We've been traveling a lot lately. This means many hours in the car with little to do. We've been listening to books. My husband generally picks the books. The last book was "12 Years A Slave" by Solomon Northup. Given the subject matter, it was difficult to listen to but being a historical narrative it was interesting. This book was a best seller in it's time. It is in the public domain now and should be freely available.
When we got home, we decided to watch the 2013 film "12 Years A Slave". This was an oscar winning film that year. I fully realize that books can not be turned into movie word for word but it sure would have been nice if there hadn't been so many liberties taken. After listening to the book, the movie was not so good in my eyes. There was really no need for the sex scenes. Implication was all that was necessary. The story line doesn't need those scenes to keep it interesting.
A little more research revealed that PBS had produced a movie in the mid-1980s called "Solomon Northup's Odyssey". It was later released to video as "Half Slave, Half Free". We've decided that we're going to watch this version also. According to everything I have read, it is the better movie. Hopefully, we will find the time to watch this version while the book is still fresh in our minds.
Have you watched this movie?
Well, I suppose I should move on to some sewing and not dwell on the book/movie.
Happy Stitching!
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Monday, May 28, 2018
Inspiration...Sleeveless Shift Dress
The dog days of summer are coming and we must be prepared.
This is the Farrah Sleeveless Linen Dress by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag: $548.00. This is a variation of the dress from the Basic+ Shift Dress post from early in the month. That means that the same pattern would apply.
This dress is a good example of a way to use a large scale print breaking it up with seams. The fabric on this dress is linen.
Do you like the idea of using the same pattern multiple times? Do it help with the fitting process?
Happy Stitching!
This is the Farrah Sleeveless Linen Dress by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag: $548.00. This is a variation of the dress from the Basic+ Shift Dress post from early in the month. That means that the same pattern would apply.
This dress is a good example of a way to use a large scale print breaking it up with seams. The fabric on this dress is linen.
Do you like the idea of using the same pattern multiple times? Do it help with the fitting process?
Happy Stitching!
Friday, May 25, 2018
Shopping Bags...
Back in February I made shopping bags for my husband. They have been very useful every single week. Our grocery trips always end up with us going to multiple stores. Grocery shopping is such a chore.
Now, my son has requested his own shopping bags. So, I made him two using the same pattern as the bags made for my husband. He doesn't drive so he will need a sturdier bag to carry things from the local Dollar General. Yep, that will be his grocery store throughout the summer. Since they are the only grocery store in the little town where he is living. They do carry basic refrigerated items and a large selection of canned goods. Although some of his friends might take pity on him and take him to the next town to Walmart. There will be no summer bus service to Walmart provided by the school.
Here's the bags that I made him:
I'm sure if he wants more he will request them.
This is the last of the yellow/blue stripe fabric in yardage form. This fabric could yet show up again in quilt blocks.
Happy Stitching!
Now, my son has requested his own shopping bags. So, I made him two using the same pattern as the bags made for my husband. He doesn't drive so he will need a sturdier bag to carry things from the local Dollar General. Yep, that will be his grocery store throughout the summer. Since they are the only grocery store in the little town where he is living. They do carry basic refrigerated items and a large selection of canned goods. Although some of his friends might take pity on him and take him to the next town to Walmart. There will be no summer bus service to Walmart provided by the school.
Here's the bags that I made him:
I'm sure if he wants more he will request them.
This is the last of the yellow/blue stripe fabric in yardage form. This fabric could yet show up again in quilt blocks.
Happy Stitching!
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
More Stitching....Dishcloths....
When we are traveling, I also try to have a project or two in the car with me. It makes me feel productive while sitting those long hours. The latest projects have been crocheted dishcloths. Here are most of the ones made on the last trip:
I think this isn't too bad given that I got bored making these on the return trip. I was a bit surprised that I had not made one of the dishcloths with the twist thread and a off-white trim but I still have more yarn and another trip. I was also surprised that the one on the bottom was missing trim but that is easy to fix and I think it will be green twist.
Can you tell that the dishcloths are different sizes? The pattern that I use as is is a bit on the large side and I prefer a smaller dishcloth. The first one I did was about 3/4 of the size of the original. I kept reducing from there until I got to where I thought it should be which ended up about 26 stitches.
The pattern that I used is Lily Sugar'n Cream Dishcloth and Pot Holder. I'm sure you've guessed that the yarn is Lily Sugar'n Cream. Generally, I always use the natural or the green twist. It might be time to expand those color selections a bit. I have tried the scents yarn and it is truly smelly.
I'm sure my son will take most of the current batch of dishcloths.
Happy Stitching!
I think this isn't too bad given that I got bored making these on the return trip. I was a bit surprised that I had not made one of the dishcloths with the twist thread and a off-white trim but I still have more yarn and another trip. I was also surprised that the one on the bottom was missing trim but that is easy to fix and I think it will be green twist.
