Flashback Friday - Halloween 1988

October is just around the corner which means it's time to begin sewing Halloween costumes. Simplicity has already begun their annual Halloween costume contest and the costume contest at PatternReview begins Monday, Oct. 1.

The costume contest at PR will run until Nov. 30 and there will be two winners, each receiving a $50 gift certificate from Lucy's Fabrics. I know that date well because I'll be moderating the costume contest at PR. Just so you know, I like milk chocolate, not dark chocolate, and non of that cheap stuff okay? Just kidding, I'm only the moderator - I don't decide who wins. The winners will be decided upon by votes. But you can still send me chocolate if you want to. I won't mind. Really. It's okay...

So, to begin your costume inspiration I invite you to travel back with me to to Halloween 1988. That was the year the unicorn, the pirate and the mermaid attended a well-known night club's Halloween bash in the hopes of winning some money!

The unicorn is my friend that designed the Ren-Faire goat pants I wrote about here and the blue Ren-Faire gown I wrote about here.

She (the beautiful blonde unicorn draped all over the pirate) designed and sewed all three of these costumes and was kind enough to let me wear the mermaid gown. BTW, the pirate is her hubby so it's perfectly acceptable for her to be draped all over him.

Oh my gosh - I loved that mermaid gown! It was so intricately beaded and embellished with the tail sewn from a variety of green brocades. And get this - the tail zipped completely closed! Meaning you could ask a super cute, big muscled, hunky guy to carry you around, LOL.

I had the perfect seafoam green heels to wear with the costume as well as a sequined headband (hello? ... 1988 remember?) and big beaded dangling earrings. I remember complaining about my big "backside" when I saw these pictures. Ah, the foolishness of youth. I'd kill for a backside that tiny once again.

The music was great, the dancing was fun, and the flirty gal in the teensy-tiny devil costume won first prize. Pin It

Simplicity 3775 Dress Photos

Ok, ok, ok. I heard you loud and clear...add photos of you wearing the items you've sewn! Or, as Carolyn so eloquently phrased it on this post "...but if I have to get nekkid and change into outfits the least you can do for me is the same! *LOL* "

I guess I don't need any better motivation than that! So here you go....

The dance move pose

The stop at the bottom of the steps as you exit the room pose

The "I wonder if it would be rude if I told them that they have a big ole cobweb in that corner?" pose. Oh wait, that's usually what *my* guests are thinking.

The "why yes, a glass of wine would be lovely, thank you" pose

The "Come here big boy" aka arm behind the head pose.
(Usually done after the glass of wine pose but can be done before hand if it's taking too long for the wine to be offered to you.)

The "Whoa, good thing that stair post is there or the little dog would have tripped me" pose (Usually done after consuming the aforementioned wine.)

The "What are you doing back there Abby?" pose

The "ah forget about it, you really just want to see the dogs anyway" pose

And since I'm in the mood for posting photos - Stacey tagged me to take a photo outside the window I usually blog at. It's rather uninspiring as the computer is stationed in the living room (that is rarely used) with no direct outside windows. The patio window next to the computer desk looks out into a four-season porch - that is empty because we want to put a pool table in there and, well, we just don't have the excess cash. I keep threatening to take it over as another sewing room because I love all the sunlight that enters that room.

And my lovely view outside of the four season porch is my neighbor's kitchen and dining room windows!

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Simplicity 3627 Jacket Review - aka the cropped graduate gown

I stopped at Joann's last week to pick up Simplicity 3631 - now don't pretend you don't know which one I'm talking about. It's that wonderful Sew Stylish pattern featured in the latest Sew Stylish magazine.

While there I spotted a display of Simplicity "Fall Fashion Trends" patterns. One just hopped right into my basket - Simplicity 0613 - or 3627 as it is goes by in the pattern catalog. (I'm pretty easily distracted so marketing techniques work well on me.)

