Sharon Sews

After a month of extremely limited sewing time I am really looking forward to spending some quality time with my sewing machine. With warm weather almost here I think I'll spend some time sewing dresses and skirts so I'll be ready. With visions of skirts dancing in my head, I joined the Skirt Month Sew-Along posted on the Sew, Mama! Sew blog . My first skirt will be the button front skirt from McCall's 5330 . I am using a gray linen/blend with a silver metallic border print purchased from the remnant bin at Joann's. Because there was less than a yard of fabric, the border will be placed along the center front edge of the skirt. I expect the skirt will be completed by Sunday evening so check back tomorrow night for photos.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! For all of your kind comments regarding my projects that will be in the gallery section of the Low-Sew Boutique book. And those of you who know me know that I was jumping up and down when I first discovered these would be included in the book. Sometimes I let my excitement get the best of me! Sure hope I didn't toot my horn a little too loud if you know what I mean. I'm excited but at the same time I can hear my mother saying "pride goes before a fall." (One of the other sayings I heard a few times growing up. The other is here .) Cheryl sent me an electronic advance copy of the book to review, but I haven't had a chance to do more than look at the photos of her projects. I'll promise to give you a sneak preview of some of those too. I have to admit that it's exciting to see something I made in print. And honestly, you know you have a true friend when they invite you to have a place in their book. Let's face it, Cher

The box on my front step had this return address... ... and contained the six samples I had submitted to Krause Publications for the gallery section of Cheryl's soon to be released book Low-Sew Boutique (which I've written about previously), as well as this handwritten note letting me know that I'll be able to see my creations in print - soon. My samples included three purses, and a summer ensemble consisting of a top, a skirt, and a belt. All six were created from something you'd find in your kitchen. I'll post photos and tell you how I made them - soon.

Grab a martini and take a seat while I respond to a few comments before we get to the fashion show. Ariane asked who hosted Retrorama. I guess I forgot to mention that part! It was hosted by the Minnesota History Center . They already have another planned for November so I guess it was a success. Carolyn was wondering how we (all us creative sewing souls) could incorporate some of the details into today's garments. I think that is partially what the designers were trying to do, but each designed and showed one garment only. However, after seeing the details on the vintage garments up close I have so many ideas running in my head that I don't know where to start! One of the main reasons I wanted to go to Retrorama was to see the "'50s-inspired fashion by local designers." Five local designers were given access to the History Center's vintage apparel collection and each made one garment that used some element of the '50s. My friend and I made our way to th