Vintage Pattern Stash is growing....

Well, I finally got my Big Bernina back home, after a tuneup. It's running wonderfully. But while it was out I sewed on my vintage machines (working on a pair of jeans). I must say I quite enjoyed sewing on them. Since neither have all the options/settings like my 830 (which I have named "Blessings"), it definitely makes my sewing a no-brainer! Which was refreshing for a change.

I got almost done with the jeans and they were fitting wonderfully, when I discovered a major snafu on my part. I had put the zipper in backwards, i.e. the front of the zipper is facing the inside of the jeans. Not a big deal, right! Just rip it out and put it in correctly. Well I didn't discover this until I was almost finished (the hem and waist band left to do). Well just let me say, I won't be making this mistake again - Laughing to myself!

Well in the midst of the vintage machine sewing, I decided to go thru my vintage patterns, and catalog them. Well I discovered not only do I have a sewing machine problem, but also a vintage pattern problem. I've only cataloged maybe 1/2 of them. If you want to take a look at what I've done so far check them out here.

Just think of all of the potential sewing, and unique clothing I'll have in my wardrobe.

Off to my sewing (lots to do, so little time) ....

A extra vintage pattern if anyone is interested

Well I've been going thru my vintage pattern "collection" (that word sounds so much better than stash), and came across a pattern that I'd like to find a home for.

If you happen to be looking at this and are interested in it. Place a comment and send me an email with your mailing address.

Back to completing my pattern organizing.....

Pray for me, because.....

A seamstress can never have too many machines, right?

I remember my grandmother used to sew on a treadle machine. I have fond memories of her sewing and asking her to let me work the peddle for her (as I sat on the floor in front of the machine). I had always wanted to get hers, but when she passed on, it sort of got lost.

Well anyway this weekend I went to a estate sale in search of some vintage patterns, and there it was in the corner. A Singer 66K treadle machine, with all of the attachments. Needless to say my memories took over and I just had to bring it home (with some nudging from my partner in crime, my girlfriend). The machine was in perfect working order. I cleaned it, oiled it, and put a new belt on it. I sewed a couple of scrap pieces of fabric to check on the tension:

This week I put my Bernina in for a tuneup, so I've had to put some of my other machines in to active duty. I'm working on another pair of jeans. I've read on others blogs, how its nice to have multiple machines, with one of them setup for top-stitching.

So I sat up my Singer 99K, which I found about 6 months ago. Again, it was in excellent condition. I just had the sewing mechanic look at it, and make sure all was OK. It came with the standard attachments, and a buttonholer, zigzagger, darning, and hem stitch attachments. Not to mention the case which also had the keys. I had originally bought it as a machine to take to quilt classes, since the 830 is way to heavy too try and lug around. I set it up to do all my seams:

The other machine that I sat up is my Old Domestic machine. I found this many years ago at a garage sale for $25. It too has all of the attachments. I set it up to do all of my topstitching on.

Another pointer I picked up from Two on Two off blog, and used upholstery thread from my topstitching.

Boy did this setup made the topstitching so-o-o much easier. Here is the topstitching on one back pant piece:
And of course, I set up the trustworthy Viking serger to finish the raw edges. In addition to these, I also have a Viking Designer 1, and I have a Elna Supermatic.

Now that I think about I do have a LOT of machines. So pray for me, ask God to make sure another one doesn't try to sneak in my car and follow me home :)

PS I'll tell you about my vintage pattern excursion in the next post.

Graduate school graduate, and a cruise

The youngest son got his Master's from Colorado State University in Fort Collins. I thought I was done crying but have discovered that as each one leaves home, it becomes more emotional to see the next one leave (Only 5 more years to go before the youngest gets thru Pharmacy school). I assured him that they were tears of JOY! Here he is on that day with the entire family. I feel so blessed. My kids ask me if I'm proud of them. I tell them yes. They have far exceeded my expectations. I was happy that I never had to bail anyone out of jail, and I didn't become a Grandma before my time. So anything beyond that was pure JOY. Sometimes, I just sit and thank God for the blessings he's given my family. I come from a lineage of share-croppers with no more than a 2nd grade education; my parents were the first in their families to go to college. I know my grandparents are in heaven smiling down on my children.


