Mia's Sewing Room

Back for now

2011-12-13T16:44:00.000-08:00

It's been the end of August since I last posted. Of course I've been sewing, but life has also interfered. My son's official separation (29 days and counting) has been traumatic for the entire family---him most of all, but what mother's heart wouldn't also break? So I spent some time with him in his new digs to help make the bachelor pad a little more homey. On the way home the BF fell asleep at the wheel and we had an accident. No one seriously hurt but the car took forever (well, a week) to be repaired and the stress, I guess, threw both the BF and me into a horrible cold/flu/brochitist/nasty thing which has then had me down for 3 weeks. However, today it was 62 degrees, sunny, and a perfect day for tennis so I played and so consider myself completely cured. For sewing, before all this horribleness, I went to the Atlanta Sewing Guild retreat and started this jacket, which I then completed:

and of course I've also been following all my favorite bloggers out there.

Aaarg

2011-08-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

I've been down for a couple of days since I got back from my vacation. The only thing I ate during the road trip home was a veggie sandwitch at a McAllister's Deli. I'm convinced someone didn't wash the lettuce. This morning I was forced to go to the grocery, not for me, but for the cat, who was totally out of food and doesn't deserve that kind of treatment. I did wash and dry the knits I bought at MaryJo's and they are hanging on the stairwell to take down to my sewing room. I really would like to sew a couple of Christine Jonson tees before I go back to wrestling with the bodice adjustment on my SureFit pattern. I've been reading threads about how to solve the problem of a large FBA (Palmer/Plesch style) but I'm not entirely sure they will work out for me. When I made this pattern it was huge across the neckline. So for today I'm left with uploading a video of the grandkids "surfing". But of course it's too large to load here so you'll have to take my word for how awesome they are.

Luray Caverns

2011-08-19T16:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we took a trip to Luray Caverns, very near where we are vacationing. I was a little uppity about "the largest caverns in the Southeast" because I'm from New Mexico, and everyone knows that Carlsbad Caverns are so awesome as to make anything else look like a mousehole. However, at the end of an hour, 1.5 mile trip through Luray Caverns, I'm ready to concede that they are, as advertised, pretty awesome themselves. No bats, though. Carlsbad has tens of thousands of bats. And that's a good thing.

The First of Many Pictures

2011-08-16T17:19:00.000-07:00

Part of this week in the Virginia mountains, my grandson has been in transit from his camp in upper New York State, so I’ve had my granddaughter all to herself. Since I’ve played tennis virtually all of my life, I’m anxious to pass the baton on to her. I’m a firm believer that children should be exposed early to all kinds of experiences. She may never take up tennis but if she decides to, later in life, a little bit of exposure goes a long way. She already swims like a fish, and apparently is a very fast runner. We all think track and field may be in her future, but of course running fast is also of benefit in tennis. I am also trying to sneak in a little appreciation for home sewing!

One More

2011-08-15T09:17:00.000-07:00

Since I'm just sitting around waiting for DGD's next adventure ("Scrapbooking for Kids"---I like to think she's inheirted my artistic bent) I thought I'd go ahead and mention Gretchen Hersch. She's an amazing seamstress. I've signed up for her class on a "bombshell dress" but haven't even started yet, because I'm still working on perfecting the bodice and skirt of SureFit Desgins. Does it sound like I go around in circles? But I'm determined, even though I think it will be this time next year before i can get those TNT patterns perfected. Anyway, Gertie has a new series on TV and has generously mentioned they can also be found on You Tube. In this segment, she shows how to make a vintage circle skirt. Shall i mention this is perfect for my other hobby, dancing? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJEUnQobbQ0&feature=player_embedded

Vacation

2011-08-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

I'm on vacation this week (more on that later, complete with numerous pictures of my grandkids) but still have time to peruse my favorite sewing blogs. As usual, Tany has done it again. Have you ever seen such perfect pants? It doesn't hurt that she also has a perfect figure. I simply love the pieces she chooses to make. And for a laugh, always check out Male Pattern Boldness.

And ta da! Here it is.

2011-08-05T20:41:00.001-07:00

I promised in my last post to remember to take a picture of my latest dress and believe it or not, I remembered to snap this before running out the door to meet a girlfriend for dinner and bring her with me to a local dance. She’s also a member of the Atlanta Sewing Guild and one of the first things she said was I needed to take a little dart in the pattern neckline. Sewists! My dance friends would be all agog that I made my dress, but Barbara, not so much. How funny we all are, but the good news is Barbara had a very good time at her first dance since she was widowed many months ago.

6-pack fabrics

2011-08-04T15:48:00.001-07:00

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I’ve pulled several possible fabrics for the six-pack wardrobe that I’m planning to make for my upcoming trip. There are actually eight fabrics here but of course I’ll need more than six outfits for my trip. Black stretch for pants; brown wool for pants, the rest for various tops and of course the raincoat. I still have one or two dresses I’d like to make before I get started, but I know how slowly I sew. Maybe I should say, how rarely I sew. I don’t get down to the sewing room more than twice a week. This is more because of my organizational skills than because of my schedule, although I have been working with a client for the past week. Today I finished a dress that I plan to wear to a dance tomorrow night and I’ll try to get a photo of it. I thought it would be a quick project, because it’s now a TNT pattern, but since it has six godets and is lined, it took me awhile. Nevertheless, I’m pleased to have, now, a couple of TNT patterns and I plan to become like Carolyn and crank ‘em out.

Sewing Idols

2011-07-30T07:01:00.000-07:00

The internet has been a wonderful addition to my sewing skills. Patterns, fabric, notions are all available online from the comfort of your own home. For example, I just received the spiral steel boning I need for Gertie's class in my mailbox. But the most wonderful gift of the internet, for me, is the availability of seamstresses from all over the world that so generously offer their skills, complete with techniques and pictures. All of this for free, for inspiration, for education, for the love of a shared skill. I have dozens of "favorites" in my sewing folder, but today I want to focus on Tany, who is famous in the blogging world for her fabulous skills not only in sewing but in fashion.
I've been attempting to make a sheath dress using the SureFit designs and have blogged about it here.
Meanwhile, this is Tany's latest creation:

And she makes it sound so easy.....

Great Suggestions

2011-07-24T09:44:00.000-07:00

As usual, my sewing buddies over at Artisan's Square came through with compliments on the fabric and lots of suggestions for patterns for a rain jacket. I am leaning toward this Amy Butler pattern (which I would never have thought of, except for tips from the sewing group.)

Vinyl fabric

2011-07-23T13:33:00.001-07:00

I have to keep posting my fabrics here in order to get a web address for them for my Artisan’s Square posts. For some reason my Fickr account is messed up and Picasa has an issue with Windows 7. So I’m posting them to the blog, where I can copy the address for questions to my sewing groups. Today’s question involves this fabric. It’s a very lightweight fabric but of course waterproof. I think it will be perfect for my trip to China. Very packable. So it appears I've found my color scheme for the 6-pac capsule that Artisan’s Square is planning. The trouble is, of course, the pattern for a cape or short rain jacket. Not too many seams, probably patch pockets, and easy closure. Sewing on an unfamiliar fabric is going to be just another challenge in a life full of them…I've found this Vogue pattern by Sandra Bettzina (#1097) that is somewhat a possibility:

More Fabric

2011-07-19T15:02:00.001-07:00

I received a shipment today from Fabric.com and I’m very pleased with it. In keeping with my China trip wardrobe planning, this is a (red) silk/cotton for a blouse---a luscious color. The herringbone is a camel/black silk & wool for a pair of pants, a pretty good hand for the price. That will make 2 tops and 2 pairs of pants, plus what I own and what’s in my stash for the trip. Score!

Wardrobe Planning

2011-07-17T07:28:00.000-07:00

Just in time for my projected trip to China, there is a new thread on my favorite site, Artisan's Square, about wardrobe planning. A 6-piece challenge to include a jacket, a couple of bottoms, a couple of tops, and what they're calling "overlayer" tops (sweaters or sweater type garments). This will fit well into my plans and a challenge is what I need to really sit down and plan mine. Of course I could lift my entire color plan from Alexandra (and, if I could, her fabrics too). I'll use stash brown fabrics, stash silk of tourquoise, black, cream, the new RPL in black, and I'll go stash diving at the end of the week to see what else I have. I've been looking at a lot of silk---especially silk jersey---for the trip. But gosh, to buy silk to GO to China, that's just dumb.

