Second time the charm and other news

Well, here is my second attempt at a OOP Kwik Sew 2993 raglan hoodie. I have had this pattern in the stash awhile now. I did make it at one time but can't remember.
The reason why this is #2 is the first version was too small under the arms and across the hip area. It was also too short.
It turned out really nice but not fit for me. My young niece will be the recipent of it for her Christmas present. My second version I added 3/4" to side seams out to 1" at the hip as well as trimming off about 3/4" at the bottom of the arm.

Now a break from our sponsor, our dog. My DH ran in the house 2 hours ago and said she just ate some DeCon rat poison. We just got back from Pet Emergency where they induced vomiting and sent us back home with some Vitamin K tablets. Earlier, she had run into a barb wire and had a puncture wound that we took her to our regular vet to have stitched up. We spent a few $$ on her today! She is doing okay now and really wants to eat but not until tomorrow.

Back to sewing... I'd like to sew up this jumper in this plaid.
I'd like to sew up this dress in this brown/black plaid....

And....I'd like to sew up the charcoal rayon double knit in a Loes Hinse funnel neck top but lengthened to be a dress, using her New York Dress as a guide. I might do that with the tan knit too or maybe use that Butterick pattern for the charoal knit. Too many choices. I also have some red cotton/lycra that I want to try making some gloves out of.

I also have other things on my mind. In three weeks, I go in for a bilateral mastectomy. I had breast cancer 4 years ago at age 37, had a lumpectomy and radiation; also had an oophrectomy at that time. This decision for this surgery took some time but I think it is a wise one. I jokingly tell people I'm on the family plan; my maternal grandmother had BC 30+ years ago and is still here, my mother had bilateral BC and then I got it under the age of 40. My sewing mind is thinking of easy, comfortable clothes that I can whip up quickly and aren't soo form fitting for the short term. I want to sew so much but not much time in a day. Kind of like sewing ADHD I guess....

Thanks to the glowing recommendations of Melissa and Dawn on some Jalie patterns, I placed my order on PR for the Jalie jean pattern, hoodie and a sweater/top pattern. I don't think the surgery will put me out of commission for too long.

Late Halloween post

Life continues to be busy. However, in the past 2 months, I have become addicted to Mad Men the T.V. series on AMC. I LOVE looking at the decor, clothes, everything. Yes, the storyline pushes it but what drama doesn't? At the present time, I'm watching season one on DVD so I can see where it all started. This year was season three so I kind of need that background.

My DH and I were invited to a Halloween party so I thought, we should go as a couple from that 1960's era. I made Simplicity 3673, view A. It is a 1950's retro pattern but in the early 1960's, the 50's were still an influence. The jumper went together really well. The only modification I did was to scoop out more armscye room on the pattern as it looked a little snug. I've even worn it to work with nice comments. Since I made that, I have made another jacket, Kwik Sew 3334 in a charcoal tweed; another pair of pants from Simplicity 2700 and tonight, a cowl top--Vogue 8597 view A.

I have enjoyed reading all the sewing blogs out there. I need to post more for sure!

October already!

Here it is Sunday, Oct 4th and I finally have some time to sit down and blog. Yes, I have been sewing; the latest being a "black capsule" for work. That was a Loes Hinse Garbo jacket and Loes Hinse New York dress, both in black RPL. I also made another NY dress in a matte jersey red/black oriental style print from JoAnns. No photos as black isn't too exciting to photograph. Anyhow, I digress. September was full of lots of things to do. First off, I entered a brown/black brocade jacket in the fair and won a blue ribbon. The big cash prize when to a person who made two 3 piece outfits for children. I know now I need to made an ensemble to be in the running I think. I was very happy to get the blue ribbon though!

The weather continued to be really hot all month so the garden kept going. We finally yanked it all out last weekend. We made tomato sauce with all the tomato surplus. Yet, because of the hot weather, it is delaying my fuji apples from ripening up. They are still on the tree. Now it has been cold the past week so I think it won't be long.

