the messenger

what's nice about blogging, however frequent or infrequent the posts may be, is that it serves as a visual journal of a particular year.

and as this year is quickly coming to a close, it's about reflection.

and change.

i've no idea how the time has passed. i know i didn't sew as much as i would have liked to. but it's not about quantity when it comes to any of our creative endeavors. it's more about understanding and accepting the demands of a day, a life, those events and occurences planned and unplanned.

and mixing it up a bit, exploring all our interests, talents and abilities.

i last left you prior to the thanksgiving holiday. tee was on vacation. we enjoyed a fantastic week together. i look forward to these christmas holidays, too.

he headed back to work leaving me fighting a virus, the effects of which i'm still trying to understand and correct.

not a word of bad attitude shall i utter, however. it's been years since i have been so ill.

i did want to share a little project i completed this year that i had neither recorded elsewhere for myself nor here for you.

the pattern is this one by valori wells.

and the fabrics are by kaffe fassett (as can be found here and here).

both the pattern and fabrics i've had for quite some time.

during the fall and winter i tend to veer towards a larger bag, perhaps because it's more about "business" and not the outdoor activities the fine weather of spring and summer demand when you want something small and carry less.

this one is perfect for the size and the many pockets, including one on the outside front.

it's large enough to hold a composition book which i use daily as a journal. and the padded sleeve with my kindle. there are divided pockets where i can easily slip in my cell phone, wallet, checkbook, etc.

the strap is long for easy access and doubled for comfort.

if i were to make any changes, i would stabilize the bottom with some pellon peltex 70 ultra firm stabilizer so it wouldn't sag. and i would attach some pellon fusible fleece to the outside and lining main panels for extra stability.

i've been thinking of making this bag again, but a bit smaller. when i do, i'll do so with these changes in mind.

should the end of the year pass without us meeting again, i wish everyone a wonderful holiday season, a safe and prosperous new year. we grow not older, but younger in keeping body and spirit alive in celebration of Mother Earth's goodness and kindness abundant.

peace out!

sugar & spice & everything nice

lest we dwell on the negative, i wanted to share this adorable little sundress i made not too long ago, late this past summer, having had a very vivid dream that i "needed" to make doll clothes. lol!

i just happened to have an american girl doll handy to dress and model.

ok. i confess. i have several american girl dolls.

we had nothing like them when i was a little girl and so later, on my own, i invested and adored each and every one, especially the accessories and wardrobes. definitely a brilliant concept and marketing scheme on the part of american girl, llc.

at some point i really do hope to gift them to a little girl. alas, the little girls in my family are now almost grown women and never took a particular interest to dolls, certainly not for safekeeping.

18 inch dolls are the perfect size to sew for. the pieces are small and require some dexterity, but nothing like sewing for barbies. i can't imagine!

i've another super cute outfit cut out and ready for the machine.

not only are these great practice pieces for making gathers, ruffles, sleeves and necklines, but great stash busters. the fabric i've used were all remnants from previous projects. cute, funky, mod!

thanks to everyone who left me a kind note regarding my mishaps with daywear. i'm really not in the least bit upset or demoralized. we learn from our mistakes and we perfect our skills often by trial and error.

read the fine print

i wanted to pop in and say "hello" and because i felt obliged to follow-up to provide  more information.

i'm working on the day-shift. though i don't like to speak negatively about a design, i must say that this dress really has no shape at all. and the "belt" that i scratched has nothing to do with it. i know it's not supposed to be fitted. maybe if i tighten up the bodice where it attaches to the skirt? this is definitely where my inexperience with apparel shows.

perhaps it's that i'm short and curvy? regardless, the sizes run much too large.

i'll finish it because my main goal was to have a "practice" piece for bodice and sleeves, not an easy thing to do when your heart has slipped out of your work.

i think i'll make another bag after this. i'm pretty good with those. lol!

day-shift

that i not lose momentum on my road to apparel and fitted garments, my next project is to make a simple dress. the pattern as you see is this from indygo junction. the fabric is an embroidered cotton (pictured in reverse) i've had in my stash for a good three years.

instructions call for over three yards of fabric. i was able to squeeze what i needed out of 2.5 by shortening the length of the lower front and back panels and the sleeves. meant to be 3/4, on me it was more like a long. i'm thinking i'll wear this little number over tights or jeans. and if i like the "fit" perhaps i can modify it to be a top by lengthening the bodice pieces.

it's a beautiful weekend. we're expecting our first freezing temps this evening. fall has finally arrived. the leaves are now turning as well. enjoy a fabulous day, an awesome creative adventure!

oh, the lengths to which we will go

i feel like i've stepped out of a novel written by two authors i enjoy very much, emily and charlotte brontë, and as though i should move as a whisper of a breeze through the moors when i slip into the warm goodness of my very own cloak. i finished it this morning and oh how i love it!