Here also is a picture of my son with his "study buddies" from graduate school. It was my first time meeting them, and they are such an amazing group of young people. They were all fortunate to have each other as friends.
He also has a job comming out of college (which is such a blessing in todays economy). So I'll be heading off with him later in June to get moved in.

Well the family just got back from a cruise to Nassau Bahama. My daughter wanted to do something special for her high school graduation, and considering that the youngest son just graduated with his Master's in Comp. Science we thought why not. This would probably be one of our last chances to do a family vacation. So off we went on a 4 night cruise from Miami, FL to Key West, Nassau, Cocay Bay Bahamas.

It was just nice to be where I didn't have access to cell phones and computers. So it was a VACATION in the true sense. Here we are off the beach in Nassau. I got in the water a little bit, but I'm just to leary of the "lil critters" in the ocean and on the beach. When I saw the Iguana, and the stingray in the water, I was done with the beach.

My only regret is that I didn't get a chance to explore for fabric stores! Believe me, it did cross my mind. Maybe I'll save that for my trip to Ottawa, Canada. But in the meantime I did think sewing :)!

Here are my jean "muslins". Sorry for the fuzzy pix, I tried to take them myself in a mirror. (I
think its time to invest in a tripod!).

Here is a side view: The rolled him is where I'm going to have them stop for capri's. Since My muslin turned out better than I expected, I figured I'd just keep them. I've already transferred the adjustments to my paper pattern. The other leg, is the length of the pants leg (cut), this should actually be the length with a hem. So I've got to add about 1-2 inches to my finished pattern.
Here is a front view:

I thought I'd practice my topstitching skills on them, and it turned out pretty well, with patience :)

This is a picture of the front:

Here is the back view. I didn't want to go too fancy on the pockets. so they are simple.

I got my waistband in on yesterday. I got the fit down pretty good through the hips and upper leg. However, I've still got to reduce this some more in the waist (In my pictures at the top I put on a belt with them; but I probably still need to take another inch or so out of the waist).

Jeans in the works

I've joined the "Jeans sew along" on sewing.patternreview.com. My fabric came yesterday. In the meantime, I had some in my stash, that I figured I'd recheck my fit, etc. My pattern is Jalie's stretch denim pants; I so love this pattern.

As usual I had to do my alterations:

• sway back adjustment
• additional width in thighs
• added length at knee, and hemline
• take in at waist

This time I decided to try some top-stitching to make them look like ready to wear. The "muslin" versions are turning out great. I'd like to keep them, but I had just enough fabric, such that, if I try to hem them they'll be too short. I'm thinking, maybe I can turn them into capri's.
I'll have to post pictures tomorrow.

Where Oh Where Have I been?

I know you have been wondering where I've been and what I've been doing. Well let me break it down:

1. Recovering from "Empty Nest" syndrome - In December, it finally hit me that the dynamics of my family had changed. Everyone was home and then everyone was gone.
2. I've been doing a lot of scrapbooking as I try to organize my pictures and memories of when the kids were younger. It's been therapeutic.
3. Looking at going back to school for a advanced degree. I always wanted to go back to school to get a graduate degree, but "life" got in the way. Well now that the kids are all gone, I've got the time (besides it'll help me make this adjustment).
4. I've had to have two minor surgerical procedures. Nothing serious or life threatning; but a big deal for someone who doesn't like being put to sleep.
5. Very busy at work! I've also been enjoying it, usually when you are busy you're also stressed; but its been a good stress.
6. Doing lots of storytelling. If you didn't know I'm a professional storyteller. I specialize in telling American History from the perspective of the African American women that were a part of that history. All my stories are in first person. Well this year I've had an lot of opportunity to share those stories.

Well that's what I've been doing since Dec. of last year! I'm ready to start sewing again, as I discover a new me, and that's a good thing!