Our Italian plum produced well so I dried them all into prunes. Very tasty. The bosc pears were a little less fruitful this year but I got enough to make 4 half pints of pear butter, which I love. I may buy more pears to make more. I also bought some local Elberta peaches to freeze (sliced) since our peach trees lost their flowers last Spring-no fruit.

The big purchase though this past month was a Vita-Mix. I had never given this any attention until a friend of mine got one and I got to see it in action. Wow! It really blends up ANYTHING. I have made soup, ice cream, green drinks and salsa to name a few. It is a spendy item but we figured with the produce/farm thing going, it would get used a lot. And it has. Last weekend I did applesauce--blended up and filled up a 7 quart crock pot to cook all day. Yum! I still have apples from our golden delicious tree which were picked in August. Yesterday I cleaned out the pantry and found a Southwest Black bean soup mix. So, I made that up and at the end, decided to blend it in the Vita Mix--perfect! I do not sell these things but really think they are worth every dime.

We have also been busy with Winter preperations. Not quite like Alaska but close, maybe. We now have almost 7 cords of wood out there stacked. Some of it we split and some we bought. We have a lot of trees on our property but only have cut a dozen or two down to burn. It is a lot of work. Last night, we lit our first fire in the wood stove. It is so cozy. The freezer is packed with veggies, soup and fruit that I have prepared. We also have some chicken and turkeys that we have raised. The pantry is full of jam, fruit juice, fruit brandy, fruit wine, and other dry goods. It is a great feeling to have a full pantry, freezer and wood pile going into the cold weather. Unfortunately, my DH now has the flu. Not sure if it is the H1N1 strain, but he feels crummy.

Now, I need to continue my "Fall organizing" and tackle my sock drawer and closet. I also have ambitions to re-organize my pattern collection and revisit the fabric stash to see what I really have. It is all in cabinets which makes it easy for me to forget what is in there pushed behind other fabrics. The current project that is cut and ready to go is another pair of the Simplicity pants 2700 out of a heathered brown denim I purchased from Emma One Sock a few years back.

Farm Update

I had to comment about what's been going on around the farm besides sewing....

We had been raising nine heritage turkeys from incubation in March. They were doing well and seemed to be full grown. This got the attention of our "friendly neighborhood" coyotes. Four days ago, we got up to do the normal chores and found our "turkey tractor" top netting ripped off and some of the chicken wire pryed off of the wood. Three turkeys were gone with evidence of the struggle on the ground. I'm sure the remaining six were terrorized. My DH heard some kind of noise aroun 3am but didn't get up to look--we regret not doing so.

We fixed the tractor and decided it was time to take them to the poultry processor before the coyote came back for more. We took the turkeys on Thursday and that night, the coyotes came back--howled right by our bedroom window around 3am. I'm sure they were disappointed!!!

We took the processed turkeys to our local butcher, to have them all smoked. We were raising them for meat but also for fun you know.

DH loves all kinds of critters and he is a vegetarian! I am not but really do not each much meat. He will eat meat on Thanksgiving. We are selling one or two. The largest one is 11 pounds and the smallest 5.6 pounds. Life on the farm is never dull. Our chickens and goats are doing well.

The garden is still producing tons of harvest gold (not sure of the name) cherry tomatoes and a few zukes. Beans are done and a few peppers are straggling.

In the orchard, I picked our golden delicious apple tree--two five gallon buckets full. The green gage plum gave us about 2 dozen; they are sweet! The Italian plum is almost ready. Probably by the end of the month the Fuji trees and the Bosc pears will be ready to be picked. Then we'll be real deep in processing and canning all of that!!!

We having cords of wood delivered too in preparation for winter. We use our wood stove for heat and it saves $$ for sure; plus it is cozy. The past two winters we have broken records for snowfall--I think 90+ inches last year. So we are prepared. It's a nice feeling to have a full freezer, food in the pantry, wood stacked and most importantly, a big fabric stash for when we get snowed in and I can sew all day!!!!!!!!!

