Wonderfully Made

Wardrobe Basics...The Jacket

2012-02-25T09:02:00.002-08:00

One of the suggested garments for the Wardrobe Basics Sew Along was a puffy vest. Another was a fur vest. Now, while I think these may be adorable (in fact I actually own a cute black puffy vest with fur trim), they can be challenging to make, and challenging to wear. So, I’m thinking, the obvious substitute for these items is a jacket. Yup…a regular old jacket. Actually, I was quite surprised that a jacket wasn’t included in the Nate Burkus list that Lori referenced for our sew-along.

As you know, there are as many different “regular old jackets” as there are days in a year. So what could be a wardrobe staple? My choices are easy...

A blazer

A Trench or Safari jacket.

A denim jacket.

These are jackets I wouldn’t be without in my closet. And think of the fun ways you can change them up to suit your own lifestyle… This post will feature some inspiration photos and a pattern reference for you to make your own! Just click on the links in the photo captions to see the RTW source and the pattern source.

Denim can be any color of the rainbow…or any color of the blue denim rainbow. And denim is such a basic that will go with anything from shorts and skirts to dresses, slacks and maxi’s.

Eddie Bauer Classic Denim

Levis' Truckers Jacket

Kwik Sew 2895 is a great basic denim jacket pattern.

A Trench or Safari Jacket are classic must-haves…again, traditional black or tan could move aside for a brilliant color or print, or you could change it up with a smart ponte knit for a more versatile layering piece. I like the idea of a more vintage style topper instead of the expected trench coat profile.

Anthropologie Diagonals Coat
Indygo Junction Midtown Trench

Ralph Lauren
Burda 02/2011 Safari Jacket #127

And the blazer. An absolute must. But let’s have fun here. There are so many ways to make that blazer an attention-getter !

Think colors!

Old Navy Twill
McCalls 6172, View B with Patch Pockets

Stripes!

Tory Burch Striped Magnus Jacket
Vogue 8781

You can change up the sleeve length!

Calvin Klein Drape Front Ponte

Try Vogue 8777... just add some sleeve tabs.

Try it in wool, linen, gabardine, leather, cotton sateen, knit …the world is your fabric oyster!

Nanette Lapore Knit

Burda Style 7283 would work up beautifully for this jacket

Modcloth Knit Visiting Professor Jacket
Hotpatterns Weekender Martini Jacket

Tory Burch Leather

Burda Style 08/10 #114

Change up the style... Vintage, a soft knit jacket, cropped or long....or something totally unexpected like a floral print.

Elizabeth and James Wool/Rayon

Marfy 1761 . Just add additional button details.

Pim and Larkin Floral Blazer

Butterick 5647 could work.

Gertie has a really, really cool sewing class on Craftsy that I am seriously considering The Retro-Style Starlet Suit Jacket... a vintage inspired jacket with tailoring details and techniques.

Starlet Suit Jacket

I really love the style, and have been ready to step it up a notch in my sewing. And the fact that I can’t take those kinds of classes where I live? It’s awesome to have the opportunity to "attend" a class on line.

So what I am adding to my wardrobe basics?
I am going to be making a classic light weight red wool jacket…but it will have a coral lining, using a great pattern that I've used before. Simplicity 2446. I’m excited to get it started, because then, if I have enough fabric left, I am going to make some red Clovers to go along with it!

Happy Saturday!

McCall's 6512. The White Blouse

2012-02-22T17:33:00.000-08:00

I finally finished sewing the buttons on my bow blouse for wardrobe basics so that I could wear it today. And you know what?

The pattern is great. It's from the new McCall's collection. Melissa Watson for Palmer Pletsch.

I really , really like how it’s constructed.

It features saddle shoulder seams.

A high/low hem....which I took my time with...very careful measuring, pressing and stitching a Pin Hem according Couture Sewing Techniques by Claire Shaeffer.

And lots of hand sewing…the neck facing, the front button bands, the cuffs. I actually enjoyed this part.

My only issue is that I decided to use rayon challis, which wrinkles like crazy. That’s because I had a bad experience with some “’baby silk” from Joann’s and I got so frustrated that I just threw it in the mending basket. I don’t know if I’ll ever get back to it. Maybe I'll try to wrestle it into a blouse, maybe I won't. I guess I don't care much about it right now for it to even matter.

For now, this blouse is a good basic, I can wear it with a skirt or jeans, and I love the tunic-y style, which can also be tucked in.

It's another "DONE" on my Wardrobe Basics Sew Along!

Mad About Those Dresses

2012-02-20T06:22:00.000-08:00

Have you been sick yet this year? Ugh. Ick. Four days of crud and not feeling like much of anything but laying around...which doesn't make for much more than marathon-ing episodes of Mad Men.

Speaking of which...I joined another sew-along...The Mad Men Dress Challenge hosted by Julia Bobbin.

When I was first introduced to Mad Men, I became an instant fan. The era begins at my beginnings. I was born in 1959, and through the early sixties, I do have some recollections of my Mom dressing in the style of the day, and my sister and her friends with their cat eye glasses, cropped pants and striped knit tops. I loved seeing what my mom wore to church on Sundays, when all the ladies were decked out in dresses and hats and brooches. I've watched every season at least 3 or 4 times, and I'm watching them all again to get me ready for the Season Five premier in March.

So, I'm going to make a dress. Of course, my first thought was Joan Holloway in her wiggle dresses and bombshell sweaters and skirts. But, being realistic, I know that won't be the right look for me, since I've got the Va Va, but not the Voom (and my Voom wouldn't fill out the back end of a wiggle dress very well!).

Oh, I'll come up with something...there are hundreds of bits of inspiration throughout the four seasons. Betty, Helen, Megan, Trudy, Mona, Jane, Rachel, Midge ...so many options!

I am seriously leaning toward the Joanie in the red dolman blouse and tweed skirt. Then.....

Last night I dug out my basket of vintage patterns...many from the 50's and 60's, but none of them in my size. They are such fabulous patterns, some uncut, many have been used, but still a valuable source of inspiration and style...I really need to give them away to someone that will use them.

I think I found an option for the blouse, if If you look at the second pattern from the right, on the bottom. Imagine that as a blouse and not a dress...dolman sleeve, v neck bow tie...But, this pattern is about 4 sizes to small for me, and I'm not sure I can re-draft it THAT much. I'll have to think about it.

So, if you had to choose a style from the 60's, what would it be?

One Skirt, Many Ways Simplicity 2475

2012-02-17T12:47:00.000-08:00

I went stash diving this week, after being inspired by the Jason Wu Pre-Fall 2012 Collection and this skirt:

And fancy that, I had some yardage of a ponte knit houndstooth. And I happened to have Simplicity 2475.

What was I lacking? Black ponte...that thick, weighty ponte that holds it's shape. So, off to the thrift store I went, and found enough yardage in a ponte knit skirt to cut the side panels for my skirt!

with a black belted blouse

Were there modifications? You bet! Well, the first thing I did was underline the houndstooth fabric to give it a bit more stucture. I did this by cutting the underlining from a thrifted black tricot slip ( I have used this trick before!) and holding the lining and fabric together as one, sewed the panels together.

The Simplicity pattern's center panel was just a bit too narrow for my liking. I wanted something that had a bit more shape to the panel. After I sewed it, of course, is when I discovered this. So I cut the houndstooth panels out of my skirt, and cut new ones with a more pleasing and feminine shape to them. Then I marked and trimmed out the corresponding shape on the side panels.

And sewed in the new panel. By the way, I also eliminated the zipper and the back vents on this skirt, because, well, I just didn't need them. This is a simple pull-on skirt and we like it that way!

One thing I would change is this: instead of cutting the slim version, I think I would make this again in the average fit so it's not quite so form-fitting. Actually, I have enough of everything to make this skirt again, and

with a red cardigan and bow blouse

with a black ponte moto jacket and striped henley

I just might do that.
I like this skirt. I like how it's simple and bold at the same time, and can be worn in so many ways.

I Heart Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T14:41:00.000-08:00

Well, you could never tell by what I wore today that I really do like Valentine's Day….I wore a festive gray dress with black tights...well, I did manage to throw on a pair of red earrings.

Everyone else in the office was all decked out….every form of red or pink or hearts. I should have tried harder, I know, but it was all I could do this morning to get out of my red dog print flannel pajamas and into the shower.

I love the idea of love.

From my vintage Valentine collection

I love that there is always enough of it to go around.

my favorite Fossil necklace

I love that we can express it in so many ways.

from my collection

I love that it can be eternal. And unconditional. And unconventional.

I love pink.

and I love red.

I love hearts.

Sofia and I made Valentine “tup-takes” to celebrate our love... or rather, her love of frosting.

My husband picked me up today to take me to lunch.

He says the real Valentine is coming later… I say, "is it the same thing you gave me for Christmas and for our anniversary and my birthday and your birthday?"

My next project is going to be a red jacket and I am excited. I think it will be lined with something outrageous like bright pink or polka-dots.

Happy Valentine's Day...I hope yours was filled with love, a little surprise, and shared with someone special.

Day Dreams and Night Dreams

2012-02-10T17:53:00.000-08:00

I spent a good part of the day Friday in my office doing reports which allowed me to daydream. And entire day of daydreaming…how indulgent!

I’m thinking of some things that I want to make and do for our home.

One of my favorite blogs ever is From Gardeners to Bergers, who just recently did a post on Map Art for your home.

I, too am crazy about the Restoration Hardware giant map art. I want one for over my bed, like this one:

Vintage London Map

Then I was lucky enough to find a tutorial here

But found some actual poster sized vintage maps with This Ebay Seller.

Vintage Paris Map

I love that look. We may even use that map theme on a wall in our Scotty. Maybe. So while I may never get to London or Paris, I can certainly dream about it.

The Painted Hive

I confess I could sew through the entire Collette Sewing Handbook. And I confess I would give my teeth for a copy of Vogue’s New Book for Better Sewing 1952…and sew my way through that, too. On that subject, I've been eyeing up Gertie's blog for awhile...she has a lot to say about this book!

So, what else? JR and I have been finding and re-working some really cool pieces to sell at a show in July. For many, many years, I traveled to retail shows selling my vintage re-pro cloth dolls and folk dolls and we sort of miss that venue…it was always fun getting ready, loading up, unpacking, setting up and packing up again, and unloading again…just kidding..that part Was Not Fun, but I always got the biggest kick out of traveling to new places, meeting people and selling the things I loved to someone that I knew would also love them. It was an awesome creative outlet… I got to do the creating and , BONUS, made money at the same time! So, after being inspired by our many visits to re-sale shops and flea markets and antique fairs over the years, we decided to take the plunge and do a show in July. I’m excited. The hunt for stuff is always a blast and re-selling it will be even better!

