Happy Halloween!

After passing out candy this evening we turned all the lights off before heading over to a friend's house so we could see their three young ones in their Halloween costumes. The three-year-old was a monkey, the 16-month-old was a little skunk, and the 1-month-old was a cow. Yes, you read that right - they are the proud parents of three children under the age of three.

When we arrived Fred Flinstone was handing out candy. Turns out another one of our friends had also stopped by to see the adorable three. The attire, she explained, was because her unit at work was the Flintstones. Apparently, at the company she works for everyone dresses up for Halloween. Not only do they dress up, but they have a Halloween parade and costume contest! Sigh - I miss working at a company where people remember to have fun...

Anyway, there were so many great Halloween posts today! I loved seeing all the costumes, (I'm soooo gonna do a great big LEGO costume next year!), seeing decorated homes, reading about Halloween parties, and learning about trick-o-rating from my friend Stacey.

Of all the Halloween posts I read, this is the one that almost made me spew coca-cola all over my keyboard. I hope this doesn't prove that I have a warped sense of humor...

BTW - Thank you ALL for the comments on my neighbor issue. It was reassuring to me to know that I wasn't the only one that found the behaviour a bit odd. There were some very wise words of wisdom were left for me and I will be going over to talk to her so that this whole thing doesn't end up being blown out of proportion.

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New Magazine - "Make it Mine"

As I was reading the latest issue of Craftrends magazine, I came across an advertisement for a magazine I had not yet heard of - Make it Mine. If you like to re-use, re-make, or re-embellish this magazine is for you!

After browsing the magazine's website I've decided that I'll be purchasing the introductory issue.

• Want to know what's inside before you purchase? No problem. Click here, then choose the magazine image for a chance to view a couple of pages online.

• Got an idea you'd like to consider having published? A link is included with their submission guidelines.

• Want an inside peek from the editors? Check out their blog link.

• Ready to order? If you pre-order on-line you won't have to pay shipping charges!

(I'm not affiliated with the magazine, nor did I receive an advance preview copy - just passing along something new I came across that I think you might find interesting.)

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Falling leaves and neighborly love?

How weird is this?

I take the two dogs for a quick walk before dinner. After the walk we entered our house through the back door. I walked into the kitchen to feed Abby and I see the strangest site. (Our kitchen looks out over our front yard.)

My new neighbor (that I've only spoken to twice) along with some lady I've never seen before and about eight kids are running around my front yard, playing football, making leaf piles in my yard, jumping in the piles, throwing the leaves around, and hanging on my young tree. All the while the two women are busy snapping photographs.

As I'm trying to make sense of what I'm seeing, I notice that the kids are not only raking my leaves into a big pile, but they are bringing leaves from another neighbors' yard into my yard! Believe me, when you have a lot of leaves to rake the last thing you want is more leaves added to your yard.

What? Why in the world did these two women decide to have a photo shoot in my yard? Almost all the yards in this neighborhood are filled with big trees...trees that are much bigger than my little two-year-old tree. Not only that, but the entire neighborhood backs up to a city park that is filled with trees!

"Okay, they must be planning on raking and bagging the leaves for us in return for using our yard for a photo shoot. It's weird that they didn't ask for permission, but if they rake and bag the leaves I'm okay with them using the yard." I think to myself.

After awhile I realize they only plan on throwing leaves around, not raking them up and bagging them, so I opened the front door to ask what they are doing. Opening the front door means both dogs run to the door to look outside.

The dogs begin barking and jumping at the front door because of the frantic activity going on in the front yard. I can't get out because I can't get the dogs under control. If I open the door I'll have two dogs running outside chasing kids. Plus I have a puppy who has not yet mastered the "come" command - no way am I going to risk having her run into the street.

Neighbor lady finally notices me and does she come to door to explain what they're doing? NO! All she does is wave. Like I said weird. There's no way I would have allowed my children to play in a neighbor's yard unless 1) they had received permission from the neighbor or 2) they were such good friends with the neighbor that permission wasn't needed. I taught my kids to respect other people's property (that doesn't mean they always did).

I know, I know. I sound like a cranky old lady and it's just a yard. The thing is - I LOVE kids! I'm a clown remember? I make balloon animals and do funny things to make them smile. I paint their faces. I teach Sunday School and put on puppet shows. I play duck, duck, gray duck (or goose if you're not from Minnesota) to keep them entertained when parents are busy.

As I write this I'm trying to analyze why it bothered me so much. I'm not sure. Lack of respect? Lack of common courtesy? Maybe. I think I just wanted them to ask permission first. Pin It

Pupdate! Abby at 19 weeks

Abby at 8 weeks - Abby at 19 weeks

Can you believe how quickly she is growing!