Pant perfection and new skirt!

Today, I had a window of time to sew up a new skirt, Butterick 5249, view A. It is a high waisted skirt with belt carriers. I cut out a size 10 with NO alterations. The fit is very, very good. I used a drapey poly suiting with some lycra that I picked up at Hancocks a few weeks ago. I'd have to say that though the fit is great, I threw a FIT while constructing. Actually, I had a lapse of sewing sense and tried to use a regular zip, centered because that's what the pattern called for. What a mistake! It looked awful because this fabric was pretty slippery, even with basting tape. So, I ripped it out carefully and installed an invisible zipper. BIG difference. I can sew those in pretty well--done many of them.
The shirt is my fourth Burda 2561--cut out last year and just finished a few weeks ago! I love this shirt because it is only 5 pieces and no collar stand or separate facing for the shirt

These jeans are my third pants and really the best fitting of all. Simplicity 2700. I LOVE these pants. I have more of the fabric that I made the skirt out of so that is next in this pattern. Pretty much no alterations either; just a smidge deeper outside seam.

It's hard to photograph dark clothing but take my word, they look great!!!

Next on deck is probably one of those Donna Karan Cozy Cardigan wraps, or a jacket, or a coat, or a........

Hard for me to decide.

I've been back at work now for almost 2 weeks so it has cut into my sewing time--ha. I guess I need to earn money so I can sew more!!!

Happiness and frustration!!!

First the happiness!!! The UPS men just delivered my first Fabric.com purchase!
I am really impressed with all of it. With free shipping and my ASG discount--it was even better!

I ordered this double face wool melton in red and green (the red is a blue red--but doesn't look that way in my photo); they are perfect for coats!!! I have McCalls 5718 in mind for at least one coat; a fun ITY knit, a pretty chiffon for a blouse and a red/camel wool blend boucle that is just gorgeous!!

Now on to frustration. Is there any easy way to sew these in? I finished my brown Vogue pants and it required two of these. They sure do slip around a lot when sewing and making sure they are lined up right, etc. Next pair I may just do two buttons instead.

Busy summer!!

This is what happens when you don't post often!!
Blogger did not let me post all of these photos at the same time; had to do it one by one.
Anyhow, this is where I left off on the last post.

I made the two Amy Butler Cabo halters. Both fit well and I am pleased. I have worn them a little bit; fun for summer.


The next thing I made was this jersey dress; Vogue 8571.
It was easy but the gathering took time.



This shirt was cut out last Fall!! It is one of my TNT patterns; Burda 2561. This is the third shirt I have made and have a fourth one cut. I cut a straight 34 and do my "standard" 1/2 inch trim off the shoulder seam and then add that back on to the lower armsyce.

The pants are Simplicity 2562, Amazing Fit.

Went together fine but it took lots of tweaking with the fit. I should have added about an inch to the crotch length on the pattern before cutting out. They are totally wearable though.

The brown pants with the blue zip (what I had in the stash) are the pants from Vogue 8547. No pockets on this one. I just cut and sewed this up this afternoon. Still have to press and sew down the waistband and hem. I did add an inch to the pattern this time and it made a big difference in fit. Still a little tweaking. That takes the most time with pants!!!

My DH and I have a big garden and a mini orchard. The apricots came and went, and so we made jam, froze some, have some apricot brandy brewing and still have a few left to eat in the fridge. The methey plum tree was loaded this year. DH made lots of plum jam. We will have apples and pears and Italian plums in the coming weeks.

Everything is going gangbusters in the garden. Lots of tomatoes, zukes, cabbage, bell peppers and cantelope! The bush beans are there too but the taste/texture hasn't been the greatest.

My next sewing project will be another pair of jeans. I have a TNT Burda pattern that I will use.

I might make another pair of the Vogue pants in a black suiting. I really need lots of nice pants in my wardrobe. There is also a pencil skirt in that pattern (8547). That may be tempting.

