IT WAS ANOTHER FRIDAY NIGHT SEW-IN...

...and I decided to participate since my sewing production has ranged from unusually slow to non-existent over the past couple of months. I used the sew-in as a motivator to get some things done that I had been procrastinating on. For the July sew-in I altered two very cute but unwearable skirts that I had made two summers ago. The skirts had become unwearable because I've lost weight, and inches.

NEWS FLASH: As of today's weigh-in I am down 16 pounds, 10 inches! That puts me half way to my goal.
Ya'll help me pray that I can keep it off this time.

I used the August sew-in as a motivator to finish up a Home Dec project started for a friend back at the end of May. That's correct, I've procrastinated on this since May. The tablecloth was made from three 50" x 84" drapery panels that I had to un-hem on four sides each, then piece together (I used french seams), to make the fabric wide enough for the project. Then we meticulously calculated the circumference of her antique (belonged to her grand-mother) table. After cutting the big circle, the fabric was turned under and hemmed twice. When I started to pin the fringe to the bottom, I discovered that there wasn't enough. Of course when she returned to Hobby Lobby to get more they were out, and we had to wait for an order to come in. When she told me that she wanted 2" cut off before attaching the trim, I just sort of completely shut down because I wanted to finish the thing, not do more work on it. Then I got really ultra busy with four graduations (one of them my own), an out of state trip, work, and three out of town conferences. What can I say, I just kept putting it off and putting it off some more. All the time feeling tied to it and not really being able to commit to anything else sewing wise. Having UFO'S make me feel imprisoned.

This sew-in seemed to be the perfect solution to this problem. I finished it!, and here's a picture of my first Home Dec project in a very long time. Completing this tablecloth also helped me accomplish one of my #4 2010 Sewing goals although it's not a project for my own home.

4. Try (a little) Home Decor.

In the meantime I took the last pair of white pants for a test drive yesterday. Although I really thought they fit well a couple of weeks ago when I made them, they are now feel and look too big and need to be altered. I've started adding a built in escape route in my pants by adding a center back seam in the waistband. This makes altering just a little bit easier. So altering these pants will be my next project for the weekend...

UNINTENTIONAL PURCHASES....

....have you ever gone into a store with plans to buy absolutely nothing! I guess you might ask, "why go to the store then"? Well, the new Joann's in Macon advertised that they were distributing their Teacher Discount Cards starting Saturday with the infamous disclaimer "while supplies last". Being the lover of fabric stores that I am, I really needed to get that card before supplies were exhausted.

With this in mind I made the trek to River Crossing, which is no short distance, to get my 15% discount card but with all intentions of not purchasing a thing. There was a long waiting line when I got there, so I thought I'd take a little look around. To my surprise, the nice purple plaid nubby textured fall suiting fabric was still there. I had eyed this fabric ($12.95/yard mind you) on an earlier visit when the store first opened. I thought that the fabric was really beautiful and would make the cutest jacket/skirt suit for fall, but would cost me at least $45. Having just returned from my annual New York trip with loads of fabric, another $45 would not fit into the budget - so I convinced myself to leave the fabric there. After all, I just can't have everything my beady little eyes want!

But you know how it is - when I got home I had a bout of "not buying remorse" about that fabric. Have you ever experienced that feeling before? I told myself "you should have gotten at least a yard and half for a fall skirt". But oh well, so it is with not buying remorse. Figured it would be all gone by the time I got back to the store. But guess what, it wasn't. I not only got my 1 1/2yd of the purple plaid nubby stuff, and an additional 1 1/2yd of a cute black and white plaid to boot! I had to talk to myself and convince "me" that...not every suiting fabric has to become an entire suit (duh!). Yes, I do talk to myself on the regular! It sometimes saves me from much financial remorse. Notice I did say "sometimes", because I have also been known to argue right back with myself with amazing logic, but this time the sensible side won out. To make this trip an even better scenario, Joann's was offering an additional 20% teacher discount for Saturday only! So, I got fabric for two new fall skirts for $24...Yea me!!!
I can see either new skirt paired with a black wool blazer (already in my closet), and simple black and purple crew neck sweaters (yet to be purchased from Chadwick's) for two classic fall work outfits. It's wonderful to have some degree of fashion building foresight, isn't it?....

