1 UFO down and....

Yes, I have mostly finished the curtain for the deck and here it is:

This curtain took about 2 months for me to complete. It is certainly not my best work but it is functional. I did forget to add weights to the bottom and this will be fixed over the winter. This is the largest curtain that I have ever made. It is just over 12 feet across. Really, this is very easy sewing. I used felted seams for joins and regular hems on the sides and bottom. The top however is angled to match the slope of the ceiling. This project included two new to me items. First, the fabric is outdoor fabric is a little different to handle. Second, I used outdoor thread for the stitching. My machine balked a little bit at using this thread and it took a little bit of playing with the tensions to get a good stitch. Outdoor thread is very heavy. However, it is a necessary part of sewing for the outdoors.

I really like the change to the atmosphere on the deck by adding the curtain. The curtain is necessary as the afternoon sun shines directly on the table in the summer. I want to add cushions to the chairs. I have stashed more outdoor fabrics. I have been unable to locate the foam for outdoor cushions. I know I will locate it eventually.

I have added another new book to the library. I'm intrigued by "Learning to Sew" books. Here's the latest addition:

Yes, the book has the typical information that is found in every sewing book that is printed today - the tools and the machine. However, something I haven't seen before is a getting to know your machine. As in stitching every stitch and playing with the stitch length and width. A cool little project for anyone sewing. Isn't this something you do with every new machine? The book is full of little projects that anyone would like to do not just the beginner. Did I tell you that you get patterns too? Do I agree with all the techniques that is used on the book? No, I think some of my own techniques are better. I love this book though and maybe this will be a book that I do some projects from. Really though, I picked up because I was looking for a book for a potential client at work who is wanting to learn to sew. I think this book would be very good for her.

Now, I will move on to the next UFO. The grain bag for my husband. It's somewhere in the sewing area all cut out waiting for me to thread the serger and sewing machine. I hope I can remember everything that I intended to do because I doubt that I wrote it all down. DH will be very happy to get it. Brewing season is just around the corner and the brew master will be very happy with a new grain bag that actually fits his pot.

Happy Sewing!

Ever had problems with tunneling using a twin needle?

I have sewn many, many t-shirts using twin needles. Yes, I have come up with my own solutions to the tunneling problem. The September 2010 issue of Threads has an article called "Flat Feet". Talk about a light bulb going off. It seems that using a foot with the flat foot instead of a foot with an indention will help with the tunnelling problems. I need to play with this idea. It could be that I was was using this type of foot without thinking about it. Just a basic zigzag foot.

Happy Sewing!

New book for the home library

I love getting new sewing related books and today, I received "Sew Serendipity" by Kay Whitt. She is the creative force behind the Serendipity Studio patterns.


So far, I have only read the introduction and steps to a custom fit. I love her attitude. I have flipped through the rest of the book because I just couldn't wait to see what projects were in it. Oh, there is your very typical sewing book stuff - sewing machine talk, tools talk, and technique talk. Then, you get to the first project - a six gore skirt with lots of options. Drum roll on the fabric suggestions: quilting cottons (yes, folks), linen, or silk. The projects are arranged by skill level starting with the skirt and moving on to tunics, dresses, and jackets. By the way, patterns are included.

Oh, I did work on the project for my husband long enough to figure out the circumference (required amount of fabric) using the formula given yesterday, and double-check it using a tape measure. The formula and the tape measure were almost exactly the same.

Happy Sewing!

Moving to the next project...

Well, it's been two months since I started the curtain for the deck. No, it hasn't been finished. Really it only lacks me putting the rings in. However, my DH has asked for something. He even drew up a "pattern" for me.

Yep, it's a big circle. What is the project? The brew master wants a very fine mesh bag for one of his brew pots (a grain bag). Easy enough, I think. Just need to calculate the circumference. What's the formula again? Guess, I need to look it up. Ah, the formula would diameter x pi (3.1416). I must remember the seam allowances. (Of course, I could just pick a point of the outer circle and measure around but what is the fun of that.)

Here's the fabric. It's a polyester. The brew master says that the temps in his pot won't get high enough to melt and he's positive that it is exactly what he wants. I will had a bit of elastic at the top to hold it to the outside. Again, chemist part of said brew master says it won't melt.

Hopefully, this will be super quick. He's been waiting all summer.

Happy Sewing!

New Vogues for Fall

Oh, I love seeing the new patterns when they come out. Here are my picks of the new ones:

This look by Issey Miyake is my favorite. I really like the look of the tunic and think that it would be a good look for me to wear. Not sure about about the pants. This look is very 80s. Can you wear the same style twice in your lifetime?


On this easy little dress, it was the collar that drew my attention. This may be added to my collection of patterns. I don't need to wear dresses very often and it's really hard for me find them that fits. With the princess seaming, this has a little more fitting opportunities.

This DKNY dress is created for fabrics with stretch (not just knits). This reminds me very much of a 1940s dress that I use to own (and wear). The pleating coming off from the side is very flattering. Again, with the princess seaming in the top there is opportunity for fitting.

There are several interesting patterns in the fall collection at Vogue. I did note the 80s influence with long tunics and very narrow pants, along with long skirts and long jackets.

Happy Sewing!