Flashback Friday - 1977 baby's first quilt take II

A few months ago I shared my first ever quilting attempt with you. It was for baby number one - my precious daughter who is so dear to me.

Well, baby number two decided to make an appearance less than a year later. Just because you're number two doesn't mean you shouldn't have your very own baby quilt!

I've mentioned before how I dislike sewing the same thing twice, so even though I thought the first quilt was adorable, I decided to make my own design for this baby. I used the images imprinted on a baby wipe as my inspiration.

I drew outlines of animals - in very simplistic forms - and cut the pieces out of gingham. They were hand-stitched them to muslin squares using embroidery thread and a blanket stitch. Next, I embroidered a few simple features - an eye, a wing, or a line showing the separation of their legs.

After sewing all of my squares together, adding batting and a full gingham fabric backing, I outlined all of the animals by stitching around them with my sewing machine.

Ta-da! Baby number two's first quilt:


Colorful gingham was chosen as the fabrics because the quilt was sewn before I knew whether or not this would be a boy or a girl. Remember those days? When you didn't know which gender your child would be until they were born?

The final design resulted in a bright and cheery menagerie of animals.

A sunny yellow elephant. Wonder why I choose not to outline the ears?

A bright sky blue chick. Notice the satin stitched beak and stylized wing outline?

A sea green fish. Is it a whale? Is it a fish jumping out of water? After so many years I no longer remember.

A bright red rabbit. With each piece of the bunny hand-stitched separately.
A purple pony. Purple has always been a favorite color of mine. This is the only section of the quilt where the hand-stitching has started to come undone.


A baby blue bear. What baby quilt would be complete with out a teddy bear?

It's held up very well considering it was created 32 years ago and endured many machine washings. When my precious son has children of his own my hope is that this quilt sewn with so much love as I awaited his birth will be as loved by my grandchildren. Pin It

Sewing Studio Sunday - Simple Tote, Simple Sewing

Julie, one of the contributors to this sewing blog (well, she hasn't actually written a post yet, but she will - hint, hint Julie!) was over this past weekend for our first monthly Sewing Studio Sunday.

We've talked about it for some time, and after a few false starts, finally found a date that worked for most everyone. The concept it simple. For four hours on a Sunday, I open my sewing studio to Julie and whoever else wants to come on over and sew. They bring their machine and project but can use my sewing tools, cutting table, iron and such so they don't need to bring theirs.

I'm just there to answer questions and provide some guidance. As confidence levels build I'll pull my machine out and sew along also. I'm actually looking forward to these monthly gatherings.

This past weekend ended up being just the two of us. Julie choose this simple tote from the Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing book for her project (it really is called Simple Tote in the book). She choose fabrics from Hancock Fabrics and was able to cut and sew this tote in three hours. That was after we spent about 45 minutes getting her acquainted with the new sewing machine she received as a Christmas gift.

Even if Julie doesn't find time to blog here, you'll be able to watch her sewing progress as I'll post her projects. She may be a beginner at sewing, but I suspect she'll move from totes and napkins and coasters to skirts and knit tops in the very near future. Pin It

Burda World of Fashion Slouchy Pants

It's been years since I've worn any type of pant with a pleated front. Yet, I was immediately drawn to this style - number 121 - in the November 2008 Burda World of Fashion.

The description claims that the "high-waisted, low-set waist pleats and wide legs give these pants a slimming effect."

"Hmm", I thought to myself. "Maybe they will. Maybe they won't. "

So I decided to find out for myself.

Out came the black poly rayon lycra fabric that was left after sewing the Simplicity Project Runway jacket.

Carefully, I traced the correct size and remembered to include seam allowances. I wasn't going to make that mistake again!

I popped in a DVD from Mad Men (season one - available for seven days at no charge from my local library), opened the magazine to the instructions for number 121, and prepared to sew myself a pair of slightly slouchy pants.

Yikes! I now understand completely the comments on PatternReview about the incomprehensible instructions included with the BWOF patterns.

Thank goodness I'm a fairly experienced sewer or frustration would have prevented these pants from being sewn into being.

