more work before I can actually call it done.  I'll tell you - weekend sewing is truly PRICELESS!!!

April 18, 2015

SATURDAY MORNING CUTTING TABLE ROLL CALL, PLUS PROJECTS IN THE WORKS...

...
I'm still operating in "KEEP THE CUTTING TABLE CLEAR" mode.  The only thing on here that is out of place is the container of Chinese chicken noodle soup (left over from a couple of days ago) Yummo - I'm addicted to this stuff.  It's okay for the table to be a little junkie if there's a project in the works - right?

I'm actually working on two projects today - Simplicity 1916  and Vogue 8881, both for my daughter.  I've made the Simplicity pattern before but will have to make some adjustments to it for her.  It's my first rodeo with the Vogue pattern but it should be a no brainer.  Hopefully both will be completed by Sunday evening - we'll see.  Happy Saturday all...

April 16, 2015

WORK WEAR THURSDAY...

... I finally finished a project last night - boy what a hiatus.  I think I broke my record for the most time lapsed between sewing projects.
Simplicity 1280  
I decided to go sleeveless - after all it's officially Spring; and pretty soon it'll be so hot that I won't need or want arm covering.  This is a nice jersey knit that I purchased during my first trip to Fine Fabrics last Spring - love me some jersey knit especially for tops.

An easy make - just what I needed.  This won't be one of my favorites but it will be worn.  I was up in the air trying to decide whether I wanted to use the elasticized hemline but finally opted to go with it.

Surplice tops/bodices - I'm always attracted to them but often not totally happy with the results.  This top is not as bad as others I've made far as gaping is concerned.  What is it about me and surplice tops/bodices?  I must have removed 2 inches of the part that wraps over to meet at the side seam to make it fit without gaping, and then stitched it down to make it remain closed to my liking.  Well one Spring knit top down and countless others to go... 

April 11, 2015

SATURDAY MORNING CUTTING TABLE ROLL CALL...

... this is how it ALL begins, cutting table clutter that is,

yes, it doesn't happen all at once.  It can start just by placing a simple notebook on the table and then it seems to spread like a wild fire.  However, I am determined to keep this thing clear so cutting can begin.
THE PLAN TODAY:
  • choose one simple pattern (preferably one suitable for a knit).  Why a knit?, you might ask.   (a) Because USUALLY knits are my friend, (b) Because it's been so long since I've sewn - I'm not quite trusting my judgement on pattern/fabric choice, or my sewing skills for that matter.  Have you ever found yourself in this predicament?  I don't even know if I can sew anymore!!!
  • I WILL create something TODAY!
  • It's feels good to be back in the sewing room!  I'll let you know how it goes...

April 6, 2015

I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW...

...Don't you just love ambiguous blog titles?  I do.  You know the kind that leads you to think "what in the world is this post going to be about?). As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, so when you look at this one you'll probably agree with that adage.

Compared to previous pictures, I can definitely see more clearly now.  I don't know how in the world my cutting table becomes so junkie.  I guess one piece/pile of junk (i.e., mail, magazines, clothing, shoes, etc.) at a time because it certainly doesn't happen all at once or even over night.  

  • Need to un-junk the living room real quick because company just called and they're on the way over?

  • Don't know where to put/store a particular item - just chunk it up on the cutting table?

  •  Need to sort through paperwork to prepare for filing taxes not to worry, the cutting table also serves as a glorified desk - it's a real clutter suck?

  • Don't take time to eliminate that junk mail as it comes through the door.  Look; isn't that a tiny clear spot on the cutting table? - might as well fill it up. 

    Not to mention that a junked up cutting surface seriously impedes sewing motivation because of rule #1:   you need to cut before you sew.  Hopefully I can keep this thing clear so I can finally get back to sewing....







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