taking a few photographs required some patience as did slowly turning and pinning the great lengths of hem. but hand sewing the frog closure caused me to raise my voice to the silent walls in desperation. i didn't want to grab the lining that the dark thread not show and i wanted to be done! a deep breath, some better lighting, i took a seat and quietly, persistently finished.

though a bit daunting for the size of the pieces with which you must work, this really is a delightfully pleasant sew.

and should you care to make yourself a cloak or know someone who would like one, i used mccall's #4139 from the costumes section of the latest catalog, with a variation of capes a and c.

it's to be in the lower 60s and upper 50s this week. we've not much yet by way of fall color. regardless, november finally brings us seasonal temperatures perfect to meander through the still of my days in my new cloak.

happy november to all!

classic with a splash of color

as luck would have it, i went to hancock fabrics yesterday with the idea i'd simply browse some fabric to get a feel for what's available in cottons, fleece, wool blends, brocades and more. i looked on every shelf and display. so unlike me who usually goes straight for what i'm in need of. near the cutting table i stumbled upon some "sportswear wools" and this pretty gray with embroidery jumped out at me right away. it's not super heavy yet will be warm and should drape nicely. it's classy as a traditional gray, yet has some embellishment to make it fun. i think as a long, hooded cloak it will look interesting and playfully elegant. the sales associate and customer in line behind me thought so, too!

i was positively smitten when i saw it was on sale for 40% off. there were only 4 yards left on the bolt so i pulled the pattern to consult the back. it suggested i would only need 4.5 yards for a small and medium in a 60" wide material. furthermore, i knew i had taken a good eight inches off the length. however, to be sure, i drove back home (after a quick stop at the trader joe's next door for some yummy dark chocolate treats...but that's another story!), measured out what would be 4 yards and 60 inches and lay my pattern pieces on top. perfect! i jumped online to consult the hancock webpage. they showed the same fabric at the same discount. but, why wait for shipping when i can make an easy five minute drive, again, and support my own community?

i then found this delicious mauve lining fabric, also 60 inches so 4 yards would do, thread and a frog closure which i will use in place of ties.

and you know who i called first in my excitement over my new fabric and savings? my mom, of course! it was nice to hear a smile in her voice. i promised her a photograph of the finished piece.

time to stop staring and start cutting!

wishful thinking

the next sewing project i've on my mind is to make myself a cloak (i'm calling it a cloak because i like it and its not for halloween...tis the season!). i found a simple pattern and have altered the length to suit my short self.

i'm super excited to get started, but i've the issue of fabric. i want it to be eye catching and functional yet not tacky or cheesy. should anyone have any suggestions on a suitable material that is light to medium weight with nice drape i'd love to hear it. in the meantime, i continue to browse locally and virtually. i need a good 6.5 yards each for the outside and lining so i must be cautious as to what i buy and spend. i'm also shying away from stripes and fabrics with nap because of cost.

why a cape?

i've long admired the capes used by the students at the University of the Azores in Ponta Delgada as seen here in this scanned photograph from the Festival of  Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagros on my visit in may 2002.

i've done some browsing to find out where this tradition originated and i'm assuming it follows that of the University of Coimbra, Portugal found here...

One of the most visible and distinctive traditions is the use of the academic costume of the University of Coimbra, a black suit and cape used on special occasions by the students and which was adopted by other Portuguese universities and is actually used by students of almost all higher education institutions in the city and across the country.

i wore my cap and gown proudly on graduation from university, but why celebrate for just a day when you commit four years of hard work and hard play?

of course, my mom suggested i pursue graduate studies at the uac.pt (she had ulterior motives) and i'd be granted a cape of my very own. dreamy as that would be, today is about my reality. i won't have the badges associated with my academic pursuits and community involvement, but a cloak i shall have nonetheless!

circle skirts

the summer of 2010 was unseasonably warm for most of us here in the usa. even shorts felt a bit uncomfortable and in my middle age years, i'm all about the comfort.

i needed something of a new wardrobe, but couldn't find anything i liked or was willing to pay for at your typical retail stores. fortunately for me and those of you who love to sew, i've a machine, fabric and thread ready at my disposal.

i'm also somewhat a creature of habit, particularly if it means a perfect fit.

and so all three of these little fab and funky beauties are the double circle skirt from this collection by favorite things. you can dress them up for a nice evening out to dinner, particularly the longer one, or more casually with a tank, tee, flip flops or in barefeet for hanging out, inside or out!

and because these are double, no slip necessary.

the sweet skirt i am wearing is an embroidered voile in deep lilac/blue.

the one i am holding in my hand is from Anna Maria Horner's line, Little Folks, a voile in coloring garden  - sea (top layer) and little honey - meadow (bottom).

the skirt on clotilde is a floral voile i purchased in the summer of 2008 from Fabric Bliss, an online vendor i don't believe is in service anymore.

