Friday, December 17, 2010

Blogger editor doesn't like me

Is it just me having problems with blogger?

Nothing posts the way that it types in the blogger edit window.

If anyone has any suggestions please pass them on
Posted by Picasa

Why wait till Christmas?

I think Christmas should be celebrated year round when it comes to sewing. My kids and husband are always asking me what I want for Christmas, and then they append that with "It can't be sewing related, you need something different".






So I decided this year to get my own sewing gifts for Christmas, and since I'm doing it myself; I don't have to wait to Christmas.


So what did I get:


  • A fabulous fit dressform,

As you can tell I'm still in the process of padding to my size. My instructor with my sewing group is going to help me with the padding to get it to more to my size in the hip area. (I'll have to post the pics once we get it customized, and tell you about my amazing sewing group!).







  • A Singer 500A! Yes I needed this like I need 6 inch stilleto heels (if you didn't know I'm 6 feet tall).

I just fell in love with this machine earlier this year! It just looked so "space-agey". And me being a tech-geek, and sci-fi groupie, I just couldn't resist it.





  1. I'm so excited! I also have a 401A that I found at a thrift store for $20. Both work excellent. I love the older ones for topstitching, and sewing heavy fabrics.

I've learned to keep one setup with topstitch thread at all times. (It's so great not to have to re-thread my machine just to topstitch).



My story to my husband will be that I rescued a machine from winding up on the streets. His take is "doesn't your other machine do everything that one does". But I feel I'm doing my little bit to make sure all the sewing machines in the world feel loved and wanted (that's my story and I'm sticking to it!).



  • I got a Koala Treasure Chest Sewing studio with the extended height (YEA!). Its a dream come true for someone 6 feet tall. No more back ache from bending over. My sewing shop offered a very good discount, as they are replacing all of their Koala tables, and I didn't have to deal with the shipping fee they charge. It's made my sewing space look so much bigger.


  • My best gift was that after attending the quilt show, my sister has now taken sewing lessons, and has joined the American Sewing Guild. Woo Hoo!!! Now me, my mom, and my sister are addicted to sewing. She's even set up her own sewing room! I told her now she can play with the "big dogs".

I'm working on a couple of projects and will post pictures over the next week.



Happy sewing everyone!

Monday, November 8, 2010

And what else did you do at the Quilt Festival

Glad you asked :)
We went back on Sunday after church for part 2. My mom found several fabrics with scriptures printed on it to use in her quilts.

I found the most amazing booth with vintage fabrics and even patterns. So of course I couldn't leave without getting a couple of them (BTW my sister also got a couple! - she's now determined to learn to sew.)



I also found these really neat fabric mini-bolts to help me organize my fabric stash (Yes, a seamstress can dream of organization; even though it may only be a dream). These are from a company called Polar Notions. It is designed for the quilter, but I've just done some of my other fabrics, and it freed up considerable space. I bought 20 each of the standard size (11" tall) and fat-quarter (5" tall) . The larger ones can hold up to 15 yds of quilt fabric. I hate to admit it, but my stash is to big, so I'll be ordering more
:

Oh and I met the author of the Fashionista Doll book. (I was star-struck again :) ). Needless to say my sister convinced me that she needed another doll to replace the one I made her many years ago. So I purchased the fabric to make one. I'm such a sucker when it comes to my sister!

We've decided to go again next year. Not only was the quilt conference fun, but it was great for just us girls to hang out.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

International Quilt Festival!


All I can say is OH MY GOODNESS! This is more than I could have imagined! Myself, my mom, and sister just did our first day, and it was totally amazing. We didn't get to see all of the quilts because it was just overwhelming. I'll get to see the remainder on tomorrow.



