The Great Coat Sew-Along

For those that may be interested - Marji is organizing a Coat Sew-Along * for July * and I have joined. My sewing time has been at an all time low - non exsistent really - but if I join then I know I will participate. She has set up a group blog so we can all post as we go. She has started posting great information on this new Blog called "The Great Coat Sew-Along". I'm hoping to decide on my pattern this week end and then post my choice. ******************************************** ************** Sigrid posted a great link to the Burda site - Styles of Spring/Summer 66. I love this sleeveless dress/jacket!....... and the Jacket Sigrid posted on her site. . . Picture from the Burda site. The dresses are awesome, very stylish. Unfortunately the patterns are not for sale. Maybe ebay is an option? They also have Autumn 56/57 styles. There are some very nice patterns here too but my favorites are from the "66" Fashions.

Chado Ralph Rucci - Exhibition

Ivory double-faced silk and wool twill jacket and skirt with orange "suspension" insets.

Chado Ralph Rucci, Haute Couture spring/summer 2005 Collection.

Thank You so much Paco for pointing out The Kent State University Museum site. I see why you said the fabric must be "noble".

Curator Anne Bissonnette wrote "While Mr. Rucci is well-known and admired throughout the international fashion community for his impeccable garments, the Kent State University Museum exhibition represents the first major public display of his work".

These are just a few pictures of Chado Ralph Rucci's collection. All his garments are a piece of art. I choose these garments because I especially like his "suspension" technique.

Black wool crepe "suspension" dress Chado Ralph Rucci, Haute Couture spring/summer 2005 Collection.

Orange double-faced wool twill dress with "suspension" insets and enameled belt. Chado Ralph Rucci, Haute Couture spring/summer 2005 Collection.

Close up of the "suspension" technique.

Lavender double-faced cashmere brushed-twill jacket with scarf neckline and “suspension” insets worn with a matching skirt. Chado Ralph Rucci, Ready-to-wear fall/winter 2005 Collection .

All pictures are from the Kent State University Museum site.

100 kms - I'm almost there

I got Mail

When I came home on Friday my mail order was waiting for me. I received "the" Vogue 1048, Vogue 2920 , I love the pants, and Vogue 8493. My Mother and Father in law are visiting this week end so I haven't had the time to truly read thru Vogue 1048, my favorite. This pattern has caught the attention of many thru blog land and I'm anxious to see others version of this great pattern. Kathryn Brenne wrote an informative article in the June/July Vogue magazine on Chado Ralph Rucci's signature couture technique he calls "suspension". His Vogue 1048 dress just happens to have this tailored touch! It looks like it will be an interesting and fun technique to learn. I am still pondering what fabric to use? It suggests Dupioni, Sateen and Lightweight Linen. The dress made up in white is beautiful but I might go with a blue-ish?? dupioni ???? or stay with the white ?? Not sure at this point, I'll have to look around. Suggestions? :) ....... Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day

I hope all Mom's are having a great day :)

Marley & Me *

I had to post about a book I just finished reading . "Marley & Me" by John Grogan. What a fantastic story. (true story). It was one of those stories that you instantly fall in love with the main character, in this case Marley, the dog, and what a dog he is. (The family is not too bad either :) The story makes you laugh, out loud laugh and cry....tears rolling down your face cry... It's such a heartwarming story! What is so amazing is that John and Jenny kept Marley and accepted and loved him as he was! I imagine not many could handle a dog like Marley. As you can tell I really enjoyed this story. If you love dogs (or not :) you have to read this book. Marley is a bad dog that you end up loving and almost wishing you had one just like him. And really he's not all that bad.....just a little "attention-deficit, hyperactive, nutty dog, but he had a pure heart and an incredible gift of canine-human empathy". Authors own words :)

How nice that there will be a "Marley & Me" movie - which is scheduled for a Christmas day 2008 release. I'm actually excited and anxious to see it. Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston will play the couple who owns Marley, John & Jenny Grogan. There is even a "Marley & Me" Blog

Pictures are from the "Marley & Me" blog.

I'm Still Here

I wish I had something more exciting to write about but I'm just not having much time to sew or blog. Just so busy .....plain and simple. Hopefully I will have something to post after this week end. Happy Sewing to everyone!

Vogue Dresses * My Favorites *

• I absolutely * love * this dress.......... Vogue 1048 also.........Vogue 8493 . They are both beautiful styles.

Matching Up Lines!

I just thought I'd post a short update on my Jacket. (V8043) I am moving foward - ever so slowly - but still moving foward. I took great care cutting out the pieces so they would match when sewn together and it was well worth the time and effort as all the lines are matching up nicely, all except the armsyce princess seam ones :{ Thank you AnnR for confirming that some things will just have to be :) and this is one of them. Due to the curve it's just not going to happen. The pockets are basted on and ready for sewing. I'm making the "faux" welt pockets. The fabric is somewhat bulky and I didn't want to add any more bulk. (I still have to add the upper pocket - well the welt.) I'm really hoping to have this jacket done by the week-end so I can start on summer garments. I recieved my fabric from Julie today and I love the white/blue print. It's a Cotton poplin with some stretch (3%lycra). The White Stretch Denim Shantung has 5% stretch. They will make comfy top and pants.

Pictures uploaded from Timmel Fabrics .

I also received a railroad striped cotton, but I'll have to take a picture and post. It's also a very nice cotton.

Neue Mode Patterns * Part 2 *

I received my order today :) I am very pleased with the patterns. However.... The only one that was out of stock was the one I really wanted - 22471. I'll just keep checking to see if they will get more.

