Looking forward getting Back into the swing of things...

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and I wish you all a very Happy New Year! I've been MIA for quite some time. Though I haven't been sewing or blogging lately I have been enjoying peeking in on all your blogs. At least that has kept me dreaming and looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. This year has not been the best of times, it's been very hard in fact. However I am trying to move forward and making plans for some sewing project very soon. I'll post pictures of my upcoming project soon.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Happy Sewing!

It's been awhile...

It's been a while since my last post and very difficult lately but first of all let me say Thank You to all of you for your kind words, condolences and prayers for myself and my family. We are hanging in there and trying to move ahead. It takes time to get through the loss of a loved one but we are finding that God's Grace is sufficient. We will cherish our fond memories and my brother will always remain in our hearts.

I haven't been able to sew lately though I think about if often, however it's been really nice to browse your blogs and see the beautiful creations that every one's been making. I will be getting back on the wagon very soon. I'm trying to get my sewing room organized, and begin some plans for getting something done. I really need some new fall clothes so, hopefully my next post will have some pictures of my upcoming plans & projects.

Happy Sewing!

My saddest day...

Monday morning Aug. 10th I lost my dear baby brother, John T. Brooks. We were very, very close. He was much more than a brother to me, because our mother died when he was only 14/yrs old so I helped to raise him. As life's journey continued he accomplished much. He worked hard, played hard, lived with more love & passion than anyone I know. He loved his family and friends, everyone that knew him no matter how long instantly knew they found a friend indeed. He was a loving husband, father of two beautiful daughters and three lovely little grand daughters and a friend to many all over this world. He finished two Master's degrees and was called to ministry. He lived for God and taught others to know Christ. He represented Christ well and I know he is now reunited with our mom & dad and just awaiting the rest of us to get there one day. It will be a grand reunion. Until then there will always be a irreplaceable hole in my heart. I'll always love you my dear brother...RIP.

Husband to Carla, father to Tanesha & Patrice & grandfather "POP"to Tanaya, Tashaya & Madison.

Beloved brother...
POP enjoying his grands...

At the wailing wall in Jerusalem,

John & wife Carla Baptism in Jordan River

Fun co-worker...

Here is a link tribute part 2 to his life that was played at his home going.

BRITT Tops finally done...

Finally I finished the tops yesterday, from the "Britt" magazine This is the magazine that Christy @ "Sew Much Fabric, Sew Little Time" sent me, I wrote about it a couple posts back. They were fun to make and the pattern didn't need lots of alterations as I usually have to do. There was a slight mishap with the black, white & yellow blouse just as I was completing it. When I was doing the final press along the hem I had a "brain fart" and put the tip of the hot iron directly on the hem and melted the fabric...Can you believe this, I just wanted to scream! I felt like thumping myself in the head. Well to save the blouse I decided to just turn the hem up again and restitch it. That worked out OK, but of course it shortened the blouse more that I really wanted to, but it was better than loosing the blouse. Don't you just hate when something really dumb happens just as you are almost finished? I would have shown me wearing them but I was to lazy to set up the tripod, maybe I'll post pictures wearing them later.

I need to make a couple summer dresses so maybe that will be my next sewing quest.

Happy Sewing!!

One Lovely Blog Award...

Thanks to Ann @ Sew-Ann's Stitchin for passing on the "One Lovely Blog Award"

It's always a nice surprise to receive such an award from my sister bloggers. This time I would like to pass this "One Lovely Blog Award" on to any of the talented sewers out there that stop by my blog and take the time to share their sewing adventures with everyone through blogging. It's hard sometimes because I don't want to leave out anyone and each of you are talented in your own rite and have "One Lovely Blog". So, feel free to accept this award and display it on your own blog and share with others! ENJOY!

YA! I'm sewing...

I'm getting some sewing done today, YA! I feel like I've been revived. I'm working on a fitting/muslin for the blouse from the BRITT magazine Christy sent me. I wasn't sure how I'd like it but I'm really liking the fit, with just a few little fixes. I didn't have to make any major alterations. That's a real pleasure. Really the only thing that really bugged me was the pattern piece that they showed for the neckband...

This was to be cut x2 on the bias. I sewed this band on and took it off twice, that just didn't work, this fabric was too stiff and the stretch of the bias just wasn't enough for the neckline to lay smooth & flat. So I made facing pieces for the neckline...these worked much better,also the front darts will be sewn all the way to the hem. The material I used for this fitting/practice garment is a rather stiff broadcloth of some sort. It will look much better in the fabrics I'm using...The white, black & yellow is a polyester silkie from JoAnn Fabrics, the green, black & white is a semi-sheer crinkle fabric from G-Street Fabrics, the $2.97 table. I think this blouse will look nice in these fabrics, great for Summer.