Can you tell that the dishcloths are different sizes? The pattern that I use as is is a bit on the large side and I prefer a smaller dishcloth. The first one I did was about 3/4 of the size of the original. I kept reducing from there until I got to where I thought it should be which ended up about 26 stitches.
The pattern that I used is Lily Sugar'n Cream Dishcloth and Pot Holder. I'm sure you've guessed that the yarn is Lily Sugar'n Cream. Generally, I always use the natural or the green twist. It might be time to expand those color selections a bit. I have tried the scents yarn and it is truly smelly.
I'm sure my son will take most of the current batch of dishcloths.
Happy Stitching!
Monday, May 21, 2018
Inspiration...Woven Tank
Summer is coming and I continue to think of things to keep cool. A woven tank would be fit right in. Here's this tank:
This is the Theory Bringham Silk Dot-Print Tank. This tank is nicely fitted in upper bodice and flowing in the body. Price tag: $225.00. You can find it on the Neiman Marcus site.
To me this looks more like a sleeveless top than a tank. If you look at the Neiman Marcus site you will see that the back isn't very scooped which is traditional on a woven tank. It just needs a neck opening large enough to get your head through.
My first thought for the tank is a sleeveless version of the Scout Tee:
You may have to raise the armhole on this to use this particular pattern.
This is the 4-Way Tank Top pattern by Silhouette Patterns. This pattern is more of a traditional tank top. Plus here is the darting.
For those who may be interested in developing their own tank top pattern, check out these articles on "How to Make a Tank Top Pattern, Part 1" and "How to Make a Tank Top Pattern, Part 2".
Hope your inspired to make your own tank top. Once it is fitted you can make it a tunic length or dress length.
Happy Stitching!
This is the Theory Bringham Silk Dot-Print Tank. This tank is nicely fitted in upper bodice and flowing in the body. Price tag: $225.00. You can find it on the Neiman Marcus site.
To me this looks more like a sleeveless top than a tank. If you look at the Neiman Marcus site you will see that the back isn't very scooped which is traditional on a woven tank. It just needs a neck opening large enough to get your head through.
My first thought for the tank is a sleeveless version of the Scout Tee:
You may have to raise the armhole on this to use this particular pattern.
This is the 4-Way Tank Top pattern by Silhouette Patterns. This pattern is more of a traditional tank top. Plus here is the darting.
For those who may be interested in developing their own tank top pattern, check out these articles on "How to Make a Tank Top Pattern, Part 1" and "How to Make a Tank Top Pattern, Part 2".
Hope your inspired to make your own tank top. Once it is fitted you can make it a tunic length or dress length.
Happy Stitching!
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Summer Patterns...
I see that McCall's, Butterick, and Vogue have the new collection of patterns available. You know, I had to look. The pattern collector in me couldn't resist. I found one pattern that was interesting:
It is a nice little sleeveless number with pleats, ties, and slits. Here's the line drawing:
That gives a better view of the pattern. This is V1586. You can see in the line drawing that it has a side zipper. Oh, so cute!
What do you think of the new summer offerings? What patterns do you find interesting?
Happy Stitching!
It is a nice little sleeveless number with pleats, ties, and slits. Here's the line drawing:
What do you think of the new summer offerings? What patterns do you find interesting?
Happy Stitching!
Monday, May 14, 2018
Inspiration...Jean Jacket
A jean jacket is something that I have always wanted to make. Yeah, it's on the list but somehow other things always jump ahead. Check out this little jacket:
This is the Destiny Prestige Denim Snap-Front Jacket by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag: $498.00. This can be found on the Neiman Marcus site.
This jacket seems to be a pretty standard jean jacket except for the fabric. It is a cotton/polyester/spandex blend. Let's see what patterns we can find for this jacket style:
This is the Silhouettes #900 Carol's Jacket/Top pattern. This is a fairly classic jean jacket pattern. The plus with this is the cup sizing.
This is the Jordan Jacket pattern y Serendipity Studio. Again, this is a very classic example of a jean jacket.
These are actually the only two jean jacket patterns of which I'm aware. It is possible that you can find the Kwik Sew version of this pattern on eBay or Etsy. It would just be a matter of searching for it.
Hope you're inspired to sew!
Happy Stitching!
This is the Destiny Prestige Denim Snap-Front Jacket by Lafayette 148 New York. Price tag: $498.00. This can be found on the Neiman Marcus site.
This jacket seems to be a pretty standard jean jacket except for the fabric. It is a cotton/polyester/spandex blend. Let's see what patterns we can find for this jacket style:
This is the Silhouettes #900 Carol's Jacket/Top pattern. This is a fairly classic jean jacket pattern. The plus with this is the cup sizing.
This is the Jordan Jacket pattern y Serendipity Studio. Again, this is a very classic example of a jean jacket.
