Wow, do I have some neat news!

I wore my shirt to dinner last night and I got a compliment on it from our waitress. Geez, that made my night! She asked me where I got it. :D After two weeks of working on it, someone tells me that it's cute. Thanks Luanne! (Hopefully I got your spelling correct.) After we talked for a minute, I couldn't contain my excitement and gave her my card to visit this blog. She mentioned that she'd made a Halloween costume last year and I told her that I would love to see it. So cool!!

Well I'm not into switching gears right now since I have the supplies for my next project - Butterick skirt B4461. I chose the pattern during our 95° weather (it's 61° right now), but I'm still going to make it out of a lightweight cotton. If I want to wear it in the fall, I can wear some heavy tights. :) Sorry about the shadow on the photo. Hopefully you can get the idea from what I post.

Here's the fabric and trim options that I threw out. It'll be interesting to see what I come up with.

More cool stuff? I ordered a 3 month subscription to Burda Style magazine. It seems that's what many of the sewing blog gals read and sew, so I thought that I would give it a go. Each issue comes with 60 or so patterns, a size chart and a sewing course and step by step instructions. To say the truth, I am intimidated as heck, but I'm GOING FOR IT! It's sort of exciting at the same time. I seem to be driven to jump in and do things when I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing. It stimulates my brain. I like working my brain. :D

All right, I had some things that I wanted to do today: 1) measure for our hoop house plastic (greenhouse) so I can get that ordered and 2) paint the trim on our windows of the house. (We'll see about this one!) Tonight, I plan on cutting the pattern out of B4461.

Until I post again...Happy Saturday to you!

Photo: Wearing 3684

Okay here I am in my new shirt! :) I felt like a dork earlier in my sewing room. I took 10 photos to get one that I liked. LOL. After all that, I still didn't smooth the back of the shirt out - the wrinkles aren't so prevalent at the bust dart, but they still exist a little "milder". What can I say - a beginning seamstress! I had a blast and will continue to sew to solidify my skills. Next is my cotton skirt using Butterick B4461. Today I'd like to sort through my lace, zippers and other trim before I cut the pattern out. We'll see how far I get. :D Hopefully I can get something up on the blog tomorrow!

Simplicity Blouse 3684 - Completed!

Ooooh okay! I am DONE! It's taken me 12 days to complete Threads 3684. Of course I didn't work on it each day - but almost. If I wasn't working on it, I was reading the pattern before bed to fully understand the next step before I dove into it.

I went with shell buttons after all. I picked up some wooden ones, but after holding the shell up when the lace was on, I liked the look, so I went with it.

I wanted to video record my first button hole on the blouse. If you're interested, you can watch how my Kenmore 19233 works! {I'm going to try to embed it.} I mentioned on the video that it's the first button hole on a garment I've made, but I made a crazy lime green dress with hot pink polk-a-dots when I was a teenager. I'd forgotten. I just want to correct that right now! Hahah...(I even wore the dress! Eeek!)

Here is my finished new top! It's in the dryer right now, but I promise to post a photo of me wearing it. That seems to be what all the sewing gals do on their blogs. I feel like I accomplished something HUGE. I'm proud of myself to stick with it until the end. =D

Topic change: I have decided to make myself an emery sand pin cleaner thingy. Usually, the strawberries that are attached to the typical tomato shaped pin cushion are supposed to have emergy sand in them. I was taught that regular sand or glass doesn't do the job like emery sand. I met the inventor of the Spiral Eye Needle at the Minnesota State Fair on Tuesday and she sold me a little pouch of it for $2! Her invention is amazing for those who have a hard time seeing the eye of the needle to thread it. CHECK IT OUT! She's working on manufacturing a needle that is large enough to accommodate a 4 ply yarn with ease with a sharp point for quilters and such. She's just so helpful to us! My mom purchased a couple of her needles and I'll probably get some too one day!

