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*

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.

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).

Fun In The Sun

My 'baby' turned 11 this week. And we have been busy soaking up the sunshine.

Just the little man and I went to The Dinosaur Place. He had a blast and brought home lots of treasures.

A friend of mine has a single and a double kayak, so she invited us over so we could try them out. No pictures of me in them, but we all had a great time. I may have to invest in some kayaks for us in the future.

His cake was a hit. I used the idea of baking it in a bowl from this recipe, and then this frosting recipe. Not the best pictures of the cake, but you get the idea.

I have been so busy I haven't even looked in the sewing room, but I will be getting back in there....soon.

Weekly Round Up - 7/6

Because of the holiday, I only had two days to sew this week. I started working on my silver blouse, view C from Vogue 8772. Once I got to seam construction, I stopped because I was in no mood to convert my serger from cover stitch to overlock, and this fabric definitely needs to be serged. It isn't overly difficult, I just didn't want to be fiddling with it, so the blouse is sitting on the cutting table for a few more days.

source: voguepatterns.mccall.com

I am hoping to work on tracing and cutting out some patterns for future projects. That is one of the tasks I dislike most about sewing clothes ~ pattern tracing, whether it is a new pattern onto clear vinyl or just tracing the pattern onto the fabric. I find it tedious, making sure everything is properly aligned and transferring multitudes of markings, but it is a necessary evil *sigh*.


I received the jeans buttons I ordered from Dime Buttons via Amazon, but they also have a regular website.

I made a ton of cookies for a picnic/bbq we attended on the 4th. The Chocolate Chip and Chocolate-Chocolate Chip cookies were made with this yummy no-fail recipe, and I also made some No-Bake Cookies.

So, while I did not get much sewing done, it was definitely a productive week. Hope you had a great 4th and enjoy the weekend!

Projects Completed

none

Works in Progress

Blouse - Vogue 8772

Projects To Do

Shirred Dresses (for my friend's niece) - no pattern - shirred fabric (need to buy)
Men's Shirt (for son #1) - no pattern chosen - camo cotton
Men's Shirt (for son #2) - no pattern chosen - red/white/blue cotton
Shirt Dress - McCall's 4769 - camo floral silky in stash
Tee Shirt - Butterick 5215 - blue and grey knit in stash
Blouse - Vogue 8772 - grey silky solid in stash
Blouse - Vogue 8772 - black chiffon in stash
Jeans - Butterick 5682 - dark blue denim in stash
Dress - no pattern chosen - teal floral in stash
Dress - no pattern chosen - grey tropical print in stash
Shirt Dress - McCall's 4769 - purple poly shantung in stash
Dress - Coffee Date Dress, free Burda pattern - black/white silky print in stash
Peasant Top - Simplicity 3956 - teal paisley print in stash
Pants - Vogue 2907 view A - green suiting in stash
Men's Bi-Fold Wallet (requested by a friend) - my own design - no fabric chosen
Purse (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Wallet (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Dress - Simplicity 3506 view A - black/purple silky print in stash
8 Gore Skirt - self drafted pattern - cream suiting in stash
Top - princess seam bodice - red silky solid in stash
Bolero - Simplicity 3921 view ? - green velvety fabric in stash
Top - Vogue 2987 top - multi-colored knit/jersey/stretchy in stash

Weekly Round Up - 6/22

I had a crazy busy week outside of the sewing room. It's the last week of school for the kids and there were 101 things to do.


I did get together with my friend to make her sandals. I didn't take any pictures but she did take one. She loves them, and they don't cover up any of the stars tattooed on her foot.

I started working on View E of Vogue 8772.

source: voguepatterns.mccall.com

I'm hoping to alter it just a little and make it into a dress, but I have to get a little bit further before I know if that will work out the way I plan or not.

Now I must get ready to attend my oldest's 6th grade graduation. He's going to officially be a Middle-Schooler (gasp)!