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Pattern Review - McCall's 4716 - knit top

Thanks for the comments and words of encouragement - both her on the blog and on Patternreview. I've received some things to try and advice from a few people (Patsijean and Cherie to name a few) that said I should set the jacket aside and revisit it after some time has passed. I'll put it aside for awhile before placing it into the donation bin.

Although, when you spend a few of your free hours sewing a dud (see previous post) sometimes the only pick-me-up is to sew some instant gratification.

Which is just what I did Sunday afternoon after completing the Vogue jacket and skirt. I went back into the sewing studio and whipped up this knit top. Less than one hour - gotta love that.

It's sewn from a lightweight sweater knit (that probably would have worked well for the Vogue jacket that turned out so lousy) but I only had about 1-1/2 yards. Because its a bit sheer I underlined the front and back piece with a rose colored rayon/poly/Lycra knit.

The top consists of a front, back, sleeve and large bias cut cowl collar. The collar is hemmed on one end and sewn - right side of collar to wrong side of shirt - along the scooped front neckline then flipped over onto the front of the shirt. The shoulder edges of the collar are gathered and kept in place when the shoulder seam is sewn.

The pattern is McCall's 4716 - now out of print (oop) which is too bad. Its a great basic knit top with a fabulous cowl neckline.

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Sometimes patterns just don't work out

Ah Vogue 2989. I had such high hopes for you

• Your easy to sew raglan sleeves
  
• Your nipped in waist
  
• Your cute little peplum
  
• Your slightly s*xy skirt with the pleated detail.

How did it all go so wrong?

This is one of those sewing projects that make you go "Ugh! This isn't at all what I envisioned!" Followed by "Why did I just waste four yards of gorgeous fabric not to mention precious sewing hours on this?!?"

• The construction should have been simple - the pattern is rated "easy".
  
• The shape should have worked for me - peplums and shawl collars usually work on my figure.
• The fabric should have been the perfect choice - the suggested fabrics include wool jersey, cotton knit, and matte jersey. This is a lovely chocolate brown knit - unknown fiber content but likely a rayon/Lycra blend - it has a nice hand, isn't too lightweight and drapes beautifully.
  

All of these factors combined contributed to the disappointment of this jacket.

• The construction actually was simple - but for some reason I just could not get that darn wide collar to lay correctly! It's still not right but I gave up, dressed GiGi in it and snapped a photo.
• The shape is not working - and it's that darn collar that just isn't right.
• The fabric is wrong - the jacket needed a texture to hide the hand stitching that is needed to make that darn collar look right.

All is not lost - hate the jacket, but LOVE the skirt. Just gotta figure out what to pair it with.

Detailed review is posted at Patternreview Pin It

Time out from sewing for some volunteer clowning

The best thing about knowing how to face paint is being able to volunteer my time at events that I want to participate in. My girlfriend's church hosts an annual Pumpkin Party. It's become quite a popular event - the best thing is that it's free and open to everyone. I was thrilled when she asked if I wanted to volunteer as a face painter at the party.

The children of the families that attend the church are joined with the children from the surrounding neighborhood for two hours of games, prizes, food, face painting and just lots of FUN! They don't have to be a church member to attend nor do they have to promise to attend a church service in the future. Sometimes the best way to share the Gospel isn't from a pulpit - it's by sharing time, talent and love with no expectation of anything in return.

So last night I donned my disco-era sequined butterfly top and disguised myself as a butterfly. I was joined by another talented lady and the two of us painted little faces while my dad created balloon animals.


I like how this photo captures the children waiting patiently in line yet peeking around the child in front of them so they could see the magic unfold before them.

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Flashback Friday - 1980

(You may have read this story already as I originally posted this on 6/26/06. I've been battling a cold for the past week and as of right now the cold is winning. So I'm recycling stories - if columnists can do it so can I.)

Before I begin this week's Flashback Friday, remember the fingerless gloves from last week's post? Well, Kasizzle wasn't joking when she said she still had hers - she has a photo on her blog to prove it - check it out!

A few weeks ago my son celebrated a birthday. I'm not sure how it happened but we were celebrating his 4th birthday and I turned around and it we were celebrating his 31st birthday.

The year he turned four was the year he received a three-foot tall stuffed Bugs Bunny toy, lovingly made by his mama.

I originally got the idea when a co-worker was selling the big stuffed rabbit for $25. Everyone, and I mean everyone, was ordering one from her. At the time it was a bit of a novelty! After all, this was 1980. It wasn't like you could run to a specialty store in a mall or order anything you heart desires online.

Well, $25 was out of this single mama's budget but I was sure I could make it myself - and for less money! I mean, how hard could it be to make a 42" stuffed rabbit?

I found the pattern at the local fabric store, but no appropriate fabric.

