Hello Stranger!!!

As they say in the song, seems like a mighty long time. Or a few weeks. I kind of went on a blog break, which I did not intend to do. But life happens. I hope you all of been well. I haven't done any sewing really in the last few weeks. I've wanted to work on my Burda dress, but at the beginning of the month it was just too hot to go into the sewing room. I purchased a portable air conditioner for the house, but it never quite got the job done on cooling the house off. Don't get me wrong, it works if you're standing right in front of it, but it's not good on cooling off the whole room. I think because it was on the floor and the cool air tended to just circulate around the floor. Mr. D and I finally took it back and for the price we paid, replaced it with a window unit, a fan and a dual flush toilet for the bathroom that we are going to start renovating. Now we feel like we've gotten our monies worth, and the house is finally cooler.

A few weeks ago, a friend asked me to make a baby blanket for her to give to her god daughter who was having her first child. This is what I was able to come up with.

When she received it she seemed pretty pleased.

This past weekend I decided to try and see if my sewing mojo was back. One of my knitting buddies Marissa is getting married next month. We had a shower for her over the weekend at our friend Robin's house. A great time was had by all. And the food was delish. It was a brunch and everyone brought a dish. Here is some of the food.

These first 2 dishes were made by Robin and Marissa. This sausage and egg dish was made by Lisa.This strawberry dessert was made by me, and the cupcakes were made by Laura.

I had been wanting to try Kwik Sew 3554 for quite some time, and since I have really never sewn for anyone before beside family, I thought this might be a start. I traced out the pieces for the small thinking she was a 36. I used stretch lace with a tye-dye floral print. and outlined the bodice with a floral trim. Front View Side View Back Close up of Front. I didn't hem the bottom as I used a wavy blade in my rotary cutter. I followed in Robin's footsteps and did a halter top instead of spaghetti straps. With not having Marissa around for fittings as I wanted it to be a surprise, I figured it would be easier. In doing so, I couldn't follow the directions to the letter. All in all, I love this pattern, everything went together very easily. When she tried it on, it was too big. I took it in an inch on each side, and then it fit perfectly. Ladies, I see this one in my future very shortly(as Mr. D saw this one and asked, "Hey babe, is that for me?"). This was my very first Kwik Sew experience and it will not be my last. I plan on sewing more of their patterns as I have recently purchased and have a few in my stash.

In knitting news, I'm working on wardrobe builders right now. Plain sweaters to wear with dresses and tops. I'm starting with the Short Sleeve Cardigan from Spring/Summer 2010 Knit Simple. It's part of the 1st Lady Flair Collection which were inspired after Michelle Obama. I finished the back, and am now working on the left front. I wanted to do both front pieces together, but the buttonholes are based on the button placement, and since I haven't figured that out yet, I have to do each piece separately. The yarn I'm using is Berroco Comfort. I have to tell you, I love the feel of this yarn.

Myra, I haven't forgotten about the blogger award you gave me. I'll be posting about that next. I also just realized that my blogging anniversary is in a few days. 5 Days to be exact. Stay tuned for a giveaway for that as well. As always, Happy Crafting!!