Ready to sew some more!

Hi Everyone!  How are you doing?  Are you ready for fall?  The days are starting to change and the temperatures are changing a little bit.  It's been much nicer walking my dog at night.

I've been sewing and knitting a little bit lately.  I still think I'm learning to knit, but I'll show you more of this in a future post.

I did make a couple of new tops.  The first one is Kwik Sew 3756.  I like the neckline of this top.  It gives a little flare to regular round or v-neck tee.  The fabric is a knit from JoAnn's that I bought last fall.  It turned out to be a little big so I'll adjust the pattern the next time I make it.  I usually make a size Medium and grade out to a Large in the hips for Kwik Sew patterns.  I've lost a little weight a few months ago and it's enough for me to adjust my pattern size.

I made another tshirt, Kwik Sew 3003.  I like the fit of this pattern.  It's not too tight or too boxy.  I used a knit from Gorgeous Fabrics that I've had awhile.  I wish I would have made it sooner.  I love this fabric.  

Well, I'll sign off for now.  I have another post  to share with you soon.  I made a bag that was designed by Lori from Girls In The Garden blog.  Check our her blog.  She's great!

Sewing a new top

Hi Everyone,

How's the first month of 2011 treating you?

I'm staying busy like everyone else.  I've been wanting to sew lately and found time to make a new top.  Kwik Sew Pattern 3658.   I used a cotton/lycra blend from Sewzanne's Fabrics.  The color is Spruce Green and it's 92% cotton and 8% lycra.  I made size Medium and graduated to the Large for my hips.
I also made a long sleeve version in navy.  I like the neckline and fit of this pattern.  It was pretty easy to sew.

I think this would look good in a jersey knit or a sweater knit.  I haven't tried either one yet so I won't promise the results.  Let me know if you have any fabric recommendations for this top.  I'd love to know what you tried or what you think.

I want to make some pants.  I need to make some pants.  I need to decide on a pattern and start working on a muslin.  I made myself several pairs of pants many years ago.  I decided it's time to do so again.  About 97% of the time I have to alter any pants I buy.

What have you been sewing lately?  I'd love to hear about it.

Making a few new tops

Hi Everyone!

How's your summer been?  Did you take any fun trips?  Did you see friends and family you haven't seen in a while?  Did you get to sew or craft more?  It's flown by for me.  Work was busy for me the first part of the summer, but we managed to get away for a couple of weekends recently.  We have a few trips coming up too and they'll be a lot of fun.  It's 103 today and I know we have a lot more warm weather to deal with, but it's August 23rd and that means we're closer to cooler days.  Think positive, right?

I've managed to sew a little.  I decided I needed some new tops and set out to make a few quick ones that I could wear to work.  I tried Kwik Sew #3003 and loved it.  I made size Medium and increased out to a large fit my hips.  Perfect!  It's a nice fit, not too tight and not too boxy.  I didn't even have to adjust the sleeve width.   I used fabrics I bought from Gorgeous Fabrics last summer.  They're all polyester/lycra fabrics.  I may make another one or two soon.  I think I'll change the neckline to a V neck  just to change things up a bit.

I also made the tank top from Kwik Sew #3232.  I made size Medium again, adjusted for my hip measurement and lengthened it an inch.  I made this turquoise top and another red one.  The fabrics are cotton knits.   These are great weekend tops for the weather here and I like wearing them under blouses if I need to.

Hope you all are doing great!  Enjoy the rest of your summer!

What's up?

Hi Everyone!

How's your weekend going so far? I had many plans and ideas swimming around, but haven't accomplished much yet. I was "under the weather" yesterday and did't do very much. I woke up this morning feeling much better, so I hope to get a few things done

Here's a picture of the last t-shirt I made. It's Kwik Sew # 3003. I like how it fits. I made a size medium and tapered out to a large for the hips. It's made from a cotton/poly knit I found at JoAnn's. I made several tops before using KS # 3338 and KS # 2900. The fit of this one seems to be in the middle of them. The neckline of this one is fine and I think I can use the other 2 patterns to change it up some.

Ready for a picture of another purse? I can't seem to stop making them. This one is just a simple shoulder strapped bag. I used crochet nylon and half double crochet stitches. I like the size of it for what I carry around all the time. Here's a tip: crochet shoulder straps stretch! I purposely made this shorter than I wanted it and it has almost stretched to a length longer than I like. It probably has a great deal to do with what I shove in it, but I thought this might be a handy tip for someone.


The weather is beautiful here in Vegas. DH and I took a walk this morning. Last weekend DH rented a bike for me and we went bike riding. It was great. I just may have to buy one soon.

Hope you have a great weekend!