Burda WOF eyelet top

Hi again:
I have wanted to sew up a white eyelet top for awhile now but could not find suitable fabric. Yesterday, I found this wonderful eyelet, substantial pima cotton (that is not so thin that it is see through!) at the only independent fabric shop in our area. I also bought enough to make the Burda WOF tunic from the July 2009 issue. This top is from the WOF March 2008, # 110. I sewed up a muslin in a 34 and it was too tight. This is a close fitting pattern so I went to the 36. It has a side invisible zip and self bias strips to bind the neck and armholes.

I also purchased the Amy Butler Cabo halter pattern and plan to make two in the fabrics shown.

Off to make some dinner!!!

The Maxi Dress

This maxi dress is from Burda WOF July 2009, #116. I would have loved to find the jersey border print that was used in the magazine but no luck. I settled for a poly/lycra jersey print from JoAnn fabrics, at a 50% discount no less.

I made the size 17 and took it in an additional 5/8ths on the sides. No, I did not use a zipper; this is a knit! I do not know why they recommend a zipper with a knit. It was pretty easy to sew and looks great on.

Out of curiosity I looked at the the Nordstrom's selection of Maxi dresses. The purple one here on the right is the same pattern as the Burda! The price is $235.00!!
I am very excited to wear this dress.

Shopping the stash again.....

It has been fun to make up "little" projects lately. I purchased this Amy Butler fabric and pattern for the Swing Bag one year ago. Into the stash it went until a few days ago. I was wanting a new summer purse and then I remembered what I already had. This pattern went together easily and I did use the cotton canvas she specified. I like the feel of it. Regular interfacing might have been too stiff.

I added three snaps; one at each side and then one in the middle. I suppose one could add a button and a loop but I had already finished it and didn't want to go back and rip out. I am pleased with the snaps.

So, also in the stash, was this purse organizer kit that I purchased at the SewExpo in Puyallup about three years ago. Why I haven't made it sooner is beyond me. Very easy to sew and I love it!

It is made with Timtex and is attached at the ends with velcro. Debbie Homer is the one who created this pattern.

The fabric that was included was oilcloth (flower pattern) and nylon (pink). I'm sure one could use regular cotton but this would be more durable.

This fits inside my new purse and it is super!!

I love my stash!! Yes, I do have to go through it now and then and neaten up but it is a great feeling to have fabric and the notions on hand whenever the mood strikes. I also have a "stash" called my pantry, my freezer, my second fridge and storage cabinet. No, I do not hord but it is security and convenience to have food/personal items on hand. I buy when things are on sale and stock up. I couple years ago I read a book by Mary Hunt and she advocates this kind of shopping. It saves precious time and money--more time available for sewing ;)

Holiday sewing

I got an idea this morning on wearing something patriotic on the 4th. I thought, I could embroider a T-shirt, etc but then I thought of a pin. I stitched this design out on a natural tone canvas that frays, then got some clasp/pins at JoAnn's and hot glued them to the back. The pix is a bit blurry but they turned out really cool.

Two days ago I saw Lori's review on her blog, Girls in the Garden, of Kwik Sew 3696. I promptly procured this pattern at the indy fabric shop yesterday and started on it. I just finished it and I am really happy with the result.

I had another KS pattern for a two piece, 3238 but when I saw this and the skirt that came with, I had to make it. I like the idea of a skirt for more coverage. I had seen a 3 piece set similar in the Lands' End catalog last year for close to $90.00. Cost for this was around $20-25 I think. Fabric was in stash from a Hancock purchase last year; elastic in stash and lining in stash. The fit is great; I want to make another!!!

Quick sewing

Late this afternoon, I decided to sew up this nightgown, KS 2387 that I mentioned a few posts ago. It almost looks like a summer dress but the sizing runs HUGE! I made the XS and still had to take it in another 5/8ths on the side seams. The gathering kind of makes it look like a maternity style. Despite this, I am pretty happy with it. After all, it is just for sleeping. It was a quick sew and that is always a great thing!
Off to tennis!!!