I ended up locating the perfect color fabric at a J.C. Penney store in their fabric department (back when you could purchase fabric in department stores) - a grey velour. Shiny on one side, textured on the other with a slight stretch to it. Not at all what the pattern called for, but I was a single mom on a limited budget and I sure as heck couldn't afford faux fur! I worked on the rabbit every night after the kids went to bed and was so excited to give him to my son as a birthday gift.

He was thrilled with Bugs! But there was a problem. His older sister (by only a year) wanted one too, along with all of the neighborhood kids, and he wasn't about to share.

So being the good mom that I was, I promised to make her one for her next birthday. But she didn't want Bugs- she wanted Sylvester. Even better (I hate making the same thing more than one time). Back to J. C. Penney to purchase black and white velour along with red felt for Sylvester's nose. I cut out the pattern pieces, pinned them onto the fabric, and rolled the fabric up and put it away. Cutting and sewing would have to wait for another day.

That darn Bugs was so time consuming that I just couldn't bring myself to pull out the pattern and work on Sylvester! I dreaded the thought and "another day" turned into another, and another, and another...(oh how I wish I could go backwards and redo the times I thought other things were more important!) until all of a sudden it was 25 years later!

This pattern along with the fabric - with the pattern pieces still pinned to it - moved with me I can't tell you how many times! (Okay, if I really think hard, it was 11 times, but I may be forgetting a move or two.) For some reason I just couldn't bear to throw it out even though I still didn't want to sew it.

By now, the undone Sylvester had become a family legend and a joke, and Bugs eventually was so bedraggled he was tossed out. However, no one knew that I still had the pattern and fabric buried in my sewing room just waiting to be sewn.

The year my daughter turned 30 I knew it was time to finish the project begun a mere 25 years earlier. Along with her other gifts that year she finally got her Sylvester.

Turns out the big stuffed cat was quite easy to make, but then again I had another 25 years of sewing experience under my belt. I was able to sew him up in two nights and then hide him away in anticipation of the big day.

We threw a surprise 30th party for her and after all her gifts had been opened we told her to close her eyes. I went to get the surprise and one of her aunts teased "maybe it's a man!" As I walked into the room with Sylvester, her grandpa teased "oooh, it is a man! and he's really handsome!" She then opened her eyes to see her request as a five-year-old sitting in front of her.

To see the grin on her face - well that's a gift I'll always treasure.

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Simply Skirts and Doggy Destruction

Simply Skirts
I've been sewing simple skirts in an ongoing effort to build my professional wardrobe quickly.

Another skirt using McCall's 5330. This one is trimmed with a black lace peeking out at the hemline. It will work well with black McCall's blouse I recently reviewed. Other skirts sewn using this pattern are here and here.

Look what I found buried in the bottom of a fabric box? This long slim pencil skirt sewn in a slightly textured fuchsia fabric. All it needed was a hook and eye to be sewn onto the waistband. This is from a long out of print New Look pattern (that I can't seem to locate at the moment.) The color works perfectly with most of my winter 2007 SWAP items - yea!

Doggy Destruction
This next photo has nothing to do with skirts, except for the fact that I'm wearing one - Just another reason not to splurge on expensive clothing while in the midst of puppy training...

And completely off topic - Apparently Sophia didn't want us to think that only Abby had the ability to destroy. See what lovely vision I came home to today? She's even busy checking out her handiwork while I snapped the photo.

At least I have a house to come home to, even if it does now have a bit of ripped carpet. My thoughts and especially my prayers are with all of those affected by the fires in California. Pin It

Happy National Bologna Day

Thank you for your words of encouragement on the jacket - as well as the tip for pulling the threads to the back of the jacket without removing the lining! (from Juliane).

Instead of thinking about sewing and repairs, today I celebrate National Bologna Day . My five-year-old inner child is dancing for joy! Pin It

Why you shouldn't let a 35 lb puppy jump on you

The after work routine didn't lend a clue to the destruction that was about to happen. I let the dogs out and coaxed Abby to bring the ball back to me.

Since I was wearing my newly sewn jacket - Simplicity 3962 - I thought I'd capture a few shots with the camera. The strong wind, however, was ruining my ever so cute do and making Sophia wonder if I was about to blow away. (BTW, the skirt is Butterick4859)


I decided to proceed knowing that I could always crop the bad hair away in Photoshop.

Eventually I discovered that if I sat down the fence blocked the wind quite nicely, so Sophia and I prepared to have our portrait taken. Abby quickly ran over to see if she was missing out on anything fun. You'll notice she choose not to give up her prized twig - one that the strong winds recently blew off of a tree.
That's when it happened.

I stood up, Abby got excited, and she jumped. (As you can see, we're still working on the OFF and NO JUMP commands.) No harm done, or so I thought.

We moved indoors where I removed my jacket only to discover... multiple white loose threads! All over the side that Abby had jumped on.