the hip skirts are one of the first ever pieces of apparel i made for myself shortly after i started sewing. however, i used a batik. i love the colors and designs available in batiks, but they can be a little stiff. the designers suggested a voile and i would agree. it's seriously flowey and drapey, falls smoothly over your curves or pencil straight if you're taller, thinner. and with these fabrics, wash, dry, wear them slightly wrinkled right out of the dryer or hang them. no ironing necessary!

cutting and sewing is straight forward and easy. i serged all of the seams and double stitched my hems. still, it's a quick little sew.

whether you choose to add the belt loops as i did on two out of the three or not, you can wear it either closer to your waistline or as a hip hugger.

fortunately for me, i'll be able to wear my skirts about 3 out of the 4 seasons. i'd say that's getting the most for my hard earned dollar. and i've no doubt my quality is every bit as good as what's available at a top line retailer.

flower child

are you a facebook user? though i am careful about how i use it, it pays to support your favorite vendors by hitting the "like" button. this online shop, for instance, recently offered fans a 20% discount in celebration of customer appreciation week. what a good time to pick up a few new things!

i mentioned in my previous post that i had veered toward less bright colors and patterns. i believe the above palette is more subtle for me. lol!

when i begin my browsing, i generally head straight for the "quilting fabrics ➝ retro & mod quilting fabrics" and there i found these beautiful prints.

from top to bottom:

peace & flowers

medallions & tile sorbet

bubbles

guatemalan flora

i've no immediate plans for this yummy goodness. but it makes me happy to touch, to feel, to smell the new fabric, sweet eye candy.

i did make a couple of very cute skirts that i wore repeatedly throughout the summer. when i've a chance i'll snap a photograph and share.

satchel for two

here i am, once again. i've somewhat re-prioritized. and at the top of my list is more time for sewing and designing.

just last week i finished this bag. with a few modifications, it could be the perfect slouchy bag i've been looking for.


i used this pattern. it's quite simple, but the directions could be a bit confusing if you're a beginner. a step or two is missing. i pretty much disregarded the directions and sewed it as i have many other bags.

all the fabrics are from Michelle D'Amore's line, Hippie Chicks, for Marcus Brothers, 2009. it's a little brighter than i've been using lately, but i was able to use up some yardage from previous projects. and i do love the flower chain on the front pocket.

the bag is fully reversible, giving you a pocket inside and out. you could seriously fit a grocery bag of items in the bag!

today fall is in the air after a long, hot summer. ah, bliss. there's nothing i like better than throwing the windows wide open to the air, sky and sun.

peace out!

my heart knows warm moments...

...for the kindness of friends.

i can't tell you how wonderful it was to receive this delightful wonky star and sweet season's greetings from Stephanie yesterday. visit with her at Jonquils and Ladybugs for creative goodness and inspiration to a homemade life. thank you, Stephanie, for your kindness, your support, your person good and peaceful. i share this warm moment with all who visit here as a way to extend my own greetings and thanks for wonderful friends and as a means of reflection on the beautiful people that i've known throughout my life. may we all receive and give kindness in quiet gestures, handmade with love.

go to swing bag

pattern: swing bag by amy butler
external fabric: kaffe fassett stencil carnations in taupe
lining: tina givens for westminster fabrics tropics in aqua
other notions/materials: cotton duck to line the external and interior fabrics
modifications: inside pocket
date completed: 9December2009

on tuesday i basted all the canvas to the exterior and interior fabrics for the main panels, pocket and straps. i like my bags extra sturdy for carrying everything but the kitchen sink if need be! so yesterday, when i sat down to sew, it was nothing but to stay with it, start to finish. it was the perfect day as the rhythm and motion of stitching and ironing is a good way to process life happenings in calm and of rational mind.

are the fabrics a bit of a departure for me? perhaps, but i like a basic tan bag, particularly in the fall and winter months when i'm most often in jeans and boots, colors more neutral then they are in the bright sunshine of spring and summer. i had bought the stencil carnations specifically for a bag and the aqua tropics, well, i thought it coordinated well, yet added a bit of pop for the pretty blue.

this is such an easy pattern and the bag so practical, seriously good to get me back into the "swing" of sewing after a few months off. and now i've been once again bitten by the bug and have a few more patterns selected to decide on my next project.

and do you know how long it's been since i've browsed fabric? i can only imagine the wonderful designs come out in my time away.

peace and love to you and yours these holidays!

and thank you to my friends who haven't forgotten me, but continue to show me their support and love, time after time, in quiet gestures of a spoken word. you rock!

lost & found

i realize that, if i had waited but one more day, it would be exactly three months since my last post. goodness. it's been much too long and i've been missing some of my blogging friends.

i've been away, if but here, in my small urban environment, enjoying what has been a glorious autumn and playing with a new camera. oh my. i do love it so!

but, yesterday on what was a rainy, gray day, i was craving a little sewing time. i've not a tan bag that i "need" to wear with jeans other then store bought, and that just won't do.

it's my go to pattern, the swing bag by amy butler, the one i find most comfortable to wear and easy to use.

i promise i'll be back when it's finished. and i'll be visiting with you!

peace and joy this december day!