HAPPY BLOG ANNIVERSARY TO ME!!!

Today marks my THIRD BLOG ANNIVERSARY! Having a sewing blog has been a big asset to me, and instrumental in helping me improve my sewing skills over the last three years. Talk about inspirational, challenging and informative all wrapped up in one. Why in just the last year I've stepped out of the box and taken on some projects that I thought I'd never be brave enough to try. Oh, I still have a wadder every now and then; I still know where all my mistakes are - but I'm now less likely to point them out to those who wouldn't know the difference anyway. I've made lots of garments that I am so proud to wear....,

...and I've enjoyed the process along the way. Many THANKS to my fellow bloggers who have answered questions, given me encouragement, and made so many lovely comments about my projects.

ALSO, many THANKS to all who have signed on to follow my blog. It amazes me to think that so many people find my blog interesting, and check in from time to time to see what I'm doing.
I've been saving a copy of my most used sewing resource for an anniversary GIVEAWAY drawing!
The drawing for the book will be next Wednesday (CHANGED TO SATURDAY 2/13/09). Contestants must:

• be followers of my blog by that time,
  
• comment their interest in the drawing on THIS this post,
  
• and let me know your favorite pattern (OOP qualifies).

I will ship. In the meantime, HAPPY BLOG ANNIVERSARY TO ME!!!

TRUSTY TNT PATTERNS YIELD NEW OUTFIT...

QUESTION??? Just how many times do you have to use a pattern before it becomes a TNT, two...three?

This week I worked on this Butterick Blazer. A week to make a slightly tailored TNT blazer is not really that long at all. But, if that is true, why does it seem that this project took way to long to finish? I didn't do a muslin because it was my second time using the pattern, and because Lisa help me fit the shell. That part was actually done two weeks ago and after that I put it aside and took time to make the matching pants to finish out the January pants sew-a-long. I worked on the jacket a little every night during the week. I worked out any problems that I experienced by sewing in my mind while at work. DO YOU EVER SEW IN YOUR MIND? I incorporated some minute tailoring techniques in the garment. I made lined faux pocket flaps; trimmed the lapel and under collar to achieve just the right amount for proper turn of the cloth; used armo bias strips to ease the sleeves, inserted sleeve headers and shoulder pads, and topped the whole project off by using hem tape on the jacket bottom and sleeve hem. Of course the jacket is fully lined. I started to add pad stitching to the under collar and lapel, but opted to save that for another project. I am quite pleased with the jacket so here is a picture of my finished garment.


There are flecks of red, teal and beige mingled in this tweed fabric. I have a slightly charmusey (made up word) like teal fabric that I will use to make a top for this suit, and there is still a pencil skirt to come from the same fabric. Might as well stitch it up next while the machine and serger are already threaded with brown.

So on with the matching tweed skirt....

FINISHING UP THE MONTH (OR TWO) OF PANTS,AND SOME ADDITIONAL NEWS...

As I mentioned before, I had committed to making three more pairs of pants in January for the Pants Challenge. Well, I only got one pair finished, that's sewing life for you. I finished the wool blend tweed pair last night after a little tweaking, serging each seam, lining, hemming and doing the buttonholes. It was a slow process for some reason, but I am very satisfied with the pants, fit and all. I ended up with only a minute amount of wrinkling on the left side. The pants feel really good wearing and sitting and the lining makes for ease in pulling them on. This is officially my TNT pants pattern now. Although I really do not mine all of my pants being the same style, I think I will give Simplicity 2700 another go just to try and conquer the contoured waistband. (I do hate for something to lick me.)

I took a picture of my hem showing my hem tape. My friend asked me why I use it. I know that it's not absolutely necessary, but I after I've made something that I think is special I like to add this little touch. Yes, nobody knows it's there except me, but that just adds to the specialness - you know what I mean I'm sure.
The jacket and skirt are to follow. I have the jacket about 1/3 finished; at least the shell is sewn together and has been fitted - which is part of the battle. Now for a little tailoring, the collar, the sleeves and lining. Should I shoot for an estimated finish date of next weekend...mmmmmm, we will have to see.

Additionally, just passing this breaking news along....

It is always such a pleasure to know that people find your blog interesting, maybe a little informative and actually enjoy reading it. I received a email from Janome last week announcing not one but two contests that they are running concurrently. The contests are called "Pass It On" and the prizes are FABULOUS! I am thinking of entering! For one of the contests you enter with a younger person and you both win prizes. I have just the younger person in mind too. The contests end March 31st, so there are two whole months to work on it. You can read all of the details at www.janome.com.

BACK TO PANTS FOR A MINUTE OR TWO...