New (Gorgeous) Fabrics

2011-07-16T14:24:00.000-07:00

I received an order from Gorgeous Fabrics yesterday---although I know Ann is in Boston, this came in so fast she might as well have been down the block. One piece is a very heavy RPL (rayon, polyester, Lycra) in black that I'll make into a pair of pants for my trip to China in October. I'm starting to think of this trip and the wardrobe it will require: Beijing will be colder (think Chicago) and Shanghai warmer (think Charleston) but of course with climate change it may all be tropical, for all I know. But I think this fabric will wear like iron, never wrinkle, and be perfect for all temperatures. I have several pieces of nice wool in the stash, but all in brown for some reason (I think I took a color course that told me I should wear brown because that's the color of my eyes. But I'm not a huge fan of brown; thus the pieces in the stash have gone unsewn.) The other fabric is a piece of jersey crepe that will make a fine little turtleneck top to go with the black pants.

Sewing a Bombshell With Gertie

2011-07-15T15:23:00.000-07:00

I've added the "Sewing a Bombshell with Gertie" button to my blog, but I'm not actually sewing the bombshell (yet). I haven't sewn anything in a few days as I'm expecting houseguests and in a frenzy of cleaning. Beyond which, as noted exhaustively, I'm going to have to perfect the fit of the last lesson plan I purchased, sigh. Nothing is easy for me. I think I could document my work for a complete "Sewing for Dummies" course. I often said in the past that Microsoft should use me as a test dummy: if there's a way to do it wrong, I'm there. Not that I actually ever used my disc drive as a coffee holder, but you know, almost. in other news I've subscribed to the really funny Borowitz Report, and if you don't read it you are missing a laugh: http://www.borowitzreport.com/

(Not so) Wearable Muslin

2011-07-13T09:50:00.001-07:00

I’m going to post this picture on my Artisan’s Square website and ask for opinions about the fit: how do I get rid of those wrinkles at the shoulder. I’m sure it has something to do with the armscye/shoulder depth/shoulder slope. I am not too happy with this but I’m wearing it anyway; I’ve run out of time for my appointment. The skirt waistband is also too loose and I’d like to modify the hip to hem flare. The hunt for the perfect fit continues!

SureFit Designs Wearable Muslin

2011-07-11T18:51:00.001-07:00

I’ve finished the second muslin (which is quite wearable) for my SureFit Designs basic dress, except I made it as a top and skirt. The next one will definitely be a dress, because who wants to put on two items of clothing when one will do? Two zippers, a restricting (moderately restricting, anyway) waistband, two hems. I fail to remember just why I decided to make it this way, and then of course I had it in the closet before I remembered I haven’t blogged for a couple of weeks. Life’s intervened; I actually am back to “working”. I’ve kept my real estate license and now my in-laws are thinking of moving to Georgia and I’ve been previewing houses for them. I forgot how much fun it is, but it’s also surprisingly tiring. I probably drive 125 miles a day, getting lost quite a bit. They want to move to a city 35 miles from me. Although I’ve sold there before, it’s been years and I have forgotten how to get around. So by the time I get home I’m not interested in sewing. But of course I still poke around on the web and signed up for Gerties new class…http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2011/07/take-my-online-bombshell-dress-course.html Check it out, she is amazing.

Something to remember

2011-06-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

Bodice Back

2011-06-20T17:20:00.000-07:00

I've been working on the back of my SureFit Designs bodice. I noticed the anomaly on my muslin but thought it might have been caused by my sewing of the side seams, which were a little different than usual due to the large dart from a full bust adjustment. That was not the case. I still have issues with the fit of the back, which I will address next by increasing the size and length of the darts in the back. Still, the fit is good and the neck and armscye problems that I had with the muslin have gone away by turning down and stiching on the stiching line. I will deal with facings in a future version, but for now I'm going to whip up a pair of shorts of this same fabric and have a little outfit to wear on vacation. I'm pleased so far, and now just have to fit the skirt to have a good sheath dress. Then I'll have both a princess seamed sheath and a dart fitted sheath to choose from. I'm building my TNT stash!

Sure Fit Designs Bodice

2011-06-11T10:01:00.000-07:00

The Sure Fit Design system for drafting a well fitting pattern has been all the buzz in my Artisan's Square sewing discussion board, so I am giving it a try. Of all the classes I've taken, patterns I've tried, and money I've spent, so far this is the best system ever for fitting right out of the box. I can't tell you how happy I am so far. I had an issue with the fit of the neck, shown in the picture below, but everyone said to just email Glenda Sparling, the owner. Sure enough, a prompt reply came back with the (duh!) suggestion that I staystitch the neck opening (to where the seamline would be in a finished garment) and clip to that point. Of course that would open the neckline further and hopefully eliminate the draglines at the shoulder.
Now if I could just get the rest of my life straightened out...I'm on a learning curve with my new computer, a Sony Vaio that's a third the size of my former computer. So far I really like it (it's pink!) but of course quite a few things are different. I spent most of a week with an iPad, but it just can't replace a laptop, although it's a fun toy. I finally took it back to Best Buy, and, props to them, they didn't even charge me a restocking fee. Then I also have almost completely bullied the men in my life to finish cleaning out the barn in my backyard. It's an enormous relief to get rid of the junk that was stored in that barn. So all in all, a good week for me! Now to find time to use this great pattern system!

Finally, the red dress

2011-06-06T16:45:00.000-07:00

I've finally finished Burda 3477, a princess seamed sheath dress. I added godets to make it "danceable". I'll try to get DF to take a picture of me wearing it to a dance. I really liked this pattern; it had a number of good reviews over at Pattern Review and I add my vote. I had a little trouble with the lining and finally gave up and just turned the neckline and arm openings under and stitched. It will be cooler that way anyway. I already have some solid blue linen from Fabric Mart and a gorgeous silk habatoi lining fabric for a second version, but I suspect I'll leave the lining off that one too.
I have been sewing a little, but DF likes to work in the yard and I feel a little guilty if I don't join him. June in Atlanta is not wonderful to be working in a garden, but on the other hand I'm still playing tennis in this heat. Between a new boyfriend, tennis, swimming, and normal housework, I sew during odds and ends of the day. Plus, now my computer is dying and I've been out shopping. Per my son's idea, I purchased an Apple iPad, but I'm returning it tomorrow. The sound doesn't work and I've seen on the web that this is a common problem. I think I'm just old enough to prefer a new laptop anyway. So now off to search the web for the best recommendations.

Next up is the Sure Fit Designs muslin. We've been talking about this system over at Stitcher's Guild
and I'm excited to find a bodice that really fit's me!

Midsummer Night's Dream

2011-05-23T15:36:00.000-07:00

I've just returned from Baltimore, where I went to see my grandchildren in the ballet production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream". DGS is an elf peering out from behind the "Changling Child". The DGD was a flower girl, and I hope to get pictures soon. I didn't take a single picture the entire trip. Falling down on my grandmotherly duties! It was great to see my family, and as usual I was treated like royalty. Another highlight of my trip was a visit to A Fabric Place, aka Michael's, and I'm including a picture of my haul. Nanette Lapore superfine grey wool for trousers, boucle in a related colorway, cashmere/cotton blend in orange sherbet, and a pale pink cotton sateen. Yay!

The Blue Knit Dress Pictured

2011-05-07T14:31:00.000-07:00

I went to another dance last night, leaving directly from my girlfriend's house. Lisa wanted to take my picture (thanks, Lisa!) so I thought I would upload this one. It doesn't show much of the skirt because, as usual, I forgot that I wanted a picture for my sewing sites. This picture shows as much as I got, but I assure you the skirt is very swingey!

What I want to be when I grow up

2011-05-04T06:40:00.000-07:00

Thoughts on longer skirts.

2011-05-02T13:26:00.000-07:00

Following my remarks yesterday about my 5'2", 140 pound apple shaped body, I read with interest the following article. It's lifted entirely without permission from the Wall Street Journal, who sternly reminds one that any reprint is for personal use only. Since only a few (perhaps none) people read my personal blog I am confident that the WSJ legal department will not get their panties in a twist, especially since it is an educational and edifying (and completely flattering) reprint of this article.

Dow Jones Reprints: This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. To order presentation-ready copies for distribution to your colleagues, clients or customers, use the Order Reprints tool at the bottom of any article

TRICKS OF THE TRADE
APRIL 21, 2011

Rachel Roy on How to Go With the Flow of Longer Skirts

- By CHERYL LU-LIEN TAN

Women are going long on hemlines this season, a welcome development for fashion designers like Rachel Roy, who is known for her ladylike looks.
Ms. Roy, who showed several below-the-knee skirts for in her spring 2011 collection, had been growing weary of the ubiquitous leggy trend of the past few years. She's enthusiastic about the long-skirted look that's currently gaining traction, she says, because the style has "a classic-ness to it and also a certain amount of tradition."

