My next project...

hopefully this weekend.  I have nothing just to wear around the backyard and house and wanted something cool.  Although our weather this weeked is that....cool.  I got the fabric at Fabric Mart last year.  Thought it was a light knit and ended up being bathing suit fabric.  But, that's ok.

See & Sew Quickie...

I needed something quick and easy to make for work.  I picked an old See & Sew 3886 pattern I had in my stash.  It's loose fitting and the sleeves are one piece.  The tank top is also an old pattern I had.

I used interfacing that I bought from Pamela over at Fashion Sewing.....thought I'd give it a try....love it.  I used cheap interfacing in the last jacket I made, in an older post, and it shrunk, ruining my work.  I found the perfect buttons in my stash.  I found a WHOLE BUNCH of buttons at a yard sale.....I have a post back in November of 2009 showing a picture.  That purchase has really come in handy for different things I've made.

So, now what?  Hmmmm....I'm thinkiing of running out to Joanne's and seeing what they have.  I'd love a sun dress to wear around the house......It's fun to be back!!!

My daughter got engaged!!

Forgot one of THE most important things that happened this year.  Shannon got engaged.

So, the planning is on.  February 12, 2012.

No, I am not making her wedding dress, nor the bridesmaids.  I've done alot of weddings in my sewing life, but not this one!!!

I may, however, make my dress, not sure yet.

They are Buffalo Sabres fans.

I'm back!! ummmmm, i think

I think because I really want to start sewing again.  These last six months was a crazy ride.
I started a new job on November 15, 2010....STRESS....so much more to learn, so many clients....but things are much better now.  I got it.  Yeah!

Then my Mom fell and broke her foot in January.  Went to a nursing home for 2 weeks...it was awful.  They were so uncaring....we didn't know it was going on.....don't want to get into it.  But my sister found her another place to rehab and it was much better.  She is home now.

Then, my husband goes to the doctor feeling weak...they rushed him via ambulance to the hospital....where after days and days, they found he had bleeding ulcers and FOUR clogged arteries to his heart.  They ended up putting in four stents...he's home healing now and doing well....Thank God.

Then, April 12, I went to the doctor feeling very weak and shaking.  After some blood work, and a nuclear scan, they told me I have Grave's Disease.  Just an fancy name for thyroid issues.  Mine is overactive.  After one month I'm feeling better.  Put me on some drugs for now, if that doesn't work, they will destroy my thyroid.

So, you can see, no sewing.  I come home from work exhausted.

But I'm "in the mood" again and will post some pics soon.  I've missed you guys...your comments...and, of course, reading your blogs....I didn't even do that.  I was in a total funk.  But, with Summer here and our pool opened....I feel a new beginning...........

If any of you bloggers have Graves...I'd love to hear from you! 

Leather Done

Hope you all had a very relaxing Happy Thanksgiving with your family and friends.  I did.  Now I am enjoying my Friday by myself and "thinking" of going out shopping.  Hmmmm..haven't decided yet.

But either way, I did finish my thrift store leather bargain.

I know, this picture probably doesn't look much different that the original.  But, it sure fits better.  I took in one inch on both sides, a half inch down the back, and took up the shoulders an inch.  Oh yeah, and hemmed the sleeves an inch.

When I

did the shoulders, shhh, don't tell a tailor, but I did it in a very unorthodox way!!

Instead of taking off the sleeve and re-doing it, I just stitched it back an inch.  Hey, it worked. Except for one mistake.  I took it in a little too much on the one sleeve and had to carefully rip the seam some.  It did show some poke holes, but it really isn't that noticeable.

 The back seam looked bunchy (is that a word?), so I touched some glue down the sides to hold it down.

Here is a picture of the sleeves.  You can see the old line.

So, now I have a new jacket to wear this winter.  AND I hear we are going to get a Lake effect snowstorm this afternoon. 

Enjoy your day sewing everyone that has the day off.  I'm listening to the Beatles A to Z on 97 Rock.  Oh yeah baby!!

Altering a Leather Jacket?