Projects Completed

Sandals (for a friend) - inspired by an etsy tutorial

Works in Progress

Sandals (for a friend) - inspired by an etsy tutorial
Blouse - Vogue 8772

Projects To Do

Shirred Dresses (for my friend's niece) - no pattern - shirred fabric (need to buy)
Men's Shirt (for son #1) - no pattern chosen - camo cotton
Men's Shirt (for son #2) - no pattern chosen - red/white/blue cotton
Blouse - Vogue 8772 - red cotton print in stash
Shirt Dress - McCall's 4769 - camo floral silky in stash
Tee Shirt - Butterick 5215 - blue and grey knit in stash
Maxi Dress - Simplicity 2189 - floral knit in stash
Blouse - Vogue 8772 - grey silky solid in stash
Shirt Dress - McCall's 4769 - purple poly shantung in stash
Dress - Coffee Date Dress, free Burda pattern - black/white silky print in stash
Peasant Top - Simplicity 3956 - teal paisley print in stash
Pants - Vogue 2907 view A - green suiting in stash
Men's Bi-Fold Wallet (requested by a friend) - my own design - no fabric chosen
Purse (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Wallet (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Dress - Simplicity 3506 view A - black/purple silky print in stash
8 Gore Skirt - self drafted pattern - cream suiting in stash
Top - princess seam bodice - red silky solid in stash
Bolero - Simplicity 3921 view ? - green velvety fabric in stash
Top - Vogue 2987 top - multi-colored knit/jersey/stretchy in stash

Simplicity 2189 Brown Knit Dress and Some Exciting News!

I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend. I certainly did! I got to see a friend I hadn't seen in a couple of years Saturday night and my boyfriend and I enjoyed an evening with no children Sunday night (a rarity since we each have two boys and unheard of for them all to be elsewhere all at the same time). My boyfriend officially popped the question (and of course I said yes).

My lovely engagement ring! It is part of a bridal set and the wedding band will 'lock' in with the engagement ring when we do get married.

It will be a few years before we actually get married, probably after I get my Bachelor's degree, but that's a good thing since I would go crazy trying to plan a wedding on top of going to school.

source: sewing.patternreview.com

I finished my first try at Simplicity 2189 (the maxi dress) and overall I am happy with it. I think I may add a bit more length next time and I adjusted the bust area on my pattern so hopefully the armholes won't gape.

Front View

Ignore the messy sewing room - I have to sweep. I did not incorporate the side seam slit as the pattern directs, because I didn't really want one, and there is no problem walking in the dress without it.

Back View

I serged all the seams, and I am feeling pretty confident with the basic overlock stitch now. I tried to use the coverstitch on the neckband, but the seam at the center back was just too bulky so I gave up after two horrid tries and just used my regular machine on the neck and armbands. I did use the coverstitch for the hem, and again I had issues at the side and center back seams, but I pushed through them (since they were a bit less bulky). I am fairly pleased at the result, even if it's wonky at the seams, it is perfect everywhere else!

Coverstitch and serged seams.

I am going to tidy up the sewing room and spend my afternoon with a book. Not sure how much sewing I will do this week, since my head is all abuzz with wedding ideas (even if it's a few years away). I am seriously contemplating sewing my wedding gown, and have a vision of what I want in my head, but I'm not sure I can draw it out. If I do manage a semi-decent sketch (or even a bad sketch that gets the idea across) I'll share it with you all.

Some Sandals, A Purse, And Other Random Bits

I did not get much as sewing accomplished this week as I had hoped to, but I did tear apart my sewing room and then (mostly) reorganized and rearranged it. I definitely like the set up now. It felt crowded before, where now I feel like I have room to move.

My serger (pictured below) is behind me in this pic

These pictures don't show the whole room, there is an ironing board to the right of the serger, and to the left of the sewing machine is a pile of empty boxes I need to break down...I did say I got it mostly reorganized.

My sewing 'nook' is behind me in this pic

I did finish my test pair of sandals. They worked out pretty well I think. I will post a tutorial for how I did them sometime next week.

I also (finally) finished the purse I told my sister I would make for her well over a year ago. She's been a sport and has not harassed me about it once, so I think she was definitely deserving of me doing it before I got elbow deep in projects for me. In my own defense, I did start it last summer, but did not manage to finish it before the Fall semester started, and over the winter break, the only sewing I did was Christmas gifts.

The inside...this purse has lots of pockets

I absolutely love the fabric, and wish I had gotten more at the time (it was a Wal-Mart fabric that was available for only one or two seasons about two years ago). It would make a really lovely dress or skirt. Oh well, I do have just enough to make myself a wallet, and a new wallet for me is on my to-do list...

I told you there was a pile of boxes over there - ignore them

Do you see what the purse is hanging on??? I finally got a proper dress form. It was a Mother's Day gift, and I love it. I followed the suggestion of a comment on Amazon and set the bust smaller than my actual size, then added a padded bra to give the bust area a truer to life look and sizing. With the bra, the bust is the proper size and isn't too wide along the back. I also 'dressed' her so that if I need to pin in the gaps from sizing the form I would be able to do so. I will probably get a mock neck specifically for her and fit it with princess seams, but that's a project for another day. She needs a name....not quite sure what I should call her yet...

