Mystery Quilt Sew-Along - Row 2

I'm still working on the colors for the next block but I have gotten the next row sewn together.  Here it is:

It is so exciting to see this mystery quilt starting to come together.  It's fun to sift through the bits and pieces of fabric in cotton stash to create this quilt.  The best part is that I know that the stash is getting slightly smaller.

Have you been working on the mystery sew-along?

Happy Stitching!

New at Simpicity, New Look, Burda....

I just noticed that new patterns are available at Simplicity.  Here are the ones that interest me:

This is Simplicity 8797.  I love the idea of an over-sized coat.  I don't believe that I would consider it made of a fur but to each his own.  I do think it would be fun in a plaid.  This feels like a throw back to the 80s/90s .

This is New Look 6588.  Hoodies are kinda big for this fall/winter.   How about matching hoodies with your sweetie?  I might be able to do that.  We'll see if I have the time to really consider this.  Nice big over-sized tops.  What's not to love?

This is Burda 6353.  I'm always drawn to a shirt dress but this is a little bit different.  I really like View A.  I would probably make it a tad bit longer and wear a slim pant with it instead of legging / tights.  I really like the this look.

This is Burda 6283.  I'm always on the look out for patterns with interesting lines and this is does just that.  Although it is described as a shirt dress, I look at it as a knit dress.  I did check the fabric requirements and it is all knit.

I wish I made more time to sew. 

Hope you're inspired.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Blouse and Straight Leg Pants

It's actually nice to think in outfits when we sew so that we don't end up with orphan(s).

White blouse with black slacks.  It can't get anymore classic can it.  This is Misook Long-Sleeve Placket Blouse and Straight Legged Pants. Blouse price tag:  $258.00.   Pant Price tag:  $228.00.

The Archer Button Up Shirt pattern by Grainline Studio is a classic shirt and matches this silhouette.

These pants are a simple pull-on knit pant with front and back darts.  This pattern has a slightly different silhouette but I think it will work:

This is Slim 4-piece Yoga Pant pattern by Silhouette Patterns.  The leg may be a tad narrower than the inspiration pattern but you would definitely get the pull-on pant effect with it.

Hope your inspired to sew.

Happy Stitching!

Mystery Quilt Block 8 and Row 1...

I'm running behind on the mystery quilt but I'm trying to get caught up.  While I was working on this block, I ran out of thread.  Now, how is that possible?  I have a lot of thread but not white thread.  So, off to the store I went to purchase thread.  Oh, yes, it was price shock.  A 1000m spool of thread was $8.99.  Really, I think I have a box of thread but I wasn't able to locate it today.  Here's Block 8:

In person, it doesn't look so crooked.  Hope it shows correctly in the quilt.  Here is the next surprise:  Row 1 -

You can't see it but I was doing a happy dance as this was being finished.

If you're doing the mystery quilt, how are you doing?

Happy Stitching!

Winter/Holiday McCalls Are Here....

Don't you just love seeing the new patterns?  Sometimes there isn't anything of interest and sometimes there is.  Here's the latest:

 

This is McCall's 7861.  It's a basic lined dress.  There are two necklines, two sleeves, and sleeveless options.  Once fitted, this could be a timeless dress.

This is McCall's 7874.  This is a really cute little top with neckline and sleeve variations.  There is lots of fun to be had with this top when you think about all the fabric options that could be used.  I do not care for the leggings as I don't think this makes a good look but the top is great.

This is McCall's 7871.  Ah, Nancy Zieman, gone but not forgotten.  This top/dress has some interesting lines.  The leggings from McCall's 7874 would work better with this.  I think this pattern will end up in my collection.  I don't believe that there is anything similar in the collection.

Well, I guess that is it with this go around.  I dream a lot more about sewing that I really get to sew.  Here's to more actual stitching!

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Pleated Blouse

Blouses are trending this season.  Isn't it nice that they are back?  Here's the lovely one that I found:

This is Lafayette 148 Prianka Silk Quarter Button Blouse. Price tag: $498.00.  This is silk with a spread collar, long sleeves with cuffs, shirt-tail hem, and front pockets.  Can't you see have multiples of this?

This looks almost exactly like this pattern:

This is the Archer Popover Variation Pack pdf pattern by Grainline Studio.  You would also need the Archer pattern by Grainline Studio.  This doesn't have the pleat detail on the front but maybe if you ask the designer she will create a tutorial.

Another pattern that might work is:

This is the Fisher's Pleated Blouse pattern by Silhouette Patterns.  This pattern has the pleat detail in the front but is missing the shirt collar/button placket.  If you have fabric to play with, you could try adding a shirt collar to this.

Hope you're inspired to sew something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Bluprint Deals....

Bluprint is offering a deal through 10/21/2018.  Here's the deal:

1.  You can get Bluprint for $9.99 a month; or
2.  You can get Bluprint for $100 for a year. 

Get deals, don't you think? There is a bonus with the yearly subscription.  It's a Bluprint Get Started Box.  Head on over to Bluprint to check out.  Lots of good classes.