Hi Everyone!
This is Simplicity Pattern #6762. I used a Juliet knit and made a size Medium, tapering out to a Large through the hips. It's a raglan sleeve with darts at the shoulder. I thought the darts stood out at the shoulders, but they really don't. Overall, I like this top and I think it looks a little better than a regular t-shirt. The neckline was easy to apply. I wasn't sure it would lay very well. Since the neckline stretches more at the seam or outer side of the neckline, I thought the inner side of the neckline would stick up. Does that make any sense? I sewed this neckline twice. The first time I applied the neckline, it did stick up some. It wasn't too bad and would probably lay better after being laundered, but I decided to try it again. I just shortened the neckline piece a 1/2" or so ... very little. It made a difference. The inner neckline lays a little better and the change didn't affect the outer neckline at all. I'd recommend this pattern to anyone. It's quick to sew and the directions are easy to follow.

We had a nice weekend. We went to our friends' home yesterday. They have a pool and we enjoyed swimming and relaxing for a couple of hours. We had dinner and watched some of the Olympics. It was a great way to spend a Saturday! How was your weekend?

Time to Sew

I need new pants, so I decided it's a good time to try and make some. I chose this pattern ...McCAlls #5239.
It's just a good basic pants pattern. I used to make pants for myself a long time ago and I learned to fit a pair for myself using a former version of this pattern. I started with my new (bigger) measurements and took measurements of some RTW pants I have. I also read through some fitting books and went to work on the pattern adjustments. I shortened the crotch length and increased the crotch width on the front and back pieces. I made a muslin and they actually fit pretty well. I made this pair out of fabric I bought at Hancocks. It's a polyester something-or-other. I thought these would just be a 2nd muslin, but they fit pretty well. I finished them and wore them to work. They turned out ok. I plan to lengthen the legs on my next pair. These are ok as long as long as I wear flats. I'm thinking about shortening the back darts. I'll have to read more about this.

I also made a top out of fun rayon print I found at a local fabric store. I used Textile Studio Pattern #1201, Basic Top. This is simple top that can be made out of a woven or a knit. It's an easy to sew pattern. I serged all edges and sewed sleeve and side seams. Then I pressed the neckline under about 3/8" and stitched. I hemmed the sleeves and bottom and I was done. It drapes nicely if you use a light weight fabric. (It also looks better untucked.) The next time I make this I will widen the sleeve. They're a little snug. It's wearable, but it'd be more comfortable if I increase the sleeve width. (Funny, I never had to worry about this before.)

Next up, Simplicity Pattern #6762. I kept looking at the top on this pattern and decided it was time to give it a try.

Who likes to Crochet?

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to check in and let everyone know I'm still here. I hope to post more soon, but I thought I'd add this bit of info for you.
If you do like to crochet, check out the new issue of Crochet! magazine.
I received it yesterday and had a great time going through it. There are some great designs and there are several I'd like to make. I can add them to my list ... the list that just gets bigger and bigger!

Since my last post, I've been to San Antonio to meet my brand new DGD! Her name is Charlotte and she's a doll! I made a new purse (crochet), started a new top (crochet) and have been able to fit a pants pattern for myself. I'm excited about making the pants, but I haven't found any material yet. I need to shop! Soon!

I'll be back soon!

Wow!

I'm sure everyone is busy this time of year ... I know I am! Since my last post, I've been to St Louis. My DH had a meeting to attend and I tagged along so we could drive a little farther west and see my family. It was great! I haven't seen my parents in almost a year and that was a very short visit. I'm hoping to take more time off in September and see them for more than a couple of days.

While my DH was in meetings I took off to find a fabric store. I found Jackman Fabrics and had a lot of fun looking at everything. They had a great quilting section, fashion fabric section and a home dec section. I had plenty of time to look and play. I really don't mind my husband's meetings. LOL!

Work's been really busy and will stay that way for a few months. We're in the middle of budget season. Enough said!

A girlfriend of mine (Darlene) from CA came through this weekend for a visit. She's on her way to a week long workshop and had a chance to stop on they way. She brought a friend (Tami) along who's also attending the workshop. We enjoyed a couple of dinners out on our patio and we managed to do a little shoe shopping on Saturday. Tami mentioned that she needed some new shoes to go with a dress and she wasn't sure what to get. Well, Darlene and I looked at each other, grabbed Tami and headed to some favorite shoe stores. Tami left with 3 new pairs of shoes. Mission accomplished! It's just so much fun to shop for others and spend their money! LOL!

I managed to make a couple of things during the last few weeks. I made a little top for my dgd. I hope it fits. Check out this website ... Luv2Crochet. She has some really cute patterns for little girls and I just had to make one. I made this one out of Cotton Plus. I really like this yarn. I wanted to add some color so I made a little flower and added a button. Maybe DGD will like this added touch.

I also made another skirt to wear to work this summer. It's Simplicity 3506 and I used a rayon fabric I found at Hancock's last summer. I like the top and dress of this pattern, but I'm not crazy about the jacket. I plan to make a turquoise top to go with this skirt, but I'm not sure if I'll use this pattern or try something else. We'll see.

I also started a crocheted cardigan sweater, but it's been frogged already. I wasn't happy with it. I finished crocheting a purse, but it needs a lining. I'll post a picture of it when it's finished.

I hope everyone is doing great! Let me know what you've been up to. I love to read about and see what everyone else is working on.