I was able to meet my goal of three pair of pants made up during the Month of Pants SewALong in December. Well, the challenge turned into the Month or Two of Pants and was extended over into January. I really thought I'd be able to make three more pair this month, but that didn't happen. With four more days until the end of the month, I am determined to finish one more pair.

I am so in love with tweed and purchased this brown herringbone from my friend Ebony in early fall. It has flecks of yellow, teal, red and beige in it. I think it has many possibilities since I can wear it with four different colors of tops (you know what a top person I am). I purchased 5 yards of the 60" wool blend with the idea that I'd be able to make a jacket and matching pants from it. To my surprise there was enough left after cutting the jacket and pants to cut a straight skirt - thus I'll have a three piece mini wardrobe when it's finished.

I'll need to line the pants because the wool blend is a bit scratchy, but the lining should make them a breeze to slip into. Of course the jacket and skirt will also be lined. I'm sticking to my slightly vintage Simplicity TNT pants pattern and after trying them on three times for fitting purposes here are my results.



Only slight wrinkling on one side of the front this time - yippee! After the lining is attached I'll take Gwen's advice and pull them up until the wrinkles disappear, mark a new waistband stitching line and they should be good to go.

I'll be back with the finished product real soon....

A BOOK REVIEW and A FINISHED PROJECT...

I simply cannot get my Amazon widgets working today. However, I've been wanting to review this new book for several weeks now and decided to go ahead and review now, and fix my widgets later...

By now you have probably figured out that I am an advid reader, howbeit not so much of fiction, but mainly of self help books or those that will teach me practical things. Recently this pretty little book called "Ribbon Crafts" found a way into my collection.


I must say that there are numerous projects/techniques (and not just bows, although I like them too) included in this book that I am seriously think of incorporating into some of my sewing projects. For instance:

• gathered flowers
• serpetine gathered flowers
• looped petals
• continuious petal flowers and indiviual flower petals
• ribbon roses

There is even a section on ribbon embroidery with instructions so clear that it looks as though even I will be able to pull off successfully. I'm really excited about this, I can see this ribbon embroidery being added to my next chanel jacket. This is a great book, and in reviewing it all kinds of embellishments for my fashion designs are floating through my head. I think "Ribbon Crafts" would be a welcomed addition to any sewist's resource collection.

There is also a section on making up some unique ribbon trims. I'm thinking about running out to the fabric store to pick up some gray ribbon to add to this newly finished project....

This is my latest cowl neck top. I really love this top, it's the third one that I've made from this pattern (adding the Hillary Duff collar). I'm going to need to trace off a new Simplicity 4503 top pattern because it's out of print and I'm killing my pattern (l0l). There is nothing like a good old TNT pattern.

Now here's my new cardigan. (And yes, I am in love with twin sets - always have been.)

I used the same McCall's 5978 cardigan pattern but so wanted a rounded neckline instead of the V neckline. I was quite successful in morphing this pattern with McCall's 8155 (which I'm sure is OOP) at the center front and neckline to get a different version of the cardigan (a new feat for me). The following picture gives a look at the rounded neckline hidden by the cowl collar.

My friend Lisa picked out my buttons when I couldn't make up my mind. She did a good job, I think they are so cute. Making buttonholes on this fabric - not so cute. My practice ones kept coming out perfect, but the ones I put on the top not so perfect. After putting the project in time out for a couple of days I finally decided to try making them using another machine (thank God I have others). I was finally able to get them in suitably last night. I'm in love with the set!, and will be wearing it to work tomorrow with black or charcoal pants - haven't decided yet.

Is there another set if twins in my forecast? Yes, indeed...

FINALLY, MY CARDIGAN...

I've wanted to make THIS cardigan every since it first came out in the fall but I just could not get to it. When SHELIA made it up I fell in love with it even more. Well I finally got "A ROUND TUIT" this weekend. Am I pleased...yes! I had this nice charcoal gray knit several months ago and knew right off the bat that it would become McCall's cardigan twinset. I thought the cardigan would be a great place for some of the black rose and lace trim that I had left over from my Chanel jacket project. I love it on this project too. I still have 2 1/4" yards of the trim left so it's bound to show up on another garment eventually.


This is a repeat of the cowl neckline razer top that I made during the Month of Tops where I drafted a McCall's Hillary Duff pattern to a Simplicity pattern.



My kids are trying to teach me how to do model poses (lol).





Mmmmmmmmmmmmm, let me see what's up next........

MAIL....

SOMETIMES, yes sometimes mind you, I love getting mail. Look what came in the mail for me today.

KNOW HOW MUCH FABRIC TO BUY, WITHOUT A PATTERN IN HAND!

