Progress: McCalls 6442 - A

Well I have made some progress.  Adding Sleeves and hemming are my next and final steps, along with a few clips of thread.  Boy did I make some major modifications.  First I did not line, second made some changes to the installation of the hood and the facing.  My pockets also match my facing leopard print. 

I am quite pleased at how it is coming along.  The picture looks a little louder than what the fabric actually it.  It is at night and the flash from the camera makes the coat looks loud.  It does have somewhat of a sheen to it.  This of course will not be an everyday coat, more like a special occasion.  I like it.

Monday Morning, and I am Moving and Shaking.

Oh what a lovely morning.  35 minutes sitting in traffic on the interstate, not moving at all, not near a major exit, was just lovely, and amazingly, I am not grumpy.  I've had my coffee, read my emails, and even did a little work, all before 9:00 a.m.  I'm feeling a little perky, and ready to go.

I started a project yesterday, my first ever Jacket/Coat, and realized I was a little short on fabric.   I am using a very soft fleece in a gold/mustard color. 

On the way home today, I plan to stop and purchase the extra fabric.  Hopefully I can get the jacket started today and done in few days.  Whoo Hoo.

A Little Sewing Inspiration to Keep My Mojo up!

Here are two dresses my closet is crying for:

 

The first is a soft stretch jean dress.  How cute is this with a pair of boots and a knit beret:

 

The next is a Peplum dress.  Of course my stripes will have a little bit more curve in them than hers, and that is with my spanks on. LOL

It's Thanksgiving Eve! Happy and Sad!

Yes, it is the eve of one of the most anticipated days of the year, "Thanksgiving".  I will have 40 or so people in my home tomorrow, from about 2pm until.  The older family members come early, leave early, the younger ones, get there whenever, bring friends, leave and come back. 

 

There are tables set up with deserts; red velvet cake, sweet potato pie, coconut cake, banana pudding, peach cobbler, pound cake, cheese cake, and rice pudding.  Then there's another table the different salads, and then another with the main courses, fried turkey, grilled turkey, ham, homemade mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, green beans, collard greens, deviled eggs.  I am sure you get the picture. 

 

This year is a little different though.  Our eldest son, Aaron is in the Air force in Texas, so this will be our first Thanksgiving without him.  Our son in college will be home (I think), he's only 45 minutes away and said he will head home today sometime, after he gets his paycheck.  Priorities you know, LOL.  But I am not mad at him, get that check son, you will need it, because Mom and Dad are literally tapped out.

 

 

This is not my thanksgiving dinner, but courtesy of the internet, just to give yo a little something to make you mouth water.  My pictures to follow soon. 

 

Happy Thanksgiving all, may your turkey day be filled with family, laughter, and love. 

Thanksgiving - What I Am Thankful for Day 1.

I have so much to be thankful for.  First my family:

Let me introduce you to my family, my Hubby, Stefan, Sr., Aaron to the left, Bryan on the right, and Stefan, Jr in the middle.  Yes, junior is taller than his older brothers. 

 

Aaron and Stefan, Jr., are not mine biologically, they are my gifted babies, but you can't tell me they are not mine.  They are mine, I have raised them since they were 11 and 7, and they have been in my life from 8 and 4.  

 

My sugar boog, is Bryan ("BJ"), is we what we all call him.  But I call him Beetle Juice, love, sweet pea, and there are a dozen more.  This child has taught me so much, he is the love of my life.  God knew exactly what my rugged edges needed to be smoothed out.  Along came BJ, to soften my rough edges and give me strength, purpose, and direction.  He was the best baby, best child, and has turned out to be the most respectful, loving and caring youngman I have ever met.

 

The only one still left at home with us is Stefan, Jr.  Aaron is in U.S. Air Force in San Antonio, Tx, and BJ is off at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona, FL, in his sophmore year, pursuing his B.A. in Air Traffic Management.

 

Last but not least, is the love of my life.  My hubby is a gentle bear.  He can be gruff, but he is not rough, he is loving and caring.  He is a father in the true since of the word.  A man who puts the needs of his family well before his own.  He is constant, he is ultimate, he is my bestfriend.

 

I am very thankful for my family.

Flower Power, Another Leather Hobo Bag

I didn't care for the interior fabric at first, a little too busy for my liking, but my client absolutely loves it.  This print really fits her personality. She is a flower child.

On to the next one.

B5328 - View C - WHY DO I NOT GET COLLAR AND STANDS?

I will start this post off by saying how grateful I am for having a Monday off.  My office gives me Veterans Day every year to thank me for my service in the U.S. Army for 8 years.  I served proudly would do it all again for my country and family if called to do so.  With that being said.

