Burda 7828 Review Faux Wrap Knit Top

Yesterday when I completed this top (Burda 7828) I said that I liked it but didn't love it. It was that goofy side tie that sits right underneath the bust. No matter how much I fussed I just couldn't get it to look good.

So of course I went to PatternReview to read any reviews on this pattern looking for clues as to how to make it work. Well, I found clues alright - both reviewers eliminated the tie.

Ah ha! That sounded like the perfect solution to me so off with the tie. Five minutes of work and I now have a shirt that I still don't *love* but I like a whole lot more.

This shirt is so incredibly easy to sew - especially when you leave that pesky side tie off. The pattern calls for a decorative stretch lace to finish the neckline. I didn't have any of that stashed away, but I did have fold-over elastic in both white and black. Since I bought it about seven years ago I think it's about time I tried it, don't you agree?

Easy, easy, easy - and look what a nice clean finish it gives the neck edge.

I'm definitely going to be using the rest of my stash of fold-over elastic on future knit projects ... especially knowing that the white is dyeable so I'll be able to match any fabric I choose.

With the side tie gone I may even sew myself another one before handing off the pattern to J.

The full review is here Pin It

What I did on my summer vacation...and it includes very little sewing

Hubby and I are currently in the midst of another week off from work. While secretly I had hoped it would be all sewing all the time, well in reality that isn't possible when you're partner is counting on you being the helper in a multitude of home improvement projects.

First there's the painting - the color in the family room is being changed from fudge bar to warm honey.
The 3/4 master bathroom is still in the midst of renovations. The tiling is completed and tomorrow my job is to rip off the remaining traces of that old ugly wallpaper. And by traces I mean all of the paper backing that was left behind when we first pulled off the wallpaper - basically all of it. I see a full day of fun for me - not.

Then there was packing up all the cr*p we've managed to accumulate. We had a huge pile of clothing, accessories and house hold misc. outside and waiting for pick up by 8 a.m. today. This particular agency takes fabric, patterns and sewing notions which is why I choose them. However after they did the pick up I found the three rolls of home dec fabric left behind so I guess I'll be posting it in the free section on Craig's list.

While it sounds like it has been all work, in reality I do have some non home improvement items on the agenda. I have lunch and coffee scheduled with a few girlfriends and will begin planning Sweet Monday socials with a friend from church.

I even managed to call my blog buddy Stacey- who was busy taking care of her son who had been injured recently so we didn't actually have a chance to talk but she promises to call tomorrow. (Whew, was that a run on sentence or what!?) I now have something to look forward to besides ripping down wallpaper.

And in between all of that I managed to sew this knit top from Burda 7828. Talk about easy! It looks difficult but this took less than an hour to sew...of course I have yet to hem it so let's say an hour total sewing time.

While I like it I don't love it and won't bother sewing another one, so I'm going to pass along the pattern to J, who is busy finishing her last beginner's sewing class this evening. Pin It

Why dogs and sewing rooms don't mix

I'll admit it.

I like having my dogs visit me when I'm in my sewing studio working away.

I even think it's cute when Sophia grabs the tissue paper and shakes it viciously or when she thinks my latest fabric remnant is actually a new toy destined for her toy box.

However, I've always been careful to quickly pick up anything that I think could cause harm to the dogs - like pins. I'd rather step on them myself than have one of these sweeties swallow one.
I've even secretly congratulated myself on how careful I've been.

Until this was found the other day.

You know what that is, right? Yep, the tip to a seam ripper.

Now I realize that the pieces of clear hard plastic and blue pen shaped plastic I found on the floor the other night was not a chewed up pen. Rather it was a chewed up seam ripper.

We're pretty fortunate that Abby - and I'm certain the culprit was Abby with her big powerful jaw and teeth - didn't attempt to swallow this piece after it snapped off.

This was a wake up call for me to double check the floor each and every time I enter and exit the sewing studio, not just when I tip over my pin box. Pin It

Dogs on Thursday - Shaking Sophia

Sophia hasn't received as much blog attention lately as Abby. Mostly because Abby is still in that big puppy stage where she continues to find new things to both amuse and frighten her. Those are the moments we laugh about and capture on film.

