what more could i need?

i've this new bag. and this new top. and now this new skirt.

throw in some hoops i also made from 1" and 3/4" 100 psi poly pipe with gaffer tape in bright, fluorescent colors and i'm not only ready to hoop dance into summer, but i'm color coordinated, too! would you expect anything less? tee most certainly wouldn't. LOL!

i'd forgotten i'd made this skirt before, some time ago. i saw the pin marks in the pattern pieces, but i couldn't for the life of me remember when or of what. until i had finished that is. the gathers on the front and back jogged this middle aged memory.

i never wrote about it. obviously that skirt is still packed away where it'll stay, for now. it's in solid black and much too dark for this time of the year.

this version is the belle skirt by favorite things. it looks nothing like the cover photo. that's because i decided to omit the contrasting band so it would be shorter. also, the fabric is a bit sheer so i made two skirts of different lengths then sewed them together before stitching both to the waist band. it's still rather lightweight and i won't feel self-conscious without a slip.

for a little fun flair and because i positively love machine sewing double fold bias tape now that i know how to do it, i hemmed it with 1/2" tape in canary yellow. it's what i happened to have on hand and i'm all about stash busting these days.

i've also made the double circle skirt from the hip skirts pattern which is very similar. you'll see them here. the size of the waist bands are not the same though they are made the same way. fortunately i fit it on myself before i made the skirt. have you noted that, too? i think i like the double circle skirt better. it fits my hips and thighs more comfortably. fabric type has a lot to do with it, too. go for a voile if you want it to flow and twirl. this was sold as an embroidered voile at hancock fabrics a few years ago. not all voiles are alike, however. maybe you can see that from the photographs. check the fabric weight before you buy to be sure you get what you want. i do like that it wrinkles nicely and you can wear it right out of the dryer without putting an iron to it.

i've a cute peasant top in a pale yellow that will pair sweetly with the skirt. but wouldn't these finish the look from head to toe?? or these???

if at first you don't succeed...

if any project merits such a title, it's certainly this one.

i know, i know. this should have been relatively easy, sewing 101. but i confess i struggled a bit. if you've visited with me here before, perhaps you remember this post. i've yet to do anything with what remains of the garment. this time, i was determined to finish and have something to show for it. and i desperately wanted something cute and fresh to wear this summer, something i made.

and so i persisted and i'm rather pleased with the results.

it's the shearwater kaftan by make it perfect. a friend has made it before. and it looked super cute.

i struggled to topstitch around the small half circle at the bottom of the placket until i chalked a line around it to follow.

and i gave up trying to serge the raw edges on the inside. i've never taken a class. i need to to learn how to manage curves and seams, especially curves within the seams. i discovered this nice small zip zag stitch on my sewing machine instead.

i did learn how to machine sew double fold bias tape thanks to youtube. i liked it so much i hemmed the sleeves and bottom with it! you'd better believe i'm going to be using this method again and again.

overall i'm super pleased with myself. there are imperfections, especially for this perfectionist. no one but myself will know them.

most importantly i got over my fears of armholes and fit. the measurements are spot on. this was a good beginning pattern, for sure.

i did make a few changes to suit me. for example, i decided against the tabs to roll up the sleeves and shortened them by a good 7 inches instead. i like three quarter sleeves the best. and i shortened the length by 4 inches. it's not too long and not too short.

another lesson well learned. i'm ready to dive into my next apparel piece!

have bag. will travel.

a few friends have asked to see the inside of the cargo bag. here are a couple of photos with slightly different views that i hope will give you a good idea of how i've set the pockets to organize my must-have gadgets and things.

in the open middle of the bag is plenty of room for a daily planner (which i'm phasing out thanks to my handy dandy iPhone 4S with all it's cool apps), a journal (i can't seem to live without paper and pen no matter how much i love technology!).

on the inside back panel is a large, deep pocket divided to hold my kindle and a checkbook (or anything else you may have of this size, like, in my case, reading glasses).

and on the inside front is a more shallow pocket divided to hold my smartphone, wallet and pens.

remember i've the pockets on the outside as well. this would make a great travel bag because the pocket on the outside back is left open to the full width of the bag where you could easily slip a map or travel guide. and the outside front has a pocket divided in half for your passport, airline tickets, etc.

yesterday i added some sew on snaps (while multitasking) to hold the flap down which would make the bag even more secure for zipping around town and across the country, by foot, train or airplane.