So anyway, I get home and I have a decision to make. You see, I've got a piece of light pink wool crepe eagerly awaiting its turn to be sewn into a little cropped swing jacket. All I had to do was choose a pattern...3631 or 3627...3631 or 3627...3631 or 3627

Well, 3627 seduced me with the pretty picture of the yoked, cropped, three-button jacket made up in a brown plaid. Hmmm, I think that would look downright purty in pink wool worn with black this winter.

Being the cheap, I mean frugal, person that I am, I didn't want to cut into the wool crepe without knowing for sure if this would fit me properly. What to do, what to do. I really wanted to sew something quickly (which seems to be all that I ever have time for these days) yet wearable.

Aha! I can always use another black jacket, after all black jackets are like black shoes. They may all be black but each pair is different and each pair serves a unique purpose. You can *never* have too many pairs of black shoes, right? (Okay I just wrote that on the off chance that DH might be reading this, LOL)

So I dug out an yucky polyester black something that's been hiding in the back of the closet (for a good reason too, as you'll soon find out) and cut out view C.

The sewing was quick as there are few pattern pieces and the yucky fabric doesn't ravel so I didn't waste my time finishing the seam edges. A few hours of sewing, a few struggles with buttonholes and the jacket was done.

As soon as I put it on I realized what a horrible, horrible fabric choice I had made. Now you tell me - doesn't this look like a chopped off graduation gown?

What Was I Thinking?!?

The shiny, slightly stretchy, polyester black fabric would have been perfect for a Halloween costume - not this jacket. The thing is - this jacket has a funky little pleat at the center top of the sleeve. The pleat matches up with the shoulder seam at the bottom edge of the yoke. The yoke acts like a dropped shoulder and the funky little pleat sticks out when you wear the jacket! Honestly it's quite funny looking.

And because you keep asking me to model my garments here I am attempting to make the best out of a bad jacket. I even managed a fake smile - just for you. (And I'll have photos of me wearing the other items soon, very soon...)

Oh, one more thing. I'm not giving up on the jacket - I'm claiming this as a non-wearable muslin - yea, yea, that's right... I *meant* to use crappy shiny polyester fabric. Another version will be sewn in a softer, drapery fabric - maybe even a plaid to show off the bias cut of the yoke. Pin It

Contests, giveaways and hats for Alex

I saw this on Marji's blog - it's heartbreaking but I want to continue to pass it along. If you knit or crochet won't you consider donating a Hat for Alex?

Crafty contests and giveaways

Anna Maria Horner is having a one year blog party. To celebrate she is giving away a ten-layer cake made from the "finest Bohemian and Chocolate Lollipop ingredients". Curious? Go peek for yourself. You don't have to enter you know. In fact I would prefer you didn't because it might improve my odds, LOL! But if you insist, be sure to leave a comment before Monday morning.

Do you like cards and paper? Well then hurry on over to hurrayic and enter the card giveaway. She says you have "a few days to enter".

Trinity is busy with all kinds of celebrations during Sept. and Oct. - her wedding anniversary, her sister's wedding, two son's birthdays, a niece's birthday, and her mother's birthday. Whew! How she has time to host this giveaway I don't know! She's giving away one of three beautiful bags - I (of course) like the one that is shown with the dog. You have until Oct. 15 on this one.

So a Blonde Walks Into a Review is hosting a chance to win a $100 gift certificate from Skimbaco. I don't have little ones around at the moment (unless you count Sophia and Abby) but I expect to have grandchildren some time (I'm not hinting kids, honest!) so I browse through the cute online boutique children's clothing stores once in awhile. The deadline is Sunday, Sept. 30. Hey, we don't have to sew everything do we?

Blog design contest

Now you know that I always enter the contests when the prize is a free blog template. I need a blog revival desperately but am not proficient enough to code it myself. Splat Designs is offering a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes. You have until Oct. 14.

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Weekly Abby Pupdate

Abby has been loving the cooler weather and has been spending a lot of time outdoors. We still don't let her have too much unsupervised time, even though we have a fenced yard, because we found that she likes to dig where the toads like to hang out.

Sophia has never touched a twig in her life but now that Abby chews on twigs guess what Sophia wants to do?