More on the state fair. I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but I want to have a chicken coup one day. The next photo is a chicken, obviously. But LOOK AT HER! She's panting! LOL!!! It was hot in the poultry and sheep building. I like these little blonde chickies. I might want some in my coup.

Back to sewing: I'm not sure what's coming next. I know that I want to make the A-line skirt in a green cotton, and now I want to make the emery sand thingy but I haven't decided what will be next. Of course you'll be the first to know! :)

Until then... may your creativity explode and inspire you! :)

Simplicity Blouse 3684 - Almost DONE!

Hello, hello to my favorite readers!

Is that a cheesy greeting? Umm, well all of the people who read my hobby blog are my favorite. ♥ ♥ ♥ ...now I got that out of the way.

Okay, so first I want to mention that the humongous squash we found in the garden was woody with a pumpkin like skin. Ick. We didn't even let our dogs gnaw on it. Haha... It was fun to find in the garden though [Edward and I discussed our hoop house tonight - that's the next big adventure for the Boe's. :)]

Can I get on to sewing now, paaaalease?!  12 Photos enclosed.

3684 Shirt Band, HOLY SQUASH!

Time to chat!

WARNING: This entry is a lot of ramble. Feel free to SKIM! :)

Pin Cushion Pattern Weight

I found this tutorial for a pin cushion jar online and decided that I wanted to make one of my pattern weights into one of them. It's a small project. Short and sweet. :) Oh yeah, and NO SEWING. The hot glue gun works the magic to bind it all together.

I'm going to see if I have enough energy to sew new darts into my blouse tonight. If I don't, I will try to get to it this weekend. Reading my Threads magazine that came today might be all the energy that I have. Nevertheless, I will post the "dart-work" immediately after! :)

Simplicity Blouse 3684: 1st Problem to Solve

Good evening. I'm pushing forward with this blouse. I was able to run to two stores this morning in order to find my lace for the project. Both Hancock's and Joann's didn't carry the heart stuff I was looking for, but they did have a lace that would work just fine. Before I went to the store, I had something with scallops in mind if I couldn't find hearts. Well, the scallops available didn't go at all, but they were the frilly girly lace look that I wanted - just the wrong size and color. The lace that I did bring home is going to dress the blouse down, but I'm going to go with it.

Here, I started to hand baste the lace to the SHIRT FRONT (just capitalizing the pattern pieces). After I saw this photo, I decided that I actually do like how the lace reflects the points of the flower in the crinkle voile. The circle in each point on the lace mimics the round flowers in the fashion fabric also. So it works well enough for me.

In the next photo, I finished with hand basting the lace trim to the YOKE. My machine has a basting option, but it's really sloppy. Either that, or I haven't figured out how to use it yet. Haha.. I get perfection with hand basting anyways. Since I am a beginner, I'd like to get some of the handwork under my belt. Sure it takes longer, but I'm "Thirtysomething", I have time. :D

Simplicity Threads gave the direction to clip along the curve of the SHIRT FRONT before attaching the lace, so that's what I did. (Have I ever mentioned that I'm a chronic nail biter??? Yup, since I was a wee one. I can't remember NOT biting my nails. I try to stop myself by painting them. I apologize for not having model fingers or artificial nails for visual appeal. Haha...)

The YOKE is pinned to the SHIRT FRONT and now it's time to sew them together.

I picked up my walking foot from my ma's today on the way home. I love this foot. I love sewing regular ANYTHING with this foot. I love the little clicking noise it makes and the ease in sewing it brings. :) If you don't have one, buy one tomorrow! (I got mine for $30 at Hancock', but they can get mucho! expensive. I'm so happy my old one fits the new Kenmore.) I wanted to mention here that I'm using a Microtex Sharp Needle 70/10 with this Crinkle Voile. I don't know if the thread is poly or cotton or mixed - the sticker fell off. The color is "Baguette" though. :P

The trim is sewn on!

