Digitize, Shmizmatize, . . . .

I know those of us that have embroidery machines and then gone looking for the ultimate digitizing software; only to discover that once you buy the software; you have to upgrade every so often to take advantage of the full capability of your machine.

Well I'm guilty of that also.  For years I had been a loyal Viking sewing machine fan; having owned 2 of their embroider machines.  The last one being the Viking Designer 1+.  I was always faithful and bought their version  of embroidery software.  

Well a couple of years ago my husband agreed and got me the Bernina 830 machine.   I so-o-o-o love it.  I don't think I'll ever outgrow this one.  I'm still learning new things about it; and I've had it for over 2 years now.  

Well needless to say every machine has THEIR version of embroidery software that is better than the competitor.  Well I refuse to buy another software that is going to require me to upgrade every year or so to get all the "latest" features.  When Viking mentioned they had a new version, the 5D, and what it would cost to upgrade; yet again,  I decided I just couldn't do it anymore.  

This past fall I attended a sewing seminar by Floriani threads.  I figured what the heck, I already use their threads and stabilizer.  It was an all day seminar,  & you got all kinds of goodies for free.  So off I went.  

They allow you to install a "demo" version to test drive the software  before you buy it.  What is really appealing to me is that all the software upgrades are free.  So I don't have to purchase the upgrade to get the latest functionality. So right now I'm doing a comparison of Floriani with my Viking software .  Both are usable with my Bernina and Viking machines.

So far I've been impressed with it.  I'm going thru the tutorials now.  If you are thinking about purchasing it, I recommend going to one of their seminars/events and purchase it then.  After a seminar they offer a huge-discount, well below the MSRP.  (If you're wondering, I'll be keeping my Viking software; if I can avoid having to pay to upgrade everytime though; I'm all for it).

I'll keep you updated on my Floriani travels, as I learn more about it.

The Coat: 

Now onto the status of my coat.  I got the sleeve welts done.  I started attaching the sleeves, i.e. basting them in place.  I've got a couple of fit issues with respect to the sleeve and armhole.  So I'll be stopping by my instructors shop on Monday to get her guidance on what went wrong (or maybe right, if I'm lucky).

The Alternate Project: 
As I work my way thru my coat, I need distractions so that my patience doesn't get the best of me, and it wind up UFO.  I'm just ordered some silk organza from Dharma Trading.  I'm going to be working on a vintage dress for spring wear, and it will need to be underlined.  I figured now would be just as good a time as any to give Dharma Trading a try.  I saw pretty good reviews of them on Sewing PR.

I found some amazing cotton border prints that I want to make the dresses from.  I'm going thru my patterns trying to choose my first one.

Well, off to finish my Floriani's software training. . . . . . .

What’s a Girl to do . . .

Well let’s see. . . .
First there is shopping. So after a long day of work, and anticipating spending an entire weekend back at work; to finish up; I decided I needed a little retail pick-me-up. Now mind you, all I had intended to do was just window shop! But as luck would have it, there was a sale at DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse). They’d just marked down their clearance section. So for 80% off (the first time I’ve ever seen that!) I got the following in preparation for the warm weather to come:



Not a single pair cost more than $15. Can you believe it, approximately $500 worth of shoes for approximately $80.00. 



Then there was a trip to the fabric  store to pick up some VERY UNNECESSARY fabric. (You can never have too much fabric).  I haven’t decided what I’m going to make from them yet.  But the blue will be a vintage dress with a full skirt; at least that’s what I’m thinking right now.


Second, I did a little knitting. I finished my scarf and hat. Here’s a snapshot of the hat on a stuffed animal. I finished the infinity scarf that goes with it. It’s at work though; since I had to use it on one of my cold days.







Finally is some sewing. There is the coat that I’m still working on. I found an alpaca wool that I am using. I had exactly enough fabric for it (no room for error). So I laid out the pattern pieces, and took pictures of the layout before pinning and cutting it.



















I’m in the process of completing the sleeves. I’m doing a totally hand tailored coat.

In between finishing the phases of the coat, I worked on this skirt and top from Burda 4/2011 issue. I’m into the long skirts. I ended up adding about 7 inches to the length of the skirt. The top I added an inch just as extra precaution.
 
 
 
 
 








In the sewing arena, I’ve also started teaching one of my friends 7 year old daughter to sew. We just started lessons right before Christmas. So far she’s done a “doll” pillow, and a pillow case for her “road-trip” pillow. Now we are on to our first real project, a lap-size quilt. She is a diabetic, and wears a pump to monitor her insulin. She said she wanted to learn to sew so that she can eventually make clothes that are easy to wear with her pump.

OH yea, and for entertainment my son bought me the Wii Zumba 2 game. Its something for when I get bored with everything else – SMILE.   So off to Zumba, I go. . . .

A New Year, A New . . .

So, what else did I do while the bathroom was being worked on, you ask.

Well, I had to have stitches in my right ring finger.  Finally got those out this week.  I think God was telling me to take a break from sewing for a couple of weeks.

Sewing wise, I made a couple of things.

I started on my "winter" coat.  I took a tailoring class at my  LSS (local Sewing Shop), and began tailoring for this jacket (the double breasted version):

I purchased an alpaca wool in a brown.  I am doing hand tailoring techniques which are being taught in the class.  I'm putting in the sleeves and lining now.

I also decided to try my hand at knitting again.  I wanted something that I could easily take with me when I travel (We did a road trip to Nebraska over the break). 

I had some Pattons Classic Wool so I decided to make this hat and this scarf.  This is a snapshot of the hat in progress, it has now been completed:

The hat is a pattern from ravelry.com: Big Slouchy Hat.  The scarf I knitted is the Infinity Trinity Cowl by Debbie Stoller. I've only got about 10 more inches to go and it'll be finished.

