Ann's Fashion Studio

Silhouette Sweater Pattern # 195

2012-01-04T22:02:00.001-04:00

I made this Silhouette Sweater, pattern # 195, with a knit I bought from my local Fabricville.

It is a very light knit but it did sew up nicely.

Silhouette Sweater pattern # 195

Changes I made to pattern:

** added 2" length to front & back

** added 1" length to the sleeve.

The next sweater I make I will also need to do a sway back adjustment.

I wanted to be able to wear this test garment so I made pleats to take in the fullness in the back and I actually like the look of this detail..

Silhouette Sweater pattern # 195, 3 pleats added to take in fullness!

Overall I like how this sweater fits.

It is a quick and simple garment to make.

With minor adjustments to the pattern it will be a great TNT.

Ann

Had a really fun day :)

2012-01-02T20:00:00.001-04:00

Sewing & Stitchery Expo

2011-12-29T21:59:00.000-04:00

Who has been to the Sewing & Stitchery Expo

in Puyallup?

What is it like?

Ann

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T22:12:00.020-04:00

Hope you are all having a wonderful Christmas!

Ann

Creative Sensation!

2011-12-20T22:56:00.000-04:00

No Big deal......

Just playing with my new Pfaff Creative Sensation..

First projects up are personalized towels for my Landyn and Ella....

fun ~ fun ~ fun ~

Doubly Fun !!

2011-12-18T17:35:00.008-04:00

Silhouette Yoga Pants # 3400 and Gucci Top # 241.

I made two sets of this outfit..... so it "was" Doubly Fun to make :))

The first top was really a muslin. I used a stretch fabric, that I love.

It has texture and is like a bathing suit knit.

I made a Size 3 and it was too big so I made the next size down and it was perfect and I just love the fit.

The changes I made were to lower the neckline and I didn't do the detail around the neckline.

I prefer the smaller size however I can wear the one that is on Annabelle.

The Yoga pants are made with a Ponte Knit I bought from Fabricville.

They are both size 6.

The change I made was to the waist. I lowered it by 2-1/4" and oh yes I also made the band slightly wider...finished width of the band is 3 1/4".

I like the feel and the look of this combination better.

(More like lulu lemon style)

The fabric I used for the pants is "ok", but I would love to find some fabric that is really "great" and a really good quality!

Does anyone know where I can find some?

You know like the great fabric lulu lemon uses ;)

I can wish!

Over all I love these two patterns.

The pant style really does look like lulu lemon pants.

I will certainly make them again and my next pants I will have fun changing up the fabric on the waist bands.

Peggy does cover all this in her DVD ~ Yoga Pants - Worn Beyond the Exercise Class.

Ann

What I've really been up to!

2011-12-18T13:33:00.007-04:00

This is what my Sewing Room looked like a few days ago!!!!

Ann's Kit return ~ Dec 2011

Since I finally decided to retire from the Military

I needed to gather all my kit to return it... and my Sewing Room was in this

great big wonderful mess....a mess like this is really truly a good thing!

Luckily the mess was very short lived and now all is back in order and

my kit has "all" been turned in...done.... What a feeling!

It has been a wonderful 32 year career but now it is time to do

something totally different.

In Jan I start my new job at Sewing World :)))))

I'm thrilled about this change and it is all so very exciting!

Ann

*** Information below added because of my husbands lovely comment :) ***

I flew in the Argus (CFB Summerside) and had the opportunity to be in the nose, the clear bubble in the front! Pretty awesome!

I also flew in these aircrafts:

Buffalo (CFB Summerside)

Labrador (CFB Summerside)

Tracker (CFB Summerside)

Herc (CFB Edmonton)

I've worked to support the Griffon for the last eleven years but I have never flown in one!

Sew many things to do...sew little time....

2011-12-17T20:19:00.013-04:00

...however I did find some time to squeeze in a little sewing over the last few weeks...
but I haven't had the time to blog about it.

I made a couple of
Silhouette's yoga pants # 3400 and the Gucci top.
I made my top sleeveless for a work out top and it is a "perfect" work out top!
I didn't put the detail around the neckline, that will be in the next top.

I love both these patterns.
They were very easy to make and went together beautifully.
I made a very minor change to the pants ~ lowered the waist ( by 2-1/4") ~ and that is just because I like my waist to sit a little lower than the pattern style.
(I will post a picture as soon as I take one.)

...and Tonight I did read a few blogs and I see there are so many more of you that are making up gorgeous garments and having fun in your
sewing rooms.

I'm now going to pick another project!

I want ....I need ...to sew :)

Have a great week end.

Ann

My Fabulous Finds!

2011-12-07T20:29:00.004-04:00

Silhouette Patterns

Angela Wolf - Patterns coming soon!

Jennifer Stern

Gorgeous Fabrics - Denim

PFAFF- Creative Sensation

Sandra Betzina & Ron Collins

........just "some" of my favorite places to go!

Did you notice my counter ~ top left margin ~ "9" days left :)))))

More to follow........

Pumpkin Patch!

2011-10-10T20:32:00.002-03:00

I made these cute Pumpkins for my family.

I normally don't make craft seasonal things but after making

just "one" of these pumpkins, I was hooked.
They are so cute and it was really fun to make them
and

it was a very quick project.

