One tired puppy!

This is my son's two year old pit bull.  While I have been trying to get the house organized and unpacked, he follows me from room to room.  So last night I was working in my sewing room trying to get things in order and organized...when all of a sudden I hear snoring.  I look over at him this is what I see...

I think I tired him out from all the walking back and forth through the house. LOL I know exactly how he feels though.

Happy New Year 2014

Hope everyone has a prosperous and blessed 2014

Handel Messiah

We found out at the Saturday rehearsal  that we would be singing with a portion of the Houston Symphony! WOW! The high light of my birthday was going to the Symphony, but being able to sing WITH the Symphony AWESOME!!!!  Talk about one for the bucket list! *check*

I absolutely LOVE how my dress came out.  It was the exact look I wanted...simple and elegant!

Because I would be on my feet I had to wear sensible shoes (i.e. flats), but I can't wait for the opportunity to wear this dress again.   I have these shoes and they look perfect with this dress.

NOW it's starting to look like Christmas

We picked up the keys yesterday and the first thing on the agenda....PUT UP THE CHRISTMAS TREE!!!
I love the high ceilings in the new house (have a thing for high ceilings), I wanted a larger tree three Christmas' ago but let someone talk me out of it.  This move, I decided to go ahead and get the bigger tree! And I am SO happy I did.  I did not have the time to really decorate the tree how I wanted to, my goal was just to get it put up.  So that is what I did tonight!

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

Who decides to move during the holiday's?

I did!
INSANE right? Yeah it's downright INSANE!!!

So I started purging and packing up the non-essential stuff a few weeks ago.  Thanks to Pinterest, I found some great tips in hopes of making this move go a little smoother than my last two move.  After doing some research, I decided on renting a POD instead of hiring movers or renting a truck and doing the move ourselves.  Price wise it's about the same amount of money, but stress wise it's going to be a whole lot easier!

Well in the midst of all this guess who gets sick? Yup you guessed it...the crazy lady that decides to move right before Christmas.  I started medicating up as soon as I start feeling bad.  But we all know, no matter what you take its just temporary relieve until this thing runs it course.

The POD shows up EARLY Saturday morning (7:30 am) so there's no sleeping in.  Plus I have Messiah rehearsal at 10:30 and I need to catch the last part of our Women's Ministry 2014 kick off meeting right after.

With this sitting in my driveway, now this move officially feels real!!!  It looks a lot smaller than I expected.  And I got nervous trying to figure out how in the heck am I going to get my WHOLE house packed up into this.  Thanks to my cousin who suggested I try Aleve Cold and Sinus.  Yesterday I was feeling a LOT better.  And got a LOT done.  My game plan is first thing in = last thing out.

I moved all the storage boxes out of the garage with the exception of my Christmas decoration.  Christmas decoration will either be loaded last, or moved in one of the cars. I am determined to have some sort of Christmas this year.  So the tree is going to be the first thing that goes up!  I have about 80% of the house packed.  So all I have to do it move those boxes out of the house and into the pod.

I pick up keys to the new house on Friday. 5 days and counting!!!

It's Starting to look a lot like Christmas...well not so much,

Normally by now my home is fully engulfed in CHRISTMAS!  But instead it looks more like a storage facility.  Boxes EVERYWHERE!  I'm moving in two weeks, so I am in full blown packing/purging mode.

MENTAL NOTE: Don't ever plan a move around the holidays!!!

Originally, I was not going to put up a tree.  But I just could not do it.  Christmas is my favorite holiday and I look forward to just sitting on the couch and looking at my tree.  So I decided to go ahead and put it up.

Well, its my temporary tree.  After we move on the 20th, then I will put up my regular tree.




   

Handel Messiah

Our choir is singing Handel Messiah for Christmas this year.  Note: I am not that great of a singer, but I enjoy being in the choir.  This production is not the WHOLE choir, just those that volunteer.  So I volunteered...not realizing how HARD these pieces are.  All I could think of was the Hallelujah Chorus, I figured this would be a great opportunity of learn how to sing it correctly.  Oooooh weee!  There are a couple of other chorus' we will be doing.  Thank God for YouTube.