View Full Image

Mimi Ritzen Crawford for the Wall Street Journal

Rachel Roy wears a voluminous below-the-knee skirt from her spring collection as she styles a mannequin in her New York design studio.

One of the big advantages of longer skirts, Ms. Roy says, is that they can flatter practically all body types—if worn correctly, that is. "Whether you're small, large, short or tall, it's really about proportion and balancing it on top," says Ms. Roy, who likes to pair a pencil skirt that ends below the knee with a voluminous blouse "so you're not tight from head to toe."
If her skirt is a little fuller, Ms. Roy makes sure that her top is more fitted, sometimes by looping a belt over a blouse or cardigan to accentuate her waist, à la Michelle Obama, who has been photographed in her designs. "You need something to show that you have some shape behind all that volume and fabric," she says.
Because long skirts are so commonly associated with formal wear, for daytime Ms. Roy chooses ones made of more casual fabrics like striped cotton. To add a little polish, she'll wear a shiny lamé T-shirt on top. To give a feminine long-skirted ensemble some masculine edge, she sometimes will wear a tucked-in, tailored shirt or oxford shoes to complete the look.
When trying on fitted long skirts, there are a few comfort issues to note. For pencil skirts, Ms. Roy says, choose styles with "a slit that goes a few inches above your knee in the back," a design feature that won't slow down your stride. To avoid feeling trapped inside a sausage casing, go for fabrics with a bit of stretch, she says.
When it comes to less fitted styles, particularly the flowing skirts that are made with a bountiful supply of fabric, Ms. Roy makes sure to seek out pieces in light materials that feel good against her skin, like washed silks, silk twills and soft cottons. A bonus: when skirts made of these fabrics get wrinkled, "they just look better," she says, making them easy to pack in a suitcase.
Ms. Roy recommends pairing pencil skirts with high heels in bright colors, which she says will "pop any outfit." With long flowing skirts, Ms. Roy personally prefers flats, but she says that wedges look "effortlessly chic" for those seeking a little more height.
For shorter women attempting the look, Ms. Roy suggests wearing a high heel in a shade that's close to one's skin tone, which will create an optical illusion to "elongate your line and give you as much leg as possible," she says.
Write to Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan at cheryl.tan@wsj.com

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Well, darn!

2011-05-01T08:01:00.000-07:00

I wore this to a dance last night and forgot to get the BF to snap a picture of me in it. So this morning, lest you think I have not been sewing, I tossed it on the bed to prove otherwise. This is the skirt that I drafted myself. Unlike the bodice from hell that I'm currently swearing at, it was a very easy and perfect skirt for dancing: six gores plus godets. It's a great, lightweight and sparkly knit from Gail K's here in Atlanta and the fabric behaved like a dream. Additionally I've almost achieved the correct fit for the neckline. It still has a tendency to slip a little and show the bra straps, but otherwise has the right curve and fits along the collarbones without gaping. I have a purchased, strapless bodice that I bought this knit to match but the occasion wasn't dressy enough for that. It was perfect as shown for the dance I went to, lots of swirl to the skirt, lightweight and comfortable for all those swing dances. I like the idea of a matchy-matchy outfit like this because I think it gives me a longer, leaner line. At 5'2" and 140 pounds I need something to give me the illusion of long and lean!

On the island!

2011-04-30T13:35:00.000-07:00

And don't I look happy? I think I'll use this as my profile picture to remind me of those sunshine-y days. Meanwhile, not so much sewing has been accomplished. I've tried to make a bodice sloper using a patternmaking book and the math is defeating me. The shoulder is definitely not where it belongs. Why do I do this to myself when I have a fairly good sloper already? I am trying to reinvent the wheel. Back to the basement sewing room to banish that effort for awhile and try a Burda pattern instead. Wish me luck. The good news is, my DGD loves the 3 little dresses I sent last week...

Easter Vacation

2011-04-26T19:20:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to name the island where I spent my Easter vacation, because, as you can see, it's not well known and we like to keep it that way. I love deserted beaches and this one was perfect. Close enough to drive to, warm enough to wear a bathing suit, the water just right for walking in the surf. The company was fantastic, too! Four of us girlfriends talked, talked, talked, and went to lunch, and went shopping...

The LBD

2011-04-19T19:17:00.000-07:00

This is a Little Blue Dress that I made for DGD. It's in her school colors, with short sleeves as requested, and this time I serged the skirt to the bodice on the outside. It really doesn't look too bad that way, and I hope it makes her happy to wear such a comfortable dress to school when it's hot. I'm looking forward to seeing her in the Peabody Ballet production in May. along with her brother. I haven't heard what their roles will be, but I suspect somewhere along the lines of Flower #2 and Leaf #5. Although I finally finsihed the silver knit top and skirt, I didn't wear it to the dance. Next week I'll be at the beach, but when I come home I think there are a couple of "dressy" dances I can wear it to, before the summer "casual" dances begin. My girlfriend Sue introduced me to a local thrift store that on Tuesdays has everything for half price. I really scored there, paying around $2 per for white tee shirts to play tennis in, a silk tweed sport coat for BF for $3.50, a couple of dollars each for dresses for DGD. Why then do I sew? For the pleasure of it, in order to justify buying more luscious material, and hopefully, someday, for the better fit!

Ballet Neck Silver Knit

2011-04-16T05:59:00.000-07:00

I bought some silver/grey/blue knit at Gail K's to make a skirt to match a purchased bustier. It's not the greatest match in the world when you put it in different light, because the bustier is a cross dyed silk. I'll probably wear it anyway, but I had enough knit to also make a simple ballet neck top. I'm saying very little about the skirt, but I am pretty pleased that I drafted the pattern myself and it looks good: a six gored skirt with godets, so it will dance very well! The main focus of this post is on the neckline of the top. I have struggled so much with necklines that I am frustrated with them. I began the top with my TNT pattern from Christine Jonson, added the ballet neckline from Pamela's Patterns and stabilized the neckline with silk organza and lots of careful pressing. I hope to wear it tomorrow night to a dance and will try to get pictures of it on me from the new BF...

Parting Shot: My cat Bastet sleeping below the skirt.

The Blog World

2011-04-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

I get so much enjoyment from reading other bloggers with similar interests. This link is thanks to Peter from New York City, whose witty comments are always entertaining. And he finds gems on the internet, like this one..aren't the dancing AND the clothes gorgeous?

And since I'm on the subject, I can't resist adding one more dancing clip. I think it may be the most famous...Fred Astaire and Eleanor Powell. It's said this was filmed in one take. Think of the hours of practice!

No mojo this week

2011-03-30T05:29:00.001-07:00

No comment necessary....

Muslin Class

2011-03-23T06:54:00.000-07:00

I spent most of yesterday with members of my ASG group in a muslin fitting class. I learned so much! Mostly what I learned is how little I know...I was the least experienced sewer in the room. I've sewn for many years but have rarely taken lessons. When I was young and in my first marriage, I sewed a lot. But everything fit right out of the envelope and it never occurred to me that there were professionals out there teaching (and I lived right outside of New York City!) Of course I had a young child and I doubt, at that time, and in that social millieu, I could have, or would have, gone to FIT or any of the awesome opportunities that exisited outside of my zone. Then came the period of my life as a single parent with one, and sometimes two, demanding jobs and little time or interest in sewing. It truly seems that every cloud has a silver lining. When my dear Harold was so ill that I had to stop working and be near home, I returned to my former hobby of sewing. As usual, Harold was unblieveably supportive and bought several expensive items for my sewing room---which was formerly his "game room"---he even gave his room up to me! And so I have been sewing since. Once I discovered the vast resources of the Internet, and through that the concept that I was not alone in enjoying this hobby, I have become more and more serious about this interest. So this year I've decided to take every opportunity I possibly can to improve my skills. Fitting a pattern is the basic beginning step, and I've made a beginning with this class. My teacher and fellow students are all so supportive and knowledgeable.

But of course there is always a little "skip in my step". I ran from this class to meet my girlfriends for dinner and a show at the Fox Theatre. "Burn the Floor"! It was wonderful, and if you get a chance to see it, go! Then tonight a party and meeting my BMF (best male friend) for dancing, and first thing tomorrow I leave for the beach. I return Monday night and back to the final muslin class Tuesday morning, by which time I will have forgotten everything I learned and had no time to do my homework...

The Diva and The Dress

2011-03-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

You can see that MLD (My Little Diva) approves of the purple dress, which she describes as "blingy". She has ordered a short sleeved version next. Must be ready for Spring!