It felt good starting and finishing a project in one session.

I just had to make more and share them!

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving week end!

Fun Pumpkins to Make!

2011-10-08T20:08:00.004-03:00

It sure looks pretty!

This one is mine but I bought more fabic today and I will be making four more

to give away to family :))

Hope you are all having a wonderful week end!

Ann

Sites I`ve enjoyed this week

2011-09-16T22:25:00.002-03:00

Silhouette Patterns - has new patterns (Fall 2011 Pattern Pre-sale ends today :)

-in this Fall Fashion Webcast Peggy also shows these new patterns made up.
I love the sweater!

Fashion Fabrics

- I thought this Sweater knit would be great for the Silhouette Sweater pattern 311

Black/Red Boucle Sweater Knit 1186

Seamingly.com - has a facelift (I just noticed it this week)

- you can join and create an account

I`ve re-visited the Otis College -

- a reminder- my favorite video Stitching Techniques for the Tailored Jacket

Embroidery Library

- I love these Little Miss Monkey designs

and A Peek-a-Boo Zoo designs.
These are the designs I will use for the quilts I want to make
for my grand children.
They will make cute and fun blocks!

DIY Fluffies
- I found this adorable stuffed elephant pattern on etsy..

Have a great week-end.

Frogs & Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

2011-09-06T21:03:00.010-03:00

....that's what little boys are made of.

I made my little grandson

this quilt.

It is an adorable flannel print ~ I bought from Sewing World.

It was such a fun and very easy way to make a quilt.

I had no small pieces to cut or endless sewing.

click to see details

All I did was ~

* sew the borders to the panel

* a local lady (Penny- Beaverdam Quiltery Hand Guided Machine Quilting)
machine quilted the design of the buzzing bees.

She did an awesome job.

click to enlarge

* I attached the binding to the front of the quilt by machine and then folded it to the back and hand stitched it in place.

* I embroidered his name on the back of the quilt.

Click to enlarge

He loved it!

I haven't made many quilts ~ but I enjoyed making this one so much that I have

"four" more quilts being planned out :)

(Not panel quilts for these)

* one for my husband (African theme)

* one for Ella (monkey theme)

* one for Serena/Kyle

* one for Duncan

* one for Megan....

I see how this works, that's five...You can easily get carried away :)

A new Serger for "Me"

2011-09-03T19:54:00.016-03:00

Today I picked up a new toy!
My husbands idea ~ of course I approved ;))

~ A Pfaff coverlock 4.0 ~

coverlock™ 4.0 - Sew like a pro!

"5 threads, LCD Graphic Touch Screen and a large variety of stitches.
Are you looking for the overlock machine that has everything?

The PFAFF® coverlock™ 4.0 overlock machine is for you! Its ultra-modern design fulfills all promises. The most modern convenience and a huge repertoire of stitches mean even more perfection and reativity. The PFAFF® coverlock™ 4.0 overlock machine offers all the features of the preceding models plus even more sophisticated extras"

(photo's and description taken from the Pfaff site)

Extension table included

I love everything about this machine, but what I really like is this feauture:

"Easy to change from overlock stitches to coverstitches - No needle plate/presser foot change needed at conversion for different stitches"

My husband is truly the greatest!

I wonder "Why" did 'Dial Textile'.....

2011-08-01T22:55:00.009-03:00

.... get rid of all their Fashion Fabrics?????????

I have been looking forward to shopping at Dial Textile - for months.

The last time I was at their store was a few years ago ~ and they had the most amazing Fashion fabrics!
They had so many choices of lovely and just gorgeous fabrics...It was a fabric dream store....and I did buy some fabric at that time ;)

So when I was in Quebec City this past weekend for a very short stay ~ I had very limited time but I went out of my way to make time
to stop in ~ and then ~ I was disappointed.

They are mostly a Home Dec fabric store now!?!

There was some fashion fabrics in their lower level..lower level!!.... they had nother this time that really stood out - nothing like they had before!

I left empty handed!!! I bought nothing!!! :(

If you are looking for Home Dec fabrics ~ you are in luck - they have a wide variety of beautiful home dec fabrics! and this would certainly be "the" place to go.

Hello!

2011-07-13T21:10:00.005-03:00

Just checking in to say Hello and that all is well.

While Kyle was away my daughter, Serena was living with us.

(It was a year in June)

Now that Kyle is back

~ Serena Kyle Ella and Landyn ~

are all settled in their new house....only 15 mins from us....

and our house is now so very quiet!.

I miss having them around and all the little routines that come with a young family!

Bath times, meal times, play time, bed times, all times are special.

Always a Happy baby!

Things are almost back to normal around here so I am planning to be back
in my sewing room real soon!

Welcome Home Kyle!

2011-07-03T18:48:00.006-03:00

Kyle is home from Afghanistan and the "Family" Unit is back together........all is perfect now!

....it is sooooooo nice to have you back! We are extremely happy!

Kyle receiving his Medal!

We are so proud of "you"!

Next up ~ Silhouette Patterns # 241 & 3400

2011-04-28T20:16:00.009-03:00

Gucci`s Knotted Top - # 241

Picture from Sihouette site

Three Piece Yoga Pants - # 3400

Picture from Silhouette site

~ I've been very anxious to try some of my Silhouette patterns ~

so these two patterns have been bumped up the list and are now on my cutting table.

