About Me

My photo
Sewing is therapy for me. I hoard fabric, patterns, notions, and spend more time shopping for fabric than I care to admit...

Sunday, November 26, 2017

A super sweet woodland quilt

I have quite a few quilt kits I've purchased over the years and this one has been on my mind for a while.  The colors and the prints are so cute.  


See what I mean?  This quilt is a Laura Hines design.  She is from Billings, Montana.  I was there for a conference several years ago and fell in love with her designs.  This kit came home with me.  
It measures about 65 by 84.  I made this in only a few days.  


The main blocks are printed fabric and are fussy cut.  Everything else is not fussy cut but a rotary cutter and a ruler made quick work of it.  


See that jumbo rickrack at the binding edge?  I thought that was a fun addition.  It wasn't included in the packet, that is how I personalized this quilt to make it my own.  


Here is the backing.  I love this oak leaf and acorn print.  I so enjoyed putting this together.  It has a wonderful home in an upstairs bedroom ready for Christmas holidays and keeping all my loved ones nice and toasty as they sleep here.  

Thanks for reading and just wondering, do you purchase quilt kits?  Do you have a favorite designer?  If so, do tell!

Sue 







A plain gray dress--Simplicity 1018

Yes, I did it again, I made a solid gray dress.  I like gray.  It goes with anything and some days, I just want to wear a dress that is simple and understated, much like this one.  

Image result for images Simplicity 1018


And now you see what I mean by simple and understated.  


I love how the bottom flares out and that you can twirl!



This fits me really well.  See where those princess seams hit?  Just where they are supposed to.  



The only problem with a knit like this is that it shows all your sins.  I really need to start working out again.  


Yes, you can see my slip or body shaping slip I am wearing.  Check out my tights, they are really funky!


Here is a close up of the neckline and the stretch stitch I use on my machine.  It is hard to see, but look carefully.  I use it on the hems as well.

Thanks for reading and I hope you all had a great holiday!
Sue 




Sunday, November 19, 2017

A cobalt blue dress

A fresh approach to the drape trend of recent times, this is a cleverly drafted pattern which creates a cross body drape with an inner shell to hold the bodice in place. Use a fluid knit fabric to achieve the best result. Make it with a sleeve or sleeveless.
Kellie Jersey Dress / Top Sewing Pattern By Style Arc - A new twist on the drape dress/top

I love this color and i love the shape of this dress.  It's creative, it is fitted, and damn, it's cute!!!  Right?  Having said that, when I wore it today, I was a bit self conscious.  I sort of felt like a sausage stuffed in a too tight casing but when I look at the pictures, it doesn't appear to be too tight.  I think it is my shape-ware that makes it feel too tight. 


Did I tell you this is the Kellie Jersey Dress by StyleArc?  Sorry this photo is a bit blurry.


That front cross-over detail is not that difficult to do, but you simply can't over think it.  


If you follow the arrows and mark the notches with the correct letter, matching A's and B's, etc., is pretty easy.  


Normally I try to eliminate the center back seam but this one offers some subtle shaping that has some positive effects, even for a middle-aged grandma like me!


Look at that!  Hardly any pooling at the center back!


I am so glad I have super power spanks!


I really love this color too!  It seems dressy but at the same time an everyday dress.


That neckline is awesome!  It isn't constricting but isn't too low.  Perfect in my estimation!


I only made a swayback adjustment along with sloping shoulders.  I knew my knit had enough give to cover up any sort of FBA that might be necessary.


I really love this dress.  That front detail is super fun to make and I really like how it looks.


Here is a bit closer look.  That line on the right boob, that must be the facing riding up a bit.  I should have checked that prior to taking pictures.  



And I thought you might like a detail of side.  It lies very flat and nice.  Sorry my hand is in the way!

I really like this dress. 
Thanks for reading!
Sue