Life just threw me a curveball

Hey sewing friends! We had a family emergency the other day and I wanted to let you know that I won't be posting about sewing for a short time. Heck, I wont' even be sewing.

My beloved son found out Thursday night that he had a brain tumor. From there everything happened very quickly. It was a large tumor and the neurosurgeon said she was surprised he had no neurological symptoms or damage due to it's size. It's possible it had been growing for many years.

He underwent surgery to remove the tumor yesterday, Surgery went as well as expected and we were able to see him last night in the ICU. Medical staff are all pleased with how he is doing.

He's just a young man - 33 - and, except for his premature birth (and a few colds) he's always been very healthy. His only symptoms were severe headaches that began about a month ago - he'd get two or three in one day and then none for a week. They were so painful he made a doctor appointment. That doctor scheduled an MRI for the following day. They immediately put him on anti-seizure medication, gave him something to begin reducing the swelling in the brain, and transported him by ambulance to United Hospital - one of the best in area.

We've spent a lot of time in prayer, and praise God that it was caught in time and the surgeon was able to remove it. We're now waiting to hear if it's cancer and what the next steps will be.

Obviously I'll be spending time with him while he recovers at the hospital.

Thanks for hanging in there with me. Your prayers and support are appreciated. Pin It

Dogs on Thursday - nap time

Why sleep in a dog bed when you can sleep on the floor with your head tucked under your people's bed? Pin It

Whoa, gonna need shades with this one

We had a brief moment last week where temperatures soared into the upper 20s, resulting in a sudden urge to sewing something for spring.

Looking around my sewing studio I saw myself surrounded by lots of wool and lots of dark colors.

So I did what any self-respecting fabric-a-holic would do. Indulged in a little fabric shopping over at Fabric Mart. One knit was described as "a must to brighten your wardrobe".

I think that might have been an understatement. See for yourself.

I dont' know yet what I'll use this one for, but I admit it does bring a smile to my face. Pin It

Back to the 70s - flutter sleeves and flared skirts

This red and cream rayon dress sewn using Butterick 5731 - a pattern from the mid-1970s. I know some may call it "vintage" but it just doesn't seem right to call something vintage when I clearly remember the clothing from the era. Granted I was quite young

This dress is another completed UFO. It was never finished as I kept debating with myself over the hem length. I finally just chopped off about five inches so that it would hit me about mid-knee.

The pattern was in my collection and I must admit I like the romance of the flutter sleeves and flared hem. I feel as if I need a big floppy hat also. I think it's a soft and feminine dress its design complimented by the drapey rayon fabric - and the GiGi just doesn't do it justice. The floaty sleeves and fitted midriff are better displayed on a real body. When the weather warms up I'll model it - wearing the perfect red shoes of course. Pin It

What I like about you - the Simplicity 4074 knit dress

Dear Simplicity 4074. When you first appeared in the catalog - back in July 2006 - I couldn't resist your charms. You were an immediate addition to my pattern collection.

By October 2006 I had purchased the perfect knit fabric to create you.

I even had you almost completely sewed by December of that same year. And that's when your charm no longer worked on me.

You see, I hated the way you looked when I placed you on my body. I thought maybe it was the length...perhaps I should have sewed you shorter. Or maybe it was the self fabric belt...perhaps you needed more of a contrast.

I just didn't know. I only knew I didn't like you.

I know that's hard to hear, but it's true.

So I hid you in the back of my sewing closet hoping to forget you. But every time I choose a new fabric I'd see you. Even though the guilt would begin to gnaw away at me, I'd pretend I hadn't seen you.

Finally, last year, in an attempt to make you a winner, I had cut you so you'd be shorter. And optimisticly tried you on. But I still didn't like you.

But when the current UFO contest was announced at PatternReview I knew it was time to finally complete you. I threaded my machine and finished your hem. And tried you on when I returned home from work last night.

So what do I like about you? Your lovely shade of teal that matches my (cheapo) shoes almost perfectly.

I really wanted to like you. I'm sorry. I tried. I really did.

Now it's time to let you go so another can discover your charms and enjoy wearing you. Pin It

Dogs on Thursday: why my dog amuses me.

