HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wishing everyone a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!
May your year be filled with , love, joy, peace, good health and prosperity.
And lots of creativity!

Coming Out!

Ah Ha! Gotcha...well I decided to let it all hang out for the New Year! I'd been wanting to do this for quite some time. I decided for the new year I would just do it. I uncovered & cut my hair and I'm starting from scratch...all natural ta boot. I don't really know why it took so long to decide, I've worn it short before years ago but never with the (salt) that's taking over. I guess that the salt & pepper look is what I've fought for so long, but decided WHAT THE HECK! It feels remarkably freeing even though I'm trying to get used to it, but it is what it is LOL.BTW- My sister-in-law was my biggest inspiration in my coming out. She did it last year, so she was the pioneer for a few people. Thanks Carla! Love You!

Not your grandmother's sewing machine

Check this out,I believe this is a prototype of a futuristic machine. I ran across this while roaming through sewing blogs tonight. I love unique, gadget type things. Click on the photo to go to the link about the machine. Unfortunately I can't remember the blog I was on when I came across this but thought it would be fun to share.

Getting Organized for the New Year

Fabric Organizing: I love "Threads" magazine, I just received the Feb/March 2009 issue today.It's always full of great techniques, tip and inspiration. This month it has a great organizing tip for your fabric stash. The tip was submitted by a Threads reader...J. Watson, from Indiana, pg 18. You would use a three-ring binder... and clear sheet protectors from an office supply store. The web site OrganizedHome.com has the free downloadable title sheet for the binder and the insert for the binder spine as well as the 8 1/2" x 11" inventory pages that contain enough space to record three fabrics, including source, yardage, width, fabric content & additional notes. I've been looking for a way to keep track of my fabric stash, so I'm trying to decide if this will be the one I use. It will probably take me at least a year to get this stash inventoried...

This represents only a portion of my stash and I'd love to get a handle on it. While going through the fabric it will be a good time to clean out and maybe give away whatever I know I won't use.

Pattern Organizing: I actually organize my patterns in a similar way now. When I purchase a new pattern I separate the pattern envelope, pattern tissue and the instructions. The pattern tissue and instructions go in a poly bag from Nancy's Notions (I only buy these on sale), then you store your patterns in a clear plastic tote buy number order (regardless of brand). The pattern envelope goes in a sheet protector then store in a three ring binder by pattern category. So, when you are ready to select a pattern to sew or you just want to browse your pattern inventory for inspiration you just look through your binderI got this tip from someone on PatternReview.com a few years ago. It took a while to get my pattern stash in order(there's still a few I need to work on) but I try to keep it up by doing this now as I purchase patterns. I like that I don't have to dig through tons of patterns before finding what I want. It's just like looking through a pattern catalog in the store then going to the drawer to get it.

It would be interesting to hear how you organize your fabric, patterns, yarn etc. So, share your favorite way to stay organized. I'm always up for new tip, especially keeping things where I can find them easily.

WISHING EVRYONE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Sliver Spring Sewing Meet-up

I've been meaning to post about the sewing meet-up I started a few months ago. Silver Spring Sewing Meet-up. I'd been away from sewing for quite a few years and wanted some sewing friends to help be get motivated to sew. So, I happened upon this "Meet-up" website and decided to use it to meet some sewing friends. This is a wonderful group of ladies that range from beginning to intermediate sewers. We meet once per month and have loads of fun. A couple of us help teach the beginners and everyone shares what they know and we all learn together. Here's a few pictures from a couple of our meet-ups





On average about 8-10 people participate per meeting and we meet in a meeting room at a local library. It's a great way to meet new friends. I look forward to seeing how we all grow together in the coming year. Later I'll post pictures of some of the completed projects.

JUST FOR FUN

I got this from my sewing friend in Chicago "The Mahogany Stylist "

Welcome to the new 2008 edition of getting to know your family and friends. Here is what you are supposed to do, and try not to be lame andspoil the fun. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then send this to a bunch of people you know, INCLUDING the person who sent it to you. Some of you may get
this several times; that means you have lots offriends. The easiest way to do it is to hit 'forward' so you can changethe answers or copy and paste.
Have fun and be truthful! Enjoy!