When I can't watch Abby (like right now when I'm on the computer) instead of crating her I place her in the kitchen and lean a safety gate in the doorway to keep her blocked in. She hasn't figured out that she could easily climb over it or knock it down. Let's hope it stays that way!

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Librarians - fashionistas or not?

Last week a large group of librarians gathered in Rotorua for a national conference. Apparently a scheduled appearance by Paula Ryan drew an angry response from the librarians.

Why? Librarians said her appearance supports the dated librarian stereotype.

Click here to read the full story (don't' forget to read the comments!) and view the video clip on TV3 News then come back and tell me what you think.

Are the librarians at your library fashionistas - such as this librarian blogger ;are they library reading divas ; are they appropriately dressed for a professional position that many times requires a masters degree; do they need a a makeover; or is this much todo about nothing?

Now I don't wish to offend any librarians by bringing this up because I HEART LIBRARIES! I'm just curious what you think.

I fondly recall as a child eagerly awaiting the weekly stop by the Bookmobile. Stepping aboard that truck with the rows and rows of books was sheer bliss. I would check out as many books as my little arms could handle and race home to begin my travels to another world.

My love for libraries has never waned and now libraries offer so much more than book! And most librarians I know? Well, they ROCK!

Those professionals are the ones to turn to when you need more information than a Google search can provide or when you don't know what audio book to check out for your non-reading husband so he can listen to a book while on a long road trip. And let me tell you, when you play Trivial Pursuit you want a librarian on your team!

However when it comes to professional attire I have to admit there have been times when I have been in a library (not my own local library of course) where I haven't been able to distinguish between a librarian, a shelver, and a patron. But I would guess the same could be true of any office in any industry filled with professional and non-professional level staff.

I understand that there are times that comfort and practicality takes precedence over fashion, such as when a children’s librarian is on the floor reading stories to a group of toddlers or leading a hands-on craft project for preschoolers.

Personally, if I had a chance to attend a free workshop by a renowned stylist I wouldn't care if it was needed it or not - I'd be thrilled to soak up any words of wisdom tossed my way.

So what to do you think? Would you react the same way the librarians did if a stylist was scheduled to give a free workshop on how to improve your image at a conference for your industry?

Oh, since we're on the subject of libraries and librarians, are any of you going to see the documentary The Hollywood Librarian?

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Simplicity 3775 Pattern Reivew - Knit Dress

The "often reviewed knit dress with the midriff ruching that I was sure would not be flattering because of the ruching so I held off on purchasing it until the multiple reviews convinced me otherwise."

Simplicity 3775, knit dress in two lengths with bodice, waist, and sleeve length variations.

Pattern Sizing:
Available in sizes 4 to 20. This dress is view D with three-quarter length sleeves, sewn as a size 12, with FBA, tapering to a 14 at the waist/hip line.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Oh so much better. I have liked every version that I have seen reviewed on PatternReview, - over 20 reviews now - and without those reviews I would have passed this pattern up because of my fear of extra bulk at the waistline created by the ruching.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
This is a simple to sew dress pattern with total sewing time under two hours.

Basic construction

• Begin by adding gathering the front bodice pieces underneath the bust.
• Instructions now tell you to sew the side seams and the shoulder seams - I only sewed the shoulder seams at this point so I could sew the sleeves in flat.
• The neckband is sewn on and the right front bodice is lapped over the left and basted in place.
• Sew the sleeves in flat and sew the side seam (sleeves and bodice.)
• Sew the skirt front to the skirt back at the side seams.

Mid-section

• The mid-section is two pieces - an inside midriff section and an outer section that is ruched. Working with front and back sections separately, the outer - or overlay as they call it - is gathered at the side edges and placed on top of the midriff section with both pieces right side up. The gathers are adjusted to fit the side seam, basted in place and the side seams are sewn.
• The under section is narrower than the overlay - which seemed odd as I was constructing the dress but I discovered that it acts as a "girdle" when I wear the dress.
• The upper edge of the midriff is now sewn to the bodice and the lower edge is sewn to the skirt. I tried to match the pattern - as it has a vertical line to the pattern on the knit - but was unable to do.