Am I nutz???  Well, maybe....but it only cost me $6.99!!!!!!  Yep.  I went to our neighborhood thrift store...which I often do....and found this leather jacket for only seven bucks.  It is very large on me.  I was tempted to just wear it as is, but decided yesterday to take it apart:

I need to bring up the shoulders about an inch...take in the sides an inch and hem the sleeves an inch.

I started on it....ripped the lining apart so that I could get inside and look around.

I love black leather for our Buffalo winters...plus I can dress it up with multiple colored fleece scarfs and gloves...yeah!

I'll keep ya posted!

What a crazy couple of weeks.....

It all started when I got laid-off from my job of 8 1/2 years.  The attorney I worked for joined forces with his sister in another Town..they didn't need a secretary there, and it was way too far for me to drive anyway.

Then, I went for four days to a wedding in Virginia.  It was my daughter's boyfriend's sister who got married.  I ended up knowing quite a few people there from high school.  Was very interesting.  I posted pics of the dresses I made in an earlier post.  Here is a pic of my daughter Shannon and me in our dresses.  These dresses were made from the same pattern!:

When I got back I went on two job interviews.  Was hired at a large firm in Downtown Buffalo, New York.  I've been out of the circuit for quite awhile, working for a solo practioner, that I didn't realize the money I could make working for a large firm.  It was a VERY pleasant surprise.  I start my job on Monday, Nov. 15th.  Very excited and a little nervous.  Now I better get sewing some new clothes, huh??

Meanwhile, my cousin who lives in Iowa has been wanting to get together with me for years.  Our family is dwindling and we thought we better get together sooner than later.  I haven't seen him in 25 years and we really missed each other.  He sent me a round-trip ticket to Las Vegas!!!  All expenses paid by him.  Boy, I truly owe him.  We had so much fun.  Spent two wonderful, quiet, exciting, fun days.  Cried and laughed over all our past.....

Here is Dan and me. 

This was my favorite exhibit, the Mirage had a place called The Secret Garden.  They had gorgeous Lions and these sweet dolphins.

Well, now back to reality....job monday....

What a month.....sewing tons, wedding, and no job.

Been busy making two dresses for a wedding, one for my daughter and one for myself.  We had a "roadtrip" to Leesburg Virginia this past weekend for the celebration.  My daughter's boyfriend's sister got married.  It was a great weekend, I really enjoyed myself.

I took pictures of the two, but my camera sucks.  Meanwhile my husband purchased a new one and it is so much better....I'm looking forward to taking more detailed pics of my sewing.

I used the front pattern piece

to create the back too.  Then she wanted red highlights, so we glued on these rhinestones.

I don't have a picture of the

full dress....now, it's at her house and I can't take pictures with my new camera.

For my dress, I used the exact same pattern, but switched bodices to the sleeve version.

I added a trim

of pretty sparkly rhinestones.  They cost more than the fabric!

This is a back view.  I'm really happy with the results and love this pattern.                                                                                                           

                                                                           

THEN, I got laid off from my job of 8 1/2 years.  Wow.  My boss is moving his practice to a small lawfirm with his sister to a town that is too far for me to drive.  I am happy, sad, scared, excited all in one emotion.  Truly a strange feeling.  I've been working for 34 years, with one year off for each of my children, part-time or full-time depending on my situation.

I do have two interviews this week.  I'm not nervous, i'll get a job soon, right?

Or maybe I could just stay home and sew!.

Wish me luck!

My Finished Kwik Sew Jacket

Here it is.  I love this pattern...so quick and easy to put together.  I'm really disappointed in my button placement though.  What was I thinking?  I should have either shortened them up or added one.  My camera isn't that great...can't see the buttons, but they are from my old button stash.  Pretty gold.

This is the pocket on the side front.  Nice deep pockets to throw in a set a keys and a cell phone and deep enough to add a credit card!!

Now on to more alterations I got yesterday after work and my daughter's dress.

Thank you all for your nice comments.  I too have been doing alot of reading but no posting.  One nice thing about blogging is that it keeps me sewing!!  AND best of all, I finish my projects!!

Sewing like crazy...no pictures.

I finished my purple fall jacket yesterday.  Took all sorts of pictures, even had my husband take a picture of me wearing it!! 