I also wanted to pass on that the service at Sihouette Patterns is excellent.

Peggy is extremely pleasant to deal with.

I ordered the French curve along with patterns and they went above and beyond to package

the French Curve so it would & could not get broken.

Their effort is well noted and appreciated :)))

Silhouette Patterns (Peggy) also has great videos and you can view her webcasts from her website or here!

Have a great Day!

Work + Baby = No Sewing

2011-03-01T19:52:00.004-04:00

There is not much sewing happening around here lately.

There is just way too much baby watching going on....which is truly fine.

Landyn is adorable and such a good baby. ..whether he is sleeping...

or awake.... someone is always checking him out :)

It's very hard not to...he is pretty amazing!

** I have been buying patterns ~ Silhouette patterns ~ and I'm pretty anxious to make some of these up **

Baby has arrived!

2011-01-24T16:15:00.008-04:00

Congratulations to Serena and Kyle!

"Landyn" was born on Friday ~ 21 Jan 2011 ~ 7:45 pm.

He weighed 9 lbs 12 oz!

Both Mommy and baby are home today and everyone is doing well.
We wish his proud Daddy were here!

He is adorable!

Landyn sound asleep ~ on his way home today!

We are all so very happy and proud : )

Get a Grip...

2011-01-12T20:29:00.013-04:00

........ of your rulers.

I wanted to post about a notion I recently bought and now I believe it is a must have if you cut fabric with a Rotary cutter and ruler technique. (Perfect for Quilters)

It is called The Gypsy Gripper.

I frequently use my Rotary cutter and a ruler to straighten fabric edges, cut strips and most recently to make blankies and "little" baby & doll accessories.

If you have used this technique you know that even though you are very very careful ~ every now and then the ruler moves/slides and the rotary cutter slips...that blade is some sharp....I've never cut myself .....but

I'm always afraid I might ~ Not a good thing to happen.

So when I saw this Gypsy Gripper at Sewing World there was no hesitation on my part, I definitely had to buy it.

This notion easily attaches to a ruler.

You press the suction cups down on to the ruler, flip the levers to lock it in place ~ voila ~ done!

You hold the handle, so now your hand that is holding the ruler is away from the Rotary cutter/blade and you simply apply a little pressure on the Gripper and safely cut away.

Very Safe.

It's not heavy so it feels very comfortable to move around.

If you want to use another ruler just flip the levers to release the suction cups and move the Gypsy Gripper to another ruler.

Very simple.

This product probably has been out forever but I just found it :))) and as you can tell I'm pretty impressed with it.
I do think it's pretty awesome.

I hope you are all having a great week!

Baby "stuff"!

2011-01-08T22:49:00.008-04:00

My daughter Serena and Kyle have pretty much everything for their baby on the way.

A few things they didn't have were receiving blankets and burb cloths, so I made these few things for baby.

~ receiving blankets ~

These are all flannel ~ various sizes.

I mitered every corner on all the blankets

~ burb cloths ~

These are flannel on one side and terry cloth on the other.

I had never heard of these until my daughter told me about them.

One of her friends had some of these cloths so Serena drew one out to show me what they looked like and I made her some.

They are to be placed over the shoulder when feeding/burping the baby.

(When my children were born I used receiving blankets for this purpose but these definitely appear to be a less bulkier and updated version.)

I saw a cute little quilt made up at one of my local

sewing stores ~ Sewing World ~ and I bought the panel, so I will also make them a crib quilt.

I'll post pictures when it is done ~ the panel is adorable!

I made Ella a fleece blankie with the fabric she chose.

Hers is the one on the left in the picture below.

For Ella's dollsI also made a matching blankie with pillow and with the left over terry cloth I made her various size cloths to imitate the burb cloths and change table pads.

Serena has her bags packed and ready for the hospital and everything is ready for baby to arrive.

Since Kyle is away I am her "partner" in the delivery room so I am ready too....
Kyle's parents/family are also on "call" and we are all waiting patiently!

Serena is hoping next week will be the week because she is so ready :)

Serena

Isn't she beautiful?

Have a wonderful week~end!

Fabric Bread Basket - Store bought

2011-01-07T20:21:00.006-04:00

I bought this bread basket and thought it was really cute and would also be fun to make.

I love the aprons and kitchen accessories Renee from My Sewing Space makes, so I was also thinking of her when I saw these.
There was also potholders,oven mitts and tea towels to match this basket......I only bought the basket!

Click to enlarge

The basket is formed with the ties...

The fabric used here is very textured cotton with an embroidery.
I do have an embroidery machine but I plan on making it with printed fabrics that will match my kitchen.
I will also make potholders and oven mitts.
I did take a seam apart and the fabric is layered between ~~sponge~~, foam. It gives it a very nice feel but I won't be using foam..

Hope this is something you can use Renee :)

(The notes are probably not detailed enough. If you have any questions ask away :))))

Barcelona Blouse ~ Completed

2011-01-06T22:23:00.007-04:00

Barcelona Blouse ~ Pattern Brensan Studio

Garment Details:

Pattern: Barcelona Blouse

Pattern Description:

This beautiful V-neck traditional Princess-Seam Blouse has a surprise twist.

