Little Black Cardi

I want to thank all of you for your concern and good wishes about my eye surgery and resulting problem.  My eye has healed and I'm ready for another surgery next week.  Ready is probably not the right word. Reconciled.  Because of the way the anesthetic stays with me, I'll have two days that are worry free.  I'll be totally happy! Giddy.  Stupid.

I have a black knit fabric that has black, raised, textured flowers.  It's thin.  I bought it for a pattern that ended up being a wrong choice.  So today, I made my old standby cardi.  It's my "go to" thing when I want to sew but don't want to have to think about it or figure anything out.  Lazy sewing.  The fabric was perfect for it and it was quick and easy.  Painless.

The last pattern sale at Jos I bought these patterns.

I like the lines on the McCall outerwear jacket.  It has a saddle shoulder--something you don't seem often.  And the See&Sew coat has a cute, full back.  Who knows when or if they will get made.  I think of my patterns as a collection, and truly, how many of us actually sew all the patterns we have?  Still, they are comforting, aren't they? Especially when they are on sale so inexpensive.

I have traced and altered the Cutting Line Designs HeartsAFlutter overblouse.  I believe Shams may have made it so I'll have to check her blog and PR to find it.  I know it runs very large, so I used the finished garment measurements, which is what I always do, anyway.  That's on the agenda for tomorrow.

Back in the Blog Business

It was not a good week.  I had cataract surgery on one eye.  When my eye was clamped open, it tore.  Inside where you can't see it but the Dr. can.  I found out a week later when my eye didn't feel good.  It's going to be ok though.  Supposedly.   I can't wear eye makeup for a month.  I've worn eye makeup since I was 14.  May as well not have any clothes on!   I lost two complete days because the anesthetic knocked me on my butt.   Then Blogger decided to cut up, ending with not allowing me to enter my blog.

After fiddling around for several hours, instead of sewing, I finally fixed Blogger.  Actually, Blogger told me it wanted me to download Google Chrome.  I gave in.  After the download, I got back into my blog and it let me make comments again. Thanks, Blogger.

Sometimes, you just have to let it have its way.

Note to Bunny,Sherill and Rhonda

Blogger is once again throwing me a curveball.  I am not able to comment on any of your blogs on any computer. I don't seem to have any problems with others.  So, please know I'm reading your blogs but until I can rectify the situation, I can't "speak" with you.

Bunny, I didn't know Erica Wilson died.  I used to watch her show and have one of her old books.  She was THE embroidery star of her day. 

Sherill, your new jacket is going great!  I love a jean jacket.

Rhonda, wonderful idea about showing us how to make different types of sleeves.  That will be very interesting and informative.

Now, back to trying to figure out what the problem is.

Texting Gloves

Or typing gloves, or fingerless gloves--whichever name one puts to them.  I started the NewYear off right by sewing up two pair of these easy to make but kinda' cute hand warmers.  The pattern is V8703, by Marcy Tilton.

 They need a knit fabric-fleece or any other type of appropriate weight knit.  Mine are made from black stretch Velveteen, with black stretch lace trim.  These are the easiest little thingies to make, and I can see them in a leopard print or brightly colored knits, or even made from a discarded sweater.  The most difficult part of the whole thing is finding stretch trim, which I'll be watching for now.

These texting gloves would make a nice little gift, especially for those who work in an office that's drafty.   A little late for Christmas, but there are other holidays, and Christmas does come around again before we blink an eye.  Marcy talks about them here:http://marcytilton.com/index.php?cid=1703 

Daughter, you're getting a pair, sweetie.

CLD Discover Something Novel

There's nothing like a flu bug to put a damper on the holidays.  I'm taking antibiotics that I'm hoping will knock this crud out of me before Wednesday, because I'm scheduled for cataract surgery.  I don't want to have to cancel the surgery and start that whole process all over.

I noticed this vest in Threads.  It's Louise Cutting's Discover Something Novel. 

The pattern:

I love this vest.  It is a good pattern if you like to embellish.  The right front has two pieces, the back is asymmetrical, split into two pieces, and the peplum is separate pieces, back and front.  Mine is made from black velveteen, black velvet embossed twill, and white shantung.  Here's the front:



The side, showing the peplum is is split at the side seam:

And the back:

It's hung over a white t-shirt, but it would look pretty over a shiny, long-sleeved shirt and velveteen pants.  Although the pattern doesn't have a lining,  I lined mine with a black/white print.  Love.

