The holidays are over…..sigh…

Back to reality…and the office after having, um, two weeks off to sew and read.  I completed a few books and some really cute baby stuff!!  I also took Vogue 8477, a top, and made it into a dress.  I just have to finish the hem tonight and it will be on my back in the morning!!

Back to the details….I read the reviews on Pattern Review and decided to do it my way, with modifications like a few others did.  I balked at the stay stitched neck band AND the set in sleeves.  This is for knits!  I was using a poly/lycra so did set in sleeves and just tugged a bit on the neck band as I stitched it down.  I also then top stitched to keep the seam laying flat.

I also added about 10 1/2″ to the overall length to make it a dress – did I mention I’m SHORT?!  The only other modification I made was to move the waist up 5/8″.  Thank goodness for Babette my Uniquely You dress form…she served me well on making the changes on this.  Oops, one other change was made.  Since I chose to make a size 12 (no muslin first), I then needed to take in the sides where the overlaps meet the seams about an inch to pull the front tight enough so I didn’t gape open if I bent over.  I had to taper in that 1″ about 6″ down but it was well worth it.  No boobage on display – the dress is low enough as it is!!

So here is the envelope picture from Vogue’s site: 

I made the 3/4 length sleeve version and kept the neck band the same color as the dress….  I’m loving it…and next time I make it (this weekend?) I’ll make a size 10….  Will post pics later tonight…..

And the dress…..on me..yea…I was a bit tired….I look worn out and I hate that shiny forehead look I have going on!!

Happy New Year….for sewing MORE!!

It has already begun – went to Joann’s and stocked up on some essentials – Signature Pixelles thread – love quilting with it. Also found some 11oz black denim (99% cotton, 1% spandex) and RPL in solids that I’ll try out. Got a great deal on a back up iron – Sunbeam on clearance…less than $12!!
Headed on over to my local “hang out” Seams Like Home – great little (well, not so little) fabric boutique and picked up some of the Valori Wells fleece and flannel.
SO…let the “resource library” increase begin for 2010!!
Off to embroider a label for a baby quilt and then add some embroidery on some swimsuit wraps for that GIRLS ONLY Hawaii trip in February!! WHOO-HOO!

So, I guess my goal for 2010 is to BUY AND SEW MORE FABRIC! Love goals!! )

ETA: I also got this little cutie….how could you NOT want one of these?!

Hi there….

Yes, still around…sewing lots lately….pictures lacking though.  I’ve been on vacation since Christmas Eve which has been nice as I’ve gotten up early and gone to the gym.  Then I’ve gone to a friend’s house to sew in the afternoons.  It has been a treat to spend so much time with him and have “girl talk”.    Thanks Gene!!  I’m going to dislike going back to work…our sewing hours will dwindle – sigh!

For the most part I’ve been quilting and sewing up stuff for babies…and reading lots of blogs!!

I also took my Bernina 830 in for Annual Cleaning and Maintenance…just waiting for his return (Gizmo).  Have a quilt to get quilted and won’t do it on a smaller machine – I’m too spoiled with the extra space!!

Will have to do just a picture post….to make up for lost time….and will work on posting more…off to work on a casual dress for me!

I know…shame on me!!

I HAVE been sewing…just not posting…as has been evident on my blog.  So I quickly post a picture of me, YES, me actually working on my Claire Shaeffer jacket!  And here is a link to  the pictures I took from the Claire Shaeffer weekend!!  She is such a SWEET lady!!  Loved meeting her!!

http://picasaweb.google.com/kittycollector/ClaireShaefferEvent?authkey=Gv1sRgCOyd27Sx5sCSFQ#

Back to V8333 (Claire Shaeffer jacket)

*warning: picture heavy post* (I hope it comes out ok….)

So, I have not stopped working on V8333, the Claire Shaeffer jacket…I just haven’t been posting progress, etc. Well, I am at the stage where the muslin “fits” and it was time to thread trace the pattern pieces on the fashion fabric then cut (GASP!). So this is where I freaked out a bit…cutting into fashion fabric that I bought in Europe that cannot be found locally IF I make an error and/or need more. Lovely, huh? Well, this week..I cut. I have provided pictures to show you my progress and difficulty in seeing the yellow, yes, yellow marks on the fabric because I had to be oh so brilliant and choose PLAID! What the hell is wrong with me?! Couture sewing AND plaid? Of course the off white cotton basting thread our instructor gave us to use does not show up well enough so I am using Aurofil in Dayglo Orange. Yes, limited fabric (from England), plaid, can’t see yellow marks, and can’t use basting thread. Nice job, P, nice job.

Baby Snugglee and work in progress….

I’ve made a few things….I made another baby snugglee out of the Timeless Treasures “Pavillion” fabric (I believe that’s the name…) I gave it to baby and Mom today and Mom LOVES it. She kept examining it, etc. I think it is her favorite…if you remember, I made a purple one too.

I am also working on a t-shirt quilt for a friend of mine. I think on the label it will say something like, “I told you to stop leaving your clothes at my house!” He’ll get a kick out of it. I am using some of his old jeans for the sashing so it makes it even that more amusing! Also, if you’ll notice on both projects…Misty has approved.

Block of the Month….

I also made my two blocks for this month’s Block of the Month…it was all about pinwheels. I need to get all my blocks together and take a pic so you can see the progression….

So I got new color….

I got my hair done today…and went back to some PINK! It’s not as much as I normally have but I have been missing it so my hairdresser (the best ever!) added it.

J Sterns – The Top – IT’S DONE!!!

Remember this post? Well, I am DONE!! I wore this today and got lots of compliments…I was so pleased with myself!! I made the smallest size and had to take it in a bit because the smallest is a 6 which should fit a 36 bust and a 32 waist. I am just a tad smaller…not much…but a tad. I will do a full downgrade on size for the next one just to get it to fit better.

I LUV the sleeves and the collar!!

I will do a full review on Pattern Review as I know Dawn will be shocked! (It will be my first ever review.)

Next up…the chocolate brown with turquoise circles version….I might do a full button front but keep to the short sleeves….but I guess you’ll see when it’s done!