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.
8/29/10
3684 Shirt Band, HOLY SQUASH!
Time to chat!
WARNING: This entry is a lot of ramble. Feel free to SKIM! :)
WARNING: This entry is a lot of ramble. Feel free to SKIM! :)
8/26/10
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! :)
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! :)
8/23/10
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!
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!
8/22/10
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!
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!
8/20/10
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".
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".
8/16/10
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
I have it all set up but I need to take photos.
...isn't it beautiful????? :D
8/9/10
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!!!
8/1/10
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.
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. :)
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!
7/27/10
Veggies & Tote!
My eyes hurt – I must be at the computer too long. But I can't help it today. I have veggies to share! :) This photo is of our first “harvest”.
We've been eating lettuce and random squash but nothing has grown this plentiful – a plate full. I'm thinking about finding a squash soup recipe because one of our squash is GIGANTIC.
Two Saturdays ago, we sprayed Ferti.lome on our plants because of the invasive caterpillars. I thought I got all of the squash that were eatable size, but I guess I missed one and it just kept on growing. Wow! I wouldn't have been able to put this garden off alone. I was growing discouraged to the point of having no energy to take care of the issues.
I guess if a person wants to have a vegetable garden, they gotta spray for bugs. I just wash the veggies off with soap and lukewarm water to get any remaining chemicals off, if any. It's rained since we sprayed, but I wanted to be safe. :)
On the sewing front: I've been working on another creative project. A tote! This tote is nothing like my other totes though. I'm using reverse appliqué for the design. This is where I got the idea.
Here's my design.
I'll take photos of my fabric choices and how far I've come on the project later. I tried getting my colors true to form, but GIMP wasn't helping me today – or I wasn't choosing the right options. :P More to come later!!!
We've been eating lettuce and random squash but nothing has grown this plentiful – a plate full. I'm thinking about finding a squash soup recipe because one of our squash is GIGANTIC.
Two Saturdays ago, we sprayed Ferti.lome on our plants because of the invasive caterpillars. I thought I got all of the squash that were eatable size, but I guess I missed one and it just kept on growing. Wow! I wouldn't have been able to put this garden off alone. I was growing discouraged to the point of having no energy to take care of the issues.
I guess if a person wants to have a vegetable garden, they gotta spray for bugs. I just wash the veggies off with soap and lukewarm water to get any remaining chemicals off, if any. It's rained since we sprayed, but I wanted to be safe. :)
On the sewing front: I've been working on another creative project. A tote! This tote is nothing like my other totes though. I'm using reverse appliqué for the design. This is where I got the idea.
Here's my design.
I'll take photos of my fabric choices and how far I've come on the project later. I tried getting my colors true to form, but GIMP wasn't helping me today – or I wasn't choosing the right options. :P More to come later!!!
7/18/10
Tawnya Goes Bug Bonkers (and sews a little more)
Aaaaaaargh! I HATE bugs! Just look at our garden! Sigh. When I see all of those bites taken from the leaves of our food plants, I don't even want to eat food from plants that are NEXT to these in the garden. I gave up on the broccoli and cabbage a few days ago, but my sweetheart decided to “beat the bugs” and told me to go pick up some poison. I picked up some Bug B Gone by Ortho, but we wanted to try this new sprayer tool out that he picked up so we're going back today to see if we can find a liquid mix. In this photo, our broccoli plants are being destroyed. Our cabbage plants are far behind!
Here is a photo of one of the nasty villains too: Cabbage White butterfly. Yes, it's in the category of a butterfly but it looks like a moth to me. I'm not helping it out of the net. (Evil grin)
Meanwhile, I'm very pleased with how the summer squash is growing. I'm sick of the ants that crawl all over, but maybe we can dispose of them with the poison we put on the plants.
I wanted to share how large my marigolds have grown also. They are as big as our lettuce! Crazy! I didn't know that Marigolds grew so large. The package of seeds said they are miniature, and I "assumed" that meant the whole plant. LOL.
I have been very busy working more but I still keep trying to stay sane with my hobbies. When I had an itch to sew and began my new rose bra, I didn't know it would snowball. I made some ladies boxer shorts to match! Again, the pattern I used was Kwik Sew 2489. Shorts are SEW EASY! Everyone should make a pair. I plan on making flannel boxers too! Cute cute cute. They'll keep my bum super warm on cold nights. :P (Okay, I didn't need to make that stupid remark, but I'm "free associating" here. Just going with what's on my mind.)
I ordered some more supplies from Sew Sassy Fabrics to complete the bra. I paid $8.99 for ground shipping. I think the location it's coming from is Alabama, but I'll have to double check that. I'm in Minnesota (in case you're new to my blog). I'd much rather spend my $8.99 to the supplier! (just in case someone who works there reads this) but I am just as happy to pay the fee because I don't have a local supplier. WHAT!? Yeah, I live in the Twin Cities and NO BRA MAKING SUPPLIERS! Sigh. *Lightbulb* "Maybe I should open a bra/corset making supply store!" (It'll never happen; I just have great ideas.)
I impressed myself with matching my crotch seams perfectly! This practice is paying off. I can see my skills strengthening. :) It's fun!