Finishing

• The last step is to hem the sleeves and the skirt. I originally cut this skirt in the longer length but after trying it on I shortened it so that it ends right at my knee.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I didn't like it at all when I first saw it in the pattern catalog. While I liked the cross over bodice and gentle flare of the skirt, I had concerns about all of that fabric at my waistline. I feared it would add bulk but after reading a few reviews, and seeing photos, I was convinced that the ruching was in fact a slenderizing design aspect.

My DH loves this dress and says it is flattering. But it was dinner time and I hadn't begun dinner yet so maybe he was just trying to put me in a good mood and lure me away from the sewing machine.


Fabric Used:
A polyester / lycra blend purchased from Fabric Club fabrics last July. It was a "buy the piece" so I still have about two yards left. The fabric works great in the midriff section as it has enough weight to pull the midriff under section in tightly acting helping to give that hourglass look.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
As usual, I did an FBA, although not as big as I would in a non-knit fabric. I made a note on my pattern to add an additional 1/2" underneath the bust next time. I needed a little more room so I sewed the front bodice and midriff seam in a 3/8" seam instead of 5/8".

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, once I find the right fabric. This version has a lot of stretch so I want to be careful that I again choose something with a similar weight and stretch.

Conclusion
If you've been holding off on buying this one - get thee to the fabric store during one of the infamous pattern sales and pick it up quickly. You won't regret it.

Identical review can be found here at Patternreview. Pin It

Flashback Friday - 1973

Over this past year we've often heard that it is the year of the dress. As a follower of fashion trends since seventh grade I've come to realize how often fashion and trends cycle. Over the years there have been many year of the dress.

1973 was one of those years - at least for me it was. Most of my sewing consisted of dresses and one of those dresses was sewn using Simplicity 5616.

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In 1973 I was a sophomore in high school. I was no longer in gymnastics but was still studying dance (ballet) and was a bit vain about my leg. Thus the dresses versus slacks or jeans. (Gosh that sounds so shallow doesn't it?)

That was also the year I decided the spelling of my name should be Sheron, not Sharon. (I wonder which celebrity influenced that silly, short-lived decision?!?)

So here I am in all my geeky glory. Does anyone like the way they look when they're fourteen?

Bob probably just cracked a joke in his wry manner, which would explain the mischievous grin on his face and the goofy smile on mine. I wonder who took our picture and I wonder why we weren't in class? Maybe we captured forever a "let's run out that door as soon as the hall monitor looks the other way and hang out at the park" moment - not that I ever did that mind you...

The dress was oh so cutsie - right down to the fabric choice - a cotton/blend baby blue gingham with little Holly Hobbies printed all over it. Now it makes me question my taste in fashion but at the time I thought it was great. (It also might make you question my statement that I was a follower of fashion trends, LOL!)

Bonus! I had blue nail polish to match - and I wore it every time I wore this dress. My drafting instructor loved to tease me about my blue fingernails. Of course, as one of only three girls in the drafting class (on the old drafting tables - long before computers), he tease us often, in a fatherly protective way.

Sadly, Bob died six years after this photo was taken when he lost control of his car and drove over a cliff.

(If this story sounds familiar, its because I originally posted it on Patternaholic, Jan. 31, 2007. In case you haven't noticed, I haven't been too diligent about keeping up with the posts on that blog. Maybe when the snow flies again...) Pin It

Done! Simplicity 4412 zebra print jacket

The zebra print jacket is done and I'm ready to take a walk on the wild side. It is a bit wild isn't it?

What the heck - it's a fitting last hurrah to my summer sewing.

And just in time - only had four days to spare until the official end of summer. Although you never know about the weather in this state this time of year. Last weekend we had frost warnings and this weekend could be in the 80s.

This jacket was sewn using the same pattern, Simplicity 4412, as the pink jacket that some of you have expressed a lot of interest in.

The pink jacket was view C and this one is view F... both simple to sew. The zebra print fabric is linen purchased as a "buy the piece" from Fabric Club Fabrics this past June and the contrast collar is black linen from my stash. I even managed to use three buttons from my thrift store find to use on this jacket.

