Project Details

Pattern: Vogue 8185
Fabric: 100% Cotton
Notions: Grosgrain Ribbon, boning, hook & eye, 14" zipper

Modifications/Alterations:
None were needed. This pattern was really easy. It got a little monotonous while attaching the ruffled bottom. By the time I finished, I promise you I could pull gathers in my sleep. On this project, I decided to do the right thing by pre-shrinking my fabric first. O.K. veteran sewers, no slapping my hand. I learned a valuable lesson: always buy an extra yard if you feel that there may be a large amount of shrinkage! I came real close to running out. According to the pattern, the bodice was suppose to be self-lining. NOT! I had to use lining fabric that I had in my stash. Oh, almost forgot about one small modification I made. On the part in between the bodice and the ruffles, I lined it. To me, it just wouldn't feel right without extra fabric there. Plus, I don't have to wear a slip with it.

Yesterday, I attended a book signing for author E. Lynn Harris at Books-A-Million for his new novel "I Say A Little Prayer". As you see, my white flowy top made it's debut. For all of you that are familiar with his books, he talked about his new novel that he's working on which is about a 21 year old, straight college football player (can't remember his name), who falls for a young lady named Barrett who makes Yancey (from previous novels) look like Mother Theresa! He hinted that Basil may make an appearance. Can't wait to read that one!

Since I was in a bookstore, had to check out the craft periodicals. I picked up the new issue of Knitscene. I like the Camisa top. It looks like it would be a very flattering top. It has an interesting design. You start off by knitting the basketweave panels first, then picking up stitches and working in stockinette downward and picking up stitches on the top and working upward. That seems like enough to keep me busy and from becoming lost and bored in never-ending stockinette. The Central Park Hoodie is cute... classic cabled design. Can you ever have enough hoodies in the Fall? There was one design that intrigued me and bothered me at the same time. It's the Matador. It looks a lot like the Anthropologie inspired capelet on Craftster... I made that one too.

Speaking of knitting... Do not adjust your monitors! You are not hallucinating, it is an actual work-in-progress. I casted-on lastnight for the SKC KAL for Tempting II. The KAL doesn't actually begin until July 1st, but the way I've been knitting lately, I'll need all the time I can get!

Project Details

Pattern: McCall's 5137
Fabric: 100% cotton

Modifications/Alterations:
None really. Instead of using three different fabrics, I only used two. Do you have any idea how frustrating it is trying to match all of those different prints? I guess you have to have the visual talent of a quilter. I first heard about this dress on A Dress A Day and I knew that I had to make it. This is McCall's version the Duro Olowu dress that every designer has a version of... just see the variety at Nordies. Simplicity also has a slightly different variation of this dress. I'm not sure if I'll try it, but it is cute. Overall, I really like this pattern. I will probably make it again and use a silk chiffon so that it will have a better drape.

Pattern: Newlook 6466

Fabric: 100% Cotton Gauze

Added the flower for kicks!

I hope everyone and their significant others had a great day. The DH slept in until 11 a.m. which is quite unusual for him. We presented him with the annual pair of slacks and a golf shirt and took him to dinner at Stix, I didn't even take knitting... you know it had to be a holiday!

Project Details

Pattern: Simplicity 4135
Fabric: 100% cotton twill from Hancock Fabrics

Modifications/Alterations:
Not many were needed. I had to alter the waistband because there was gaping in the back. I really like this pattern and I will definitely use it again.

Those are the two words that describe my surroundings lately. I was reading on two other blogs about their clutter and I could seriously relate. Clutter creates chaos. Clutter and chaos both stifle creativity. So, yesterday and today, yes -- two days, I cleaned and straightened so that perhaps I'd be in the mood to get back into the groove of things. This is my little craft corner. I don't have an entire room dedicated to crafting; unfortunately, my children occupy all extras!

I've just completed another sewing project. This time it's a pair of walking shorts. I'll fill you in on the details tomorrow. It's like 95 degrees here and it's so hard and too hot to pick up yarn right now. I've already made quite a few summer sweaters. I don't know about you guys, but I'm really looking forward to Fall. Just think, a few months back I couldn't wait for summer to get here. But I love Fall! It's my season... It's when I was born -- September. I love the thought of beautiful sweater coats, cardigans and so many more that I lusted after before I could knit. I'm envisioning beautiful cableknit turtleneck sweaters with wool skirts and tall boots!

The thought of sewing and knitting makes me really happy now. It's a fun way to be stylish and creative at the same time. This is something that I can appreciate and also my girls. Can you believe a teenaged girl actually wants her mother to make her things? This will help out so much with keeping up with all of the latest fashions. Yes, my daughter and I are fashion whores! We love it. I have Vogue, she has Teen Vogue! Just so happens, she has a mother that has skillz! She's starting high school this year (I'm feeling older by the minute!), and how she looks is really a big deal. She's not really into labels, except for handbags, she really loves cute clothes... the styles that she sees in the magazines. I don't know about other parents of kids that age but it wasn't that long since I was in school and kids will be cruel if you're not wearing the right thing. If sewing, knitting and crocheting will make her feel good (plus two parents telling and showing her that she is totally freakin' awesome), I'd consider that a labor of love!

BTW: I'm knitting tomorrow! Those shorts kicked my ass for the last three days! If I find I still have some left, I'll get you a pic tomorrow.

It's already cloudy. Better batten down the hatch!

and start again. That's my mantra for today. Or maybe I need to assume the Lotus position and continously chant, "Namu-myoho-renge-kyo"... hey, it worked for Tina! I've fallen into a crafting funk again. I'm starting to notice a pattern. It seems that this has been associated with PMS. I mentioned this to my OB/GYN on my last visit a couple of weeks ago, and he suggested that it may be PMDD and it can be treated with medication. He wrote me a prescription for Sarafem which is nothing but Prozac with a diuretic... I haven't decided whether or not I'll have it filled. My solution to dig myself out of my funk was to treat it with a little retail therapy. We all know how new yarn can be the best inspiration! Speaking of inspiration, have you seen Wendy's latest creation? Smokin' hot!

Here are a few items I picked up:

Had to pick up sewing stuff too, just couldn't resist!

...I haven't done any knitting this week! I've been somewhat disheartened after my butchering mishap. But I'll get back to that a little later this week. Meanwhile, I added two more skirts to my wardrobe.

Fabric: 100% Cotton

This is the same pattern I used for this skirt, only this time I altered the position of the grainline by 45 degrees for a bias cut.

Pattern: Simplicity 5524

Fabric: Lightweight Denim 100% Cotton

None were needed.

No more late night knitting while watching Japanese horror movies with subtitles! Things were going so well, I had just finished the I-cords! I obviously didn't properly weave my ends before I got scissor happy. This is very dissapointing, but however, knitting goes on!

Oh well, I'll do some sewing today while I rest my mind! You live, learn and knit...