New Years Resolutions 2008

Sewing Resolutions:
Become more organized- more efficient sewing room
Plan sewing projects well- gather all necessary ingredients- no more interrupted projects.
Learn, Learn, Learn- new techniques, new projects, ideas
Get projects started and finished in a timely manner.

Project interrupted!

I had finally finished altering M5471. Began to layout the pattern on my fabric. I stopped laying out to check to see if I had all my supplies ( I know backwards), when I discovered that I did not have the right size machine needles. Last week things have been occuring that way. It got me to realize that I have to do better. So now I am following Adrienne's lead and taking time to make some new goals or resolutions if you like. I will list them next time I post because I want to really focus on them and make some personal assessments. I want the new year to many new things. Until next time...

Merrry Christmas!!!!!!!!!

Can I do it!

I am a sloooow sewer. I procrastinate. I do everything but sew. Like right now I am typing this when my mind is telling me to get in there and sew. Why can't I be like Erica B., and Tany. I want to be like them. Well my challenge for this week is to finally finish altering and sewing M5471 in time for my birthday lunch Thursday. I think I can, I think I can.......:-)

Next crochet project

I am ready to start my next crochet project. This one is featured in the book :

There are so many pretty and interesting projects in this book. I will be trying my hand at this one: The Icelandic Turtleneck

A Finished Object!

I did it! I finished my crochet "Flirty Top" sweater. Here are some pics.

The pic to the left is the original model showm on coatandclarks.com. The pic at right is my handiwork. Below is a couple of detail shots of the crochet pattern.

It's an ascot, not like the other...

This is an ascot scarf is from the Patons booklet Karma but it is not like the oher. I like it for more dressy outfits not casual. It is pretty tho.

Fun Sites for Fashionistas

Mashable.com listed 25 top fashion sites. Here are of few of the sites that diyer like ourselves would like:
Polyvore.com is a site that allows you to create outfits and let others comment on them.
Glam.com is trend watch site
Fashmatch.com is considered place to play "dress up" with pics of clothes ; others can comment on your choices.
Osoyou.com allows you to create outfits from participating retailers and also buy the pieces you want.

Want it!

Every since Adrienne posted about this scarf have been obsessing over it. I want one. My problem - I don't knit. I have to find a crochet version. I must. Hopefully! Sigh!!

Erica has already knitted hers. She did a beautiful job.

Almost Finished Project

Here is a pic of the finished pieces of the crochet project that I have been working on since September 1. The project was a free pattern from Coats and Clark called the Flirty Top. The cotton thread is Aunt Lydia's Shimmer Fashion in off white. It has taken me this long because when I first purchased the thread Walmart only had 8 balls ( I needed 11 according to the instructions). However, last night after finishing the ruffle on one of the sleeves, I realized that I still need another ball of thread. Sooo, I have to order another ball and while I'm ordering I might as well order my yarn for my next crochet project the Icelandic Turtleneck from the Crochetme: Fueling the Crochet Revolution Book. Until this book I did not think I could crochet a turtleneck sweater. That all for now. Happy Thanksgiving.

Project update

Just an update on McCalls 5471. I have pre-shrunk the Japanese shirting by washing and drying the fabric three times. Then ironed to remove any wrinkles. Next fitting the pattern. I do believe I will try to learn how to do a muslin. This will be my first. I always thought muslins were extra work. Bye for now!

My Sewing Plan

I have put much thought into why I sew. One, not being able to afford the trendy $400+ dresses etc., sewing offers me the ability to sew inspired creations similar to my favorite designers. Second, I get the color and fit that I want. Third and most important, I get the satisfaction of accomplishing something with my own hands. I want my closet to be filled with clothes that I will love to wear over and over. In the next few days, I am going to be reading articles and books on how to build a wardrobe and how to pick colors to coordinate my look. Stay tuned...

Check This Out

Bernina has introduce a 3D sewing software program called My Label. It is software that allows you to create a wardrobe with a custom fit. You enter your body measurements, choose from 20 built in patterns, choose the fabric and then the program shows a 3D model of the outfit you chose. The program looks interesting. Has anyone purchased it? What do you really think of it?

If you have not gotten your copy of Threads january 2008 #134, I highly recommend that you do. There's an article called "Mad for Plaid" authored by Mary Ray that gives helpful tips on sewing plaid. McCalls 5466 is the pattern used. If you have not sewn this pattern yet, most certainly read this article. I also like the "Let your Feet Guide the Way"by Carol Laflin Ahles. She gives tips on how to improve your stitching using feet with verticle guides.

Bye for now!

Organization is very helpful when sewing. It is difficult to sew when you have to look everywhere for everything. So I am first beginning a reorganization of my sewing area. My sewing area become cluttered with books, magazines, fabric, and notions before I finish my sewing project. So I have brought some shelves, a hanging fabric organizer, and plastic drawers to put thing in. Once I am done with that I am going start my next project McCall's 5471 view B. I am making it in a white Japanese 100% cotton shirting from Fabric.com. The texture of this fabric is beautiful.
Bye for now!

Hello

This is my first post for Sew What's Up With That. I have Adrienne to thank for that. She convinced me to start one. This all started with Her post "I Need Help". We discuss and agreed to begin a journey together to end our uncordinated sewing projects. Hopefully we will end up with a more cordinated wardrobe. Any ideas to solve that problem Adrienne?
Bye for now!