A busy summer . . .

Ok so I've been helping a friend with his play, and working with the costuming. So this means I've been doing some sewing, and thrifting for some of the characters outfits.

Well while in the mist of craiglisting, thrift shopping, and estate sales; I found this little beauty, A Singer 301 in a beige with the manual and accessories:

So as I was getting in my car, guess what happen! This little beauty followed me home! As I went to get in my car, it had mysteriously gotten into the hatch area, and laid there quietly until I got home. THAT'S MY STORY AND I'M STICKING TO IT!!!

I already have a Singer featherweight, and of course just couldn't resist the short bed big brother 301. I have a long bed 301 in black, that I am going to let my little friend use to learn to sew (OH I forgot to mention that I'm teaching my 7 year old "movie buddy" to sew - I think I'm more excited than she is).

Anyway in the midst of my estate-sale trips, I came upon one where the owner had an addiction like so-o-o-o many of us.  Mind you I went on the 2nd weekend of the sale.  The owner was a seamstress and a knitter.  The basement was stocked floor to ceiling with shelving units filled with cloth.   All of the fabric pieces were $1 each.  I bought a couple of pieces.  The owner also had at least 11 machines that I could see. (My husband was relieved that none of those followed me home).  But what amazed me was the amount of yarn.  There was a shed in the back yard that was full from top to bottom with nothing but yarn!  I was able to snap a photo of one corner of the shed:

Oh yea, my oldest son did a formal wedding ceremony (they eloped in May of this year.   The colors were red/gold/black.  Ladies, never listen to your son when finding out what color you should wear to the wedding.  He told me black, and I discovered with a week to go, that the color should have been red.  So what is a seamstress to do?  Well, you whip out a red-dress in a week.

I used Vogue Retro Vintage pattern: V2401

I found a bright red silk dupioni to make the dress (Purchased from Denver Fabrics in Denver, CO).  I underlined it in a black voile.  The dress turned out very nicely for a "last minute" rush job.    I got loads of complements on the dress, and I loved how it fit.  There were however some changes that I made:

1. I didn't realize that the dress was actually a wrap dress.  That is the front center is just a lapel type of insert and the over skirt wraps from the back.  So I had to be very conscious of the wind, and how the over-skirt fell when I sat down.  So I added a ribbon w/ a hook/eye so that the sides of the front attached to the inner side seams of the back skirt.  It gave me a little extra security that I wouldn't show too much leg when I sat, etc.  I used ribbon to put the hooks on to give me some maneuvering room.  The ribbon was only about 3 inches in length.
2. I also, added about 3 inches in the skirt side-seams, to accommodate my hips, and 4 inches of length to the skirt.
3. I didn't put in the shoulder pads. I don't know why but I have to do a mental adjustment for shoulder pads.  (Maybe I'll do it know, since there is no-longer a rush to get it done).

I also did up Vogue pattern 1258:

I used fabric that I had purchased from Vogue fabrics in Chicago when I attended the Sewing PR day.

Here are photo's of the dress with the extensions tied in the front and in the back.  I've already worn it,and it is such an easy wear.  Very comfortable.  Like Erica B stated if you are conscious about your hips then this may not be the dress for you.

I had to do my usual alterations:4 inches to the length, and added about 2 inches at the hip. I could  have gotten away without that alteration, but it was a little too snug for my taste. Adding the addition at the hip gave me some "wiggle" room.

 I love this dress and have it already to make again.  I wore it with black tights and black suede pumps.

Currently I'm taking a tailoring class at my LSS (local sewing shop).  I'm making Vogue 1266 out of a Alpaca wool that I bought at the shop. The class meets every other weekend, and we'll work on our jacket/coats till its finished.  The 2 weeks between gives us time to finish our "homework" before the next session.

BTW, my mom, sister, and I are headed to the Houston Quilt Festival again.  We've decided to make it our annual GIRL bonding trip.  Secretly, my mom and I are trying to make sure my sister stays on the sewing band wagon.

It's so nice to be sewing for myself again.  I've discovered that those that don't sew, really have no appreciate for what goes into a well fitted, well made garment.  Off to my sewing room I go!