Anyway, we are black formal dresses with a single strand of pearls.  Cool, easy...I have both.  Well I tried on the dress I already have last week.  I was just going to make a bolero jacket to wear with it...but after trying it on, I realized...I need to make another dress.  The one I have is not quite church appropriate, just a little tooooo low cut in the front.  Sure, if I was a "B" cup I could get away with it, BUT...NOT!

So, it's on to plan "B".  While I was looking for patterns for the jacket I saw this dress.  I plan on altering the pattern so the the back is not as low and I will not be sewing the drape onto it.

Perfect....EASY!  Just so happen JoAnn's had their Vogue patterns on sale for $3.99 Saturday.  So I was lucky enough to get the only, the last of this pattern they had in the drawer.

While I was there, I looked at fabric.  The pattern calls for fabric with a 4-way stretch.  I did not want to sequins or anything shinny so I looked at velvet.  They had a few options of crushed velvet, that was very reasonable ($5.99-$9.99) that also happened to be 40% off.  But I did not like the look of them.  They had that cheezy "renaissance fair" look to them. After about 30 minutes wandering up and down the aisle, I rand across a beautiful stretch velvet.  The bolt said $7.99 AND it was on sale.  Perfect...almost too perfect right?  Right! Got up to the cutting table with it and um yeah too perfect!  It was about a yard and a half of stretch velvet that was on the wrong bolt. :-/ The fabric that I wanted was $16.99 and that was all they had of it in black.  Well, at least I figured out what kind of fabric I wanted to make the dress out of, so it was not a complete fail.  Oh and I got my pattern.

Later in the week I went to Hancock's to see what they had.  I love the fabric at Hancock's, I always find what I'm looking for (plus a few of things I did not know I was looking for). LOL  Not only did they have the stretch velvet I wanted it was $14.99 AND 50% off!!!  I plan on lining it with tricot.

Love it when a plan comes together!  I wanted to cut out the dress that night, but did not get a chance to.  Which is probably a good thing.  In the meantime, I thoroughly read the directions and I've been reading a few articles on sewing velvet.

Pattern Review - McCalls 6604

McCalls 6604 Top View A with McCalls 3830 Skirt

Pattern Description: 
Pull over top with different varations.  I cut/sewed view A

Pattern Sizing:
I cut a size 18

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?
I do not know, I misplaced the directions and had to pretty much wing it on my own. Was not sure how the neck facing should have been finished.  I was concerned about it stretching out. so I basted it and finished it with a zig-zag stitch (I do not have a serger yet).  Funny, the directions "showed up" when I was finished with it.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
No dislikes.  It was very easy to sew.  And unlike other reviewers I did not have a problem with the drape in the front being too low (even though it looks low in the dress form).

Edited to add: I wore the top to work today, and yes the front drape is a little low...it's more noticeable when you bend over.

Fabric Used:
Light weight poly printed fabric

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I used the sleeves from view C

Would you sew it again?
Yes.  Probably view A again but with the sleeves from view D.

Would you recommend it to others?
Yes.  It seems like there were mixed reviews on this top.  Mostly just personal preferences.  I say give it a try, it's an easy top to sew.

Conclusion:
Another great wardrobe piece for me!  Top is shown with McCalls 3830

Serge on...

I have a new love for knits...specifically ITY knits and Ponte knits.  They are so easy to sew and I love just about everything about working with them.

I know, no one but me will see the inside, but I really want a nice, professional finish in my seams.

So know I am on the hunt for a nice, affordable serger.  This will (hopefully) be a one time purchase for me so I want to make sure I get one with all the features I need and will possibly need.

A couple of weeks ago I went to the sewing machine shop by my house to look at machines.  They demonstrated how each machine worked and let me try it out.  Ultimately, I decided on a Janome 1100D.

It's a little (well a lot) more than I expected to spend.  I put it on layaway and I am excited about me decision.  This will be my Christmas present to ME this year :-)

Blinded by happiness!

Who just figured out how to do a blind hem?  This girl!!!