Grrrr. I sure hope I can fix it!
Now I'm wishing I hadn't bagged the lining on this jacket as it would have been so much easier to remove some slip stitches to get to the underside of this fabric.

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Pattern Review - Simplicity 3962 Threads Jacket

I've been busy trying to clean up my UFO pile before I allow myself the joy of beginning my new SWAP wardrobe. I figured that just might be the motivation I need. Plus it appears that a few of the items that have been patiently waiting to be completed will work with my new plan.

This jacket is one of them as it is black with tiny white polka dots. I originally had planned to sew the skirt also, and I have enough fabric, but I'm no longer sure about that idea. It might be to "matchy-matchy"

Pattern Description: Simplicity 3962 Threads pattern -for a skirt in two lengths and a lined, princess seamed jacket with shawl collar in two lengths. This pattern has separate front pieces for B, C, and D cup.

Pattern Sizing:Available in 10 to 28W. This review is for short jacket in a size 12 (shoulders/bust) tapering to a 14 (hip) using the D cup pattern pieces.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, it does. And the line drawing on the back of the envelope will give you an accurate picture of the back of the jacket also.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very good instructions were given to sew this jacket.

Four front sections are cut out - two are for the front of the jacket and two are used for the front facing. The instructions call for all four pieces to be interfaced - I did not do this. I only interfaced the piece to be used for the facing.

The first thing constructed is the tab - which is interfaced and sewn in a 3/8" seam. I cut mine out using the reverse side of my fabric on the bias for a subtle difference. The tab is basted to the side front piece and sewn in place when the front princess seam is sewn. You'll need to take care to keep that out of the way as you continue construction of the jacket.

The back princess seams are sewn, then the shoulder and side seams. The sleeve is eased slightly at the elbow, then set into the jacket armhole. A nice tip is included in the instructions on how to distribute the fullness evenly when setting in the sleeve and to press only the seam allowance to shrink out the fullness.

At this point you'll need to try the jacket on to determine where to place the shoulder pad (and the jacket is designed for a small 1/4" shoulder pad) as well as to mark the length of your sleeve. You need to mark the sleeve length now because of the way the lining is added.

The instructions have you interface both collar sections. Again, I only interfaced the bottom collar as I didn't think my fabric needed it for both. On my jacket the bottom collar is a solid black. I cut the upper collar using the reverse side of the fabric on the bias to match the waist tabs. The shawl collar is then basted to the neck edge of the jacket.

Lining A couple of points on the lining for this jacket. This pattern uses the same pattern pieces for both the jacket and the lining. I added an additional 1" on the center back of the lining piece that I then sewed into a short pleat for wearing ease at the neck and the hem. I've always had this extra wearing ease on jacket linings so I was surprised that it was not included here.

The other thing I really liked is that instructions are given to bag the lining. Basically that means that the lining is sewn in place entirely by machine (with the wrong sides together) and turned to the right side through a small opening at the bottom edge.

The first step is to sew the lining to the jacket along the front and neck edges, then to sew the lining to the jacket at the hemline. Be sure to leave an opening at the hemline as this is how you will turn the entire thing right side out.

The sleeve lining and jacket sleeve are pulled through this opening and sewn together with wrong sides together. Now you turn up the sleeve allowance and tack to the seam allowance - that is why you need to know where your sleeve hem will be. The sleeves are then turned right side out and the lining falls right in place. The only handstitching now is to slip stitch that opening in the hem.

I have to admit that I've read about bagging the lining but have never actually done it. Boy, what a time saver! No tiny slip stitches at the hems. Just follow the instructions given and it will turn out very nice. I'll be referring to these instructions again the next time I line a jacket.

To finish the jacket you only need to sew the buttonholes and sew on the buttons. The jacket called for 5/8" buttons which seemed a bit small to me. It may be because my eye has grown used to seeing large oversized buttons on jackets. I used 3/4" buttons that are black in the center with a white trim.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? and Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I like shawl collar jackets, I like Threads magazine, I like Simplicity's B, C, and D cup patterns - so I bought it. I really like how this turned out. It has been in my UFO pile for almost nine months. My original plan was to pipe the front edges, the shawl collar, and the tabs in a red fabric. When I tried this it just didn't look right, so I sewed it plain and simple.

As with other D cup pattern pieces, this fits pretty well right out of the envelope, but I will probably do a small FBA for the next jacket.

Fabric Used: A Lynette Napore mystery fiber stretch woven purchased at SR Harris Fabric Outletlocated just north of Minneapolis. If you're ever in the area this is a *must* stop. The fabric is black with small white elasticized dots and the perfect weight for a jacket. The lining is a black polyester non-cling from Hancock's as that's what I had on hand.

