A new year, time for new perspectives, right?

This is the time a year when we reflect on the past year and think about what we would like to differently for next year, am I right? 




For me, my stash is seriously out of control. 



I have a very nice sewing space that my kids helped me put together.  The carpet was replaced with a faux wood floor, there is additional lighting, double L-shaped computer desks to host my four sewing machines, a folding chamois-covered quilt planning wall, and lots of storage.  I even have very wide island in my sewing room for cutting, piecing, and ironing--should I desire to do so as I covered it with fabric and padding to make it multi-purpose.  So, what is the problem?  I have too much fabric.



Were I to measure it, this is undoubtedly what would show! 


Don't laugh--I will only showing one photo of my sewing room that will hopefully represent the problem.  My stash 'overfloweth' into the rest of the space and even other parts of my home--just ask my husband.  In fact, it is such a problem that my oldest daughter, who lives in Baton Rouge, entered and said something to the effect of, "Mom, you've got a problem and it isn't a lack of space...."  Ouch.  But deep down, I knew it.  She just put into words what was in my heart and mind and she also challenged me.  You see, she sews herself and she also knits.  She knows all about 'needing' the necessary supplies so you don't have to go somewhere and get additional materials to create a project.  She also understands creativity and how sometimes the best projects are those that you need to think about, be creative with on design or material usage as she designs her own knitting patterns and has numerous publications in a variety of formats including magazines, pdfs from her website, and such.   As I was crafting a rebuttal, I knew she was right.  At that moment we challenged each other to use only from our stash for the next month-- or the month of January and as I contemplated this challenge, I wondered if I could truly do it.  Her motives are to inspire more creativity as she feels she is lacking.   My motives are purely to find what I have in my stash (especially those treasures that are hidden) and use it to make some new additions to my wardrobe. 

So while DD1 wants me to not purchase patterns, notions, or fabrics for a month, I have decided to challenge myself for three months.  As I have tried to clean up my space in the last week, I have found at least a few duplicate purchases of patterns (I my REALLY) like those if I purchased them twice! and so many treasures of fabric that I would consider somewhat precious.  Those precious fabrics must become wardrobe items.  Right? 

If I had to stretch myself (other than getting my stash to a manageable level) my next goals for the new year would be the following:
1.  Brush up on my tailoring skills.  I've made several more tailored items this past year but it has been a l-o-n-g time since I've pad stitched a collar and lapel and I'd really like to do it so I dust off the skills I used to have long ago.
2.  I have joined the RTW fast--I've wanted to do this for years and finally took the plunge!  Yay!  Now, I just need to resist the urge to purchase RTW. 
3.  Make undergarments/lingerie.  I have so many patterns for these items and now that I have 'taken' some Craftsy classes, I feel ready.  It is time, just do it!
4.  Sew for pleasure and stress relief.  Sometimes I create just to create, but I want to spend more time enjoying the process. 

What image(s) led my daughter saw to challenge me?  While I won't show them all, I will show you one: 

While pictures can only say so much, trust me that the rest of my sewing room was just as terrifically bad.  It looks better now, just seven days after her departure.  And, I have had a great time 'shopping' my stash.  I will get my new makes posted soon!

And I must give DD2 props.  She loves to quilt and has made some incredible designs from my cast-offs.  While I am a part-time quilter, she is a full-time one and her designs are just gorgeous.  I really need to look at my scraps as treasures, worthy of a design, if I would just take the time to look more carefully--just like she does. 

Until later, Happy New Year, and Happy Sewing! 

What are your plans?  Do tell!
Sue :)   

McCall's 6963--a fast and fun make!

Need a fast make that isn't a plain tee?  Here is one to consider: 

I love how all the fitting adjustments you could ever want are listed on the pattern tissue.  All you have to do is follow the instructions and you end up with something you like and that fits you well. 

Sorry about the indoor photos but it was unbelievably cold today.

The knit is from JoAnns.  I purchased it because I had a 50% off coupon.  It washed and dried really well.  We will see if it holds up to more than a few washes.  

I like everything about this top.  The fit isn't quite as tight as the models but I wanted this to have some breathing room, if you know what I mean.  

If you are needing a fast make, this is for you!  I made version D with the higher neckline.  Use a drapey fabric so the neckline hangs properly.  

Thanks for reading!

Sue 

Another Vogue 9247..this time with fringe!

I love this pattern.  This is my 2nd go with it and I love it just as much as I did making the first version.  How is that for a glowing endorsement?  

This time, I made view F, the longest view and added the self-fringe.  I honestly thought the fringe would take several hours to create, but with a rotary cutter and a see-through ruler it was short work--about 20 minutes or less, as I did take a break.

Here is just a moment for a PSA, I purchased a titanium blade for my Olfa rotary cutter, and honestly, it is the only blade I will ever purchase again.  It is that good!

Didn't the fringe turn out great?

This fabric, a faux suede from Fabric Mart, is hard to photograph.  It is more of a rich brown that olive green as it looks in the photo.  Oh, and sorry for the indoor photos but the actual temp was below zero (F).  We've been in the midst of a terrible cold spell.  I honestly don't know how Canadians do it!

This is a soft, fluid, and drapey fabric.  It also has and embossed floral and paisley pattern on it that is just barely visible in the photos. 

I was a tad worried about the length of this but not that it is finished, I am quite smitten with it.

I waited to attach the pockets until it was finished so I could get the location just at the right spot.

