This and That

It's been well over a month since my last post.  A lot has happened since then.  First, my sewing and posting was interrupted by vacation.  Tee Hee.  Then shortly thereafter, I had a minor surgery to correct my deviated septum.  For years I've been suffering with sinus issues.  Hopefully, the surgery will make things better.

Vacation was more for relaxation.  I didn't do any tours and no serious sightseeing.  There were only three ports of call this trip:  Haiti, Jamaica, and Cozumel.  I've been to Jamaica and Cozumel over at least a half dozen times each.  So it was no biggie.  The Oasis of the Sea is a grand ship.  It has a park, zip lining, and several swimming pools/Jacuzzis.

Central Park was located on deck eight, the same deck as my cabin.  It was nice to walk through the park each morning.  And sometimes we walked through after dinner.  Another convenience on deck eight was the jazz bar was about 100 feet away from my room too.  And when there was no show in the theater, you would find me at the jazz bar enjoying the band.

I was happy to have a low key vacation mainly because I haven't felt well for months.  My nasal issues and allergies have wreak havoc on me the entire spring/summer seasons. This is my third week in recovery.  I've had two follow up appointments thus far.  Another is schedule for the 30th.  Dr. Michael Friedman is my surgeon.  He is the same doctor that performed the thyroidectomy four years ago.  He is top in his field (ENT), which has given me a level of comfort.  But there is God, who is the ultimate healer. The one I pray to when I am sick and afraid of what may lie ahead.

In early October I blogged about posting some of my least favorite projects.  I'm still going to do that starting tomorrow.  Also, I will post about some UFO's that have been lingering in the closet of my sewing studio for more than a year.  About two week ago, I mustard up some strength to do a little sewing, like a three hours interval every other day.  I finished:

New Look 6560 Wrap top - I was supposed to take this on vacation.  Cut about two weeks before vacation.

New Look 6735  Cardigan - 2 of them:  brown and red cut summer 2017.

McCall    6996 Cardigan - This cardigan was cut about 1.5 months ago.  So that not to bad on getting it finished.

Butterick 6393  Caccoon cardigan cut summer 2017.

WIP:

M7288 Jacket, View D -  This is going to be a long post.  Lots of changes to a multi-cup size pattern.


V1570 Pants, View without the drape.  Easy make.  (no pictures yet)


Anyway..,  This is all for now.  I hope to continue posting through the holiday season.  I can't believe the year is almost over.

Happy Sewing!
C

Oops, I've Been Too Quiet Again!

Sorry, I know it seems like I've taken a hiatus from sewing. Really, I haven't. Actually, I've sewn several garments over the past two months; but it's been difficult finding the time to take pictures or the photos shoot ends up not so good. What is becoming more and more difficult to do is to blog on a regular basis. I took a part-time job in a dental office. It's nothing like my former career in IT at the University, where I could key out a post with no problems. There is almost zero time during my off days to actually sit down at my laptop or desktop to type out a blog.

More and more I'm viewing Instagram and Facebook instead. Both are quick ways to stay connected. I still feel, though, that blogging is a better way to journal my sewing journal, share my experiences, and learn from others. So, it's an effort that I hope to continue.

Currently, I have multiple projects going at the same time. One is the "Shirt Project". Early this summer, I decided to practice making button-down or button-up shirts. My goal is to learn to fit and sew them well. Currently, I've made five shirts. My quest got the attention of the HCC President and the Program Director; they asked if I would do a presentation on my shirts. Of course, I said yes. But it meant that I would need to make more shirts to show different design and style elements. The process also gives me a chance to identify some tips and techniques that may be helpful to others. In the coming weeks, I hope to post a few more shirts.

Secondly, I'm working with one client, Pastor Jenetta Ross, who I've made several clergy robes for. This time the commission is for two robes: white and gold (already finished and delivered) and a red and black robe. Both made using Simplicity 5386. The white and gold was basically made the same as the blue one pictured here. 

Thirdly, there are several things on the sewing table for my DD. Starting with a few dresses, a swimsuit (I know summer is almost over, but there is always vacation.), a coat and a few shirts. 

Finally, other things for myself I will make several knit tops that include sleeve designs created by Rhonda Buss. Sleeves are so very big these days. I've selected a few designs that are trendy as well as classic, if that makes sense. Part of my goal is to continue to try different things to enhance my sewing skills and to jazz up my classic style. Also, I hope to share my thoughts on some fall/winter mini wardrobes. In all of this will emerge my entries for the HCC Fashion Show 2018. That's may sewing "catch up" post. Next up I'll share some "Notes on a Pattern".

Thanks and Happy Sewing!

Cennetta

Haute Couture Club Holiday Luncheon

I can't believe I forget to share photos for the Haute Couture Club Annual Holiday luncheon. It is almost a treat to spend time with these fabulous sewing ladies. This year are luncheon was at the Harry Caray's Restaurant in Chicago.

This is a photo post. So enjoy!

Maria (President), Brenda, Rhonda, and Lauren (my DD)

Brenda and Rhonda

Susan and Wendy (Fashion Show Chairs 2015-16)

More pictures

Ms. Arnita and friend

Mary Kay and Sandra

Ms. Gerri

 Show and share

Renee

Alabama Chaining Skirt

Purses and bags

Top, skirt and bag (gift idea)

Dr. Nikki at show and share

 I simply love the company of these women.  It's always a grand time.

Happy Sewing!
C

Haute Couture Club of Chicago June 2015 Luncheon at Wildfire - Downtown Chicago

Last Saturday the Haute Couture Club of Chicago held it's annual Spring Luncheon at the Wildfire Restaurant in downtown Chicago.  The food was delicious and the company was amazingly delightful.  I cannot say enough about this beautiful group of sewists.

Today I wanted to share some pictures from our luncheon. We come from all walks of life with a broad range of professions from teacher to lawyer to physicist.  It is always a joy to come together to share our passion for creativity and sewing.  At each event I have the pleasure of meeting someone "new".  Not someone new to the club, but new to me. 

I had the pleasure of sitting with Ms. Beatrice and Ms. Jean.  Both ladies are 94 years old.  Imagine that!  They joined the HCC in 1966!  I was only 4 years old.  WOW!  Both taught home economics; they still hold validate drivers' license; and are members of a bowling league.  AMAZING!!!

The old board was honored and the new one installed.  Wendy and Susan will co-chair the fashion show 2016.  Maria will continue as President for the year 2015-16.  I can't remember all of the installations, but here is some photos of the new board. 

The Haute Couture Club of Chicago is a wonderful group of creative people, who come together to learn, share, and explore sewing activities.  Please if you are in the Chicagoland area, you should consider joining the club.  You won't be disappointed.

Happy Sewing!
Cennetta

Haute Couture Club of Chicago - 50th Anniversary 2013-14

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! September 7th is the Haute Couture Club of Chicago kick out meeting for the 50th Anniversary! If you are in the Chicago land area, you are welcome to join us. Go to our website for upcoming events and activities.