I saw a quilt called "My Wyoming Valley" made by a quilter in Laramie, Wyoming. I had to take a picture to send to my daughter, because she's a U of Wyo cowgirl, and I know she is going to love it! BTW, I met Eleanor Burns! I love her books. I've been working on a quilt from her Underground Railroad Sampler book, and am starting a Sunbonnet Sue quilt in honor of my grandmother from one of her books. My mom and sister were just laughing at me, they called me a "quilt-star" groupie :)
Oh by the way, I didn't come to Houston alone. My former friend "Louise" came with me:
I say my former friend, because my sister has decided to learn to sew, so I bought her with me to meet my sister and see her new home! BTW, while I was here I convinced my sister to join the Houston Sewing Guild!

Oh well, gotta go get my rest, we're up early to see the remainder of the Quilt show on tomorrow.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Hi Ho Hi Ho, It's off to the Houston Quilt Festival I Go!!

Well, guess what, my sister and I decided we'd take my Mom to the International Quilt Festival in Houston this year! I'm excited.

My mom makes a lot of quilts that she gives to family, and sales at craft shows, etc. She calls it her "funny" money. I thought it would be great to take her to the quilt show, so she can see the artwork that can be done by quilting. I'm hoping we will be able to get into a class (don't know though since I waited late to decide to go).

I'm taking a dressform to give to my sister, and will be bringing back plenty of fabric I'm sure (so I'm taking a empty suit case ! :)

My mom and I tend to "enable" each other when it comes to sewing. My sister is just learning to sew, hopefully she will act as a "neutralizer", but who knows.

So off to the quilt show I go.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Fabric + Pattern = Dress

clip_image001

clip_image002

 

 

 

  clip_image003

clip_image004So this is the completed dress. The belting was found in  my stash, I just had to put a little gold buckle on it. The dress fabric is Liberty Cotton, and lined in swiss batiste. The skirt has a hang loose lining, and instead of hemming the lining, I sewed lace on the bottom (this is one of the techniques used in heirloom sewing – see picture).

                                    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The dress is really comfortable to wear.  I love how it looks and feels when I wear it.

 

Happy Sewing everyone!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Next project

image This is my next sewing project, the fitted version.  I am in the process of re-sizing it.  I have the correct bust 36 size, but evidently since the pattern is sized for teen, the fit thru the chest is snugger than I like.  I’ve used this method of alteration:  http://www.sensibility.com/pattern/resizepattern.htm, with success.

I’m trying to decide if I want to use a brocade or a light weight denim.  I’ve got time, because I’ve got to get the fit done first.

The Patrons dress

So here is the white outfit I made of the Patrones issue 292, pattern #32.  I love the fit of it.  I just recently subscribed to the magazine, and can’t wait for the next issue.

White suit image

Happy Sewing!

Monday, September 27, 2010

What have I been up to? (long post & pic heavy)

I have been doing a lot of sewing lately.

First I completed 2 pairs of jeans. One pair ended up being capri's because I forgot to add length to them. Sorry for the darkness of the picture. I’ve got to invest in a tripod, etc.







I was in the store one day, and saw this little cutie of an iron. So for only 2 bucks, my gravity steamer now has a "lil" brother. It is an older GE Steam Travel Iron, and is great for pressing. The bulb on the side is used as a water reservoir, and surprisingly lasts for quite sometime between refills. I have it setup next to my machine; sometimes I'm just too lazy to walk to the iron. (Sorry for some reason I couldn't get the above picture, to rotate).







I finished up a white top/skirt duo for a "white attire" party. This is an outfit from the Patrones issue 292. It was made from a white brocade that I got from one of my favorite sewing places: Studio Bernina. I made in less than a week (As usual I procrastinated till the last possible moment).

Here’s Patrones version: (I’ll have to post the pix from my camera later, I can’t find my cable)

DSCN2763

I also made this dress from McCalls 5844 (OOP)

: DSCN2765 M5844

This was a fabric I found on DSCN2768clearance, because it had some print alignment problems. I had 6 yards so I was able to “strategically” place the pieces to cut the pattern. I like how it turned out. Here’s a snapshot of the print close up. I’ve gotten lots of compliments on it. Its nice and easy to wear.