Top: Inside of stitch     Bottom: Outside of stitch

I am just excited beyond words right now.  Every time I sit down to my machine I try to learn or master something new.  My machine has 67 stitches and I know how to use maybe 4...now I can add one more to that list!

Pattern Review: Simplicirty 7084

Today was "Pink Sunday" at church. I made this top (Simplicity 7084) with some fabric I had in my stash. It feels like a light weight crepe.

Pattern Description: Top with various options.

Pattern Sizing: I cut a size 20 

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It was very easy to construct.

Fabric Used: Not sure exactly what it is, it was some fabric I had in my stash. I think it was a crepe.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I cut the neckline for view A and used the sleeves for view D closing them up. I also added 2" to the length of the bodice and the sleeves. And instead of facing it, I added bias to the neckline. 

Would you sew it again? Yes, I will definately sew it again.  It is a great wardrobe builder.

Would you recommend it to others? Yes

Pattern Review: McCalls M6797 Top

Pattern Description:
 Pullover loose fitting top
Pattern Sizing:
I cut in XL
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
It was easy to sew and went together quickly.
Fabric Used:
I used a rib knit that I purchased online for $1.00/yard.  This was made as a "wearable muslin" that I will probably wear to lounge around the house with yoga pants.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
None

Would you sew it again? 
Yes, I plan on making this again, in a better fabric.  I make make some alterations to the draped side of the top by removing some of the drape and adding a little more structure to it.
Would you recommend it to others?
Yes I would.  It was an easy top to make and is very versatile. You can dress it up or down depending on the fabric you use and how you accessorize it.

Pencil Skirt #2

I have a lot of  "work in progress" projects I hope to complete this week.  My A.D.D. has been in full effect and I need to get my focus in check.  This I Skirt #1 on my pencil skirt challenge (which I am behind in) using McCalls 3830.  You can find my review here.  I have three skirts sewn that need to be hemmed and the zipper put in.  I finished this one last Friday.

The top was made from some left over fabric from the V1250  dress that I made a couple of weeks ago that still needs to be hemmed.  Thinking of holding off until I get my serger and doing a rolled hem on it.  Anyway the the top is M6519 View B.  It was a super easy top to make.  I plan on making another so I can practice and perfect sewing binding on knits.  I found a great tutorial on YouTube that I want to try next go round.

Pinterest Inspired Lampshade

I saw this lampshade on Pinterest and knew I had to have one like it...or at least my version of it.  Today I went to Hobby Lobby to start to gather my supplies for my next DIY project.

The ribbon was 50% off ($20 total) and this was the last two rolls of each of these, so it was perfect timing for me.  Now all I have to do is find the lamps I want :-)

Pattern Review - Butterick B5211 Dress

This is definitely one of those dresses that would not sell in stores.  In the hanger it looks like a sack, but once you put it on it transforms into a cute comfy dress.

Pattern Description: Labeled by Butterick as "Fast & Easy" 1 hour pattern

Pattern Sizing: I cut a size 22, next time I make it I will probably cut an 20 or 18

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Easy to sew, loose fitting and comfortable.  Can easily be dressed up or dressed down with the right accessories or by constructing with a different fabric choice.

Fabric Used: Unknown, it was a med weight twill with a satin finish I had in my stash. 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Lined

Would you sew it again? Yes

Would you recommend it to others? Yes, every easy dress to make.

Conclusion: Next time I sew it, I will add 3-4" inches to the length.

Pattern Review: McCalls Quick & Easy Skirt 3830 (Pencil Skirt #1)

This is probably the oldest pattern in my stash...its date stamped October 2004!!! So yes, I have had this pattern quite some time.  Sad thing is, it only took me a couple of hours to cut it out and sew it!

Pattern Description: Skirt in 5 lengths. I decided to sew view E, which is knee length.

Pattern Sizing: 16-22

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I loved this pattern. Very simple and easy to make.