Sophia had her glory puppy days also. She's now six. Lately we've noticed that she's been spending most of her time like this..

At first we commented to each other "it's surprising that Sophia wants to sleep so much as she's only six." We didn't think too much of it until the other day when hubby said the dreaded phrase "I think she's shaking again."

See, Sophia was diagnosed over a year ago with "white shaker dog syndrome"

• May 14, 2007 was when her vet first suspected this syndrome. (post here)

• May 15, 2007 she visited a specialist for a cerebrospinal fluid tap (post here)

She was prescribed prednisone which, at first we had to give her three times a day while the swelling went down. We eventually weaned her off of it completely. However she had another episode about six months ago which meant another round of prednisone.

Sadly, it looks as if it's coming back once again so I'll be contacting her vet today to see if she needs to come in for a visit or if they just want to put her back on the prednisone.

So it's no wonder the little girl just wants sleep. Just like the past two times it's the only time she doesn't shake.

(More Dogs on Thursday posts here) Pin It

Vogue 2989 Knit Skirt

I just finished a knit skirt to wear with one of the tees I completed this past weekend.

With just over a yard left of the fabric I knew my skirt choices would be limited but I did want more than a basic straight skirt with an elastic waistband. So I choose the skirt from Vogue 2989 . While I wasn't pleased with the way my version of jacket turned out, I did like the skirt. And I still have the jacket tucked away - perhaps I'll even get around to fixing the collar...

Anyway, here's another version of that skirt.

This is one short skirt pattern. I'm only 5' 5" and to hit my knee - with only a 1/2" hem - I needed to add 2-1/2" to the pattern.


I'm a believer that at a certain age, just because you can wear a short skirt doesn't mean you should.

The skirt itself is quite simple to construct. There are two front pieces and one back piece. On the front there is a left side seam that holds two pleats in place which form a small flounce.

After sewing the side seams, elastic is sewn to the inside of the skirt at the upper edge. Because my serger is still not working I simply used a zig-zag stitch to hold the elastic and skirt fabric together. Then the elastic is turned under and stitched in place forming a nice smooth casing. There is not a lot of ease at the waistline so there are no gathers.


Can you see the small pleat/flounce detail? This little design detail takes this basic knit skirt and kicks it up a notch.

This top will likely be worn with a jacket because, even though I thought I had been careful with my layout and cutting, I managed to strategically place part of the fabric pattern where I don't necessarily want it.
Next? Finish that turquoise jacket and work on a white one. Pin It

It's a tee shirt day...

The sun's shining, the warm wind's blowing and it's a tee shirt day. A day for sewing tee shirts that it is.

I put my turquoise jacket aside to work on a few knit tops. Actually, the jacket only needs a button and buttonhole. The only reason I put it aside is because my machine (Pfaff 2056) is so iffy when it comes to buttonholes that I freeze when I get to that step. Maybe I'll tackle it tomorrow.

First up - Simplicity 3536. Using knit fabric that was left over from J's tube top project and contrasting white, I sewed view C. The white actually looks quite stark now that I see it in the photo, but because of my trendy yellow/black/white fabric choice, it's definitely a one season top so it'll be fine for the rest of the summer. I didn't do an FBA but I'll have to do one next time - you can see the center white band is stretching out of shape. The full review can be read on PatternReview here.


Moving right along, I pulled out my turquoise/black/white fabric and whipped up another tee from Simplicity 4699. I've never thought of myself as having TNT patterns, but as I was cutting out this knit top, I realized that this pattern is indeed one of my TNTs. The jacket I've sewn twice and I'm sure I'll sew it again. It's perfect over jeans or dressed up for work. The tee I've sewn a number of times also - it has a nice curved shape to the body and the way the sleeve slightly extends over the shoulder makes it feel as if it isn't exposing that dreaded upper arm.