I finished the seam allowance with a three thread wide on the serger. I didn't want little threads tickling my chest. Knowing me, I'd freak out like I had a bug down my shirt and I'd have my nose down my blouse! LOL

I also finished the shoulder seams with the overlock, but I needed to draw a seam line for myself, since I'm still new at using the serger.

In this photo, the majority of the blouse is constructed and I get a better feel for the fit. Well BOO! Bad fit! Big problem. It's my first issue with this blouse - EVEN THOUGH I MEASURED AND MEASURED AND MEASURED. Well, I should know that I was going to have this issue. It's the same issue that I have with just about every shirt pattern and one piece dress I make. The DARN waist sits too low. DID I MENTION THAT I EVEN MEASURED THIS TIME?! LOL One option that came to mind to fix this issue it to move the darts up in the back. The bulk of the fabric is pulled out right where I need more room - MY HIPPERS! I'll try ripping out the darts and replacing them. I'll post that journey, of course.

Well, I better get to bed soon. Okay, okay... it's time for frozen yogurt and candy sprinkles, I CONFESS! Until next time... Happy Clever Sewing!

Beginning Simplicity Threads 3684

Hello All!
I'm going to try something a little different tonight. I usually try to keep my paragraphs to a minimum and show some photos. However, tonight I am going to maybe talk a little more than usual and use MORE photos. I LOVE blogs with photos, but I never know which shots people would be interested in seeing. I'm going to practice at sharing more - bear with me please! :)

All right, this is a continuation of my previous post. I wasn't certain which project I would start. Well, I decided on the Simplicity Threads blouse - 3684. I decided that I wanted to use a portion of the "Embroidered Crinkle Voile" blouse fabric as the skirt pleat in pattern Simplicity Threads 2758. I didn't know how much I would have left and I wanted to see if my plan would work. So far, I think I have enough fabric left to do that - if I don't mess up on the blouse and need to use more fabric. Eeeek!

My first battle of this blouse construction was to choose a size to make. It seems that I have weird measurement - 34, 33, 42. DOH! So I'm more of a pear or triangle than I am hourglass shape, like I thought. I think during my weight loss, there was a point where I was more of an hourglass. The pattern envelope said that my bust measurement is a size 14, waist 20, and hips size 18. The pattern doesn't go up to 18 or 20 and that got me worried. I measured the largest pattern that came in the envelope - size 16. I know that apparel sewers are encouraged to choose their blouse pattern sizes by the chest/bust measurement, but when I measured the size 16, everything seemed to match up to my measurements okay. I even excluded the seam allowance on the measure. :D

This particular pattern came with a little cube of information on measuring that I cut out to put in my 3-ring sewing binder.

So, I chose a size 16 blouse and went hard at it. I got my pattern adjusting tools out and worked my magic. If I mess up, I want to be able to trace the pattern again to fix my mistake.

After my pattern was traced and adjusted - which was only an add of 1/2" on the hip/hem of the blouse, I cut it all out . (I want to be able to wear baggier jeans with this blouse too - my belly expands when I sit. My Reader's Digest New Complete Guide to Sewing book from school says that I should have at least 2" of wearing ease on the hip. The waist is 3/4" to 1" and the bust is 3".)

After I cut out my fashion fabric I marked the darts and pleats with the water soluble fabric marker. I tested this many times on my fabric too - it's so pretty and there isn't a guarantee that I will be able to purchase more if I ruin what I have.

The directions said to stay-stitch the curves of the neck and yokes.

Here is my fabric loosely pinned on my dress form. It seems to look fine and dandy. I'm not too worried at this point. I know that 5/8" seam allowances will take up some of that bulk you see.

My darts seem to be in the right spot too. 10" from shoulder to bust point. :) The dart should stop 1" away from the bust point, but this blouse has a different design from the Oxford fitted blouse. Again, no worries yet.