Strawberry vinegar

I made this strawberry vinegar a few years ago and it was fabulous! I am making it now--it is a process but not hard.

The recipe is from the www.calstrawberry.com website.
Beth Gee's Strawberry Vinegar
Fill a jar nearly full of rinsed, whole strawberries--do not hull (I used quart canning jars). Cover with white vinegar and seal. Let stand for 10 days; strain; add to liquid (on day 10) 1.5 cups of sugar per pint. Boil gently a few minutes. Cool and bottle for use.

When I last made this, I used it on salads with a bit of olive oil to taste.

This evening, I picked what was left of the cherries on one of our three cherry trees. The birds make a quick feast of them. I think this year we have more than last year and they are getting full--giving me a chance to pick some for us! I was able to pick about one half plastic grocery sack.

Garden and other farm things...

Yesterday, DH and I went strawberry picking at a local farm. He had never done this; I had gone many times in the past with DS. We had a fun time and came home with two big flats of beautiful strawberries. However, you need to do something with them and fast as they really don't keep. I'm not sure how the store bought strawberries look so nice in the store for so long--not natural. So, I did four things with them. #1 Strawberry pie (almost gone now), #2 making 4 quarts of strawberry vinegar, #3 made 7 half pints of strawberry rhurbarb jam (in photo above) and #4, sliced and sugared the rest and froze in freezer bags.

Here are some dusky photos of some of the garden. The cabbage is getting huge and the cilantro seems to grow 5 inches a day it seems! The tomatoes are going crazy. At the right are sunflowers, all re-seeded from last year's flowers.

On the sewing front, I've been doing more machine embroidery for various gifts this week.

I did get my first fabric order online in a LONG time from Gorgeous Fabrics. I'll post those goodies next time.

A little sewing....

I had to run some errands and found myself at JoAnn's to buy some Insul-bright batting for new potholders (see below).While at JoAnn's, I admit that I purchased 3 more patterns. Simplicity patterns were on sale for $1.99 so I got the new wide pant pattern #2562, a Project Runway vest # 2633 with zipper tape trim (JoAnn's did not have that trim), and a Project Runway knit dress #2883. I remember Christian (I think?) a couple years ago making a denim dress or something with zipper piping or something like that on PR. I think it is a cool look. The brown vest on the left has the zipper trim on the flounce collar and pocket flaps.

My potholders were really getting yucky. I don't know why I didn't throw them out months ago. So, today I made new ones. I had this pretty sunflower print in my stash. This is the closest I have been to quilting in many years. I'm pretty pleased with how they turned out. I love sunflowers and this may inspire me to make some more things with this fabric; I have a yard of it and of the trim fabric.

I need to post progress of the garden soon but today it is raining. Everything is growing really, really well. Raised beds are certainly the way to go.

Where does the time go?

Well, here I am again, posting photos out of order. I guess if I blogged more often, I'd remember. I tried to post these all at the same time, but it seemed to freeze up blogger so I had to do each one at a time.

I stamp cards and have a large supply of paper and stamps. I used to do more of it and lately have been returning to it--cost saving and nicer that what you can buy for $3.99+. I am also amazed on how "crude" cards have become. I guess there is a time and place for a crude card, but there seems to be more and more of them in the store selections.
I decided that I "needed" a scoring/cutting board. I already have the old fashioned papercutting board, the kind that you see at school, but it's not able to score. This green one I got at JoAnn works great!
I also love to drink tea and these are three kinds I have not tried yet. As I type, I am drinking the Plantation Mint. It is yummy. I recommended it.


Yesterday, I ventured out to Ben Franklin, a store that has a little bit of everything, including fabric. Most of it is quilting but there is a little apparel fabric and fleece and home dec. You never know what you will find. Like a fun treasure hunt. It is about a 30 minute drive out of town so I go there about 1-2 times a year. I came home with the elastic; ecru lace (top of photo) that is not elastic (I didn't realize this until later), tan wraparound elastic for tops, black lace/elastic and white lace/elastic. These all came in pre-packaged baggies for like 90 cents apiece. Could not pass them up!