I have a million ideas and never enough time to execute them. My sewing and knitting pile grows, and I can’t seem to get busy with it. I think it’s because I have had a bad experience with a really bad piece of fabric this week…I’m trying to chalk it up as a muslin, and as a perfect opportunity to tweak the fit on a blouse, but dang, it’s bugging me. I think because it was a pain in the neck pattern lay-out and cut-out and the fact I am doing it all over again has moved my motivation arrow far to the left of the dial.

But I am making progress.

Where do you dream of going? What do you dream of doing?

The White Blouse

2012-02-09T05:31:00.000-08:00

It doesn't get any more vanilla, white sugar and flour than the basic white blouse. Wear it with everything from jeans to work ensembles to dress-up . One of my favorite looks that I have ever worn was a simple sateen white blouse that I paired with a beautiful brown mid-calf dressy slim skirt that had a wide sash and bow at the waist....I made it myself. (wow, that's a lot of adjectives!) I wore it to a wedding...and then to another wedding. It was so classic and eye-catching...that skirt didn't need anything more than a simple white blouse with the collar popped and some dramatic accessories.

One of my other favorite looks is that same blouse with some jeans and a simple blazer. Classic.

So the complication comes from deciding which, of the countless flavors of white blouses, would be the best white blouse for your closet. Of course, the first step is deciding why you want it and what your lifestyle is.

Because there is nothing that says "wear me!" like a white blouse, I have a wardrobe of 'em.
I have a white tunics, structured button shirts, ruffled shirts and simple oxfords. In everything from cotton and linen to charmeuse and knits. There are SO many different fabric options:

crinkle silk chiffon
rayon linen and silk blend
stretch silk charmeuse
broadcloth
stretch poplin
shirting with lace details
lawn
eyelet
stretch sateen
linen
voile
silk cotton blend
cotton jaquard

Let's take a look at some styles!

The White Shirt by lbrundage

And some patterns!

The Updated Bow Blouse

Hotpatterns Metropolitan Tie Me Down Top

McCalls 651

Colette Jasmine

Basic Structured Blouse.. a great opportunity to try some interesting details or construction:

Burda 7189

The Tunic

Burda 7368

So there you have it! What's your favorite white blouse? What white blouse will you be adding to your wardrobe basics?

And The Babies Keep Coming!

2012-02-08T08:40:00.000-08:00

Another grandson!

Jameson Robert
February 7, 2011
8lb. 7oz.

"Hush, hush" said the moon. "Turn out the light....someone new sleeps with us tonight!"

I Heart My Husband

2012-02-06T18:18:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, after church and before going to Katie’s house for Super Bowl dips, I ran a few errands, got my eyes examined, poked around Joann’s.

And during that time, my husband…my amazing husband…cleaned first floor of the house for us! Yes..that means vacuuming, dusting, washing floors, cleaning the bathroom. Oh, and Windex-ing where it was needed.

So, while it’s not yet Valentine’s day, I have to express an extra bit of love to a husband who not only cleans our house, but...

He will indulge my creative side, while keeping me from being too impulsive.

He cleans up after dinner and never complains if we eat popcorn as our evening meal.

He gives the best hugs while respecting my hot flashes.

He makes wonderful things with his hands and can figure out how to do just about anything.

He makes me feel safe, while encouraging me to be brave.

Little Hearts by Teresa Fox

He is the only person in the world who has ever loved me without condition, with much forgiveness, and as an example of grace….truly the picture of a husband that God had in mind.

Vogue 1264 Ankle Pants

2012-02-04T18:34:00.000-08:00

Well, this is the same pattern I used for the pink pants. I still like the pattern, but I do see that I have some additional fit issues to work out, especially when working with a fabric that has some stretch.

After wearing them for the afternoon, they started to bag out. ( I spared you the butt shot, because the sagging was a little embarrassing!). This fabric is a stretch cotton sateen with 3 % Lycra. I hesitate to take them in any more, or they will be more form fitting than what I would like. What to do, what to do...

I made just one modification other than the fit. I added 2 inches to the length. I like the little vent at the hem.

And I love the style of the pants. They have a nice clean, faced waistband with an extended tab closure and invisible side zip... a great pant for my wardrobe basics.

I would like to determine the best fabrics for these pants. What do you use? Any suggestions on something with enough stretch for comfort but not enough that they stretch out?

2012-02-02T14:21:00.000-08:00

I need a little color in my l life on these gray days of Winter. What is it about so many of us that instead of our clothes being an expression of our vibrant and cheerful personalities, we tend to wear black, gray, black and gray-black? I find that so interesting. Personally, I love color! I am a colorful girl who has any number of interests, moods and aspects to my being. So why all this blah? Why am I always sucked into the big black hole of fashion?

Are we just playing it safe? Are we really that afraid of color?

Is it because it just doesn't require thinking or planning? It's easy to wear black?

Is it our only idea of “classic?”

Do we think it makes us look thin?

Younger? Actually, I read somewhere that when women over 40 wear black, it sucks the color from their fragile and delicate aging complexions! Oh, great.

The last three garments I’ve made are gray…what does that say about me? Well, at least it’s a step up from black, right?

I've been wondering if maybe, just maybe, it's not the grayness of the world that's influencing my color choices (or lack thereof) but maybe, just maybe, I could make my world a little bit happier of a place to be if I would just choose some color!

Pantone Spring 2012 by lbrundage featuring floral scarves

How about you? Do you wear a lot of black? How do you wear color in your wardrobe?

Yes dear, there is a raisin in our bed.

2012-01-30T15:42:00.000-08:00

On my way home from work Friday, the skies over my town were filled with the blackness of a huge fire.

On my way in to work this morning, those same skies were filled with snowiness.

Are Tootsie Pops actually smaller these days? They sure don't seem like the 2 cent ones that I used to buy at the corner store when I was growing up.

This is an amazing red blazer. Very nicely constructed, and I may very well steal that fabulous animal print lining when I make my red jacket.

Victoria, Of Ten Thousand Hours of Sewing, put up a really good pants post, which includes a discussion of the Yahoo/Glamour article “Ten Pants that Every Woman Must Own.”
Oh, great. Now I need print pants. Well, Victoria of Ten Thousand Sewing Hours, I'm glad it's not Ten Thousand Pants Every Woman Must Own."

Am I the only person at work that thows away the empty toilet paper rolls?

I feel like I did little this weekend other than watch documentaries, play with pinterest, polyvore, and google reader, and clean the bathroom. Well, I fussed a little with the master bedroom…rearranging, re-accesorizing.

And I cut out some gray pants.

I also started knitting a Drops Seed Stitch Baby Jacket which reminds me a lot of one that was sold at Baby Gap recently. It will go with an equally adorable seed stitch baby hat which I already made.

And…Yes, dear, that is a raisin in our bed. I had a craving right before bed...what can I say?

Basic Weekend Wardrobe Planning

2012-01-25T14:57:00.000-08:00

So, here we go. I'm serious about this wardrobe thing. I really am. My daughters have gotten on my case over the years, my husband has had a thing or two to say, and trust me, I know that a closet full of clothes does not a wardrobe make.
I'm going to take our wardrobe participants through the steps of planning, right along with me.

1) First and foremost, evaluate your closet.

What do you have that would already work in your basic wardrobe? This includes a careful examination of fit, style and freshness.

For example, I've mentioned before that I have a nice pair of black ponte pants.

I have several white shirts, but I would like a more updated style.

I could put together a basic wardrobe from the things I already own, but I want something fresh for Spring. So I’ll add and substitute as needed.

Here's what I've found....

I have a khaki skirt and a few denim skirts. These will work.

White blouses..most are older and not so snazzy anymore.

Black, white and denim jackets. But let's look closer:

Lots and Lots of black in the jacket department, but nothing for Spring.

Lots and Lots in the Denim department, too. You know I love my denim.

Lots and Lots of Black Cardigans....this represents only what was in the laundry this week! There are many more where these came from!

A couple of cute vests...once again, black.

Some favorite jeans and black ponte pants.

And, I've decided that it's time to finally get rid of some styles that I cling to, but really, they are not the most flattering for me. How many eyelet peasant-type tops does a girl need? None. at least this girl needs none. I'm happy to share...if you want em, let me know..they are sized large or x-large and you can have them if you want to pay for the shipping.

2) After a careful assessment, I think I've narrowed down what I need to sew:

jacket/blazer in colors

Pants in a new neutral

Jeans in colors

New white blouse

Cardigan or vest in something other than black.

The next thing I’m looking at…even before choosing colors, is the style of the garments I want to add to my wardrobe. I'm looking for personality, what works for my body and weekend lifestyle. I search my pattern stash, and do lots of research on line. I browse websites, check out a few of my favorite magazines, and books. I window shop or flip through pattern books at Joann's on my lunch break.

FYI, Sarai has done a recent Coletterie blog post on Style Signatures. She asks, "If you’ve never thought about it, take some time to notice how you dress for the next week or so. What do you gravitate towards most often? What things do you like to wear? Do you do a little something that makes you feel unique?"

(I have to admit, even though I tend to gravitate toward black and denim, I could maybe re-define this classic and safe look with some shots of color.)

3) Make a list, shop the stash for patterns, and keep a notebook of what you need to get.

Once I have my patterns decided, the fun begins. I keep a journal with me at all times… and in it, I keep lists, drawings and pictures related to knitting or sewing. It’s a great resource for shopping. When I get an idea, I put it in my book.

I decide on my patterns. This is when I start to get a little excited. By printing the line drawings and laying them out, I'm starting to see a plan develop.

So that's it so far. Next wardrobe post, I'll be talking about color!

But until then, lets meet the wardrobe sewalong participants! Girls, let's hear how you are doing so far with your planning, and then go round and say hello to one another!

1. Lori of Girls in the Garden
2. Lynne of Wonderfully Made
3. Barbara of Working with Delight
4. Jodie ( no blog but posting great comments)
5. Tonia of The Enchanted Daydreamer
6.  Angela of The Creative Diva
7. Karin of Sew Here We Go Again
8. Katie of Kadiddlehopper
9. Marie (no blog but posting comments and we can link flckr page)
10.  Yvette of Sew Today, Wear Tomorrow
11. Sandi
12. Renae of Seams Awesome
13. Patty of Sew Much Knitting
14. Jamye of Straight Stitch
15. Doobee  of Doobee's Creations
16.  Bonnie of Tres Bon Babble (informally participating)
17.  Kris O of Needle to Say
18 Nikki
19. Mari

20. Will this be YOU????

Amy Butler Weekend Travel Bag

2012-01-23T18:34:00.000-08:00

What started last Saturday with an entire hour's worth of cutting out, and culminated with about two hours of hand stitching yesterday, is one of the most challenging projects I've done in a long, long, time.