BTW- many sewing bloggers have been showing notions that they enjoy using, here is what I use to cut out these patterns that are traced and need a seam allowance added...

This is an Olfa Rotary Cutter with an adjustable width arm screwed on. It's perfect since you can just put the arm where you want the seam allowance to be. No double tracing needed. This is among my favorite notions. I did a search to see it they still made them but I wasn't able to find one, but if you find one it's worth getting. I have the double tracing wheel also but this is my first preference.

MOJO In The Mail...

Lately I'd been so caught up with family, personal and work issues that I was totally distracted from sewing. I seriously needed a jump start of some sewing Mojo from somewhere. So, while browsing my favorite blogs I came across Christy's post at "Sew Much Fabric, Sew Little Time" about her new found treasure... the "BRITT" magazine. This magazine is similar to Burda, it shows photos of the styles featured in the magazine and has an insert pattern sheet to trace the pattern from. The instructions are in several foreign languages and includes English. It looked so interesting and I liked the styles shown so I just had to inquire of Christy where to find it online. I was having a heck of a time searching on my own. Christy shared the information on how to get the magazine and then a day or so later she informed me that she actually received a second one from the publisher, since they didn't want it back, she offered to send me the extra copy. It was so sweet of Christy to offer and of course I was more than delighted to have to opportunity to check it out. Within just a few days there it was in my mailbox, instant MOJO in the mail. It was like getting a refreshing drink of water in the desert. So, THANK-YOU Christy, it was so nice of you to send me the BRITT magazine and share your MOJO with me. Hopefully by this weekend I'll have one of the blouse patterns traced and ready to make up a muslin and will have some pictures to share.

Blogger Buddy Award...

WOW, another award, thank you Christy @ Designing Creations and Rachelle @ Knitmachinequeen. I enjoy both of your blogs and I thank you for including me as your blogger buddy! I'd like to pass it on to the following blogger:
Debbie @ Stitches & Seams
Joan @ Wannasew
Sherril @ Sherril's Sewing Saga
Linda @ Danvillegirl Sewing Diary
Tanya @ Sew Sassy
Aminat @ SewFit
Gold @ Live & Learn
Andrea @ Knit-Knac
These are just a few of the many wonderful blogger's out there. Enjoy and spread the Love!

A little BEHIND...

Not that behind...LOL! I've gotten a little behind in my sewing, blogging, housework etc, etc. The last few weeks have be full of ups and downs amongst family, friends, work & travel etc. Fortunately it hasn't all been bad. I tell you life happens and you just have to deal with it. So, hopefully this weekend will be the most normal weekend I've had in a few weeks. I hope to get caught up on all of the above. When I don't get to sew or do the things I enjoy most I still read my favorite blogs and that gives me hope and inspiration for a better day. I thank you all for that inspiration when life seem to overwhelm me. That's why I'm so glad to be connected to all of you through blogging. Keep doing what you do! I hope to have something to post soon, I'll be trying to finish my jacket & pants from this post. Until then...



Happy Sewing!

Attitude of Gratitude Award...

The Rules of Accepting and Sharing this Award

1.Put the logo on your blog or post

2. Nominate a few blogger's that show an attitude of gratitude

3. Link to your nominees within your post

4.Comment on their blogs to let them know they've received this award

5.Share the love and link to this post and the person who nominated you for the award.

Tell us how you've come to have an attitude of gratitude

Thanks to McVal at http://sewnotmyday.blogspot.com/

I have so many things to be grateful for it's hard to know where to start.

I'm grateful to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ & He accepts me just as I am.

I'm grateful for my life & all that I've learned along the way.

I'm grateful for family and friends who are there in good times & bad.

I'm grateful to have enough for myself and plenty to share.

I grateful to have a safe place to lay my head at night.

I'm grateful for my job and pray that anyone who wants to work can find work.

I'm grateful for all the gifted crafters I've met online from blogging.

This list could go on and on so I'll stop here for now...

I would like to share this award with:

Knitmachinequeen @ Smoking Needles

Susan @ Knitter's Delight

Elaray @ Another Creations

Cennetta @ The Mahogany Stylist

Christy @ Designing Creations

Faye @ Faye's Sewing Adventures

There are so many more I could mention, I'm grateful for every sewist and other crafters I've met that have inspired me in so many ways.