1. What is your occupation right now? Payroll manager
2. What color are your socks right now? Black
3. What are you listening to right now? the TV
4. What was the last thing that you ate? Tacos
5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes
6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My boss, (I know get a life right?)
7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes
8. How old are you today? 53 & proud of it!
9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? Tennis
10.What is your favorite drink? Pepsi
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes, of course
12. Favorite food? Anything Italian or Soul food
13. What is the last movie you watched? Must Love Dogs on DVD
14. Favorite day of the year? Every day I'm breathing
15. How do you vent anger? usually hold it in, (I know not good)
16. What was your favorite toy as a child? Ball & jacks (remember those?)
17. What is your favorite season? Fall
18. Cherries or Blueberries? Cherries
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? Yes
20. Who is the most likely to respond? Not sure
21. Who is least likely to respond? Not sure
22. Living arrangements? Townhouse
23. When was the last time you cried? Don't remember the exact date, probably while watching a movie
24. What is on the floor of your closet? shoes, laundry hamper, laundry bag, couple boxes.
25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to? Brenda
26. What did you do last night? Practice knitting .
27. What are you most afraid of? Living with an incurable illness.
28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? cheese burger (turkey or beef)
29. Favorite dog breed? West Highland White Terrier
30. Favorite day of the week? I have two, Saturday & Sunday (a day for myself and a day to worship and enjoy family & friends)
31. How many states have you lived in? Two
32. Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds!
33.What is your favorite flower? White Calla Lily

Skirt finally finished!

Pattern Description: McCall's 5523 Straight skirt, mid-knee length, side zipper and faced waistline. Several lower back variations, shaped flounces, pleats, gathers.

Pattern Sizing:Regular Misses/Miss Petite (4-12) & (12-18)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? YES

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, very easy...except for one snag when I was putting in the invisible zipper . Some how when I thought I was finished and tried to turn the skirt right side out it was so twisted so I had to rip out one side of the zipper and do it over, that was NUTS!. I love using invisible zippers and I'd never done that before but this is how it ended up.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the straight front and the various details on the lower back I love skirts without waistbands, so I especially liked that this skirt has the faced waistline. Though the skirt is straight it's not extremely fitted like a pencil skirt. The back detail give plenty room for movement. Excuse the bunch up of my top, it's actually a little too long for a skirt so, I'd pulled it up a bit to make sure the back detail showed. It's actually more suited for wearing over pants or leggins.

Fabric Used: Not really sure of the fabric content, I'm assuming Polyester blend.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: Yes, I had to make the skirt my size, the highest size is 18 and I'm a 20/22. I forgot to take pictures of the alterations but, I basically added to the side seams and the front panel. I'm short waisted and round in the tummy, so the waist is about size 20, around the tummy I'm a 22, then back to 20 at the hips. Gotta get rid of the gut!

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I think I might sew this one again. There's several variations on the lower back so I'm thinking of doing the pleated version.

Conclusion: It was an easy skirt to make (except for the snag I ran into with the zipper) and a nice style for most figures (in my opinion) so I'm not sure why they limited the size to an 18. I like that it's straight in the front with the flirty flounce surprise in the back, to me that adds a nice touch.

While I was at it I made this tunic/top since the fabric went so well with my skirt.
Pattern Description: Butterick: 5247, Semi-fitted, pullover tops/tunics, mid-knee dresses with cowl-like collar, short or long dolman sleeves and self belt.

Pattern Sizing: Misses-Plus (8-14) & (16-24)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very, very easy. Really nice for beginners.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? How quick and easy it was to cut and sew up. No fussy fitting alterations necessary.

Fabric Used: Poly knit.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: One addition I did, I wasn't able to get the full length of the sleeve on the fabric I used so I decided to simply add a band to make the sleeve the length I wanted, I made it a 3/4 length sleeve

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I'll sew this one again and again. Nice to wear with leggins or pants or make as a dress & it can be dressed up or down. Nice flexible addition to any wardrobe.

Conclusion: Quick and easy to sew up, lots of flexiblity.

Update on this Project

What better way to spend my Birthday!
I finally got some time to sew. I don't think I could have spent my birthday any better way than to finally get some sewing in. Life happens and seem like there has been so much going on, cutting in on my sewing time. So, I spent time working on my next project an OOP pattern (Simplicity 7799), I'm making the two-piece skirt & top in a purple knit as a practice muslin. I made this many years ago (probably 25 yrs) but it is the kind of pattern that's timeless. I actually plan to make a couple, one in this fabric and one in all black mid-weight knit. Since it's been so many year since I've made it I had some altering to do on it. Boy, what a difference a few years make. For me alterations are a challenge but I really want to work on getting a good fit with everything I make...or it's pointless right? It may turn out to be wearable, I'll post pictures soon and we'll see how this turns out.