Putting the instructions aside I pinned pieces where I thought they should be, unpinned and sewed.

The pants have a wide waist yoke - about 3-1/4" complete with wide belt loops - that closes with three buttons. The front slanted pockets have the two pleats that provide the fullness in the pant.

End result? Two thumbs up.

The look works because the pant is fitted through the waist and hip with the fullness released below the hip.

They may not be as extreme as the Fall 2008 or Spring 2009 slouchy pant silhouette, but I like them.

The full review can be read here at PR.


BTW, the jacket is Simplicity 2728 and the top is McCall's 4716. Pin It

Kreative Blogger Award now appearing

Hey! Thanks for all the nominations.

I'm guessing since I took a few days off from blogging (remember, I did say one of my goals this year was to spend less time online) and come back to a few fellow bloggers passing this award my way.

Cool!

Actually, the first person to send the award my way was YaYaOrchid from Chronicles of YaYa Orchid, one of my Sew Craft blog members. Thank you!

One by one the others trickled in. Probably because you thought I had been left out so I'm extra thankful that each of you wanted to make sure I could add the award to my blog also.

So here's the rules. *Sigh*, which by now all of you can probably recite from memory. I seem to have missed the whirlwind flurry of award passing.

#1 - Copy the award to your site.

• Done!

#2 - Link to the person(s) who nominated you. In addition to YaYaOrchid:

• Linda (Danvillegirl Sewing Diary)
• Becky (Sew and so)
  
• Nancy (SewWest)
• Mary (Mary is Sewfast)
  

#3 Now the original rules from YaYaOrchid included "list seven things you love." And since I'm definitely a rule follower (much to the amusement of my husband and children) here are seven things I love:

1. I love ... the color pink (even though the childhood chant, "pink, pink you stink", dances around in my head every time I hear the word pink.)
2. I love... my best friend - my husband.
3. I love ... my kids - I'm so lucky to be their mother.
4. I love ... my parents and siblings who understand its okay to act silly and laugh at yourself.
   
5. I love ... creative arts - including (of course) sewing
6. I love ... hot, hot, hot weather
7. I love ... last on the list, but first in my heart, my Lord Jesus Christ.

#4 - Nominate seven others. How in the world do you nominate only seven when there are hundreds of fabulous blogs that I (try) read weekly? Well, here goes:

1. Karin - Artful Crafts
2. Amy - Skirts and Skirt Galore, and a whole lot more
3. Amy - The Seam Ripper
4. Stacey - Jamee Forever
5. Marie - Mod Farmgirl's Blog
6. Alicia - AliceaJeanae
7. Vicki - Field Trips in Fiber

Tomorrow, back to regularly scheduled sewing posts. I've been busy sewing from my new BWOF and have some more skirts to share with you as well as a fabulous pair of pants.! Pin It

Pink - the softer side of red

BWOF Nov. 2008 Skirt 110A
Originally uploaded by Sharon Sews

Pink.

What do you think of when you think of pink? Baby girls? Sugar and spice and everything nice? Or maybe finishing a seam edge (I know all you sewers know what I'm talking about)

It seems most people aren't neutral about this color. They like it or they don't. Period. I know my friend Stacey likes pink as she's still harassing asking me about sewing her a pink jacket like this one.

I'm in the "I like pink" camp. So I was thrilled to see the color pink featured in the latest catalog mailing from Nieman Marcus.

The fashions in that catalog were spring fashions, and I'm certainly not prepared to begin spring sewing. Not knowing we have at least two and a half more months of cold weather to endure.

Instead I pulled out a pastel pink wool crepe purchased two years ago from Fabric Mart Fabrics. A beautiful piece of wool that I had bought with the intention of creating a jacket. However once I saw how pale the color was I realized I'd never be able to pull that off near my face.

However, knowing that pink works with black, grey and brown, and owning jackets and tops in all of those colors, I sewed myself another winter skirt from the Nov. 2008 issue of Burda World of Fashion (BWOF).

The skirt is 110A and is described as a fully lined four-gore skirt with cut-in-one fluttery hem godets.