The brown trim that I attached just above the fringe, was from my stash.  You see, my daughter from Baton Rouge challenged me to actually use my stash and make zero purchases for fabric, pattern, and supplies for an entire month.  This just might kill me, but I am going to give it a go!

Wow, do I think this jacket is fun!

Thanks for reading!  Happy New Year!

Sue

A Very Easy Vogue jacket 9247

I'm back with something I thought about trying for a long time--a jacket with lace!

 

This pattern is Vogue 9247.  I purchased this for option D but after I received my lace and noticed the flaw in it, I knew I only had enough to make view C.  I am not disappointed with the result at all but dang, it would have been nice if the company I purchased it from cut after the flaw.  

This went together really well and is a fast make.  

The black is a knit that has a feel and look of a suede. It's been in my stash for quite a while and I thought it would be perfect for this and I think it was!   

This is a generously sized pattern.  I made a medium and found I didn't need an FBA--probably due to the knit. 

I made a sloping shoulder adjustment and swayback adjustment.  That's it!

The black lace with the blue is from Zeng's.  This is my first purchase from them.

There aren't any closures on this.  

My lace didn't have a finished upper edge.  I tried to dye some ivory cotton lace jet black, but it turned out a dark gray--not appropriate at all.  I followed those directions to a T.  So disappointing!  

Isn't that lace fun?  

I found this black trim at JoAnns.  It is washable, just like the black fabric and the lace.  It sewed easily and I think it works with the overall vibe of the rest of the jacket.

Thanks for reading!

Sue 

Plaid tunic love

I love this pattern.  This is the 2nd time I've used it.  The first was on a denim top, using version B that has some cute little sleeve ties.  I also embroidered the sleeves and really love the effect.  

Here is a photo:

Do you have fabrics that simply make you happy?  For me, it depends on the season and the colors.  In the fall and winter, I simply love plaid.  To me they speak of giving warmth, are cozy, and the colors are fun.  And, if you have seen some of my makes before, I gravitate towards red, black and white.  This plaid was the perfect choice.  Plus that turquoise blue is awesome!

It takes a little bit of practice to match plaids at critical points such as the center front, center back, shoulders, arms, etc.  Here are some tips I have found from trial and error. 

Depending on the style of your garment, it is super important the center front matches.  I always purchase extra fabric for matching plaids.  You just never know when you might have a mishap...

When working with plaids, find out whether your plaid is even or uneven.  If you fold back a corner to make a 45 degree angle, you will know.  If the pattern matches, it is even, if it looks like mine, it is uneven.  

I just love using vintage sewing books for reference on sewing fabrics that aren't on my sewing table daily.  This one is great for an explanation on how to sew plaid fabrics.  You must match the pattern within the seam lines, not the pattern edges.  It will make a difference, trust me. :)  

What you can see here is that I cut my plaids in a single layer.  I draw pencil lines on the pattern pieces where the designs need to match. In this case, I drew where the bold white lines intersected with a pencil so it is super hard to see in this photo.  

You'll want to make sure your seam lines match a critical points such as the shoulder seams, center front and back, down the sleeves, etc.  Sometimes I sort of 'cheat' and cut pieces on the bias to add a bit of drama and so that I don't have to have everything match.

My collar and center of the back yoke match, along with the shoulder seams, side seams, and center front.

Is that little loop a fun detail?  I had to add it.  I just had to.

My chosen fabric is a cotton shirting and since it is rather lightweight, to give the hem line just a bit of heft to help it hang properly, I cut bias strips to add to the hemline.  I turned it to the inside and top-stitched on the outside.  

On the inside cuff, I trimmed away the sleeve seam allowance, turned in the cuff allowance and top-stitched to finish off that seam.  I like how nice can clean the finish is.

Here is an area where I 'cheated' on matching the plaid.  I very simply cut the pocket on the bias.  I like the visual interest it gives.

Down the center sleeve, when I first laid out the pattern and decided which seam was dominate, this theme resonated throughout the garment.  That dominate part of the pattern became the center of the sleeve as well.  See my bias cut cuffs?  They go with the bias cut pocket.

Since this has a back yoke and a pleat, it isn't possible to have the pattern match everywhere.  I made sure my centers matched and went from there.  I did however make sure my side seams matched along with the sleeve pattern.  

I decided to highlight the red in the fabric with little red buttons.  

I really, really love this top.  I had a lot of fun putting it together.

It is always a challenge taking photos outdoors in South Dakota.  The wind just blows and blows.

Thanks for reading!

A super sweet woodland quilt

I have quite a few quilt kits I've purchased over the years and this one has been on my mind for a while.  The colors and the prints are so cute.  

See what I mean?  This quilt is a Laura Hines design.  She is from Billings, Montana.  I was there for a conference several years ago and fell in love with her designs.  This kit came home with me.  

It measures about 65 by 84.  I made this in only a few days.  

The main blocks are printed fabric and are fussy cut.  Everything else is not fussy cut but a rotary cutter and a ruler made quick work of it.  

See that jumbo rickrack at the binding edge?  I thought that was a fun addition.  It wasn't included in the packet, that is how I personalized this quilt to make it my own.  

Here is the backing.  I love this oak leaf and acorn print.  I so enjoyed putting this together.  It has a wonderful home in an upstairs bedroom ready for Christmas holidays and keeping all my loved ones nice and toasty as they sleep here.  

Thanks for reading and just wondering, do you purchase quilt kits?  Do you have a favorite designer?  If so, do tell!

Sue