This fabric was sheerer than I had remembered so the entire top is underlined with an ivory knit which toned down the white in the top a bit. With the 1+ yard that is left over I think I'll whip up a simple summer skirt to mix and match with the top.

So now, let me ask you. Does the title of this post make you want to sing along to "It's a Sunshine Day?" That silly song just won't leave my mind - so I just want to share the silliness with you.

Pin It

Out of Print Vogue American Designer 1377 - Sewn by KellyLynn

Vogue American Designer 1377 - Sewn by KellyLynn
Originally uploaded by Sharon Sews

I present to you a stunning version of a 1994 out of print (OOP) Vogue American Designer Scaasi pattern 1377.

The pattern was used as a base for this bridesmaid's gown designed and sewn by Kelly of Kelly Lynne designs.

I "met" Kelly when she bought the Vogue pattern from my Etsy pattern shop, Abby + Sophia. Not only did she send me a photo of her beautiful design, but she gave me permission to share it with all of you.

Kelly told me she is a fashion design student in New York and she studies older patterns to see how they were made. She then makes it her own by adding her own twist - did you notice the dress no longer has front button trim? and that there is great pleated trim along the bottom? and the detail on the belt?

I found some of her stuff on flickr - the wool coat with the faux fur collar is kinda kewl - it's got a bit of vintage vibe going on.

Part of the fun of selling the patterns on Etsy is the conversations that place. I really am interested in seeing what people sew using the pattern they purchase and I tell them that. Kelly was the first person to take me seriously and send me a photo. Thanks Kelly! I'll be looking forward to seeing more of your work! Pin It

My Celebrating Independence Apron Swap package arrived

Last week, in the midst of the hustle and bustle of party planning my package from my swap partner arrived. And, once again, it's a fabulous apron. The theme this time around was celebrating independence - which meant using red/white/blue or fireworks or stars in the apron design.

My partner, the oh-so talented Jenny V from Pink-A-Boo (such a cute blog name!) created this reversible apron.

Side one is a charming print in the required colors with a perfectly sized denim pocket complete with patchwork appliqués and an elasticized ruffle design element. The waistband is quite wide and curves and falls gently over when worn.


The reverse side is denim, with a contrasting pocket and red lace trim near the hem. Doesn't it look like a denim skirt? The denim works really well in this design as it's not too heavy but really makes the apron hang nicely.


By the way, if you're interested in the next Flirty Apron swap - What I wish I did over my summer vacation - you have until August 15 to sign up. Pin It

Flashback Friday - June 1973 Bathing Beauty

Tomorrow my hubby and I are hosting a "Hawaii 5-0" party in celebration of my 50th birthday. While many of my family members will be in attendance I was sad that my brother and his wife and one of my sisters and her husband will not be able to make it. Which is perfectly understandable considering they live in UT and AZ respectively.

When I was talking to my brother last week about these Flashback Friday posts (he's the one that so kindly converted the old 8mm film clip to a digital version for my birthday post) I told him that pretty soon he was going to be the subject of a Flashback - whether he remembers it or not I have a photo of him wearing a groovy tunic with hand embroidery that I had sewn for him. LOL!

Well, he's safe this week as the warm weather has me thinking of pools and lakes and summer vacations.

As kids, we were fortunate enough to grow up six houses away from the local Country Club. Sounds exciting huh? Before you start thinking "well la-ti-da" they had an exclusive country club they could use" let me explain that it was nothing more than the community pool, LOL! To this day we can always tell who grew up in that town because we all still call it the country club.

Anyway, we pretty much spent our entire summer life at that pool. Which meant we needed swimming suits. And if you're a talented teen sewer why would you buy one when you could sew your own?

Which is just what my beautiful sister did the summer of '73. She's 14 in this photo and already an accomplished sewer -also was self-taught. I have no idea why we snapped this photo of her coming our of the room after changing into her swim suit - probably because we were all teens and we thought it would be funny to surprise her.

