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.

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.

Something Old, Something New

So a couple of weeks ago a found a pattern cabinet on Craigslist. The seller was a professional seamstress (Her husband added the lock bar as a precautionary measure for their children)

I've got it sitting in my garage. I just stripped all the lock hardware off and will clean it up on tomorrow. I've decided not to put the lock bar back on it; since there is no one here but me and my husband. And I know for a fact that he has no desire to "play" in my pattern cabinet, let alone my sewing room.

The toughest decision is what color to paint it. I've chosen a brown color. I tried to paint a small spot on the back of the cabinet to get a feel for the color, but I really couldn't tell much from it, so I'm going to step out on faith. The color I've chosen is a Rustoleum Hammered in a Brown.

I'm going to create a template, and put something like the word "Patterns" on the drawer where "McCall's" is. (Maybe my Cricut machine will come in handy from my Scrapbooking Supplies). So keep me in your thoughts as I embark on this task. I'll let you know how it goes.