September Is Almost Over! Sewing Reflection

It's hard to believe that September is almost over!  This week I started seriously thinking about fall and winter sewing projects.  There is always so much I want to make and do.  It's overwhelming.  There isn't enough time in a day to accomplish as much as I'd like to.

I'm happy to report that I finished at least 2/3 of the summer projects on my list including a swimsuit (UFO) for my daughter.  Right now, I have three more summer projects to complete.  I'll work on finishing them over the course of the next several days.  I've ready finished two fall garments.  Reviews on those will be posted this weekend.  They are part of the Style Maker Fabric Fall Tour.

So over the next several days review to post are:

• Simplicity Dress S1314
• Butterick Jacket B6329
• Butterick and McCall Swimsuit BP291 & M7578 for DD (UFO)
• McCall Pants  M7726 (made in June)
• McCall Shirt M7753 (made in July)
• McCall Top M7687
• Vogue Dress V1352
• McCall Dress M6116 

Meanwhile, I'm continuing to work on my top ten projects to make this fall.  One will be McCall Jacket M6440, view D.

Multi-Tasking - Sewing Related Activities

I'm all over the place with my sewing activities and projects.  I continue to add projects to the ole to make list. Occassionally, shuffling them around based on my current level of interest or excitement.  I'm ordering and buying fabric from multiple places.  I received a box from Mood with this lovely faux fur in it.  I haven't decided on what jacket/coat to make.

I have a mound of muslin garments cut, ready to sew up and fit.

My pattern collection has grown tremendously over the past few months.  I poured the newly purchased patterns over the dining table.  It looked like an explosion of patterns.Below is only a hand full that I started to trim.  And on top of that, I have a big shopping bag full of projects cut and stored in separate "Vogue" plastic bags.

So.., I will continue to "multi-task" the ole sewing projects and post as soon as I have something note worthy.  Expect to see more "Notes on a Pattern" even though I've only made one of the patterns of interest.

On Saturday, I'm attending a workshop taught by Rhonda Buss and Susan Khalje.  I'm so excited and can't wait to learn from the pros.

What about you?  Are you multi-tasking sewing projects?  Or do you work on them one at a time?


Happy Sewing!
Cennetta

So Distracted

It's been over a week since my last post. I've had very little time to blog, but managed to get some sewing done. And you better believe that I have dreamed about upcoming sewing projects and things to blog about.

Anywayyyy...,

Last week my team (work) had our annual two day retreat in Urbana. We spent the working hours developing our strategic plan for the coming year. We discussed, roles changes, goals, and policies and procedures. It's a big to do and is exhausting to say the least. One good thing is it keeps us on task and gives us a clearer view of the expectations of each team member and the group as a whole. The second good thing is no evaluations this year. No money, no increases, no evaluations. Only glad about the no evaluations. Typically, each person evaluates themselves. Then meets with the project manager, who has also prepared an evaluation, to discuss all of the "stuff" discussed at the retreat from an individual point of view.

Mid-June three of us (team) will travel to Albany, NY, for the annual User Group Meeting. I've cut out a some pants to wear during the conference. I'm hoping to make two new outfits for the trip.

Memorial Day Weekend - Both Hancock's and JoAnn's had great sales. Of course, I bought a few patterns and cuts of fabrics. I'm sure most of my sewing and blogging buddies took advantage of the sales. I haven't read many blogs lately, but plan to catch up this week.

Plans within plans - Quite a few sewists/designers have posted reviews of making jeans, all have done a fabulous job of creating unique designs and sharing techniques. I plan to jump on the jean band wagon this summer too. Also plan to make a few garments from vintage patterns. Two weeks ago, while searching through my vintage patterns I found a Plamer/Pletsch vintage jean pattern. It's loaded with tips and techniques for making a great pair of jeans. I used this pattern over twenty-five years ago to make jeans for my mom. Back then I didn't pay close attention to all the benefits. I'm glad I kept this one and will share the tips and techniques with you.








More later and Happy Sewing!
C

Buying Stuff Is A Sweet Substitute

I may not be able to sew as much as I would like, but I'm shopping up a storm! Here are some of my sweet treasures.

From Pam's SewExciting.Blogspot.com

Gorgeous Fabrics is having a sale on coating. I grabbed this beautiful black basket weave boucle and this royal purple flannel coating.





Of course I had to take advantage of the sale at Vogue Fabrics. Thanks, Cindy for the 411 on the sale. I didn't get any dupioni silk, but I picked up some nice pieces.

Floral Shantung from the remnant room.

Brown and Blue striped shirting at $1.99 per yard.

Gray linen blend from the remnant room.

Beautiful knits at $4.99 per yard.



What would craft shopping be without a few patterns. I received my Burda World of Fashion in the mail yesterday. I truly need to sew more from Burda. The magazines and patterns are stacking up. lol Saturday I only bought two Vogue patterns at the JoAnn's pattern sale.



Well that's all for now.

Happy Sewing!