In order to distinguish front from back, I used an iron-on tag. This is a brilliant idea. They wash well and don't scratch the skin.
Well, I hope you've enjoyed this crazy episode of "Tawnya Goes Bonkers (and sews a little more)". :) Until next time...
Here is a photo of one of the nasty villains too: Cabbage White butterfly. Yes, it's in the category of a butterfly but it looks like a moth to me. I'm not helping it out of the net. (Evil grin)
Meanwhile, I'm very pleased with how the summer squash is growing. I'm sick of the ants that crawl all over, but maybe we can dispose of them with the poison we put on the plants.
I wanted to share how large my marigolds have grown also. They are as big as our lettuce! Crazy! I didn't know that Marigolds grew so large. The package of seeds said they are miniature, and I "assumed" that meant the whole plant. LOL.
I have been very busy working more but I still keep trying to stay sane with my hobbies. When I had an itch to sew and began my new rose bra, I didn't know it would snowball. I made some ladies boxer shorts to match! Again, the pattern I used was Kwik Sew 2489. Shorts are SEW EASY! Everyone should make a pair. I plan on making flannel boxers too! Cute cute cute. They'll keep my bum super warm on cold nights. :P (Okay, I didn't need to make that stupid remark, but I'm "free associating" here. Just going with what's on my mind.)
I ordered some more supplies from Sew Sassy Fabrics to complete the bra. I paid $8.99 for ground shipping. I think the location it's coming from is Alabama, but I'll have to double check that. I'm in Minnesota (in case you're new to my blog). I'd much rather spend my $8.99 to the supplier! (just in case someone who works there reads this) but I am just as happy to pay the fee because I don't have a local supplier. WHAT!? Yeah, I live in the Twin Cities and NO BRA MAKING SUPPLIERS! Sigh. *Lightbulb* "Maybe I should open a bra/corset making supply store!" (It'll never happen; I just have great ideas.)
I impressed myself with matching my crotch seams perfectly! This practice is paying off. I can see my skills strengthening. :) It's fun!
In order to distinguish front from back, I used an iron-on tag. This is a brilliant idea. They wash well and don't scratch the skin.
Well, I hope you've enjoyed this crazy episode of "Tawnya Goes Bonkers (and sews a little more)". :) Until next time...
7/16/10
Sewing Up a Bra!
Well, I had to start a new project. I put the Flower Guy in the storage closet. I minimized him so much on the new drawing that I couldn't get the detail to his face in, and it just didn't look the same. But I've had an itch to sew for quite some time, so I started a new project: a brassiere.
My fabric is a pretty rose pattern on lightweight cotton. I don't know what I was really looking for to begin with, but then I saw the roses on the light blue background and decided to go with it! My pattern is Kwik Sew 2489. Kwik Sew is a pattern company located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Kerstin Martensson is the designer. Kerstin also has a book out on making lingerie that I am interested in. A copy awaits on my half.com wish list. :)
I was intimidated the first time I attempted making a bra. It just sounds intimidating, doesn't it? Well I learned there is almost nothing to making a bra! And this time around, I'm going to apply some cute lace to it—if I have it. LOL. It's quite a lot cheaper to make your own bra then to buy a cheapy at Target. I use Sew Sassy Fabrics for supplies. The link is also on the side bar for my own easy access. :) They ship FAST! I encourage everyone to choose a pattern that they like and GO FOR IT!
Now this is a photo to show how much I did yesterday with the rest of the supplies to finish it. I plan on finishing it on Saturday (along with beginning my new weight training program!) and then hopping online to display a photo (not modeling it though, sorry! LOL).
I'm pretty satisfied with my stitching, although no one is going to see it, I still want to have nice quality. :) The topstitching on the cups are my favorite. I had the idea to sew the stitching in another color after I did it, so that will be the next bra! Wish me luck on finding the perfect lace for this rose pattern!
My fabric is a pretty rose pattern on lightweight cotton. I don't know what I was really looking for to begin with, but then I saw the roses on the light blue background and decided to go with it! My pattern is Kwik Sew 2489. Kwik Sew is a pattern company located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Kerstin Martensson is the designer. Kerstin also has a book out on making lingerie that I am interested in. A copy awaits on my half.com wish list. :)
I was intimidated the first time I attempted making a bra. It just sounds intimidating, doesn't it? Well I learned there is almost nothing to making a bra! And this time around, I'm going to apply some cute lace to it—if I have it. LOL. It's quite a lot cheaper to make your own bra then to buy a cheapy at Target. I use Sew Sassy Fabrics for supplies. The link is also on the side bar for my own easy access. :) They ship FAST! I encourage everyone to choose a pattern that they like and GO FOR IT!
Now this is a photo to show how much I did yesterday with the rest of the supplies to finish it. I plan on finishing it on Saturday (along with beginning my new weight training program!) and then hopping online to display a photo (not modeling it though, sorry! LOL).
I'm pretty satisfied with my stitching, although no one is going to see it, I still want to have nice quality. :) The topstitching on the cups are my favorite. I had the idea to sew the stitching in another color after I did it, so that will be the next bra! Wish me luck on finding the perfect lace for this rose pattern!