This post will be updated when I have a chance to get the full review written and posted at Patternreview.

BTW - did you all get the e-mail notice from Fabric Mart? They are having a 20% off sale on all fabrics listed on their website. I should have deleted that message... Pin It

Abby Pupdate

Pupdate!

Having this big girl around has really cut into my sewing time. Gaylen commented that I need to teach her to lay down next to me while I sew (which I think will be wonderful when she is older!) but I don't see that happening at the moment. Perhaps I'm just too inexperienced with training a big dog as its been slow going. The puppy training classes begin in less than two weeks and I'm really looking forward to some tips and guidance.

She is about 13 weeks now, weighs more than 20 lbs, and has begun the "chew everything in site" stage. She is slowly learning sit, stay, come, off, and down. Of course she learned "treat" right away!

Sophia and Abby have become quite good buddies. We used to say "oh no, poor Sophia! Abby's chasing her again!" Until we saw Sophia more times than not practically beg Abby to chase her.

When the two of them play in the family room Sophia has a "safe zone" - her little bed. I guess in Sophia's little brain when she jumps into her bed Abby will leave her alone.

Ha! Abby apparently didn't know that rule. After a rousing game of chase, Sophia hopped into her bed for a breather and Abby decided to investigate.

Well, Abby thought that bed looked pretty good so she hopped into it also. The only problem was that Sophia was still in the bed! LOL! You should have seen those two - it was hilarious.

Abby goes in spurts - play, play, play, sleep. You know how puppies are - they play hard and they sleep hard. She's confined to the kitchen when I'm home and not able to keep a close eye on her so a lot of her sleeping is done in that room.

Now do you think that looks very comfortable???

When she is well rested and nice and calm she gets lots of love and affection. We both enjoy it when I rub her belly.

Of course I can't forget the little Sophia. She spends time with me in the sewing room when I do actually find a spare moment or two. She has also discovered one of the safest places to get away from Abby is the back of the sofa as the big girl is not allowed on the furniture.

Now I know that big girl looks all sweet and innocent in these photos but don't let her fool you. She can be one incredible ball of energy and she wears us out. Sometimes I think it would be easier to have Stacey's schedule - and I get tired just reading about everything she accomplishes in one day!

It does look like I'll be doing some sewing for Abby soon - as DH wants her to be dressed in a costume when we hand out candy to the trick and treaters on Halloween. Any ideas?

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Button button who's got the button

Busy, busy weekend here - how about all of you? Ours was mostly social. Friday night was dinner out with a super fun group of co-workers and spouses/significant others. Saturday night was a paddle boat dinner cruise on the St. Croix River with a couple that we have been meaning to get together with for months! With all that socializing going on there wasn't much time for sewing.

However, I did find time to check out a thrift store that I hadn't visited before. The store had a small textile section, complete with patterns, but no vintage patterns or fabric. I did locate two great sixties-era vintage coats - complete with fur collars - but they were both too large for me. After debating if I would actually take the time to alter them I decided to leave them in the store so they could become some one's treasures.

While browsing the aisles I was drawn to a small plastic bag that contained these blue buttons. A quick peek showed that there were a number of matching sets of buttons so, for less than $5, I became the new owner of a baggie full of buttons.

The entire contents were dumped out as soon as I got home so I could get a closer look at the blue buttons. There were quite a few buttons buried in that little plastic bag!

I love how the buttons are neatly grouped together with pieces of thread.

I wonder if most of them were removed from worn out pieces of clothing before being tied together and placed in a button box?

Among the treasures were these tiny rhinestone buttons. They were attached to a larger set of clear plastic buttons so I didn't notice them at first.

My absolute favorite are these two buttons. They were carefully wrapped in clear plastic wrap with a label attached to the back of the buttons.

The writing on the label reads: "These are off Alda C. Lane's Wedding suit"

I wonder who she was, what her wedding suit looked like, when she was married, and why the buttons ended up being removed.