Here's my update....Help!
Good thing I wasn't particularly fond of this fabric, this project is not going as expected, it's turned out way, way too big and the re-sizing during construction is just not working. This is the back piece.This is the sleeve & front piece.


It turned out that I don't need it as large as expected. So much for taking careful measurements. The pattern is size 18 and I need a 22 on top and 20 on the bottom. I've never altered a top with the raglan sleeves before so I'll need to practice that. Anyone with advice would sure be appreciated. So, I've decided I'm going to start from scratch with another muslin. I love this pattern and don't want to give up on it just yet.

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!

Today is my birthday and I thank God for another year!!!

More on the sewing front soon, just enjoying my day.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving! We all have much to be thankful for. Be safe and enjoy your day.

Congratulations to President-Elect Barack Obama!

Yes We Can! and We (the people) Did!


Let's make our new President-Elect Barack Obama as proud of us as we are of him!

Interesting Quiz!!

This is an interesting quiz, just for fun...I found out about it from http://themahoganystylist.blogspot.com/ check it out.

Not necessarily on point but still fun.

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are an Audrey!

You are an Audrey -- "I am at peace"

Audreys are receptive, good-natured, and supportive. They seek union with others and the world around them.

How to Get Along with Me

• * If you want me to do something, how you ask is important. I especially don't like expectations or pressure


• * I like to listen and to be of service, but don't take advantage of this


• * Listen until I finish speaking, even though I meander a bit


• * Give me time to finish things and make decisions. It's OK to nudge me gently and nonjudgmentally


• * Ask me questions to help me get clear


• * Tell me when you like how I look. I'm not averse to flattery


• * Hug me, show physical affection. It opens me up to my feelings


• * I like a good discussion but not a confrontation


• * Let me know you like what I've done or said


• * Laugh with me and share in my enjoyment of life

What I Like About Being an Audrey

• * being nonjudgmental and accepting


• * caring for and being concerned about others


• * being able to relax and have a good time


• * knowing that most people enjoy my company; I'm easy to be around


• * my ability to see many different sides of an issue and to be a good mediator and facilitator


• * my heightened awareness of sensations, aesthetics, and the here and now


• * being able to go with the flow and feel one with the universe

What's Hard About Being an Audrey

• * being judged and misunderstood for being placid and/or indecisive


• * being critical of myself for lacking initiative and discipline


• * being too sensitive to criticism; taking every raised eyebrow and twitch of the mouth personally


• * being confused about what I really want


• * caring too much about what others will think of me


• * not being listened to or taken seriously

Audreys as Children Often

• * feel ignored and that their wants, opinions, and feelings are unimportant


• * tune out a lot, especially when others argue


• * are "good" children: deny anger or keep it to themselves

Audreys as Parents

• * are supportive, kind, and warm


• * are sometimes overly permissive or nondirective

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

Down for the count...

Well, not totally. I had surgery on my right hand yesterday, so I can peck along on the keyboard some what, but sewing is going to be awkward for the next few days. I planned my surgery for this three day weekend (I get Monday off) so I wouldn't have to miss as much work. I'll be up and running again soon, I get my stitches taken out next Friday (I know TMI). I'm anxious to get started on the skirt I posted about in my last post. Actually, this is a great time to daydream a little and do some real planning. So, maybe I'll put more effort in some solid plans and goals.

Next time around I'll post about what I've dreamed up for my wardrobe plan with pattern and fabric selections. Have a great weekend and those off Monday ENJOY!


HAPPY SEWING!

Here's what I've been doing lately...

Well, it's been slow going lately in the sewing arena. It's been a busy but fun Summer. I was able to get this top done last week - New Look #6816 View A, well actually it's a trial run for a couple tops I wanted to make from this pattern:

I like this pattern a lot but still haven't decided if I want to make a couple tops from it, there are so many other patterns I'd like to try. We'll see what I decide on this and I'll show/tell you later what I've decided.

This skirt pattern is what's next on my list McCall's #5523, view A.