Happy Stitching!
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New Pencil Skirt...

I always need a few skirts in the wardrobe and for me it's almost always a pencil skirt.  Back in August, I did an inspiration post on Classic Pencil Skirt.  I don't always get around to making anything from the inspiration post but I'm working harder on creating items.  Here's my latest pencil skirt:

I did not use the skirt mentioned in the above referenced inspiration post.  Instead, I used a pattern from my stash - The Magic Pencil Skirt by Pamela's Patterns.  This is the third time this year that I have used this pattern.  The first time was a knit herringbone fabric.  The second time was an Alabama Chanin inspired skirt make with a 100% cotton jersey.  Both of these skirts were made in a size Medium.  The first skirt feels a little bit.  The second skirt is huge and needs to be taken apart and resewn.

I made this black pencil skirt with a stretch woven from JoAnn's.  I'm not generally a huge fan of JoAnn's but I do shop there as my local fabric places are JoAnn's, Walmart, and Hobby Lobby.  The fabric is fantastic.  I only purchased a yard with the intentions of making the Magic Pencil Skirt. If I thought any of it was left, I would go back and purchase the remainder on the bolt.  This skirt is smaller than the previous two skirts by at least an inch and it fits well.  I don't think I will be holding it up so it doesn't fall down like I do on skirt #2.  The only thing I would do differently is make the high waist version and maybe make it a little bit longer.  I do have some stretch denim that would work well and be a bit more casual for every day life.

Just an FYI, I would never style this skirt with that top.  If I were tucking in a top, I would make sure there was enough fabric to blouse out a bit.  I might wear the boots.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Velvet Top and Skinny Jeans

Here's another everyday run around look:

This is the Eileen Fisher Long Washable Tunic Top and Organic Stretch Skinny Jeans. Top price tag: $278.00 and Jeans price tag: $178.00.  It is made from a rayon/silk blend velvet and is machine washable.  I don't really have access to this type of fabric.  I think a velour might work.  For the pattern, you can check the Boyfriend Shirt inspiration post as it looks to be a longer version of that top.

For the jeans portion, this pattern may work well:

This is a new Silhouette pattern Camtuo's Stretch-woven Pant #3218.  This pattern line has several skinny jean type patterns.

Hope you're inspired to sew!

Happy Stitching!

Winter/Holiday Vogue Patterns Are Here...

I enjoy looking at the new patterns when the come out.  Occasionally, I don't care for any of the new patterns but here are the newest Vogue patterns that I'm drawn to:

This is Vogue 1600 by Bellville Sasson.  I'm always drawn to a pattern with interesting seam lines and this one does that.  Think of all the fun you could have with the cut outs on the bodice.

This is Vogue 1607 by Tom and Linda Platt.  I love the asymmetry with this pattern.  At the same time, there is simplicity.

This is Vogue 1602 by Paco Peralta. Again, there is a lot going on with this simple looking pattern.  Lots of places to tweak the fit.  This might be a good pattern to add to the collection to set-up sewing abilities.  It is listed as advanced.

This is Vogue 9345 and it's a Vogue Options Custom Fit pattern.  This is more or less a classic shirtdress.  I'm not crazy about the sleeves on View A and View D but I could see where they might be fun.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Something Casual

Today's inspiration is all about everyday casual. Here it is:

Doesn't this look comfy?  This is the Eileen Fisher Organic Interlock Funnel-Neck Tunic and Heathered Organic Cotton Jersey Leggings.  Price tag:  Top - $168.00, Leggings - $128.00.  Check Neiman Marcus website for a closer look.

For the top, I think this pattern works would well:

 This is Silhouette Patterns Swing Dress #4000.  I think the base is there but the neck line needed to thought about.  I looked for information on re-creating the neckline and haven't found it yet.  It looks like it could be as simple as a rectangle.

For the leggings, this pattern work definitely work:

This is Silhouette Patterns Angel's Handbag & Leggings #5019.  I think the leggings are pretty straight forward.

Inspiration...Coat

While looking at coats, I found this lovely one:

This is such a simple design and the fabric really does make it.  This is the Tindra Single-Breasted Degrade Animal-Print Wool-Blend Coat by Elie Tahari.  Price Tag: $798.00.  It can be found on the Neiman Marcus website.

I'm not sure we can find this type of lovely fabric in the home market.  However, the color is really nice and I bet we could locate a similar color fabric. When I saw this coat, I immediately thought of the pattern:

This is the Dakota Duster pattern by Serendipity Studio.  Yeah, there are differences but the basic shape is there.  We can add our own patch pockets and concealed buttons, right? 

Happy Stitching!

Serger Solutions Class...