A few weeks ago, I took a workshop called "Mixed Media", where we played with a lot of different mediums--paints, inks, etc.  We did silk screening, stenciling, dying,  sun printing, and many other techniques.  I was introduced to something called Zentangle, and was hooked immediately.  Zentangle is basically doodling repetitive patterns.  When I realized this could be done on fabric, I was ecstatic!  I bought this piece of fabric from the instructor.  It's cotton fabric, drawn on with a Sharpie marker.

Isn't that gorgeous?  The gal who did this piece drew it while standing by her kitchen counter.  My goal is to be able to draw that on something--fabric, a shirt, white tote bags.  It could be done in color, or this black and white drawing could be hand embroidered.  Lots of possibilities.  I love to sew, but I equally love playing with pens and inks.

Wishing all of you a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year, filled with fabric and patterns!

V8624

Here's a shrugg-y type jacket from Vogue, 8624.  The envelope states it has kimono sleeves, but in fact, I believe they are more dolman.  The under part of the sleeve angles down to the hemline of the jacket, creating drape and fullness at the side.  Here's a photo of mine, with my husband holding out one sleeve straight.

Mine is made from a lightweight, drapey rayon.  It does not meet at CF.  It looks much better on than off, and the photo on the pattern envelope is an accurate depiction.  It's another version of a cocoon jacket.

A couple of weeks ago, I attended a workshop entitled "Mixed Media".   We painted fabric with all types of fabric paint and ink, learned to draw images on fabric, stencilled, screen-printed, sun printed, etc.   It was two riotous days of fun!  I have a lot of samples that were done in the workshop that will never be anything but samples.  The one thing I actually finished is a white silk scarf.  I spray painted it with silver glitter.  Then, I used Shiva Paintsticks to stencil words all over it.  The paint had to cure for a couple of days, and then it was heat set with an iron.  I intend to bead the edges with silver beads.

I'm working on a silky, sheer waist length mobius wrap.  It's simply a rectangle with borders.  Easy, right?  It would be, except for the slippery fabric.  Not particularly enjoyable to work with.  I'm making french seams and  serger rolled hems.  If all goes well, I'll have it finished tomorrow.  Then, I want to make the E-Shrug.  I'm probably the last person in blogland to make it. 

I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday weekend!

Santas Got a Brand New Bag #2

Santa Bag is finished.  I will start carrying it on Thanksgiving.  At least I was ahead of the game for a change! 

No pattern for this bag.  It came out of my head when I made the first one for my daughter.  I quilted red satin fabric with red rayon thread to PellonFleece and then cut out the pieces.  For stiffness, I used Peltex. There are pockets on each side for phones and glasses.  There's a rhinestone key fob on one side (gotta have a little bling)!  White fur balls hang from red satin ribbons, and trim around the top in white fur, taken from Santa hats.  There's a "G" ornament hanging also, from red satin ribbon.   Red and white candy-cane stripe handles that I found online.  Zipped top with rhinestone zipper pull.  Stacked buttons used for feet.  And red satin lining, with a zipper pocket.  Here it is. 

                                                                         Front:



Side with key fob:

                                                                            Bottom:



                                                                             Top:

                                                                          Inside:

The tables and hardwood floors are dusty.  Laundry is backed up and I haven't cooked a good meal for a couple of days.  But the important things are done!  I'll catch up with housework while I think about the next project.  There is Christmas music playing in the stores.   I am not ready for it. 

Santa Bag In Progress

Two years ago, I made my daughter a SantaBag.  I had all the "ingredients" to make two-one for her, and one for myself.  As things go, I didn't get mine made that year.  I have started mine, finally, and will have it finished by Thanksgiving. (which, by the way, is coming up shortly)!  Can you believe it?  I misplaced September and October.

The SantaBag doesn't have a pattern.  It's just a box type bag with a zip top.  I've quilted red satin for the body, and it will be lined in red satin, also.  I have red and white candy-cane looking handles, and a couple pieces of  rhinestone bling for zipper pulls and key fobs.  It will be trimmed around the top with white fur, and will have white fur balls hanging from a satin ribbon, just like Santa's hat.  And, I have a tree ornament to hang on it also, which is my initial, done in silver and red, with rhinestones.  Today, I got the pieces quilted, and interfaced with Peltex.  I stacked three red buttons to use for feet, and have those sewn on.  I'll work it again tomorrow.  I'm thinking of Bunny as I'm sewing, because she makes some beautiful bags, and I think she's going to making some for holiday gifts this year.

Of course, I can't pass up a pattern on sale at Jos.  I was there a few days ago, and got a few Vogue patterns, and one McCall.  I have plans for V8624, a cute cocoon type jacket.  I bought a black/white rayon print for it.