Happy Sewing!

THE TALE OF A TUNIC

I could have given this post several headings such as

A Love - Hate Relationship...

I Coulda,Woulda, Shoulda...

I Can't Believe I Did That!...

What Had Happen Was...

I'm So Over You...

I could probably go on and on but this tunic will not be a pleasure to wear and here's why.

The fabric is linen...I love linen but I hate wearing it,Unless it is constructed in such a way to avoid the awful wrinkling. I gave my lovely tunic a nice crisp press and it looked wonderful...
until I wore it for a little whileActually only a few minutes and it began to look like I slept in it. Well, being in such a hurry to sew it I didn't think through the things I should have done to make it more wearable. I should have used a light knit interfacing on the whole tunic. I also could have done a FBA to make it fit a little better across my boobs. Yeah, always need to do that, how did I not this time. One solace to this whole thing is I didn't actually pick out this fabric and purchase it, it came from an order I placed from FabricMart.com , sometimes they run a special, with a purchase of a certain amount they'll give you a mystery bundle of fabric at no cost. This was in that mystery bundle from a purchase. When I saw it I knew right away what I wanted to make with it..but so much for that.

OK, so I have moved on to this jacket,(short version w/cuffs) I wanted to make pants also but don't have quite enough fabric left, so I'll make a skirt instead. Thankfully it's turning out quite well so far...Thank Goodness! Whew! I don't know what I would do with another wadder so close to the last one. I'll take pictures of the completed outfit soon.

Meanwhile, I did sew with some friends today, just a quick thing we decided to do. A mother and daughter that are learning to sew together. I think that is so great and wanted to help the daughter get her dress done and hopefully wear at least once before it gets too warm, here's her completed dress, the so popular Butterick 5247 I'm so proud of her accomplishment.

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

Looking toward Spring

It seems that it will never really come but I know spring is just around the corner. Some days are warm and sunny and the next you have put on your winter coat. Oh well, at least we can sew as if it's spring and maybe, just maybe before we know it...it will be SPRING. So, this week I was able to sew, and this is what I've been working on: Vogue 8500

This fabric is linen and it is fully lined except for the sleeves ,

The pattern didn't call for interfacing anywhere but I should have known to put a light weight interfacing in the front along the neckline and where it wraps over. It stretched a little and could have used some reinforcement. The only thing left to do is sew on the right button. Of all the buttons I have I don't have ONE perfect black button. So, when I get that button I'll have to take a picture wearing it with black pants.

Next up, is this jacket (short view) and pants outfit: Butterick 6473, I think it is now Out of Print. The fabric has a slightly loose weave and I'm not sure of the content.

I plan to make a top out of this fabric, the color here isn't very good, the dots are a little darker than they appear, they're more of a tan. I'm still deciding on the pattern I'll use for the top.BTW- I plan on sewing up a couple of those TNT patterns I mentioned in an earlier post, I've been working on the necessary alterations and will be working on a couple of those patterns for Spring as well. Hopefully I'll be posting pictures of my finished projects soon.

In the mean time....Happy Sewing!

I DID IT! My 1st Blogoversary

YA! I actually did it, in the beginning I didn't think I'd last even the first year. But, fortunately this blogging thing is addicting. As I started this blog I was also jumping back into the sewing game after being away from sewing for a while. It's been a great year, some accomplishments, some discouragements, but it's a learning process and that's great. So, even though I haven't sewn nearly as much as I'd have liked, I'm learning & relearning things and I think about sewing more than you can imagine. In fact it seems that some of you have an extra endowment of that famous "sewing mojo" if anyone has any extra or want to share some of yours please send some my way. Sometimes I feel as many of you do I wish there were more hours in the day to devote to honing my skills. I've been so inspired by all the gifted & talented sewers and crafters out there in blog land and the wonderful connections I've made over this past year. You brighten and enrich my life and many others. Keep doing what you do... you inspire me!

Happy Sewing!

A Unique Opportunity

If you are new to sewing and looking for tips and tricks to improve your sewing skills or an experienced sewer you may want to check this out. Most of you know Sandra Betzina from her many sewing books & DVD's such as:
Now Sandra has a new WebTV sewing series. You can view 3 shows for free then after previewing the free shows you can subscribe to the series for either 6 or 12 months. I've gone through several of the shows and have picked up several tips & tricks that will help improve my sewing. To check out Sandra Betzina's new Web TV show or for more information click here and enjoy.

