There is always something demanding my time...

Me: I'm going to tidy the sewing room and finish my son's sweatshirt and then get to work on something from my SWAP list.
Life: Ha! Is that what you think? Well, think again! *hands me a platter heaped with 'to do NOW'*

Don't feel obligated to read the following rant. I just needed to vent, the short version is: I will be lucky to get into the sewing room before the semester starts.

/start rant/

I had orientation for ECSU on 1/2, and that is when I found out just how much of a time crunch I was on to get into the Secondary Education Program next year. They have changed the program from three semesters starting in the Spring to four semesters starting in the Fall. In order to keep my goal of graduating May 2015 I have to start the program next year.

Applications are due 2/15. To apply I must take the Praxis I before then, and early enough so that my scores are available to be included with the application. It takes approximately 30 days to get the scores. So the test must be taken now. I look at the available testing times. The only day that has a testing time early enough so that I can take the test while the kids are at school is 1/7, so that's the day I sign up for. I look at the calendar. Wonderful! Four days to cram/study/review. For a test I have to get a passing score on to enter the program and had originally thought I could take this coming summer.

I start studying and taking practice tests. There is a Reading, Math, and Writing section, and I'll have about an hour to complete each portion. The math is fine, I haven't encountered any issues there, but the reading and writing portions concern me some. The reading comprehension has tricky questions, and the answers are worded so that I frequently find I either don't like any of the answers or more than one of them seem perfect. The writing...oh the writing. There are two parts, a multiple choice and an essay. The multiple choice is basically grammar and diction correction - pick the parts that need corrected or pick the revision that makes most sense - and while I am okay with these in general, I am not exceptional and these sentences are frequently tricky. The essay wouldn't be all that bad either, except I will only have 30 minutes to brainstorm, write, and revise the essay, which I don't find out the topic of until that 30 minute time starts.

During a study break I looked at the old application (the updated one is not available yet) to see what other requirements I had to prepare for. Oh, look - I need three references from professors. If I want to get references I need to give them adequate time to complete them, so I have to start asking now. Fortunately, my first choices have all enthusiastically agreed and I can breathe a little. I just hope the updated application is available soon, so I can give them the form they need to fill out.

I also need to get fingerprinted and have a background check done. But that is no big deal, the service will be provided on campus in a couple of weeks.

So now I just have to pass this test. But I'm not going to freak out (okay, so I did freak out initially, but now I'm calm, cool, collected). Worst case scenario? I don't pass all three portions and I can't enter the program next year. I'll just retake whatever is necessary and add a year to my studies. I had considered doing that anyways...the results of this test will simply decide which path it is that I am meant to take.

/end rant/

Back to studying for me...Hope you all have a splendid day!

Update 1/7/13: I took the test and got my math and reading scores immediately. I just have to wait for the writing score (2-3 weeks before it is available *sigh*). For all three sections the highest possible score is 190. For reading I needed at least 172 and I got 185. For math I needed at least 171 and got 189. I am beyond thrilled with those scores. Unfortunately I did not finish my essay and did not develop it as much as I would have liked - 30 minutes is NOT enough time! I'm crossing my fingers and hoping I got a passing score so I don't have to re-take the writing portion. Now I wait....

Update 1/12/13: For giggles, I checked to see if my scores were available yet - I was told 2-3 weeks so didn't expect them to be - and yet, they were!!! I needed at least 171 on the writing section and I got 179. I PASSED!!! *sigh of relief*

More Wedding Dress Thoughts and Ideas

A while back I shared my general idea for my wedding dress. My overall idea is still the same, but I am thinking of approaching it differently. For reference, here is my sketch again...

Rather than a form-fitting corset top I am thinking I want to use New Look 6020 as the basis of the main part of the dress. I can lengthen the skirt panels, add an extra center front panel to overlap and gather up and use the sweetheart neckline bodice (view D). I can also alter the back to insert an invisible zipper there rather than on the side - or maybe just keep it on the side, I'm undecided on zipper placement, but I do know I don't want lacing or buttons as the dress closure. I'm also thinking about possibly doing some simple beading at/along the neckline.