I KNOW, I KNOW...

I am obsessed with summer white pants! With the glorious summer months swiftly waning by the minute, I find myself almost at the mid point of August, but I just had to get yet one more pair made for the season. I promise that this is the very last white pair as I am a little old fashioned when it comes to packing away my whites once Labor Day arrives. After all I wouldn't want to be punished by "Serial Mom"! Do you remember that movie?
Well, here's my last pair for the summer made from my TNT pants pattern - Simplicity 8707.
I've also added a new book to my sewing library.

Palmer & Pletsch's "Easy Easier Easiest Tailoring" was gifted to me by my new blogger friend Elsie Cole at elventryst.blogspot.com. Elsie holds a B.S. in apparel design from University of Delaware, and says that this was one of her text books while in school. She was nice enough to share it with me and I think it will prove invaluable to me as a resource in my jacket making. I'll be boning up on this book because I know for a fact there's another jacket in my very near future. Thanks again Elsie!!!

Elsie is a model and has recently entered a contest to win a role in the famed "Madmen" television series. I voted for her online just this afternoon because I think she is a perfect candidate for the part. Here are recent pictures exhibiting her 1950ism.If you are interested, you can cast a vote for her too at this link:
madmencastingcall.amctv.com/browse/detail/LMBF9K

THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER...AND A BOOK REVIEW...

...the period between early July and early September when the hot sultry weather of summer usually occurs in the northern hemisphere.
In the middle Georgia or (The Heart of Georgia), we have started using our "Dog Day" vocabulary: heat advisory (stay in the house); heat index (the temperature is this, but it really feels like this).

Well, yesterday the heat index in Warner Robins was a sniffling 117 degrees! Can you imagine that! I really, really can't remember it EVER being as hot as it was yesterday. Wet hair, wet clothing, and forget trying to have a hairdo! Well, that's what happens during the dog days of our summer ya'll.
My summer traveling is all finished except one out of town- one day meeting on Monday; and the one day I've set aside to attend the Bronner Brothers Hair Show in Atlanta in August. Yesterday I started setting up my BRAND SPANKING NEW (totally renovated and expanded) high school classroom. Our entire school has been renovated; talk about BEAUTIFUL!!! I had to physically move my entire classroom twice before the end of the school year in order to facilitate the renovation. Needless to say stuff is all over the place and I can't find anything. It will probably take a week and a half to get it looking like a class room. But this is so exciting! Pre-planning is the first week of August with school starting on the 9th.
I still can't believe that it's been a full month since I've touched my baby:
I have not worried the least about my little sewing hiatus. I've had so much going on since the beginning of June that I just went with the flow as far as sewing was concerned. I was starting to think I needed a little something to jump start my enthusiasm when I read about this virtual sew-in.
I planned on choosing a pattern to get something started for this, but decided instead to refashion two to of my Lilly Pulitzer knock-off skirts that I made two years ago. Dropping 10 pounds and 7 inches seems like such a little accomplishment, but it has really made a difference in the way some of my clothes are fitting. These two skirts were a little too big in the waist, and a little too a-lineish and long for my taste right now, so I decided to make some changes.


I hope that refashioning these two skirts count for this Sew In. After all during Dog Days I still need to wear things that scream summer - like these prints (LOVE THEM). Let's see what else I can come up with today.....
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Lastly, but certainly not least, I have a new book! The author is someone that many of us are already very familiar with - Deepika Prakash, founder of Pattern Review.com.