Sewing Time

I spent some time sewing over the weekend. My DD found a cute "fish" mobile for a crib. That was what she picked for a theme. We found a turquoise colored fabric that looked like "bubbles" at Hancock's a few months ago. DD wasn't ready to commit to this fabric yet. Unfortunately, when she decided she wanted to use that fabric, she could only find 3 yards. My Hancock's didn't have any. I asked her to send me what she had and see if she could find anything else she liked. She sent the turquoise bubbles and found the same thing in pink. I found a busy, cute, bright fish print to match the turquoise and pink bubbles. I'm not crazy about using a lot of the pink, so I decided to use it as a trim on the valance and I'll use it to bind and back the quilt. Here's the valance and quilt top I made.

My DD takes care of my 2 year old grandson quite a bit. She has a toddler bed for him and it will stay in the baby's room. I found another fish print to go with the turquoise bubbles and made a quilt top for him.

So, I have a good start. I plan to make bumper pads and I still need to quilt the quilts!

Ready to Sew

Hi! I haven't really accomplished a lot since the new year began. I've had a lot of "interruptions". I have been able to play in little blocks of time though. I started crocheting a shell top. I've also been looking at baby patterns. It's time to start on some baby things for our grandbabies due in May and July. It's warm in Texas by May, so I really don't want to make sweaters and hats for newborns. We did find out that we will have a granddaughter in May! I'm so excited! We just found out yesterday. This weekend I'll shop for material to make a valance, bumper pads and blanket of some sort. I have an idea what my daughter wants. I'll see what I can find!
Tonight I worked on making a new top, Kwik Sew Pattern # 3338. (See link on side bar.) I signed up for a sewing class on Pattern Review called Build a Better T-Shirt. I have a mental block when it comes to fittng a pattern. I thought learning to fit a t-shirt might be a good place to start. I've never taken an online sewing class. It should be fun. I'll let you know how it goes. I'll post a picture of the t-shirt when I'm finished.

Remember this? Never the Same Twice jacket pattern?

Well, here's my finished product.


I have a few minutes and wanted to post a picture of the finished jacket. I'm happy with the way it turned out. I think the jacket will be fun to wear and since it's just 2 layers of cotton fabric, it'll be perfect for Vegas. The pattern was not hard to follow, but there was a little trick to collar area. Not a trick, really. It was just easier not to worry about matching the layers perfectly. Let them fall where they want and then stitch. Gotta go ... time to work!

Hello!

Sorry I haven't posted lately. I was out of town for a long weekend and then I was home for a week without a computer. The computer's back, along with my DH. We share a computer at home and it's fine until he has to travel. I may get one of my own very soon.
We traveled to San Antonio to see our kids and grandkids. I'm always excited to go, always have a great time and am always tired when we get home. My DH and I have 6 kids and 4 grandkids between us. It's great they're all in SA. When we visit, we get to see everyone! I love it!
I've been working on different things ... again. A purse, a top, a quilt top. a jacket and yearbooks for a group I'm in. The yearbooks took up most of my free time last week. When I got tired of them, I'd pick up something fun to work on ... the purse, the top, etc.
I took a jacket class last Monday night at a local quilt shop. I finished it last night. Well, almost. I have a little hand sewing to do and I need to find a button for it. Here's the pattern - Never the Same Twice from Indygo Junction. (Can you believe it? a link! WhooHoo!) I have to admit ... when I saw the pattern I wasn't crazy about it, but a friend was teaching the class and I decided it would be fun to make. When I saw other jackets people were making, the class was even more fun! I'll post a picture of it very soon.
Have a great day!

My Weekend

Hi Everyone!
This weekend started out with a list of things to take care of. You know how that goes, don't you? You start thinking about what needs to get done, what you want to get done, the other things you should get done ... and then you do something else! Well, a new skirt sounded like more fun. I used New Look Pattern # 6470 and some fabric I bought at JoAnn's. The skirt has an elastic waist and separate pieces added to bottom to make the flounce. It goes together pretty easily. I'm happy with the fabric and the fit. That's a rare combination for me.

Another thing ... my DH has a new employee at work. He and his wife just had a baby boy. I wanted to make something for them, but didn't think I'd have enough time. I started on this little blanket and should be able to finish it tonight. One side is flannel and the other side is cotton. I serged around the pieces and am now crocheting an edging with #10 crochet cotton. I'll let you know how it turns out. I think I should add a little extra to this gift, like a new outfit or keepsake for the baby ... or a donation to the college fund. I'll think about it a little longer.
Ok, I'm off to work on the list of things that need to get done. Later!

New Skirt

Hi Everyone! Well, here's a picture of a skirt I made last week. It's a Textile Studios pattern ... basic skirts pattern. It's a 4-gore skirt and easy to sew. The fabric is a polyester from Fabric.com. I'm learning more about the fabrics I like to sew and wear. I like the colors and pattern of this fabric, but I'm not crazy about the content of the fabric. It's still a good skirt for work.

My dh and I made a whirlwind trip to OK over the weekend. One of my dbs got married and most of the rest of my family was there. We had a great time. I know we'll be ready to take it easy this weekend!