C

Love My Pattern Collection

Like many sewists, my pattern collection is over the top. I enjoy collecting, studying, and sewing from them. With each sale (Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's and Hancock's) there is another opportunity to pick something interesting. In the past fifteen years my pattern collection has grown exponentially. Partly due to my approach to buying patterns. Previously I brought a pattern because I was planning to making an outfit for an occasion or for someone else's occasion (commissioned sewing). But now I buy for other reasons:

Teaching fit/construction techniques - I'm forever in "fitting school", always looking for ways to improve the fit of my garments as well as fitting my occasional client. This is so important to have each section of the garment portionally balanced. It can be well put together; but if it is ill-fitted, the garment can be uncomfortable to wear. I'm on a continuous quest for the ultimate "polished look". So any pattern that has some tips of the RTW polishing is a plus.

Styles of garments - At one point, my goal was to buy a pattern of every possible style of for each garment type. I know that sounds crazy, but..., Recently, some pattern companies have made it easy to have several style options (dress) within one pattern. This is a welcome change and may or may not reduce the number that I buy. lol

And finally,

Client requests - I sew for a select group of people, who have special requests. Some requests may require that I buy two patterns that I combine to create one garment. My confidence level is not high enough to try drafting my own pattern. So if I can create their design by using two patterns with some minor tweeking of the style, I'm good.

Soooo.., That's it on why have hundreds of patterns. Why do you collect them?


Here are a few parting shots. I'm copying one of Summerset's blog features. Lindsay T posted an article on "Would you Ever Make a Wedding Gown? I made two: mine and a member of my church.

Pencil Skirts for Ms. PB

Ms. PB has commissioned me again..., This time the order is for pencil skirts. Ms. PB sings in the choir at church. The choir (sometime) wears white blouse/shirt and black skirt/pants, instead of robes. She wants two skirts: black and heather gray. I picked up swatches from Vogue of some lovely menswear and wool crepe. Ms. PB also allowed me to select a pattern. I chose Butterick 5249, with a slight modification (taper from the lower hip to the hem) it is perfect. This is not a urgent commission so I have time to finish my coat and start some things for DD.








BTW- I finished hemming the five pants for Ms. DD last night. She on vacation this week. So no pictures until she returns.

Gearing Up for Fall Sewing

Three day weekends are the best! Pattern sales at JoAnn's and Hancock's make it even better. No ranting and raving about too many patterns in my collection. I'm just going with the flow of "this is what I love to do". I collect patterns; I collect fabric; and I sew. First, Miss DD liked two dress patterns that I picked. Wow! What a moment. I'm getting misty. lol She also allowed me to pay for some fabric that she selected. She hasn't completely decided on the fabric yet but is thinking one will be in a pin wale corduroy.



















I also picked up this "great pant" pattern. It's makes a lot of promises on the envelope. These pants would be a compliment to all kinds of tops and blouses worn inside or out. Definitely a wardrobe builder. If it makes good it's promises, It may become a TNT pattern for me. We'll see.

I also grabbed these:







Last but not least, I picked up the patterns shown in the previous post.

Happy Sewing!
C

It's the Weekend

I'm very thankful that the weekend has come. It's very cold in the mid-west, temperatures hi 9 lo 4 degrees. The plan is to avoid coming outside, clean house, cook, organize sewing projects and sew something.

Last night I was able to read some of my favorite blogs. So many have already started thinking about their spring wardrobes. I really haven't put a lot of thought into my wardrobe for the upcoming season. There are several pieces for fall and winter on the cutting table or in a bin that I want to make.

A few sewists posted their thoughts on the Michael Kor V1029 with the ruching down the backside. All thumbs down. JoAnn and Hancock's have had pattern sales and I picked up a few. lol. I also grabbed a few New Look patterns from Walmart's. They are a little cheaper than Joann's. This year I am carefully selecting patterns to add to my collection. What I mean by that is picking patterns with a style element that isn't included in any pattern that I already have. Occassionally, I mix and match pattern pieces and views to come up with my own design based on an inspirational piece or fitting preference. It is my desire to make this approach a common practice since I have so much to chose from already. Here are my recent additions and why I chose them:


I like the coat. I'm not too crazy about the 3/4 length sleeves on this coat. ...,would use the sleeve on the jacket instead.


The attraction to this one was the closures and collars variations.


I want to make jogging pants and tank tops for my spa vacation in March. This pattern fits the bill.


Recently my attention has turned to accessories. I've never made gloves before, and I liked the designs that this pattern has to offer.


I have a cap similar to view D, second on the right. ..., would like a few more.


Another selected for spa weekend. Purchased this pattern for the cover up. Also like the white suit minus the tie.


Don't have a jacket with a yoke back, band over back elastic detail.


This one is for my sister. This jacket is the caller.


I really like to fullness of these pants with the combination of the pocket variations.


The front detailing on the jacket is what prompted me to buy this one. It looks a little retro and I like retro.


Finally, View B (red skirt) is for my DD.

Last but not least, I purchased some more fabric from Gorgeous Fabrics. No ideas on what to make yet.

Vintage Pattern Give-Away - Final Set

This is the last of the pattern give-away.



V4850, size 14, cut


V5330, size 12, uncut


V5851, size 12, uncut


V5107, size 10, cut


M6729, size 11, cut


M3527, size 12, cut


B9297, Size 9, uncut


M5302, size 12, uncut


V8985, size 10, cut