Last fall, I did a commission project for a sweet friend, and in addition to payment, she gave me an extra bonus. I thought carefully about just what to do with that money...it would be easy to fritter it away on this and that, but I wanted to create something that I would use often, something that would not only be practical and pretty, but a remembrance of Rhonda as well.

So, I selected the Amy Butler Weekender Travel Bag.
And then I selected Amy Butler Soul Blossom decorator twill in two coordinating prints.

In addition to layers of peltex, interfacing, and piping, and a 30" sport zipper.

Oh, yes, the piping...which I couldn't do without my lovely new piping foot. Applause please.

My hands and fingers hurt on Saturday from holding those thick layers and carefully guiding it all through my machine. And from all the slip-stitching of the lining to the zippered opening. And me, without a thimble. I would suggest a thimble. Later, my machine breathed a sigh of relief when she only had to stitch together the lining. And my fingers were thankful for a rest.

I made a few changes. Of course.
Generous inside pockets were added, along with purse feet on the bottom.

I have to toot my horn a little. I'm proud of this bag. The construction, while technically pretty basic, was a challenge because of all the layers which had to be sewn together. I've never made anything quite like it. And while it may be tempting to eliminate some of the interfacing or peltex to cut corners time-wise and penny-wise, in the end, I can say that all of those steps and layers are essential to the structure of the bag. I'm glad I took my time with it.

I've never had a pretty weekend/overnight bag. And now I do! And I can't wait to fill it up with a weekend wardrobe and then sneak away! Follow along as Lori and I sew our way through a basic wardrobe, starting today. If you'd like to join us, stop by Lori's blog and let her know!

We promise fun and encouragement along the way!

What I love about the weekends

2012-01-22T14:39:00.000-08:00

It started this way... we have a funeral to go to. Announces my husband. It's at 11:00am.

Of course, I had a whole line-up of "things to do" yesterday, but all that got put on the back burner.
We got to the church, and the parking lot was empty. I check online for the obituary.
The funeral is on February 4th.
But, as luck would have it, JR had to use a bathroom, so we stopped at my daughter's house and She, Sof and Ray were just on their way to breakfast at a local place so we were able to join them. And I will do anything for some Sof time..

I love weekend breakfasts. Not only sharing them at a local diner, but the kind of breakfasts you get to take time with that you don't normally take time with during the week...
Like:
Coaches Oats, apple, raisins, cranberries, brown sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup.

And omelets...made with fresh eggs from my other daughter...all pretty and speckly and various shades of chicken.

So while we were out and about in our funeral attire, we also got to do a little impromptu antiquing, which was fun. My big purchase? A cute Hall's bowl to match another that I have, and a sweet little juice pitcher
(I must confess, I have an addiction to adorable juice pitchers)

And what else do I love about the weekend?
Getting to relax with a Restoration Hardware magalog in front of the fireplace...just dreaming of new ideas.

Funny thing is, this catalog came as a complete surprise! I had forgotten that we spent all of $20 at Restoration Hardware for some new house numbers, and in return? We get this amazing, fat book of ideas and inspiration? Good deal!

Oh, Restoration Hardware....you have given me a whole new gospel of good design with which to spend hours and hours of time wasted in the idolatry of desire.

And one more thing I loved about this weekend...bringing to conclusion a major sewing project which took me the ENTIRE week. A Weekender Bag...

Which I will share tomorrow.

Tonight, we start our Basic Wardrobe Sew-Along...so check Lori's blog later on for a first installment!

Wardrobe Basics

2012-01-18T17:27:00.000-08:00

Planning a basic wardrobe....
It can be a daunting task, to say the least. Heaven knows, I’m in my 50’s and still trying to get it right! Reading all those 2012 blog posts that include goals such as “closet makeover” or “wardrobe re-do” or just plain "wanting to get a good basic wardrobe…finally" has inspired both Lori and I to open up the subject of planning and sewing some wardrobe essentials.

So we have been emailing and brainstorming. And emailing some more.
What does a basic wardrobe include? How do we plan what to sew?
Lori has put up a recent Nate Burkus Show wardrobe list.
Just today, I read one on “Girls with Curves.”
and Angie came up with a list that she describes as personalized wardrobe essentials...one that can be personalized to fit your own lifestyle.
Real Simple has a pretty complete and comprehensive basics checklist, too.
I actually loved the Good Housekeeping Wardrobe Basics...a pared down list of navy shirtdress, striped tee, red tank and cardigan, dark jeans, white skirt and khaki suit. So sharp, so simple!

There are about as many different “must have” lists out there as there are personalities, lifestyles and imaginations!

So, here is what I came up with…a Casual/Weekend Wardrobe Must-Have's. I did this, because, believe it or not, work is pretty easy for me. It’s the weekends where I find myself giving up…wearing the same old stuff…looking like a shlumpadink. Sometimes I think I may have too many choices, so this Spring, I’m going to try to focus on a few items that can go a long way, that will transcend the trends, always look sharp, and can be easily mixed and matched...and be age appropriate.

So, my top ten weekend/casual wardrobe?

1. Black pants…ponte is good. ( see Lori’s post for an excellent list of sources for patterns, styles and fabrics)

2. Skinny Jeans

3. Fun colored jacket

4. Shirt dress

5. Khaki or Denim Skirt

6. Black, White or Denim Jacket

7. Print Top or Tunic

8. Print skirt

9. White shirt

10. cardigan

I think this will work for me. And chances are, you also have a good share of these items in your closet already...in addition to knit tees, which are as standard as bras and panties. So I’m going to be looking to see what needs to be updated, freshened up with a new color pallette, or what’s missing.Then I can decided what I need to make to create a complete weekend wardrobe.

For example, I have a very good pair of black ponte pants, and a favorite pair of skinny dark jeans…so instead, I’ll be making a fun pair of Colette Clover ankle pants in a bright color and a pair of gray slender pants.

My fun colored jacket? Red.

A shirt dress.

I already have a favorite Khaki and denim skirt

I’m up to my ears in Denim jackets, and last year I made a white jacket, so I’ll be planning to sew a casual black jacket.

Print top? I’m looking at a bow front blouse/tunic that can be worn with lots of things.

I have print skirts…this will be last on my list and will happen if I find a perfect irresistible fabric

White shirt? Yes. I could use a new one… I have several, but they are all just this side of fresh and crisp. And it's always nice to start a season with a new white shirt.

I’d like to make a cardigan. Will I knit it? Will I sew it? Not sure.

So on my list of wardrobe basics to supplement what I have is:

A red jacket

A black jacket

Bright colored skinnies

Gray pants

A print top or tunic

A white shirt

A cardigan
A Shirtdress

So stay tuned to both Lori's blog and mine as we unfold this Spring Wardrobe Adventure. We'll be announcing a Sew-Along and Link Parties, and finishing up with a blogger's fashion show, a contest and lots of fun posts!
Will you join us?

When the weather outside is frightful...

2012-01-17T13:31:00.000-08:00

Ten on Tuesday...Ten things to do when it's cold outside.

Brrrr. Actually, this winter hasn't been bad at all. But it's gray and damp, that's also a good enough reason for me to stay inside.

What do I like to do when the weather gets nasty outsite? I love those days…in fact, my sister and I, when we lived just a mile away from each other, would look forward to any winter storm, blizzard or negative degree weather and somehow plan a way to get together. We’d talk on the phone all day, share our plans, and the weather updates from our backyards and front windows. Sometimes the kids would bundle up and end up at one house or the other to play games or have lunch. I loved those days.

But my best things to do these days when it’s too cold to be outside?

1) Make a fire in the fireplace.

2) Baking…of course. Cookies, bread, muffins. They are all good cold-weather baking, and excellant to have with #9.

3) Make soup….any kind of soup.

4) Read magazines… I’m addicted to magazines, and I love a good long stretch to dig into the big pile and browse...plan home decorating, read up on the latest knitting patterns or a new sewing technique, plan a wardrobe or copy recipes.

5) Knit … mittens or a hat or something easy and warm.

6) Sew. This weekend, it was cold. The kind of cold where it was just better to be in the house. Augie had a sleepover and we have beeen planning a project since Christmas. Together, we made a Finn Hat and we made a very, very happy little boy. Mimi even surprised him with a Finn-shaped pancake for breakfast!

7) Wear comfy cozies all day.

8) Clean out a closet or a drawer or rearrange furniture or reorganize my sewing room.

9) Drink tea or hot cider with spices.

10) Watch a Marathon of Something on television or settle in for "Gone With the Wind," " Breakfast at Tiffany’s", "Steel Magnolia’s" or "The Godfather."

You know what? I had a really nice weekend....even if it was cold. I got to see and hug and hold every one of my grandchildren.

That makes me very, very happy.

Mirror, Mirror...

2012-01-14T08:06:00.000-08:00

I love mirrors. If they are funky and old, that much better...the view through a faded or tarnished or aged glass makes me feel as if I'm looking back in time.

a glimpse of an image in a mirror tells a story that may otherwise obscured from view,

I love how they reflect light and expand a vista....

We can be mirrors...reflecting the emotions, moods and attitudes of our world....

A mirror can display a vision of who we are or what we want to be.

When I saw this Sunburst Mirror in the last issue of This Old House, I knew we had to make it. The good folks at This Old House have given us a great tutorial on their website.

It's made from carpenter wood shims. and a mirror (which, by the way, my husband purchased at the new Hobby Lobby, and I didn't get to go with him).

It was a gift made for someone special.

I hope when they look into it, they see not only a refection of now, but the possibility of what can be.

Soups and Shoes

2012-01-11T15:19:00.000-08:00

Ten on Tuesday on Wednesday : My Ten Favorite Soups:

NY Senate Bean Soup
Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup with Townhouse Crackers
My own recipe rustic Tomato Soup
She Crab Bisque that I had when I vacationed once on Kiawah Island, SC many, many years ago.
Clam Chowder from one of those dockside chowder places in Boston ( again, from a vacation many years ago)
Baked French Onion Soup (when it’s loaded with onions that have been caramelized forever and topped with a ridiculous amount of provolone cheese on a crusty garlicy toasty baguette. And the cheese has to run down the side of the soup ramekin.
Roast Beef Soup ( I forget if that was Vicki’s recipe or Carole’s recipe!) Love, Love, Love…beef, potatoes, carrots. Simple and delicious.
Cheeseburger Soup
White Chicken Chili
That soup with Italian sausage, kale and white beans…I make it at home. I don’t know what it’s called..and it has a dose of cream in the chicken broth to make it sort of milky/brothy.

Now, the rest of the story.

I stated a closet clean out. My house has the best closets in the world and the worst closets in the world. They are the best because it’s practically unheard of to have a 1920 house with room-sized closets for each bedroom. That is no joke, people.