My camera didn't have the memory card in it.  :(

It took the pictures, but there is no way to get them off the camera and onto my computer.  (It's old).

Along with finishing the coat, I cut out my daughter's dress in the good fabric and she came over to try it on.  It's huge!!  I'm not sure what I did wrong...the muslin came out good.  I think I just added too much at the bottom.  Either way, it is fixable.

Besides that I have been doing alot of alterations.  Which is good, I need the extra money.  Saving up for a weekend trip to Virginia at the end of the month.  Family wedding.  It will be in Leesburg....anybody know of some fabric shops around there??  I was looking at the SR Harris Fabric Store in Minnesota...all the fabrics....maybe we could make a roadtrip out of that next summer!!  But I would have to take a paperbag....because I would have anxiety issues with all those choices...yikes.

well....tonight pictures of my jacket.....

Been busy in my sewing room....

but nothing to really show for it.....at least completed.

 I started the dress for my daughter. 

Simplicity 3503



Found some old knit fabric I had stashed away, for a muslin.

She is busty, so I knew I couldn't go straight with the pattern piece.  I was going to have to make some adjustments.  So, here I go.......

I added 3" to the bottom of the front and back bodice.

When she buys tops in stores the bodice falls short on her.  If she buys bigger clothes, they are too big everywhere else.

Because she wanted more gathers at the bottom, I slashed the front piece an inch or so.





Then I traced that piece onto paper. 

She wants the back to look just like the front, with a "V".  The pattern called for a full back.  So I took that same pattern piece and cut it straighter on the bottom, as you can see in the first pic.

Then I sewed it up to have her try it on:

It looks funny "smooshed" on the table...but I'm sure glad I made up my own pattern, because so far it fits her well.  Now I have to buy the fabric.  The wedding is next month.

I got a couple alteration jobs this week. Two pairs of pants to hem, a lined dress to hem and an American Flag to repair a rip on one of the stripes!!

With this skirt, this woman asked me to take out all the pleats and make it flat front.  Pleats are not always flattering.  Haven't started that yet.  I'll post pics when I'm done.

Yet Another simplicity 2447 Done

I made another one.  Can't help it.  Love the way it fits!  I needed something quick to put together for work.  I need clothes!!

I know I won't be able to wear it much longer, with Fall coming. 

My next project is going to be a Fall Jacket.  Can't wait to start it.  I found a gorgeous purple faux suede fabric at Joannes in the Red Tag sale they had Labor Day weekend.  $5.00 a yard! 

Then I HAVE to start my daughter's dress for a wedding she is going to at the end of October.  Actually, I should probably do that one first.

She picked out the blue one.  Top Right.

She wants the back to look just like the front.  With a "V".  Right now the pattern is halter, with, I believe, a button closure, not sure.  She doesn't want that much of her back showing.  Her plan is to have it made in a slinky black fabric with red beads around the "V".   I told her, all I can to is try.

Happy Sewing.

What a nice surpise...

Came home from work yesterday to a pretty in pink package with a gift from http://www.summersetsewing.blogspot.com/ (toocutedobs)....
When I opened up my prize, it really brightened up a somewhat stressful day I had at work.

Aren't they just so adorable!!  Right now they are on my shelf over my sewing machine.  When I look at them, they make me smile.

THANKS Kathy (who is toocutedobs)....that was so sweet of you to pick me!!!

Don't make this mistake....

I have been sewing for over 40 years...you would think I would know better.

Remember this jacket?  It is actually a pretty blue color, which I posted in one of my previous posts.  My camera is very moody, what can I say. 

I washed it, hung it up and alas.. my interfacing shrunk!!!  I'm not sure I've ever preshrunk interfacing before...well, I have definitely learned my lesson.  I can easily fix it..just take off the buttons, tear off the interfacing and re-do it.  Someday.

I have been eyeing Pam's interfacing over at

http://www.sewexciting.blogspot.com/  for quite some time.  After my faux pas, I decided to order some.  I ordered it Sunday afternoon and received it Wednesday. 