I became interested in sewing again after a 13 year hiatus, and to me sewing was not "like riding a bicycle". I had lost or forgotten many of the useful techniques that I had once used on a regular basis. I was like a fish out of water floundering around trying to make garments that not only looked decent, but also fit well. That is when I started my Internet search for sewing information and help. It wasn't very long before I found Pattern Review.com with it's wealth of resources. The founder has now compiled "1000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts & Tips" from hundreds of the site's members under one convenient umbrella - this book.
What a neat, "I wish I had thought of doing that" idea. I really love reading books like this, and have often found many little nifty techniques that make my sewing easier. Why work hard when you can work easier? The book's nine chapters are neatly categorized so that sewing information is easy to find.
It includes chapters on:

• Sewing Gear

• Setting up Your Sewing Room
• Design & Pattern Prep
• Fabric, Thread & Notions
• Layout, Cutting & Marking
• Fitting
• Sewing
• Finishing, &
  
• Embellishments

In addition, some very well known masters teachers, such as: Sarah Veblen, Susan Khalje, Kenneth King, Shannon Gifford, and Ana Mazur have made valuable contributions to the book. One of the best things about this is that the author has donated all royalties from the book to breast cancer research. How amazing is that?

I even recognize many of the members who contributed to the book, many are fellow bloggers. The book has not actually been released yet, but can be pre-ordered on Amazon.com. I am happy to add "1000 Clever Sewing Shortcuts & Tips" to my sewing resource library.

ON AGAIN, OFF AGAIN ISP...

First it's on, then it's off, on again, then off the next day, now it's back on again! I guess I'm officially addicted because I want to scream when I'm without my internet service! All I could do was grit my teeth because I'm certainly not going to pull out my hair (took me too long to grow it back). When the service is out, all I can think about is what I want to google but can't!

For reasons unknown to me my sewing hiatus has been extended. Since before my vacation the only sewing has been to finish the off white linen pants that were so close to being completed before I left. All I needed to do was sew on two buttons and hem the lining and the pants. I really love this fabric and wish that I had gotten more of it. It has such a smooth and creamy feel to it. I battled with the fact that the pants needed to be lined, but they turned out nicely and wore pretty darn good to boot. Here's a little self photography just before going to work . (I must have gotten up early that morning since I had time to do this.)




I think I could have hemmed them just a bit shorter. My TNT pattern still needs a little more tweaking because I am losing weight, and plan to lose quite a bit more-Lord willing. As I said, the pants wore nicely, but are just a bit large through the hip and leg area - (feels really good to say that). Since I started them a few weeks ago (I've lost 9 1/2 pounds & 5 inches overall). I might go under that lining to make adjustments - notice I did say might. All in all this slightly vintage pattern is working out for me. I do however feel that it's time for me to experiment with other pants patterns though. But I'll keep this old Simplicity pattern close by as my go to pants pattern when I need a pair in a hurry.

Got to make another trip, but hopefully I'll be really revved up to sew when I get back. Normally I get really concerned on the rare occasions when I'm just not in the mood to sew - but not this time. I have more than enough fabric, patterns, equipment and inspiration stored up in here to make major wardrobe impact as soon as the mood shows back up. I've got another month for summer sewing, and with high school starting in just a few weeks I really need to garner up some motivation. But for right now, I'm just going with it. Thank God that when He created EBB tide, He also made provisions for FLOW...

A SEWING HIATUS...

I really thought that I'd go out of my mind if I couldn't sew or do something sewing related for 11 days - but to my surprise I did! I tried my best to get my sewing case in my suitcase, but with the 50 lb limit I was sure that the thing was already too heavy. So I left the sewing case at home only to get to the airport and find that the thing only weighed 37 pounds - man was I off. So admiring other peoples clothes, a little snoop shopping and fabric shopping was the extent of my sewing related experience for those 11 days. Boy did I enjoy being with my family!!! I was pampered and got some much needed rest while there. Once a year is just not enough. So taking some time away from sewing was well worth it.

I did find some wonderful pieces to add to my fabric stash - mostly knits - because as you are aware that is where my love lies (lol). All in all I added 45 yards of knits, woolens and wovens, plus 12 yards of a gorgeous lining to my stash.




So do I have all of the fabric I want? Heck naugh! I'm a greedy seamstress I must admit. But I do have enough to make some lovely pieces, and probably more than I can actually sew up in a year. There's still two months of summer left and countless fashion inspirations floating around in my mind before I'll need to start fall/winter sewing.