My sewing room is in one of them (and it includes it’s very own built-in cedar closet).
You could fit a full sized mattress in the guest room closet (in fact, we've done that for sleep-over guests!)
The third closet is with the master bedroom….just as roomy.

But the problem with these closets is that they have a sloping ceiling on one end and there is a window in each of them. Which makes it very difficult to manage the space efficiently.

My husband would tell you that the space would be much more efficient if I got rid of half of my clothes. He also can’t understand why I have so many shoes ( and I don’t have that many shoes!) He also felt compelled to show me how I am statistically waaaaaay over the average as far as how much closet space a woman uses vs. a man’s usage. He actually dropped some random statistic on me like he knew what he was talking about! (I’m actually going to google it to see if he’s right.) JR is the master of space planning, but after 3 ½ years in this house, we’ve come up with little more than a huge shelving unit along one wall and shoe shelves along the other window wall. We really do have to think about how to plan this closet space.

The clothes rods are arranged on the sloping ceiling end, and they are one behind the other….which is a huge pain. I feel like I’m parting the temple veil when I have to get something from the back of the closet…I need a rope tied to my ankle when I go in, just in case I never come out again.

So last night, I sorted, and folded and neatened
things up a bit…which helps.

I packed up two huge bags to donate (And this morning, I couldn't find a thing to wear).

Tomorrow, my husband starts a job for someone and he’s actually planning and building a master closet. I’m sure it’s going to be the most efficient, organized closet in WNY. I’m jealous.

But you know what they say about the cobbler’s family?

Oh, yeah. My cobbler would say I have enough shoes already.

The things you can do with a nightgown pattern...

2012-01-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

This is my tunic. I fell in love with a simple tunic from Cabi. It took me months to find the right pattern with the right lines that I could then change. I landed on a nightgown. Butterick 5688. That's right, a nightgown.
So all I did was leave off the sleeves.

And add a ruffle, which I used from another pattern...one of those bias ruffles that are like a big ampersand symbol @. After learning how to overcast the edge, it turned out pretty much the way I wanted it to. This ruffle is what I used to finish the neckline...sort of like a reverse facing. then I stitched it down the center front of the tunic.

I would say that I like this tunic very much. And you know what it's made from? Some sort of charmeuse that I picked up at Walmart a few years ago...one of those $1.50 a yard "content unknown." bolts. Well, I washed it and washed it, and it's soft and silky and relaxed and pewtery and the perfect weight to layer under something.

I wore it yesterday to church with this very cool GAP velveteen double-breasted jacket that I got at the thrift store for $3.50. It had some buttons missing. I changed the buttons. It's perfect.

And if I ever get sick of wearing this as a tunic, I just may wear it as a nightgown.

What can your feet do?

2012-01-07T07:50:00.000-08:00

For three days, I have been obsessing about something...
How to hem a bias ruffle edge.
I've had some failures...big time. And because of those failures, I nearly ditched an entire project.

Then a light bulb lit. The heavens opened...a chorus of angels sang, "Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!"
My sewing machine feet! I remembered somewhere, in the back of my obsessed mind, that my machine does overlock edge stitching, and that there just may be a special presser foot for that purpose.

See that? That is an overedge foot. And it's been living in my sewing room for two years....sort of like a guest...you're glad to have one around, but they don't really do any work. It's designed to fold and roll your fabric and overedge stitch all on it's own! Who knew?

So got out the book, I practiced for two days, and finally took the plunge on that bias ruffle edge.

And by golly, it works! So while it's not a Merrow edge, it sure does the trick for me!

So, My Cabi reproduction blouse is well on it's way to being completed. And I've learned something new.

And I've also just ordered two more specialty feet for my sewing machine! So, do you have a special foot that is your favorite? Do tell! I'm excited!

Ten on Tuesday on Wednesday

2012-01-04T23:00:00.000-08:00

Ten Things I'd like to do in 2012:

Finish the Scotty Renovation
Lose that 10 pounds for good!
Bike a long distance.
Commit to some personal, deeper, spiritual goals
Sew more slipcovers.
Organize and Revamp my closet!
Make three new friends.
Throw a party.
Do a mini makeover of the master bedroom.
Do an antique/ vintage/ re-make show and sell.

I love these lists. Of course, I'm all about lists, and I will want to achieve these goals just so I can check them off the list! I think sometimes I like to make lists just so I can check things off...it's a good feeling.

And how about some personal hi-lites from last year?

A budget kitchen makeover (still not finished, that should be on my list for 2012!) and

A quick guest room makeover.

Our first Tent Camping

Followed by the purchase of a 1961 Scotty.

A got new job, and then another new job, and finally, a new job!

A visit from Lori, followed by my first ever podcast interview, and...

A meet-up with Elizabeth, my knitting blog buddy!

I made a custom slipcover. Which was a Very Big Deal for me.

And best of all, a New Baby named Henry.

And Let's Not Forget Knitting 2011

2012-01-01T13:15:00.000-08:00

Which, I realize, was way below what I have knitted other years. I guess I realized that although I love hand knit garments, I am not wearing the sweaters that I've made nearly enough to justify knitting more. There are a few sweaters that I wear regularly, but the others add more bulk than I'd like. And my knitted skirts? Love them. In fact, I've thought about doing a simple cable knit skirt like I saw so much of at Anthropologie early this winter. I have resumed a beginner's knitting class, and i am SO proud of their accomplishments in just a few short months! That's where my real love is...teaching others to knit. So, in 2011, I didn't do much, and what I did was smaller projects. We'll start with the most recent:

The Gaptastic Cowl

A Very Merry Christmas Stocking by Joy Green

Purl Bee Fuzzy Easter Chick

Elijah times two.

Jess Hutchison Bear and Bunny

Lady Eleanor

Striped Baby Sweater by Martin Storey

And the last two are patterns that I created, and wrote, based on two pricey scarves by Fossil. Yup...I directly copied them, and will share the pattern with anyone who wants it.

Facil Keyhole Scarf

Facil Button Scarf

So that's my knitting 2011 year in review...somewhat paltry results, but enough to keep me more than
inspired to finish some stuff in my knitting bag and to try some new things in 2012! I even have the slightest urge to knit a pair of mittens and socks!

A Year in Review...Sewing

2011-12-30T22:30:00.000-08:00

I've never done one of these "look back" posts...maybe to keep myself from the reality of how I have actually spent my time and money!

I was challanged this year, and I was disappointed many times. But I was also surprised at what I am able to do when faced with a fit issue or a pattern problem. So I have selected some of my favorite garments...favorite because they were a knock-off of something ready to wear, or because they represent a fit challenge that I conquered, or because it's something that I made and wore ALOT!

New Look 6007, with heavy modifications to create a knock off of an Anthropologie Cape. I wore this all of last winter and I'm wearing it again this year.

Simplicity 2284. Lori and I made a knock-off of a Cabi jacket. I was also able to overcome the FBA and make a perfect fit jacket for me!

Denim Shirt with modifications, made from McCall's 5433. I wear this shirt all of the time. Again, conquered a full bust fit issue, and also added some fun pockets and tab sleeves.

Vogue1236. Love this dress (even though I look very sad wearing it!) ...and it made the Vogue Facebook page!

My Cabi-inspired Military Jacket! have worn this SO much. I usually put lots of different gold toned bar, tack and stick pins on it.

Simplicity 2182. Oh, the pattern construction. Oh, the confusing FBA. But I did it!

HotPatterns Kyoto Skirt, with my own modifications. Denim, cargo pockets...what's not to love? And it was featured in the HotPatterns email!

Butterick 5495. A basic knit dress, which I wear so much. Featured on the Butterick Facebook page!

Simplicity 2728. The perfect white jacket.

McCall's 6073. It's a maxi dress which I wore all summer long.

Vogue 1205. Red. Dress. What's not to love?

And one more...just for 2012...My first pants! Which I plan to make again and again in the new year! Muslin after muslin until I found the perfect fit.

And that's my top twelve! And the most awesome thing is, I learned as I made each garment, I wear them all, and I realized that I would rather take the time to sew anything for a perfect fit than to shop for hours and hours or spend dollars and dollars to buy something that isn't quite right. As with knitting, sewing bloggers have provided incredible inspiration and encouragement, and I look forward each day to see what you are up to in your world! Thank you for sharing what you do, and thank you for reading my little blog!

VOGUE 1257

2011-12-30T04:13:00.000-08:00

My Last Finished Garment of 2011!

This is Vogue 1257, which I blogged about HERE.
It was a disturbing pattern in the way that it was designed, but I worked my way around it as follows:

After carefully reading the reviews on Pattern Review, I decided, since I already had the pattern and I already had the fabric, to plunge forward, even though brave seamstresses before me advised against it. But I had the pattern, and I had the fabric.

This dress has a very interesting construction, and had I known that, I probably would have never gotten the pattern. The bodice/sleeve are all one piece, but only in the front. It’s the wonkiest thing I’ve ever seen, but what this means is that the sleeve, because it’s cut across the grain, ends up being very, very, very tight.

The instructions also clearly state that this is intended for a 2-way knit. I had gray ponte. So there you go. Ponte is NOT a two way knit.

AB Canada decided to cut the bodice/sleeve cross grain, which would give the sleeve more stretch. I tried that, and it was still waaaaaaaay too tight, and I didn’t have the energy or desire to figure out how to add a verysubstantial sleeve gusset like another reviewer did. I thought about that sleeve all night, and then it hit me…

Duh…just cut the dang thing off and draft a new, normal sleeve.

So that’s just what I did. I used another dress pattern which had a similar bodice and a long sleeve option. I lined up that pattern on my existing bodice pieces and cut out a new arm hole, and then cut a new separate sleeve. Easy peasy.

The dress then becomes a pretty basic piece to construct, and a great basic for my wardrobe! So, there will be one more project off the list!

And, to top it off, I really, really like this dress! It was worth every bit of modification, and I loved wearing it to work this week.

How are you going to finish out your Holidays?

2011-12-28T13:19:00.000-08:00

The fact of the matter is, as much as I love Christmas, and I could live in a Christmas house year round, I’m sort of glad all the intensity of this week is drawing to a close. The last of the gifts have been distributed and we’re ready for a bit of relaxing over this extra long weekend ahead. It will be nice to sit back and enjoy a warm fire and the Christmas-ness of my house and just chill.

Of course, I’m already envisioning the Spring Pantone colors and the upcoming season’s “must-haves…” oh good gravy and it’s still only December!

Actually, I am DYING to get into my sewing room again to boost up my winter-dreary wardrobe. I have so many projects piled up and would love to just dig in. Dig in and not come up for a few days. I wonder if I can make that happen? I made that gray ponte Vogue dress a few weeks back? Well she's just been hanging around the dress form waiting for a hem...which I should reasonably be able to do tonight so I can wear her tomorrow.