One more UFO checked off the list - one more step closer to sewing my winter SWAP!

(Link to patternreview review here - but it's the same information.)
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Pattern Review: McCall's 5471 princess seam blouse

This nice basic black blouse took over three weeks to complete! I'm tellin' ya - I just got too much going on in my life when a simple button front blouse takes that long to complete. I'm just hoping that I'll get a bit of wear out of before the weather turns too chilly for a 3/4 sleeve blouse.

Pattern Description:
McCall's 5471 princess seamed semi-fitted blouse with mock-front band, collar, collar band, shaped hem and sleeve variations.

This pattern is from McCall's "Made-For-You" line of patterns with B, C, and D cup adjustments. McCall's has had that pattern line for a long time - I have a blouse pattern in my stash from about 1982 with the B, C, and D cup adjustments. For some reason they don't do as well at marketing this line as Simplicity does with their same line.

Pattern Sizing:Available in (6-8-10-12-14) and (14-16-18-20). I sewed view B, with the 3/4 length bubble sleeves, using the D cup pattern pieces.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Considering that the cover photos show mostly the sleeve variations I would have to say, yes, my sleeves look exactly like the cover photo!

Were the instructions easy to follow? It's a basic shirt and constructed as such with the exception of princess seams in the front and the back. I cut the front piece using a D cup, but found I needed to the front seam over the bustline at 3/8" rather than 5/8" to give myself a bit more room. I will still need to do a small full bust adjustment (FBA) when I sew this again.

I had some great photos to show you the construction process step-by-step, but somebody in this family deleted the photos from the camera before they were downloaded to the computer. I'm not saying who, but the dogs aren't allowed to use the camera. (Oh all right, I admit it- it was me - I deleted the entire photo essay when I was deleting all the old photos from the camera.)

There is no interfacing in the front band - as noted in the description it is a "mock-front" band. The center front edges are turned in twice and topstitched in place creating the front band. Because I didn't use interfacing when I sewed the button holes I added tear away stabilizer to the back side of the band to give more stability when sewing the button hole.

The collar band and collar instructions are okay, but honestly? I've never been able to get a nice clean collar point when using the instructions provided in the patterns.

This time I followed instructions from the book "The Complete Book of Sewing Short Cuts" by Claire B. Shaeffer, c. 1981, and am pleased with the results. The instructions in the book are not well illustrated and I had a few confusing moments that resulted in the need to rip the band off and begin anew - twice - but, all's well that ends well.


The sleeves for view B are 3/4 length with a "bubble" held in place with a stay. To create the look, the sleeve ruffle pattern piece is gathered on both the top and the bottom. The top edge is sewn to the bottom of the sleeve stay, right sides together. The bottom edge is then basted to the top edge of the sleeve stay with the wrong sides together. That section is then sewn to the bottom of the sleeve.

To complete the blouse, the sleeve is set into the armhole, the blouse is hemmed (by machine), and buttonholes and buttons are added.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? and Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
Likes? I purchase most of the patterns offered by McCall's and Simplicity with the B, C, and D cup adjustments already made as it cuts down on my alteration time considerably. This one I would have purchased any way, as I like the princess seaming - it makes it so much easier to get a nice fit in the bustline - as well as the sleeve variations. As noted above, I used the D cup pattern piece but in future shirts I will need to do a small FBA.

Dislikes? None. I'm pleased with the fit and I like the trendy sleeve detail.

Fabric Used: A cotton/lycra blend that was purchased from The Fabric Club a few months ago. It was advertised as suiting fabric, but I certainly would not sew a suit with it as I think it doesn't have enough weight for that. It was perfect for this blouse.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Absolutely. I really want a white one but it is so difficult to locate good white shirting fabric (that isn't sheer). Any tips on where to find white, cotton, non-sheer, shirting fabric that won't cost a small fortune?

Conclusion This is a good basic shirt pattern that fits well and offers some up to date styling.

The review is also posted on Patternreview if you want to hop on over and pay me compliments on that site :-) Pin It

Flashback Friday - 1984

I posted previously that my son and his girlfriend asked if I would help them with their Halloween costumes? They want to be early '80s rock stars - specifically Prince and Madonna circa 1984.

I also admitted to owning, and wearing, a pair of white lace fingerless gloves. Don't get all giggly on me now, I'm not the only one who admitted to owning and wearing those gloves. Kasizzle (love that name by the way) commented that she still has her gloves! And they are pink!

Now I don't still own my pair of gloves but I did dig up a photo of the gloves being worn with a strapless white lace dress, big hair, and too much make up - like so totally 80s, like for sure. And check out the white shoes with the fantastic asymmetrical ankle strap.

This was another of the women's only company-hosted events that I posted about back on this Flashback Friday - 1985. As one of the employee club members we acted as hostesses - which meant we got to smile and schmooze with everyone - I loved it - a chance to talk all night and get paid for it!

