Go To Patterns...

 Do you have go to patterns that seem to always be in rotation?  I seem to have collected a few.  Here are my favorites:

1.  Liesl & Co Classic Shirt pattern. The hard part was fitting this pattern.  Once the fitting was accomplished, I have made a couple of long shirted shirts and a popover dress.  I need to make a couple of shirts for warm weather.  

2.  Fabrics-store.com Phoebe Tank.  This is a freebie for registered people.  Once the fitting is finished, you have a great warm weather top.  I have made at least seven of this tanks.  It really is time to mix up a little bit by making some minor changes.  Every time I make new tanks, I evaluate the fit and make tweaks.

3.  Pamela's Patterns The Magic Pencil Skirt.  Oh, this one is a quickie.  Need a skirt in a flash?  This one is it as long as it is a stretch fabric.  I have at least four versions of this and one is hand sewn in the Alabama Chanin style.

4.  Love Notions Allegro Bottoms.  This is another quickie once it is fitted. I've made at least four pairs of pants and one skirt.  No doubt, there will be more in the future.

5.  Merchant & Mills Camber Set.  I purchased this pattern to make the top but have yet to do it.  However, the dress is wonderful.  I have three versions and love them all but the linen one is my favorite.  Maybe next year the top will get made.

I am still looking for a good t-shirt pattern, a blazer jacket pattern, trousers, woven tops that are different from the classic shirt and the tank.  

What are your favorite patterns?  Are they quick items to make or are they a classic pattern for you?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Cap Sleeve Silk Blouse

Today's inspiration is a simple, little top that is a basic.  This is great little layering piece as well. 

This is the Cap Sleeve Silk Blouse by Giorgio Armani.  Price tag: $1495.00.  Details: cap sleeves, round neck, button closure, hip length, relaxed fit, silk, dry clean.

Such a simple little top for such a big price.  The big pattern companies do not seem to be putting out good basic patterns anymore because this type of top pattern should be everywhere and it is nowhere.  Is this a failure to pick up on what the designers are planning?  As far as fabric goes, Mood has lots of silks from $15/yard to $50/yard.  Even at those prices, you could fill your closet with tops for the price of the silk blouse pictured above.  Personally, I would/will go for a easier care fabric.

So, did I find any patterns?  Yes, a couple:

This is the Cap Sleeve Shell pattern by Pamela's Patterns.  It comes in two lengths.  The neckline is slightly different than the inspiration photo.

This is the Hansie pdf pattern by Seamwork.  Again, this one is similar to the inspiration photo but has a slightly different neckline.

Let me know if you know of a pattern that resemble the inspiration photo and I will add it.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Pencil Skirt

 More inspiration from Ann Taylor:

This is the Ann Taylor Gingham Pencil Skirt.  Price tag: $98.00.  Details:  24 1 /2-inches long, back vent, elastic waist, softly fitted (not sure exactly what that means), knit fabric.

This appears to be the same fabric from the previous inspiration post.  Reminds me very much of the 80s/90s when we would purchase 5 yards of fabric to make a jacket, pants, and a skirt.  

Here is the perfect pattern to duplicate this look:

This is Pamela's Patterns - The Magic Pencil Skirt.  It does not have a back kick pleat but it is easy to add one.   I have made this a couple of times and really like it.  I think it is time to a couple more to the wardrobe for fall/winter.  To see my past versions, search Magic Pencil Skirt and you should see the various posts on the pattern.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Transitional Cardigan

It won't be long before the seasons start changing again and having a go-to cardigan will be necessary.  Personally, I've been wearing a lot of sleeveless items and having a cardigan available is necessary when you go into shops and medical facilities.  Here's the inspiration photo:

This is the Nic & Zoe Saratoga Cardigan.  Price tag: $178.00. Details - mid-weight, 3/4 sleeves, open front, sits at hip, 24" long.  To me, this also looks like a ribbon on on the hems.  Doesn't it fit the model beautifully?

I'm not willing to spend that much on a cardigan even as beautiful as this one.  Here's an option: 

This is Pamela's Patterns Cool Cardigan Banded Front. This is fairly close to the silhouette of the inspiration pattern.  There are other cardigan patterns at this website also.