My other acquisition, and my DSCN2757 best is a new Koala “treasure chest” sewing studio. I so-o love this table. I got the tall version (because I’m 6ft tall). It freed up so much space in my room. I got rid of 2 tables. Here’s a snapshot of it. My local sewing shop was selling the floor models for 40% off so I snatched it up.

Excuse all of the stuff underneath. There’s my portable OTTO light, along with some fabric for a quilt that I’m working on. Speaking of the quilt here’s a snapshot of it “in progress”. DSCN2758It’s a version of the log cabin. This was some fabric I found at the local quilt shop that was going out of business. I only bought 2 yards of each piece. Since I wasn’t trying to co-ordinate the colors etc. I figured I wouldn’t need much. Well I just sort of closed my eyes and started sewing. Now I’m so liking the layout, and the colors together, hopefully I have enough to accomplish a decent size quilt. But isn’t that always how it is when you find out you like a stash fabric, you don’t have enough.


Also, guess what these two items together look like? I’ll have to post the pix tomorrow.

DSCN2773 DSCN2775

+






In addition to all of this I’m teaching (Hey, gotta support that sewing habit :)! ). So I’m off to grade some papers.

I’ll post some of my other projects later (after I’ve found my camera cable).

Happy Sewing everyone!

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Back down "Memory Lane"....

I have always loved that song by Minnie Ripperton.

As I was doing one of the many re-organizations of my sewing room, I discovered some pictures that I'd taken of some of my past sewing projects. Boy did it bring back memories, especially since the kids are now gown.

Join me for my trip down sewing memory lane....


Daughter's dedication outfit (Bishop dress and bonnet with smocking), she was about 2 and we did it during Christmas holiday.
Her kindergarten Halloween costume (she wanted to be a princess on a horse), the things we mother's will do.
Denim bishop dress and headband. My daughter had very little hair until she was about 3 years old. Headbands and bonnets were a mainstay of all her wardrobes
Then I made a second denim dress with a matching hat.
Her first Halloween costume (a fish pattern that I found in a parenting magazine). She was only 6 months. I tried to get her brother to dress as a fisherman, and hold a fishing pole with her attached to it, but he wouldn't do it. Of course he regretted that decision when she won best costume.
Casper the friendly ghost costume for my daughter (my boys said she looked more like the Pillsberry Dough boy).

Finally a quilt I did for a co-worker's new baby. That baby should now be about 20 years old!

Oh well the memories that sewing can bring back are good ones. Now I guess I'll have to make more sewing memories for the future.

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Vintage Pattern Stash is growing....

Well, I finally got my Big Bernina back home, after a tuneup. It's running wonderfully. But while it was out I sewed on my vintage machines (working on a pair of jeans). I must say I quite enjoyed sewing on them. Since neither have all the options/settings like my 830 (which I have named "Blessings"), it definitely makes my sewing a no-brainer! Which was refreshing for a change.

I got almost done with the jeans and they were fitting wonderfully, when I discovered a major snafu on my part. I had put the zipper in backwards, i.e. the front of the zipper is facing the inside of the jeans. Not a big deal, right! Just rip it out and put it in correctly. Well I didn't discover this until I was almost finished (the hem and waist band left to do). Well just let me say, I won't be making this mistake again - Laughing to myself!

Well in the midst of the vintage machine sewing, I decided to go thru my vintage patterns, and catalog them. Well I discovered not only do I have a sewing machine problem, but also a vintage pattern problem. I've only cataloged maybe 1/2 of them. If you want to take a look at what I've done so far check them out here.

Just think of all of the potential sewing, and unique clothing I'll have in my wardrobe.

Off to my sewing (lots to do, so little time) ....

Monday, June 21, 2010

A extra vintage pattern if anyone is interested

Well I've been going thru my vintage pattern "collection" (that word sounds so much better than stash), and came across a pattern that I'd like to find a home for.

If you happen to be looking at this and are interested in it. Place a comment and send me an email with your mailing address.