I CANNOT GET COLLAR AND STANDS.  Installing collar and stands gives me an instant headache.  I just want to scream.  I love this pattern, this top and will make several of them, but I will need to have a stiff drink, so when I totally screw up the collar I can just keep drinking and put myself out of my misery.

I love the cut, the drape and style of the pattern.  I can see myself with a closet full of these tops. They can be dressed up or down.   This is actually my muslin with Walmart $1 a yard fabric and will be a women's shelter donation.

THE ADVANTAGES OF BEING A SEWIST!

I have not stepped foot in a mall in over 6 months.  I literally hate malls.  I know that is a strong word, but malls are just not for me.

The last time I was in a mall, it was shopping with my teenage son.  I just kind of walked behind him and browsed as he went from store to store looking for a Cardigan sweater.  I don't even think it was the season for cardigans.  No need to tell him that, though. 

Since I have started sewing again over a year ago, I have been able to duplicate or make any garment I see or want.  An advantage I think some would like to have.  It seems that WTR clothing is targeted to a certain market.  I am not in that market.  At my age, it is not my desire to show off my tummy, but cheeks or thighs. Not that they aren't show worthy, I am just not there anymore in my own mind.

Here is a list of advantages I find I have:

1.  I can make whatever I want.
2.  I can modify, change, add or subtract (i.e. pockets), any garment I make.
3.  I can make multiples of the same item, in different colors, textures and even sizes.
4.  I can make seasonal items even out of season.
5.  I can save a lot of money.


There are so many other advantages to being a sewist, but the few listed are the most important to me. 

HAPPY VETERANS DAY!

To those who serve and protect us day to day, I salute you. To my fellow Veterans who served our country in any capacity, I salute you. To my son, Airman Aaron D. Wise, we salute you.

Happy VETERANS DAY!

Another NL 6130 Done!

I did not lower the neck as I hoped.  I chickened out.  LOL.  But here we are:

I made a couple adjustments to the side seam, I brought it in a little.  I also used hemming tape (first time).  It was okay, I like homemade hemming, just a little more professional and neater.

Our 44th President, Barack Obama, Congratulations.

Just wanted to give props to our president.  Now back to creating beautiful. 

Another Peplum, NL 6130 - HELP!!!!

I really like NL 6130 Peplum top.  I have made it in every variation.   I really have only one issue with the top, and thats the high neckline.  It almost makes me feel like I am chocking.  I have noticed that a lot of my blogger lady friends have modified the neckline to their comfort level.  I am still in the process of making this one in a Linen Blend.  I still need to input facing and sleeves.

 

 Does any one have any advise on how at this point, I should modify it?  Any help would be appreciated.

 

 

 

 

 

NATURALLY SPEAKING!

I've been on a natural hair journey for a little over a year now.  I don't conform to a regular regiment with my hair as a lot of my naturalistic sisters do.  My version of natural is no chemicals, no heat.  Though I do use a color rinse, just to tame my grey edges.  Not that I mind being grey and will embrace it as I transition.   But right now it is more of a bozo the clown grey than my whole head.  So for now, I will continue to rinse dark brown color in my hair.

 

Any who, the reason for this post is to give a little more insight into to my journey.  On my next birthday, I proudly will turn 45 years young.  I am looking forward to being older and wiser, and hopefully I will exude how beautiful I feel inside, on the outside.

FABRIC YUMMINESS ON DECK!

Just got in some fabric I ordered from Farbricmart.com.  I went straight to the $1.99 per yard section, and they had a wonderful collection.  I was pleasantly surprised.  I guess I now need to sew a little and stop stockpiling.  I am running out of room in my sewing room to stash anymore.  Can't wait to dream up what to make with his loveliness:

ORGANIZING YOUR LIFE!

Over the past couple of weeks I have been agonizing over what to do with my closet.  I have more shoes than I need. Each pair I own are still in their original box, and if they did not come in a box, life if I buy a pair from Ross or Marshalls, I buy clear shoe boxes from the dollar store. 

I love shoes, and though I haven't bought any lately, I do go through stints when I will buy a few pairs a month.  My mom love shoes and she is an enabler.  She constantly baits me into shoes stores with her and as usual, I fall weak.  LOL.

So, after looking around on the web for closet organizing solutions, I decided to go to Walmart and there I found these nice metal staking shelves.  I bought two which was enough for about 70 pair of shoes.  All of my shoes except a few made it:

SHOES!!!!!!!

I love shoes.  I got it honestly, my Mom is a shoe diva and together we are always on the hunt for the latest and greatest.  She is always finding a shoe and calling me to tell me how cute it is.  Then of course, she says I'll pick it up and you can pay me when you can. Needless to say, I owe her an arm, leg, and foot. 

 

She and I both share hiding places too.  The garage, the trunk of our cars, and my favorite spot, the Xmas storage bins.  LOL.