Well an interesting thing happened a few days ago. My husband and I joined a gym. We are both meeting with a trainer next week…and no, it’s not the “Silver Sneakers” trainer that was offered! We chose the pregnant trainer instead. This should be very interesting. We’ve been talking about the fact that we will probably be much more motivated to go together. Not to mention the fact that we can be on the competitive side once this gets rolling….you know, a chart on the fridge and all.

I think I’m excited about it.

I think we’ll make it work.

And I’m looking forward to the free smoothies that came with our package.

And that's what I'm planning to finish out the Holiday Season. What are you up to the rest of the week?

Merry Christmas, Friends.

2011-12-25T18:43:00.000-08:00

I hope you found peace and joy and a boatload of Christmas love this day.

From Heart to Hands

2011-12-21T17:32:00.000-08:00

Every year, the idea of gift cards becomes more and more appealing as the best laid plans to work throughout the year on secret Christmas projects never seems to pan out the way JR and I wish.

And here we go again, finding ourselves in the midst of all the bustle and busyness of work and school concerts and knitting classes, and baking and parties and a new baby...scrambling like crazy in our workshops to make Christmas gifts. JR in his wood shop, and me in my sewing room.

I wonder sometimes why we put ourselves through it? Wouldn't shopping be easier? Wouldn't gift cards be so simple?

But I know the answer. There is no gift that we can buy, no gift card in an envelope, that can ever truly 100% represent the love that we have for the recipient of that gift.

When I make gifts for our family and friends, I want them to know that every moment that I planned for and worked on that special surprise, I was thinking of them. And praying for them. And opening my heart and my spirit and my thoughts and my memories of them.

Even though there are early mornings and late nights,

I wouldn't trade one hour of that time that I spend with my hands and my heart making a gift for a loved one.

This New Baby

2011-12-18T19:49:00.000-08:00

Henry Soloman. 12/18/2011. From a small beginnings will come great things.

You Can Never have Enough Christmas

2011-12-14T13:33:00.000-08:00

When my husband is away, it's time for me to play.

JR made a trip to Chicago for several days, and unfortunately because of some major work projects, I just couldn't go along. While it made me sad that I wasn't able to go on a little road trip, I was content to be able to stay home, put on some holiday tunes, make baby stuff and more baby stuff, and make more Christmas happen in my home. I have to confess, while I missed blogging these past several days, I did feel like I could put some concentrated effort into all of my projects.

Late nights of sewing, lots of shopping ,and some knitting, too.

JR brought a tree home just before he left for Chicago, so I got to set it up all by myself, including sawing off the end in my pajamas and slippers in 6 inches of snow! Who needs a man in the house? I even had to shovel the driveway all by myself, since a lake effect snowstorm decided to wait until he got drove out of WNY to dump several inches on our neighborhood.

Anyway, back to the tree.

Now, I must confess, we decided since we already had two small trees by the fireplace, we were going to do a third table top tree, which only ended up being only about 4 1/2 feet tall. By the time I finished trimming it, and got it in the bucket, and on the table, it showed itself to be a proud Christmas tree, diminuative as it is.

It's all bedazzled in vintage red glass ornaments, with some aqua thrown in here and there. Glass icicles are dripping from the branches, glittered sprays of red and aqua are tucked in among the branches, and little twinkle lights illuminate the whole she-bang.

This little tree presides over the dining room, where the table is set for dessert

And the holiday bar is ready for guests, or just for ourselves

While we wait for Santa to bring us a new baby any day now.

I'm so excited for a Christmas baby to arrive.

I'm excited there already was a Christmas Baby.

Red and Green for Christmas

2011-12-05T13:22:00.001-08:00

Christmas Spirit has come home to the bungalow. Finally.

This weekend was spent hauling the boxes, and devising a plan, only to have it be poo-poo-ed by Mr. Claus, who determined that he likes color for Christmas, not all that silver and gold crap (I actually found him browsing pinterest for mantle ideas). So, I detoured from the standby décor of Christmas’ past and pulled out some red and green for the living room, entry and kitchen. And you know what? It was time for a change, and if the change meant JR actually helped shop for fat chunky candles and new Christmas stockings, I was all for it.

( oh, my gosh, I actually first wrote “fat chunky cankles and new Christmas stockings!)

We decided on three $9 stockings from Marshalls, and I shall knit two more stripey ones to go with.

I will just have to concede that my husband was R.I.G.H.T.

I bought two new Christmas CD’s on iTunes (James Taylor and the soundtrack from Elf…not new, but new to my collection) and got busy making the magic happen.

I think I will decorate three trees this year…the two small ones flanking the fireplace and we’ll get a bigger one… a bigger real tree to plunk in a garden urn and perch upon a table a la Nell Hill’s Mary Carol Garrity, my Christmas Decorating Guru.

There will be loads of vintage glass ornaments, heavy on the red and green for the fireplace trees...including my collection of Shiny Brites, of course. And for the tabletop tree in the dining room? I'm thinking vintage faded red, blue and aqua blown glass from my collection. By the way, today at lunchtime, I scored three boxes of vintage ornaments at the Salvation Army...99 cents a box!

But for now, the mantle is decorated ...

there are to-do lists a mile long,

and there is Christmas Cheer in the house at last.

A Little of This, A Little of That

2011-12-02T13:26:00.000-08:00

Okay, I did do some Black Friday shopping. I'm so excited that my very own Collette patterns will be arriving in the mail any day now! Super excited!

AND I took advantage of Fabric.com, of course, and I am the proud owner of the goods to make an Amy Butler Weekender Travel Bag.

Charlotte, a long time and most observant reader, left a comment about my last Anthro-inspired top…the fact that it’s about the third one that I’ve made this year so far of the same style.

Charlotte,you are correct! Indeed it is! And why?

I think I’m drawn to this type of sillouette because of the v-neck and the way it can fit, but not be too fitted.

And here we go again…a dress with a v neck and defined empire waist: The Vogue DKNY knit dress 1257.

And here we go again, I have to make some crazy modifications with this pattern.

The instructions also clearly state that this is intended for a 2-way knit. I had gray ponte. So there you go. Ponte is NOT a two way knit.

AB Canada decided to cut the bodice/sleeve cross grain, which would give the sleeve more stretch. I tried that, and it was still waaaaaaaay too tight, and I didn’t have the energy or desire to figure out how to add a very substantial sleeve gusset like another reviewer did. I thought about that sleeve all night, and then it hit me…

Duh…just cut the dang thing off and draft a new, normal sleeve.

The dress then becomes a pretty basic piece to construct, and a great basic for my wardrobe! So, there will be one more project off the list!

I really need to do some Christmas decorating, and I’m just not feeling in the groove. I need some Christmas Spirit, and I need it in a hurry! Yesterday, I picked up some paper mache' letters to do a faux zinc treatment that I saw on one of my favorite home inspiration blogs, From Gardeners to Bergers.

Perhaps this will turn out to be the spark that I need to haul all those boxes up the stairs!

Interpreting Anthropologie

2011-11-28T15:04:00.001-08:00

After my visit to Anthropologie, and after trying on the Framework blouse, and after examining it very carefully, I changed up from the sheer fabric that I thought I was going to use to a rayon print that I found at Joann’s from the April Johnston ( For Project Runway) collection. Love the drape, loved the print. Actually, it’s quite a nice fabric. And the original blouse is rayon. So there.

By the way, do you remember April Johnston? I think she was that really young designer, if memory serves me well.

Anyway, I was inspired by the Framework Blouse, and I used McCall’s as my base pattern.

It required very little adjustment, really. So, here’s what I did:

First, I combined the upper back piece with the lower back piece to make one back.

I cut and sewed two long ties.

The original blouse had princess seams in the lower front and in the back. So instead of gathers, I took in the excess fabric with some deep darts which went all the way to the hem, and inserted the finished ties into the back darts…just like the Anthro top.

For the bodice, instead of gathers, I pleated the fabric under the bustline to fit. Just like the Anthro top.

The original top had a zipper in the side seam for a closer fit, but I didn’t want to fuss with that, and made it semi-fitted so that it could go over my head.

The Anthro top had a scandalously plunging neckline, so I made sure that my neckline would be work appropriate.

And completed..I think I achieved the look I wanted. Love it layered under a jacket for work, and it will be really cute on its own as a summer top, too.

The Feast is Over!

2011-11-26T05:12:00.001-08:00

So far, so good...the holiday week and weekend leaves us all pretty much no worse for wear, other than a sleepless Thanksgiving night because of heartburn. Which could actually happen pretty much on any night.

We had a Toddler Thanksgiving this year....I'm very thankful that Levie and Sof have decided to be friends with us. Just love those babies.

And three more on the way....what could be better?

The first of the baby stuff is hot off the sewing machine.
The fabric is from Moda...the Lily and Will Collection.
I used Kwik Sew 3685.

This was such a fun and easy project. I added an extra touch by using my machine's blanket, feather and cross stitch decorative settings.

And my poor sewing machine is begging for a break from all this batting! I must confess, I do like to make a quilt every now and then...it's like play-time sewing, just getting to have fun with fabrics and designs.

I think I"ll take a break from baby sewing just for a week because my wardrobe project pile is in desperate need of attention.

Which is what I'm going to do this afternoon...while I try to muster up some Christmas Spirit!

Ten on Tuesday...on Wednesday

2011-11-23T08:28:00.001-08:00

Am I thankful? Most of the time. I have to admit, every now and then I can feel sorry for myself or I can want more than I need. But when I think about gratitude, I can say that I have blessings by the buckful.

And, in no particular order:
God, who somehow seems to keep blessing me, even though I don't deserve it.
My husband. I really, really don't know how I could exist without him. He's alive and healthy.
My family: kids and grandbabies, inlaws and outlaws, mom and all the rest...I love them, and they love me.
An adopted pug named Birdie...who is always excited to see me.
Good neighbors
A comfortable home that I get to care for because she's old and beautiful and deserves to live a long life.
My friends...especially the ones that know all my dirt and still choose to hang out with me.
A job that means something besides a paycheck.
The ability to make stuff and share it.
Pie. Oh, and stuffing. And homemade rolls. And pizza. I am thankful for pizza. And cupcakes, too. And Cheetohs, now that I think about it....

It's not a bad life, my friends. Happy Thanksgiving.

" I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."

A PB Pillow Tutorial

2011-11-20T12:59:00.001-08:00

Secretly obsessing about the cool printed pillows that Pottery Barn always seems to have?
While I was browsing around the store, I happened to obsess even more about the Pinecone Print Lumbar Pillow. (retail for the cover? $39. With free shipping.)