I love this skirt and the fabric is perfect. The fabric is an unknown polyester blend but it has the perfect drape for this pattern. I'll post pictures as I'm working on this project. I hope to get it done this week because I'm having surgery on my right hand (carpal tunnel) in a couple week and won't be able to sew for a week or two after. I had surgery on my left hand back in Feb. this year and it made quite a difference, my left hand is much better. So, I'm looking forward to getting it over with. Hopefully after my surgery I'll get a lot more sewing done.

My Hawaiian Vacation

I know it's been a while since I last posted. I was so consumed with getting ready for my vacation to Hawaii. It was a wonderful trip, the weather was perfect. In fact it didn't rain (except for a couple mini showers that dried up immediately) until I was on the plane waiting to come back home. I looked out and it started to pour down rain, I mean buckets of rain. We did something different each day and had a really full trip. Check out my Vacation Slide show here: I couldn't imagine not getting some Hawaiian fabric, that was high on my list so this is what I found:

Also I like to collect thimbles from places that I visit, here are the thimbles I found:

So, What's next?

OK, it's been a while since my last posting. I've done a few things but not nearly as much as I had hoped. I'll post those pictures later, but they're nothing really special, pretty plain & simple. I made 2 pairs of shorts and a pair of capri's (for vacation). I have one more item that I want to make for my trip then that will be the end of my vacation sewing, I'll post a picture of the fabric & pattern later. It seems that so much else has been happening that I just can't get to my machine as much. I took a short trip to visit a friend who moved to far to see on a regular basis but close enough to go & visit when I need to see her or just want to get away. She moved to North Carolina and live on the lake (lake Gaston) and she lives right at the end of a cove. What a place to be...it was so peaceful and beautiful. You know where I'll be when I want to just zone out! OK, so when I get back from my Hawaii trip I'm determined to get back to some real sewing. Maybe I'll do a couple more summer items since it's usually warm around here until late Sept. Actually I'm looking forward to sewing for Fall, so I'll need to plan a few much needed pieces to build my Fall/Winter wardrobe. Well I hope everyone out there in cyberspace is enjoying their Summer and getting lots & lots of sewing done. It really seems so from the blogs I've visited lately. All you sewing diva's out there keep me inspired and motivated to keep sewing. I'll post more soon.


HAPPY SEWING!

Finally Finished!

I took some time off to sew for my upcoming vacation as you can see in my last post. I finally got them done. I made two tops, same pattern & view but different fabrics, Such a simple project shouldn't have taken so long but life happens. So much to do and so little time. The pattern required some alteration in the bust area (see review)

The biggest inspiration that my return to sewing has been was to get myself back in the gym. It's funny how you don't really think as much about what you see in the mirror on a regular basis until you have to look in the mirror from a different perspective. My concentration now is on fit and learning how to do it well. I must say that I don't remember so much problem a few years ago...Oh what a difference a few years make. HA! HA!

My next biggest inspiration has been that as I'm reviving my skills I'm inspired by the many talented sewers I've run across online, I find more and more each day. HOW INSPIRING! As I've been getting back into sewing myself I've made it a point to also inspire others whether beginners of more intermediate sewers, what fun it's been to get others hooked on sewing.

As I'm sewing for Summer I'm constantly thinking about what I want to do for Fall & Winter. OH, I know it's barely Summer and already I'm thinking about Fall..well actually my favorite sewing is things worn during the chilly or cold seasons. I love jackets, suits, heavier stable fabrics. OK I know get back to Spring & Summer...don't rush it right! Ok, so this week I'm going to concentrate on what else I'll make for Summer I'll post a few choices I'm planning next time, got to keep my sewing machine humming.

Until later,

HAPPY SEWING!

Finally some free time for sewing!

Well I'm taking the next few days off work to actually get some sewing done for my vacation. It's funny how the weekends seem to pass by so fast, I've found it hard to get enough done. SO, I decided to take these days off, I really like the idea of a SEWING VACATION. I think I'll do this more often.

In the process of getting back to sewing after a few years away from it I've found that I need to learn more about fitting techniques, with time & age... the body kinda has had a mind of it's own and it's not the body I remember sewing for during those earlier years. So I hope practice perfecting my fitting techniques. So, I check back later with my thoughts of my experience, what I've learned, my frustrations and victories along the way.

Oh and don't worry I'll be posting photos of my projects too. See ya soon.

Happy Sewing!

