What is Going On at My House?

The sewing machine is down for the count and so is the serger....I think I'm cursed. The serger won't chain and the sewing machine keeps throwing stitches. I think those ghosts we were watching on TV earlier jumped outta the screen and into my kitchen. So, you know what this means? I can't finish getting my sewing fix until I can get them looked at on Tuesday. Grrr, what a way to start the weekend.

Finished Gown

Here is the finished gown I was working on not long after our move. I finished it a few weeks ago and the kid has been loathe to take it off ever since (I'm sorta proud of this). It was obvious from her measurements and the pattern itself that this was gonna be big on her, I didn't have a problem with this as she can get more wear out of it. I did have to take a good 6 inches off the hem to make it short enough for her...lol. I left a good deal of length IN the hem so I can let it out as she gets taller (if that ever happens). It is a bit wrinkled in the pic because it had been put into a pile of clothes fresh out of the dryer. I still have some of the striped flannel left and want to make the robe for her. I think I am gonna use Lisa's idea and use some coordinating solid flannel to make the yoke of the robe. The next time I go to Joann's I'll take the remainder of the fabric with me to match it up. If nothing else, I can make the robe from white flannel and create a pillow for her out of the striped flannel.

I did learn a lesson about what type of trim NOT to use around a neckline. This was lovely trim that I found on clearance at Hancock's about a year ago. It had been sitting in my stash since then. It matched perfectly and so I put it to use. I'll have to get a more detailed shot of it to post. It is crocheted with lace run through the middle portion to make a woven look. It worked wonderfully around the arms but, not so well around the neck because of tension on the outer side of the trim, it causes the trim to roll up and sit funny. I also determined that I really dislike 1/2" buttons, they are just too small for my fingers. For any future projects, I'll pay special attention to the button section to determine whether or not I can make room for larger buttons.

All in all, I'm happy with the way the gown turned out and I am very happy that she likes it so much. I know I don't have much longer before she loses interest in the things I make her (the teen years are approaching way too fast for comfort). As much room as she has in this gown, she may be wearing it into her teen years...

In Lieu of Flannel

Until I can get more of the flannel fabric for the cuffs I am going to be working on fleece hoodies for the family to get ready for winter. I'm experimenting with this pattern for myself first so I can work out all the bugs and make some really nice ones for the kids and boyfriend. The last hoodie I made didn't turn out so well. I seem to have an issue getting sizes right. I measure, make the size according to the measurements on the individual pattern and it's still off somehow. My some measured in for a size 8 on a Simplicity pattern, the size 10 just seemed too big. The hoodie was made and it was the right size alright, almost skin tight right size, way too short also. The zipper size the packaging called for was off by 6 inches too. By the time I finished with the garment I was fed up with sewing for a bit. Yeah, right, it only took me two weeks to get back to it and here I am. I will, however, not purchase the zippers anymore until it is time to put them in.

THIS IS IT!! I need 1/2 yard, can anyone help me out PLEASE?

My Sister

Hi, just wanted to introduce my sis!

http://hidindoors.blogspot.com/

Check out her blog, she's got all sorts of great ideas although, I'm not going to applaud her gardening skills as these do not run in our family. Hugs to my sis!

P.S. I'll be posting a pic of that fabric I mentioned yesterday as soon as the camera charges (it's charging right now) I'm eager to get to work on the shirt.

I'm Still Alvie

I'm posting from Sacred Scripture class. Yes, I know, I'm being bad. It's repetitive =(. I am putting out a request for help finding some fabric. I need 1/2 yd. It comes from Joann's, from the English Accent Collection. It's flannel and has blue, white and yellow plaid colors. The Joann's near my house is no longer getting it in and I need enough to cut the cuffs for a shirt. I will post a picture of it as soon as I can. If you know what I'm talking about or would be willing to help me get the amount I need, PLEASE EMAIL ME!!! Thank You.

Lexi's Pajamas

Right now all I'm working on is the gown, (the gown on the left). I will make her the robe later. I'm just short of the amount of fabric to make both. If I get lucky I can pull something sneaky and fit it on the yardage that is left. It's gonna be hard with the stripes. I picked the type of fabric for her (a quilter's flannel I got on sale at Joann's about a year ago) and then let her pick the print. I was hoping she would pick the skull print that I have but she went for the stripes. Maybe it will help her look taller ;).

On a separate note, I'm checking out Ottobre patterns. I got the first magazine in the mail. I have to admit, I'm not very impressed with the Women's patterns, they just aren't my style. The children's patterns are fantastic though. I'm having to figure out how to convert the sizes from European to U.S., shouldn't be too hard. I like the fact that they have a good deal more boy's patterns than other pattern companies, patterns that don't require buttons every time you turn around. I am happy about this because I can now make Russ a lot more. He gets the short end of this stick with the sewing sometimes because I shy away from buttons so much and so many of the patterns that I like for him require them. I did promise him a hoodie before the weather turns cool, he was very happy about that.

No Excuses

I have been an unforgivable lump for three days. Barely keeping laundry done and staring at my new sewing project. All the moving and unpacking fried my brain for a short while I think. I am feeling the itch to stitch though. Summer is moving at a nice pace here and I want to enjoy some time getting some things completed at my desk soon. My "want-to-do" list is growing and I'm just sitting on it like a hen on eggs. I think I am about to get my mojo back though.

My New Sewing Digs!

Here we are. It's still very unornganized and cluttered but I have alot of moving around left to do and I'm looking into getting a shelf unit with doors on it to use for fabric and fun stuff like that. It will be slow coming together considering I'm still decorating the living room, kitchen, and bathroom. I'm not even gonna start on the kids rooms at this point. Alexis has hers halfway there, Russell's looks like a bomb went off. He did not inherit ANY organizational skills from me. I have a pattern for a gown cut out right now waiting to be put onto fabric for Alexis. Her SpongeBob pj's are almost too small for her now and she needs something to do for the cooler nights here on the lake. I will post pics as soon as I get it going.

Finally Moved In!

Yesterday we got our furniture and other items delivered to us. It's been a long two days. We have been unpacking and sorting and, unpacking and sorting some more. I have the beginnings of my sewing area set up in the basement. There is still alot of adjusting to do to get it up and running. Hopefully I can post pictures for you guys by the end of the week. I'm really hoping to get back to more regular posting VERY SOON. I have a couple of projects on the burner once some minor curtain and pajama repairs are finished. Keep coming back, things are going to start picking up again soon. Thanks for stopping in even during this long and never ending move (at least it seemed that way).

We Finally got Moved In!

Why, yes, yes, we did move into our own place over the weekend. I also start work on Monday, YAY!!!! We also get our things from storage delivered on Monday. Monday will be a good day. Tomorrow will be a good day too. The BF has a job interview, cross your fingers that all goes well. It would be really great to have both of us employed by the end of the month.

I would like to welcome a follower that joined in my absence. digitalliz, my sister is now a fan of mine! Whoohoo. I'd also like to welcome all of my other followers! I'm not great with meet and greets. It's great to have you all here. Hopefully within the next week, I will have the beginnings of a sewing area in the basement to take pictures of for everyone!

Calling All Erie, Pa Sewist!

If you live in the Erie vicinity and you want to meet up, PLEASE, email me! I'm trying to be proactive here. The Sewing Guild has a chapter about 3 hours from here but, I need something closer. I don't have the time and resources at the moment to try to start a chapter. You don't have to be a vintage sewer, sewing in general is all the interest required. These meetings can be weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, it doesn't matter. Have a friend that sews in the area? Please refer them to my blog. Help me be proactive and send me an email and lets start a small group of enthusiasts in the area, I swear, I don't bite. :)