They must have had a lot of sentimental value for them to be protected and labeled as they were. I'm sure Alda would be happy to know that her wedding suit buttons have found a good home. Pin It

Flashback Friday - 1968

September in Minnesota means the cold, bitter winds of winter are just around the corner. September days can range from warm and sunny to downright chilly. In fact, today is blustery and cool with frost warnings out for this evening.

I bet it's a lot warmer right now in Seabrook, TX where we lived for a few years when I was a child. I still remember:

1. the wonderfully warm weather;
2. the thrill of wading in the gulf;
3. the fear of the waves dragging me deep into into the waters;
4. wading through a flooded street wondering if a water snake would bite me;
5. the older (6th grade) girls protesting the dress code restriction on mini-skirts;
6. wearing a sweater instead of a coat in mid January;
7. being laughed at because I talked "funny"; and
8. the name of my best friend - Sharon Leach - who didn't care that I was a Northerner and talked "funny". I've often wondered what happened to her. We exchanged letters for about five years after my family moved away but eventually we lost touch with one another. (I just googled her and came up with a high school reunion from a school near Houston - it would have been the right graduation year - hmmm, methinks I may try and check it out a bit more....)
   

It's too bad Sharon wasn't in this class photo as it's the only school photo I have from my years in Texas. It's Mrs. Baker's fourth grade class at Seabrook Elementary School 1967-1968.

I'm the one wearing the adorable girl scout uniform. Oh that's right - there's four of us wearing those uniforms - obviously there was a girl scout meeting after school. At least I hope so, otherwise we were just four girls who liked our green uniforms a little too much.

Remember how you had to line up for your class photo according to height? Barb (blond hair girl scout in the third row) and I were supposed to be on the bottom row because we were two of the shorter girls. I had been standing next to Linda (the girl scout in the front row with the dark brown hair and Barb was standing next to the other girl scout) but the photographer didn't want all of that green in the front row so he split us up.

Can you find me now? Look for the crooked bangs - a trademark of my father - all of my sisters had the same cut :-)

Good thing the names are written in my childish scrawl on the back of this photo so I could remember who was who. Had you fooled didn't I?

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Abby Dabby Doo

Abby Dabby Doo (and Sophia too) stopped their playing long enough to say "Hey! Did you know that Scooby Doo, Where Are You? premiered 38 years ago today?"

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Attending the Sewing with Nancy Quilt Expo this week?

Are you attending the Wisconsin Public Television and Sewing with Nancy Quilt Expo later this week? This expo is in its fourth year and is held in Madison, WI.

Sadly, I’m unable to attend this year which means I won’t have the fun of working for (and visiting) with my Cheryl (Homestead Specialties) for three days. She is an incredible bundle of energy with a wicked sense of humor so be sure to stop by her booth and say “hi” for me!

While you’re there, don't forget to check out all her wonderful patterns as well as her fantabulistic book Low-Sew Boutique. New this year she will be teaching a class, Low-Sew Kitchen, every day at 1 p.m. She will also have a free stage presentation at 10:45 a.m. every day.

One thing I really like about this expo, besides the chance to meet Nancy Zieman, is the cost to attend a class is only $10! An incredible bargain for the wealth of information you can gleam in 45 to 60 minutes.

If you've never attended a sewing expo before here's a link to a post I wrote last year with a few tips for attending a sewing and/or quilt expo. Just keep in mind that every expo has its own unique personality and rules.

If you make it to the Quilt Expo be sure to blog about it. And don't forget to send me a photo of you with Cheryl!
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You're a winner! (Craft Inc)

That was the subject line in a congratulations email message I received today from Adorn Magazine!

There was a giveaway posted on Adorn's blog last week. Apparently Chronicle Books had donated five copies of the book, Craft, Inc., that could be given away to Adorn's blog readers. To be eligible for the drawing one needed to leave a comment with a useful crafty-business tip.

Well I could add a tip - after all, I began selling doll clothes, soft animals, and clothing accessories as a teen way back in the seventies. I did the craft show circuit for years and years and years and learned quite a bit along the way. I was in on the seventies version of "go green" - who remembers the ecology clubs in high schools and the "give a hoot, don't pollute"? I refashioned clothing before it was fashionable to do so. I hand embroidered on my clothing designs I created. I decorated my home with homemade creations because I couldn't afford to buy items in the store.