Hope your inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Knit Pencil Skirt

I love a good basic skirt.  It can be dressed or it can be dressed down. This skirt is a great basic:

This is the Misook 23" Straigh Knit Skirt. Price tag: $188.00.  Details:  easy-care knit, banded waist, falls straight from hip to hem, pull-on style, acrylic/cotton.

If this was my skirt it would be just a little bit longer.  My knees don't need to be visible anymore.  Here's a couple of pattern thoughts:

This is Pamela's Patterns The Magic Pencil Skirt pattern.  This is the perfect knit pencil skirt pattern.  It isn't exactly like the inspiration skirt but you could easily add a band or just make a high wast version of the skirt. 

This is the Three-Piece Yoga Skirt pattern by Silhoutte Patterns.   This skirt already has a banded top feature but it is more of an a-line silhouette.  You would just need to straight it a bit to match the inspiration photo.

The best thing about making this kind of skirt is that for most sizes one yard of 60" fabric will make a skirt.  You can make a week's worth of skirts for the price of the inspiration photo.

Hope you are inspired to create something wonderful

Happy Stitching!

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, Week 32

Week 32 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 32 here.  The introduction chart is always a good place to start if you are just now bumping into this series.  Note: as the series progresses, the chart changes a wee bit.  It should be shown on the weekly posting at the bottom. 

Week 32 is a dark neutral light weight pant.  For me, if this pant is choosen carefully, I would want to wear daily.  This would mean that I need multiple pants.  Let's look at patterns:

This is #113 Pants...Perfected! pattern and DVD by Pamela's Patterns.  This was used with Week 31.  If you go to the trouble of fitting, you might as well use it more than once.  Change up the styling.

This is #3200 Sally's Pant by Silhouette Patterns.  It is a classic, high-wasited pant pattern.  All styling details would need to be added.   I have been working on fitting is this particular pattern.

Looking for something a little more causal?  Let's try this:

This is McCall's 7942.  This could be a fun casual pant.  The pattern has some bonues with shorts, skirt, and  a top.

Happy Stitching!

Weekly Timeless Wardrobe, Week 31

Week 31 of the Weekly Timeless Wardrobe have arrived.  You can find Week 31 here.  The introduction chart is always a good place to start if you are just now bumping into this series.  Note: as the series progresses, the chart changes a wee bit.  It should be shown on the weekly posting at the bottom. 

Week 31 is a cropped pant or capris.  I do like wearing capris when the weather is hot.  I have a pair of denim capris and I'm not sure that I need to add another pair of capris.  I don't wear them often enough to need more than one.

However here is some ideas for a pattern:

This is #113 Pants...Perfected! pattern and DVD by Pamela's Patterns.  This pattern comes with a few options which makes it worth while to get fitted and make pants.  

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Matching Shell and Pencil Skirt

There is nothing like a great pencil skirt and having a matching shell could give the look of a sheath dress. 

This is St John's Milano Knit Pencil Skirt and Milano Knit Contour Tank.  Price tag:  tank - $295.00, skirt - $395.00.  Details:  tank - zipper (assumed side), fit - traditional, fabric - knit wool/rayon blend;  skirt: closure - zip and hook and eye, fit - tradtional, lenght - 23inches, fabric - knit wool/rayon blend.

The prices on these items are outside my comfort zone.  However this is why I sew, so I can create the items I want.  Here are my thoughts:

The tank:

This is The New Versatile Twin Set pattern by Pamela's Patterns.   The Sleeveless Top is a great pattern to match up with the tank on the inspiration picture.  To bring it in closer to the body, you would need to add a zipper at the side.

The skirt -

This is the Magic Pencil Skirt pattern by Pamela's Patterns.  This is a wonderful pattern and makes a quick pencil.  If you really want the kick pleat, you will need to modify the back pattern by adding a seam and kick pleat.

Both skirt and tank -

This is Vogue 9286.  It is a Lifestyle pattern with 5 pieces.  This could be a versatile pattern.  The tank definitely works for the inspiration photo.  The skirt is a little bit different but would still work nicely.

Hope you are inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Looking Back on 2018...