I did get the fabric I have for my patchwork skirt cut, but I decided I need a little bit more fabric for it to fit comfortably, so it's been put on hold. I also got the main fabric cut out for one pair of pants I am making from Vogue 2907. I want to say the fabric I cut is a grey suiting, it looks grey next to the green suiting I have.

On its own, I think it looks like it has a hint of green, but it could just be the horrid lighting in the sewing room. Either way, I don't have a large enough piece of anything I like in my stash for the lining fabric for this pair, so another project on hold. But, I am making my way to JoAnn's today for this week's pattern sale, so I should be able to get the fabric I need.

Speaking of patterns, I did get to last week's sale and got four patterns -

McCall's 3129

Source: mccallpattern.mccall.com

McCall's 4769

Source: mccallpattern.mccall.com

Vogue 8772

Source: voguepatterns.mccall.com

Vogue 8788

Source: voguepatterns.mccall.com

Projects Completed

Sandals (test pair - for me)
Purse (for my very patient sister)

Works in Progress

Purse (for my very patient sister) - my own design
Black/Purple/Grey Patchwork Maxi Skirt (for me) - summer swing skirt tutorial from Moda
Pants - Vogue 2907 view A

Projects To Do

Black/Purple/Grey Patchwork Maxi Skirt (for me) - summer swing skirt tutorial from Moda - FQ's and strips now in stash
Sandals (for a friend) - inspired by an etsy tutorial
Pants - Vogue 2907 view A - grey suiting in stash
Dress - Coffee Date Dress, free Burda pattern - black/white silky print in stash
Peasant Top - Modern sewing patterns free pattern 5300 - teal paisley print in stash
Pants - Vogue 2907 view A - green suiting in stash
Purse (for a very deserving friend) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Men's Bi-Fold Wallet (requested by a friend) - my own design - no fabric chosen
Purse (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Wallet (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Dress - Simplicity 3506 view A - black/purple silky print in stash
8 Gore Skirt - self drafted pattern - cream suiting in stash
Top - princess seam bodice - red silky solid in stash
Bolero - Simplicity 3921 view ? - green velvety fabric in stash
School Bag/Backpack - my own design - no fabric chosen (decorator suede or a faux leather possibly)
Top - Vogue 2987 top - multi-colored knit/jersey/stretchy in stash
Jacket - Vogue 2987 jacket - no fabric chosen
Dress - New Look 6020 view ? - no fabric chosen

Preview of Next Week

So the semester is this close to being over...I have one last take home final to complete and submit on Monday, then I am free from homework and textbooks, for a few months at least. And that means I get to play in my sewing room. Although, I should probably tidy it up a bit before I go making more of a mess in there.

Quite some time ago (a year, maybe even two years ago), a friend asked me if I could make her a pair of sandals that wouldn't hide any of the tattoo on her foot. I had visions of playing with leather, but could not find a small piece of soling leather and we did not want to invest in a huge piece for two pairs of sandals (of course I would need a pair too). The project eventually slipped my mind. Then, a couple weeks ago, I came across this tutorial (while distracting myself from some homework assignment) and was reminded of the sandals I never made. Yesterday, I was wandering around Wal-Mart and JoAnn's between exams and got some goodies to make myself a test pair, as well as fabric for a patchwork skirt like this one. Today, I may be taking advantage of the pattern sale at JoAnn's. If not, I will make my way there this weekend. Here's a peek at what I picked up yesterday...

Over the summer I would really love to get some clothes made for me that I truly love AND fit well. In the past, I rarely bothered with messing with a pattern at all, I would cut my size and sew it as is. I have never made a muslin, and in a number of the dresses I've made it shows in the fit of the bodice. I have been fortunate with pants so far, but I want to concentrate on making well fitted garments, which means I can't just charge in head first (which is my preferred method). If I can get a proper dress form, I want to try some draping. I've watched a few videos of people creating on the dress form and am in awe. I would also like to get more comfortable with my serger, which I got right before this school year began, so I haven't had much opportunity to play with it.

I hope everyone has a great Mother's Day weekend, and I'm hoping to have something of substance to post next week!

Projects Completed

None!