Over the years I received so much positive feedback and encouragement but, as a single mom, I was too afraid to jump in and give up the security of my paycheck. In the busyness of raising two kids, working full time and carrying a full-time load of classes at the community college, the crafty business went away. As much as I loved the chance it gave me to express my creativity as well as all the wonderful people I met at shows (not the mention the extra income), there just wasn't enough time in the day to do it all.

Years later I began another sewing related business - a drapery workroom - but carpel tunnel put an end to that one. I decided at that point sewing would be for my own personal pleasure. But who knows what the future holds.

In case you're curious this was the tiny bit of wisdom that I contributed. What I wrote had nothing to do with being chosen as a winner - it was a random drawing.

- If you are excited and passionate about what you create and sell it will be evident when you talk about it.

- Don’t be “shy” about talking about yourself and your product every chance you get! Have your ten second spiel ready to go whenever the opportunity presents itself.

- Always have your professional looking business card with current information (including your blog, website, etsy site) with you so you can hand out two - one for them and one for them to give away.

- Don’t forget the power of your local newspapers - send a news release anytime something newsworthy happens with your business. A few years ago I had a design published in a magazine which led to a half page spread in a local paper, which led to new customers. This idea might seem a bit old-fashioned in this era of online news and shopping, but there’s something about being published in a paper that people respond to.

BTW, if you've ever thought of starting a business or even if you already have a business, check out the eighty helpful tips that were left by readers. The comment list would be worth printing out and keeping in a place where it could be referenced often.

I've read a lot of marketing books as well as craft business books so I'm quite eager to see what Craft, Inc. has to say. I'll be sure to share my perspective on the book as soon as it arrives.

So thank you Adorn Magazine and Chronicle Books! I hope it gets here quickly... Pin It

Vogue 2933 Pattern Review - Sandra Betzina Skirt Pattern

This is the same review I posted on PR so if you've already stopped by PR and read the review you don't need to waste your time reading this one, unless you want to see additional photos.

This post is a bit narcissistic - I mean, how many photos of me wearing this skirt do you really care to see? My excuse is that Abby (aka Abby Dabby Do, Abs of Steel, Abby Cadaby, Abra Cadabra or the big sweet girl) was busy searching for toads while I was taking photos and I captured her in a few of the shots.

Oh! Before you go, let me add this. I hadn't worn the skirt yet when I posted the review on PR and I didn't think I was going to like the skirt. Wrong! I like it - it is so comfortable to wear and it reminds me of wearing a Sewing Workshop or Issey Miyake type skirt.

Pattern Description:
Vogue 2933, Today's Fit by Sandra Betzina for an a-line skirt with attached drape and elastic waist. A pattern for a small pouch is also included

Pattern Sizing:All sizes in one envelope - A (waist 26-1/2) to J (waist 50-1/2)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Not really

Were the instructions easy to follow?
I read Dorothy K's review of this skirt while in the midst of trying to decide if I wanted to sew a skirt or a dress from a piece of fabric I had pulled out of my stash.The colors in the floral print looked horrible against my face and I liked Dorothy K's skirt so much that I decided to sew one myself.

From the time I read her review to the time I hung the skirt in the closet was two hours. That included pulling out the pattern, cutting it out, sewing it up, taking a photo, and putting it away.

The skirt consists of a front and back slightly a-line skirt piece, two side drape pieces, and a separate waistband piece.

The first step is to hem the skirt with a one inch hem - so it's important to determine the length of your skirt before you begin.

Next, each side drape panel is folded in half and sewn together on two sides. One long edge is left open - this is the edge that is sewn to the skirt side seam.

I can see how the instructions for attaching the drape could be confusing, but if you follow along it will work. Essentially, the side seam of one front and one back are sewn to one drape in one continuous seam. The instructions call this a horseshoe seam - I've never heard that term before. Can somebody explain what it means?