I even managed to not poke my friend, Rochelle, in the shoulder while pinning on her corsage and posing for the photographer.

I wonder how I managed to keep that dress up?!? Pin It

31 years ago today this guy changed my life

For the better of course!

This is his first baby photo - both of my babies were born prematurely and were whisked off to Children's Hospital as soon as they were born. No baby at birth photo, no cuddling on my stomach, and no counting little fingers and little toes. Just a sigh of relief that he appeared healthy, was breathing on his own, and was in the excellent care of the doctors and nurses at the hospital.

This Polaroid shot was probably taken by one of the nurses caring for him. It's beginning to show its age and the childish scrawl with the misspelled word reveals that I was just a child myself when he was born. I don't remember why a photo wasn't taken of him before he was 1-1/2 weeks old, but it doesn't really matter. I'm thankful to have this one.

Happy Birthday my precious son!

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'50s RetroRama Returns!

RetroRama - Dive into '50s Pulp

If this one is as much fun as the premiere event last spring it will be a Blast!

But drat! I may miss it because of the sewing expo! Wouldn't you know it? The one year I actually register on time for sewing expo classes and something fun pops up that I'd rather attend.

If I can't attend you might as well - if you're in the Twin Cities metropolitan area, check it out. Pin It

Prince and Madonna appearing in my sewing studio soon, very soon

Yep. Prince and Madonna will be making a appearance in my sewing studio because I received an ever so sweet email request from my son's darling girlfriend wondering if there was any way I could help them put a costume together for Halloween?

She went on to say they wanted to be early 80s rock stars - Prince circa Purple Rain in 1984 and Madonna circa Like a Virgin 1980s. She said with the fashions from the 80s coming back she thought she might be able to find some pieces in "real clothing stores", including white lace fingerless gloves (I had a pair, and if you're of a certain *ahem* age, don't pretend that you didn't own some too!)

She went on to say that she didn't know if she'd be able to find a short, puffy, white lace skirt and would it be too difficult for me to sew one in the next few weeks? Ha! I could do that upside down with my eyes closed. I gotta teach that girl to sew... or maybe not as it might take some of the mystique out of it.

Of course I said Yes! What mama wouldn't be proud to see her baby boy dressed in purple velvet wearing heels.

Now if I only had kept those fingerless lace gloves... Pin It

Winter Wardrobe Planning 2007

I've been reading with a great deal of interest the excitement building around the 2008 SWAP that is discussed on Artisan's Square. The SWAP (sewing with a plan) runs from January to April 2008.

In fact, I was just about to sign up when I realized that I need a new, coordinated work wardrobe BEFORE Jan. 1, 2008 as I will be transferring to a new department within the organization on that date. One that will require a more polished look than I currently wear in the office.

So, I thought I'd be adventurous and try something new....planning ahead with my sewing! Whoa! What a concept!

Instead of "oh, this fabric is cute, what can I make with it?", I'm trying "this will coordinate with this, and this with this, and so on, and so on, and so on."

With that in mind I headed over to Treadle Yard Goods with my $175 gift certificate in hand ready to purchase good quality pieces that coordinated together. You know, it was hard to actually spend that gift certificate! Because once I spent it, it no longer represented a dream of what I *could* sew.

It was also harder than I thought for me to stick with my plan. I kept seeing all the pretty Amy Butler fabrics, and some wonderful rayon knits, and some sparkly silks - all fabrics that appealed to me but I had no idea of what I would have sewn with them.

After almost an hour, I finally decided on a black and white tweed with flecks of caramel brown, rose pink, pale lilac, and fuchsia to be sewn into a jacket and matching skirt.

The next piece was a winter white wool gabardine for a slim skirt, that will be underlined and lined.

Lastly a charcoal gray wool flannel for a pair of lined pants. I'm signed up for a Cynthia Guffey all day pant fitting workshop in November so I'll hold off on sewing the pants until after the class.

As soon as I added in the Ambiance lining for everything my gift certificate was gone! I must admit, this will be the first time I've ever used Ambiance lining. I feel as if I've finally gone up a notch in my sewing or graduated to the big girls school of sewing.

Once my new purchases were in my sewing studio I began digging in the fabric stash to see if I had anything else that I could pair with my new "core" pieces and was delighted to find a few that will work.

A raspberry (or fuchsia) wool knit that I accidentally felted a bit years ago when I preshrunk it - not knowing that wool should not be dried in the dryer. I think it will work well in a belted jacket, although it might be a bit too thick for the belt.

A winter white mystery fiber fabric with a wonderful nubby texture. This was purchased almost 20 years ago from a woman who was moving - if I remember correctly, she had originally purchased it in Ireland. It isn't very heavy so I think it will work well in the McCall's 5276 swing jacket I made previously.