The center front and sleeve contrast trim is optional so you have more choices! A great addition to any wardrobe, make without the trim for a great basic blouse, or use a contrast for the trim and collar and make the blouse your fashion statement.

Pattern Sizes:

Small,Med,Large & X-Large

I made the small with some alterations.

Notions:

4-22 mm buttons for the front, 2- 18mm for the cuffs.

Embroidery thread #1071 - button holes & topstitching.

Pro-Weft Fusible Interfacing from Fashion Sewing Supply.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing it?

Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Extremely easy. Very well laid out and tips throughout.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I love the style and the details of the sleeves.

I had also come across the Barcelona blouse on Pam's blog, Off the Cuff and really liked hers.

Fabric Used:

Corduroy ~ (called Silky Corduroy)

After buying the fabric I went back to the store to get the fabric content.
The fabric is called silky because of the smoothness of the fabric.
The fabric is 70% cotton, 30% viscose. It feels soft almost like a flannel...

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I took in the princess seams, front and back, by quite a bit. (I didn't measure but I'd guess appox 1")

I think an x-small would have been closer to my size.
I prefer the feeling of a more fitted cuff against my wrists so I did keep the open cuff detail but added a button to partially close the opening. That feels comfortable to me and I do like that detail.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I like the fit of this blouse and because of the trim details for the front and cuffs, I can see this blouse being made up again and playing around with the trim options.

I highly recommend this pattern.

Conclusion:

I enjoyed making this blouse. The instructions were easy to follow and the pattern pieces went together perfectly.

Brensan Studio also has a Blog ~ Bren's Sewing Blog.

I will add another picture next time I wear the shirt!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T11:39:00.000-04:00

I wish you all the very best for the New Year and may you also have a wonderful Sewing Year!

I have been doing a little bit of Sewing...

2010-12-29T19:05:00.010-04:00

...over the last few months ~ I've made some small projects (little girl cloths), some home dec and a good start on McCall's 6027 ~ but haven't posted these projects ~ I'll throw in a post on these now and then!

I just finished my Barcelona white Blouse and love it. I also made a pair of PJ bottoms for my sons girlfriend.

Today I'm only posting about the pj's. They were a fun and very quick project.
Megan was very pleased with her pj's ~ which made me happy!

I used Butterick 4406 and made them with flannel fabric.

The top is a RTW top that matched nicely! and Megan likes purple.

close up of the print

They are being displayed on "Annabelle", my Uniquely You dress form I bought in Oct.

I absolutely love her :) It was so nice using her when making the Barcelona blouse.

I am now in baby mode..making receiving blankets, burp blankets, blankies, bibs and also making all these items in a

mini version ........for Ella's dolls.

I have to say I am having way too much fun making these ~ especially when Ella helps to pick out the fabric.

Have a wonderful day!

Kyle was on the news :)

2010-12-26T13:50:00.006-04:00

Thank You everyone for the nice comments about Kyle being away.

We had a nice Christmas but Kyle was truly missed.

What a surprise to see him on our news Dec 25th.

You can see him (Sapper Kyle Davidson) around nine mins (& 30secs) into the news.

Link to news videos.

I hope you all had a Wonderful Christmas and may you have time to sew during your time off.

He also got to meet Don Cherry...pretty awesome suit Don has on. I love it!

Kyle and Don Cherry ~ Afghanistan Dec 2010

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T16:09:00.001-04:00

Early Christmas Supper

2010-11-24T17:17:00.003-04:00

.....that's what we had on Sunday ~ for Kyle ~

Kyle and Ella

Kyle is going away tomorrow, and won't be with us for Christmas.

~ He will actually be away for almost {9} months ~

His parents had us all over for a lovely Christmas Supper.

It was a delicious meal and mostly it was just so nice to be all together before Kyle leaves.

Thank You so much Robin and Paul.

Kyle will also be away when baby arrives in January.

Kyle and Serena

We will miss Kyle and we are proud of him!

White Shirt Project - 1st Pattern

2010-11-01T20:20:00.011-03:00

The Barcelona Blouse

Pattern from Brensan Studios

Back Cover

I decided on this pattern for my first project. I love the style.
It's a pattern from Brensan Studio. (They now have a blog)

I will make mine all white ~ no contrasting fabric.

The fabric I'm using is a white (slightly off white) silky corduroy.

White Shirt Project

2010-10-25T21:04:00.008-03:00

I am still around...just haven't posted in a very long time.

*************************

To get back into sewing I thought I 'd join "The never too many shirts project" that Barbara from "Sewing on the Edge" is starting.
I think this will be a great project to do and I have so many shirt patterns that I want to make.

Project button from Barbara

*********************

I bought a Uniquely You dress form from Trimmings Dress Maker in Montreal.

I made the cover ~ with some assistance from Claire.

I truly appreciated her help. Claire is so generous with her time and so knowledgeable . It was wonderful having her expert advice. Thank You again Claire.

Making the cover to fit me was a really fun project to do and I truly love the results.

I will post a picture of Annabelle shortly.

