New Post - still sewing

Wow it’s been a long time since I’ve blogged. I got a little burned out on blogging - NOT sewing . 

I so appreciate all those who blog as I love reading blogs. IG has taken over so much of blogging , but I decided to give it another shot .

I have been sewing ALOT. 

My lace blouse from Helen Haughey’s lace class in New Orleans in January is almost finished . I’m working really hard to finish UFOs . I love the fabric & lace on this top . The hand sewing is very relaxing , but I am anxious to finish & move on .

I also snuck in another Blackwood Cardigan during our recent cold weather snap. 

Of course there is always time to sew for a very special GD💗💗

Promenade Fabrics & Fancy Tiger Crafts Fen Dress

Promenade Fabrics is a great Indpependent fabric store in New Orleans . I met one of the family who owns this store last year a Susan Khalje’s Couture class . He drove a truck of fabric to Houston . This year Susan Khalje’s class was in New Orleans so we got to visit the store in person . It was heaven .

They have a wonderful website & I have ordered from it . 

www.promenadefabric.com 

They have the best customer service .

Another fabric store shout out to Roz at Sewmuchfabric. She also has great selections & customer service .

This casual dress is Fen from Fancy Tiger crafts in Denver . 

It’s a boxy ,casual dress. I like the overall look but wanted it a bit more fitted so I added more darts in the waist area. 

The fabric is very drapey so I could dress this up very easily ! 

Also I wrote my first review for Pattern Review ! Very easy to do & im no longer just a stalker 👀 

Happy Sewing 

Susan Khalje Couture Class

Another Susan Khalje class 

I was privileged to attend my second Susan Khalje Couture class the first week of August is New Orleans . 

There were many of the same wonderful ladies in class from last year as well as some new faces. All the ladies are so helpful & encouraging. Susan is of course the most encouraging & patient teacher .

I made Susan couture skirt pattern & guess what I was 90 % finished when I left NOLA. 

I bought all my fabric at the fabulous Promenade Fabrics in NOLA. 

If you haven’t checked out this wonderful store check out their website - they have amazing fabric & I was thrilled to go there in person .

www.promenadefabrics.com 

It was my first time using Guipere lace . I was very intimidated to buy & sew on this gorgeous lace . Susan & fellow class mates made it easy to start . 

Funny thing - 3 of us made navy lac skirts . One friend came with her fabric & 2 of us blatantly copied her😘😘.

But I am hooked - I love this pattern & also bought lace for the next skirt while at Promenade . 

Susan Khalje is starting a Facebook club membership which will have lots of info, freebies & fun 

www.susankhaljecouture.com 

Happy Sewing 

Now to clean the sewing room 

Charity quilt finished - now back to our regularly scheduled sewing

Good morning 

This blog has been sorely neglected . I know I don’t have many followers, but it has always been a way to record what I make. So I would like to make an attempt to get back to blogging . Plus I love reading sewing blogs !! 

I decided in May to take a break from charity sewing for the summer. I was & still am very burned out . I belong to a group that makes baby items for the hospitals . It’s a wonderful group but I have been co chair for the last 3 years . Most of my personal sewing has at times had to taken a back seat. 

I alternate between knowing there is a great need for these baby items & wanting to sew things I’d like to sew . 

But I did finish a charity quilt for a group very near & dear to my heart. The National MPS Society is a support group which promotes research & family support for those affected by this devastating disease. My niece died of this disease at age 17. 

This quilt is a labor of love . The squares were made & designed by adults affected by MPS . 

I recently was able to save this printed voile ! It was originally another pattern but just wasn’t working for me. So I re made into this Simplicity top. I had to remake this after wearying &took out about 4 inches from the back. 

This success has spurred me to access & finish more sewing for ME

Happy Sewing 

Vacation Sewing Not finished

Vacation Sewing plans not finished 😂

I had many plans for garments to finish before leaving town , but didn’t get them all done . 

I was feeling blue & disappointed in myself earlier . As with most of us I had too many irons in the fire. But I have cleaned up my sewing room and finished a few embroidery projects . 