Still here

2011-03-18T06:14:00.000-07:00

I'm still here, but without a photo...the purple dress arrived at DGD's but I have no photo yet. I don't know if that's because she doesn't like, or wear, the dress, or they just haven't had a chance for a photo. Meanwhile I'm struggling with a muslin for a sheath fitting class I'm taking this coming Tuesday. Although I thought I was short-waisted, the muslin for the bodice (which I've cut out twice so far) remains elusively a couple of inches above my waist. So on to recut a third time and overcompensate for length. It will be interesting to bring the muslin to this class, for which I paid $150, because by the time I arrive I think the pattern will fit me as well as any I've made. I wonder what the teacher will find wrong. That's why you pay the experts! With the possibility of 3 or 4 dances this weekend, and dancing friends that don't sew, I hope I have the energy to finish the muslin at all. The class runs from 9:30 am on Tuesday to about 4 pm (with a second class the following Tuesday). Meanwhile also on Tuesday I meet friends for dinner at 5:30 and on to the Fox Theatre for "Burn The Floor"! Then Thursday I leave for the beach, returning Monday night and off to the second muslin class the next morning. No wonder I have no time for sewing....

Purple Dress for DGD

2011-03-04T12:09:00.000-08:00

I've finished a second dress for my granddaughter. This is made from the softest jersey I could find, and in her favorite color, purple. I'm hoping this all will make up for the fact that, for the second time, I've sewn the skirt gathers into the bodice on the inside...she objects to seams that touch her body. I hope it's loose enough around the waist that the seam won't bother her. But if it does, I definitely will figure out a way to make the next dress with outside seams (no matter what it looks like, lol!)

Present to Myself

2011-03-03T16:04:00.000-08:00

At my last ASG sewing group I was able to brouse through another member's copy of "Patternmaking for Fashion Design" and was so impressed I came home and ordered my very own copy. Although it had a couple of bad reviews on Amazon.com, I have found it to be a very thorough and comprehensive guide to all things about fitting, and I seem to be all about fit this year. Of course it's major premise is drafting patterns and has compete sections on rotating darts for different effects, knits and other fabric, and lots more that I have not yet discovered. This book will stay on my coffee table upstairs rather than down in the sewing room (for now at least). I hope to read a little every day.

Press n Seal Dress

2011-02-17T18:54:00.000-08:00

My son sent me a favorite dress of my granddaughter's. She's outgrown it, but they thought I could copy it and expand it just a little. Diva that she is, she objects to bulky seams against her skin. Diva that I am, I object to seams on the outside of a garment. I did the Press and Seal copy of the dress that was successful with a previous blouse and tried to enlarge it just enough. I'm afraid the neckline is too big (I have a lot of trouble with necklines and this, I'm afraid, is no exception). However, this dress is really just a first effort and I have a couple of cute knits ready for a second and third version once I see pictures of this yellow dress on her. For this dress I encased the inside seam joining the skirt to the bodice (serged) with a satin ribbon to allieviate the scratch factor against her waist, but I think she will still object. So I may have to serge the bodice to the skirt on the outside of the next try. We'll see how it goes. It's off to the post office tomorrow or the next day, so in a week or so I should have pictures and my report card.

My poor baby boy

2011-02-16T12:30:00.000-08:00

Alterations are a PITA

2011-02-10T17:13:00.000-08:00

One of the things we did in Florida was visit a couple of consignment shops. I may have mentioned a few dozen times that my sister owns a consignment shop in Lubbock, Texas (LeChic Boutique, ya'll!), so I've learned what bargains they have. I found this gown ---or rather, my brother-in-law found it. What a guy! Not only did he uncomplainingly go shopping with the girls, he has a professional, and talented, eye for color and he plucked this right off a crowded rack. Nothing could reproduce the rich burgandy red of this gown, but it is beautiful. Unfortunately it was also a size 6. However, it came with a matching stole, so I brought it home with me. It would have been easier to make a gown. Not only was it about ten inches too small in the bust, it was four inches too long. That means the gown, the lining, the interlining, the double net crinoline. The stole provided plenty of extra material for gussets, and I was able to salvage enough that I still have an adequate stole. Although I would not want anyone to look too closely at the alterations, it now fits. I'll try to take a picture tomorrow with me wearing it, but I'm not sure I'll have the time. I'm guessing it will take at least half an hour to get into the undergarment and the dress, since they all fit very tightly and close up the back. Then I wear it driving to the Valentine's Dance. Hmmmm. I'm seriously thinking of taking it all with me and getting someone to assist in the Ladies'. I'm definitely taking needle and thread, just in case.. ETA: the top picture is of me actually at the dance. The dress was a qualified success. Everyone admir ed it, because of course nobody there sews. However I had to topstitch it to the bra (yes, I remembered to take needle and thread. You can see the faint white line of the bra where I had to tack it---the picture showed the need). Silly me, it never occurrred to me until I wore it a couple of hours, that adding gussets under the arms should also require adding more boning. At the very end of the dance I shed the whole outfit and wore the (fortuanately also sparkly, but very comfortable) dress I wore while driving to the dance.

A Great Weekend

2011-02-07T10:56:00.000-08:00

My new boyfriend, Woodrow, is between my girlfriend Sue and me. We went to Florida for a quick getaway. The weather was miserable, cold and rainy, but the food and company were outstanding. Woody is an Australian Shepherd. What an intelligent, loveable, and handsome guy. Wish I could find a human male with those qualities (who is also a great dancer).

Easy Peasey

2011-01-31T17:56:00.000-08:00

I made a quick pair of pants for an upcoming weekend trip and was contemplating tackling a much needed swimsuit when I had a conversation with a fellow dancer. She mentioned carrying her dance shoes with her (we're going to Florida together for the weekend and hope to find some ballroom dancing). I casually mentioned that I could make her a little bag for her shoes. Sometimes one forgets how easy it is for sewists, and how magical it can seem for someone who does not sew. She had no idea I could do such a thing. The whole bag took about 15 minutes, start to finsih. It's pretty sparkly, as we dancers all love our bling. I made it out of the same fabric as my grandaughter's Halloween cloak, and I've also made a long sleeve top out of the same remnants. I thought the fabric was expensive, but now I've gotten 3 items from it, so in the end I believe it was a bargain!

Press n Seal Top

2011-01-28T18:13:00.000-08:00

Is finished. I hemmed the sleeves and bottom and added trim. I'm thinking I might wear this to a casual dance tomorrow night! I wish I could remember where I got the fabric. It's a great, beefy knit, maybe bamboo. It was probably from FabricMart or Fabric.com. I also wish I could manage a more pleasant expression while taking pictures, and I could if I would practice more on where to place my camera (no tripod) and how better to manage that pesky delay setting...

Handwarmer

2011-01-26T17:08:00.000-08:00

It's snowing hard in the Northeast and my grandson asked me if I could make something to keep his hands warm. I found an old fur collar and sewed it inside some leftover wool, which I embroidered with his initials and added belt loops. He looks pretty happy with it!

I'm also still working on the "dress of five muslins". I'm determined to wear this dress, not because the material was so expensive, but because I bought the fabric in Grenada on my last cruise so it has happy memories already. It won't be the best made dress, but it will fit!

And finally, working on a new neckline: the "Glad Press n Seal" copy.

Press n Seal patternmaking

2011-01-25T16:55:00.000-08:00

I'm still under the weather with a cold, but every day I get so bored I go down to my sewing room for an hour or so. I still haven't been out to get the tools I need to draft a bodice pattern, so I decided to try the "Press n Seal" method on a sweater I have with a bodice front I like. I smoothed the Press and Seal over the front and back bodice of the sweater, transferred the pattern to pattern paper, and cut it out from some knit fabric I had left over. It's basted up, but not tried on yet. I'm always hopeful, though!

The Process of Learning

2011-01-22T18:39:00.000-08:00

I love to learn new things. At my age, I'm hoping it will keep Alzheimer's at bay! But I wish I had learned bodice drafting a long time ago. My couture sewing group will be spending most of the year's meetings on learning to correctly fit a pattern, something I've been struggling with for several months now. I now have extensive instructions on drafting a bodice pattern to fit the measurements we took at the meeting today. This is serious stuff for me as it involves precision, math, and as the instructor noted with a laugh, a little basic trig! As a liberal arts major, trig is of course as foreign to me as Mandarin and I'm not a really precise person when it comes to tiny little increments in measurements. However, I plan to really try this time as it seems to me the payoff will be wonderful. The basic bodice, when complete, will still be without such necessities as seam allowances, wearing ease, and so forth, that I will need to remember to add. And, of course, it was heavily emphasized that even with all of the above one still needs to make a muslin. No wonder my bodice of five muslins still doesn't fit. And, the topper on my particular sundae is that everyone was appalled when I confessed that I was using a size 16 pattern. They knew what I did not...the pattern started out 4 sizes too big. Learning, for me, is always an expensive proposition and usually comes very late in the day. But still, I continue to love to learn new things!

