Inspiration...Kimono Jacket

This little jacket popped up in one of my Facebook group and I had to share:

This is the Neeru Kumar jacket.  It was available at Santa Fe Dry Goods.  Price tag: $335.00.  I like the idea of this jacket.  It is a kantha style garment which is more or less two layers of fabric sewn together.  Here's the pattern that I think is a good match:

This is the Contemporary Kimono Jacket by Indygo Junction. It's a very close match for the inspiration picture.  You would need to add a patch pocket.  The pattern has in-seam pockets.

As far as a fabric goes, I think a cross-dyed cotton would work perfectly.  Equilter and fabric (dot) com both carry cross-dyed cotton.  I would check a local quilt shop and see if they have any suitable cottons.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Meal Planning...

The other night, I was having sleepless night and checking out what was available at BluPrint.  Cruising through the cooking section I found Mindful Meal Planning.  Meal planning is something that I have done for years and can't really imagine going shopping without having a plan of some sort.  So, I was intrigued.  I check the comments and was a little surprised by them.  The first comment said something along the lines of this was a Whole Foods ad and nothing was provided about meal planning or meal prep.  I decided to watch and see what it was about. 

The very first section is about creating a weekly meal plan, following a budget, and staples.  It was basic and maybe that is what the comment was about.  The following sections were about selecting produce, proteins, seafood, dairy, and buying in bulk.  It was indeed good basic information and it was staged inside a Whole Foods. 

Personally, I think you can't really decide on a meal plan without knowing what you're budget is.  When I started budgeting and meal planning, the top amount I could spend a week was $50 for my husband and I.  Fast forward 25 years or so and we average spending $100 a week on groceries.  I will say that eat out once a week, so that is around 20 meals at home a week, each. 

How do you do a meal plan?  I sit down once a week and decide what is going to be cooked.  I get some input from my husband because occasionally he likes to cook.  Once I have a list of meals, I make a list of the necessary ingredients.  From this list, I check to see what is in the pantry/refrigerator/freezer so that I'm not buying too much of any one item.   If the local grocery ads come out before you do your planning, you really should check to see what is on special that week.  It could be that some of the items that are considered staples at your home are on sale.  It can be worth checking this out.  

I found this post at Melly Sews on meal planning.  She plans out a month in advance.  Her post is interesting.  

Indeed, a little advanced planning does allow a little more time to do the things that you want to do. Remember it doesn't matter what store you're going to, a little planning will get you in and out quicker because you know what you're going to purchase. Save time, save money.

There are tons of videos on you tube regarding prepping food for a week.  If you're work week is really hectic, look into those.  You will be surprised at what you can do.

Let me know if you're interested in a more in depth information on the subject.

Remember all that extra time can be used for stitchin'.

Happy Stitching!

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Bathroom Window Curtain...

I still haven't finished decorating the "retirement" house.  I set my goal on getting a pretty curtain for the bathroom.  Unfortunately, the window is large and there is a tub under it.  Here's a view from the outside:

This is not a window that will get cleaned often.  It bugs me a little bit so I'm going to cover it up.  Here's a glimpse of the inside window:

I decided something lacy would be good so that the light is totally being blocked.  Here's what I chose:

It's a lacy seashell panel that is 56"x 63".  The width is pretty much perfect.  However, the length is not.  I shorten this panel from the top by 16 1/2".

I used a simple pressure rod to put it in the window.  Here's the final results:

Sorry for the dark pictures but it is amazingly hard to get a picture of this type of window.  I'm happy with this little project.

Happy Stitching!

Inspiration...Basic Blouse

This is the Lafayette 148 New York Russell Long-Sleeve Lightweight Sandwashed Silk Blouse.  Price tag:  $448.00.

Isn't this a lovely blouse?  I would probably not do the pockets for myself but the overall look is very nice.  Here's the pattern suggestions:

This is Grainline Studio Archer Button Up.    View A is a basic shirt pattern.  Once fitted could provide you with numerous shirts.  To get the pop over version like the inspiration photo, you will also need this:

This is Grainline Studio Archer Popover Variation Pack.   You do need to have the Archer pattern to use the Popover Variation.  To get the look of the inspiration photo, just leave off the collar.

This is a pattern that I started working on the fitting and life interrupted me with a move from the east coast to the mid-west.  I did keep everything and I know it is safely stashed somewhere in my sewing room. Hopefully, I can locate everything and get this top fitted so I can have a wardrobe of nice tops, too.

Hope you're inspired to create something beautiful.

Happy Stitching!

Getting to Know the Juki MCS-1500...

I have started on my journey of getting to the Juki MCS-1500.  The manual for the machine can be found at the bottom of the product page here.

Next with the help of a internet friend, I found this grouping of youtube videos for the Juki MCS-1500 - youtube.  There are also a couple of groups on Facebook that are helpful - Coverstitch Sewing Discussion Group and Juki Serger, Coverstitch, & Sewing Group.

So far, I have threaded my machine so many times that I feel like a pro with the threading.  I'm hoping that I soon feel like a pro with using the machine.

Do you know of any other resources for using a coverstitch machine?

Happy Stitching!
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