Okay, on to the trim! I don't HAVE it yet, but I used a piece that I did have that is the correct size for the project. The HEARTS are so CUTE! I am planning on purchasing a nude color of hearts lace if I am able to, otherwise, I might get white and dye it. In these photos the white doesn't look terrible, but it's not quite the look I am shooting for. I might stop up at the fabric store tomorrow. ...hope I'm home within 1 hour. I was at SR Harris for FOUR HOURS! Argh!

This last photo is showing (trying to show) my new Consew iron system. I'm madly in love. It's SO heavy and I don't EVER have to "press" my garments. I just let the weight of the iron do the work - very slick. I'm excited to press each seam after I've sewn it now. That was a "hit or miss" task for me with my old iron. BOO! Bad sewing behaviors! Hahaha...

Before I close tonight, I gotta just mention my fear about this blouse. Well, TWO fears, actually. Collar. And sleeve bands. Sigh. OH! OH! And, buttons. So THREE fears. I'm already dreading this process, but I want the blouse and I want to learn something new - build confidence and such. I will press forward! No pun intended. :P ...I will lead my one woman army into victory.

I will post my next few steps after I've had time to complete them. :)  Until then... Happy Sewing!

PS. I caught 10 fish today and kept two for dinner - Pumpkin Seed and Largemouth Bass. :D YAY!

A Successful Trip To SR Harris!

Ohhhh I'm EXCITED! I took a trip to SR Harris, Fabric Outlet yesterday!

Sorry about the bad photo - it was my cell phone photo. (“Greetings”, by the way. :D )

I have many new ideas and new fabrics to share. I can't wait to implement these ideas. First, I have to mention that when patterns go on Sale at Hancock's, they can be as low as $0.99, so I stock up. I have 4 patterns that I have wanted to try (and have had them at least 1 year) but have been chicken. Two dresses, two blouses and a skirt. The dresses are intimidating. One of them has princess seams. Eeek!

Okay, discussion of the patterns! I like the bottom right skirt with the pleat. CUTE! The pockets are so adorable too. For the most part, I think it looks like a pretty basic skirt to make, but the pleat and clever pockets add style.



I like the pink dress on the far right. I will be able to wear this for all seasons. During the winter, I will be able to wear a sweater with it to stay warmer.



Okay, on this pattern, I like TWO of the blouses, and I'll make them both, but I am going to start with the top left. I really like the scoop in the front. I don't know if anyone will be able to tell by looking at the image, but the scoop is lined with lace and so are the sleeve cuffs. :D So pretty and feminine.



This next pattern is the pattern that intimidates me. I love the dress on the top left. Well the yellow dress that the model is wearing is essentially the same dress. I actually bought some ribbon choices to wear as a belt also. I decided that it's ridiculous to be scared to jump in and sew this up. If I don't jump in, I won't get any better than I am now. It's all a learning experience. This dress calls for 2 1/4 yards of fabric. I got 2 1/2 yards. I think it totalled $10, so big deal if it's a flop. It's the learning experience that I'm after.



When I was at the fabric outlet, I found the perfect fabric for these garments that I dare to sew up. This photo is the dress fabric. The third fabric from the left (burgundy-rust color) is for the pleated skirt. I'm going to make a green one first. I don't have a photo of that fabric yet.

This next photo is of the fabrics I chose for shirts. I selected two knits for tank-tops that I plan to knock-off of ready-to-wear tanks that own. :) The tan embroidered crinkled voile is what I plan to use for the blouse with short sleeves. I think I'm going to make this first.

Well, that's it for now. Projects are in mind and fabric is supplied. I have buttons and zippers to pick up and that's all part of the fun. I can't wait. Hopefully I can get this blouse started this weekend. At the very least, get the pattern ironed and cut out. Until my next post, as all the sewing blogger's type "Happy Sewing".

Consew Is Here!

Yay, the iron showed up! 
I have it all set up but I need to take photos. 