Swimsuits just aren't that modest any more are they? I haven't been successful in locating this particular pattern, but I did find something pretty similar to it on Etsy in case you want to sew your own vintage 70s swim suit for the summer of '08. Pin It

Dogs on Thursday - Abby's private swimming pool

W Abby Sophia Pool
Originally uploaded by Sharon Sews

Abby joined our household late last summer as a chubby little ball of black fur - and spent weeks panting and panting and panting. She panted often enough that we asked the vet if there was something wrong with Abby.

She assured us that for Abby this was normal. That she was just going to be a big hot dog. Knowing that she would always be hot during our one week of summer heat (okay, it's actually a few months but the summers go by so quickly here that it feels like only one week) we picked up a little kiddie pool

The pool finally came out the other day when the temps hit the 90s with high humidity. At first Abby would have nothing to do with it. And let me tell you, it was quite a sight watching my hubby splash around in this tiny little pool trying to coax the big black dog to join him. LOL! Sure wish I would have captured photos of that :-)

Once Abby finally stepped into the pool, she quickly discovered if she laid down in the water she was cooled off quickly.

Sophia wanted nothing to do with the water and judging by the look on her face if she could figure out how to grab Abby's red toy without entering the pool she would.

Ah, dogs. They are such cheap entertainment!

(More Dogs on Thursday blog posts here) Pin It

Anyone? What year(s) was Kenmore 1431 sewing machine sold?

Look what followed me home tonight.


Okay, it didn't exactly follow me home. I saw an ad on Craig's list and went to look at it earlier this evening. When I plugged it in and ran a few stitches, well, it purred and the stitches were beautiful - almost as if it had just been tuned up.

The price was right so hubby hauled it home for me. Along with an old thread storage chest (filled with thread, needles and bobbins) and a bag of cotton fabric. Most of the thread is too old to be of any use, but I'll hang onto the wooden spools of thread for decor in the sewing studio.

The machine is an older one that folds away in its cabinet. Not as old as the one that I foolishly tossed years ago but older than the Kenmore I purchased in the mid 1980s, which I still own.

As you can see, the cabinet is in rough shape visually, but it's still quite sturdy.

The bobbin is located underneath the machine. And if you look really, really close, the middle of the needle plate slides out. That's because it can be changed for straight stitching (small needle hole) and for zig zag stitching (the wide oval hole).

Not only did I find the manual and the buttonhole attachment tucked inside the tread storage cabinet, but I also located a stack of repair receipts It looks as if the previous owner brought the machine in for a tune up every few years. The earliest date I could find was 1980.

It's a Kenmore 1431 sewing machine. Anyone know what year(s) the machine was sold? Pin It

Birthday reflections and progress on the jacket

Thank you for the birthday wishes! It really was a wonderful beginning to my birthday month :-)

• Co-workers surprised me with homemade mango cheesecake and black birthday balloons.
• Hubby surprised me with a gift for my sewing studio - a small flat screen TV with a DVD player...now I can actually follow along with all of those Sandra Betzina sewing instructional DVDs I own
• Best friend sent a wonderful card with a beautiful handwritten note - brought tears to my eyes.
• Daughter surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers delivered to my office and showed up later with a favorite DVD to add to my collection.
• Son and girlfriend treated me to a facial and pedicure at the Aveda Institute in Minneapolis Aveda
• Family members gathered together and called to sing happy birthday
  

See what I mean? It was the best birthday ever - or should I say so far? From what everyone's been telling me, it only gets better after 50.

In between the busy weekend, I did manage to find a little more time to work on the turquoise jacket. The lining is pinned in place so I only need to do a bit of hand sewing, add a buttonhole, sew on a button and do some serious steaming as this fabric holds wrinkles more than I had anticipated. Anyway, another jacket almost completed.

Now, on to the tropical print dress for this weekend's party... Pin It

Flashback Friday - July 4, 1960 - Happy Birthday to me (and America)

SHARON~2
Originally uploaded by Sharon Sews

July 4, 1960

The family gathers at Grandpa an Grandma's house along with the two uncles. They've either returned from a weekend at the cabin or will soon be heading out as the boat is outside.