Lady and the Tramp

2010-07-24T20:51:00.033-03:00

**** For Ella ****

Lady and the Tramp was my daughters favorite movie when she was younger ~ my husband and I grew pretty fond of it ourselves. Every week end we would take her to the video store and and one of her treats was to choose any movie to rent......she would look at all the movie boxes and then always chose Lady and the Tramp. So we watched this movie a gazillion billion + times.....and we never ever tired of watching it with her....now I want to introduce Ella to it.
I hope she likes it too.

I've been looking for this DVD locally but couldn't find one ~ I just now thought of looking on ebay ~ and of course found one :)

***********

I have been doing "some" sewing.
I made curtains for the dining room and kitchen. The print of the fabric wasn't exactly what I wanted but
it had the colors I wanted.
I will post a picture of the curtains ~ I'm very pleased with them.

I also started the muslin for my Angela dress ~ using McCall's 6027.
I'm still working out some fitting/size issues but overall I am happy with the dress.

Have a wonderful week end!

"Thank You Angela"

2010-06-24T15:26:00.007-03:00

Angela from RiAnge Creations has found some of the fabrics I was looking for at her local Jo-Ann's Fabric Store. Angela kindly offered to buy some and send it to me. I received my fabrics yesterday ~ I was sooooo pleased .

It still amazes me that people we only know through blogging and have never met would be so kind and do something like this. I can't Thank Angela enough and I truly appreciate what she has done.

"Thank You" again Angela :)

The fabric is a light weight sheer and it does look somewhat different from the dress on the McCall's pattern, however I will line it with a white fabric ~ the white really makes the colors brighter.....I love the large floral print ~ I will make this fabric work!

I told Angela, I normally don't name my garments but this dress will be my Angela dress.

Picture from McCall's site.

The description on Jo-Ann's site of the other fabric Angela sent me , says it is a polyester but to me it feels like a soft cotton. In real life, the colors in this fabric below, are as bright as the colors appear in this picture.

The colors are beautiful and it is a very nice fabric weight for a dress.

Picture from Jo-Ann Fabric Store.

Martinique Collection-Garden Peachskin

I am very anxious to start my garments.

Thank You Angela!

********************************************************

My son is graduating this year so we are busy with Prom and Graduation activities this week!

********************************************************************

* Fabric source Found *

2010-06-07T21:40:00.003-03:00

The fabric I wanted has been found. Thank you so much Peacock Chic.

She commented that she found and had already bought some of this beautiful fabric at her local Jo-Ann Store

I can't wait to see what she makes.

The fabric is part of the Martinique Collection.

The on-line store does not have the print I really wanted ~ however there is this print from the same collection that would be just as beautiful.

Martinique Collection-Garden Peachskin

Picture from Jo-Ann on line site

Unfortunately there are no Jo-Ann stores in Canada and the on-line store ~ Joann.com ~ only ships within the United States, its territories and possessions.

So for those of you who also liked the fabric, you may luck in :) and find some at your local Jo-Ann Store..

Have a great day :)

~ Fabric Search ~

2010-05-30T20:17:00.004-03:00

I am on the search for this fabric featured on McCall's pattern 6027!

I absolutely love this print!

I have been looking for this beautiful fabric , or something very similar to it, ever since I first saw it!

Picture from McCall's site ~ McCall's 6027

So far I have not been successful finding it ~ not here at my local Fabricville ~ or on any on-line fabric store!

I thought I would ask my fellow bloggers and fabric shoppers :) if you can please keep this fabric in mind and

"If anyone comes across this fabric or fabric that resembles this print, can you please let me know"?

Thank you and have a wonderful day!

My Little Red Dress - Picture promised .....

2010-05-22T22:01:00.020-03:00

......to Living la vida loca.

Neue Mode 22471

This was a quick back yard deck picture taking session.
When I wear it to my son's graduation I'll actually wear shoes...and accessories...... :)

Thank you everyone for the nice comments on my last post!

We are all so very happy!.

I would like to also pass on that my i300 iron is perfect and it is an absolute pleasure

to work with it....no spitting...not a single drop......at all!

The service was excellent and I received it days after ordering it from Reliable, in Toronto Canada.

I hope you are all having a wonderful week end.

Grammy & Grampy! :) ~ & My new Sewing Room "Toys" ~

2010-05-15T22:53:00.023-03:00

~ A very important announcement! ~

We will be Grammy ?/ Grammie ?/ Grampy ?/ Grampie in Dec/Jan! :)

(This announcement probably deserved it's own title/post :) )

Not exactly sure the proper spelling of this new title :)))

Are you a Grammy ? or Grammie? Grampy or Grampie ?

We (my family) always called our grandparents Grandmama & Grandpapa.

But I kinda like the sound of Grammy & Grampy!

~ Our children call their Grandparents ~ Grandma & Grandad ~

We are so very very happy! Our first grandchild ~ but to also mention ~ we do have

our pretty little Ella !

who became part of the family when our daughter Serena partnered up with Kyle! who is Ella's daddy ~ she is a beautiful little girl (who is now 19 months old) ~ that we think of as our very own too :) Ella was definitely our first.....

It is all very exciting and we are enjoying our new growing family! :)

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

**********************************************

My wonderful "husband" decided it was finally time :) .....and he bought me my iron!

i 300 PROFESSIONAL IRON STATION

and this

ÜBERLIGHT 8000C LED TASK LIGHT

My Rowenta has been giving me so much grieve that using it was really annoying.