I don’t feel I’m as productive as I think I should be , but have to remember Sewing is a fun,relaxing hobby that I am very privledged to enjoy .

A new skirt & a new top will be fun to wear !! 

Happy Sewing 

Meeting Rhonda Buss !!!Haute Couture Club of Chicago

The Haute Couture Club of Chicago held it’s annual luncheon & fashion show this past Sunday .

It was truly a highlight for me to attend . There was so much nspiration in the 60 plus garments made by the members . The top left picture shows a 97 yr old member who made the coat she’s wearing !!!

I attended with a friend Andrea Birkan  . I met Andrea last year at Susan Khalje’s class in Houston. 

Andrea took the day on Thursday to take me to her favorite Chicago fabric stores .

Andrea modeled several of her amazing Couture garments ! She is such a generous friend !!

Cenetta Burrell was also in the show with numerous garments . I follow her on IG as well as her blog -They Mahogany Stylist . 

She made many wonderful garment for herself & her family .

The highlight for me was meeting Rhonda Buss . I have followed Rhonda’s blog -Rhonda’s Creative life since I first returned to garment sewing about 8 years ago. She has such great style & her blog is always so positive & full of helpful sewing tips & inspiration .

I was also able to visit my sister ,her kids , cousins & 2 -90 yr old aunts .

It was a memorable weekend !! 

Time to Sew 

The Tunic Bible & Blackwood Cardigan - Stylemaker Fabrics

Lots of sewing , just not much blogging ! 

My second Tunic Bible is a 2sided knit from Stylemaker Fabrics . It’s a cotton /poly & sewed up like a dream . It has an eyelet look to it . I’m glad I was able to incorporate both sides in this dress . I’m looking forward to dressing it up & down . I love the tunics from Tunic Bible & love the fact that this pattern is now my TNT . Once you fit it , endless options open up ! 

A while back I finished my first Blackwood Cardigan . I also loved this pattern . My fabric was mostly poly so  topstitching was a major challenge . I love the length . I didn’t love that DH called it a lab coat.  But what do men know about fashion . It’s a wonderful sweater ! 

I have fabric ready to cut out for both of these patterns - they are keepers ! 

Happy Sewing 

Sewing Pickle Pie Designs ITH embroidery ❤️

I LOVE ,LOVE,LOVE making pickle pie Designs Bags in the hoop ! The first picture shows the ones I made for an MPS Society fundraiser. My friend Kris Klenke is hosting her 20 th Anniversary Klenke Bowl in memory of her beloved son Kraig. As you may know I have an MPS angel niece who died from the same disease. 

Research is the name of the game for this devastating disease .

The second picture is a tablet bag I made for my darling Granddaughter. She requested a bag with kitties . 

HPpy Sewing & Embroidery 

Sewing with Friends

I had a wonderful day on Thursday sewing !

I’ve been giving sewing lessons to my great niece for about a year now. She is 6 so they have been quick projects .

I invited a girl friend & her granddaughters to join us last week. I let Sofia pick the project as she is the “expert” . She wanted to make St Patrick’s Day scarves & “purses” .

Sofia was very patient with letting the other girls use her machine . My friend & I had to guide the fabric but they loved pushing the pedal . Sofia cut out some green felt & sewed 3 sides . We added green ribbon for handles. 

They had a great time .

I pretty much let them look like 3-4-5-6 yr olds made them .

It’s great that Sofia has been interested in sewing for so long . Of course they loved the snack part of the morning also💕.

It’s been hard coming up with projects so any ideas are greatly appreciated .

I have sewn for myself just need to get some pictures taken ! 

Happy Sewing 

2018 RTW Fast -NYC & Charleston

It’s been a wonderful month 

It’s my birthday month , Valentines & travel 

We spent 5 Days in NYC visiting our Son. DIL & DGD

Such a treat to spend time with them & at 4 1/2 she really knows us now . 