A review over at PR is forthcoming. In the meantime, include Whether it be salmon, coral, hot pink, fuschia, blush, or rose, my spring wardrobe will include the softer side of red. Pin It

Giveaway at Quaint and Quirky

Keri, one of my Sew Craft Blog group members, is having a give away on her blog, Quaint and Quirky, to celebrate her one year blogiversary.

Stop on over and leave a comment (that includes what you consider an accomplishment) on this post for a chance to win one of her beautiful bags. You have until Jan. 23 to leave your comment.

While you're there, why don't you bookmark her blog and stop by to visit once in a while?

By the way, it looks as if Sew Craft Blog group number four is still open for members. Pin It

Just another black jacket

As I wrote a review on PatternReview (PR) for this jacket I realized that almost all of my recent sewing projects have been black. As in basic. As in dark. As in no color.

Perhaps its an outer expression of the inner blah-ness (is that a word?) brought on by this never ending bitterly cold winter weather we've been experiencing. The temperature was -25 F when I ventured out this morning and, while it did warm up during the day, it didn't quite make it to zero.

Then again, sewing all black items could be as simple as the fact that I have black thread in the machine and I've chosen my projects accordingly.

So may I present to you just another black jacket.

The latest black jacket to find a home in my closet is from McCall's 5756. It's a simple cardigan jacket with bust darts and a curved shape. The jacket is brought to life by the addition of trim along the front edge.

One of the great things about this pattern is that it is one of McCall's made-for-you patterns. The made-for-you is McCall's line of patterns that have separate pattern pieces for A/B, C and D cup sizes.

The knit is a black ponte knit from Hancock's - a dream to sew with and I wish I would have picked up more when I purchased this last summer. I used a fusi-knit for the interfacing on the facings (front and neckline.)

Since the serger is still not working (and I don't remember to call for service until I want to use it) I finished the facing and bottom hem edge with a lightweight contrasting knit trim. Because it makes me happy to see an animal print inside my basic, dark, black jacket.


Now I know you're gonna ask about the trim. No, I didn't sew that white ribbon in that scrolling pattern. It's actually sewn onto black stretch lace - a find from SR Harris a few years ago. My original plan was to add the jewel stones as shown on the pattern envelope. However after placing them on the jacket I realized I would never wear it with those stones so I choose a basic black/white trim.

The full review - which, by the way, is my 150th review on PR, can be read here. Pin It

Simplicity's Project Runway jacket pattern a surprise hit

The jacket pattern - Simplicity 2728 - was purchased on a whim.

Did I need it? Absolutely not.

So why did it come home with me? Curiosity.

It's one of Simplicity's "inspired by Project Runway" patterns and I wanted to see if there was anything that set them apart from Simplicity's other patterns.

I was pleasantly surprised by the pattern:

• Many options included to customize the jacket. Notched or shawl collar, with or without pleated detail, or no collar at all; short or three-quarter sleeves, with or without band or ruffle, plain patch or pleated pockets, or no pockets at all, one or three button closing, trim or not trim.
• A "Sketch & Stitch" sheet complete with a croquis for you to mix-and-match the elements of this jacket to create exactly what you want - before you begin randomly cutting pattern pieces.
  
• Clearly written instructions. Written in chunks - meaning when it's time to add pockets all pocket options are listed. When its time to add sleeves, all sleeve options are listed. When its time for the collar, all collar options are listed. You get the point.
• Fully lined with instructions on bagging the lining. And the neck, front and bottom are faced so the jacket is not lined to edge, meaning no risk for the lining to peek out.
• The jacket is designed for small (1/4") shoulder pads and includes instructions for adding sleeve heads.
  
• The pattern piece for the under collar is slightly smaller than the upper collar, allowing for turn of cloth, meaning the end product is a collar that rolls slightly to the bottom when completed...just like it should.T
• The instructions are written in chunks, so you follow along for the design elements that you've chosen. Meaning, after sewing darts you add pockets and the instructions for all of the pocket options are included. When you get to the sleeves, the instructions for all of the sleeves are included.

The completed jacket. My only regret now is that I used "I-like-this-fabric" instead of "I-love-this-fabric".