And then, I happened to notice a wonderful holiday table display, which included Pinecone Print Napkins.

So, here's how you make your own PB Pinecone Print Pillow cover:

Buy a napkin for $8.

To add more guts to the weight of it, I applied some of Pam's Pro-Weft Fusible Interfacing to the back of the napkin.

Buy(or find in your stash) a similar color fabric for your pillow back. ( I found mine in a remnant bin for $1.50)

Create a standard envelope back for your pillow and sew the front to the back pieces. I used a 1/4 inch seam.

Turn right sides out, press and topstitch around the pillow over the original napkin hem.

Insert a pillow form.

How easy was that? I made it right at home among all of my knit pillow covers made from thrift store sweaters....another Pottery Barn influence.

I snuggled it right in with the cable knit pillows that I made from thrifted sweaters.

Here's what else I did:

So, that about finishes up my fall pillow makeovers.

I think.

Anthropologie dreams...

2011-11-17T07:57:00.001-08:00

Okay…

Remember when just this week, I posted about my mom teaching how to make folded magazine Christmas Trees?

I almost couldn’t believe my eyes when I visited the Anthropologie store last night.

Yup… Folded Magazine Christmas Trees.

And bundles of folded newspapers. Which I would have never thought of as an accessory, but I will probably have on my coffee table by next week!

My thoughts..feelings? Emotions about the first Anthropologie visit?

I was blown away. I don’t know if I can say much more than that…Blown away by the creativity, craftsmanship, uniqueness..the prices.

Blown away by the inspiration of it all. Like, who on Earth could think of putting a tiny tree inside a salt shaker?

You can bet I'll have these on my Christmas table!

I wish I could quit my day job and just create. Or I wish I could just live at the Anthropologie store…I could easily sleep on that fake bed under the Rivulettes Bedding while reading “The Gospel According to Coco Chanel” and get takeout from the food court to eat on their Curious Deciduous Dinnerware. I would spend my days folding magazines into Christmas Trees and knitting chunky Nubby-knit Christmas Stockings while I listen to ”A Very She and Him” Christmas Album under the drifing aroma of the Capri Blue Volcano Candle Tins.

And my summer home would be Pottery Barn.

Okay, wake up Lynne.

Teaching

2011-11-15T22:30:00.000-08:00

There is a teacher inside of me.

And last night, for the first time in a long time, I felt like a missing piece of me had been plugged back into place. There is nothing more exciting to me than to be a part of helping someone do something they never thought they could do…to help them to get to that "Aha" moment.

Whether it was watching a kid finally understand how to factor polynomials the during years that I was teaching at school,

or delighting in the fact that beginning painters achieved their own masterpiece when they thought that all they could draw was a stick figure,

or sharing the excitement of a new knitter, all tight and fumbly, knitting their first row.

Last night, my beginning knitting students did not fail me in their enthusiasm, frustration, doubt , and then ultimately their pride.

It’s the joy of being a teacher.

It’s what we do when we love creating and can pass that on to others. Women have been gathering together to learn stuff at the guidance of another craftswoman for generations and generations. The world has been spun round and round because of our ability to sew, knit, tat, crochet, embroider, quilt and weave...all the ways that we have provided covering and warmth for our bodies and our homes. The bonus is that while all of these things are practical, they can also be the ways in which we express our inner artisan. And we continue to glean from one another with the additional benefit of blogs, and Ravelry and Pattern Review and YouTube. Still learning, still teaching…we just have more resources these days.

My mom was a great teacher. Women would gather around the dining room table for as far back as I remember to learn how to do something…many things… under the tutelage of my mother. I was an eager student…whether it was learning how to fold a reader’s digest into a Christmas Tree or how to embroider tiny lazy daisies...it’s funny to me that back in those days, however, that I had absolutely no interest in knitting and I resisted with all my might when I had to learn how to sew.

But these days? My head could explode from the number of projects that I have in my head. And I am blessed to be able to explore with others their own hidden artisan within.

And never fail, knitting friends, I do have a few projects on the needles…

This is a knock off of the Kate Middleton Shopping Shawl.
AND I've been swatching, and swatching for some sweater projects:

Who taught you to knit? Who taught you to sew?

That's about it for now...our office/my sewing room are undergoing some redecorating and re-arranging, which we started tonight. Can't wait to get that finished up this week.

Occupy This, Occupy That

2011-11-14T03:54:00.001-08:00

We were listening to the local news on the radio this morning. As I got up and was leaving the bedroom, I heard JR declare with great delight , " I'm going to Occupy This Bed. And I'm not leaving.
"good luck with that," I said.
His protest didn't last long. He wanted coffee and I wasn't going to bring it to him since I was Occupying the Shower.

I just wonder how our 40 Occupy Buffalo protesters are going to fare when snow flies. Just wondering.
Our local radio host said they'll probably occupy the mall instead.

Speaking of the mall...
You know, I completely forgot that there is an Anthropologie at a local mall! It's been there for several months and I haven't been there! Good grief. So, I'm going....this week some time. And I am so excited I can't stand it.

Speaking of Anthropologie...
I have been eyeing up this top:

Graphic Framework Blouse.
Love the fit, love the style, love the who shebang. So I started working on recreating it.

What else is on the project agenda other than baby stuff?
Oh, the pile keeps getting bigger. I think my head is going to explode.

Knitting talk. It's been awhile. A few posts ago, Esther wondered if I am still knitting. I am.
In fact, I have a new class of beginners starting tonight and I've also been swatching for sweaters. So yes, Esther, I'm still knitting.
Tomorrow, I think I'm going to talk about knitting.

A Scotty Update

2011-11-12T09:52:00.001-08:00

A Scotty Update
A few months ago, on our way back from a camping trip, I happened to be searching Craig's List for a vintage camper to restore...a dream of mine for a long, long time. To our surprise, there was just that thing I was looking not more than a few miles away.

It took much convincing and begging and promises of this and that in order for JR to say yes. This little camper needed our TLC, and I was most certain we would not find another one like it for such a reasonable price any time soon. So a few weeks later, we made arrangements to bring it home.

And now, she is living at our friend's garage, while we do the outside work, until can bring her home to do more detailed restoration in our own driveway.

A few weeks ago, JR and I spend an entire Saturday removing the aluminum skins....carefully preserving every piece, removing nails and staples and screws. The windows and door were taken out and brought home for their restoration... fortunately they are in pretty good shape for their age.

To our great surprise, our little Scotty was in better condition than we ever imagined! We fully anticipated having to replace all the plywood structure, but someone ahead of us had started a careful restoration and had already replaced all but one side. Even the floor was rebuilt!

Now, mind you, she doesn't look very pretty right now, but here's the inside, stripped of all but the basics.

One of the nice surprises was finding some original parts tucked away...

I think about that little camper every day. We have measured and sketched and talked for hours about the layout. I dream of color schemes and fun stuff to put in it. I obsess about this project, which JR claims is really his project for a good long time because it involves power tools and building cupboards and nails and stuff. I want her to come home. So I can at least watch him with his project.

Last week, I scored some very funky upholstery fabric at Joann's, of all places. Best of all? It was a red tag sale for $9 a yard, with a Veteran's Day special of 50% off, and a one day additional 25% off coupon! I ended up with 10 yards of fabric for about forty bucks! And best of all, I ended up with a color scheme!

This will be perfect with the shiny silver sides of the camper! What sealed the deal was that JR happened to come home that very week with a canvas awning that someone gave him that will be exactly what we need for the outside of our Scotty. (I had first imagined this shiny bright silver camper having bright red hubcaps.)

Can you even believe our luck?

So, I'm thinking of red composite flooring and black boomerang Formica for the table and counter-top.

I think it's going to be fabulous. and fun. and funky. We'll paint the inside white or pale gray. And best of all, it will go with my vintage picnic basket and metal cooler!

I'm so excited.

Pillows, Nay. New top, Yea.

2011-11-09T18:47:00.000-08:00

You know how it is when you have one thing in mind and you end up doing something completely different?
Tonight's project was going to be fall pillows.
I had a some great remnant pieces, leftover leopard print piping,
and some cable knit sweaters.

But somehow, in my mind, I wasn't seeing them all come together to work in two different rooms. So maybe another day.

Instead, I went in a Completely Different Direction, because I am a girl, and I have a million ideas in my head, and I'm allowed to change my mind.

I cut out Vogue 1275 a few days ago from a rayon spandex knit that I found last year at a crazy low price...I think the piece cost $5.00. I didn't have quite enough yardage, so I worked on the layout, pinning and re-pinning for about 45 minutes until I finally cut. The short yardage resulted in me not doing the ruching on the sleeves, which is okay by me.

Let me tell you something. This is the first Sandra Betzina pattern that I have made, and she sure knows how to make a girl feel good. There was SO much wearing ease, I ended up going down two sizes from my bust measurement and even then, I had to take in some seams. I know I haven't lost that much weight!

I'm on the fence about this one. Is it flattering? I don't know. I wonder if I should have turned the pattern the other way on my fabric to make the print more vertically oriented.

JR thinks it looks good.

After trying it on again and again, I ended up taking up some of the gathers through the bodice by running two rows of elastic thread smack down the middle of the center piece. It breaks up the horizontal-ness of the print, across my bust-line, I think. It also made the neckline more sweetheart-ish.

The concept is a good one, but I'm not sure this one works for me. More than likely, I will probably wear it layered under a jacket or cardi. But for today, it's my work outfit and I'll see how I feel about it by the end of the day.

Maybe in a solid color? And maybe I'll make pillows tomorrow. Because tomorrow is another day.

The Best Things in Life are Free

2011-11-08T07:44:00.000-08:00

They say the best things in life are free, and because we know it to be true that "you can't take it with you,"

I am a firm believer in re-using, re-making, upscaling, re-doing.

While one man's junk is another man's treasure, the things most worth having are sunny November afternoons, and a hard day's work,

Big smiles and morning conversations.

Afternoon naps, the smell of babies.

The grace of God ,

And stolen kisses.

All free, worth more than every treasure found on the roadside.

(From the Roadside, top to bottom: Bright yellow wooden shelf, repainted and snuggled into my sewing room. Vintage hammered aluminum tray for the camper. Sturdy old drying rack. Vintage Bright's wine jug. White painted bench for the garden.)

"For we have brought nothing into the world, and so we cannot take anything out of it. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content."

The Perfect Fit for a Perfectly Imperfect Body

2011-11-05T13:14:00.000-07:00

How to make a pair of ankle pants:
If you have a flat butt, narrow hips, wide waist, thin legs and a tummy.
Being totally smitten with the trend toward those early 60's ankle pants, I've been craving a pair. I must confess, one of the reasons I don't like wearing pants is because I have the aforementioned body type that does not lend itself to a nicely fitted pair of ready to wear OR an easily self-made pair. I used to make my own pants...when I was younger and had a different body than I have at this age.