What I (mostly) Did During The Ice Storm

2011-01-15T06:15:00.000-08:00

Atlanta

2011-01-14T07:29:00.000-08:00

Atlanta is composed mostly of one-way streets. The only way to get out of downtown Atlanta is to turnaround and start over when you reach Greenville, South Carolina.

All directions start with, "Go down Peachtree" and include the phrase, "When you see the Waffle House." except that in Cobb County, where all directions begin with, "Go to the Big Chicken."

Peachtree Street has no beginning and no end and is not to be confused with:

Peachtree Circle

Peachtree Place

Peachtree Lane

Peachtree Road

Peachtree Parkway

Peachtree Run

Peachtree Terrace

Peachtree Avenue

Peachtree Commons

Peachtree Battle

Peachtree Corners

New Peachtree

Old Peachtree

West Peachtree

Peachtree-Dunwoody

Peachtree-Chamblee

Peachtree Industrial Boulevard

Atlantans only know their way to work and their way home. If you ask anyone for directions, they will always send you down Peachtree.

Atlanta is the home of Coca-Cola. Coke's all they drink there so don't ask for any other soft drink unless it's made by Coca-Cola. Even if you want something other than a Coca-Cola, it's still called Coke.

The gates at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport are about 32 miles away from the Main Concourse, so wear sneakers and pack a lunch.

The 8 a.m. rush hour is from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The 5 p.m. rush hour is from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 pm. (Don't forget the lunch time rush hour!)

Friday's rush hour starts Thursday afternoon and lasts through 2 a.m. Saturday.

Only a native can pronounce Ponce De Leon Avenue, so do not attempt the Spanish pronunciation. People will simply tilt their heads to the right and stare at you. The Atlanta pronunciation is " pawntz duh LEE-awn."

And yes, they have a street named simply, "Boulevard."

The falling of one raindrop causes all drivers to immediately forget all traffic rules. If a single snowflake falls, the city is paralyzed for three days and it's on all the channels as a news flash every 15 minutes for a week. Overnight, all grocery stores will be sold out of milk, bread, bottled water, toilet paper, and beer.

I-285, the loop that encircles Atlanta which has a posted speed limit of 55 mph but you have to maintain 80 mph just to keep from getting run over and is known to truckers as "The Watermelon 500."

Don't believe the directional markers on highways: I-285 is marked "East" and "West" but you may be going North or South. The locals identify the direction by referring to the "Inner Loop" and the "Outer Loop."

If you travel on Hwy 92 North, you will actually be going southeast.

Never buy a ladder or mattress in Atlanta. Just go to one of the interstates and you will soon find one in the middle of the road.

The last thing you want to do is give another driver the finger, unless your car is armored, your trigger finger is itchy and your AK-47 has a full clip.

Possums sleep in the middle of the road with their feet in the air.

There are 5,000 types of snakes and 4,998 live in Georgia.

There are 10,000 types of spiders. All 10,000 live in Georgia, plus a couple no one has seen before.

If it grows, it sticks. If it crawls, it bites. If you notice a vine trying to wrap itself around your leg, you have about 20 seconds to escape, before you are completely captured and covered with Kudzu.

It's not a shopping cart, it's a buggy.

"Fixinto" is one word (I'm fixinto go to the store) - also can be pronounced "Fixinta".

Sweet Tea is appropriate for all meals and you start drinking it when you're 2 years old.

"Jeet?" is actually a phrase meaning "Did you eat?"

"How's Momma-nem" means: "How's Mother and all of the other children and other members of the family doing?"

I love living in Atlanta. Ya'll come see us sometime, y'hear?

Evolution of a TNT

2011-01-13T11:09:00.000-08:00

I've written before about my quest for a well fitted top, as well as the quest for a good neckline. This represents my final muslin, which fits pretty well. I had leftover fabric from the muslin I made of the plaid skirt so I used it. Together they are pretty eye-popping, but I think I may be able to wear each separately with a black piece. I feel like I'm getting a lot of sewing done since this is the fifth day I've been snowbound. I haven't even taken any pictures of the snow outside because I am mighty sick of it! Today is Thursday. I thought it would be all over by Wednesday---this is the South, after all---but I might not be able to leave until Saturday. Thank goodness my sister called and urged me to stock up. I went back to the grocery a second time and I'm glad I did, because I have plenty of food. My friends are calling, I have internet, cable, light and heat, so I should be grateful. But, I'm missing my social life! No dances, lunches, card parties...I need some cheese to go with my whine.

One Plaid Skirt

2011-01-09T17:56:00.000-08:00

I love plaids, all kinds, all fabrics. So when I saw a gorgeous silk dupioni plaid for sale at Fabric Mart, I jumped on it. However, when it arrived it became one of those fabrics that I'm afraid of. It's too gorgeous to make a mistake with! Later in the week I saw this pink taffeta at JoAnn's. I circled the store telling myself that I did NOT need more fabric, but I also had a 40% off coupon, so of course here it is. It's a muslin for the REAL plaid skirt I want to make. This one had no pattern, I simply pleated it at the waist, cut it at my measurement, and inserted a zipper and waistband. I haven't even tried it on yet, as I'm reluctant to take off the uber warm clothes that I'm wearing in anticipation of the coming ice storm that they're predicting for Atlanta tonight and tomorrow.

Up Next....I hope.

2011-01-02T06:29:00.000-08:00

Working on the 4th muslin of this dress. Every adjustment leads to a new adjustment. You can bet I'll keep the final pattern as a TNT! Why do I do this to myself? I need to learn to place a well fitting pattern ( a Tried 'N True) over a new pattern and see what needs to be done to make the new one fit...but no, I seem to be so optimistic that the new pattern is just going to fi so well with just a few adjustments. I may have to tape the TNT bodice patterns right on the wall in front of my face to remind myself I've already gone down this road before...

Black Pants

2010-12-29T18:56:00.000-08:00

I''m still fussing with my camera's "delay" setting, but hopefully I'll get better. This is a pretty grainy picture of the outfit I wore tonight to my Singles Club meeting and dinner with my girlfriend Sue. I'm publishing it because it's the only picture I'll probably take of my admittedly boring black slacks. The only reason I'm doing this is to celebrate their size; considerably smaller! You can't tell, of course. Why I didn't leave off the sweater? I was in a rush, as usual.

I Love Artisan's Square!

2010-12-29T12:35:00.000-08:00

I was still struggling with my neckline problem for a tee shirt. After a couple of unsatisfactory tries, I finally had a "duh!" moment and posted my problem on Artisan's Square. The very same day, I think I have the answer: a patten from the independent pattern company Pamela's Patterns. Here's their description: " #107 New Necklines and Sleeves for The Perfect T-Shirt

In this pattern you will find four new necklines - the feminine Ballet Neck, sporty Boat Neck, flattering Square Neck, and cozy Funnel Neck." I think I would still like a deeper neckline, but this will do!

On another note, my wonderful fabric came in. I'm very happy with it but I find I need to pay attention to the width of the fabric I'm ordering (another duh! moment). The black lace is even prettier than I thought it would be, but very narrow. I'm hoping 2 yards is even enough to make a long sleeved blouse. Meanwhile, the georgette is so hugely wide that 2 yards is at least one yard too much to make a blouse and the 2 yards will make a respectable dress. I worry that the fabric is so heavily embellished--and it's heavy that it may be difficult to dance in---tear up my partner's hands as I twirl around. And I twirl around a lot!

Merry Christmas to Me!

2010-12-24T11:31:00.000-08:00

Fabric Mart, my favorite online store, sent an email out today to announce a Christmas Day only sale... 30% off on their entire website. For quite awhile, I've had a couple of fabrics there on my "Wish List" and this seemed to be a sign that they needed to come home. So Merry Christmas to me! The turquoise is a designer silk georgette destined to become the bodice of a new outfit for dancing.. The black is a border lace from Cache' for the same type of top. Stay tuned!

Happy Holiday!

2010-12-24T07:49:00.000-08:00

May you be blessed with peace, good health, good friends and a loving family.

DGS has the family rhythm

2010-12-22T10:25:00.000-08:00

l

He's the one on the xylophone 3rd from the drummer....awesomely talented, I think!