A couple of weeks ago, I took a workshop at Needlework & Textile Guild of Michigan.  There's a workshop every month, and I attend all that I possibly can.  This workshop was "Nuno Felting" a silk scarf.  Basically, you layer wool roving, and ribbons, sequins, silk bits, etc. onto a silk scarf.  Cover with a thin gauze, wet with water and soap solution, make a jelly roll of it with bubble wrap, and roll the entire thing back and forth, felting the wool into the silk.  Fiber artists out there will know exactly how this process is done.  Here's my finished scarf.  It was laborious to say the least!

Knitting.  I finished this ruffley scarf.  It's made from Sashay by RedHeart.  The yarn is a mesh-type fiber, with silver metallic on the edge.  It's a no-brainer to knit-a good project to take along to knit when you're waiting for whatever.  Or whomever.  I have about 6 more skeins of this stuff to knit.



There was a big hoo-hah in the knitting community over KateMiddleton's knitted shawl that she was spotted wearing while grocery shopping.  It was all over Ravelry.  I downloaded a few patterns, and did some samples of the stitches used.  Then, Claire posted about the Kate shawl she was making, called "Ubiquitous Kate".  I found that free pattern at Ravelry also, and made a swatch of the stitch pattern.  Decided I liked it and ordered yarn from KnitPicks.  I'm using Gloss fingering yarn, in scarlet.  Gotta say I'm totally enjoying knitting this shawl.

I think that catches up what I'm doing creatively.  This week is not so busy for me as the last two, so I hope to get my SantaBag finished and maybe start on a jacket.  To those of you who got the surprise snow, I hope you had yourselves a nice sewing snow day!

Marcy Jacket Closeted/Fiber Arts/Pattern Prize

I'm so far behind in posting.  My blog is shamefully neglected.  I need a class in time management.

The MarciTilton jacket I've been working on is(was) almost finished.  Problem:  there is a big old diagonal pleat in the back peplum.  It sticks out like a sore thumb on my behind.  So, I took the pleat out, which would be fine, except that I used a stripe fabric, and the peplum is cut rather angular, making the stripes look wonky.  So, I put it in the closet until I feel like trying to work out a solution.  It's just one of those things.  If I were to make the jacket again, I would take the pleat out before cutting the fabric.  And it would not be a stripe.  I still like the basic cut, and sometime I'll probably try it again.  Meanwhile---

At September's Needlework and Textile Guild of Michigan, we were honored to have a class by Bernina Fashion Show participant, MichelleMitchell.  She sews art garments, and is an award winner several times.  The class she taught is called "Crinkled and Gathered".  We started with several 1-1/2" strips of fabric, sew together--as if you were strip piecing a quilt.  On that fabric, you free-motion stitch in a zig-zag pattern, going across an area of about 2" at a time, and down the length of the fabric.   That is repeated across the width.  As you sew in that fashion, the fabric starts to bunch up, crinkle and gather.  Here is what the fabric looks like with one layer of thread stitched on top. (The white fabric is "handles" you use to maneuver the fabric from side to side.)

That process is repeated until you have 7-8 layers of thread stitched, starting with the darkest thread and ending with the lightest.  When finished, the fabric is about half the width of the original.  There is only a trace of fabric showing through all that thread.  It feels very much like upholstery fabric when done.  Here is the finished piece.

From it, you can cut details of a garment, like collars, cuffs, pockets, etc.  It was a great class.   Also a big time-suck.  I'm glad I know it though, because it may be exactly what I need sometime.

Designer group's October challenge is to sew something from silk upholstery samples that came from a furniture store.  We could choose 3.  One of the samples I chose is a dark yellow plaid.  It was just large enough to make this Jitney Miser Bag from PeacockPatterns.

In the 1700s England, people carried these belt bags to keep their coins separated.  The bag has an opening down the center,  with rings on either end that slide up and down to open and close the bag.  It is supposed to be worn with a belt to hold it on.  No belt?  Then you attach a carabineer and clip it to a belt loop or waistband.  This is what it looks like from the right side:

And open, from the wrong side, showing the opening to put your valuables.

On the grab table there was this reprint of  "Singer Instructions for Art Embroidery and Lace Work", first published in 1922.  It's amazing seeing what could be done with a treadle machine.  The book is filled with photographs of beautiful lace-work.  I love it, and it is mine.

Lastly, I won this Jalie pattern give-away from LuckySewandSew(Jane).  Drapey front cardis are so on the fashion scene, and I've seen this one made up a few times.  Thank you Jane.  This is in my queue.