Yes, this is me at age 15, with my Dad. I'm wearing a pair of high-waisted, wide-legged cuffed trousers that I made straight out of the pattern package. No alterations.

These days, I'm reading the parts of the pattern that say things like: "NOTE: If you are over thirty, your derriere is probably lower than when you were twenty, so tape below the lowest back crotch stitching line," and having to chuckle at the fact that I'm about to embark on a pant's making adventure that will produce no less than 3 muslins before I can fit my flat ( and low) derriere, thick waist and scrawny legs. normal woman's bodies by doing some adjustments .

So, what is normal? Flatt butt, full butt. wide hips, narrow hips. Athletic thighs, chicken legs. hourglass or post-baby waist and tummy. It's all normal. And it's all good. And we can make it work with a few adjustments and some patience.

And then, you may just be surprised at how happy you are with your wonderful, individual,

and perfectly unique shape when you have something that is custom fit.

Armed with two patterns ( McCalls 6440 and Vogue 1264 AND the excellent pants fitting tutorial from the Clover sew-along, I decided to just dig in and do this thing.

Muslin #1:

So this is the real me. You can see that while I cut a straight 12 from the pattern, the waist is snug, the legs are baggy, the crotch is too deep and there is too much room across the tummy. But you can see that even though there is much room across the tummy, I will have to make adjustments for a tummy.

My flat butt. And baggy legs.

So, I pinned where I needed to, and came up with this :

I'm beginning to see a little tush shape.
After making the correct adjustments on the pattern, I have Muslin #2:

I am getting a better shape through the hips and tummy area, but they are still bagging in the legs and still a bit wide through the hips.

Muslin # 3:

Much Better.

So, I sort of fused the two patterns I mentioned, and ended up with a pretty decent fitting pair of pants. There are a few things I tweaked on the pattern after I had my final pair made, but I think that by making all the muslins, I have overcome my fear of pants and now have a pretty solid fitting pattern that I could adapt to any pants pattern.

So, here they are, finally made and all dolled up to wear to a costume party last night:

I think I look like my mother must have in 1961.

I'm so happy! Now, I'd really like to get the Clover pattern....especially after seeing the many versions on the Clover Sew-along, especially Susan's many versions of her own! I think I might like pants now!

Interpreting the Trends: A Bow Tie Blouse

2011-11-01T18:22:00.000-07:00

Mary Richards [accepting her Teddy Award after a particular bad day] : " I usually look so much better than this."
Who is NOT a fan of the Mary Tyler Moore Show?

From the website, Vintage Fashion Guild "Evan-Picone was formed in 1949 as a partnership between Charles Evans and Joseph Picone. Their first product was a fly-front skirt designed by Evans and produced at Picone’s shop. Their skirts were a success and they added ladies pants as well. By the 1960s they were a major manufacturer of sportswear. In 1962 the company was sold to Revlon, but Picone bought the business back four years later. The wardrobe for Mary Tyler Moore in her 1970s television program was provided by Evan-Picone. In the 1980s Evan-Picone’s focus changed from sportswear to clothing for the career woman, and the company was acquired by the Jones Apparel Group."

According to the tag, I think my blouse is from the seventies, so indeed, it is very Mary Tyler Moore-ish! While this is a typical better department store blouse ( certainly not high end, but certainly well made...something Mary could afford and would wear! ) How cool is that? Tie front blouses are so trendy right now, and when I saw this one, I also loved the color, the polka-dots, the almost metallic sheen, and the fact that it was roomy enough for me to play with it. When I was reading Girls with Curves , I feel head over toes for this gorgeous blue tie blouse, which has a peplum waist. I wanted to create the same effect from my vintage blouse.

So, here's what I did:
I took in the sleeve head to make it fit better on my shoulder.
I altered the neckline to create a V neck, which is a more flattering neckline for me. This was SO easy to do.
First, I marked my changed neckline with pins. Next, I removed the collar/tie back to the shoulder seam.

And cut away the excess to re-shape it.

After opening up the tie seam, I repositioned it along the new neckline. Sewed the tie to the new neckline, and there you have it...a v-neck bow tie blouse! Does that make sense?

For the waist shirring, I had fun with elastic thread. Oh, elastic thread...I love you so! You make a boxy, blah blouse have shape and interest, and you are a blast to work with!
It was so easy, using a tutorial I found on line.
After marking the area I where I wanted shirring, I simply stitched along the lines and like magic, I have this wonderfully shirred waistline!

How cool is that????

If you were (are) a fan of the Mary Tyler Moore Show, you must read this great article on styling the cast wardrobe. The Mary and Rhoda Magazine. It also includes more interesting facts about the Evan-Picone company.

The Halloween that Wasn't

2011-10-31T17:07:00.000-07:00

I was off my game this Halloween….no dress-up, no black and orange striped tights for work, no party. I didn’t make one costume for my grandchildren. I almost bought Dum-Dum suckers to give away…versus not giving away anything.

Of course that means all day long, I’m trying to think of places I can go to in a hurry to find some sort of get-up so that at least I can scare the kids that come to our door for trick or treat. Meghan suggested that we could be scary enough by just declaring things like:

“Go away! There’s no candy here!”

“Quiet Down!”

“These lights are only for decoration…get off our porch!”

We really could be the meanest, scariest people in the neighborhood.

I expressed my disappointment to JR as I left for work yesterday morning…that we weren’t even going to be dressing up this year.

“Who says?”

“Seriously? Were you thinking of something?” ( I was getting excited!)

"Yes…you can dress up as a nurse tonight.”

“Very funny, dear. I’ll pick up a set of scrubs later today.”

“That’s not what I had in mind.”

Even at work, I was a little disappointed to see that no one really got into the Halloween spirit..other than the typically inappropriately dressed assistant, who of COURSE came in costume today. At least she was just dressed as a regular black house cat and saved us all from potential worse embarrassment. Several ladies wore their Quaker Factory Halloween sweatshirts…which was even more embarrassing than any misguided, unbefitting attempt at being a slinky, provocative feline.

But, there’s hope.

Later this week, we have an Employee Celebration Event to attend, where we are encouraged to dress representing our favorite decade. Well, that’s a no brainer for me…straight out of the Mad Men era for us. My only decision was what to wear! Will I dress Joan Holloway or Peggy Olsen or at-home-casual Betty Draper? There are so many possibilities with all of the current “vintage” patterns available.

Ultmately, I chose a casual look, which interestingly enough, is right on trend these days! I’ll share with you later in the week

Vogue 1205. The Red Dress

2011-10-27T07:51:00.000-07:00

After much frustration, and re-making, and modifiying and well, much frustration, my red dress is DONE!

Vogue 1205

Let me tell you about this dress. First of all, I love it. It's made from red ponte de roma knit. And it's red. It's versatile, it's updated, and well, it's red. I love red.

I made some modifications, of course. I cut a size 18. and did my usual full bust adjustment. and narrowed to a 16 from the hips down. I eliminated the back vent. I enlarged the armholes ( they were very high cut)...and still probably could have cut them away even more.

I also eliminated the zipper. I am terrible at putting in invisible zippers, so my way to get around it was lining the bodice with a black tricot knit ( yes, I actually cut the lining from a thrifted black slip!). This gave it enough stretch to be able to get it over my head comfortably. The rest of the dress is lined in red Bemberg Rayon.

This dress can be worn is so many ways, through every season. Which is another reason I like it so much.

With tights or without, with boots or heels, a sweater, jacket or no topper at all... I can see so many wardrobe possiblities with this dress. I give it two thumbs up!

Darker Side of Decorating

2011-10-24T09:27:00.000-07:00

I'm slowly decorating my office…making it feel more like me.

JR made this narrow shelf/rack for me from a piece of molding I found on the roadside. He added some vintage glass knobs, and it makes a perfect display shelf for family photos..every day, I get to look up and see those precious faces of grandbabies. It makes me smile. It makes me happy.

Halloween décor is okay for the workplace, right? How could I resist? More than a few people creeped out by the shadow of the giant spiders that hang in the window of my office as they enter the building.... I LOVE it!

This weekend was all about playing with creativity...

These eerie, crawly transfers are from the Martha Stewart craft collection. They sit in a vignette on my front porch, waiting for a reaction from the mailman. Oh, and the paper pennant garland hanging from my office shelf? That's Martha, too.

I’ve also been working on a few other pieces for my office.
I am in love with anything vintage ephemera: old letters, ledger paper, library cards, photographs, greeting cards, recipes. ..you name it. I have a small collection that I’ve put together over the years…things that have been tucked away in auction lots, bundles of old letters and photographs that were discarded by families, scrapbooks that were long ago intended to hold special memories forever, that now are only a wee glimpse of someone’s past. I make copies of these treasures and use them in special ways when the mood hits…I can’t bear to get rid of something that shares a smidgen of a detail of lives long ago forgotten.

After being inspired by mothology.com artwork ( seen in a recent issue of Country Living magazine), I created my own versions that will hang in my office.

So, here's what I did: Started with frames from the thrift store, $1.49 each, and sprayed them black. Then I found some stock paper with vintage handwriting on it, and cut it to a narrower size to feed through my printer. I printed a Rorschac inkblot that found online directly onto the scripted paper. I aged the paper, roughened the edges, and I got a couple of real conversation starters!

My second inspiration came from some work by Janny Fraser http://www.jordanartgallery.com/gallery/index.php?gallery=./Fraser%2C%20Janny) I saw when Elizabeth and I visited a JordonVillage, Ontario art gallery.

Hmmm...I just wonder what Dr. Rorschach would say about me?

Interpreting the Trends

2011-10-19T19:29:00.000-07:00

I have to share today’s work outfit. It just goes to show that no matter what your budget, you can create a look that’s on trend, pulled together and flattering….even if your budget is only $3.50!

One of the hot looks right now is a midi-length dress or skirt…It’s feminine and flowy, and such a nice departure from a classic knee length pencil skirt which I always find myself gravitating toward.

Elizabeth and James

Nation, LTD

I was on the hunt for just the right knit skirt for my outfit… with the perfect small scale print so it didn’t look like I just pulled it from my own thrift pile. It had to look updated without necessarily being a newer garment.

Vince Camuto

Well, I found it! My cost? $1.99.

To make it complete, I added a dolman sleeve light-weight black tunic sweater over a teal tank from my closet. I thrifted the tunic last summer in Michigan for $1.50!

After popping on a wide belt , my funky chunky wedges (no kitten heels here!), and a bold chain necklace, I think it works!

Do you think it works?