Back to completing my pattern organizing.....

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Pray for me, because.....

A seamstress can never have too many machines, right?

I remember my grandmother used to sew on a treadle machine. I have fond memories of her sewing and asking her to let me work the peddle for her (as I sat on the floor in front of the machine). I had always wanted to get hers, but when she passed on, it sort of got lost.
Well anyway this weekend I went to a estate sale in search of some vintage patterns, and there it was in the corner. A Singer 66K treadle machine, with all of the attachments. Needless to say my memories took over and I just had to bring it home (with some nudging from my partner in crime, my girlfriend). The machine was in perfect working order. I cleaned it, oiled it, and put a new belt on it. I sewed a couple of scrap pieces of fabric to check on the tension:


This week I put my Bernina in for a tuneup, so I've had to put some of my other machines in to active duty. I'm working on another pair of jeans. I've read on others blogs, how its nice to have multiple machines, with one of them setup for top-stitching.

So I sat up my Singer 99K, which I found about 6 months ago. Again, it was in excellent condition. I just had the sewing mechanic look at it, and make sure all was OK. It came with the standard attachments, and a buttonholer, zigzagger, darning, and hem stitch attachments. Not to mention the case which also had the keys. I had originally bought it as a machine to take to quilt classes, since the 830 is way to heavy too try and lug around. I set it up to do all my seams:


The other machine that I sat up is my Old Domestic machine. I found this many years ago at a garage sale for $25. It too has all of the attachments. I set it up to do all of my topstitching on.

Another pointer I picked up from Two on Two off blog, and used upholstery thread from my topstitching.



Boy did this setup made the topstitching so-o-o much easier. Here is the topstitching on one back pant piece:
And of course, I set up the trustworthy Viking serger to finish the raw edges. In addition to these, I also have a Viking Designer 1, and I have a Elna Supermatic.
Now that I think about I do have a LOT of machines. So pray for me, ask God to make sure another one doesn't try to sneak in my car and follow me home :)
PS I'll tell you about my vintage pattern excursion in the next post.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Graduate school graduate, and a cruise

The youngest son got his Master's from Colorado State University in Fort Collins. I thought I was done crying but have discovered that as each one leaves home, it becomes more emotional to see the next one leave (Only 5 more years to go before the youngest gets thru Pharmacy school). I assured him that they were tears of JOY! Here he is on that day with the entire family. I feel so blessed. My kids ask me if I'm proud of them. I tell them yes. They have far exceeded my expectations. I was happy that I never had to bail anyone out of jail, and I didn't become a Grandma before my time. So anything beyond that was pure JOY. Sometimes, I just sit and thank God for the blessings he's given my family. I come from a lineage of share-croppers with no more than a 2nd grade education; my parents were the first in their families to go to college. I know my grandparents are in heaven smiling down on my children.


Here also is a picture of my son with his "study buddies" from graduate school. It was my first time meeting them, and they are such an amazing group of young people. They were all fortunate to have each other as friends.
He also has a job comming out of college (which is such a blessing in todays economy). So I'll be heading off with him later in June to get moved in.

Well the family just got back from a cruise to Nassau Bahama. My daughter wanted to do something special for her high school graduation, and considering that the youngest son just graduated with his Master's in Comp. Science we thought why not. This would probably be one of our last chances to do a family vacation. So off we went on a 4 night cruise from Miami, FL to Key West, Nassau, Cocay Bay Bahamas.
It was just nice to be where I didn't have access to cell phones and computers. So it was a VACATION in the true sense. Here we are off the beach in Nassau. I got in the water a little bit, but I'm just to leary of the "lil critters" in the ocean and on the beach. When I saw the Iguana, and the stingray in the water, I was done with the beach.





My only regret is that I didn't get a chance to explore for fabric stores! Believe me, it did cross my mind. Maybe I'll save that for my trip to Ottawa, Canada. But in the meantime I did think sewing :)!
Posted by Picasa