WIPs (Works in Progress)

So time to fill you in on what I've been working on and completed.

First my WIP. I got the following pattern at a vintage sale, and found this really nice African fabric to make it from.

The pattern is Advance 6956. I'm making the Peplum blouse with the wiggle skirt.

The first thing I did was to resize the pattern. The pattern was a 34 bust, and I had to size it up to a 36 bust. Sizing up is what I hate the most about using most of my vintage patterns. This meant I had to add an additional 2 inches. I re-size my patterns based on the instructions from Sensibility.  Using this method, I resized my pattern with a 3/8" addition at the neckline area, and underarm area, and a 1/4" addition at the shoulder area.

I added this to all of the pieces that attach to the front and back bodice peices: neck facings, sleeves, and peplum skirt.

 I chose not to use the boarder on the peplum top. I only had a limited amount of fabric (~3 yds); so I had to figure out my layout accordingly. I've learned that when in these cases I layout the fabric and patterns on the floor and take a snapshot. Then when I am ready to cut the fabric. The picture acts as a layout guide:

 The pattern presented an option of a lined vs unlined peplum skirt.  I chose to line it with a black cotton.

The top is completed and I have only buttons left to put on.  I'm hoping to post the completed picture of the top (inside and out) on tomorrow.

Happy Sewing . . . . .

Yes, I'm still here . . .

Hi all,

I've been a way for a couple of months, but I still got a lot of sewing done.

Work wise, things have been so hectic/busy with streamlining etc. I've been doing tons of overtime; but I thank God everyday for it.

The network news creep-ed into my extended family, in that I had a close cousin who's husband decided to commit suicide and tried to take her with him.  (Praise God he wasn't successful!!!).  She is recovering physically  and has only begun the mental journey (Please say a pray for my family).

The kids all came home for the holidays.  The first time we've had them all home at the same time in a couple of years.  I'm still learning my role as the parent of adults (Hey I had just gotten the hang of being parents to teenagers; when things changed on me - SMILE).  It was great, noisy, crowded, and made for tons of future memories!

As for the sewing, stress makes for amazing sewing inspiration!  I'll be posting pix of my sewing over the next couple of days.

I've been catching up on my blog reading, and just saw where Tee of "Dressed to a Tee" blog, had given me a blog award back in late December (Thanks so much!).  Sorry for seeing it so late; I thank you so much for thinking of me!

Rules for the Award:
The rules for this award are:

1. Thank the person who nominated you
2. Add the One Lovely Blog Aware/Very Inspiring Blogger Award to your post
3. Share 7 things about yourself
4. Pass the award on to 10 nominees
5. Include this set of rules
6. Inform your nominees by posting a comment on their blogs.

        
Seven things about me: 

1. I've learned that there is nothing impossible for God, and therefore nothing impossible for me as long as I keep God in my heart.
2. My family is my world!  I always tell folks the 3 most important things in my life are the 3 F's: Faith, Family, and Finances!  Their magnitude of importance is in the order listed.  
3. My gratitude for folks that give me their time can never be expressed!  The most valuable gift I can give to a person is my time; it's something I can't get a refund on nor can it be returned. I discovered this as I hit 50 last year, and realize how true it is! 
4. I spoil all of my friends kids as if they were my grand-kids/nieces/nephews (We have no grandkids, yet).  My husband and I are called aunt/uncle by a huge number of kids that aren't blood relatives!!
5. I LOVE my height!  It has taken me years of insecurities and shyness to get comfortable with my height (over 6 feet tall).  
6. I've been teaching a 7 year old to sew for the last 3 months!  She has diabetes, and we are working to design clothing that will accommodate her insulin pump.  (When she's ready, I'm hoping she and her Mom will let me post some of her creations on here).  We try to meet twice a month.
7. My one material weakness is my sewing machines!  I love them almost as much as I love my kids (although they might say it is the other way around.)

Blogs worth paying a visit:  (Below are some of the blogs that I visit regularly.  If you're interested in participating then please feel free to do so; if not that's fine.  Just know that your blog is one of the many that I get lots of inspiration and encouragement).

• Stitched by Janay - re-sparked my machine embroidery interests
• MimiG - amazing inspiration for garment sewing
• Rhonda's Creative Life - tons of tutorials (Sewing/non-sewing) such as Sleeves on Saturdays, Fabulous free Pattern Friday, Sunday's Soup
• J.kaori Sews - inspirations for sewing and knitting 
• 10,000 Hours of Sewing - has started the Fearlous February Sew-along, in case you want to join
• Faye's Sewing Adventure - followed her Carnival of Skirts postings, can't wait to see what this year has in store.
• Lower your presser foot - from Australia   Love her clothing, and the adorable outfits she makes for her daughter and son
• Molly Sews - I've followed her since her "Southern" days; can't wait to see final dress comes out
• The Overflowing Stash - A Fabric/Pattern/Notion Hoarder
• Dibbs & The Machine - A new seamstress that's becoming acquainted with her sewing machine

In closing I have to leave you with this.  I was making snugglies for my daughter's room-mates.  Well one was too short (all of them are 6 feet and taller).  So I decided to give that one to one of the fans.  He is an older gentleman and goes to all of their games.  I embroidered the back of it, and presented it to him at a game.  He was so excited, and even wore it to a game (yes it is a snuggly - aka blanket with sleeves).  He wanted everyone to see it!  He was so proud of that gift!  But little does he know he blessed me more than I blessed him.  This is one gift that will always bring a smile to my face and my heart.  The ultimate form of appreciation for a seamstress, is for the recipient to wear what you've given them.  That is so-o-o-o TRUE!!!!

 Happy Blog Surfing and Sewing!