Actually, I love that we can wear mini, knee length, midi or maxi...whatever floats your boat! What do you think of the whole skirt length thing? Are you trying something that's a departure from your normal?

Seeing Red.

2011-10-15T06:02:00.000-07:00

Confession: Lost Lust for Sewing.
That's right...I have been in a sewing slump. Maybe it's because the rest of life has just gotten in the way? No time these past few weeks? I'm not sure, because certainly I'm full of ideas, have a pile of projects waiting, and I'm always in the mood for a new something. If I could only get this red dress made....

This is my saga...a dress that I am determined to complete, despite every obstacle that has come between us.
Last month, while I was browsing on my lunch hour, I was struck by the red and black knits at Macy's:

Bold, fabulous, big chunks of red and black.

I already had plans to make Vogue 1205 and already had the red ponte, so I think I was inspired enough to get it going.

Until: I didn't make a muslin.
I had fit issues.
I cut the wrong sides for some pattern pieces, so I had to buy more ponte and re-start.
After getting the bodice cut a larger size ( which I figured would save me the time of doing an all out full bust adjustment)

It didn't work. I should know better.

So back to the drawing board to re-cut and do an actual full bust adjustment.

In the midst of taping up my new pattern piece, I lost my roll of tape....I wonder if Birdie has it.

And you know how that goes. I could have gone to the store and been back in the time I spent searching for a $1.49 roll of tape! Then of course, all week long, I forgot to buy more tape. Good grief.

So, today, I'm going to get a pedicure, and buy some tape, and then I'm going to tackle this dress project once again. I really am.

Ten Things I Did This Weekend

2011-10-11T19:00:00.000-07:00

Ten on Tuesday:

Because of the torrential downpours the previous weekend, we had to cancel our plans to go camping with friends at Allegany State Park and instead, we loaded into their RV and went to the Black Lake cabin in the Thousand Islands. Even though we made lemonade from lemons, and had a great time despite the rain, I was a little whiny about the fact that we missed out on our one last camping trip of the year.

So, leading up to this weekend was a surprise announcement on Wednesday from my husband that we would, in fact, be going camping at Allegany…just the two of us, and an amazing October weekend with the leaves at peak. That meant some quick planning and packing, and by Friday afternoon, we were on our way.

Ten things I did this weekend:

1. I made delicious camp-stove meals

2. We did lots of leaf-peeping.

3. Short hiked to Thunder Rocks.

4. Picnicked and napped on the shores of Redhouse Lake.

5. Snuggled up in the tent

to stay warm on chilly 40 degree nights.

6. Campfire gazed for hours.

7. Worked on a new knitting project.

8. There was no cell coverage: so no texts, emails or blog reading...instead: laughing, talking and book reading.

9. Planned how we were going to start the renovation of our vintage camper.

10. Walked in the night under an amazing sky full of stars.

That said, being away the past few weekends has left me little time to sew, and I confess, I’m having a little bit of withdrawl… I do have some exciting projects in process that I will be sharing soon, though.

And, actually, now that Fall is upon us, I’m getting those nesting urges…not sure if it’s because I’m surrounded by pregnancy or if it’s just because it’s time to move indoors and make a cozy home. I think about the slipcovers I want to make, and the beds I want to plump up with coverlets and blankets. It’s time to burn spicy candles and scatter some leaves and pumpkins about. Some new pillows and cushy throws for the sofas would be just the thing, too…which means I have about a gazillion things to add to my “to do” list!

Teal, the color for Fall

2011-10-06T18:12:00.000-07:00

One of the things I mentioned on Lori's Sew Forth Now Podcast was how I found a teal blouse at the thrift store and had intentions to modify it into a more fitted tunic. According to Pantone, Teal is the color of Fall 2011. When I hear something like that, it sticks in my head, so of course, when I go thrifting, I'm thinking, "teal, teal' teal..." And I'm also thinking that if it's a "color of the season," it may not be the color of next season, or ever again in the next few years, for that matter. I love a trend as much as the next person, but I'm not always so willing to spend much on something that may be a fleeting fancy.

This shirt was a no brainer...it has nice lines, some interesting details, lovely drape, and it was big enough for me to play around with the shape. I simply took in the sides, with just a big of shaping, and took in the width of the sleeve.

So, I wore it belted for work, creating an outfit with that very current "block of color" to wear with a black ponte skirt that I made,

And as casual over-sized shirt to wear with jeans and flats for running errands after dinner!

All for about $1.50 and 30 minutes of my time!

My blog friend Elizabeth commented on my last post, mentioning me finding time for blog reading ( I think she actually missed me commenting on her blog...ahem!), and I have to confess, I am terribly behind...I will have to add Blog Reading to my list of things to do!

And my sister Karen asked about the size of the Little Red Lunch Tote...it measures 13" x 7 1/2" x 5". So make one, Karen, and go have a picnic someplace special!

There IS Enough Time in a Day!

2011-10-04T19:05:00.000-07:00

A recent comment reads:

"I'm amazed at all you get done, not just in those areas, but in life in general. How do you do it? I'm guessing you watch almost no television at all. Judy from Alameda, CA"

Let me preface what I'm about to say by reminding you that I am an Empty Nester. Which, by the way, makes all the difference in the world. Trust me, I well remember what it was like to have babies...life with children takes up a lot of time!

And my favorite organizational tool these days is the ColorNote app. on my phone. When I think of something, I write it down. If I have a brilliant idea, or need to remember to get cheese at the grocery store, I write it down.

Somehow, I do find a way to get some quiet time, take a walk, spend time with JR working on house and garden projects, and talking to my kids almost every day...that's a given. Every weekend, we are able to get together with friends, and go to church ( unless we are camping!). I do a lot on my lunch hour...errands, grocery shopping, thrifting. It's amazing how much I can get done in five hours during my work workdays, and of course, that means I don't have to do those things on the weekends, so we can squeeze in a get-away or the very least, a nap.

As far as sewing, knitting or home dec projects go, I keep a journal, with an organized list, and I attack it with method and madness.

When I get an idea, I'm foucsed. Very focused. My husband plays ball on Tuesdays, so that tends to be some uninterrupted project time for me...and remember, sewing takes less time than shopping for clothes, and thrifting takes even less time than sewing!

I keep up with the laundry during the week.
There's a place for everything and everything has it's place.
I'm more concerned about spending time doing the things I like to do than being obsessive about cleaning....if it doesn't get done one week, oh, well. I use small blocks of time to accomplish big goals...like cleaning the bathroom. Or decorating the front porch. Or cleaning out a closet.

I'm in bed by 10:30 and awake at 5:45. Some nights we eat sandwiches, and that's okay. If I miss baking bread for the week, that's okay, too.

Certainly, a busy life comes with sacrifices. There ate things I think I should take more time to do: like reading more books like I used to, or seeing more of my family. Or planning a party. Or doing more to serve others.

And as I shift and change and rearrange my priorities, I will always try to be more conscious of how I can better use my time.

What about you, girlfriends? Do you have any tips for wise time management?

My Little Red Lunch Tote

2011-09-29T19:21:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up, my lunch was packed nearly every day. Weren't you so proud to have a lunch box that represented your favorite television show or past time? Your name was on masking tape inside the metal lid, it held a sandwich wrapped in waxed paper, a banana or apple, and one of mom's cookies. Maybe, just maybe there would be a Hostess Cupcake on a special occasion. And remember the room temperature milk in the glass lined thermos? If you were lucky, it was blended with some Nestle's Quick. When I was in fourth grade, my best friend Cheryl and I would each bring a nickle to school so that we could buy an ice cream sandwich on Friday's. The lunch lady would cut it precisely down the middle for us, even though we didn't buy our lunches that day with those little tear off lunch tickets. It was an extra treat for those of us who brought our lunches from home.

Carrying that lunchbox every day was so awesome...until Junior High, when it was way more cool to buy from the cafeteria than to bring something homemade.

When I reached high school, it was okay to pack a lunch again... I mostly brown-bagged it, and all the girls would try to bring the healthiest, or the most appealing portable meal...one kid, Douglas, would always pack sardines, which really grossed us out.

These days, I bring my lunch to work nearly every day. Usually a salad, some fruit, or maybe leftover soup in the winter. I also find myself coming full circle in that I having to carry a cute lunch tote. My old one was frayed and worn, so I finally buckled down and made one last night from the book "Lunch Bags! 25 Handmade Sacks and Wraps to Sew Today."

This was a quick project...made it in an evening. The fabric is red duck from Walmart's remnant bin...which cost all of about $2.00.
The lining is from my scrap bag, and the batting from the bottom of a bin of old quilt supplies. I used grosgrain ribbon for the drawstring closure.

The lining is laminated cotton. The outside is machine quilted. And it's a very generous size.

I love the plump squareness of this bag.

And today, she did just fine on her maiden voyage to work..plenty of room for all of my containers, and wiped clean to use again tomorrow.

I just may have to make another one!

A Full Measure of Blessing

2011-09-27T14:59:00.000-07:00

It's sort of feeling like a season of blessings to me. I love the fall transition of the year..it's a contemplative time, and I have had so many things on my heart these past weeks. And so thankful to God that He so tenderly cares for me, even knowing that I am such a work in progress!

I'm thankful for today, because it's my anniversary. 15 years married to JR, who has loved me unconditionally, been an example and a mentor to me, and has always demonstrated grace toward me and our marriage.

And my family. How can I be proud and humbled at the same time? And did I mention that the most incredible news of all is that in addition to the four smartest and most adorable grandkids that we have, we are about to have three more!!! That's right, each of our girls, Meghan, Katie and Amelia, are having babies! One is due in December, one is due in February, and the other is due in March! I still can't quite get my head around that! Did I mention...three more grandbabies!!!!!

The blessings of friendship...camping friends, blog friends, church friends, neighbor friends, and the friends that we know would drop anything when we need them. There are the friends that know every detail of our lives and without hesitation love us more because of our mess-ups.

And to think I get to spend my time here on Earth with all of these people, and live comfortably in a little bungalow, and make and do the things I love to do. That's not a bad way to live.

Beth and Maxine!

2011-09-26T04:02:00.000-07:00

And the winners of the two books are:

Maxine said...

Hi
I've just had a very enjoyable drive listening to you and Lori chat about sewing! What a fantastic episode. Lori has introduced me to some great new places - and now I have a new one too - your blog. It looks fab and I'm sure I shall enjoy keeping up to date. Thanks!

September 19, 2011 8:08 AM

Beth said...

I listen to Lori's podcast and follow her 2 blogs in my google reader. I will now add your blog to my reader as well. I would love to win either of these books. So happy to have found you!

September 16, 2011 1:51 PM

Congratulations! And thank you so much for listening to Sew Forth Now Podcast! Please email me at lbrundage@roadrunner.com so that I can mail your books to you!