Fabric Used: Black/Off White Geometric stretch Poly Twill Sateen 46W purchased from FabricMart.com.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: No alterations, however...instead of putting in the waist yoke, I added lining.  I made view D which is a knee length skirt.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will definately sew it again. This pattern can be to base for sew many skirt options. Highly recommend you give it s try. I've had it for almost 10 years and McCalls still has it available for purchase, so the right there lets you know it a popular pattern.

Conclusion: LOVE IT!

The Pencil Skirt

One of the key pieces to any fabulous wardrobe is a pencil skirt.  Pencil skirts are simple, classic and timeless.  And the quickest and easiest way to put together a professional look with very little effort. Your options are endless...a crisp white tailored shirt, blouse, sweater or blazer.  Add a few accessories and you are out the door.

I decided to challenge myself to make at least one (1) skirt a week from now until the end of the year to help build my wardrobe.  The pattern I will use is McCalls 3830.   This is such an easy pattern and there are many ways to alter it and add interest to the look.  

Stay tuned 

Pattern Review - McCalls 6243 Dress View C

McCalls 6243 View C

This is one of the submissions that I will be entering into the Mini Wardrobe challenge on Pattern Review. What I like about this dress is that it is perfect to transition into fall.  Here in Texas we really won’t start getting cooler weather until probably mid to late October.  And once the temperature drops, I can easy pair this dress with a light weight jacket complete the look.

Pattern Description: Above mid-knee, straight dresses A, B, C have diagonal seams in front, back exposed zipper and extended shoulders, forming cap sleeve; dress A has front cut-out; dress B has diagonal, exposed decorative zippers; dress C has top-stitched seams.

Pattern Sizing: I cut out Size 18

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes it did.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, although I did not follow them step by step.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? As it was labeled, it was very easy to sew. Did not like the neckline or the length, so I made some modifications to the pattern.

Fabric Used: I used a printed Ponte Knit that was purchased online FrabricMart.com

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: The drawing on the pattern for view C made the neckline look very tight. So I dropped the center front neckline down about 1" and the back neckline down about 1/2". Because I am tall, I added 3" to the length. I also lined the top bodice so that I could have clean, seamless arm and neck openings.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will definitely sew this again, it was a very easy dress to sew and it is very comfortable.

Conclusion: Very cute dress with endless options for styling.

On the sewing table...McCalls 6650

I've had this organza fabric for quite some time. I love the color combination in the print.  Originally I was going to use this fabric to make a dress, but after some thought decided to make a top instead.

So, this is what is on the sewing table this week.

Hemming

My boyfriend and I were talking over the weekend and he mentioned he had a couple of pair of his work coveralls that were looking "raggedy" because they were too long and the hem was starting to fray.  I'm like, just bring them with you when you come over and I will fix them. 

He's seen some of the stuff I've sewn but has never actually seen me in action.  So while we are waiting for dinner to finish up.  I have him try in the pants so I can see how much they need to be hemmed.  Marked my hem line and headed toward my sewing room. 

So he's sitting in there with me, looking around in awe at all the gadgets and what not.  It was kinda funny because he reminded me of a little kid getting a peek into the forbiden room...you know, "look but don't touch!"  Less than 10 minutes later I have both pair of pants hemmed and ironed.

"Wow! These look professionally done!"  I just smiled and him and replied "They were!  I will send you my bill"  I love my man!

Pattern Review: McCall's 1 hr Cardigan

Here is my review for McCall's 1 hr. Cardigan.  I am currently participating in two challenges.  One of which is www.patternreview.com pattern stash. This is a pattern I have had in my stash for a loooonnnngggg time.  I tend to be cold natured and I thought this is the perfect project to have to lounge in. So this morning when I got up I decided to sew this up real quick

Pattern Description: 1 hr Cardigan
Pattern Sizing: ZZ (Lrg-Xlg-XXlg) I cut the XXL because I wanted this to lounge in. I like to wrap up in stuff.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Somewhat.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It was easy to cut and sew. Just two pattern pieces. Was not pleased with the overall shape of the completed project.
Fabric Used: A light weight knit I had in my stash.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None
Would you sew it again? No, probably not.
Would you recommend it to others? No
Conclusion: Not quite what I was looking for.