Silver Spring Sewing Club

What a great meeting we had last Saturday. This was our second group meeting and there were 5 new members to join us. Everyone is excited about either learning to sew or learning new techniques and strengthening our skills. We have every level of sewer in our group and it's exciting just thinking about what is to come. Some of our member can't sew at all and some are at the intermediate level. Those that know how to sew share what they know to help the newer members learn. It's a warm, fun, friendly, happy atmosphere and I am thrilled to spread the GOSPEL OF SEWING! We're having so much fun that we've decided to expand our time together for an additional hour. The focus of this meeting was to get everyone familiar and comfortable with their sewing machines. Next meeting (in June) we'll be talking more about selecting patterns & fabric and planning projects.

Check out our meeting information & time in the right column of this blog. We hope to have some real projects underway very soon for our new sewers and post pictures of projects of our experienced sewers.

Happy Sewing!

GETTING MY GROOVE BACK!

In an attempt to get that sewing "groove" back and stay motivated to sew I decided to start a sewing group. I didn't have any close friends who sewed. So I put an APB out to find some sewing friends through a website that I just happened upon one day...Meetup.com. There were several folks out there who wanted the same thing or wanted to learn to sew. I felt this was a perfect opportunity to spread the "sewing bug" and help myself too. As a result we now have a monthly group meeting where we share, teach & learn about sewing. I'm a firm believer that you learn better as you share and teach what you know. SO, I look forward to many years of sharing, learning and having fun spreading the "Sewing Bug". This is one 'BUG' worth catching!

HAPPY SEWING EVERYONE!!

Omega

What I'm currently working on...Summer Vacation

Hawaii here I come! I'm going to Hawaii this summer, boy I can't wait. So, I'm working on summer clothes for my vacation in July. Of course my summer theme will be Hawaiian print fabric. I've had some in my stash for years not really knowing that I would one day actually wear it to Hawaii. I'll be going to the island of Oahu. You'll never believe this but I won the trip through a raffle at work! YOU TALK ABOUT SURPRISED, when my ticket number was called. I was one happy girl.

As a way to get my sewing groove back I thought I start with this summer wardrobe. For practice I started sewing a couple pieces for my son (Nate), (he's going on the trip with me) BTW my son is 28 yrs old...(my bodyguard). He lives in California and I rarely get to see him so he was my choice to take on my trip. You think he'd say NO! HA! I'm making him a Hawaiian shirt, and a couple pairs of cargo shorts. I'm using Simplicity #5581 here's the shirt,

the shorts are still under construction. OK so much for my him, that's all I'm making for him.


OK, as for myself, all I've chosen so far are the fabrics. I have lots of white Capri's & shorts so I'm only making one pair of Capri's, two Hawaiian print shirts & a few T-tops. Here's my fabric choices- http://www.flickr.com/photos/sewhooked/2417069117/?editedcomment=1#comment72157604559223176 stay tuned for pattern selections.

HELLO WORLD!

Well here goes, my first post. This is a historic, monumental event for me (well almost).

When I was a very young child I used to watch my grandmother sew, she also crocheted but the sewing is what kept my attention. When I got older she taught me how to sew. She used to make so many of my clothes. I now have a quilt that she made that contains some of the very fabrics that she had used to make garments for me as a child (what a treasure)! So, when I reached Jr. high school I took sewing and kept taking it all through high school. I got pretty good at it and even made some extra money during my years in college sewing for friends. In my early adulthood I made most of my clothes, I enjoyed it so much. Then, somehow life happened and I fell off the sewing wagon and only sewed here and there and it became very far & few between when I had time to sew. Finally I just stopped....for a pretty long time. Though I'd stopped sewing I still loved going to the fabric store and I continued buying patterns & fabric to hopefully get back into it. Well that day has finally come!

I've been so inspired by some really admirable & stylish divas whom I've had the good fortune of viewing through http://www.patternreview.com/ This is an awesome website that has lead me to a sewing revival. I'm so grateful for the awakening! I'm so glad I discovered this website, I can't even remember how I discovered it, but I'm glad I did. I have to mention some very special women that I've had the pleasure of peeking in on and finally getting back into this wonderful world of sewing. There are far more than I could ever mention but the following ladies stand out as a few I've viewed on a regular basis, they have a wonderful sense of style and great tips & technique.

• Cidell - http://www.missceliespants.blogspot.com/
• Cennetta - http://themahoganystylist.blogspot.com/
• Nikkie - no website yet (my sister-in-law's sister)

Thanks again for your inspiration as I join you in cyberspace through my adventures in sewing and other great events in life.

HAPPY SEWING!

Omega