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.