Who needs TV when you have a big dog around to entertain you?

We adopted Abby during the sticky hot month of August. With her thick double coat (thanks to the newfie blood on her dad's side) she gets rather hot in the summer. As a puppy we would give her ice cubes to help cool her off.

Now we can barely get her to come inside during the winter months...and she still likes her ice cubes no matter how big.



(LOL - oops, I forgot to turn the sound off. If you listen closely you can hear the Monty Python DVD in the background.) Pin It

If the pants fit - or - the completion UFO number 2

UFO number two - done! Of course all I needed to do was add the closure to the center front of the waistband. There really wasn't much of an excuse to not complete these during the month of UFOs.

The pants are sewn using Burda 7762. A pattern I had originally purchased because I liked the double collar on the jacket. Seriously, check out the line drawing. A shawl collar on top of a notched collar. Cool detail huh?



Better yet, check out the photo of the jacket sewn over at Fehr Trade. Scroll down to the photo labeled "tuxedo inspired jacket."

If I'm so enamored with the jacket why did I sew the pants? That's easy. Pants are much quicker to sew than jackets. And I've been known to choose fast over detail. Plus I had just enough fabric left over from my Burda diagonal front wrap skirt for a pair of pants.

What I didn't realize is that the waist band is actually two separate pieces that overlap at the center front. They are attached at the side seams. Rather than add two buttons and buttonholes I sewed a hook and eye so the front will remain smooth if I choose to wear an untucked top.

With zero alterations, the pants fit as well as any RTW I've purchased. Not the best, but not horrible either. Next time I'll need a little more room at the upper hip, add a tiny bit to the crotch length, and shape the center back waistband. I added a seam after the pants were completed, because the band stood away from my body. I also noticed that apparently I didn't bother to match the stripes at the center back seam - oops. Amazing what a peek behind you will reveal.

All in all, the pants were simple to sew, fit okay, and will be worn occasionally.

Honestly though? When I can pick up pants at the thrift store for very little money (just got me a fabulous pair of Ann Taylor lined brown wool pants for $4) I'd rather spend my sewing time on dresses, skirts and jackets. Pin It

One Yard Wonders take two

Got some creative ideas dancing through your head that only require one yard of fabric? Then get those ideas sewn because the sequel to 101 One Yard Wonders is becoming a reality.

Yes, you read that right. There will be another 101 One Yard Wonders book - tentatively called Fabric Extravaganza: One-Yard Wonders - this time with a focus on all fabrics, not just quilting cottons.

Once I received notice that submissions were being accepted I pulled out my idea notebook, looked for items that could be done with just a yard of fabric and began sewing samples.

You have an idea notebook don't you? You know, the place where you jot down random notes or sketch a design detail. The place where you quickly draw the idea that came to you while you were sleeping or popped in your head while cooking dinner. The place you draw the design that came to fruition while having your teeth cleaned at the dentist (or is it only me? I had an idea for a pillow come to me while visiting the dentist - it was published in a magazine years ago)

My idea book is jam packed with line drawings, fabric layouts as well as poorly drawn models wearing my potential design.

I managed to sew and submit two samples yesterday, am finishing up another today and have others in the works. The thing with samples is it can be time-consuming as sometimes the idea works just as written and other times unforeseen problems are discovered.

Here's a little sneak peek of the two samples I submitted. Keeping my fingers crossed that at least one of my submissions will again be chosen for this new book.

All right, all right. Enough about me. You just want the info so you can submit your own (original) idea, right? Everything you need to know is right here. You have until April 1 so get sewing!

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How I spent my Valentine's Day weekend

This past weekend hubby was gone enjoying a ski-weekend with the guys. Unfortunately - or fortunately depending on how you look at it - that meant he was gone this year for Valentine's Day.

Should I admit it? Yes, I think I will. I was actually excited. That meant three whole days devoted to me! Three whole days to sew to my little heart's content.

I picked up a half dozen free DVD rentals from the library with plans to hibernate in my sewing studio playing movies and completing multitudes of projects. Oh! the possibilities!