ABDC Holiday Party 2008

2010-12-21T14:33:00.000-08:00

Dancing at the Flamingo's..

2010-12-20T07:21:00.000-08:00

Peggy Sager's "J" skirt and the CJ basewear tee translated into a dancing outfit that everyone liked:

Debut of the Red Dress

2010-12-20T06:23:00.000-08:00

I'm still not successful in the "delay" photo function of my camera. It doesn't help that I'm trying to take a picture just as I dash out the door. Obviously I wore this last night to the last of the Christmas dances. I had a mixed good time. I'm sad today because I hurt someone's feelings...not quite intentionally...what do you do when a guy shows up who wants to dominate the conversation, dance all the dances (including the last dance)..and he can't dance well...and you want to dance with other people...well, I'm simply not able to be graceful in situations like that and so I ended up being rude. And I regret it. And my punishment is this picture. Boy does it show how much weight I have to lose. Off to the swimming pool!!!

The Latest Party Dress

2010-12-15T17:17:00.000-08:00

Vogue 8665 has translated into this cherry red party dress for the last of the holiday dances. I bought the fabric in Philadelphia at the PR Weekend and have no idea of it's content, in fact it may really be home dec stuff but it's turning out to be an easy sew, with plenty of seams to take in later during my weight loss journey! I've lost track of how many dances I've been to this past month, but I have 3 more to attend before Christmas. That means a lot of dresses!

Sewing on a Diet

2010-12-10T10:01:00.000-08:00

I have no new sewing related iems to show because I'm struggling with a new challenge: my diet! Losing weight has also meant I have no clothes to wear that fit anymore. My sewing has been consisting of learning to alter my current clothing, because I don't want to invest a lot of time in something that (hopefully) won't fit in a couple of months. I am convinced that every ten pounds I lose means I go down one size in clothing. I had to actually purchase a dress to wear to the big Christmas dance tonight. I must say, it's spectacular and it will be a bear to alter, but I figure I can downsize it a little. The advantage is that I bought it from a local consignment shop. Since my sister started her consignment shop five years ago I've learned the virtues of shopping this way. The dress I bought is new, and probably was originally priced at $500-$600 and I got it for a hundred bucks. If you're ever in Lubbock, Texas, stop by LeChic Boutique and check out the bargains!

Why No Recent Posts

2010-12-01T07:32:00.001-08:00

No Sewing Next Week

2010-11-19T07:12:00.000-08:00

A lot chubbier, but I'm hoping this will be an accurate representation of what I'll be doing:

Yes, another cruise!

I am in the midst of making an outfit for the cruise but I don't think I'll finish it. My serger isn't working properly so I had to take it in for service, which they told me will take three weeks! So, a good time to be gone. I also need to get my dancing shoes in to be resoled while I'm gone. Isn't it a good thing I made the

decision to go on a cruise while all those things are being repaired?

Sewing Retreat

2010-11-14T15:37:00.000-08:00

Our local sewing guild has an annual retreat every fall, and I always try to go since it's a lot of fun. We use a camp that's been built for children with physical challenges, and when they are not booked for that purpose I'm sure they welcome the small fees they make from our group (plus an extra donation we take up). The group was smaller this year than last year, which made it easier to get to know people a little better. The dormitories are fun because they are built in the round---sort of a modified dome. Very efficient, with the core being several shower and separate toilet rooms. The beds are horrible, though, so one weekend is enough. I made the Loes Hines' zipper jacket as a wearable muslin. I am heartily sick of the fabric by now It still needs hemming.. I also had time to cut out the lining for the bodice of a new gown for dancing. I leave for a cruise next Friday so I'll test that pattern in a knit for a casual top to take with me.

Neckline Redux

2010-11-07T20:13:00.000-08:00

You can't really see the neckline in this picture; I really must figure out the feature on my camera that allows me to take pictures from across the room. My son tells me to smile more for the pictures but I feel kind of stupid smiling at myself. This version was made from leftover fabric from DGD's cloak, so, nothing ventured, nothing gained. I like the sleeves, though, and the neckline was OK. The problem is now I have no idea which of the many pattern pieces I used. I know the sleeves did not fit the body of the top. I was watching my new DVDs of "Project Runway" and was so frustrated I decided I just had to "make it work" and chopped off the parts that didn't fit. Voila, it worked...but I'll probably never be able to duplicate the process. The dance I went to tonight was themed "Gone With the Wind" and there were some spectacular dresses...one lady even came, a la Carol Burnett, with a curtain rod across her shoulders (she took it off to dance). I believe she won the contest--I hope she did. My favorite dance partner showed up so I had a great time.

Necklines

2010-11-06T16:51:00.000-07:00

I'm experimenting with the CJ Basewear teeshirt and love the fit of the body. However I want a scoop neckline on it. I confidently got out my French curve and drew a new neckline, but it was a disaster. Fortunately I made the muslin in fleece and am using it as a new pajama top! This neckline is from Kwik Sew and fits better. I'll morph it onto the Basewear pattern and see what turns up. I want to wear a new top tomorrow night to a dance and I have leftover sparkly velvet from DGD's cloak to try it with. This will be a third try for a good pattern and I'm still not happy with the neckline. I want more "scoop", but I've learned not to try it myself. I'll probably just have to buy another pattern with the neckline I'm looking for and keep making "frankenpatterns". I'm pretty confident that when I get it right I can make three or four tops of different fabrics, sleeve lengths, and embellishments and have them all look very different.

Halloween! or, she loved the outfit...

2010-11-03T08:01:00.000-07:00

The problem with sewing from a distance: the bodice didn't fit well.

The weight of the cloak dragged it down.

Fortunately, the cloak was quite a hit!

I had made the brown cloak for DGS a couple of years ago and it's still loved. This year we added leggings, a breastplate, and wristbands.

Portales, New Mexico: My home town

2010-10-26T05:29:00.000-07:00

Slow Love Life

2010-10-24T06:11:00.000-07:00

I've just found the most gorgeous blog: http://www.slowlovelife.com/ and urge everyone to run right over and add it to their "Favorites" folder. The woman is a genius, and my style of genius...she enjoys, and notices, her life. Every day. And takes pictures of it for us to enjoy right along with her. She's a generous spirit, and I'm glad to know her through the wonders of cyberspace.

See, I went last night to a "Hoedown" in Tucker, Georgia, where we learned to squaredance. Did I think to take my camera with me? I did not. But Dominique Browning would have posted lots of colorful pictures to take her readers along with her to show, not tell, what a fun evening it was. She might even have taken pictures of me spilling my wine as I tried to navigate the too-full glass back to my table. I did my own private little dance in the hallway trying (successfully) to keep red wine from my camel-colored suede skirt.

Basewear Tee Modified

2010-10-19T18:39:00.000-07:00

I'm working on perfecting the Basewear tee before I cut into my expensive fabric to make a top for dances. This time I made it with a scoop neck and got a little too enthusiastic with my French curve...it sags a little. So I've pinched out the pattern of the neckline a little for the next effort. I stabilized the neckline with clear elastic to help out a little, then happened upon this embellishment I picked up at the Apparel Mart. It will be fine for wearing out for casual events. In other news, a good friend told me today that she's lost her job as a mortgage broker and wants to fall back into her true love, teaching sewing. She lives in a two bedroom, second floor condo so I immediately offered my detached outbuilding, which is huge, heated, and practically empty. I never go out there as my dear Harold used it as his getaway and there is simply nothing there for me. Then I've had second thoughts, as in, what if someone was injured on my property? On the other hand, I'd probably get free lessons...

Train Ride

2010-10-18T05:11:00.000-07:00

My singles group took a train ride to the mountains on Saturday. There's a "twin town" at the Georgia/Tennessee border which is the final stop, where we all had an hour break to shop and stop and the local pub, then rode back to Blue Ridge, Georgia. About 25 of us took the trip, but the leaves haven't changed yet: middle of October! We all piled into our cars and went off to Outback steakhouse for dinner. The day was filled with jokes and laughter. Most of us had been to a dance the night before, and then Sunday I went to another dance. I feel like I'm back in high school. This is a great time in my life; I find that I have more fun after a relationship is over than when I'm in a relationship!

Halloween Sewing

2010-10-10T11:01:00.000-07:00

Not a terrific picture, but this is the Halloween costume for DGD, who is SEVEN years old this Halloween and deserves a very special costume (a lady Vampire). The material used in the cloak was the inspiration for the entire outfit--I just had to have this black velvet with purple sparkles. Then I found the deep purple taffeta for the main gown and the overlay of spiderweb lace that changes colors from purple to silver. I'll get some pictures when I arrive. The family lives over 600 miles away, so fitting is something of a challenge. I have no closures on the back of the blouse, until I fit it on her. The pattern called for a dress, but I made it in two pieces for the same fit questions. I plan to drive up, taking two days as usual, and stop to pick up my sister at the airport. She's flying in from Texas for the big holliday celebration. My son loves Halloween and goes all out with his decorations so this will be a great time for everyone, I'm sure.