I did get to wear my zebra jacket and it fit perfectly! No pulling anywhere, the front closure was just right, and I am quite proud of it too. Oh yeah, and I'm also wearing the white pants with the zipper opening on the wrong side. Zipping and buttoning them is a little weird, but other wise they are fine. Now to figure out what the next project to work on...

Jewelery Give-a-way...

Hey, there's a fantastic jewelery give a way over at http://vavoomvintage.blogspot.com.

SORRY TO REPORT...

I am very sorry to report that I did not finish my "LBD" in time for graduation (wearing a sad face). Needless to say, sometimes things just don't work out as I plan - I just have to SHAKE IT OFF and move on (voice quivering). I was determined that I wanted to look a certain way under that graduation robe even though my dress wouldn't be seen. When it comes to SOMETHINGS, deep down inside I am a stubborn, got to have it my way sort of person. This was one of those things, but an extensive search of my closet revealed a RTW black sheath & jacket ensemble that had been pushed back because it had become to small for my extended shape. I am so glad that I had not gotten rid of it in one of my ruthless closet clean-ups as I have so many things. I dusted the dress off and tried it on and was surprised that I could get it zipped up. Trying it on revealed all of the (muffin top rolls) that one does not want to expose (sad to say). So finally I was off to the store to finally buy that Spanx that I have put off purchasing for much too long. Man, what a difference it made. Made me feel erect and thin! I even think this thing will be good for my tricky back! I even wore heels; hadn't worn heels in over 5 years because of the problem I have with my foot - so walking in them was a bit scary.

No, I didn't get a picture, just wanted you to know what happened with my LBD. Its hanging on the door as a UFO right now, waiting until I can get someone to help me fit it. I just couldn't get it done all by myself. I am still determined to get a properly fitted sheath dress done this summer. More to come on this quest later....and by the way....I graduated with honors!

NOTE: April at http://mommyssweetthings.blogspot.com is having a sweet giveaway.

WAY PAST TIME FOR A "LBD"...

...yes, it is way past time for me to make my first ever LBD. In addition, I've never made a sheath - as far as I can remember. The dress code for my graduation a week from Friday is black pants or dress. I'm going with a dress mainly because I need to change things up a bit. And since I've been mooning over sheaths since last summer, I might as well kill two birds with one stone. I picked up just the right fabric last weekend, and I'm in the midst of choosing a pattern from the 10 or 12 that I have on hand. I can't line these pictures up, but these are my top choices.





















I want it sleeveless, and it will be lined. The number of pattern pieces will influence my choice. What do you all think? Or do you know of a better pattern????

A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE...

...I can't seem to be able to get away from the color black; so I decided to take a little Walk On The Wild Side with this fabric.
I think it's a 100% linen that I purchased it back in the spring. Guess I was really feeling my oats that day, because after getting it home I experienced one of those "what in the world was I thinking" moments. I can't actually remember what prompted me to chose a jacket as my next project, but I'm glad that I did! Nothing beats a jacket in completing a look (even when it's about to be 90 degrees and above. So after making a number of dresses E-A-S-Y in April and May I thought it was high time to venture out of "thoughtless sewing" and press ahead with expanding my skills/techniques/2010 Sewing Goals.

I've wanted to completely finish a garment in Hong Kong seams for quite some time now. I think it adds such beautiful detail to a garment, so I set that as one of my 2010 Sewing Goals. Originally I thought about using white seam binding for this jacket, but, alas my youthful sewing muse (Ebony) suggested that I take this project one step further by adding an unexpected color to make the jacket "P-O-P, so that is just what I did! I chose Canary Yellow and finished each and every exposed seam of this princess style jacket. By goley it did make it pop, and although using the Hong Kong finish was time consuming (to say the least), it was indeed well worth it. I love the finished look of any well made garment, but this I really love.

I chose to work with Butterick 5333 because of:

• it's simple lines,

• number of pattern pieces - only 7 pieces,

• it's color and lapel, which I love;

• it's front and back princess seams that prevent the jacket from looking too boxy and make fitting a lot easier;

• the three quarter sleeve because it's so hot outside; and

• the sleeve cuff that makes the jacket sort of dressy/casual.

In keeping with my norm, you know I had to add something extra to the pattern.