Works in Progress

Purse (for my very patient sister) - my own design - black & white cotton butterfly print

Projects To Do

Black/Purple/Grey Patchwork Maxi Skirt (for me) - summer swing skirt tutorial from Moda - FQ's and strips now in stash
Sandals (for a friend, but starting with a test pair for me) - inspired by an etsy tutorial
Pants - Vogue 2907 view B - grey suiting in stash
Dress - Coffee Date Dress, free Burda pattern - black/white silky print in stash
Peasant Top or Circle Shirt - pattern not chosen - teal paisley print in stash
Pants - Vogue 2907 view A - green suiting in stash
Purse (for a very deserving friend) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Men's Bi-Fold Wallet (requested by a friend) - my own design - no fabric chosen
Purse (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Wallet (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Dress - Simplicity 3506 view A - black/purple silky print in stash
8 Gore Skirt - self drafted pattern - cream suiting in stash
Top - princess seam bodice - red silky solid in stash
Bolero - Simplicity 3921 view ? - green velvety fabric in stash
School Bag/Backpack - my own design - no fabric chosen (decorator suede or a faux leather possibly)
Top - Vogue 2987 top - multi-colored knit/jersey/stretchy in stash
Jacket - Vogue 2987 jacket - no fabric chosen
Dress - New Look 6020 view ? - no fabric chosen

Hello...again

I had started this blog about two years ago and, in spite of my good intentions, I rarely made any posts. I decided I want to try this again, from scratch....

A Little Bit About Me

I'm Kelly, a mother and full time college student with a love for fabric and, more recently, yarn. I first learned to sew when I was about 12, but it wasn't until about four years ago that I really began to get into sewing again. Other than some basics on how to use a sewing machine, making some basic quilt blocks, and one very ugly pair of shorts made in middle school home ec., I am completely self taught. And just last year I began teaching myself to crochet. Unfortunately, during the school year, sewing, and all other forms of crafting, are pushed to the back burner.

I am currently going to school full time, working towards a B.S. in Mathematics and my Secondary Teaching Certification. I am one semester away from my AS in General Studies (boring I know, but it allowed me the most flexibility with the courses I could take) and then I am transferring to ECSU, where I will hopefully be able to complete the requirements for both my degree and certification within 3 1/2 years after transferring. I will also, eventually, get my Masters, but that is even further down the line. It's still a long road, but I am very excited to be approaching that first milestone!

What I Want From This Blog

I want to document my successes (and failures) and hope that in time I can look back and see growth in my abilities and techniques as a sewer. I want to try and give myself some goals and deadlines so that I make more time for sewing (or other crafts). I truly love the process of creating and hope that I can reward myself with time to enjoy my craft even during the demands of the school year. I'd also like to improve my photography skills...I did take some classes back in high school, but I'm afraid that I don't remember all that much from them, but I do know I have horrible lighting in my house, so please bear with my pictures when I post them. Also be warned that random posts may appear about school or my life in general.



I want to end each post, or just a once a week round up post, with something along the lines of a 'projects completed,' a 'works in progress,' and a 'projects to do' list, just to keep track of how much I actually have (or have not) done, this may or may not change in the future...so here is my current list that I hope to start tackling within the next two weeks - finals week is coming up so I must not allow myself to get sidetracked in the sewing room just yet!

Projects Completed

None!

Works in Progress

Purse (for my very patient sister) - my own design - black & white cotton butterfly print

Projects To Do

Pants - Vogue 2907 view B - grey suiting in stash
Dress - Coffee Date Dress, free Burda pattern - black/white silky print in stash
Peasant Top or Circle Shirt - pattern not chosen - teal paisley print in stash
Pants - Vogue 2907 view A - green suiting in stash
Purse (for a very deserving friend) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Men's Bi-Fold Wallet (requested by a friend) - my own design - no fabric chosen
Purse (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Wallet (for me) - my own design - no fabric chosen yet
Dress - Simplicity 3506 view A - black/purple silky print in stash
8 Gore Skirt - self drafted pattern - cream suiting in stash
Top - princess seam bodice - red silky solid in stash
Bolero - Simplicity 3921 view ? - green velvety fabric in stash
School Bag/Backpack - my own design - no fabric chosen (decorator suede or a faux leather possibly)
Black & White Patchwork Maxi Skirt - summer swing skirt tutorial from Moda - no fabrics chosen
Top - Vogue 2987 top - multi-colored knit/jersey/stretchy in stash
Jacket - Vogue 2987 jacket - no fabric chosen
Dress - New Look 6020 view ? - no fabric chosen