• Sometimes the perfect fabric catches your eye and demands to be bought, but you do not have a particular pattern in hand. How much should you buy?
• These reference cards will help you estimate as accurately as possible, by providing tables that summarize actual fabric requirements from real patterns, broken down by outfit size and fabric width.
• Over 2,000 patterns were used to build the tables, including patterns from Simplicity, McCalls, Butterick, Vogue, Burda, Neue Mode, Kwik Sew, Hot Patterns, & New Look.

The cards are available at this link. I've wanted these ever since I first heard about them. They are so cute and will not take up too much room in my purse (I already carry an overloaded purse). I think the cards will help me a lot with good on the spot estimates in purchasing fabric I love but don't know exactly what pattern I'll use for it. There's a card for everything I sew: dresses, jackets, tops, skirts and pants. What a Great idea!!!

FIRST GARMENT OF 2010...

Well, I finished the skirt for my Chanel suit today! So this completes a goal set in 2009, making a suit from fabric my Mother gifted me. It feels good to have it finished, I kept feel as though it was a UFO even though it wasn't even cut out yet. Too bad I don't even feel like putting it on TODAY, so pictures will follow as soon as I am able to find some boots that fit. I WANT BOOTS, and I'm having the dickens of a time find low heeled ones that fit.


I opted for a centered back zipper because I didn't think I could line up the plaid with an invisible zipper. So that means I'll have to make more skirts to get some invisible zipper practice in. I have exactly 3/4 yard of this fabric left. I saw that Barbara made a Chanelish like purse with a chain out of this type fabric so maybe one day I can get one made up.

2009 RECAP...

I thank God for 2009. I must take the time (even on my sewing blog) to reflect that although 2009 was a hard year, He graciously FILTERED it for me, my family and my friends. Without Him things could have been a lot harder. So with that in mind I've entered 2010 asking for His continued filtering and protection....Now on to sewing related things:

Total Garments made: 53 (I am definitely a jacket and tops person)
12 Jackets
22 Tops/Blouses
3 Dresses
8 Pants
8 PJ's

I started 2009 with a simple list of 5 things that some how expanded to 10 at some time or another. So let's see how I did:

1. Add more color to my wardrobe.
I did do better in this area, but need to constantly stay conscious of adding color so my wardrobe won't be so drab.

2. Practice the stand collar application.
I must admit, fear makes me refile any pattern that I pull out with a stand collar. I've made some really ugly ones in the past and just don't want to see another ugly one. This goal moves over to 2010.

3. Practice Welt Pocket application.
I did purposefully schedule 3 welt pocket sessions. I did manage to get them in on one of the jackets that I made. Paco even sent me samples of two of his expertly done welt pockets all the way from Barcelona so I could see the technique up close. I will do others.

4. Practice invisible zipper application
I didn't make any skirts last year or dresses that needed an invisible zipper. This one moves to 2010.

5. Practice Hong Kong finish.
I didn't address this item - over to 2010.

6. Practice bias tape making.
Discovered Cindy's method and bias tape making is a success.

7. Experiment with Burda and Patrones.
Thanks to Angela and Paco for sending me magazines. I made 2 BWOF tops and 1 Patrones top and a Jacket.

8. Make a Chanel Suit from the fabric my Mother sent me.
Although a big challenge, the Jacket was a success. Started the skirt yesterday.

9. Perfect pants pattern.
Of the 8 pair of pants made this year my last pair was the best fit. I joined the Month (or two) of Pants sew a long, and that helped me focus on pants last month. I'll move this goal to 2010 and attempt finding my perfect fit this month again - I think I'm almost there.

10. Ahhh my secret sewing goal.

I didn't even get a chance to address this item. Not sure that I'll move this over to 2010 as of yet.MY FAVORITE 2009 GARMENT

As for my 2010 goals:

1. Practice sessions for:
. Invisible zipper
. Collar application
. Honk Kong finishes

2. Continue working on Fitting Pants.

3. Focus more on 4 to 6 piece Capsule sewing.

4. Try (a little) Home Decor.

5. Concentrate on sewing things that I really, really, really like more.


Besides my goals, I like to take the time to thank all of my sewing friends for visiting my blog. Especially the 123 bloggers who have signed up to follow my postings. DO YOU KNOW JUST HOW SPECIAL THAT MAKES ME FEEL??? You have not gone unnoticed! I'm checking you out too! My wish for all who visit here is a year filled with many happy and productive sewing hours; health and prosperity; and much sharing and learning for us all....