The sewing in 2018 has been much better than the previous year.  It was a busy year but I still found time to sew which felt really good.  Here is my favorite pattern from 2018:

This is The Magic Pencil Skirt pattern by Pamela's Patterns.  I made this skirt three times this year.  Once in a herringbone knit, one in a stretch woven, and once in a cotton jersey.  In all three cases, I made a size medium.  The herringbone skirt is a little bit big.  The cotton jersey is too big and I intend to take it apart and restitching to make it smaller.  The stretch woven skirt is really my favorite.  It was the last skirt that I made and the change that I made is I took larger seams fitting it a little bit closer.

My least favorite item this year was: 

This is the Uvita Top pattern by Itch to Stitch.  This is a free pattern.  I used a really nice knit that I found in the stash and thought that it would be perfect for the pattern and it was kinda.  My issue with my top was that it wouldn't stay put.  It wanted to move upward.  I did make a change to the top by adding darts instead of making a muslin I just sewed it up.  I think this may have been part of the issue. In general, this type of issue would indicate there wasn't enough room.

The most requested items that I had this past year was shopping bags.  I made bags for my son and my husband.  The pattern used was from The Creative Thimble website and is listed under the freebies.

This year I joined up with a group that had a goal of sewing 50 yards of fabric for the year.  I didn't think it was possible but I did end up sewing around 70 yards of fabric.  Unfortunately, I purchased around 57 yards.  At least, that is what is on my spreadsheet.  My actual goal for purchases was zero but sometimes you just don't have what you're looking for in the stash.  I will say that I was much more mindful on purchases this year.  I'm happy that I actually sewed a little more than I purchased.  I will be following this group again for 2019.

How was your 2018 sewing?  Did you accomplish what you wanted to accomplish?

Happy Stitching!

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...Knit Pencil Skirt

This is such a simple silhouette and would be very easy to duplicate:

This is the Metallic Animal Print Pencil Skirt by M Mossoni.  Price tag: $645.00.

I will say that it is not the fabric that interests me in this skirt.  It is the actual silhouette.  This is a knit pencil skirt with a below the knee hemline. Folks, there is no slit for walking. Does the skirt not need a slit because it is knit?  It seems like it would still hobble you a little bit but really you don't know until you try it.   It also comes to the natural waistline.

The waistband definitely lends itself toward yoga styling - easy pull-on style.  I would guess that the waistband is 2".

Silhouette Patterns has the Yoga Skirt pattern:

It is more of a an a-line in shape rather than the straight pencil.  I'm pretty sure that Peggy did a video showing how to make this pattern into a pencil skirt.

The other pattern that comes to mind is Pamela's Patterns Magic Pencil Skirt:

You don't get the yoga-style waistband on this pattern but you do get the high waist pattern.  Either way you get an elastic pull-on skirt.

I'm admit that I have both patterns in my stash.  I have made the Magic Pencil Skirt and it turned out very nice.

Hope you're inspired to sew.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Cardigan

I found this lovely cardigan:

It is the Cashmere Swing Cardigan by Lafayette 148 New York.  Price tag: $498.00.  If you want a closer look, you can find it at Neiman Marcus.

This pattern reminds me very much of two patterns at Pamela's Patterns:

This is #110 Cool Cardigans Draped Front.

This is #111 Cool Cardigans Banded Front.

I know that I have #111 in the pattern stash.  I'm not sure about #110.  Do you know of a cardigan pattern that would work?

I went looking for a cashmere knit and found it.  For the most part, it seems to be less expensive to just purchase the designer garment, if the color is good for you.   Pricing that I found was between $175 and $250 a yard.  That's a bit steep.  I would also be afraid of cutting the fabric at that price point.  Mood did have some less expensive blends.  Maybe this is the case where a polyester blend sweater knit would work.

Hope you're inspired.

Happy Stitching!

Another Sleeveless Top...

When I completed this top this past week, it was the hottest day of the year so far.  ACK!  I don't have enough clothing for these hot days.  Here's the top which is really a muslin:

This pattern is from the Sleeveless Top from The Versatile Twin Set Pamela's Patterns.  This is the older version of the pattern not the newer version.  Following the directions from the pattern on fitting, I'm a medium in this pattern with the darted front.  When I traced off the front, I decided to trace the small from the armhole up and a medium from the armhole down.  This was the only change that I made.  In looking at the pictures, I think I should have gone with a straight medium.  My bra straps show. 