Briefly browsing thru the patterns I noticed that the instuctions are booklet style, approx 7 1/2" by 5". My initial thought was -WOW- this is great, no huge pages, very convenient. I'll see if that is how I feel once I start sewing them up. Hopefully there is enough information on these smaller sheets - but I'm really not too concerned. They all seem quite straight foward.

For the interfacing, for all the patterns that require it, they do use a specific brand that I have never heard of. It is "Vilene" interfacing. Has any one used this interfacing and what brand is it comparable to? (It is a sew in interfacing).

(When I finish my blog posting, if there's time, I'll do a little surfing to see if I can find answers too :)

Also there are letters beside the pattern number. Does anyone know what they stand for

S -M -V. (you can see on picture above).

I'm very anxious to get started on some of these patterns, but first I must finish my Jacket,V8043.

Progress is slow but I'm hoping to have it done this week.

Neue Mode Patterns

I have been looking at purchasing - on and off -Neue Mode Patterns. I would print out the patterns cover picture that I liked and put them up on my inspirational board. Today I finally decided to actually buy some. A sort of a little pick me up for the past couple of bad weeks. I found several sites that sell them, but the best I found was Mynotions*com. They also have a sale on patterns - for $1.00 . So - yes I did indulge and buy - allot - I have never used these patterns but they appear to be like Burda?? If anyone has used them I would appreciate your input on how they are compared to other pattern companies. I did check out Pattern Review and there are not many reviews. I hope I don't regret my purchase. Here are some of the patterns I bought. I like them all but I really like the 22471 dress.

These pictures are all taken from Mynotions*com site. .....and I do have a few more on my Flicker album that I purchased. I had so much fun shoppping! They are all such nice styles. I'm so anxious to get this parcel in the mail :)

Where has the time gone????

I can not believe it has been almost a month since I last blogged.

My husband and I took turns getting the cold that was going around - and it was such a nasty one. It seemed to take every bit of energy I had. I still am not my 100% well self, but feel so much better than the past few weeks. Plus throw in a little family matter.....plus a very very busy time at work - with not being able to take time off - and well there it is - a whole month has gone by. Winter like this cold is just hanging on and just doesn't want to go. I'm really ready for some sunshine and warmth :)

It's time to see this.............. ..No more of this * even if it is beautiful *

Pictures are from my home town web site.

These pictures are taken at my in laws house. They live in the same province, but 4 hrs away! They have gotten way too much snow!

I am so happy I am feeling better. I plan on getting back to work on my Vogue 8043 Jacket that I started, weeeeeks ago. It is all cut out and just waiting to be put together. It always seems that all is right when "something" with sewing is being done.

I did buy some fabric from Julie.(Timmel Fabrics). One of the fabrics is a Jersey knit - turquoise colour. It is such a beautiful colour and I plan on making a Jalie sweetheart top with it. I never wear red but when I saw this fabric, I loved the embroidery design and thought it would make such a cute sleeveless shirt.....maybe this one? View B or this one? Something simple in design but nice. The fabric is a nice light weight cotton and might also make a comfy summer pj?

Have a wonderful Easter!

How Cute are These Pin Cushions? :)

These are my latest ebay purchases....This one is a Pin Cushion..... just toooooo cute....

And then this one is a Pin Cushion - Sewing Box. The top opens up.......

From Els's house - to Ann's house :)

I received my ham holder from Els today.

Els mailed it on Feb 9th from The Netherlands and I received it today...in New Brunswick....that is very fast....and I was so very pleased to receive it. I have been looking for a ham holder for quite sometime, and had asked if anyone knew where I could possibly find one, since "nobody" anywhere sells these any more? Els kindly offered to sell me hers since she hardly used it. I just love it and I know I will enjoy using it. Thank You so much again Els.

*Note* For those who have not yet read Els post on her blog about "Presssing Equipment-Part 1 & 2", be sure to read them, they are full of great information - I really enjoyed reading them.

I have pretty much all the - fabric -lining - interfacing cut out for my Jacket * V8043 (View B). Seems like I am only getting in 30 minute sewing sessions these days ....so it's taking so long to actually see any progress.... not only was there allot to cut but I chose fabric that needed to be matched up. Now putting it together begins :)

Last week I also received my Jalie 2794 Sweetheart Top Pattern from Julie. I am really anxious to make this top. I love the style. Now I need to find some really nice knit fabric.

Vogue Jacket # 8043

I've been fitting my muslin for Vogue Jacket # 8043 - View B . I had to take it in at the front/back princess seams, side seams and took up the sleeve shoulder seam. I am very happy with the final results- however I see that I should have just made a size smaller and it would have probably been close to a perfect fit . I'll do a final measuring/comparing with the smaller size and then be ready to start my jacket :) (I'll post pictures next entry)

My Fitness * Jogging Chart *

I run pretty much every day so I thought keeping track of the distance I actually run might be fun to do. (Starting date today) I am now running inside, because it has been rather cold out lately, but when the nice weather returns I'll be running outside - even though the inside track is top of the line - it's so much nicer running outdoors. I've put 100 km on the "ticker" but will change it as I go beyond that distance..... (This little "ticker will be displayed at the bottom of my blog page)

Lost - Is Back - Yay!

We are "Lost" fans in this house and we are sooooooooo happy it's back - a 2 hour Premiere tonight :)

Picture from www.tv.com http://image.com.com/tv/images/processed/super/52/e1/174361.jpg