I was able to wear a make a made in NYC in 

January - another of my TNT Sandra Betzina tees. The fabric is a cotton/poly blend from Stone Mtn in SF . It’s so soft it really feels like wearing my pj’s. I have lots of future plans for this pattern including a dress . When I’m on a roll I like to make the same item to really make sure the fit is good & I will remember the steps to make. I’ve really started the year working on a sewing journal in earnest. I’ve actually made notes on Patterns , fabric etc. 

I’m also continuing something I started last year of writing down every single thing I’ve made in a year. Boy it adds up . I used to think I wasn’t a very productive sewer until I started documenting my makes - I include the numbers of charity items I make so it’s a true picture .

Having a great time in Charleston!! Not even tempted to buy clothes . 

I’m loving the RTW challenge . But I was frustrated a few weeks ago when there was a lot of negativity in  The Facebook group. I understood the rules when I signed up but some were asking why such & such an item should be excluded . It’s on your honor , but people received very clear rules when they signed up - just saying 

Happy Sewing 

Gift sewing

I recently finished some gifts . The trivet & coasters were a thank you gift . Machine embroidery in the hoop . 

The valentine pillowcase was mailed to NYC to a special GD . 

We leave next week for a visit & I have the mermaid doll set finished . 

I also finished a top & embroidered a denim jacket - need to get pictures !!!

I have another top & the Blackwood cardigan to finish before next week.

Since I’ll be gone during the next distribution for Layette I’m busy making baby mitts to place in the Layette Bags . They are fast & quick & use up our knit scraps . 

Happy Sewing 

zipper repair for a son !

The past week & 1/2 I’ve had a very bad head cold . I’m very lucky that’s all it is with so much flu going around . But it has sidelined my sewing especially the garments I had planned to work on .

I replaced a zipper in a jacket for my #2 son . It was an oiled leather jacket . I offered to wash it for him, but he said NO - you hose it off . WHAT ??.. indeed that’s what the label said so I mailed back a dirty jacket & said good luck hosing that off in Denver.

I finally completed 2 little  purses for a silent auction for my charity sewing group .

Happy Sewing 

RTW fast 2018 - let’s go !

I’m so excited to be participating in my second RTW Fast with Sarah Gunn of GoodbyeValentino blog.

I believe I only made 5 items in the 2014 RTW Fast but I didn’t buy any clothing either so it was a huge success on my part. 

This year I have many goals of items to make . I’ve actually been cleaning the sewing room & making lists of fabric &patterms I want to complete. 

I love sewing & usually sew a bit every day , but I get scattered in many directions & need to focus on garments .

It’s not that I need a lot of clothes but I want to sew garments I like ,will wear & challenge my sewing skills .

I will still do my charity sewing - in fact I made 75 sets of baby mitts for local hospitals this week. I also love machine embroidery, but another goal is to incorporate embroidery into my garments. 

So I’m ready to get started . 

I found 3 unfinished garments that will get me going ! 

Happy 2018 

&

Happy Sewing 

Santa’s elf is tired & done

I spent most of my November sewing time getting ahead for Christmas . I also made a dress for a friends wedding . I ordered the fabric from Promenade Fabric. #promenadefabrics

They offer THE best customer service . 

This dress was Vogue 6446 . It was a digital printed poly . Digitals can be a challenge as the holes show up if you take something out- AKA reverse sewing . But this poly was very forgiving . 

I hash some issues getting then”wrap”part to fit but it came out very well & above my expectations .

Of course I cut my time close & wasn’t able to make a muslin .😜

The rest of November was spent getting ahead for Christmas. After garment sewing —I LOVE machine embroidery. 

I had items to make for a fundraiser luncheon - items for cutie niece & nephew -items for gift exchange with friends . But now I’m ready to get back to sewing for ME. 

