Labor Day Weekend Update!!

This is a warning. This post is very picture heavy. Saturday was our lazy day. We hung out by the Sckuykill River with our new toy.

It was a beautiful day. The weather was great and we had a nice time. It was my first time riding a jet ski.

I also started a new project. I've made socks before, but never one from the toe-up so this is my introduction to that. I'm using Berroco Sock 50% Nylon and 50% Acrylic which is actually very nice to work with. The pattern I'm using is The Humble Sock Goes Toe-Up by Nikki Burns. I found the pattern on Ravelry. I had to make a few alterations as for the size because it was too big. I casted on for the smallest size but worked up to 46 stitches on #2 circular needles. I also learned a new technique which was the Turkish Cast-On. The sock seems to fit me fine so far. I'm almost up to the heel flap part.

Yesterday I finished Sursa. I think she turned out really nice and should keep me warm on those chilly days like today. All that's left to do is to weave in the ends. I pretty much followed the pattern. The only thing I did differently was the ruffle. I wanted instant gratification so I decided to crochet the ruffle instead of knit it. It took 10 balls of yarn and 2 evening sessions in front of the television but it's done.

Last night I casted on for a blanket. It's a Christmas gift so I can't say who it's for. I don't have any pictures yet, but I hope to have it done in time.

In sewing news, I went to JoAnn Fabrics yesterday and had a field day. McCalls, Vogue and Simplicity patterns were all on sale. I thought at first that my visit was going to be a bust. When I got there, I wasn't finding what I went for but then the boxes started showing up for restocking and the nice girls at JoAnns let me go to town. 11 patterns later, I walked out a very happy camper. Here's what I purchased. I have to thank Amanda of Amanda's Sewing Adventures (great blog) for mentioning over the weekend that McCalls had listed some new patterns. When I saw this Laura Ashley pattern 5972, I had to get it. I love the ruffles on View C. I was afraid that my JoAnns didn't have it yet, but like I mentioned earlier, they had just received the new shipment with the new patterns.5929. Even though I've been sewing for quite some time, I've never sewn a button down shirt. I figure it's about time, so here's one of the blouses/shirts I'd like to tackle this coming year.

Every girl needs a sweater set in their wardrobe and I thought 5978 would fit the bill. What I like about this pattern is that it has a set- in sleeve on the sweater. That's great for me because if I want to change the sleeve design it will be easier for me to do and it opens up quite a few options.

I purchased 5975 because I just liked it. Plus I do like all the dress options.

I can see myself making at least 3 versions from 2504. I love Views A, B, and C.

There's not much to say about 2508. I think it's a definite must have. I love all 3 versions.


Getting in the holiday mode. I picked up these 3 patterns. Simplicity 2739, 3696 and McCalls 5248. My mother asked me for a bathrobe for Christmas so I think pajamas and bathrobes will be in order for her and my husband this year.

Robin has made this one a few times. Because of that, it has become a must have in a sewer's collection. I figured it was time I picked this one up before they discontinue it.

I saw 2665 the last time I was at a Simplicity sale. I decided to pick it up this time. I like the vest and pants from this pattern. It's the vest and pants version of Vogue 1053 which is already in my collection(jacket and pants). The fronts of the jacket and vest on these 2 patterns are very similar.

That's about it for me. I want to sew something today, or at least cut something out. I just need to pick a pattern out.

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their Labor Day!!

My New Best Friend!!! And Other Updates!!

Every once and a while you come across a new product in the store that is something you can not live without. My new toy is the Off Clip On!!! If you don't have one, you definitely have to get one. They are a hot commodity in the stores and are selling out pretty quickly. But if you visit the store at the right time, you just might hit the jackpot.

Anyway, I bought mine not by choice, but I'm glad I did. A few weeks ago, I got stung by 2 yellow jackets and couldn't walk for 3 days. Bad allergic reaction. To make matters worse, 2 weeks later, the day after my red dress vava voom moment, I was bit by a swarm of gnats. My face, neck, arms back, and butt were covered in bits. I had to go to my family doctor who in turned yelled at me. That's the treatment you get when you've been going to the man since you were in grade school. Anyway, he told me that I should have gone to the hospital after being stung. Well, my lovely doctor put me on steroids for 6 days which I finished last Saturday, and I've been wearing my clip on ever since. And yes my friends, I see an allergist in 2 weeks for testing.