Claire and Gigi have been so helpful in providing information on this Reliable product, and Mary Beth has given some great tips on how to work with the Rowenta iron.

I want to thank you all for your emails and time :)

~ I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend ~

My B-Day!

2010-04-30T22:02:00.000-03:00

I had such a beautiful Birthday today!

Thank you all for making it such a very special day!

I truly have the most wonderful family!

Two New to me Sites!

2010-04-10T21:23:00.027-03:00

1st site

Polyvore

Gray by Ann's Fashion Studio
click on picture

My sister in law shared this site with me and I must say it is pretty awesome.
Thank you Stephanie!

Making up collections and sets is truly way too much

fun and very addictive!

Set up an account and start playing :)

~ Be prepared to spend some time here ~

2nd site

Seamingly.com

Ann's Fashion Studio

Find Ann's Fashion Studio and get more Home Sewing at Seamingly.com.

This is a great site to find so many more sewing related websites and blogs!

~

** Susan Khalje's "The Bridal Couture CD" is now available
to Pre order :)))

Picture from Susan Khalje Couture site

Enjoy!

My Little Red Dress - Finished

2010-03-28T22:36:00.185-03:00

Neue Mode 22471

Pattern Description:
Dress, two lengths, princess seams, sleeveless, invisible zipper, fully lined.

Pattern Sizing:
36-46 (10-20) This is my first Neue Mode pattern I've used so I'm not sure of their sizing .

There is only a bust measurement chart to go by so I started with the 36 but had to take it in over 2". It did take some fiddling around before I got the perfect fit, but I believe had I started with the proper size the fiddling would not have been necessary.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done ?
It looks exactly like the picture on the pattern.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
This pattern is similar to the Burda magazine patterns where you have to add your seam allowances.
The instructions/illustrations are clear and well written. I did read through them but didn't have to follow them.

It is a very easy simple style to make. It doesn't have complicated techniques.(However you should know how to insert an invisible zipper, the instructions are pretty meager, or have your favorite reference available) edited to add: When I was cleaning up after making this dress I briefly went over the instructions and realized they are for a regular zipper, not invisible. I prefer the look of an invisible zipper, so had I followed or actually thoroughly read the instructions I would still have opted for the invisible zipper.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I 'love" the neckline. No dislikes.

Fabric Used:
Satin back Crepe - from Fabricville.
I can't say I enjoyed sewing with this satin back crepe.
I had to lower the tension a significant amount on my sewing machine and my serger did not like this fabric much either, especially around the curves!
It is also very hard to photograph this color...or maybe it's my lack of
photography skills / camera knowledge ~ ) I'll work on that :)

Lining - Bemberg

Pro-Weft Interfacing - from Sew Exciting Fashion Sewing Supply

also known as Pam Off the Cuff. This is the best interfacing I've used!

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I didn't make any design changes. I did take it in.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I definitely recommend this pattern. I have a black crepe (not satin back) version already started. I just have to make the lining. I've never owned a LBD, I figured this would be a perfect pattern.

Conclusion:
I love this dress. It is comfortable. It is a very easy simple style to sew. Even though it took me a long time to finish it, it wasn't because the pattern was complicated, it was purely time issues.

I will post pictures of me wearing the dress ~ as soon as I find red shoes.

Back Yard Visitors !

2010-03-22T20:44:00.006-03:00

These friendly visitors showed up in our back yard around
supper time.

They dined at our bird feeders

and then promptly waddled off to our little pond.....

......where they appear to be spending the night.

They brought some sunshine to a dreary ~ cold ~ rainy ~ day.

* Shoes of Prey *

2010-03-19T13:40:00.006-03:00

Picture from Shoes of Prey site.

Kimberlee posted about this site ~ Shoes of Prey ~ on her blog.

Thank you Kimberlee :)

You * design * your own shoes and purchase them!

"You choose the heel, toe, fabric, colour and embellishments"

This site is awesome!

Checking In

2010-02-10T20:50:00.023-04:00

I definitely did not plan on being away from my sewing for this long.....but life ~ work happens...

My little red dress hangs on my dress form just waiting to be finished.

When I do find that extra energy , I have every intention of finishing this beautiful dress.

It seems at this point that I just cannot fit both work and sewing in...... and that's OK, I know that all will come around - in due time .

I ~~envy~~ admire those that can :) and for now I am totally happy reading about what everyone is creating.

My Little Red Dress ~ Neue Mode ~ 22471

2010-01-07T20:36:00.006-04:00

........it's not done yet...but almost.......
It's that work thing getting in the way again...

I started Neue Mode 22471 dress, in December, and was so hoping to have it done for Christmas, but unfortunately that just never happened. I'm hoping to have it done this week~end, so I hope to have pictures up soon. I'm making the "A", the shorter version.

In April 08 I had placed an order for quite a few Neue Mode patterns, from SewingPatterns.com, including this 22471 pattern. When I received my order, it was missing and they couldn't supply it anymore, at that time.

I kept looking. It was now ~~almost~~ an obsession. I had found it on several sites but they would all come back and say it was no longer available. So, I was thrilled when I found it at again at SewingPatterns.com. I received the paper pattern by mail, but had to download the instructions ! Too easy, Thank you :) I now have it and love it, that's all that matters.

