I've been keeping busy . . .

I've been working on organizing my fabric stash. I got done with that a couple of weeks ago.  After going thru closets, dresser drawers, and bins.  I used the hanging shelf organizers in the hanger rack; along with the polar notions fabric boards. (To my surprise I had far less fabric than I had expected!  That just means room for more ). I ended up with a nice stash in my closet:

Getting my stash sorted was only half the problem.  Now I needed to catalog the stash.  A while back I was at an estate sale and found  a 3 ring binder called the "Fabric Diary".  It contains pages for recording your fabric, and info on projects you are working on.  I tried to locate the original publisher but looks like they are no longer in business.  I took two of the pages to my local print shop and had copies made.

So now I know what I have,  How much of it, and where its stored.  I'm no longer overwhelmed by my stash.

Once I got the fabric under control, I then started working on my pattern stash.  I had patterns in plastic bins in the closet; in a chest drawer, etc.  Then there were the vintage patterns that my mom keeps sending when she finds some.  So it was definitely time to organize them.

I had been using Pattern File on my computer.  But I don't think this is the way for me to go.  Considering the fact that I now have a decent size vintage collection, and I have to scan them into my computer anyway; it wasn't saving me a lot of work.  So off to sewing.patternreview.com, to find alternatives.  Well, I found exactly what I needed.  I have Microsoft Office one note on my laptop, iphone, and new ipad.  So why not make use of it.    Now I can: 

1. Portability - I can look at my patterns anywhere on my iphone/ipad
2. Ease of entry - For current patterns I just go to the pattern company website and print the pattern to my Onenote application, and if its a vintage pattern I just scan it on my computer. 

Eventually, I'll move my fabric stash organization to OneNote.

If you want information on using OneNote go to On the Road To Sew Wear or to Chantilly Dreams to get detailed instructions on how to set things up.  (Why re-invent the wheels, when both of these sewing buddies have done an excellent job explaining how to use onenote already!).   I have my patterns saved on a sky drive that I can access from my ipad and iphone.  

Now that I've gotten my patterns sorted, I've found that I have multiple copies of some patterns (Augh!  Don't you hate that!).  

I also purchased comic book bags to put my patterns in.  This is especially a big help with storage of some of my vintage patterns. I purchased these in small sizes for the standard pattern sizes and in larger magazine sizes for my Vogue Designer patterns.  It only costs about $7 for a package of 100.  And I used repositionable tape to seal the bags closed. I've got them all neatly organized now by pattern company and number in my pattern cabinet.

Well with all of this organizing, I should be ready for my trip to New York for Pattern Review Weekend.  I can't wait.  This will be my first trip to NY!  Me, NY, and fabric!! - a sewaholics dream!!!!

Sent from my iPad

What's in my Pattern Stash?

I am like every other seamstress: I've got more patterns than I'll ever use!  I keep asking myself why, and to be honest; I can't tell you.  Why do I buy the patterns?  Well let me give you the reasons:

• I think the outfit is "me", and will make it
• I'm going to buy it now so that I can make it later.  Because it'll be out of print when I get ready to make it.
• It's a Vogue designer and its on sale!
• I want to make this for my "future" grandkid; so I'll get the pattern now.
• In my mom's words: "They were going to throw them out at the thrift store, and I told them let me have them so that I can give them to my daughter!" (This is how my vintage pattern stash started!).
• Why Not!

All of the reasons are valid and totally justifiable.  So hence, my pattern stash has grown.  

As I've tried to get my house back in order after the remodel, I've been going thru my stash of patterns.  Since I know I'll probably never make them all; but at least I can share them with you: 

I picked up this pattern at the Houston International Quilt Festival about 2 years ago.  It was still in factory folds.  

I've already got a wool to make it out of.  I've been trying to find some fur to use for the scarf ends.  So whenever I'm at an estate sales I'm on the look out for something that will work.  

I've begun tracing the pattern and making the necessary alterations.  And now that I've taken a tailoring class, and almost got my coat done (An update is coming later), I think I have the confidence to start working on it.

It reminds me of the styles that my Mom used to wear.  I just wish the little pillbox hat came with the pattern.

I got this pattern at an estate sale. I fell in love with the styling of it.  I'm considering the fitted (wiggle) version of the dress with the elbow length sleeves.  I particularly love the draping to the side.

I am going to have to size this pattern up one size.  I use the Resizing Vintage Patterns and How to Resize a Pattern. The first contains a reprint of an article. I found the second one to be extremely beneficial in that it has snapshots of how to resize.

I purchased a rust colored silk-dupioni to make this from.  It will have to be underlined.  I purchased some silk organza for that.

I haven't cut this pattern out yet.  But its on my list of to-dos.

I have this dream of having all (or at least 90%) of my clothing be custom-made by me.  We'll see if that dream becomes a reality.

Well that's it for now.  I'll regularly provide updates of my pattern stash; as I continue to go thru it.  Maybe I'll add some of the fabrics.  As I went thru my fabric, I realized my fabric stash was not as large as I had feared.  (Which is a good thing!).

Happy Sewing!

Susan Khalje: The Couture Dress Class & other Craftsy.com courses

If you weren't aware, craftsy.com is offering Susan Khalje's Courture Dress class online for 1/2 off.  I've taken 3 of the online classes from them already and actually like them.  I never thought I'd say that about online classes. I've had to take them for work related things, and just never liked not being able to interact with the teacher, etc. I think its the video that makes them so like-able for me. I can rewind when I've missed a point; or want to really analyze how something was done. The instructors are quick to respond, and you can interact online with the other students.

So far I've taken:

• Knit Lab course by Stefanie Japel  =>; this is a beginning class in knitting.  I took it and then did the scarf and hat that I talked about in a earlier post.

• Craftsy Block of the Month (FREE) by Amy Gibson =>; Just started this; I'm using scraps in my stash to do this one.  It was a free class, and I can travel at my own pace (I think that's what I really like about these; I'm not waiting for the next session to be posted).
  

• Sew Retro Perfect Bombshell Dress by Gretchen Hirsch =>  If you follow Gretchen's blog you'll  definitely enjoy her class.  If you are thinking of taking the course; I think you can still get the class for 1/2 off:  Gretchen's blog for 1/2 off. 

Enrolled in: 

• Craftsy Knit Lab: Fit Your Knits by Stefanie Japel =>  My next goal is to knit a sweater and then on to a dress (I know I'm ambitious!).

• Craftsy The Couture Dress w/ Susan Khalje =>  Just signed up for.  If you want it for 1/2 off go to Frabjous blog and take it for 1/2 off. 

(NOTE: All images from Craftsy.com website)

As you can tell I really love taking the classes thru this site. They are very professionally done, and you can take them at your own pace.  I'm a visual learner; so having the video makes it so much easier to learn for me.  Plus the fact that I can take these classes when-ever I want, and where-ever I want (I did the knitting class on my iPhone while on a road trip with the husband!!).

Also, most of the times you can find specials on the courses: like 1/2 off, and I even got a buy 1 get 1 free right before the holiday.  If you think you want to try one out; then definitely do the Block of the Month course since its free right now.

Well we've got a snow storm here in Colorado.   They are expecting 12 inches today.  So my husband and I spent the day working from home and shoveling the drive way and cars out from the 11 inches that fell last night.  So now, I'm off to my kitchen to grab something to eat.  Thank God I went to the grocery store on my way home from work yesterday.

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).