In a free bundle assortment from Fabric Mart Fabrics I had received a two-yard piece of a caramel brown fabric - possibly rayon. The color I thought was horrible and I planned to use it as a muslin, however it matches the speck in the wool tweed perfectly, so I'm going to sew a skirt and see if I can make it work.

I also have a black/cream sheer Anna Sui silk purchased from Fabric Mart Fabrics that will be sewn into a top - possibly a loose fitting, longer length top.

I keep eyeing this gray/black charmeuse at Gorgeous Fabrics also, but it's so difficult to determine if the colors will work or not when shopping online. I haven't purchased it yet, but that may change this weekend.

So what do you think?

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Flashback Friday - Halloween 1981bunnies and tigers

Keeping with the Halloween Flashback Fridays I've got going on this month (unicorn & mermaid, and Raggedy Ann & Andy) I present to you ...

Miss White Rabbit 1981

and

Mr. Spotted Leopard 1981

These were great costumes! I sewed them (you already knew that didn't you) using a McCall's costume pattern. What was so great about them?

1. The costumes included a hat and mittens. It's cold in Minnesota on Halloween and hats and mittens are a huge plus!
2. The one piece costumes were roomy enough so their jackets could be worn underneath (see item 1 - cold weather on Halloween night)
3. The costumes were made from flannel (see item 1 - cold weather on Halloween night).
4. Flannel costumes mean they could be used as pajamas! Once Halloween was over they could wear their costume as often as they liked ... as long as it was bedtime.

Lately, I've been coming across some blog posts with flashback Halloween costume photos...

• Check out this adorable baby Raggedy Ann
• You've got to see Amy's young fireman - complete with fire truck!
• Anyone call for pizza? This is so creative!
• Give me an "A", give me a "J"! - you guessed it .... Halloween cheerleaders!
• Toddler Elvis - playing the piano instead his guitar
• Okay, this isn't a costume, but check out this hair - wow! (And the cool retro jackets)

Of course, there are many costume pattern reviews (with photos!) listed on Pattern review, including this infant peapod costume for Ann's grandson.

But none as cute as my two little ones.

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Book Review: The Collection by Gioia Diliberto

Sigh...

I just spend four days in Paris.

Four days living the life of a seamstress in the couture workrooms of Paris in 1919.

Four days savoring The Collection by Gioia Diliberto.

Be prepared to be captivated by the fictionalized account of Isabelle Varlet, a charming young women hired to work as a seamstress in the couture workroom of Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel in the early 1900's.

"Instead of dying, I learned to sew." Words uttered by Isabelle as she begins to tell her journey into the post WWI behind the scenes world of couture in Paris.

The story begins with Isabelle as a young child bedridden due to a bout of consumption. She lives in a small French town and is being raised by her grandmother. While bedridden her grandmother teaches her the fine art of sewing, not such an odd thing considering Isabelle comes from a long line of seamstresses.

When Isabelle grows up she works in a dress shop owned by a woman who once worked for Chanel. When her fiance dies, Isabelle heads to Paris, letter of recommendation in hand, with high hopes of securing a job in Chanel's workroom.

Isabelle is in the process of being turned down by the house manager at Chanel's workroom, when Chanel herself walks by and notices the perfect cut and fit of the Isabelle's dress. When Chanel discovers Isabelle sewed it herself she is hired on the spot.

Isabelle's skill with needle and thread quickly earn her a promotion. The hours are long and the work demanding, but she loves the meticulous work required to create the couture garments.

She loses herself in her work and learns how to deal with the sometimes outrageous outbursts and unrealistic expectations from Chanel, as well as competition from others in the workrooms.

As the story progresses, Isabelle's heart and soul are poured into the creation of Angeline, a beautiful yet challenging gown, that is to be part of Chanel's 1919 collection - if it passes final approval by Chanel.

The story is filled with the competition, back stabbing, scheming, stealing, and ruthlessness of the post war couture workrooms. Even though the tale is told from the viewpoint of Isabelle, you get a strong sense of what Chanel's personality and fashion vision must have been like.

This is not only an entertaining read but a must read for anyone interested in sewing, fashion, and historical fiction.



The Collection by Gioia Diliberto

Copyright September 2007

Scribner, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

275 pages (hardback)

ISBN: 0743280652
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Blog Break

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Flashback Friday - Halloween 1980

Aren't they just the cutest little dolls?

Yep, that's my little cuties dressed up as Raggedy Ann and Andy for Halloween 1980. The clown and ghost in the back were children in the neighboring apartments.

I had my two dressed up and right after this photo was taken I piled them into the car to head to Grandma and Grandpa's house where there were more opportunities for trick or treating.