It's similar to Burda, where you have to add the seam allowances, the instructions are great and I haven't encountered any problems so far with the pattern it self................my iron however ~ is a different story.
I'm having the same problem with my Rowenta as Mary Beth (Thank you Mary Beth for the information :) and it was most frustrating when working with my fabric, satin back crepe, (red)!a color I never wear but absolutely love in this dress.

I'm blaming my dress not being finished on my iron :) I almost hated ironing the seams and must admit tried not to......of course I didn't follow through on that!

Even though I'm not sewing much and posting myself, I am trying to keep up with all your posts. It's great to see what you all have been sewing.

Hope you all have a wonderful week-end.

Take Care

Vogue $3.99 ~ ends Jan 1 2010

2009-12-31T20:50:00.014-04:00

~ Just a little reminder ~ Vogue (& Butterick & McCall's)

$3.99 pattern sale

or $3.59 (Vogue members)

is on until tomorrow ~ Jan 1 2010 :)

~ Happy New Year ~

2009-12-31T00:18:00.002-04:00

~ Merry Christmas ~

2009-12-23T16:24:00.005-04:00

I wish you all a safe and Happy Holiday!

Thank you so much for dropping in!

I truly appreciate your visits!

P-P-Posing in my J. Stern Jeans.....yes snow....brr

2009-12-06T19:28:00.010-04:00

This is how I wore my J.Stern jeans today....partnered with my Sandra Betzina Today's Fit Jacket ~ Vogue 8043. Yes we too got snow last night. It was a little bit chilly for an out door photo shoot :) ... but it was a very pretty sight.

Somebody else liked the snow....... just for a short while though....his little feet quickly got cold!

Bradley

J. Stern Jeans #0037 - Done.

2009-12-06T00:41:00.013-04:00

Pattern Description:

Misses Jeans
Pattern No. 0037

Available in sizes 6 - 16. Fitted jeans featuring classic 5-pocket styling
w/ optional back flap pockets, easy front fly zipper, boot leg hem and topstitching. Finished inseam 34”.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I like the style. They look similar to my favorite RTW. They are not too low but also not too high. ( Jennifer Stern also has another jean pattern # 0037W, Available in sizes 12W - 24W)

Fabric Used:

12 oz Denim.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I'd say these pretty much fit out of the envelope. After making the original muslin I ended up only adding to the hips. I made my belt loops smaller.My front fly opens opposite the instructions because when working on the zipper steps, I cut off the wrong side ...operator problem :) I embroidered a design on the back pockets and I also embroidered " J.Stern" on the back waistband. (My rivets and my button don't match because I couldn't find matching ones. I ended up using rivets from my Prym Vario Plus Kit.and the button from Fabricville.) I will find matching sets for next ones! For the waistband, I used "Pro Tailor Deluxe" interfacing, from Pam @ Sew Exciting. It is an excellent interfacing and the quality is exceptional. The waistband feels perfectly stabilized :)

My husband assisted in applying the rivets. I used the tool (pliers) from the kit and a couple of other tools :) like a nail & hammer.

I used the tip from Sandra Betzina & Ron Collins Jeans Couture Video.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I will definitely sew this pattern again and I highly recommend this pattern.

Conclusion:

I am thrilled with these jeans.They fit as well as, if not better than my Favorite RTW pair of jeans. The pattern went together extremely well. The instructions were easy to follow and if you do have problems Jennifer Stern has a blog and welcomes questions. She also adds in her pattern instructions if you have any questions or comments or require assistance to email her. That is pretty good!

Format from Pattern Review.

I'll wear these tomorrow and take better pictures. Tonight I was anxious to post them....

The "Giveaway" Winner is....

2009-11-28T14:11:00.010-04:00

from "1 seam at a Time".

Congratulations Claire!

I hope you enjoy the 3 month subscription to Sandra Betzina's Web TV-Show.

Claire, can you please send me your email address and preferred user name. (My email address is in my blog profile)

I will send it to Power Sewing and they will then send you an email which will include a temporary password to get in.

Thank You so much everyone for participating. It was allot of fun!

Have a great week end.

Giveaway * 3 months * subscription to Sandra Betzina TVShow

2009-11-21T10:39:00.035-04:00

When I subscribed to Sandra Betzina's Web TVShow, the Special Holiday offer when purchasing a 1 yr subscription is that you can give a friend the gift of a 3-Month Subscription to the Power Sewing WebTV Show!

Well I immediately thought this would make a great giveaway. I e-mailed and asked if I could do this and Karla, Sandra's assistant replied "absolutely".

The giveaway: a 3-Month Subscription to the Power Sewing WebTV Show.

The 3-Month Gift subscription will consist of:

Two shows per month (with unlimited accesss, on-demand)
The Fear of Sewing eBook
The Pants Primer ebook

To Enter:

please leave a comment to this post letting me know you'd like to participate,

and also please be a follower of my blog (to add see widget at left)

I will choose a winner on Saturday Nov 28th :)

Good Luck!

Picture from Sandra Betzina's site

You may recognize the little guy up there applauding, he is from Stitcher's Guild.

Sandra Betzina - WebTV Show

2009-11-20T22:38:00.029-04:00

Today I signed up for Sandra Betzina's Web TV Show.