• Hong Kong finished seams

• covered shoulder pads,

• buttoned down vertical faux pocket flaps,

• added an extra center front button.
  

I did take the time to make a muslin because I had never used this pattern before. Afterward I found that I needed to make a center front adjustment to insure proper lap when wearing it buttoned. Lisa pin fit the muslin for me. To make this accommodation I added 1 1/4" from the lapel fold down to the hem of the jacket. I also added 1" to the 1 1/4" hem allowance, (don't ask me why, I don't remember). The only other change to this pattern was my method of a small bust adjustment that only involves taking in the front princess seams to take up the excess fullness in that area.
The results: a really nice looking jacket that the maker can be proud to wear. I am planning to make a pair of off white linen pants (fully lined) to match my walk on the wild side jacket.


I would highly recommend this Butterick wardrobe pattern, and I will be making this jacket again soon. I also plan on making the dress in this pattern if I don't run out of summer (lol).I had a wonderfully long weekend visiting my family for my first grand-child's (grand-daughter) high school graduation. Here's a graduation pose, and the bonus fabric haul from the weekend (5 blouses, 2 dresses and 2 pairs of pants)...

A GRACIOUSLY ACCEPTED NEW AWARDS...

My new sewing inspiration, Carolyn, from way across the big pond recently gave me this award. Thank you so very much Carolyn, I will try to live up to it.

Someone else gave me the Sunshine Award a while ago (so sorry I can't remember who did, but I never got around to posting it. I just treat them as one award to get it taken care of. I think that I have to tell ten things about myself, and then select 5 other blogs upon which to bestow the awards. Here goes:

1. I was born in Georgia, but have lived in New York, California, back to New York, and now in Georgia again - this time for 31 years.

2. I became an instructor at the age that most people are starting to think about retirement. (Instructor for 8 years now) I am a FIRM believer that you are never too old to learn, and what ever you set your mind to can be achieved. I will be graduating for the empteenth time with a Technical Studies Degree on June 18th.

3. I'm a television watcher! However, I follow very few shows. Favorites are: Desperate Housewives, Gray's Anatomy, use to be ER & Boston Legal, and Project Runway. I am a HUGE Law and Order fan and frequently watch L&O marathons while sewing.

4. I recently started an exercise program (for the empteenth time); determined to get my skinny back and be a fashionista in my golden years. It's a work in progress for sure!

5. I respect "me" a lot, because many times "she" is the only person I can depend on.

6. I really enjoy spending time alone, and can ALWAYS find something to do to entertain myself (mostly sewing and internet). But, when it's time for people interaction I know how to enjoy that too.

7. I usually become overly obsessed with what I'm interested in at the time. My interests have of course changed from time to time. Once it was gardening, but for the past 3 years it has been with sewing - hope this obsession lasts and lasts and lasts because I am really enjoying the ride.

8. I love flowers and can identify quite a few varieties.

9. I am a green vegetable lover and so is my daughter and grand-children.

10. I am an exhalter by nature and God's gift. I love to make people feel good about themselves, and find it quite easy to do. I'm also a talker - at times, and I can make almost anybody laugh.

Carla Faye @ http://causeiwanna.wordpress.com
Sheila @http://sheilazcrochetz.blogspot.com
My homey Elaray @http://anothercreation.blogspot.com
Adelaide @http://craftprettysweet.blogspot.com; &
Myra @http://1simpleinspiration.blogspot.com

SEWING RELATED: I'm currently working on a jacket muslin that I actually need to finish today in preparation of tomorrow's sew-in.

ON THE HOME FRONT: I've started trying out new quick and easy healthier menus. I've been craving this Hibachi Shrimp dish from a local Japanese restaurant for about a week now. I finally had a chance to go there earlier this afternoon, and of course the don't open until 5p.m. WOW, and after I drove way out of the way to get there. I was starving (not a good thing) so I concocted my own recipe praying over it while I cooked; and GUESS WHAT! It tasted just like the dish from Genji's. I think I'm on to something here. Quick cooking keeps me out of starvation mode, is better for my health, and gets me back into the sewing room quicker.

Great food and lots of sewing time....PRICELESS!