In the first picture, I would say that I need a larger dart.  The shoulder angle might be off a little bit.  There might be a tummy issue.  Actually when you zoom in on the picture, it doesn't look like a tummy issue but the tummy is there and could be causing an issue.

In the second picture, I would say that I definitely need more width across the back and a sway back adjustment. 

All in all, this isn't a bad start on this pattern.  The top is wearable around the house making it a great top for this hot weather.  I wouldn't think of wearing it in public without a cardigan over it.  It's a shame about this top not fitting so great.  The stripes match perfectly. 

 I do think I want to give this top another try.  Here are the changes:

1.  Trace a straight medium and do the petite adjustments with a larger dart and sway back adjustment.  Maybe add to the side seam on the front so I can play with any tummy issues.

2.  Possible change - the neckline shaping.  I'm always a little leary of a neckline that replicates the face shape.  I think it may not be the most flattering.  Maybe change it to be a bit more of a v-neck.

Discussion --  Please tell me your favorite way to hem a knit.  Please note that the top is hemmed at the neck, armholes, and the bottom hemline.  It is simply turned back and stitched.  I always have difficulty with this type of instruction.  The stitching always pops when using a straight stitch.  I did try on it samples and didn't work.  I tried the straight stitch with regular thread in the top and a stretch thread in the bottom; and that didn't work.  I ended up hemming using the "lightning" stitch on my machine set to a 4.0 length and .5 width using the regular thread in both the needle and bobbin.   The hem is nice and stretchy with this stitch but it isn't pretty.  Normally, I would use a twin needle with stretch thread in the bottom.

Happy Stitching!

Pencil Skirt...

Back in February, I talked about the Alabama Chanin Pencil Skirt.  I could not quit thinking about my idea to duplicate the skirt.  Here's my finished version:

Pattern used:  The Magic Pencil Skirt pattern by Pamela's Patterns
Fabric used:  Fabric Merchants Cotton Jersey in black from fabric.com

Actual pattern changes:

1.  Folded 1-inch down from the top plus fitting changes.
2.  Straightened side seam at the hem line leaving pattern length.
3.  Add fold over elastic at waistline.
4.  Created a center back seam and added a small godet.

Progress Photos:

hand sewn darts and waistband

godet

felled seam


I did make a few changes to the pattern changes from the original list made in February.  Here's why:

1.  I changed elastic from an exposed 1-inch black elastic to a fold over elastic.
2.  I left the original hem length because I found out that the jersey is suppose to roll about 1-inch to the right side.


Conclusion:

I enjoyed the process of hand sewing a skirt.  I did make mistakes and had to restart but that is part of the learning process. The Magic Pencil Skirt pattern was a great skirt to use for this process.  It remains to be seen whether or not the fabric will work out well.  It was a little bit on the thin side.  I need to locate a company that carries a heavier type of jersey for future items.

Have you tried to duplicate any basic items from Alabama Chanin?  If so, how did it turn out?  Did you enjoy the process?

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...A Simple Pencil Skirt....

I love the simplicity of a simple skirt.  I have really been looking at the Alabam Chanin Pencil Skirt.  Here's a glimpse:

You really can't get much simpler than this.  Skirt is made from 2 layers of jersey with an elastic waistband.  It does have a center back seam with what is called a kick pleat but looks like a godet.  I'm sure this is considered a basic on the website but the price tag of $368 is a bit steep for me.  I have no objection to someone getting paid a living wage for doing this type of work.  Yet, I keep looking at this skirt.  The pattern isn't yet available via the webiste. Today, I realized that I do indeed have a pattern that will work for the above skirt.  It is "The Magic Pencil Skirt" by Pamela's Patterns: 

I made a version recently.  You can see it in this post.  I think I can duplicate a knee-length version of this skirt by making the following changes to The Magic Skirt pattern:

1.  Remove the 2-inches at the top plus any fitting changes.
2.  Remove the 1 1/2-inches for the hem.
3.  Add exposed elastic at the waist.
4.  Create a back seam and add a godet.

Actually, this is fairly small list of changes for this duplication.  I want to do this.  This would be a fairly good duplication of one of the Alabam Chanin garments.  I want to make one of her garments and I'm taking the Craftsy class for making a swing skirt.  This skirt would definition be easier for a first try at hand sewing a garment.  I may need to give a little more thought to this.  I'm fairly certain that the Magic Skirt pattern can be used with good results. 