With the clip on, there is no spraying involved. It's battery operated. All you have to do is turn it on and you're ready to go. Here's a link to see how it works.

In knitting news: The guys in my band have been complaining that I'm always knitting but I haven't made anything for them yet. A week ago, I started Turn A Square by Jared Flood.

4 down, 4 more to go. My husband saw the hats and liked them, so I guess I'll be making one more for him. The pattern is Turn A Square by Jared Flood. I love this hat. It is so easy and it knits up quickly. It's a great stash buster and uses up leftover yarn. In terms of time, I'm knitting a hat a day. The yarn I'm using is Noro Silk Garden for the stripes and Noro Amagi for the main color.


Last night I started Sursa.It's from Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton Collection, Book II put out by Noro. I think the book is discontinued. But the pattern is a major hit at one of the two yarn shops that I like to visit. Even though it does call for Noro yarn and I am a huge fan, I wanted something more summery. The yarns I'm using are Cascade Sierra . It's the pale pink and Araucania Pomaire. The multi colored yarn. I love how the 2 yarns are working together, and the pattern is such an easy knit. It's great for television watching.

I have no sewing news but I have been buying fabric. Fabric Warehouse had a 50% off Sale last week. I couldn't pass that up. I was very good. I only purchased 4 pieces and paid $23 for the whole lot. I also purchased fabric from Fabric.com. I bought some stretchy lace and some ITY Knit. I think some underwear and lingerie are in my future. Who knows.

Anyway, what do you all have planned for the weekend? I'm giving someone a refresher on sewing tomorrow. Mr. D doesn't have to work this weekend so I'm hoping we'll be doing something fun. I also have to do a little house cleaning.

McCall's 5584 My VaVa Voom Dress!!!

This is the first time that I've tackled a cocktail dress, and I am very pleased, scratch that. I am ecstatic on how it turned out. I'm also jumping for joy because this was a stash buster project. I only had to buy fabric for the lining, a zipper, and red serger thread. I purchased the fabric a few months ago at JoAnn's from their clearance department with no particular pattern in mind. The dress portion was made of a 100% Polyester/Taffeta fabric and was a dream to sew with. I'm so glad I purchased more of the fabric in other colors. Anyway, enough of my blabbering, on with my review.


McCall 5584

Pattern Description:
Lined, flared dress, close-fitting at bust, above mid-knee length has upper bands and back zipper; dress A has contrast bands, shoulder straps and bow; dress B has contrast bands and ties; dress C has shoulder straps, lace trim and contrast ruffles.

I made View B with an overlay.

Pattern Sizing:

14 - 20

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

Yes, most definitely. It was a cross between view A and view B since I did the dress portion with an overlay.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

I really didn't follow the directions, but I did look at the pictures briefly. In looking at the directions now, they seem pretty straight forward.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

This is a great pattern to pull out and make if you want something to wear in a jiffy and I highly recommend it. It's also great for when you don't feel like wearing something close fitted especially on the bloated days. You can still look put together, and very chic.

Fabric Used:

For the dress, I used a Taffeta made of 100% Polyester. At least I think it was a Taffeta. It was in the clearance section of JoAnn Fabrics and sometimes the fabrics aren't named very well, but the fabric was a dream to work with. For the overlay on the dress I used organza fabric with 3 dimensional appliques.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:

In cutting out the pattern I used the dress length for view A. I'm 5'9 and I don't like my dresses too short. I also used the full length of the pattern piece for the tie. I didn't shorten it for the length of the dress size. It made it easier to tie, and I think it hangs nicer. I had to take it in a little more only in the band/chest area to help it so it wouldn't slide down while wearing

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I love the dress, and it is exactly how I envisioned it, but I don't know if I'd make it again. One is enough for my wardrobe. I highly recommend it .

Conclusion:
This was my first time working with an overlay, and it was a little of a challenge, only because of the appliques and scallop at the bottom. I threw caution to the wind when I cut the skirt portion out. You really can't follow the layouts on the pattern instructions when there's crazy stuff going on on the fabric. My dressform really came in handy when I was figuring out where everything should line up.

Overall, I LOVE this dress, and it was a hit at the wedding I went to last night. It also made my night when I was walking up to the bar, and I hear this one woman say to another guest who was also a woman " I LOVE HER DRESS!! " I beamed. If only they knew I made it.