Big brother is busy setting off his rockets and baby sister, who isn't shown in this clip (sorry, S!) is probably sitting on mom's lap, while little Shari-Kari (my grandma's nickname for me) is busy toddling around twisting her hair, wearing a fabulous 1960s full-skirted dress. The baby doll must have been a birthday gift because she doesn't leave my arms for too long.

Dad teases me by pretending to not give me my baby doll - which results in a foot stomp. To this day makes my father chuckle when I unconsciously do it when I don't get my way. I guess we all have a two-year-old tucked inside of us don't we?

Apparently some time after this video was shot, I was bit by a spider or stung by a bee, which resulted in huge swelling and a ruined birthday party. Perhaps that explains my extreme fear of any kind of bees or wasp. My brother says he remembers feeling really badly for me because I was hurt - isn't it great to have a big brother!

This Flashback Friday is for me. Today as I celebrate my 50th birthday, I can look back and know that I am blessed to be part of this wonderful family. Pin It

Dogs on Thursday - a dog left behind

Do you ever read something and exclaim to yourself "what's wrong with people?!?"

I had one of those moments last night when I was browsing the Etsy forum (yea, yea, I know...I said I was going to sew instead of surf) when I saw this heading "Would you like a dog?"

Of course I had to read the post because my mind was busy trying to figure out how the post could possibly be related to selling or buying on Etsy. (Turns out I had been browsing the etc. forum so it had nothing to do with buying or selling on Etsy.)

The post read:

My friend's brother and his fiance just bought a house that came with an unexpected bonus. The people who owned the house before (dead beats) left their dog. My friend's brother and his fiance just bought a house that came with an unexpected bonus. The people who owned the house before (dead beats) left their dog. The dog is a male chow chow mix, about 50 or more pounds, friendly, and also extremely well behaved. It basically looks like a lion (when his hair is long -- he was bathed and groomed yesterday), and he is very very cute. They don't have time to take care of a dog and are going to have to give him up to animal control where it will surely be destroyed, so..............if you have ever had the desire to have a really awesome looking and well behaved dog for free, now is your chance.

Seriously, what is wrong with people? How could someone knowingly leave their pet behind when they moved! That poor dog.

Here's the link to the thread with photos of that absolutely adorable dog. I do hope they take him to a no-kill shelter...

(More Dogs on Thursday posts here) Pin It

Vintage apron giveaway over at Vintage Indie

Instead of doing a lot of sewing this week I've been catching up on reading blogs and surfing the net. Well, I should say I've been surfing the net in between preparing the house for the big birthday bash that's happening soon. Nothing like a big open house/party to force you to get your house in tip top shape.

Reading the posts from the numerous blogs that I follow is how I came across the Rick Rack Attack Swanky Swag Giveaway over at Vintage Indie. If you like vintage aprons you'll want to stop over there and enter ... and you have until Thursday, July 3 (11:59 EST) so you still have time to get some sewing done before jumping over to enter the giveaway.

And tonight? No surfing! I'll be working on my turquoise jacket so I can move onto the coordinating knit top. Pin It

$3 Back Issue Sale at Stampington & Company

You know, home of the fabulous eye-candy magazines including Altered Couture, Artful Blogger, Somerset Studio, and Belle Amoire. Oh, there's just so many more. All filled with gorgeous photographs and inspiring art projects ...

Sewing is not my only creative outlet. Recently I've been experimenting with altered art - both with textile and with paper - and I find the Stampington & Co. publications very inspiring.

So anyway, I was on their website debating with myself as to whether or not I actually needed a subscription to any/all of the above magazines (the "no, you do NOT need another magazine subscription" won over the whiny "but I want it", just in case you were wondering) But, then, out of the corner of my eye I spotted the words "$3 back issue sale" and, before I could begin another internal debate with myself, I had a number of back issues ordered and paid for.

Now don't get too excited because not all of the magazines aren't actually on sale for $3. However they are all cheaper than list price and if you're missing any back issues now is the time to order them. Pin It