When I’m not actually sewing:

The remote on my Koala table stopped working for some reason. I haven’t had the table for a year yet and this is the 2nd time I’ve had a problem with the lift. Finally my dealer helped to resolve the issue, and I’m getting a replacement table . My sewing machine dealer has always been very professional. Here’s my table all set to go back to the store. I’ll miss my table because it’s waist high and doubles as a cutting table. Now I have to either cutout patterns on the floor or go downstairs to my kitchen counter. I hope to see my replacement table in a couple of weeks. So I’ve been cleaning up my sewing room.

Well, what have I been doing while I wait for my new table? I’ve been shopping of course. One of the things I found was these nifty reference cards for estimating how much fabric when you’re shopping. It’s the “How Much Fabric?” cards.

I purchased these for myself, and a set as gifts for my Mom and sister. I never seem to have the pattern with me when I’m fabric shopping, but this should help with that. If you’d like to get more info on the cards go to Gwyn Hug’s website.
Next I went to an estate sale. I was running errands and it was on my way so I stopped by. It was advertised to have vintage patterns. I was figuring only a handful. But to my surprise there was a Butterick sewing cabinet with 2 drawers full of patterns from the 50’s/60’s. So what did I get:

I ended up with over 30 total! I know that God exists and he must really like me!
In addition to these patterns, I found a new fabric boutique in Denver in the Sante Fe Street Art section. Its called Fabric Bliss. (I didn’t have my camera with me to take a snapshot; but I’ve posted the link here). They've only been in business for about 4 months now.
It’s a nice quaint little shop, and they have some of the most amazing fabrics in stock. I went there to get a copy of the Mission Maxi pattern that Erica B. posted (The dress looks amazing on her and on the pattern envelope). I always try to buy at local shops when I can, and this little shop had the pattern in stock. So I ended up buying the Mission Maxi pattern and Sunny Day dress:

I also found a lovely piece of Anthology fabric that in a black coloring, I’m going to use a black piping and lengthen the dress to a maxi:

I’m off to do some sewing now. I’ve got a smaller table (that my husband wanted me to get rid a year ago) . To be honest I really did get rid of it; I moved it from my sewing room to my daughter’s room (he didn’t say where to get rid of it to and besides she’s not using it since she’s away in college). So off I go to make DO, until my replacement table comes in.
Happy Sewing everyone.

Some Pattern Organization and Some Sewing. . .

I've finally gotten my cabinet painted, and moved up into my sewing room. I've still got to put my lettering on it; but I think it turned out pretty well. It's when I started to put my patterns into the cabinet that I discovered how many I really had. I have way more than I need and not as many as I thought .

Having the cabinet has helped with my storage situation.I've started putting some of my patterns into the drawers. I knew I had a lot of vintage patterns, enough to fill an entire drawer alone.

I went from 5+ boxes/containers to 3 drawers. (Between you and me, now my husband will never really know how much sewing stuff I have. )



Well now that I've discovered that I have a rather ominous assortment of patterns, I figured it's time to organize them in some type of manner that makes sense etc. So I put them in the file cabinet in order: vintage patterns in one drawer, another with Butterick, Mccall, Simplicity, another with Vogue, and a 3rd for other companies. The bottom drawer has notions like zippers and serger threads.

I also discovered a pattern filing software: PatternFile. Its a relative new software that is internet based. So far I like it. I've got most of my current patterns entered. Its when I started putting my patterns in this tool that I realized, I'm a Pattern Junkie (PJ for short) .

They have a pattern database that is updated monthly, and when you add a new pattern, if it is already in the pattern database, then all of the pattern info is filled in automatically (yardage, line drawings, etc.), otherwise you can add the info for other patterns (such as vintage patterns).

The software is still in its early stages but looks very promising. I'd love to see it be accessible from say a smart phone, and am waiting for them to develop the print option. I'm going to continue to play with it for a month or more, and then I'll add a review.

Now what have I been working on (Sorry for the mannequin, but its dark here now, I'll post pix later of me in the dresses). Well I just finished two dresses:

Mccall 6324

Pattern Sizing: B5(8-10-12-14-16) I cut size 14/16
Fabric: 100% cotton print, and broadcloth

Description: Fitted dress has a self-lined bodice with exposed zipper, no sleeves with peach colored ban around hemline.

Alterations: added approximately 4 inches to overall length, so that dress stops just below knee. Also took in at the waist area, and thru the Bust some.

I started with a size 16 and adjusted it in at the waistline. The dress is a partial "princess seam" style from the bust-line down. I've typically have to do some adjustment in the bust-line. I started out with a size 14 in my muslin which was a perfect fit; but decided to do another in the size 16 and adjust down accordingly. This resulted in me taking in a dart slightly at the armhole to allow for the bust-line fullness. I was concerned going with the 14 would be too tight once I did the dress in the final fabric. (To avoid having a dart in the bodice, I adjusted the yoke pattern for the dart). Since I made the dress in a size 16 for ease thru the bust, I then had to take it up through the waistline.

Once I did that and added additional length the dress was a perfect fit.

To deal put the exposed zipper in, I hand basted to confirm the placement, and then did the top stitching on the zipper. One thing you definitely want to do is pick your zipper first and then match the fabric to that. You need to use a brass type zipper which will really show, and the color selection for these are limited.

Its a nice comfortable summer dress. I'll post pix of me actually wearing it later this week. I'll probably make the dress again; but next time with the short sleeves.

Mccall 5844 OOP (2nd time around)

Pattern Sizing: EE(14-16-18-20) I cut size 14
Fabric: 100% cotton print, and broadcloth

Description: Fitted slightly below mid-knee dress with front and back yoke. Has a front drape and side zipper.

Alterations: added my usual length adjustment. Also took in at the waist area, and thru the bust area.

I just love this dress. The first time I made it was Sept of 2010, almost a year ago. And since I've made it once the 2nd time around was easier. One thing that happened is that I underestimated my yardage on the print. As they say necessity is the mother of invention; so I just used the solid in the yoke for the draping. The fit is amazing! I've found that princess seams are easier for me to adjust the fit because of the multiple seams across the front/backup.