I just finished another fiber-art class, and will post about that in a few days.  Right now I am working on a SantaHandbag for myself.  It is made from red satin, which I'm quilting and then cutting the pieces.  It is not too early to sew for the holidays.  Not if you're like me and have a lot of things taking up time.  I know I'm not alone here. Jingle bells and ho, ho, ho!

V8709 In Progress

 I'm working on V8709.    All I have to do is set in the sleeves.  The fabric is a deep olive green/white stripe, poly suiting.  Here's the pattern and fabric.

This, like most of Marcy Tilton's is funky, asymmetrical.  It has a cut-on pocket, a diagonal pleat in the back peplum and a wonky-looking collar.  The pattern says it's a jacket.   Shams and Ann are calling this a shirt, or top.  I can see why.  But, because of the fabric, mine, I think, is more "jackety".  Regardless of what you call it, it's an artsy, out of the ordinary garment. 

I made a muslin, and glad I did.   The pattern says it's loose-fitting.  But, it's not loose in the shoulder/bust area.  It's loose in the hip.  When I made the muslin, before I set in the sleeve, there was a gap in the back armsythe.  That's an indication of a rounded back.  I never realized I have a rounded back, but it does happen with age and being bent over a desk (or sewing machine).  It needs added length over the upper back.  I followed instructions for "rounded back" in SandraBetzina's fitting book.  As soon as I added the extra length in that area, the armsythe gap disappeared, like magic!

Other stuff.  On a recent stop at Jos, I found this cool sweater knit in the bargain bin at 50% off.  I couldn't resist.  It's really beefy.  A nice piece of fabric.  I loved the giraffes. 

At the last Creative Clothing Club meeting, I got some pieces of fabric off the grab table.  There 3 yards of really nice, gray Herringbone wool.  A dark red poly.  and a navy DottedSwiss.

But what landed on the table is something I've wanted for a long, long time.  Years ago, back in the 70s, I took Stretch&Sew classes.  It was a big deal at that time, this sewing on knits.  Very new.  No one knew much about that type of sewing.  I bought the workbooks, which are still today, good guides for sewing with knits.  Several years ago, I let those books go, and have regretted it since.  And then--there they were--those first Stretch&Sew books, on the grab table.  It took me about a second to scoop them up!

There was also an unopened software program, "Sweater Wizard".  I'm anxious to play around with that. 

No sewing today or tomorrow.  Our little grandsons, aged three and four, are spending the night with us.  I don't know how any of you sew when you have little ones around.  But, that's ok.  Sewing can wait.  This weekend, I'm doing crafts with the kids.  We'll be making ghosts, and decorating pumpkins and other Halloween type fun!

NTGM September 2011

Thank you for your kind words concerning my mother-in-law.  We are thankful that she didn't suffer and had a very good long life.  It took a few days for me and my husband to get rested and back to our normal routines.  Things are good now.  Yay!

In my last post, I mentioned that I had taken a two-day workshop at Needlework and Textile Guild of Michigan.  I am so grateful to belong to  a number of really interesting sewing clubs.  I know that many of you don't have person-to-person contact with other sewists.  I do have to travel a distance to go to meetings-usually an hour to an hour and  15 minute drives.  Just getting off this Island takes me at least 20 minutes and sometimes longer, depending on the ferry schedule.  I don't let any of these inconveniences deter me, because I get so much out of the meetings.  I learn a lot, and have made friends that love to do what I do. 

The NTGM workshop this month was taught by MichelleMitchell.  She is an art-clothing instructor, award-winner, and has been invited to show work for the Bernina Fashion Show (no longer in existence, alas).  She comes with a lot of credentials.  Not only is she super-talented, but she's a wonderful instructor, nice as can possibly be, and cute as a button!

First, we had a trunk showing of her award winning garments, which were breathtaking.  It was a treat to get to see her things up close and be able to handle them and turn them inside out and examine them.  Her workshop was called "Crinkling and Gathering".  The technique is one that I have not seen before.  The finished piece is used for an accent--collars, cuffs, pockets, etc.

She had us piece inch and a half strips of fabric, as if you were quilting. The piece was to be twice as wide and as long as you want the finished piece.  Texturizing the fabric with her method shrinks the fabric to about half it's width.  I don't have a photo of my fabric before I started, but just picture about an 18" wide piece of strip-pieced fabrics.  The fabric is going to be covered with 7 or 8 layers of embroidery thread.

Using embroidery threads, you free-motion stitch, in a zig-zag motion, covering a 2-inch wide area at a time.  As you move your fabric from side to side, the fabric starts to bunch up, gather and crinkle.  The entire piece is covered this way, using your darkest embroidery thread first..  Here's what mine looked like after the first layer of thread.