I also decided to try some of the classes on the craftsy.com website.  I'm doing the Knit Lab class taught by  Stefanie Japel class.  I didn't think I would be too interested in online classes but these are pretty interesting and definitely convenient.  I've even been able to watch them on my iPhone.  

Oh yea, I got an iPhone also.  I decided to replace my blackberry.  I'm not using my phone for so many other things now.  I found an application called JKNIT for knitting.  I put the instructions for the scarf into this app, and it makes it very easy to keep track of where I'm at in the knitting and its portable. It took a while to figure out how to code the knitting pattern in the application; but it has been worth it.

Also, I've already finished my 1st project for 2012.  I did the top and skirt from the 4/2011 Burda.

 

I'll post the pictures tomorrow.

Here's hoping everyone had a Joyous New Year! Happy sewing!

The bathroom is done (a commercial break).

I haven't blogged in a while; but it doesn't mean I've been sitting idle!

The bathroom is done!  So here are my before after pictures:
The tub: 

 The nook area at opposite end of tub:

The Vanity:

 

Some of the changes that we made:

1. Pull up carpeting in bathroom (whoever had that bright idea should be arrested), and replaced it with tile.
2. Got rid of all of the wood trim on the floor and replaced with tile edging.
3. Got rid of the decking around the tub, and moved tub closer to the window to increase usable floor space.
4. Made that little nook area into usable space, by adding a cabinet.  Still planning to replace the wood in the cabinet door with glass to match the shower stall.
5. Re-did the vanity to add more storage space and center the sinks, also put in granite counter top.

This was our first remodel of anything in our house (believe me after 25 years it was long over due!).   I know remodeling isn't a spiritual experience, but for me it was.  I really had to turn over control to the contractor and God.  I also had to stop watching those home remodeling shows where they had a contractor that does a crappy job!   I was filled with anxiety, and prayed constantly that God would be in control.  I must say God stepped in.  My contractor was excellent, and answered all of my questions when I was trying to figure out what and why of what they were doing (Especially when my engineering personality would kick in). I didn't have a nervous breakdown, and am exceptionally pleased with how it turned out.  Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!  Now I'm in the decorating phase of the new bathroom.

New Project for 2012:  HARDWOOD floor in the master bedroom! 

Next post : Sewing done while remodeling ( the originally scheduled program - SMILE).

Something Old, Something New - A Bathroom's Story

Well, this is off topic (kinda, sorta).
Earlier this summer my bathroom flooded it wasn't too bad except for the carpeting.  Why do you put carpet in a bathroom.  When we bought the house years ago that was all the crave.  Well I removed the carpet from all the bathrooms, except the master in front of the tub.  Needless to say it was soaked thru, actually so soaked that the plaster fell off the ceiling in the garage.

Well I took this as a sign that it was time to re-do the bathroom.  Hey, we've been in this house for 20+ years.  I gutted the whole thing.  They have gotten the shower almost done.  Here it is before:

Here is the shower after the redo:

Tomorrow they measure for the shower door; which will be a frameless glass.

All of the fixtures are in oil-rubbed bronze.  The floor is the same tile as the shower.  I don't want any wood, etc touching the floor.  I've had them remove the baseboard and it is being replaced with tile (something they call "bullnose").  I told the contractor I want my bathroom to be "flood" proof.

I"m replacing the tub with a freestanding claw-foot tub, with an overflow! We had to send the first one back, after I forgot how tall I was, and it got here and wasn't long enough for my legs (Oh the joy of being tall!).

It's really testing my nerves, since I don't like having my bathroom gutted.  I don't know how folks do this!  There are just way too many choices, when you're choosing tile, grout, bathtub, shelving, etc. Its been 1 1/2 weeks now; and I am filled with anxiety; wondering if it will look like I envisioned. I've been praying to God for a peaceful spirit. For those of you that have done a remodel before, How did you get thru it!

Keep me in your thoughts and prayers.

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!

Sewing Resumed . . .

Where there is a will there is a way.  My new table finally came last Tuesday. (YEA!)  In the meantime I made the Mission Maxi dress that I saw on Erica B’s blog.  The dress is a very easy sew.  I kept telling my fellow sewing groupies, that sometimes you need a quick fix.  And this pattern is definitely mine.
I’ve made this dress initially in a brown knit; which I ended up giving to my daughter because it was a little too smug in the bust line.  Then I made it up in a black/white knit for my self a size larger (size 14).  The fit is great, and this is one of the most comfortable dresses I’ve ever made.  I now have 3 of them.
It took me less than 2 hours to make.  I’ve already gotten fabric to make two more.  I added 8 inches to the length since I like to wear a 3 inch heel and am already 6 feet tall without the heels.  I left it un-hemmed since the fabric doesn’t ravel.  Here’s a picture of one.  I made this from an Italian knit. I love the fit.

The second one is floor length to wear with sandals.  The fabric was rather stretchy, and when I tried to do any top stitching the fabric tended to stretch.  So I stitched the facings by hand, and added a 2 inch wide tricot interfacing strip around the bottom, and did a 1” rolled hem by hand.  It hangs beautifully.

My daughter likes the dress so much that I’ve made  a shorter version for her in a black.  She says she wants this to be her LBD (little black dress). 

What’s on my sewing stack next?  Well this little number:
Is on my plate to do.  I found it on etsy.com, and knew it was me.  I’ve already decided to do it up in a linen. I’m actually thinking of a black and beige/taupe.  I’ve got the dress traced and the pattern altered.  I’ll start my muslin this weekend.