Before heading out the door (with their pillowcase treat bags, LOL. I should have sewn them one of these!) they stopped to pose with my youngest sister, D, who was eleven at the time. You know, D's always had an aversion to having her photo taken -I bet if I asked her she would admit that underneath that pumpkin hood she's sticking out her tongue.

Aw, yes, the after trick or treating ritual - dumping all the candy out on the floor and sorting through it. Every year I begged for a chocolate bar and every year Raggedy Andy boy refused and Raggedy Ann girl said "yes, of course, what else would you like?" She's a good girl - I know when I'm sitting in a nursing home she's going to come and visit me :-)

Did any of you sneak candy from your children's trick or treat loot? I don't remember for sure, but knowing what a sweet tooth I have I probably did. Although it's difficult when they are old enough to actually inventory the candy supply, LOL.

I know, what you really want to know is if I sewed the costumes, right?

Of course! And they cost me ZERO dollars to make!

What's my secret you ask? Simple.

In 1980 I was an employee of JoAnn Fabrics - back when the store was located in a shopping mall and carried high end fabrics. Yes, you read that right. Wools, silks, ultra suede...you get the picture.

And the employees sewed all the model garments that were displayed in the store. So, using McCall's 7232, I choose to make these two adorable little costumes as model garments. Being model garments meant everything was free - the pattern, the fabric, and all of the notions! The only catch was that it had to be displayed in the store for six weeks.

The costumes, after being worn by a few cousins, were returned to me where they are now packed safely away awaiting a future grandchild's Halloween adventure.

Do you have a Flashback Friday photo you want to share?
My first Flashback Friday post was six months ago. I have a lot more to go! But I'm wondering - do you have some Flashback Fridays you want to share? Well join in! The more the merrier.

If you sign Mr. Linky others can check out your Flashback Friday photo at your blog (however, you don't have to sign Mr. Linky to just eave a comment). I'm looking forward to seeing your Flashback Friday memories!

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Sew a simple, reversible Halloween trick or treat bag

What? Who said Halloween bags had to look Halloweenie? (Is that a word?)

No need to send your kids out with a pillowcase this year when you can make this simple to sew Halloween reversible trick or treat bag. No pattern needed. And it has pockets!

This particular trick or treat bag was sewn to coordinate with a lame fish costume a certain five-year-old I know will be wearing.

Note: When I refer to side one, I am referring to the blue fabric. When I refer to side two, I am referring to the pink fabric.

Cut out fabric rectangles

• Side One = Cut 1 rectangle 16" x 29"
  
• Side Two = Cut 1 rectangle 16" x 29"
  
• Pocket on Side Two = Cut 1 rectangle 9" x 29"
  
• Facing = Cut 1 rectangle 4" x 29"
  
• Handles = Cut 2 rectangles 4-1/2" x 20"

To make pocket on Side Two

• Fold under 1/2" on one long edge (29") of the pocket fabric.
• Press and top stitch in place.
• Place the pocket on top of side two with the wrong side of pocket to right side of bag matching the side and bottom edges.
• Baste in place.
• Measure 9" from each side edge and mark.
• Sew the pocket to Side two along the marked line.

Sew body of bag

• Side One and Two = fold in half right sides together
• Stitch the side edge in a 1/2" seam.
• Stitch the bottom edge in a 1/2" seam.
  

Make bag bottom corners

• Match the side seam (or side edge) to the bottom seam, forming a point.

• Measure 1" in from the point and mark.

• Sew on the marked line forming the corner of the tote.

Sew bags together

• With wrong sides together, slip bag side one into bag side two matching the top raw edges.
• Pin in place.
• Baste together 1/2" from the raw edge to hold the two bags together.

Add handles

• Measure 2" in from each side.
• Pin one handle on one side of the bag 2" in matching raw edges.
  
• Repeat for the other side.
• Stitch handles in place.

Add facing

• Fold facing in half, wrong sides together, matching short edges.
• Stitch together in a 1/2" seam
• Press seam open.
• Press under 1/2" on one long edge of the facing.
• Pin facing to Side Two, wrong side of facing to right side of bag, matching top edges.
  
• Stitch together in a 1/2" seam.
• Turn facing to Side One and press in place.
• Top stitch the lower edge of the facing to Side One.
  
• Top stitch the upper edge of the facing.
  
• NOTE: The top stitching will show on Side Two so decide before you top stitch if you want to use a contrasting or matching thread.
• I used YLI Glow Bug glow in the dark thread for the top stitching.

Admire new reversible trick or treat bag

• Turn bag to side one - admire.





• Turn bag to side two - admire



• Repeat while trying to decide which to use for Halloween.
  
• Done! That was easy wasn't it?
  

And just to please you traditionalists - the next trick or treat bag will be sewn from this Happy Halloween fabric!

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