By the way, this review/post is dedicated to Smoking Needles. I thought you'd like this one for your CBM.

In knitting news I started Coachella this week.

This pattern is pretty easy to work up, and great if you want to knit while watching television or a movie. The yarn I'm using is Maggi's Linen by MaggiKnits. It's a mix of 48% Linen and 52% Cotton. I've never worked with linen before so I think this was a nice introduction.



I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend so far, I know I am. The wedding was in Cape May, NJ. I stayed over, enjoyed the beach this morning and drove back this afternoon. Tonight I'll be making a pound cake for a knitting pool party with some friends tomorrow.

Hope everyone is having a great one!! Cheers!!

Plain Jane No More!!!!

I had this wedding to go to last night, and I didn't know what I was going to wear. I did know that I didn't feel like going out and buying a new dress so that meant going through my closet. I purchased this dress at Target a couple of months ago. I figured it would work nicely, but it looked a little plain so I decided to jazz it up a bit. Now, I thought about this Thursday night, and had no idea what I was going to do. Now, like all my great ideas, they normally come to me when I wake up in the morning, and I mean literally while I'm waking up, and this idea was no different. I opened my eyes, wiped the sleep out of them and the first words to leave my mouth were tulle as my legs stretched out over the side of the bed. One trip to JoAnn Fabrics for 3 yards of tulle, a flower pin, and some swarovski crystals and this is what you get minus the crystals. I didn't have enough time to sew them on, and I was suffering from a very bad sinus headache so I had to settle for just the tulle. Even with a little bit of rain, the evening was a blast. Everyone had a great time, my wardrobe refashion was a hit, and the bride was beautiful.

In my last post I told you about a yard sale that I hit last week. Well, here are the pictures of everything I got for $15. Personally I think it was a steal, but I'm happy.

In sewing news, I've done absolutely nothing except for these bags I did for my friend Robin. She wanted some pouch bags to hold her knitting projects. A few months back I did a couple of bags for her. She doesn't sew, so I offered to make them for her. I figure, these should hold her for a while. I've got a few cut out for myself, I just have to sew them up. I've got a few patterns pulled out that I'm looking at to start working on, but I'm still undecided.

On the knitting front, I'm working on Ysolda Teague's Coraline. The yarn I'm using is Brooks Farm Acero. The sweater takes forever, but it's so worth it, plus I'm enjoying working with this yarn. It's beautiful.

That's pretty much it for me. I hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Weekend Update!!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I did. My weekend actually ended today, but I'll tell you about that in a bit. First, I want to thank all of you for the lovely comments you left me about Calypso and my strapless jumpsuit.

Mr. D and I don't always get a chance to spend time together as he works a lot of crazy hours with his job. Even though we've had some great weather lately, we've also had some stormy weather too, which means, we don't see each other. That combined with family obligations and friends, sometimes keep us apart. Well, Mr. D said this weekend was mine. Yesterday we went for an 8 mile bike ride through John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum. It's about 2 miles from our home, and a great place to go if you want to get next to nature. To finish the night off, we rode the motorcycle to Media for Indian food at SHERE-E-PUNJAB. It was our first time there and the food was great. Today, we hung out around the house. We also took a trip to Home Depot, one of our favorite places for mulch(I'm so tired of the weeds), some potting dirt and a power drill. We also did some window shopping for future projects.

In knitting news, I hung out with my friend excel for the past 2 days and worked on finally typing up my lace chart for my newest shawl wrap design. It was tedious but rewarding. I ran into one problem, I am not using any special software besides excel and I didn't know the symbol for K3tog so I just made up one. If any of you have any suggestions, or knows what the actual excel symbol is, please let me know. I did keep all the other symbols consistent with the other standard symbols used for excel. Mr. D says it looks like an alien language to him, but I've got chills just looking at this chart.

I also joined Tour de Fleece last week on Ravelry. I was a little late since it started I think on July 4th, but I wanted to do it pretty much just to start spinning again. I finished a second bobbin today and started plying. I have to set the twist next. I haven't taken pictures yet. I'll try to while I'm setting the twist tomorrow.