Custom Cakes & Cupcakes

If you need custom made cakes or cupcakes for your special occasion, there's a wonderful new business in the New York City/New Jersey area, CUP2CAKE - Elmont, NY. specializes in all kinds of cakes and cupcakes. For Professional Services check out this site: Cup2Cake. There's a gallery to view some beautiful samples of product offerings and a contact link for more information. The owner is my friend Kimie Mento, check it out!

FACEBOOK

Well, I never thought I'd do it but I did. I never really wanted to be on a social networks like Facebook, but was convinced by a family member as a good way to keep in touch. I also found some of my local sewing friends on Facebook so we've connected. Now that I've done it I'm glad I did, it's nice to catch up with some friends that I had lost contact with. If you are on 'FACEBOOK' let me know and let's be friends.

What a weekend!

I didn't get a stitch of sewing done, but what a weekend I had. Considering just a little over a week ago my back was bothering me and I couldn't do much of anything. Well this weekend made up for my down time. A group of my family & friends decided to go "snow tubing" (I didn't get the greatest pictures, hope to to post some better ones when my brother sends me his.) It was about 13 of us including the children. We had such a good time, I think the grown-up had more fun than the children. We went up to "Round Top Mountain" ski lodge in Pennsylvania. The irony is that Monday of last week a snow storm hit the east coast/mid-Atlantic region and here in the DC area we had our fair share of the fluffy white stuff. However by Thursday of the week the snow was just about gone, by Friday it was warming up significantly and by Saturday it was 70 degrees. On the mountain it was only slightly cooler, so we had the best of both worlds...snow to play on without being overly burdened with too many clothes, I was almost sweating (it don't take much for me, I have a private Summer in the dead of Winter sometimes). People were skiing, snow boarding & snow tubing with just jeans & sweaters on We spent two hours sliding down the hill screaming and laughing all the way, the most fun is when we all linked together and went down together (13 us linked together) what a blast! It's funny how I can do some nutty things (at least for me) and not bother my back but other time do almost nothing and next thing I know my back it out. My back didn't hurt a bit from our adventure but my shoulders are a bit sore I guess from dragging that tube around, but I'll soon be over that and next weekend back to sewing. I hoping to start cutting out a couple of the patterns I've been working on altering. I will soon discover what my TNT picks will be. More on that soon.
Just a few more pictures of us playing on the mountain.
My sister-in law "the snow bunny"
My brother
We're going down with our tubs connected.
What a blast it was a fun day!

Happy Sewing!

Thank you my sister!

What a nice surprise, many thanks to Rachelle @ Smoking Needles for nominating me for this award.
This is such a nice award to get & to share!

The rules are:
1. Put the logo on your blog or post
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and /or Gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received your award.

I'd like to nominate:

Sherril @ Sherril's Sewing Saga
Jackie @ Jackie's Sewing
Christy @ Sew much fabric, sew little time
Krystal @ Krustallos
Linda @ Danvillegirl
Debbie @ Stitches & Seams
Kyra @ Black Threads
Susan @ Knitter's Delight
Alethia @ Kassmin's Creations
Christy @ Designing Creations
Opal @ Opal's Passions
Dei @ Dei's Delights
Thanks for sharing your knowledge, creations and this great sisterhood.

Slowly making progress...

Well I've been working on my potential TNT's patterns for the past few days. It seems like it's taking for ever. Several of the patterns had never been used before and those that had been used had to be altered. So, I've been trimming some & tracing others preparing them for alterations. I've made a muslin on this one, so it's good to go now with a real fabric. Thanks to the FBA I've had to make, my patterns look pretty butchered up...this is the full bust alteration,this is the jacket pattern, I also did the alteration for the top, I can see getting a lot of use out of this pattern,So, I need to make a muslin on these to see how I did. Here's a neat jacket pattern & accompanying idea book I ordered from Nancy's Notions (Nancy ran a special on this combo but they are usually sold separately)
I didn't include this in my potential TNT list because I ordered it and had not received it when I was pulling the others together. I think this one will make a great TNT jacket pattern. So I traced it and it's now ready for alteration. With these jackets underway I'll work on a couple skirts, they will be a lot easier. Also I want to get a couple pant pattens done to see if I can come up with a great fitting pair of pants. It's slow going but I'm making some progress. I won't be making anything else for Winter. At the rate only Spring & Summer sewing is on my mind. Funny thing my fabric stash consists mostly of Winter weight fabrics especially for jackets, so I will have to seek out a few pieces of fabric for Spring & Summer sewing. I'll be firing up my machine soon and hope to have something to share soon.

Happy Sewing!