Unexpected Gifts

Sometimes it takes me awhile to incorporate my Christmas gifts into my other belongings.  Last week was the second phase of this process.  I'd put all my small bagged treasures in one area of my room to look at and to admire after everything had settle back to normal.

I received three little golden bags, each containing a handcrafted beaded insect.  These treasurers were made by one of my daughter's good friends, Melissa. Her gifts were totally unexpected.

You see Melissa is currently unemployed and has struggled with finding a job.  You would think that this smart cookie, who graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago would have no trouble finding a job.  Unfortunately, that is not the case.

But the lack of money did not stop Melissa from spreading the Christmas cheer.  With seed beads, she delightfully weaved many gifts to give at Christmas time.  I'm one of those lucky recipients.  And I had to share this act of kindness.  So many times, people are sad during the holidays because they are unable to give gifts.  Melissa and others, do found creative ways to make their own.  These gifts are the most priceless.  Simply because they took the time and effort with little resource to found a way to give something special.  I thought it necessary to share this act of kindness. 

I decided to make mine little bugs wearable art.  I'll add some felt and a brooch pin to the underside and proudly wear them on my jacket lapel or on the shoulder.

Anyway, like I said, I just wanted to share this act of kindness by Melissa.

Have a great day!
C 

Generosity ...,

Patty at the Sandra Betzina Retreat (2012)

Life is full of unexpected moments. Throughout our journey we meet people. Some we remember, some we forget, and others become friends. Social media has made the world seem very small compare to how we viewed it 25 years ago. So many people have crossed our paths via social media. So many enjoy sewing and crafting as we do.

Gay, Sandra Betzina Retreat (2012)

 
It never ceases to amaze me at the number of people I've met over the past ten years through blogging, Facebook, or Pattern Review. Last week I received a Facebook message from Gay, who I met at one of Sandra Betzina's retreat (2012). Gay attended with her friend Patty. At the workshop we were among many ladies who shared a passion for sewing.

Patty of the far left (2012)

In Gay's message, she said, "Patty was climbing a ladder in her garage and fell down. I'm not sure of the cause, but Ms. Patty passed.  I was shocked by this news. Patty was young and appeared to be in good health when I saw her at the retreat.  Gay was helping the family find new homes for Patty's fabric and pattern collections.  She thought of me. 

Patty far left (2012)

Gay shipped me a huge box containing many fabrics from Marci Tilton and Britex. Also, in the box were about three dozen patterns. It was so nice of her to send me such a gift.  I'm grateful and will put it to use. I already owned many of the patterns, so I shared them with some of my friends at the Haute Couture Club and with Andrea (Sew to Fit). Gay and Patty's family can rest assured that the patterns and the fabric will be used to create something beautiful. My plan is to start using some of the fabric this summer, post the finished garments on my blog as well as on Facebook to share with Gay and Patty's family to show my gratitude for the wonderful gift.


I hope and pray that the family and friends are healing after the lost of their love one.


 

Kimono fabric- some was gifted to a dear friend

Be well all,
C

Christmas Holiday Sewing - Part II Simplicity 9326

The mock turtleneck is much like the mock turtleneck of BWOF 9/10, #121. So I followed the design of the turtleneck to create a clean finish to the 2000 Simplicity version. This pattern fits DD well that made this one easy to make for my sister as well.

Simplicity 9326

Pattern Description: Misses' Jacket or Coat, Pants, Skirt and Knit Top. Fitted pullover knit top A has funnel neck and three-quarter length sleeves. Semi-fitted jacket B or coat C has pointed collar, long sleeves and front Velcro closure. Semi-fitted pants D and skirt E worn 1 inch below waistline have side zipper and side slits. Suitable for Overlock/serger.

Pattern Sizing: 4 - 18. I used 10 - 12.


Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Pretty much. I added length to sleeves and top. Then I finished the funnel (mock turtleneck) same as Summerset.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. No problems there. I was able to finish one top under an hour.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? "We" like it. Nothing to dislike.


Fabric Used: I ordered several colors of the Hatchi stretch rayon blend jersey from Fabric.com.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Lengthen or shorten sleeves. Lengthen top. Changed the design of the funnel to resemble the BWOF top.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yep. This is a great way to build the winter wardrobe. You can wear these nice top with jeans as well as suits.

Conclusion: Both DD and my sister love the tops. And I'm sure they will get a lot of use out of them.

Christmas Holiday Sewing - Part I Butterick 3521

This will be the first review of several sewing projects completing during the month of December. Most of them were given as Christmas gifts to my sisters and my DD. It took me forever to decide what to sew for each sister. It is not often that I sew for them. So I wanted with gifts to be a little more than ordinary.

This first review is of a little outfit for my baby sister, Tricey. Here goes.

Butterick 3521

Pattern Description: Misses' Top - Pullover top has neckline variations. A: semi-fitted, long sleeves with slit/elastic hem. A, B, narrow hem B: Bias, halter neck with drape, tie ends. C: collar, collar band, stitched hem, purchased button.

Pattern Sizing: 6 - 22. I used size 12.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Exactly.

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very simple and easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Everything about this view is likable. It's fast and easy, two pieces; a stylish classic; and figure flattering. Nothing to dislike.

Fabric Used: I used a stretch velvet from Hancock. I love the hand of it and the deep rich color.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: No design changes. But I added a few inches to the length of the top and sleeves. My baby sister is taller than I am.

I had about 3/4 yard left so a made a matching skirt. No pattern used. It's finished with elastic at the top a small hem at the bottom. Simple.




Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I will probably sew view A again. This is the third time I've sewn it. So you know I really like it. I'm also considering making view B.

Conclusion: This is a quick, but stylish top that can be made up in a variety of knit fabrics.

The UPS Man Cometh Bearing Beautiful Gifts

On Wednesday afternoon the doorbell rang. It was one of our favorite people. The UPS Man! To my surprise, this time he came ringing for me bearing beautiful gifts from generous Ms. Marji. This was such bountiful gift and I love every piece of it. Thank you Ms. Marji! You are an angel.

In Marji's letter she mentions making garments for my DD Career wardrobe. Well, DD may get one or two things from the fabric, but I'll be the benefactor of most of it. ;-)







Acquiring more reference books is on my list of goals for 2010. I started reading the Easy Guide to Sewing Jackets. Lots of good stuff in it. Over the weekend I'll take a serious look at the tailoring book.

Thanks again, Marji. This is such a lovely and thoughtful gift, and I really appreciate your precious gift.

Next Post - Reviews of DD Fall 2009/Winder 2010 Career Wardrobe. Here's a preview:



Happy Sewing!
C