(We don't live far from each other)   The interfacing I ordered is for shirts I plan on making my husband some day.  The instructions say it doesn't need preshrinking.  It's gorgeous interfacing and I can't wait to try it!!!!  Thanks Pam!

I'm almost done with another McCalls blouse...I'll post pictures later in the week.  It's a pretty purple from my stash.  I better hurry up because it's short sleeved. 

Happy Sewing!

Dress is done man! But I still have the jacket to do.  I'm sure y'all are tired of looking at it.

It came out great....didn't like the handsewing part, but ya do what ya gotta do.  I had to handsew the facing down (which was actually the "collar and shoulder" part of the dress.

The inside?  not so proud of.  If it was for myself, I wouldn't care.  Instead of handsewing the lining to the zipper like I was going to do....I did this:

I attached the lining to the zip along with the main fabric.

I loved the invisible zipper....and will definitely always do these.

My camera was not being cooperative today, blurry.
Not sure what I'm going to work on next.  I would like to make a blouse for work.  My daughter is going to a wedding October 23rd and asked me to make her a dress.  So we are going out tonight fabric and pattern shopping.  She is going to be hard to fit because she is very large busted, but I'm going to do my best!!

Happy Sewing!

OHBOY, I've been so slow in getting this "New Look" dress finished.  I'm just so unsure of myself, sewing for other people.  I have NO problems ripping out a brand new dress that someone needs altering tho!!  In fact, that's what I've been up to all last week.

I altered a bridesmaid's dress from a 14 down to a 10.  Oh yeah, that was tons of fun.  But I did it.  You can only imagine my fear when she came over to try it on.  Gratefully, it fit and she was happy!  Then someone called me with six pairs of shorts and a dress.  Those, I completed this morning.

Now the dress for my attorney friend....

I did the invisible zip:

I couldn't find my plastic foot for this, so I just did it without.  One trick is to iron the plastic teeth flat.  Then get as close to them as possible with your zipper attachment, which I did.  It came out great!

Then I pinned the lining to the zip:

Well, I HATE to hand sew.  I need to learn some good techniques, because my handsewing comes apart sometimes, like hems.  This pattern only called for lining on the top, but I added it to the skirt for looks and stability.  But, back to my handsewing.  After I took this picture I decided to attach the lining to the zipper and bottom center back seam with my machine.  Sorry, I don't have a picture of that.  It certainly doesn't look at professional, but I know it will hold for a long time.

So, basically I'm done with the dress.  Now, I need to start the jacket.  That is after a new alterations I have coming in this week...ugh.  I'm not complaining, I like the extra money.

McCalls 6077

After sewing all day Saturday on that dress, I needed to make up something really quick.  Instant Gratification.  I'm sure you all understand.  I got this pattern to make up some easy tanks for under my blazers for work.

I got this wonderful soft Vera Wang knit at FabricMart a couple months ago ($1.99 a yard...gotta luv a bargain!)  Boy, I wish I would have bought more colors....it's a gorgeous fabric.  This picture is bad, but you get the idea.

The collar looks so much thinner on the pattern envelope than the actual collar when finished.  It's frustrating when the envelope shows slight differences.  I'll make up some more and maybe even embellish them.  Quick and easy pattern.

Progress on New Look 6799

I'm making progress on my co-worker's dress...slowly.

It's a nice pattern, but I'm making a few changes.  The bodice is lined....

Before adding the collar, the armhole is stitched to the lining.It's a very nice finish when complete.

The band around the waist called for lining fabric to be used on the inside of the dress.  I choose to use the main fabric instead.  For some reason, the pattern didn't call for inferfacing this piece.  I assume it's because the waistband is cut on the bias.  Not Sure.  But I didn't do it.  But using the main fabric added more stability to the dress.

Also, the pattern didn't call for lining the skirt.  I choose to do it.  I think it will have a more professional appearance.

So, I just added it to the skirt.  Stitched it to the waistband and and so far, this is what I have.

Obviously it needs to be pressed.