I would need to create a complete outfit for this skirt to work in the wardrobe.  I've been wanting to make a basic t-shirt, also.  The question is "Should the top and skirt both be plain little basics with my extra embroidery or applique?"

My list of projects that I want to complete is getting very long.  I suppose dreaming about them is better than buying everything to complete the item and putting it in the stash to find much later.

What are your thoughts?  Do you think that the Magic Skirt pattern would work for this duplication?

Happy Stitching!

Pencil Skirt....

Need a dressy skirt quickly, try The Magic Pencil Skirt pattern by Pamela's Patterns.  I have had this skirt in the pattern stash for quite some time.  I'm sorry that I didn't try this sooner.  Here's the pattern as shown on the envelope:

You get two versions of a pencil skirt - one high waisted and one at the natural waist both a one-piece wonder.  I have gone with the natural waist version in a gray/black houndstooth knit fabric that was found in the fabric stash in a short length.  It took maybe an hour to complete from start-to-finish.  Here are the results:

Here's me with a top tucked in.  I'm not sure that I would actually wear this with a top tucked in without a big belt but I wanted you to see what the skirt looked like.  I would also not wear it bear legged.  I'll let the younger ladies do that.

Here's a little better shot of the skirt.  The photographer is much taller than I am and I had him squat down a bit to take a more start on shot.

Details:

1.  The fabric is an unknown type of fabric.  I purchased for very little at a craft sale.
2.  Needle:  75/11

Changes:

1.  Removed about 3/8" from the front going to nothing at the sides.

Overall, this is a great little pattern.   If I was still working in an office on a day-to-day basic, my closet would be full of these skirts.  There is nothing better than a basic uniform for work or for that matter just day-to-day.  Although it looks a bit dressy in the fabric that I chose, I wonder it making out of a stretch denim or something similar would make it a bit more casual.

I'm sorry that it took me so many years to give this pattern a try.

Happy Stitching!

Tempatation....

Ah, yes, I'm always tempted by patterns.  I have a huge collection to prove it.  I don't really need another pattern but this past week I purchased Pants...Perfected by Pamela's Patterns.

I've heard good things about this pattern from wardrobe experts.  So, I decided to give it a try.  Pamela is known for having patterns for the more mature figure.  I fit squarely into that category.  It took about a week for the pattern to arrive.

To my surprise, there aren't really any instructions in the pattern.  Not that that is a big issue because there is a DVD on fitting and sewing with the pattern.  My surprise came in the fact that the "Pants for Real People" book by Pati Palmer and Marta Alto is highly recommended.  The DVD and the limited pattern instructions refer back to this book.  Needless to say, I was happy that I had this book in my library.

Currently, I'm watching the DVD.  Hopefully, in the next month, I can work through the fitting with this pattern.  I have tons of fabric and there are many pieces that would work out perfectly for the classic pants in the pattern.  Shhh! Don't tell my husband but the other pant styles will most likely require fabric purchases.  Maybe I'll just stick to the classic pant for now but the Magic Pants look like they would be very comfortable.

Have you tried this pattern?  How did it work out for you?

Currently, there are two other projects in front of this but they should be finished by the weekend.

Happy Sewing!

I have been sewing and playing with new tools....

We recently went on a short trip and I had to have something to do while in the car. So, I got a Clover French Knitter with interchangeable 4 prong head, 5 prong head, and 6 prong heads:  

I’m not one for making jewelry but this does have instructions to create beaded jewelry. I had some sport weight wool and decided this would be perfect for playing with the French knitter. Following the enclosed directions (there are two methods) I created the following items:
4-prong head:

The one on the left is Method 1 and the one on the right is Method 2, I think.

5- prong head:

The one on the left is Method 1 and the one on the right is Method 2, I think.

6-prong head:

The one on the left is Method 1 and the one on the right is Method 2, I think.

6-prong head different method:

For this version, I was playing a little bit. Instead of following the directions for method 2, I wrapped the yarn around the posts twice. Then pulled the bottom yarn up and over the top yard. I was expected a looser knit but received a very tight knit.