Additionally, the very productive Linda awarded me with this lovely Sugar Doll award. Thank you Linda!
To accept the award I need to list 10 things about myself and award it to 7 other bloggers. So here goes...
1. It's the New Year so I'm planning a major closet overhaul and overall house reorganization... feels like I've been here before.
2. As much as I sew, sometimes it seems that I haven't sewn enough.
3. I'm the oldest of 4 siblings (3 girls and 1 boy)
4. In my family you have only 1 child or 4. That's been the pattern for over 5 generations now. My daughter is an only child, and she has 4 children.
5. I feel the need to start living by lists again. Goal setting is so important in my life.
6. I'm a real spring/summer person even though I was born in the fall.
7. I love to cook gourmet style, but I love southern home cooking just as well.
8. I need to get motivated to redecorate my home.
9. I love to travel, but I've started hating to drive. I need to find me a driver.
10. I need to plain and make a special dinner for my friends - it's been a while.

I'd like to present this award to the following bloggers:
Kathi
Barbara
Ms. Choize
Adelaide
Andrea
Angelia
Sharon

MY LAST 2009 POST...

I had planned on getting some year end sewing done today to complete a couple of my sewing goals. But, as you know, things don't always go as planned. During my long drive home from my visit with my daughter I had fond visions of closet cleaning and some major de-cluttering going on up in here. What I didn't plan on was coming down with the creeping crud! In spite of all my handwashing, dressing properly and the rest I still got it.
My mind wants to do some productive things, but my body is screaming "get some rest". I did make a pot of beef stew (comfort food) rather than a pot of soup - and it did hit the spot.

On the sewing side of things, I did make 5 pairs of PJ bottoms while on vacation. My Mother says that working with all of that flannel may have aggravated my sinuses - I tend to agree with her especially since they produced so much lint when I pre-washed and dried them. But I'm so glad that I got them done. My kids really appreciate the handmade jester. I call it creating memories. I also did some repair work while I was there. Replacing buttons, mending and even replaced a front fly zipper in a pair of pants - which is not an easy task for me. I am so glad that I took all of my sewing stuff with me. Me and Bessie (sewing machine) felt right at home in my Daughter's dining room.

Still didn't make it to Mary Jo's Cloth World. They closed early on Christmas Eve (I had called before hand to get their hours) so I didn't get there on the way up. And traveling back I wanted (needed) to get past that Charlotte morning traffic as quickly as possible. I drive, but I don't do heavy traffic very well. Lord help me! Maybe I get to Mary Jo's the next time I go up for a visit. As you can imagine, I really didn't need anything anyway - just wanted to have a look.

My Daughter did take me to both Hancocks and JoAnn's there in Greensboro. I picked up a nice piece of black ponteroma that I've been wanting and was unable to get here (used my one and only 40% coupon on that) and also a nice weight taupe knit. I got in on the zipper sale - think I got 6 or 7, picked up thread and a few buttons. I also got a clear embroidery foot, a pin tuck foot, and a joining foot, because I'm trying to build up my collection. Now all I need is that ruffler, a walking foot and a rolling foot - unless there are others that I don't know about. If you know of any more - please let me know.


I'll review my '09 sewing year as soon as I feel a little better. Until then Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year...

MONTH OF PANTS #3

Just how many times did I try on these pants in the construction process! I wish I had actually kept count.

Originally I committed to three pair of pants for the Month of Pants Sewalong. This my third pair. In my last post I wrote about the trials of picking loose all of the stitched and serged seams. Talk about thread everywhere! I even laid down a big beach towel to catch thread and afterward took it outside and shook it off. I think that work paid off though as you can see here in my third pair. Much, much better than pairs one and two thanks to Gwen. I have minimal wrinkling on the right side. I guess I must have marked the waistband area a little crooked on that side - thus the wrinkles there. I cut into my buttonhole at the waistband (dang), but all and all I don't think they are bad at all. Glad I finally get to say that! I have ALMOST reached total satisfaction! On my next pair I think I'll wait until I have help caulking the waist seam and I know the next pair will be even better. Having this good of result lets me know the technique really works. Sometimes even when I know the answer to fixing a problem I still can't figure out in my head exactly how it's going to work. It's always so nice when it actually works.

Wrinkling on the legs should disappear wearing real shoes

I haven't had cuffed pants in eons so I decided to add them to this pair for variety. Since the sewalong has been extended through January, I plan on making 3 more pair that will, like this pair, have matching jackets eventually.

Only a few more days left to work on my goals. Me and Bessy (my sewing machine) will be traveling tomorrow, and we'll be making PJ's for the four grands while visiting. In addition, I think I'll pack up a couple of things to work on for myself while there to try and knock out a several of my lingering 2009 sewing goals.

Don't think I'll post again until after Christmas so in the meantime, please be safe and enjoy your families!