I also got first dibs at a yard sale that was scheduled for this past Saturday. I got a private sit in as I call it on Thursday. The woman was a serious crafter. She sewed, knitted, weaved and made pottery. I got a half a box of fabric, a couple cones of yarn and some beads for jewelry. One of my friends is a friend of her niece. Supposedly, I've got thread cones coming. I tried to score one of her knitting machines, but she wasn't selling, at least not yet anyway. Oh well, as soon as I get the thread, I'll take pictures of the whole lot.

I didn't do any sewing over the weekend except for two garments I fixed for 2 of my neighbors. I think I'm starting to become the neighborhood seamstress/repair lady. I do hope to make something for myself this week. We'll see.

How was your weekend?

New Blog Header!!!!

My lovely, talented and beautiful friend Marissa of Vanillabean Knits painted this amazing header for me. Isn't it gorgeous? I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. Please check out her blog if you get a chance. If you would like her to do an illustration for you, give her a shout and tell her I sent you.

Calypso and Review on Self Drafted Jumpsuit

I hope everyone had a great weekend filled with peace and quiet and lots of crafting. I buckled down this weekend with some knitting and I finally have a finished knitted garment to show you. I am so happy with the outcome.

This is Calypso. I've been working on her for the past few months off and on. I got a chance to test drive her last night at the Italian festival. Man were those pork sandwiches good. Now, if I can focus a bit, review all my notes, and channel some sizing issues, I might just have a pattern to share with you all.

I'm also happy to add that I finally started working out. I started with a half hour of yoga yesterday and I made it through 25 minutes of the DVD. Today I'll add and aerobic workout first and do the yoga afterwards. I hope I can make it. It's crazy how out of shape you can get when you don't work out for a few months.

On a lighter note, as promised, here is a review of the Self Drafted Jumpsuit I made.


Pattern Description:

one piece strapless jumpsuit

Pattern Sizing:

12

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

Self drafted pattern

Were the instructions easy to follow?

I winged this one all the way, and love the outcome. Man do I love my serger. It makes things so much easier and faster to finish.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I put this jumpsuit together in about 2 hours.

Fabric Used:

Cotton or polyester jersey knit. Not really sure. I'm starting to think it's more of a polyester knit. I picked the fabric up at Walmart for a $1.50 a yard. That price alone has me smiling.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:

I didn't want an elastic casing to show at the top of the band so I stitched the elastic and tricot to the edge of the fabric at the top of the bodice. The band is then folded down and the tricot is in place hiding any inside work.

The bottom of the tricot is then serged to the waistline where the bottom of the bodice and pants meet. After that, I tacked/stitched a couple of stitches on the side seams right below the elastic (stitch in the ditch) to keep everything in place.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Definitely. I think I want one in red now.

Conclusion:

It was a wonderful idea that stemmed from a picture of a well known celebrity. The concept is pretty easy. Make a tube top making sure to place darts in the front and back of the bodice to get a more fitted look. If you have a TNT pants pattern you like with a wide leg, use it. The sky is the limit.

McCall 5621

McCalls 5621


Pattern Description:

Slim fitting tunic with gathered front and contrasting neckband.

Pattern Sizing:

10-18

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

Yes very much so.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

I really didn't follow the instructions. I think I checked it once for the sleeves but that was it.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I liked it for the design. I was looking for a dress that I could easily pull on and off, and this fit the bill. It also had a 70s look to it and that pulled me in.

Fabric Used:

I remember when I purchased this fabric. I was in the check out line and someone walked up with it. I thought to myself, I have to have it. I ran back to the cutting table and bought it with no specific use in mine. I didn't know it then but it has a one way stretch to it.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:

I made view A/B but I wasn't crazy about the sleeves for view B so I did the sleeves for view C. I also lined the inside of the dress, so that I wouldn't have to wear a slip. It makes things so easier.

In doing the lining, I cut out the dress portion of the pattern. Sewed the 2 dresses separately not connecting the shoulder seams. I placed the lining inside the dress, then connected both pieces by serging the shoulder seams together. After that I basted for the gathers on the front of the dress, treating the 2 pieces as one.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I am going to be making this dress again, either in a solid or a print that isn't as busy as this one. My husband loves the dress, but isn't crazy about the print.

Conclusion:

I didn't have any problems with this pattern. I thought that is was a pretty easy pattern, and a nice addition to my wardrobe.