Dance Lessons

2010-10-06T14:53:00.000-07:00

I've signed up for salsa and advanced rumba lessons. They are held on Tuesdays, and since my tennis team no longer practices on Tuesdays I'm taking advantage of the time. I've heard that there are waltz lessons on Sundays at the local Knights of Columbus, so I'm going to go there and check it out. Having lots of fun with dancing again...I'm going to a dance Friday night. I hope it's better than last week's dance, but any dancing is better than no dancing.

Sparkle Top

2010-10-01T20:23:00.000-07:00

I wore this to a dance tonight and got lots of compliments, I'm not sure why since it's so simple. I don't have a lot to say about the dance; as my friend Sue said, "I feel like a wallflower". Me too.

Wild and Crazy

2010-09-30T16:01:00.000-07:00

I bought this fabric online from Gorgeous Fabrics and was astounded to see the size of the print. It has been in my stash for several months, until I decided to try a new tee shirt pattern and use it as a muslin. To my surprise I like the way it looks! I was not especially careful---but a little careful of placement. The tee shirt pattern turned out OK also. It is the Basewear pattern but can't remember the designer at the moment... I also had my hair "reverse streaked" from all grey to a "salt and pepper" look. I can never tell, myself, but my girlfriends all approve.

Then and Now

2010-09-28T19:42:00.000-07:00

My little grand nieces are growing up. Love them so much but time passes very quickly...

The Fashion Code

2010-09-22T06:25:00.000-07:00

The people at Artisan's Square are having a discussion about The Fashion Code, a guide to correct proportions to get the best look for your clothes. I plan to order a copy (it comes as an e-book) because, from the discussion, it makes perfect sense to me. The main problem I have is getting someone to help measure me. Sometimes that's what living alone is all about. However, once I get my printer problem sorted out (never, ever, buy an HP product again) I will print the book out and take it to my ladies who lunch group and we'll have a ball with it.

Red Silk Blouse

2010-09-19T20:38:00.000-07:00

I've been sewing but not posting. I finished this blouse a week or so ago and wore it to a dance this evening. Mostly I've been working on a Halloween costume for DGD, who is seven years old this Halloween and just the right age for an elaborate, dressy "Lady Vampire" dress with matching velvet cloak. I can hardly wait to see it on her and I hope it fits! My sister is flying in from Texas and I'm driving up for the festivities.

Butterick sheath dress

2010-09-06T06:30:00.000-07:00

I think I'm finally learning how to fit the upper torso and where to alter patterns successfully. Thanks to my recent visit to the Couture Sewing Group here in Atlanta, the ladies there made me realize I was using a pattern based on my bust size and I'm not as big in the shoulders and upper chest---or even in the waist and hips---as I thought. I'm still so much larger than I used to be, or want to be, that I overestimated the size I actually am. I'm not able to get a delay on my camera even though I've followed the instructions faithfully. I think that function doesn't work, so I'm forced to hold the camera. This does not allow for a full length picture due to the constraints of the mirror I have. The length is good, though. Stitcher's Guild, my favorite online sewing site, has a big discussion going on about proportions, so I've given a good deal of thought to the right hem length for me. I finished this dress yesterday just in time for a dance last night and got several compliments.

My birthday's Wednesday and I have quite a week lined up. Last night a dance; today dinner with a girlfriend; tomorrow tennis, then movies and dinner with other friends; Wednesday, swimming, then dinner with friends; Thursday, tennis; Friday, cards and lunch with friends and then another dance. My son-in-law just called and wanted to take me out for my birthday but I told him I was booked until next weekend! It's immeasureably good to have good friends and stay busy.

Wadder

2010-08-11T17:58:00.000-07:00

It's really not too often that I give up on a pattern, but I did today. I looked online to post a picture, but couldn't find the right dress. The neckline/shoulder attachment defeated me, and I decided I absolutely hated the fabric (purchased online so I didn't realize how flimsy it was). Life is too short to fuss with an ugly piece of fabric and incomprehensible instructions. The good news is, the recent issue of Threads magazine has a timely piece by Kenneth King, reminding me to rotate a dart pinched out of a too-large armscye. This tweak should make the Loes Hines tunic top absolutely perfect, and I have a gorgeous piece of fabric on my cutting table. Of course, the way things happen, the gorgeous fabric was even better than I expected, and from the same online source as the horrible fabric. C'est la vie.

NY Times Article Sums It UP

2010-08-08T07:42:00.001-07:00

From today's New York Times:

One major finding is that spending money for an experience — concert tickets, French lessons, sushi-rolling classes, a hotel room in Monaco — produces longer-lasting satisfaction than spending money on plain old stuff.

“ ‘It’s better to go on a vacation than buy a new couch’ is basically the idea,” says Professor Dunn, summing up research by two fellow psychologists, Leaf Van Boven and Thomas Gilovich. Her own take on the subject is in a paper she wrote with colleagues at Harvard and the University of Virginia: “If Money Doesn’t Make You Happy Then You Probably Aren’t Spending It Right.” (The Journal of Consumer Psychology plans to publish it in a coming issue.)
Full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/08/business/08consume.html?pagewanted=2

2010-08-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

My Sewing Buddy

2010-07-29T17:09:00.000-07:00

Bastet is helping me by determining the next piece that needs to be sewn. She's always on the piece I want next---or on the chair I want to use!

More fabric, please

2010-07-28T14:04:00.000-07:00

Yes, I was so excited to finally get a blouse that fit, that I am once again happy about sewing. I've finally decided that the "Hearts A Flutter" blouse is just not going to do it for me, so on the advice of some sewers over at Stitcher's Guild I purchased the Loes Hines' tunic. Fit right out of the envelope---a true miracle!

So I bought two new lengths of material (neither one for another blouse of course, but just because I was happy). Both are from Fabric Mart. The grey stripe is a cashmere/wool blend from Ralph Lauren and at $20/yard it was too good a bargain to pass up. The second fabric is an ice blue velour for a warm up suit come winter. If I hadn't visited Fabric Mart during the PR weekend in Philadelphia, I would never have given Fabric Mart a second glance, even though Carolyn ( http://sewingfantaticdiary.blogspot.com/) is always talking about their fabulous deals. After all, Fabric.com is in my own hometown. But now I'm hooked on Fabric Mart. At least I'm back to being happy while sewing!

A Trip to Texas

2010-07-26T07:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I just got back from my sister's house in Texas.

And I have a dilemma. She owns a clothing store, and my whole family dresses well. I brought some of the clothes I've been making and felt like the poorly dressed cousin. I really need to kick my sewing skills up quite a bit, and it seemed to me, my taste level is kind of sad, too. Partly this is due to my portly figure. That reminds me, time to go off to the swimmng pool.

Dance dress

2010-07-13T19:24:00.000-07:00

Here's a really bad picture of my "dance dress" idea. It's the top from the last entry, plus a gored skirt. Although it's the same pattern, same size, and virtually the same fabric (rayon), this top needs more shaping--back darts, specifically. I wore it tonight to a production of "South Pacific" on the Square in Marietta. It was really good; they did a great job with the scenery. My girlfriends and I have agreed we need to get to more of these local productions. There is a very vibrant arts scene in this little town. Next up, I hope, is "Cheaper by the Dozen"---I love the book and the backstory; have never seen the play.

TNT blouse

2010-07-03T18:32:00.000-07:00

I'm tweaking this blouse to be a TNT pattern. The fit isn't perfect, yet, but close. It has a back zipper (I find I'd just as soon sew a zipper in by hand than fiddle with my zipper foot) but really doesn't need a zipper at all. The pants were supposed to go with the "Heart's A Flutter" shell but I've given up on that one. I have a category of clothes I call "desperation" which means that I don't want to wear something really ratty, but on the other hand don't want to wear something that will need ironing or cleaning after I wear it---running errands, for instance. The HAF has gone into that closet. If I don't wear it during it's visit there, then I'll send it to Goodwill. This little top fits much better and is, in fact, easier to make, so guess that's the TNT blouse for me.