These are actually the only two jean jacket patterns of which I'm aware. It is possible that you can find the Kwik Sew version of this pattern on eBay or Etsy. It would just be a matter of searching for it.
Hope you're inspired to sew!
Happy Stitching!
Monday, May 7, 2018
Inspiration...Basic+ Shift Dress
In mid-April there was an inspiration post on the Basic Shift Dress. Today brings a shift dress with a little bit more:
This is the Farah Stretch Canvas Shift Dress by Layette 148 New York. Price tag: $498.00.
At a mere glance this is a basic shift. However upon closer inspection, you will see that there is a yoke front and back, seaming around the high hip area, large patch pockets with zippers, and an exposed zipper. I'm not so sure that those pockets are functional.
As far as patterns go, if you made a basic shift dress it would probably be just as easy to alter the pattern by adding the yokes and seaming. Remember once the dress is fitted, you can make changes. Check the suggested patterns for the Basic Shift Dress.
I did find one shift dress pattern with blocking but no sleeves:
This is Vogue 1382. The basic seaming is there and it also has bodice shaping. It's missing the sleeves but it could be used to create the look.
Happy Stitching!
This is the Farah Stretch Canvas Shift Dress by Layette 148 New York. Price tag: $498.00.
At a mere glance this is a basic shift. However upon closer inspection, you will see that there is a yoke front and back, seaming around the high hip area, large patch pockets with zippers, and an exposed zipper. I'm not so sure that those pockets are functional.
As far as patterns go, if you made a basic shift dress it would probably be just as easy to alter the pattern by adding the yokes and seaming. Remember once the dress is fitted, you can make changes. Check the suggested patterns for the Basic Shift Dress.
I did find one shift dress pattern with blocking but no sleeves:
This is Vogue 1382. The basic seaming is there and it also has bodice shaping. It's missing the sleeves but it could be used to create the look.
Happy Stitching!
Thursday, May 3, 2018
I've Done It Now - Day 3...
Here's Day 3 progress:
There was a black jute type fabric under the faux leather seat cover. Still many tacks to go.
The black jute with all the stuff removed revealed the Z Springs. I have never seen this type of spring before so I had to do a lot of research to figure out how to handle them. They will remain part of the chair.
Here's the jute that was removed from the chair. I did not save this piece. You'll see in the pictures below that it is very messy.
Here is the cotton bat that was attached to the jute fabric. I have no idea if a product like this is still available but I will most likely use to separate products.
This is what was in the middle of the cotton bat. When I first saw it, I thought that it was hay but it's more like a wood product.
Since these pictures were taken, we have removed all of the tacks on the frame. Then, I had my brother check the frame because I had found a crack and wanted to know if this was something we could still work with. His hobby is wood working and he worked as an upholsterer for a short time. He suggested gluing and clamping the crack. After looking the rest of the chair over, he wanted to know if the z springs had been tied which they had not. He told me to tie them down. This sent me back to the internet to find out how. I think that I understand the process. This has added another couple of items to my list of supplies.
Life is going to be very busy over the next few weeks. So, it will be a bit before I can order the supplies and get started. In a way, this is kinda funny because I thought I could knock this out in about a week.
Happy Stitching!
There was a black jute type fabric under the faux leather seat cover. Still many tacks to go.
The black jute with all the stuff removed revealed the Z Springs. I have never seen this type of spring before so I had to do a lot of research to figure out how to handle them. They will remain part of the chair.
Here's the jute that was removed from the chair. I did not save this piece. You'll see in the pictures below that it is very messy.
Here is the cotton bat that was attached to the jute fabric. I have no idea if a product like this is still available but I will most likely use to separate products.
This is what was in the middle of the cotton bat. When I first saw it, I thought that it was hay but it's more like a wood product.
Since these pictures were taken, we have removed all of the tacks on the frame. Then, I had my brother check the frame because I had found a crack and wanted to know if this was something we could still work with. His hobby is wood working and he worked as an upholsterer for a short time. He suggested gluing and clamping the crack. After looking the rest of the chair over, he wanted to know if the z springs had been tied which they had not. He told me to tie them down. This sent me back to the internet to find out how. I think that I understand the process. This has added another couple of items to my list of supplies.
Life is going to be very busy over the next few weeks. So, it will be a bit before I can order the supplies and get started. In a way, this is kinda funny because I thought I could knock this out in about a week.
Happy Stitching!
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Summer 6-Pac....
It's time to think about a new 6-pac for summer. Here's the links to the 6-pac discussions: Artisan Square, Dr E, and Pattern Review. The stories are worth reading.