A just finished the Serger Solutions: Trouble Shooting Techniques class at Craftsy/Bluprint.  This was a real eye opener for me.  I currently own a Juki MO-1000 4/3/2 serger.  When I purchased it a couple of years ago, I thought that I wouldn't have any difficulty not having a computerized machine.  I was wrong.  I have never owned a serger where I had to determine the setting on the differential feed.  Yes, this is my third serger but I went from Bernette Funlock 4/3 serger without differential to a Husqvarna Huskylock 936.  The 936 had everything. Oh, you could change the setting but when you selected the fabric type and/or stitch, it automatically changed the settings for you.  Yeah, I was a bit spoiled.

I need to play with my serger a little more.  I feel like I have a better understanding of the differential feed and will be able to correct some issues I've been having with it when sewing knit fabrics.  Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of other things to learn in this particular class.  I will be watching/listening again as there is a ton of information and I have no doubt that it will take a bit for all of it to sink in.

The link above is directly to the class at Craftsy.  However, you can also watch it on Bluprint.  Here's the link - 7 day FREE trial on Bluprint.

Happy Stitching!

Go Binge!

Yep, go binge watch your favorite subjects with a  7 day FREE trial on Bluprint. 

Want to learn more about your serger?  Gotcha covered from beginner to advanced plus troubleshooting.  Want to know more about quilting?  From techniques to project, there is lots to watch. 

Really, I could go on and on.  Right now, I'm watching serger videos. 

Happy Stitching!
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Juki MO-1000...

My MO-1000 has finally made it's way home.  I was having the very common pedal issue where it runs without the pedal being depressed.  Mine was running full speed ahead as fast as it could go.  Since I was having other issues, I decided to take in for service rather just replacing the pedal.  Now, my needle threader works again and I have a new pedal.  I'm ready to go.  I haven't mentioned much about my serger since I got it 2 years ago.  You can find that post here.  Life changes did have me putting it away for a while. 

Since it's repaired now, I'm going to do some tutorials on the various feet that you can purchase for the machine.  Here are the feet that I have:

1.  Elastic Presser Foot
2.  Blind Stitch Presser Foot
3.  Cording Presser Foot
4.  Beading Presser Foot
5.  Gathering Presser Foot
6.  Piping Presser Foot
7.  Universal / Blind Stitch Presser Foot
8.  Curved Pearl Foot

You can find the 8-piece foot kit here.  The set does come with instructions for each foot.  You know that sometimes the instructions are so great.  I will be researching each foot and what type of applications can be done with each.  Hopefully, it will be a really good learning experience and I will be able to translate into my own sewing. 

So, following along with this series.  I will be posting as much as I can.  At this point, I'm thinking that it will be once a month.  I'll just have to decide how often.  I'm not sure about the beading and pearl feet but let's see what I information I can find.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Plaid Skirt and Jacket

Plaid seems to be trending this season.  So, I present this cute skirt and jacket:

This is the A-line Plaid Wool-Silk Knee-Length Skirt and Stan Zip-Front Round-Neck Wool-Silk Plaid Jacket by Arkis.  They can be found at Neiman Marcus if you want a closer look.  Skirt price tag:  $995.00. Jacket price tag: $2990.00.  Here's a few details:

Skirt - A-line skirt, hidden back zip, sits at natural waist
Jacket - Semi-fitted, short-length, round neck with zip closure, side slip pockets, long sleeves with slit cuffs.

Looking for patterns is always tough.  Especially, jacket patterns.  Here's what I found:

This is Vogue 9336. The skirt in this pattern would definitely work for the inspiration pattern. The jacket could be used also even though it is different.  Here's a jacket that might work with a little manipulation:

This is Vogue 9250.  The general jacket lines are too far off from the original. 

What do you think of plaid for fall and winter?  Does it feel 80s?  What do you think of the pattern selections?  Hope you inspired to sew something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

New Cabinet...

The laundry room redo is almost complete.  After looking for several weeks for a cabinet just the right size, my husband decided to build me a little cabinet.  Here's the finished cabinet:

The cabinet is approximately 5' x 3' x 1'. I painted it Rustoleum Milk Paint in gray.  I'm very happy with the way the cabinet has turned out.  We have moved it into place now. Unfortunately, there isn't enough space in the laundry room to get a good picture. 

I have emptied one bedroom closet of all decorative stuff and placed it into the cabinet.  The best part is there is still room to put more items. 

Yes, this kept me from stitching for a couple of days but it was well worth it.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration.. Corduroy Skinny Jeans

Here's another fall trend:

This are Thompson Corduroy Skinny Jeans by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $328.00. These are a mid-rise jean made with a corduroy blend.

I really like these jeans and they would work well with the plaid jacket from the last inspiration post. Here are a couple of patterns to consider:

This is the Closet Case Ginger Mid Rise Jean.  I'm thinking it is just about perfect pattern choice.  Not sure about the skinny legs?  How about this one:

This is Silhouettes #3300 Lana's Jean. 

How do you feel about corduroy for skinny jeans or just jeans?

Happy Stitching!