That only means there's another of these in my near future, as well as more "inspired by Project Runway" patterns.


Full review on PatternReview - click here. Pin It

Flashback Friday - 1973 - It's a Holly Hobbie world

My mother is a doll collector. In her collection is a beautiful old nun doll that she won as a young child. As children, we enjoyed hearing her tell the tale of how she won the doll. This doll was a coveted prize among all the girls at the Catholic grade school she attended. Well she won, and the older girls all wanted to walk her home from school and help carry the doll. She, thrilled to be the new owner of this precious nun doll, refused to let anyone touch the doll, let alone carry it for her.

Needless to say, my mother has always loved dolls. And I have always loved my mother.

As a teenage expression of that love, in 1973 I sewed her a stuffed Holly Hobbie doll. (Holly Hobbie was wildly popular at the time.) I used the sewing pattern Simplicity 6006. (Copies of the pattern can usually be found on eBay or etsy.)

My mother has kept Holly Hobbie on display somewhere in her home all these years. Holly Hobbie has gone through numerous grandchildren and has survived fairly well.

See for yourself. Here she is in all her 1973 country-charm glory.


The sunbonnet was needed to shade that delicate freckled face from the bright sunlight. After all she was a 70s back-to-nature country girl and would have spent a lot of time out in the sunshine filling her straw basket with wild flowers.


I love that the one-way design of the floral fabric runs in opposite directions for the dress and sunbonnet as I was still learning about layouts for napped fabrics and one-way designs. (See this post for an embarressing sewing moment concering one-way design fabrics.)

I also love the fact that I choose to make her as a blue-eyed blonde when most of my family members are brown-eyed brunettes. Must have been that late 60s, early 70s advertising influence - after all, everyone heard that "blondes have more fun".

The hand stitching defining the fingers is only slightly beginning to pull out.


And look how well she has aged! Created in 1973, she would now be 36 years old. Her embroidered features on her nylon stocking face show little signs of wear and tear. And if you look closely you can still see the yellow transfer markings for the freckles.


Recently my mother gave Holly Hobbie back to me, saying it was time for me to enjoy the doll I lovingly sewed for her all those years ago.

Holly Hobbie now resided proudly in my sewing studio, a reminder of how much I enjoy sewing as a gift of love. Pin It

Sometimes it starts with the shoes

I admit it. Some days the outfit is planned around the shoes.

Today was one of those days. The brown patent leather wedges had been buried in the closet all winter and were begging for some attention.

Out went the plan to wear all black with my simply stunning skirt. In it's place came a simple brown pencil skirt paired with a brown tee and classic black jacket.

The skirt is from the September 2008 issue of BWOF. If I hadn't chosen to review the skirt on PatternReview I would never have read the instructions and discovered the need to add seam allowances.

By the way, thanks for the great comments on seam allowances on both Burda patterns and the BWOF magazine patterns. Isn't it interesting that the Burda patterns in US markets have seam allowances while only some in Europe do? I definitely learned some new things.

After wearing the skirt all day I can add a few things to my original review. Which, if you haven't read it, doesn't really include a whole lot of detail.

That's because this is just a simple pencil skirt - two darts in front, two darts in back, invisible zipper, faced waistline, lining, and a walking slit. The only design detail is the pleat that is sewn onto the lower back edge disguising the walking slit.

That's the main thing I would change. The skirt is narrow and if you walk with a long stride like I do, you'll find it a bit difficult wearing this skirt. I would simply make the walking slit and the pleat both longer.

So tell me. Do you ever plan the day's outfit by the shoes you want to wear?
Pin It

Whaddya mean I need to add seam allowances?!?

Did you know that the patterns in Burda World of Fashion (BWOF) magazine do not include seam allowances?

If you read my reviews on PatternReview you already know that I just found this out!

Now I've sewn from Burda patterns and those do include seam allowances. I guess I made an assumption (tsk, tsk) that seam allowances were included on the patterns in the magazine also.

That explains why the past two skirts I sewed from BWOF were tight. Tight enough that I verified I had traced and cut out the correct size. Come to find out that I had never added seam or hem allowances (she said as she blushed bright red).