Ha! Only in my dreams.While I did enjoy a nice romantic solo dinner of lobster tail, veggies and wine followed by a decadent dark chocolate truffle (my honey hid a box underneath my pillow before he left) all the sewing just didn't happen as planned.

All that time, and just one little project is underway. The Guy Laroche jacket, Vogue 1143. I've lightened the photo so you can see some of the details. The fabric is a black Sophia double knit from Fabric.com.

It's rated advanced - I suspect it's because of those darn little underarm gussets - but it's coming along nicely. Pin It

Time's running out to enter the One Yard Wonders fabric sweepstakes

Just so you know, this contest ends February 28. And that date is rapidly approaching. Click on the photo (or here) and fill out the online entry form.

I must admit it. I really don’t want you to enter, you know. Because my chances of winning go down each time you enter.

And I really want free yard of fabric to show up on my doorstep every month. I even have my projects from the One Yard Wonders book picked out.

So come to think of it, you better not head over to by February 28 to enter.

Speaking of One Yard Wonders, check this out: Contributions to a Sewing Book from Crafty People from Twin Cities

It's always fun to find yourself mentioned somewhere unexpectedly.

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On a roll - UFO number one

Last time I posted I was wondering if I should tackle my sewing UFOs or dig into some new projects. (Well, except for the post that had me trapped inside the restroom at work...)

The old won. I've begun work on the few UFOs that I decided were worth finishing.


This is definitely one worth finishing. A skirt suit using McCall's 5597. Looks like it might now be out of print as I wasn't able to locate it on the McCall's Web site.

For some reason I altered the pattern and cut it out but put it aside to sew later. That meant there was a lot left to be done, including cutting and fusing the interfacing as well as choosing a lining.

The straight skirt is a basic P&P yoke skirt. The yoke is narrower and the skirt is slightly longer than the one from 5984. With this being the third skirt sewn in this style I was able to sew it very quickly, adding a full lining. Silk I might add. Nice...

The jacket is more time consuming but it's moving right along.

I'm hopeful to have this completed by the weekend so I can move onto my next project as I'm eager to begin my next sewing project.

I altered the pattern, cut out the fabric, and fused the interfacing so it's ready to go. The project is Vogue 1143, a Guy Laroche suit, using the Sophia stretch black double knit from Fabric.com. Pin It

You know you're addicted to Facebook when...

As you prepare to exit the restroom at work, the door handle comes off in your hand locking you inside. Your first thought is "Are you kiddin' me?" followed quickly by "I gotta post this on Facebook." before it really sinks into your brain that you might actually be trapped inside until someone walks by and hears your cries for help.

So that was the start of my morning at work.

Yes, this really happened.

No, I didn't have my phone with me.

Yes, I did realize I was locked inside the bathroom.

No, the door would not open without the handle. (I tried)

Yes, I finally managed to use the broken handle to open the door.

And yes, if I would have had my phone I probably would have taken a photo and posted it.

I mean, c'mon, you gotta admit it was pretty funny.

So no, I didn't post it on Facebook. But I did the next best thing - shared it with you. Pin It

Out with the old, In with the new. Sew the old or sew the new.

What to do? What to do?

I really am itching to begin sewing with the latest fabric purchases.

BUT I pulled all my unfinished objects out of hiding and am feeling like I really should complete them. You know, like I can't have desert until I finish all the broccoli. Although I actually really like broccoli so maybe that's not a good example. But I think you get my point.

You see a contest just began at PatternReview - one that I can easily participate in. A UFO (UnFinished Object) contest. The rules are simple enough - basically finish projects that were left in an uncompleted state before Dec. 1, 2009. Easy-peasy.

Seriously? Look at this stack of projects already cut out.

Ugh...that Sewing Workshop one is so old the silk print is screaming "early 90s!" That one is being re purposed as I'm certain the fabric would be much happier lining a new jacket. Sewn from one of my latest additions of course.

Not only that, here's another group of projects that just need things like hems. Double ugh.

I'm going with the UFOs - at least for tonight. I'm gonna do some hemming while watching the premier of the final season of LOST. Pin It