4-prong head using 2 prongs like a lucet:

The one of the left is the Method 1 and the one on the right is Method 2, I think. I was expected a much tighter knit on this as a lucet will make a tight square cord, think shoes laces. Yes, if you were using the correct type of thread, you should be able to get a tight cord. Of course, maybe it depends on the size of the prongs and the distance apart . I do not know. Do you?

6 prong method with a crochet thread:

I enjoyed playing with the French Knitter. It might be fun to attempt to create some jewelry but I am not sure that I want to add another type of crafting to the already overflowing sewing area. I do think that this would be an great way to create an embellishment. I was thinking that a thread like Razzle Dazzle from Superior Threads would create a beautiful cord but the Glitter Halogram from Superior Threads would too. I’m sure that there are lots of threads and yarns available to create some beautiful cords or jewelry. I will be playing with this some more.

I made the 1st muslin of The Pattern T-Shirt pattern from Pamela’s Patterns. Here it is:

Please note that this is NOT finished. I really saw no point in finishing as it was too big. I may go back and take in the sides a bit and see if that helps any. The fabric I chose doesn’t photograph well so I couldn’t show pictures of the visible problems in the back ….many vertical folds going down my back. I will say that I thought that I chose the correct size. I talked to Pamela a little bit about the problem and then re-measured. I decided to go down a size. The next size has been traced and cut out. The 2nd muslin fabric has been chosen. Pamela also gave me directions to narrow the back. If moving to a smaller size doesn’t take care of the problem of the many vertical folds of fabric in the back. I have lots of fabric so this isn’t a big deal for me to play with the pattern, at least I’m using some stash fabric.

I found a new to me pattern company - Schnittquelle and I love this jacket. The new June/July issue of Threads arrived today. I love getting my sewing magazines. I have reduce the magazines to just two now – Threads and Inspirations. These are the magazines I enjoy the most. Back to Threads, the article that caught my attention first was the one on Sewing with Strips. I would like to play with the strips a little bit. One of the new Colette patterns has a dress version with stripes.

Well, I suppose that is it for now.

Happy Sewing!

A Wee Bit has been going on....

A wee bit of sewing has been happening.  I decided to try The Perfect T-Shirt by Pamela's Patterns:

This will be my test garment as I haven't tried this pattern before.  I decided to go with a scoop neck and 3/4 length sleeves.  Here's my fabric:

I'm not sure what it is but I'm leaning toward a polyester. However, it is very stretchy and has was a wonderful bubbly texture.  I found it while I was digging through the stash.  I'm hoping that I actually end up with a wearable item.   I'll post a pic when it's done.

I haven't returned to my pillow that I started in February yet.  I will get it finished before the first of June though.

I've been enjoying the wonderful weather that we have been having. The flowers are blooming.  This is about 1 1/2 months earlier than normal. The daily walks have been really nice.  I didn't realize how much I missed walking every day.

The spring weather has also gotten me into a major spring cleaning mood.  I started with the spare bedroom which has been a dumping ground for a long time.  I have cleared the closet (mostly), moved furniture around, vacuumed and dusted.  There is still a lot to do in that room as my next step was to clean other closets and you know where that ended up.  I plan on having a charity come to the house to pick up the excess stuff that I have.  When everything is boxed up, I will schedule a pick-up.

Today, I also made time to go shopping.  I do not like shopping very much but sometimes you have to do it.  I started with purchasing a pair of shoes:

This is a pair of Clark's. I have been wanting to get these since they first showed up at Macy's and I almost didn't get them.  Macy's was sold out when I went to get them but the Clark store had one pair left in my size.  The 2 1/2" heel is a little bit taller than what I am use to wearing but I think it will be Ok.  I walk around in the store for a long time before I bought them.  The shoes just got me started.  Then, I headed over to the Christopher Banks.  I was there yesterday and thought there were many items I wanted to try on.  Today, not so much.  I did end up with a skirt, three tops, and a bracelet.  One of the tops was a white t-shirt with a interesting ribbing treatment.  I hope it still looks interesting by the end of summer.  All in all, not a bad shopping day.

I have found some interesting blogs recently.  I have added the Fashion Sewing Blog to my list on the left under Websites.  There are sew-alongs there. The TV site has many techniques.  Great place for beginners (or not) to learn.

Happy Sewing!