 

Like losing a friend -Nancy Zieman

 A great loss to the sewing community -Nancy Zieman died yesterday. It has hit me very hard as I️ have watched & followed her from almost the beginning of her career. She was like a friend next to me while sewing. I️ could watch a video clip or refer to a book she had written for easy directions . Even my boys knew not to disturb mom while watching her “show”or tape over moms show.
She inspired so many & will be greatly missed !
                                           Bye for Now Nancy - prayers to your family

Sew much sewing -sew little time to blog

Sew much catching up to do - but too much for one post.! 

I made this Sandra Betzina V1515 - “pop top “ this week for a family birthday party . 

I was a panel I bought from @@promenadefabrics . 

I lined the top & took in about 2” off each side . I didn’t add the elastic to the collar this time & just choose to make it more of a cowl neck . 

It’s a fun & easy topper to make -just wondering how ,any of the same top one can male &use ???

Bucket list -sewing with Susan Khalje

Hey Ya'll 

I'm in  Houston ready to start my week class with Susan Khalje !! I'm beyond excited & beyond nervous 😩 😩

I hope I'm not over my head.  But trying to focus on I'm hear to learn !!

My sewing machine packed in bubble wrap made it through TsA with flying colors ( ha ha ) .

I had to borrow back the small Janome I won last year from my sister in law. All my Bernina's were toooooo heavy . The Janome weighs 12 pounds . 

I had a great few days visiting my nephew , his wife & 3 kids . Lots of great energy ! 

So wish me well & I'll try to keep up with my progress .

Happy Sewing ! 

Catching up & sewing fun

Wow over a month since I've blogged ! 

I'm always sewing just not always taking the time to blog . 

I finished the Sandra Betzina pop top & I love it . Her staff saw it in my IG post & asked if they could  post on her social media -I was thrilled ! I also wore it out & a female bartender asked where I got the top. Again it was a treat to have someone comment !

I thought I had a picture of the everyday tank  I made but I don't. I also don't love it . I used a very nice quilting cotton & it just didn't hang very well . Fabric was recommended on pattern but it was too stiff even tho it was a softer cotton .  But I feel  learn from each experience .

This make is an In the Hoop Embroidery design from pickle pie . It was easy -sent to #2 son as a prototype . It's a tech bag for cords etc. I think the pockets are too small to hold much but we'll see what he thinks .

Happy Sewing 

Button ,button what to do with so many buttons

I didn't take pictures of the button sorting until more than 2/3 of the way through the process .

My brothers Mother in law moved here & wanted to bring all her sewing supplies . She hasn't sewn in 5-7 years . I've helped them out by sorting out the beautiful fabrics she had as well as supplies .

She had so many wonderful silks, wools , linings etc !!!

I donated most to a local community college -they have a great fashion design program .

We this week I took on the buttons . There were 1000's . Not joking !!!! 

They were  6 tall Rubbermaid containers -all full of buttons .

I of course am keeping quite a few for myself as she had very good taste ! 

I'm taking a huge bag to the community college . Also have a large bag for a great resource Treasures 4Teacners . I also gave a very large bag to my sister to use on the greeting cards she makes .

It was great fun going through all of Elenas items , but...

It also made me very sad ! I have boys & they will most likely toss all my treasures 😢

Moral of the story -get busy & start sewing !!

I also had a chance recentLy to go to the Garment District in NYC.

Tomasa @@sewmuchfashion 

Kyle@vacummingthelawn 

gave me some great tips & must see places to find more sewing goodies. 

Moana items & new travel bag

Lots of Sewing going on ! 

I just finished the Ultimate Travel Bag by Annie's . It was a lot of work , but not hard .  You have to really pay attention to the directions - also label EVERYTHING per her directions . 

The bag is getting its maiden voyage on Wed as we travel to NYC to visit our son & his family.

The Moana sunhat & purse are for our wonderful granddaughter. We are really looking forward to seeing them . 

I'll be taking a day during the visit to go to the garment district. I'm beyond thrilled . I've been before but it's usually just an Hour here & there. This time I'll hopefully have the good part of a day. 

I'm still going through a frustrating time of not making the time & effort to sew for me .

But ... I do have a simple top cut put with the hopes of make my it tomorrow.!!!!