Checking in

Whew! Just catching my breath from a whirlwind of activity. Unfortunately not sewing activity. From the last week of January to this week there has been a major activity every week. It is now finally over - yippee. I also realized that while on our annual ski trip, my one bin fabric challenge ended. My production was pretty pitiful but I'll be sewing from my stash for the next couple of months - I'll try to keep track of yardage out.
My kids and I were on a episode of HGTV's Curb Appeal - it was filmed late last year but just aired this weekend. The home of one of my daughter's classmates was redone. It was kind of strange seeing myself and the kids on TV. Man, my eyes look really big - LOL.
What's going on with everyone else? Ready for spring sewing?

Happy Valentine's Day

My sweetheart and I spent Valentine's Day on the slopes in West Virginia. Happy Valentine's Day to you and your special one.

What Not To Do When Sewing Stripes

When sewing stripes please do not follow my rules.

1. Select fabric - I was eager to sew this fat stripey material because I liked the look and it felt nice too. It is from my stash.
2. Select pattern - I thought a raglan style tee would be simple and a nice basic.
Makes sense right, the wrong starts at the next step.
3. Cut fabric without acknowledgment of stripes- Doh! I totally failed
to recognize that this was a pattern that required a plan i.e. - the stripes need to be continuous from the sleeve and front to back.
4. Cross fingers that it will work - I hoped that is would just fall in place when sewn together. Wrong!
5. Purchase only required amount of fabric - I also only had a yard of fabric so zero room for error and of course I made one. Always buy extra, especially when it only costs $2/yd.
6. Wear it anyway - I plan to wear this shirt regardless of my mistakes. I've never sewn with stripes, plaids, or patterns that require matching. Did I mention I like the feel of the fabric so it's a keeper even if it's a stripey mess. I didn't have the heart to show you any side shots but I will when it is totally done.


It still needs a neckband (pattern calls for narrow hem - I prefer a neck band) and a sleeve and waist hem. I just had to share my foolishness. Oh yeah, this is the first knit tee that I've tried that is not oversized. I typically cut a 8 or 10 but the 12 fits me snugly. The pattern is OOP B5104.

FAIL - McCall's 5271

Here's the first FAIL of 2010 - McCall's 5271 and also a fabric from the bin.

The cowl hangs super low which is okay because this can be remedied with a tank underneath. But something else is wrong, there is just too much fabric that causes tons of ripples and waves down the front. The fit in the shoulders is also off causing the shoulders to hang incorrectly and slide off when I move a lot. It does not look that bad on my dressform but on me --Ehhh!

What I do like about this pattern is the fit in the back. I usually have issues with the back being to large or droopy. I also like the way the front and back are sewn together to hold the cowl in place. The top still needs the band at the hip (View F) and hemming at the sleeves. I will try to salvage this garment but not now. I'll pack it up and move on.

I'm eating ice cream and apple crisp right now. I know it is 10 pm but I skipped dinner - LOL.

Made IT! Monday - Cowl Neck Tunic

Butterick 5247 has been made by many with great results. I thought it would be a cute dress to throw on and go. I originally wanted to make View D but didn't have enough fabric. I tried to pull it off with the 2 yards I had by putting a seam down the back but I didn't like the length. I chopped off a few inches and made it into a tunic to go over leggings. I like it much better this way. I didn't like the way the sleeves tapered down either so I shortened these as well. I plan to wear bracelets so the length doesn't look too odd. I cut a size 8 and graded it up to a 12 in the hip based on the pattern measurements. The pattern is very straight forward and a quick sew. Great for a beginner. This is fabric from "the bin" and I haven't a clue when I bought this but I know it is at least 7 years old.

Front & Back View - Hmm...I wonder if I have a swayback?

My Hubby caught me in between poses.

It's wet and cold but I am trying to pose.

My handsome photographer aka Hubby

Happy New Year

I hope you all had a great time bringing in the New Year. I certainly did. I am really excited about 2010 --it sounds so futuristic. I remember imagining what I would be doing in 2000, 2010, 2020 and so on. It sounded so far away but it is here and now! WOW!
My One Bin Fabric Challenge officially begins today - again (LOL). I have swapped out a few pieces of fabric and actually cataloged what is in the bin. If you've made a resolution around buying less fabric or reducing your stash, join me. I am using the bin as a measuring tool because I need a tangible focal point and that's what I store my fabric in. If everything in the bin gets sewn that's great and if not a dent has been made in the collection. I've already cut a few pieces out from before and have a FO or 2 in the bin as well. Time to sew! Happy New Year Sewing Sisters!

Extension PLEASE!

Happy Holidays to you all! I hope you are enjoying the season.

It's been hectic in our household but hopefully it will be settling down soon. Most of the cards have been sent with our family newsletter that has highlights and pictures from our year. That bad boy took way too much energy but hooray it is done. Now - a little yummy baking. The Hubby is the baker but I can do a little something.
The One Bin Fabric Challenge.....uhhh silence. I have done next to NADA. I've traced patterns and cut fabric but little to no sewing has been going on. I think the frequent water in the my sewing area has been stealing the mojo. It's a pain moving stuff around to get the water up and my area is pretty unorganized. I will be addressing that soon. We are getting estimates now for water proofing- the first one took my breath away. Did you just say__thousand dollars. Yikes!
So...I am giving myself an extension, since it is my challenge I can change the rules - LOL. I am changing this up to a new year type of thing.

One Bin Fabric Challenge will be January 1 - February 15

I doubt if I will sew much this year. So if you don't here from me again have a wonderful holiday. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!