Because of the way this drape is sewn on it is important on this skirt that you mark the notches and circles. Maybe you're like me and you don't always mark everything but for this skirt you'll make it easier on yourself if you do.

The waistband is a separate piece that is folded in half lengthwise (wrong sides together) and sewn to the top edge of the skirt. The one seam in the waistband is the center back seam and that is where the elastic is inserted.

One inch elastic is called for but I used 3/4" as that is what I had on hand. The instructions call for the elastic to be 4" less than your waist measurement - I didn't measure mine....honestly I just want to pretend that it is still 22 inches I just secured a piece tightly around my waist and used it. Depending on the weight of the fabric you choose, you may need to make the elastic even smaller - this is also noted in the instructions.

My skirt is heavy and the side seams pull down ever so slightly due to the weight of the side drape but its not noticeable when the skirt is worn. I think a lighter weight fabric is needed to really make this skirt work. As I was sewing it I kept thinking "this is too heavy, it won't work, I'm wasting my time". But I kept at it and the skirt actually looks better on than I thought it would.

Fabric Used:
A polyester knit purchased from Vogue Fabrics when they were in town for the sewing expo last fall. With this year's expo on the horizon (November) I wanted to make sure everything I purchased last year was sewn so I could purchase more this year guilt free. In retrospect I should have used it for the dress I was contemplating and just put a black band near my face.

Conclusion An easy skirt to sew with an interesting and unique side drape. Just be careful with your fabric choice. Pin It

Puppy Update

My, oh, my how quickly they grow!

Abby was in for her second vet visit today, the one with her first shot, and she now weighs 20 lbs. She's not quite 12 weeks old and because she is so big we sometimes have to remind ourselves that she's still a puppy.

Sophia and Abby are becoming play buddies. We have been enjoying the cheap entertainment since they are hilarious to watch when they play. Sophia will rapidly run figure eights around Abby who can't catch her because, although she is three times Sophia's size, she does not yet have the dexterity or speed that Sophia possesses.

Even though there are six other chews scattered through out the living room this is the one they both wanted. Just like kids...or was it only my kids that were like that?

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Flashback Friday - 1990s at the Renaissance Faire

The State Fair has ended and the kids have gone back to school, but that doesn't mean the outdoor festivals are done yet. No indeed. The best is saved for last. The Renaissance Festival continues until the end of this week.

Mamafitz left a comment on my state fair post (the one with the great baby doll skirt) mentioning that she had been there with her family. Of course I immediately popped over to her blog to see if she had any photos, because you never know - maybe there was a shot of the crowd and I could have been in it, or at least someone I know.

I came across her photo of the kids in their jousting gear, which reminded me of the time my bff had a glass of wine and cheered my dh on while he fenced. She gets really, really silly after only one glass of wine and she accidentally insulted the sheriff of the festival who threatened to have her put in the stockades. We spent most of that faire looking over our shoulders ...

Anyway, today's Flashback Friday is a couple of Ren Faire photos for your enjoyment.

1993 riding an elephant with my bff. We're both wearing gowns we designed and sewed ourselves. I loved this one - it's still in my costume box but I can't quite fit into it any longer.

1998 - Again wearing gowns we designed and sewed ourselves. My under dress was a bright purple silk and the overdress was a deep black patterned velvet. We went for the "look" rather than authenticity. My gown was patterned after a doll's dress I had seen in a magazine. The concept was great, but the end result wasn't quite what I had envisioned. And here's proof that I didn't always need to know what an FBA was....*sigh* those were the good ole' days

1999 - I wore the overdress again and paired with a deep emerald green silk skirt and a peasant style pullover blouse. It looks as if my hair is really short, but actually I'm wearing a matching cap.

1999 - This was the year I finally convinced dh to wear "tights". Doesn't he look great? After a day of wearing this outfit he said it was comfortable but "maybe the tights should be a bit more fitted." LOL! I think it was all the women checking him out that changed his mind!

1999 - One of my favorite Ren Faire photos because dh kissed me in public. He freely admits that he doesn't do PDAs (public displays of affection) so I especially love this public display captured on film.

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