...isn't it beautiful?????  :D

Consew CES-300 Gravity Feed Steam Iron

This will be a quick post as I have to jump into the shower in 2 seconds. :)

I'm very excited! I ordered a Consew industrial iron (CES-300) this weekend. It was on sale at $100 off. I HAD to get it. I've wanted one for three years. It has a hand guard for prolonged periods of steaming and weighs 4.6 pounds. COOL! I don't know how many days it will take to get here, but it's coming UPS and I assume 7-10 business days. It's shipping out of Baton Rouge, LA. :) I was spoiled at school – we had industrial irons and machines to work on. One day I'll get the machine (they have KNEE LIFTS! ..Oooo so dreamy!) :) So I've been either too busy to write or too tired. I've mentioned on other blogs that I have 14 days left after today of this busy schedule. I hope everyone is doing well and I'll be back strong in 15 days. :D Woo hoo!!!

Sewing Up A Storm!

Back to the tote! I worked a little more on my REVERSE APPLIQUÉ TOTE project today. I'm not going to lie, this type of hand sewing IS NOT for me. As you can see from the photo below, you clip your fabric and turn it under then hand sew the edge down with a hem stitch. That got old for me. I hand sewed the petals and the center of the flower but when it came the stem and leaves, I moved to my sewing machine desk. IT'S QUICKER! Hello! Also, the machine stitching will handle washing better in the machine. I'll learn what sort of job I did when I was the tote for the first time.

Here's the finished product! It's a little different from my drawing, but it's very close. I should have clipped the stem a little more on the curve to get a smoother edge, but in the end, I think it looks artsy.  Even the leaves aren't as smooth as the petals. If I ever to this project again, I will remember the technicalities. :)

I still need to put the handles on the tote. I picked up some "webbing" in the upholstery section at Mill End Textiles. This was priced .65 cents per yard. I've never purchased webbing before. If I remember right, I learned to use the webbing for handles at sewing.about.com. I think I'd like to put a facing along the inside edge to give the tote a finished look.  

While I was shopping at the fabric store, I made sure that I checked out the water soluble fabric markers. I read about them all of the time in my Threads subscription.  Check this out! You just use it like a regular marker (Kwik Sew 3054 is the pattern I purchased. I'm getting to that!)

When you're done with the marking, you just mist some water on it and it INSTANTLY dissolves. THIS IS SO COOL! I tested it out on some mauve broadcloth too - works like a charm. :)  

There are several brands (okay, there was 3 at the store I was at) to choose from, including Clover, which is a brand in the quilting supply section. The Clover marker ran $5. I forget the other brand for $4.19, but I grabbed the cheapest at $3.89. Photo of the package below. I have a few other Collins products in my sewing supplies and I've never been disappointed, so I went it. I was a little nervous to put any marker on my projects, to be honest. But it turned out as SUPER COOL. Glad I got it. 

So Kwik Sew 3054! I picked out a cute basic skirt/tank-top pattern. The designer (Kersten Martensson) is just awesome. (Same designer for the bras that I like to make.) She designed this skirt and top pattern for fabrics of georgette, silk, silk-like fabrics, charmeuse, crepe or challis. I picked out some baby blue linen, because I didn't want to make a lining for the skirt. I guess I'm still looking for a few basic patterns so I can reuse them with different fabrics for the seasons. I really like Kwik Sew because all the patterns are tested. :) How Cool is THAT!? I haven't had to make any adjustments to a pattern yet. My tastes are pretty basic too. 

My finished skirt on the dress form.

And instead of ironing on a tag to the back of the skirt, I sewed a button on the front. I doubt that I would ever tuck a blouse in, but I won't lock myself into that idea just in case I come across a top that looks cute tucked in. 

This gal made the top. Check it out. I love her fabric! I need more experience sewing satin fabrics. I used the wrong needle and I had threads running all over th place. I basically ruined the fabric. :( O'well. Now I have learned!