Basics for the summer 6-pac:
1. One layering piece in a neutral or color.
2. One top in your main neutral.
3. One top in your color.
4. One top in your secondary neutral or a print combining neutrals and color.
5. One bottom in your neutral.
6. One bottom in your second neutral.
My neutrals will stay the same - black, gray, navy. Ok, I know that I have three instead of two but I can't see to let go of the blue colors. My colors will still be pink and teal (or some shade of blue). I have already been giving this some thought. Here's my ideas:
1. Layering piece - still thinking about this one.
2. Top in main neutral - still thinking about this one. I may purchase.
3. Top in color - still thinking about this one. i may purchase.
4. Top in print combining neutrals and color. Stash has revealed a lovely floral pink in pinks and navy.
5. Bottom in neutral - skirt in navy.
6. Bottom in second neutral - I'm contemplating pull-on capris in medium gray. Just haven't found the right fabric yet.
So, how did the Spring 6-pac go:
1. I completed the black and white striped knit shirt. I did not enjoy wearing this top. The top would ride up which made me think that it was too tight across the bust.
2. Blue and white plaid top. I'm just now getting started on this. Timing isn't great but I may get a chance to wear this a little bit before it gets too hot. I may just make it a short sleeve instead of a long sleeve. Then, it will be counted as part of the summer 6-pac.
3. Black skirt. I loved the idea of the AC style basic skirt. I loved wearing this skirt. However, this skirt needs to be reworked as it was too big after 6 hours of wearing.
I'm try to do a better job with updating on any progress of the 6-pac. Really, I have a lot of things that I want to get done and I'm not sure how I'm going to get them done. I suppose I could quit cooking, eating, and sleeping. Nah!
Happy Stitching!
Basics for the summer 6-pac:
1. One layering piece in a neutral or color.
2. One top in your main neutral.
3. One top in your color.
4. One top in your secondary neutral or a print combining neutrals and color.
5. One bottom in your neutral.
6. One bottom in your second neutral.
My neutrals will stay the same - black, gray, navy. Ok, I know that I have three instead of two but I can't see to let go of the blue colors. My colors will still be pink and teal (or some shade of blue). I have already been giving this some thought. Here's my ideas:
1. Layering piece - still thinking about this one.
2. Top in main neutral - still thinking about this one. I may purchase.
3. Top in color - still thinking about this one. i may purchase.
4. Top in print combining neutrals and color. Stash has revealed a lovely floral pink in pinks and navy.
5. Bottom in neutral - skirt in navy.
6. Bottom in second neutral - I'm contemplating pull-on capris in medium gray. Just haven't found the right fabric yet.
So, how did the Spring 6-pac go:
1. I completed the black and white striped knit shirt. I did not enjoy wearing this top. The top would ride up which made me think that it was too tight across the bust.
2. Blue and white plaid top. I'm just now getting started on this. Timing isn't great but I may get a chance to wear this a little bit before it gets too hot. I may just make it a short sleeve instead of a long sleeve. Then, it will be counted as part of the summer 6-pac.
3. Black skirt. I loved the idea of the AC style basic skirt. I loved wearing this skirt. However, this skirt needs to be reworked as it was too big after 6 hours of wearing.
I'm try to do a better job with updating on any progress of the 6-pac. Really, I have a lot of things that I want to get done and I'm not sure how I'm going to get them done. I suppose I could quit cooking, eating, and sleeping. Nah!
Happy Stitching!
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
New Rug...
I finally found a rug that will fit in the living area of the new house and just as important, that I like. A week or so ago Houzz was having a rug sale so I decided to check it out. Here is the rug that I purchased:
I purchased two of them. One is 11' x 15' and the other is roughly 2' x 4'. I really wanted a 3' x 7' but that size wasn't offered.
Here's close-up of the actually rug colors:
Sorry for the kinda dark picture. The living area doesn't have much in the way of natural light. The colors beige/gray/navy/med blue. You don't see a lot of the gray in this picture but as you move to the middle of the rug there is more gray.
I suppose I should start looking for fabric for new slipcovers. The slipcovers for the chair and sofa will be a new thing for me. I have never made slipcover for anything larger than an ottoman. I will also need to figure out the quantity of fabric. Anyone know where a chart is? Anyone know how different the fabric quantity for a slip cover verses upholster is?
Happy Stitching!
I purchased two of them. One is 11' x 15' and the other is roughly 2' x 4'. I really wanted a 3' x 7' but that size wasn't offered.
Here's close-up of the actually rug colors:
Sorry for the kinda dark picture. The living area doesn't have much in the way of natural light. The colors beige/gray/navy/med blue. You don't see a lot of the gray in this picture but as you move to the middle of the rug there is more gray.
I suppose I should start looking for fabric for new slipcovers. The slipcovers for the chair and sofa will be a new thing for me. I have never made slipcover for anything larger than an ottoman. I will also need to figure out the quantity of fabric. Anyone know where a chart is? Anyone know how different the fabric quantity for a slip cover verses upholster is?
Happy Stitching!
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