At this point, you can see the pieced fabrics.  I started free-motioning with a dark rust thread.  The muslin on the sides are "handles" that you hold to maneuver the fabric from side to side.  We are manipulating fabric here. 

This process is repeated, with each layer of thread being lighter in color than the previous layer.  I used rusts, greens and yellows.  My piece ended up losing just about 50% of it's width.  And here it is, finished.



You can't see the actual fabric now.  All the layers of thread gives it heftiness, and it feels very much like upholstery fabric.  Is it a big time suck?  You betcha'!  But, it is fun.  And unique.  I don't know what mine is going  to be yet.  I still have another piece to texture.  This is a snow day project.

There is a flea-market at NTGM, where there are various sewing-type items for sale at a tiny cost.  Fabric, notions, patterns, books, anything sewing-related that members donate.  I scanned the tables and my eyes landed on this sewing basket.  It was a dollar.  It came filled with old notions--wooden spools of thread, a darning egg (who wouldn't need one of those?).  There is a package of 5 machine needles from JC Penny's marked 40cents!  The basket is in excellent condition.  I suspect the notions are a lot older than the basket itself.  It was worth a buck!

I am actually sewing a garment, and will post about it in a couple of days.  Plus, I just attended a Designer group today, and have a really fun challenge to start. 

Post It Notes

No sewing here, unless sewing in my head counts.  It's been three weeks of going to the hospital, sitting at the bedside of my MIL, and then funeral arrangements, and on and on.  I did squeeze in two days of workshops, which were intense, but fun.  I'll take some pics and post about the workshops this week.  Meanwhile---

• My MIL's funeral was this week
• It's ok.  She was 98.  It was time.
• I wore her black hat to the funeral.
• I love it.
• Why don't people wear hats anymore?
• Sewing workshops are fun.
• Also, intimidating.
• My Smart Phone isn't so smart.
• It forgets to receive my email.
• Back to the repair shop. 
• Again.
• Why do we need this stuff anyway?
• I love Dorothy's outfits on "Golden Girls".
• I AM a "Golden Girl" now.
• Sigh

Maxine Moved In With Me!

If you're familiar with Maxine, the "tell it like it is" cartoon character, you will recognize her as this doll.  I inherited her.  I love her and will give her a good home.  When you push her button, she gripes,   talks like only Maxine can.  I had a doll chair in storage, and she fits perfectly in it.  I'll get a lot of pleasure chatting with her.

Last week, I picked up a few patterns at Jos.  One, the handbag pattern that DebbieCook has been making in beige camo. I'm thinking of making the large version in green camo.   I also got a couple of Burda patterns, basic jackets and I love that swing coat.  Also a Simplicity. Along the way, I spotted a rack of plaids.  I don't sew with them often, but this black/red/white one caught my eye.  When I felt it, I knew I had to have it.  It's a "cushy", soft, thick brushed cotton. 

From it, I cut this old Stretch&Sew Barn Jacket.  It's not feminine, nor fitted, nor pretty.  But it feels wonderful, and will be perfect for fall leaf raking, or apple and pumpkin picking, or just romping with the grandkids.

I'm short just a bit of fabric, so I'll pick up a solid flannel tomorrow for the under collar and cuff facings.  I won't be sewing until next week, but this will be ready when I can get to the machine.

More later.

The Fix for Blogger Comments

Blogger has had a problem letting people make comments.  When you try to comment, it redirects you to your sign in page.  The fix for this is:  go to your sign-in page, sign in, and UNCHECK the box that says "stay signed in".  As long as that box is unchecked, you'll be able to make comments. 

What About Those Wrinkles?

If you've ever wondered what to do about those wrinkles in pants, under the butt, or wrinkles forming around the back armsythe--this DVD to the rescue.  I got it when it was on sale a couple of weeks ago. Peggy Sagers has a lot of sales.  I think right now she's offering 5 patterns for $30.

It doesn't answer every fitting question, being an hour long.  Peggy does show how to take care of a few common fitting problems though, and does it effortlessly by herself.  Basically, she takes those wrinkles and pinches them out, forming a dart.   The dart narrows to the nearest seamline.  Those baggy bunches under the butt in pants--pinch out the fullness, making a dart, and narrow the dart toward the side seam. 

If you haven't seen Peggy's webcasts--they are on her website, and they are free.  There are 15 online right now.  And--there is a webcast tonight, if you want to join in and ask questions. She'll probably offer something on sale too, whether patterns or fabric.   It starts at 8 PM, CST, I believe.  Here.  Scroll down.  Her webcasts are listed under "Upcoming Events".  Tonight's subject is "one pattern, many looks". I'll be there.