Then for the underskirt I am thinking I can use Simplicity 5006 (view B). And if I am feeling exceptionally brave and daring I may even make the corset. For the underskirt, I am still undecided whether I want to overlay it with lace or some other sheer fabric, but I still want it to be a dark purple color like plum or eggplant.

With this combination I think I can get the fullness I'm looking for in the skirt, without it being all full and ball gown-ish. I won't have to draft my own skirt panels, just lengthen the ones with the pattern to floor length, I won't have to draft a petticoat or the underskirt either. I'll also have to check the hem circumference of the two skirts and make sure they will work together, or alter one so that they do. I plan on making one or two dresses with NL 6020, and potentially even with the sweetheart neckline, so I'll not only have practice with the main dress pattern, I'll also hopefully have resolved any fitting issues I may have. And, overall, if it works the way I am hoping and thinking it will, the dress will still have the same general idea that I am looking for as far as shape and style goes.

So I need to purchase the Simplicity pattern, but I already have the New Look, and I will sit on this idea until I have made a dress from NL 6020 and can see how it fits and falls on me. The more I look at this combination, the more I like this approach over my original thought. I do have 2+ years to do this, but I definitely don't want to wait until the last minute or get into it without a plan.

Have a safe and happy New Year!

Wardrobe Planning + More Sewing Goals for 2013

As I mentioned in my last post, I want to sew with a plan (SWAP) and work on wardrobe basics this year.
These are the 10 items I want to try and to make....

1. Black Dress
2. Trench Coat
3. Evening/Cocktail Dress
4. Day Dress
5. Bolero/Shrug
6. Jeans
7. Jacket/Blazer
8. Sweatsuit Alternative
9. All Occassion Top
10. Classic Shirt



I also wanted to make a list of goals (beyond SWAP) for my sewing for the upcoming year.

1. Create items from my SWAP list and that fit my overall theme of Wardrobe Basics

I won't beat myself up over this one, but I really do want the majority of my sewing (for me) to fall within my SWAP

2. Learn to make my own bras and panties

I just would truly love to be able to eventually have a wardrobe of mostly me-made items and to do so, these items need to be conquered - it seems that they are fairly quick to make once you get the process down

3. Organize my sewing room and keep it organized

During the semester I have a horrible habit of letting my sewing room become a catch-all, which prevents me from sewing when I have time to do so, because I don't have the time to tidy up and then sew

4. Sew at least once a week, but ideally 30-60 minutes daily

I know there will be days, and weeks even, that I just won't have time to sew (finals week for example), but if I can get in there regularly I will get items done

5. Start figuring out my wedding dress

If I'm going to make my dress, I need to figure out what I'm doing - so some time must be dedicated to this

6. Attend a sewing expo

This one is a very dear hope of mine! I came across two expos that aren't too far from me - one in MA in April that I could commute to and another in DC in May that I could drive to, but would definitely want to stay the whole weekend if I did. So if I can swing the expense, time, childcare, and whatever else - I desperately want to attend one or both (though that's unlikely), even if it's just going for one day in MA

7. Use fabric and patterns from my stash

I've bought the patterns and the fabrics...it's about time I start using them!

8. Don't buy any new fabrics or patterns without a purpose

I have a habit of saying "Ooooh pretty!" and then buying on a whim (well, kind of, I do wait for sales) and I want to try to change that into me asking myself if I really need it, what I'm using it for, etc.

9. Participate on Pattern Review

I have been lurking on PR for some time now, and I have meant to write reviews for patterns I've done, but I just haven't gotten around to it and I would like to start actively participating on that site.

Here is what I am thinking/planning for the 10 items on my SWAP list...

Black Dress

I am envisioning a sheath dress, but since I don't have any suitable fabric in my stash, I am keeping a slightly open mind and plan to let the fabric I ultimately chose 'tell' me what pattern I should use.

Patterns:

Fabric:
need to purchase...maybe a shantung?

Trench Coat

I have been itching to get started on this pattern since I got it. I have the fabric I need, but no buttons yet - and it takes quite a few buttons (I think I need 12 x 1" and 1 x 5/8"). I also plan to add an interior welt pocket to the jacket as long as I don't get lost in the process of making it and forget to add it!