Inga, Matilda and My 1st Self Draft Pattern!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. Mine was relaxing and uneventful. It's been a while, and a lot has happened. I think I needed a blog break/vacation. Although, I've been away, I still kept up with my reading even though I haven't done much commenting.

My birthday presents finally arrived in the mail. Meet Matilda, she arrived first. It's the Dell Inspiron mini, which I received from my wonderful husband. I like the fact of knowing that I can carry her around in my handbag. I'm still getting use to her, and I do like a regular laptop better, but she is growing on me.

My next lovely present was Inga!! She is the Singer 14CG754 ProFinish Serger. Can I tell you that I just love her. I've never owned a serger before, and I think I'm in for a lovely ride. She had me a little frazzled at first. After a phone call to Sheila,(she always calms me down. Thanks girl!!) and then one to Sew and Vac Direct, (One of my strings weren't caught in the tension dial tight enough. Shoot, I thought I'd broke the darn machine)I was up and running.

To commemorate the occasion, I decided to try and self draft my first pattern. Here she is. Adrienne, I hope you like her. I got the idea from you a while back. I think I like the cost even better(Nope, I LOVEEEEEEE the outfit too). The fabric was a find at Walmart for a mere $1.50 a yarn and it feels fabulous. I purchased 4 yards and only used 1 1/8 yards. I lined the bodice with black tricot that I purchased at Philadelphia Fabric Outlet in Philadelphia. Let me tell you. I will make sure I check there first for my tricot before going to JoAnn's again for it. JoAnns sells tricot for 9.99 a yard. I stocked up at the outlet. I got 2 yds of white tricot 64 inches for 98 or 99 cents a yard, cream tricot for a little less that 1.50 a yd at 64 inches, and the black tricot was 4.50 a yd at 100 inches. I'll do a more in depth review by the weekend, but I can tell you now that I would definitely make this one again!!

This past weekend I worked on McCall's 5621.I'll try to have a review with pics of me in the dress by the weekend. Mr. D says he likes the dress, but he's not feeling the pattern on the fabric. I think I'm going to make it again using a different pattern.

In other news, I got laid off from my job a few weeks ago. My whole office closed. We are suppose to reopen in September. I guess we'll see. I've been starting to get things done around the house. It's been a slow go, but it's getting done. My mother is loving it, I've taken her to all her doctor's appoints, which so far there has been one every week.

In knitting news, I'm still working on my shawl/wrap. It's coming along slowly, but I do like it. Here's a little taste.

Lost In Lace!!

First off, I want to thank everyone for all the lovely anniversary and birthday wishes. You are all wonderful.

I don't know about everyone else, but I'm really glad the weekend is here. I am truly exhausted. I have a graduation to go to tonight, and all I want to do is see my bed and dive into it. Well, I guess it's a dream right now which will come true a little later tonight.

In knitting news, Mr. D's second sock is halfway finished. I've been slacking on the knitting projects lately. I it's due in part to me being caught up in my lace frenzy. Crazy me said "why start with the easy stuff and design a rectangular shaped shawl first. No, I want to do a triangular shaped shawl first. Well, let me tell you, I've got the whole increase thing pretty much worked out, but working out the pattern has driven me a little crazy. Just when I think I have it worked out, I hit another snag. The repeat rows are throwing me a little, so I'm 3 steps forward, one step back. If anyone has any suggestions, please fire away. Right now the rectangular shawl is looking really good for my instant gratification fix.

I've also been a little slow on the sewing front as well. I think I'm waiting for my serger which is scheduled to arrive early this coming week. I can't wait. I'm hoping that some major sewing will be taking place next weekend.

My shoulder has been aching me really bad for a couple of months and now the pain is going into my neck. I had a massage back in April, and I think/know I'm due for another one now. A friend of mine mentioned that I should try some Tiger Balm, and maybe it would help. Has anyone ever used it? I hear it's suppose to be good. If you have any other suggestions, I am all for it.

To finish out this post today I want to talk about a new documentary that is at select theaters right now. I saw it Tuesday night. It's called Every Little Step. It the making of the revival of A Chorus Line. If you like/love musicals, you'll love this documentary. I know I did. I thought it was fantastic how the documentary incorporated footage and interviews from original cast members and ended with new cast members. You got a real sense of what really goes into making a musical from the idea and concept, the audition process and finally the end result. A definite Thumbs Up from me.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.