Just goes to show that it really doesn't matter how long you've been sewing. There's always more to learn.

By the way, here's a neat little tip that Kristine left for me in the comments section of the BWOF skirt I reviewed on PR:

...the easiest way to trace and add seam allowances at the same time is to take 2 pencils, putting a small piece(s) of cardboard between them to space them your seam allowance amount, then tape the pencils together. One will trace the seam line, while the other will automatically place the cutting line.

Pin It

Here's to the beginning of a long and happy relationship

A toast to my new obsession - Burda World of Fashion magazine.

You know the other day when I vowed to "clear out the clutter" and "use it up" when it comes to my sewing projects?

Well, now I must admit that I'll actually be adding just a wee bit more clutter on a regular basis to my sewing studio.

That's because my sneaky, yet adorable, hubby surprised me with a subscription to Burda World of Fashion (BWOF) magazine. That's right. BWOF will now be delivered to my doorstep every month.

It turns out my hubby had found an ad for BWOF that I had cut out of a magazine and realized it was the magzine that I bought monthly at Treadle Yard Goods. He took the ad, went online, wasn't sure which magazine to order, called the company and said he needed the "sewing magazine", and placed the order.

No more trips to Treadle Yard Goods to pick up the latest issue (which will help tremendously with my vow to not purchase unneeded fabric as that place is bursting with gorgeous fabrics.)

The January issue has already arrived so you'll see me sewing more BWOF in the 2009. Pin It

Welcome 2009!

Thank you so much for your comments on my berry-licious wool jacket. I've already worn it once and will get a review written in the next few days with all the details.

Welcome 2009
In the meantime, it's only fitting that my first post for 2009 include some goals. Like many people, I've made and broken numerous resolutions over the years.

So I give myself permission to not have resolutions this year. Instead I've been thinking of things I'd like to accomplish this year.

More time with family and friends
There have been more times than I'd like to admit when I would much rather have been home reading a book or sewing a skirt or updating my blog than going to a social event.

However, my family and friends are important to me. If I don't give of myself isn't it rather selfish of me to expect to receive? So in 2009 I'm putting my family and friends ahead of my other busy "stuff".

Less computer time
Over the past year I've explored and used Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Flickr and ...well, you name it. I kept telling myself that as a communications professional I needed to understand these "social media" trends, but that stuff can just suck your time away. So in 2009 I'm limiting my computer time on the social media sites. (But I'm not ready to give up reading all of your blogs - I enjoy that way too much.)

Volunteer
I'm going to look for more volunteer opportunities this year. While I do some volunteering with my clowning and face painting, my heart wants to do more. I don't know what it is yet, but when I find it I'll know.

I've been incredibly blessed and in my past there were many, many people who reached out and helped me. Some of them were "just volunteers" who will never know the impact they had on my life. It's time for me to make a difference in someone else's life.

Clear out the clutter
Simplify. That includes my sewing and crafting "stuff". I've allowed myself to accumulate more than I could ever need. I've made myself feel better by calling it a collection, but honestly when I have that much to choose from it blocks my creativity. Now I know some of you have bigger collections that I do and that's fine. Like I said, for me it's overwhelming.

Use it up
The past few days when I've sewn I have used only items that I had on hand. And I plan on doing so for as long as I can. It feels good to use a few pieces of fabric and have a bit of open space in the closet. For now I won't be adding more than the basics (thread, interfacing, etc.) to my sewing collection.

Oh who am I kidding? Y'all know I'm going to buy some spring Vogue patterns when they're on sale ....

Sewing
So what do I want to master this year? I think for me I'd like to try and slow down. Choose a project not by the amount of time it will take me to complete it, but by what the end result will be.

My main sewing goal for this year is to complete the coat I began with the Great Coat Sew Along. My size changed as I began the project so my first muslin no longer fit. I have yet to begin a muslin in a new size but I think that would be a great accomplishment for this year.

Eating and exercise
What would a new year goal be like without some mention of diet and exercise! My goal is simply to maintain my healthy eating choices and to ramp up my exercise in an effort to remain strong and healthy.

Happy New Year to all of you. Pin It