Patterns:

Fabric:
Gray Moleskin + Pink Flannel-Backed Satin (stash)

Evening/Cocktail Dress

I already know exactly what pattern and fabric I am using for this piece, I just need to decide on which bodice I want to use - I'm torn between the sweetheart and the square neckline.

Patterns:

Fabric:
Teal Butterfly Silky Print (stash)

Day Dress

I have a number of fabrics in my stash that I want to make into dresses that would fit this category, so it is a matter of deciding which fabric to use, and then choosing a pattern based on the fabric.

Patterns:

Fabric:
Teal Tropical Cotton (stash) [princess seam dress]
Purple Shantung (stash) [shirt dress]
Pink & Black Floral Silky (stash)

Bolero/Shrug

This is one I need to get fabric for. I'm thinking a basic solid color  - black most likely.

Patterns:

Fabric:

need to purchase

Jeans

I only have one piece of denim in my stash, so that is what I will be making my jeans from, I just need to decide on the style of jeans I want...flared, boot, or straight...

Patterns:

Fabric:
Dark Denim (stash)

Jacket/Blazer

These was a boucle fabric at Joann's I had been eyeing for months but is normally $30/yard. It finally went on sale for 60% off after Christmas, so I grabbed it and it will be perfect for a blazer.

Patterns:

Fabric:
Purple & Black Boucle (stash)

Sweatsuit Alternative

I've got a great striped knit for a top and black spandex for some leggings, which I think fills this category perfectly, it's just a matter of exactly which top I'll make from the two patterns below, or combination thereof.

Patterns:

Fabric:
Striped Knit for top (stash)
Black Spandex Knit for leggings (stash)

All Occasion Top/Sweater

I got a gorgeous sweater knit which I specifically got the pattern below for - it will make a great cowl neck sweater.

Patterns:

Fabric:
Sweater Knit (stash)

Classic Shirt

I have a few different pieces in my stash suitable for making a blouse - it's simply a matter of which I make into one first.

Patterns:

Fabric:
Sheer Black Floral (stash)
Purple Stripe Cotton (stash)
Purple Stripe Silky Sheer (stash)

I'm hoping to finish one piece every 5 weeks or so, which would give me all 10 before the end of the year. If I don't meet my goal I'm not going to beat myself up over it, but at least it gives me a direction with my sewing, and I am super excited to get some of these pieces made! I'm also adding a tab to my blog where I'm (hopefully) going to keep track of my progress.

2013 Sewing Goals

Let me start off with school stuff... I did really well this semester and am super excited (and a little nervous) to be starting at ECSU in a few weeks. Excited because I'm one step closer to graduating, nervous because everything is going to be new, and the campus is much larger and more spread out. But I'm sure I'll adjust soon enough.

I have not gotten into the sewing room since the semester ended because I got a terrible cold that knocked me on my derriere and then there was Christmas, and I absolutely must get in there and organize before I work on anything else. I did get a Fabulous Fit Fitting System from my wonderful fiance for Christmas and I am so pleased with how much it helped my dress form take on my shape - I'll post pictures after I tidy up the sewing room. I am hoping to finish the blouse I started over the summer and finish a sweatshirt for my oldest son (I made one for me and my youngest already) - which I'll post about when I get them finished.


Which leads me to the actual subject of this post...my sewing goals for the upcoming year...

I have decided I need a plan of sorts for my sewing - I have been sewing on a whim, so to speak. I decide I want to make a random item so I do, with no thought to the practicality of it or whether or not I have other pieces to wear with it. I really want to get some fundamentals made this year. As I have been looking around for a good basic list of must have items I came across Tim Gunn's 10 essential wardrobe items, and I think it is a great basic list to start with.

Tim Gunn's 10 Essential Wardrobe Items

1. Basic Black Dress

I haven't owned a basic black dress in years! Definitely need to make one.

2. Trench Coat 

I got a great trench pattern, and have been itching to make it!

3. Classic Trousers 

I do own a number of pairs of dress pants, some I made and some ready to wear - so this one is not high on my to-do list

4. Classic Shirt 

To me, this translates to a button down shirt/blouse. I have a few, but I would definitely like a few more.