I also saw this heart/camo knit and thought it would make a cute nightgown for this summer. I will make it out of an OOP Kwik Sew, #2387.

The wool below I was very happy to find. It is a teal/brown herringbone that will make a nice jacket for the Fall/Winter.

The buttons caught my eye too. The ones on the left are made out of some kind of wood spiraled around the center.

Two and a half days left of school/work and then a break! I already have quite a list of things to do in addition to the garden, animals and shuttling DS to 3 camps!

Tagging on....

I forgot to add the rules of the award. Here they are:
The rules, as follows, are to pass it on to bloggers new to your list.
Rules: 1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.2) Pass the award on to 5 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

I need to get busy and pass this on!

My first award, wow!

This blog award came from Gwen sews at http://allmyseams.blogspot.com/

Thank you!!! I really appreciate this.

Two new dresses!

Here I am wearing the Loes Hinse princess tank dress that I spoke about on the last post. It is very comfortable and nice to wear.











This red dress is a Project Runway Simplicity #2885. I had this red embroidered linen in the stash for at least 3 years; maybe more. I wore this today to work. Perfect for 85 degrees! My DS is getting a bit better with the photos but I need more close up shots for the detail. This dress was pretty easy to do but I had to take it in on the sides about an inch, especially in the waist as it was minimally shaped there. It is a slight A-line, which is nice. I am going to try to sew more dresses this summer.

Thank you Gwen for the blogger award. I will try to go and get it on my blog. I am still learning how to post things the best way--big learning curve ;)

Eight more very busy work days to go--then 10 weeks off. This school year just flew by. Long days here and there but coming home and sewing a bit sure helps the stress go away.

The garden is really going gangbusters. Those raised beds really help things grow fast!! I will post photos soon of the progress.

Home with flu but thinking of sewing.....

Last night I came down with a "flu" that kept me awake most of the night. Yuck! The flu part is over now but I am tired and a bit achy. It's really a bummer because it is so nice outside and I had a lunch "party" at work to go to too, so I missed that. T.V. is really boring; about the only think I can palate is watching French Open tennis, as I play tennis during the summer.

As I read someone else's blog, I think kbenco, I have, it seems, 50 sewing projects going in my head. Well, maybe not that much, but a lot. You see, I do two types of sewing; work clothes and play/home clothes. Thankfully, I do not have to wear a suit in my job but I do like to look nice and professional. At home, especially in the warm months, I wear shorts and t-shirts and in the winter, fleece tops. My sewing randomly goes back and forth between these "plans" depending on what I think I need in the wardrobe. Last Wednesday evening, I sewed up a LH princess tank dress (line drawing above) out of a tan/brown leopard kind of rayon/lycra knit that I got at the SewExpo in Puyallup. I will post a photo when I am feeling better. It did run a bit bigger than I thought, even sewing up the smallest size. I had to take it in on the back side seams about 3/8ths and hemmed it just above my knee. I wore it to work on Thursday and it was great. Dressy and nice considering the warm weather. I love sewing up knits as they are quick and easy to fit, most of the time. I usually hem them on my blind hemmer machine, which really makes them look nice.

Finished linen and planted garden....Yippee!

Last night, we finished planting our garden. We ended up with 3 raised bed boxes, and 2 raised beds without box frames. I'll post pictures later when we have things growing a bit more!

Tonight, I finished up my Garbo black linen jacket and cropped Cruise Pants.

The pants took awhile to fit because I cut out my old size and discovered that the front and back center seam was way too big. I had to take it in about an inch! Made a huge difference. My DS took the photos and when I loaded them on the computer, I noticed he did not get a shot of the pants in the picture. Mis-communication on my part I guess. What I am really pleased about is the camisole. It is from the Loes Hinse tank dress group, view E. It fits really well and covers everything up/ straps, not too low, etc. Gigi Louis had raved about this pattern a few years ago and I am just now trying it. I can't wait to make more; it is a winner!!