December 20, 2008

BACK DOWN MEMORY LANE....

All of the knit tops that I made in November were really quick projects since I had wanted to do really easy sewing for a while. I was in Knitsville for an entire month and when I started my next project this month it seemed to be taking a long, long time to complete. I couldn't help but wonder if I had stayed in easy Knitsville too long. Well, with work and two nights school per week it has actually been three weeks since I started this project - and it is not finished yet. Well school is finally out for Christmas, and my stressful night class is over too so I think I'll be able to get my rain coat project finished before New Years.
I'm combining features from both of these patterns to create my own look.













This is my progress on the project thus far:
I used a light weight interfacing on all pattern pieces to give this twill like fabric a little more body. I had to fight with this decision for a while (to interface or not to interface) and at first I used an interfacing that was a bit to stiff. I had to really use a lot of steam to remove it before replacing it with the lighter weight interfacing which gave a much better result.

Now I have to add some buttons, belt loops, tabs on the sleeves and a few more touches to really bring this thing to life. Oh, I forgot to say that it is fully lined. I've wanted a raincoat like this every since my friend Lisa made her black and white version early last spring.

CAN ANYONE GIVE ANY ADVICE ON WHAT TO DO TO ADD SOME WATERPROOFING TO MY RAIN COAT FABRIC?

I finally paid a visit to the antique store that carries what I call vintage patterns that Ebony has been telling us about. Their pattern collection consisted of four cabinets each with four or five drawers - and I looked through each and every drawer this morning. Looking through those patterns was a trip back down memory lane. I say this because I saw so many patterns from my past sewing life (remember I had a 15 year sewing interruption) several of which I bought for memories sake. I bought a few others because I really liked them and could see some real possibilities.

I really like this very easy Vogue pattern - it's a sheath like dress with a vee'ed front neckline. I got two Christmas craft patterns, and no I won't get around to using them this year.

These are two chanel like jacket patterns. Rember I still have that beautiful boucle that my Mother sent several months ago.

I like the back of the New Look Pattern and think it will make a nice sun dress for the summer (come on summer! And I had this wrap skirt pattern back in the 80' and loved it .

I made this two piece knit outfit back in the 70's. I remember that it was the first cowl neckline that I ever made. I loved that outfit too. This McCall's pants pattern use to be one of my favorites. I made this pattern over and over again because I had so much success with it. The pattern I bought today is much to small, but if any of you run across it in a size 16, please let me know as I would like to use this pattern again.

I know you will probably not believe this...but I used this last pattern for my wedding dress. Hey it was the 70's, and yes I wore a mini dress and it was sooo very pretty. And yes I was 17 years old and weighed a mere 122 pounds soaking wet. It was in white lace the one on the left....
NOTE: Needed to add a post script here on the wedding dress; I didn't make it but this is the pattern that was used.

December 18, 2008

GUESS WHAT!

TODAY'S MY BIRTHDAY



...AND I am queen for the day
...AND everything in the world is some shade of pink because that's the color I want it to be today
...AND I do think that I have a beautiful heart (although I vent and can be a bit mean at times)
...AND I am blessed to have lived another year
...AND I am healthy
...AND I have a lot of people who really love me and who I love
...AND I am covered by the Blood of Jesus!

Paying Homage to Black Pattern Designers...

...for years February has been set aside as a special time to learn about and recognize accomplishments of African Americans and other peopl...