5. Jeans

I own a number of pairs of jeans - all ready to wear. I have a jeans pattern I have been itching to make so, even though I don't need jeans I will be making a pair.

6. All Occasion Top/Sweater (This one is technically a cashmere sweater on the list)

To me, this means a top that can be worn with a skirt, slacks, or jeans. I have many tops that I would classify as such (and sweaters!) but I have a gorgeous sweater knit that I can't wait to cut into.

7. Skirt

Another item I have a fair amount of. But they are usually simple and quick to make so I will most likely make at least one skirt this year, even if it doesn't make my 'must make' list.

8. Day Dress 

Something that is not all fancy, but is could work for a date night. I have a few dresses that would qualify as a day dress, but I will probably make a dress that fits this category anyways.

9. Jacket/Blazer 

I have been wanting to make a blazer for some time, and I recently acquired a fabulous boucle I have been eyeing for months that I have every intent of turning into a jacket/blazer.

10. Sweatsuit Alternative

To me, this means something comfortable, yet put-together. I don't own any leggings, and have been meaning to make a pair, so leggings and a simple knit top is what I'm thinking for this.

I also have a few items I would consider essential/fundamental...

1. Bolero/Shrug

Something to put on over a dress, or cami, or sleeveless top, that isn't a jacket or sweater, and works well year-round. I'm always wanting something to put on as a cover up without necessarily grabbing a sweater or jacket.

2. Evening/Cocktail Dress

Something to wear to a party, wedding, on a special night out, whatever. I have a few nice dresses, but I would like something extra special.

3. Basic Knit Tops (not a shapeless T-Shirt)

A knit shirt - short sleeve, long sleeve, sleeveless...casual or dressy. I haven't made many knits items for myself, so this is definitely something I may do.

4. Three-Piece Suit

A coordinating blazer, pants, and skirt - preferably in black or dark gray. I have mismatched pieces in my closet, but not a full coordinated set.

5. Shells/Camisoles

Simple, basic, and a staple in my wardrobe. They are great with a pair of jeans, under a jacket or shrug, under a top with a low neckline, etc. 

So my sewing goal for 2013 is Sewing With A Purpose - Wardrobe Basics. I want to make some classic and basic wardrobe staples. I'm going to think a little more on what items I most need and chose 10 to make for 2013.

"Free" Drawing for Studio Art

Unfortunately, I have not gotten into my sewing room as I had planned. It's the end of the semester and, as usual, there are a million things I need to get done. As much as I hope to get some sewing done, it's very unlikely to happen until after the semester is over, but there are only two more weeks left, so its almost done.

One assignment that took up more time than I had thought was my free drawing for art. This was the project we could do anything we wanted, it just had to be at least 15"x22" and we could only use paint or graphite. I had originally considered a still life with a wine theme, but came across a few pictures of images reflected in a wine glass when I was looking for inspiration. So I took a ton of photos and ended up drawing Chapman Falls at Devil's Hopyard.

I am really pleased with my drawing, although I doubt I will ever use graphite on such a large scale again (the drawing itself is 19"x25") - very time consuming, and graphite doesn't move and respond like charcoal and pastels do (my preferred medium for drawing). This picture doesn't really do the drawing justice - there are more variances in the value than this shows, but my scanner can't copy a drawing this size so the pic will have to do.

For reference, here is my drawing next to my reference picture... My goal wasn't to recreate the picture, but to make it recognizable as Chapman Falls without all the extra distractions in the photo. And I think I accomplished that rather well.

Paintings for Studio Art

First and foremost - there are a few more things I need to submit, but for all intents and purposes, I am an officially an ECSU student!!! I am very excited to be moving on to the next stage of school, but also nervous about a larger campus, and parking in particular. The couple times I have gone to the campus it looks like parking could be a nightmare.

Now onto some kind of fun stuff (even if it isn't sewing). We got into paints in my art class a while ago, but I am only just now getting around to sharing my painting with you. Keep in mind I definitely prefer dry mediums, paint always seems to misbehave and not do what I want it to.

We started with black and white gouache. First, we had to create something within a 6" x 6" frame using at least 6 different textures, and this is what I came up with.

I like this little guy. I just wish I had washed out the background some so it wasn't as prominent.