2010-07-03T05:23:00.003-07:00

Couture Sewing Group

2010-06-27T07:22:00.000-07:00

I was invited to attend a meeting of a couture sewing group, which was very interesting. The ladies are in the middle of a challenge to make a vest, using couture techniques. They were fittting muslins. It's fairly typical of me that I was more taken by the architecture of the building where they met (a mid-century modern Episcopal church) than I was by the muslins---I love mid-century modern and don't like vests. I might decide to attend that church based solely on the building, but that may have been an underlying reason to build all those rococco cathedrals! The second picture is of a field trip we made to a design studio where the owner makes her own buttons. Awesome! I brought home quite a stash to add to the ones I bought at Expo and still haven't used. In other news, I bought a new car! But I'll leave that for a future post. I certainly had an eventful day.

Heart's Shell

2010-06-27T07:04:00.000-07:00

This is the "Heart's A Flutter" shell which I cut according to my bust measurement. As you can see, it hangs on me. It fits well at the neckline but the shoulders are a little wide and the sides are ridiculously wide, even though I graded it down about 2 inches per side. It also is a little long. Fortunately, too big is better than too small, so I will take off the band, shorten the bodice, add some darts in the back, and cut off another two inches per side. This really means redrafting the whole pattern. People often say that pattern designers draft their patterns per their personal body type and Louise is a big boned, tall lady, whereas I am a small-boned, petite woman. Still, I love the pattern and am willing to put effort into it to make it work for me. I've already got several more of these tops planned for me, as they are pefect for Georgia in July! I've also drafted my TNT pattern to make it a shade more closely fitting as my friends all agreed my pants were too "baggy".

My Heart's A Flutter

2010-06-24T19:22:00.000-07:00

In person, this looks a lot better. Onlywhen seeing it in the photo did I realize that I should have cut the lower band on the bias. But that is exactly how I learn; I do everything wrong the first time. I call my education a very expensive one! I have been sewing about an hour or two nearly every day, but not posting about it because it's really not super exciting stuff. As usual, with my sewing, I've made a pair of lightweight denim pants (fabric bought at Philly PR weekend for $2/yard). They are really cute, with copper colored stripes. But I don't really have a top to go with them. I'm going to check my fabric crayons in the hope I have a copper colored one. I'll make a plain white top and add a little copper embelishment. This HAF top has fushia linen blend fabric just waiting for the pants to be made. They're up next.

Getting There

2010-06-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

And I'm thinking it looks a lot brighter, no?

2010-06-15T04:35:00.000-07:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Saving Bambi

2010-06-13T18:03:00.000-07:00

I spent this weekend with friends who have a home at Lake Arrowhead. It's a gorgeous, serene place with a killer view of the lake. We were down at their dock when we heard pitiful cries. Turns out that somehow two fawns were abandoned by their mother. The guy in the photo was one of a group of college kids staying next door and they had managed to capture one of the fawns yesterday, and this one today. They had taken the first fawn to a rescue place but had been partying too much to make a second trip. I was so happy to see the little thing, and we quickly made an appointment with "Immediate Animal Rescue" who was true to his business name and arranged to meet us at a location about an hour away. We popped little Bambi in the backseat of my car and took her to her new home. The rescue guy told us he currently had four fawns living at his place and he keeps them until they voluntarily jump his four foot high fence and take off into the woods behind his home. He knows a lot about fawns and I'm so happy to have a good ending for this beautiful little creature.

More construction

2010-06-09T17:45:00.000-07:00

I've lived in construction zones since I divorced my first husband and was, rather suddenly, a poor single parent. My late husband hated change so in deference to him I actually lived for over eight years without a single major change in my house--a record! However since he died a year and a half ago I've fallen back into my old habits. This picture is of my contractors tearing apart the master bath. Begone, baby blue tile! Also, unfortunately, goodbye to the large walk in closet in the hallway. Now to decide between a huge luxury shower or a big soaking tub. No room for both.

I am sewing also. I'm working on a gored skirt with godets, perfect for dancing except that the waist has to be so huge to accomodate me. Tomorrow I expect a visit from a friend who wants me to whip up a perfectly fitting pants pattern (she doesn't sew, obviously) and I'll try my best to keep my temper.

Thanks, Kenneth King

2010-05-23T17:20:00.000-07:00

I finished the pink slinky dress that I made as a kind of wearable muslin to go dancing in. Thanks to my seminar with Kenneth King during the PR weekend, I decided to embelish the neckline. I had some trim, but didn't like it as it was, so I cut around the lower part. I left the top part as is in order to help define the neckline. The dress is OK, but not spectacular. Nevertheless I feel that I've taken a big step forward in my dancing wardrobe aspirations.

PR Weekend in Philly

2010-05-18T07:08:00.000-07:00

I have every intention of getting a new camera ASAP. I sorely missed one on my recent trip; first, to record the amazing grandkids; and second, to document my Philadelphia Pattern Review experience. All I can say at the moment is WhooHoo! What fun. Philly is a beautiful (but expensive) city, and the people I met were awesome. It's so unusual to be with women who also love to sew and LOVE to buy fabric...I had to buy another suitcase to bring my stuff home. Luckily the last store we went to was Jomar's. I've never been in a store like that ---a bit like a Big Lots with lots of discounted stuff, including fabrics at ridiculously low prices. Fortunately in the back of the store I also found cheap suitcases. All in all I think I bought 18 yards. I was on a quest to buy pretty fabric for ballroom dance dresses, and I found enough for four dresses. Meanwhile, when I got back home there were tons of things to do here at home, including more work on the basement, plans for lunches, end-of-season tennis parties, yard work, and Memorial Day plans. I'll post more on that when I buy a camera. Any suggestions?

No pictures, no camera, no blogging

2010-05-06T15:58:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted for quite awhile, not because I haven't been sewing---I was, but because I've been a bit overwhelmed lately. First, I am having a little trouble typing on my new computer's keyboard, so that's a hassle. Second, I lost my camera. Third, I'm leaving day after tomorrow for a little vacation combined with PR weekend in Philly. And finally, my basement flooded again. This is getting beyond annoying. It's exhausting to clean up several inches of dirty water filling my whole basement, and doing it entirely by myself. I took the foot pedals of my serger and sewing machine to be checked out as they were underwater for who knows how many hours. After sweeping water out the doors for nearly an entire day I was left with several blisters on my feet, so I only mopped the sewing area with Clorox and I'm just leaving the rest until I get back. I have managed to fashion a Rube Goldberg basket, lining it with mesh meant for gutters. I hope that will work to hold back the debris that clogs the drain, which is what leads to the flooding. Obviously the two filters I had on the drain failed to work last time, so now I have three filters, and this last one is quite large. I also intend to be much more proactive about policing the area. But the upshot of this whole week has made me realize how much I want to sell this house and move to something much easier to keep.

Patrick

2010-04-20T07:55:00.000-07:00

My son visited me over the weekend and did tons of work. He set me up on DH's old computer but I can't seem to get the keyboard to work properly; all of a sudden my cursor will jump backwards or randomly. I don't know what key I'm hitting wrong but I hope to get the gist of it soon. I've also lost my camera so I couldn't take pictures of all the progress, but he accomplished so much in such a short time. It's getting easier to live in this house as I make it more my style and less an accommodation of DH 's stuff and mine. Yesterday I found two boxes of recipes---small little tin card files with carefully handwritten recipes. I'll give them to DH's son as I hope they will appreciate someone's work. I appreciate the care and time taken, but I don't want to store them and can't stand that sort 'of clutter. Meanwhile during this post the cursor has jumped at least a dozen times so I think I'll quit rambling and shut this down.

More Dancing, Less Sewing, or WTH?

2010-04-11T19:59:00.000-07:00

Another dance tonight---that makes 2 per week. Yesterday I stayed in, watched a marathon of NCIS, my current favorite TV show, and worked on the Heart's A Flutter shell. It's almost finished and I hope to wear it to my ASG meeting tomorrow night. Meanwhile, back to the dance and the WTH (or, what the heck?). I really got back into ballroom for a number of reasons, the major one being exercise. I started by doing a friend a favor. Rob is going through a divorce and, because he was a dear friend of my late husband I decided he should not sit home and mope. Besides, he's a good dancer. So I introduced him to a girlfriend who is interested in dancing and goes to a lot of them. I decided to tag along to see how my skills have languished. I assumed because I'm an overweight, white-haired woman I would sit on the sidelines and watch. Imagine my astonishment to find that several old friends I used to dance with are still going to these things, and I actually get asked to dance often enough that my feet hurt tonight! One old buddy I ran into tonight said we looked like spring chickens next to some of the people there. I actually danced with a man that I'm looking forward to seeing again---because he flew 26 missons over Germany during WWII. Yes, I guess I'm pretty young for some of the group, lol.