Oh! and to clarify about the buckles i found at jo-ann's. check if your local store sells notions for purses and bags such as handles. that's where i found them.

happy creating!

a cargo bag with an adjustable strap

should you have been here yesterday, you know i was working on a new cargo bag with an adjustable strap. it's really a simple bag as far as construction. what's most time consuming is the small details I'm particular about. As you may be able to tell from the photograph above, I like to topstitch, a lot, to give the bag a nice, finished look. I repeat whatever pattern I choose on the strap, each one of the pockets, the flap and the top of the front panel. And I do a lot of ironing. I don't see how you can sew and not like to iron. I want my edges crisp and my panels as straight as possible.

i positively love the adjustable strap. i've had a devil of a time, however, finding the slide buckles locally and online. the few i've managed to get my hands on came from jo-ann's. they weren't with the sewing supplies, but in crafts. when i find more in various sizes, i'm stocking up. an adjustable strap just gives you so much more flexibility.

if you've read this post, you'll see i've made a similar bag with the same number of pockets...one on the outside back, one on the outside front that's been divided in half, one on the inside back that has been divided in two of unequal widths, and another on the inside front that has been divided into four of varying widths for my cell, wallet and a couple of pens. tee said i could live out of my bag. that's not far from the truth!

i've shared that the fabric is Sugar Snap by Melissa Averinos for Free Spirit in cocoa for the outside and jade for the inside. because of the bright colors, i decided to "go wild" and use this thread. it's super cute. i've picked up a few more spools in different colors for future projects.

next up i really want to try to make a kaftan. i've got this pattern which looks pretty straight forward. apparel always makes me nervous, but i want to give it a try. hopefully, by watching every episode of Project Runway over the years, some techniques about sizing will have sunk in and it'll turn out looking good!

the long and short of it

I finished what turned out to be an intense online Photoshop course yesterday and am so happy to have more time to get back to my sewing. I've had the panels and straps cut out for a new cargo bag for some time now. When I had an hour or so to spare, I'd work at basting and constructing.

Today I'm ready to finish it. The outside of the bag is complete and I'm piecing together the inside.

I wanted to visit here since I've been away again for a spell to share a photograph of the work in progress.

I've decided to add an adjustable strap to this bag since I want the flexibility to wear it over my head and across my chest or off my shoulder. It's something very simple, but as I've never added an adjustable strap to any of my previous bags, I'm excited.

The fabrics I've chosen are from my stash, Sugar Snap by Melissa Averinos for Free Spirit, bright, but not too loud, perfect for the summer, to coordinate with casual tees and flip flops.

I'll be back soon with more photographs and details!

pick a pocket

pockets. i like lots and lots of pockets in my bags. for my cell phone. my wallet. my journals. the pens i use to write in my journals. i even want pockets in my shopping totes.

and so i added lots of pockets to my latest bags.

this first is one from heather bailey.

i added outside pockets to the gussets and believe you could easily carry a large bottle in each. even a wine bottle. it's deep enough that it shouldn't fall out.

and i added two pockets inside to the front and back panels. i didn't divide them, but you could, especially if you want to carry your wallet to market without it getting lost or slipping out.

this bag is BIG, much bigger than you are led to believe from the photo on the cover. at least that's how it appears to me. i am rather short, however.

the fabric is something i've had in my stash for a few years now and i believe is no longer available unless you were to find it on etsy. it's al fresco from michele d'amore for marcus brothers.

as with all of my bags, i line the outside fabric with a nice sturdy canvas, including the pockets and straps, and the inside fabric with a muslin. i like extra stability.

this bag i just finished this morning. it's what i'm calling a cargo bag in my previous post for all the pockets. like those cargo pants and shorts you, too, may have in your closets.

front flap with decorative topstitching to match the strap 

 outside front under flap

outside back 

inside

i divided the pocket on the outside front in half as well as one on the inside. the second inside pocket i divided into three, the third slot being long and narrow to slip in a pen.

i have all kinds of ideas to make this "cargo" bag with buckles for adjustable straps and mixing and matching fabric on the individual panels and pockets to make it sew groovy.

the fabric is also from my stash (i've committed myself to using what i've on hand before buying anything else!). It's Olive Rose by Valori Wells as seen here.

i'm already at work on another simple, but fun and functional bag using totally different fabrics, something a little more bohemian. let's see how it goes!

digressing from sewing for just a little bit, because the weather has been so incredibly warm and spring has sprung, it's time to dedicate myself to renewal. i've decided to join my sister in law in a spring cleansing and have encouraged tee to do so as well. we're off to a good start having a delicious salad for our lunch today.  should you be interested, you can find more information here. i've also added a button to my sidebar and shall keep it up for the duration.

listen to your body. nurture your mind. create in your special way!

off the cutting room table

Here I am! It's been a busy, but very exciting year. I started Morning Pages again which has really helped me focus and get back to work doing the things I love like sewing.

Here are a few things I've made over the past few months.

Reversible Stella Apron 

Satchel For Two by Fig Tree & Co. in Blue Camo

Spice Market Tote in August Fields Dew Drops

A Second Satchel For Two in a Black Floral Print 

Messenger Bag by Valori Wells

New Leaf Folding Tote in August Fields Dew Drops

I'm working on what I'm calling a Cargo Bag because of all the pockets inside and out. It's a small messenger type bag and I'm using a Valori Wells fabric, some bold roses in reds and browns, that's been in my stash for a while.

And I've a couple of things I've not yet taken photos of. When I do I'll share them here as well.

I've missed writing and hope to spend a little more time here this year. What have you been up to? Add a link to your comment, should you care to do so,  that I may visit!

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!