Then, still using black and white gouache, we had to create an abstract piece.

I was not a fan of this assignment. I like abstract works just fine, but I would prefer to create something definable (and I just barely conformed to the rule of no definable person, place, or thing).


And our last painting was either "My day so far..." or "My week so far..." using color acrylics (finally). I did have fun with this one.

It was supposed to be abstract, but I made the artistic decision to simply have an abstract element. I don't know if you can tell, but the green line is supposed to be thread, and has a needle hanging off the end of it.

So, yes, I have snuck in some sewing, but I am not sharing it until after Thanksgiving.

Why?

Well, because I am making three of the same item, and only two are currently completed. The third should be done by the end of the week.

And as far as the art class goes, we have only two more assignments. A free drawing/painting, that our only limitations is we can only use graphite or gouache or acrylics and it can be no smaller than 15" x 22" - otherwise we can create whatever we like. Then we are making sculptures, which will take up the remaining few classes of the semester.

Tiered Maxi Skirt

I have been craving a tiered maxi skirt...so I got some fabric at Joann's - on sale, of course.

Silky prints for dresses

For the skirt

Knit remnants

The teal and black butterfly print (and yes - there are sparklies on it!) and the pink and black floral will be dresses eventually. The purple stripe is what I made my skirt from. It is kind of sheer, so as I waited in line at the cutting table I poked through the remnants and found two thin knits as potential attached slips. Either would have worked - there was just enough ivory, so I chose it for this one, the white had more than enough, so I'm saving it for a future project.

I spent a few minutes tidying the sewing room (which has become a catch-all since the semester started) and I converted my serger from cover stitch to serge again. Then I spent a little bit of time here and there working on the skirt, and a few days later - viola!

It took about 2 yards of the purple stripe (I still have 1.25 yards left - I bought what was left on the bolt) and 0.67 of a yard of the knit for the attached slip. I did a baby hem and I serged all the seams - and even figured out how to serge 'in the round', between the tiers.

I absolutely love it! And I'm thinking I will probably finish up the silver blouse that I started over the summer in the next few weeks, as long as I keep on top of my homework and don't let myself get lost in the sewing room.

More from Studio Art

For the past three weeks, we have been doing values in my art class, and have had two assignments.

The first assignment was to draw our paper sculpture in black and white. It could be the whole sculpture or just part of it. So here is the photo of what I chose to draw next to my drawing...

The second assignment was a "Triangular Planes Portrait." We had to do a portrait in black and white using only triangles, and each triangle had to be a single value.

I am very pleased with both of my drawings, especially since I have not done anything like it since high school!


On another note I have done some sewing, and will have a finished skirt by the end of the week!!!

School Update

So, as I figured, I have had no time to sew yet this semester. My blouse is still sitting unfinished on the serger table. But I have an art project I thought I'd share and some general school updates.

First, I switched up my schedule. The science class I signed up for just was not going to work, for a number of reasons, and my ability to do the work was not one of them. I decided to drop the science for a history that fills a different elective and I am much happier for it. Also, I have officially applied to Eastern - fingers crossed - now is the hard part, waiting for them to decide my fate!

Now, this is part of the 2nd project I have had in my art class (the first one wasn't all that exciting). We had to create a 'fierce animal' out of noting but paper, and we were limited to a single color. That being said...lo and behold my Phoenix...

And that's all I got for now - my homework needs me.....

Update

Summer break is basically over...and, as always, it went by way too fast!

Since my last post, I have not done any sewing...I have been busy with the kids and sidetracked by other things. I don't know if I will have any time to sew during the upcoming semester, but I am hoping I will have at least a little time. If for nothing else, then to at least finish the blouse that is still sitting in the sewing room.

I made the decision to add yet another class to my course load this semester, putting me up to 16 credit hours. If I can manage and I continue with more than 12 or 13 credit hours a semester I will be able to graduate a year earlier than I originally planned.

These are all my books and art supplies for the semester. Yes, there is a glue gun in the bag of art supplies! I am looking forward to the art class, it has been years since I have done anything artsy. So even if I don't get much done in the way of sewing, I may have some fun projects from my art class to share.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer and I will try and post occasionally, as time permits (and if there is anything interesting to actually share).