Because the pattern didn't call for a lining, I'm not quite sure how I'm going to finish the back yet.  Normally the lining is handsewn to the zipper, but the instructions just have the zipper put in after the lining is sewn to the main fabric. At this point, I'm going to bring it into work on Monday and have her try it on.  Then I will put the zipper in.  I'm thinking I will just sew the lining to the main fabric down the back.  If that makes sense.  That way I won't have to worry about the lining flapping at the back slit. I will take a pic when I get that far.

New Look Pattern for a co-worker...

I used to make custom clothing, primarily bridesmaid dresses, years ago.  Since then I've learned alot more about fitting.  I used to just "jump" into a pattern and cut it out, never making a muslin.  Luckily, it worked out for me.  Must have been a guardian angel!!!

These past ten years I've learned more about fitting and hopefully I will put it to use with this pattern.

She wants the style of the black dress, with matching jacket.

SO, here I go....Lucky for me, she is almost the exact measurements as my "Ellie".

I have to take it in a little more at the top and I'm good to go.

I'm also going to put on an invisible zipper.  It's also been years since I've done that, but if my memory is right, it wasn't difficult.  I just have to locate the foot.

Hopefully, I will cut out the fabric this weekend and get started.  The pattern is very simple to make.  Unlined jacket.  The pattern called only for lining the top.  But, I think it will be nicer to line the skirt too.

Learning through alterations

I have been doing alterations for many years.  It started out back in the early 90s, I was working for a large lawfirm in downton Buffalo.  One girl heard that I sewed and it just went from there.  I didn't mind because the extra money was very helpful when my kids were just starting school.

But, my point - I've learned alot of pointers in the construction of garments, while ripping out seams.

But this one, I've never seen before:

The manufacturer put pieces of lining fabric on the tips of each dart.  I don't understand why, does anyone else?

The obvious is probably strengthening the ends, but does it really?

Another thing this manufacturer did was put a 1" long piece of interfacing along the length of every seam.  I may consider that when I sew flimsy fabric.

I've always wanted to take an advanced sewing class, but they just don't offer them around here.

Butterick 3405 Newborn Outfit

Yeah, I'm done.  Hopefully I can wrap it up tonight and bring it into work tomorrow.  It is for one of the attorneys I work with.  His wife is having her first baby.

It hard to see, but I found buttons in my stash that match the flowers in the dress..same shapes.  And I also put them on the back too.

This was a very easy pattern, but I revised it a little.  The armholes had facings.  Who needs facings flopping around on a little baby?  So, I cut them to 1/2" wide and stitched them down.  Also the pattern called for the neck facing to be sewn on -  right sides together, then turned under 1/4" and stitched down from the inside.  The bobbin thread showed on the outside and was a little uneven, so I did it reversed, stitching it down - straight - on the outside.  Does that make sense? Hope so.

Ok, now what next?

Oh yeah, the female attorney I worked with asked me to make new a dress and jacket.  I will start posting pics on my progress soon....wish me luck!

Vacation Time and some sewing...

I'm on vacation...yea!  It's so nice to sit in the morning with my cup of coffee and just relax and not have to hurry up to rush out the door.  We are just doing day trips....restaurants....poolside....nothing much...but that was the plan.

Of course, I'm getting called to do more alterations than usual this month, on top of sewing projects of my own.  (psst...I think my husband is jeolous of my sewing machines)...

My neighbor is losing alot of weight (so far over 100 lbs!! God Bless her)...I have two pairs of pants, two skirts and t-shirts...All to be taken in down the sides and hemmed.

Then another customer from 7 years ago called me for a "rush" job of two skirts and two tops to be hemmed.  I'm almost done with them.

That's OK, I can sure use the money.



As for my sewing projects?  One of the attorney's that I work for...his wife is having a baby due any day;  I wanted to make up something other than just a boring layette outfit.  I picked this pattern and fabric:  Yes, she is having a girl (at least I hope so! hehe)

Wish my camera took a brighter pic...tried to enhance it..ah, picture taking isn't my thing.

Isn't it cute though?  I hope she gets a chance to wear it.  I did cut out the Newborn size and while sewing it, I'm making the seams larger than normal, to make it a tad smaller.

Well, better git off of this puter and finish those alterations before it gets too hot here.