(click here for TV show info)

I must say so far I think it is awesome. I love Sandra Betzina and Ron Collins. They are fun to watch and there is just so much information in their videos. I would love to one day attend their seminars.

Picture's are taken from Sandra Betzina's Website

I've also started collecting thier DVD's and have the "Jeans Couture" and "Shirts and Blouses" DVD's. They are great! What is really nice is that you can preview all the DVD's and get an idea of what's on them. They are "all"on my Wish List :)

***** Stay tuned for a Give away ****

I'll have the details posted tomorrow :)

Have a great week end!

Blogger ???? Dashboard ?????

2009-11-14T17:58:00.007-04:00

**********************************************************************************

Hi everyone. I have finally put some time into sewing my J. Stern jeans yesterday and will have pictures to post soon.

Is anyone else experiencing some funky stuff with their Blogger Dashboard???? Anyone know what is up?

I checked to see if there was some kind of maintenance going on but couldn't find anything? Hoping it won't last too long!

***********************************************************************************

DPC on Making Trousers - "Cutting out "tips

2009-10-27T20:41:00.005-03:00

I wanted to point out David Page Coffin's latest post on "cutting out" tips. I love his replacement tops idea.

A great tutorial!

................................................................................................................................................................

How Much Fabric? Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-10-17T12:23:00.002-03:00

How Much Fabric? Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Jennifer Stern Jeans 0037 - Muslin

2009-10-13T21:09:00.015-03:00

I quickly took these pictures of the jeans muslin on Monday and wasn't overly pleased with them. I figured I'd take more this week but I will have limited sewing time this week so decided I might as well just use these after all. (Muslins are so not pretty - but are so necessary)

The pattern instructions are very well written and I had no problems with them.

The pieces all went together perfectly.

The only alterations I had to make was to add 1/4" to the side seam - starting approx 1" down from the waist and 1/4" to the inseam. (I don't like my jeans overly tight- personal preference - not a pattern issue). I think if I was using a stretch denim they would be perfect with no alterations.

There is plenty of length.

I still want to tweak the fit just a little more, but overall I am thrilled how they turned out.

The fabric I used was a light weight suit fabric and I think it was too light, but I know these pants will be much better made up in a denim. I'm anxious to get them started.

Fall Colors.....

2009-10-12T16:58:00.012-03:00

Early Morning Sky......

Pretty Trees......

and Bradley

chasing leaves.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-10-11T23:27:00.004-03:00

A Jennifer Stern Weekend!

2009-10-10T21:50:00.013-03:00

Finally things are back to a fairly normal pace and I'm back in my sewing room.

I have these two patterns traced and will be starting a muslin for them both tomorrow.

First up are a pair of Jennifer Stern jeans.

Click to enlarge

and her shirt pattern. I'm making View B - with long sleeves.

Click to enlarge

Hope all are having a great week end.

Keeping in touch

2009-08-21T18:24:00.014-03:00

Serena and Duncan - ( new house) -July 2009

Every one has adjusted well to the move....so all is great!

We are still pretty busy setting up the house like we want. We are still very much in a just moved in mode - but little by little we are getting the job done!

I am making some progress with my sewing room. Instead of building a room we decided for now to use a room that is available in this house and work with what we have. There is definitely a time issue right now ,with working full time and just every day living that this works out much better. I still end up with a great room and lots of space. The previous owners used this room as their family room, so I now have a wood stove in my sewing room. I will be toasty warm this winter in my room :)

As far as "stuff"......... I cannot believe how much I have. I am grateful but I see I really need to slow down my "collection" as my husband calls it. I know I am not the only one with this issue - it is amazing how many boxes I ended up packing from my sewing room.....and I am still unpacking them and going through every- little-thing and deciding on what I'll keep and what I'll part with.

I'm actually having fun doing this sorting - once I am done I just really want to sew.

I have been trying to keep up with reading and commenting on blogs but I haven't had a great amount of time for this either. Once the house is set up I'm sure it will free up some time and all will get back to normal.

Till then........

Hope you all have time to sew!

Have a great week end!

To Facebook?...or to not Facebook?

2009-07-30T21:18:00.004-03:00

for me at this time - it is * to not *

I signed up .......and then I de-activated my account.

I'm not quite ready for Facebook :)

Right now when I have any free time I just love reading my favorite blogs and checking up on what you are all doing.

That is what I enjoy so that is what I'll do. Facebook will be for later!

Have a great week end!

All moved in

2009-07-26T20:35:00.006-03:00

Our move went well. It's just so nice to have that all behind us now.

We still have allot of boxes to unpack but that will all get done in time....not to mention that my sewing things are all in boxes and must stay in them untill my sewing room gets done....

I'm not liking that very much but I know it will be worth it.

I am behind in reading my blogs but since my computer has been up and running I have been browsing......everyone has been busy sewing and making wonderful garments.

I also joined Facebook. That is something I never thought I'd do.I just never thought I'd have time to keep up blogging and Facebook. . . ( Paco was the enabler :) To be honest it's all new to me and I'm not really sure how it all works, or if it is time consuming at all, so I'll see how that goes. It has been fun so far and there seems to be allot of of us over there :)

Hope everyone has a great week.

Moving Day......

2009-07-18T21:46:00.011-03:00

.....................on Monday!

We have been so busy the last few months selling our house and buying another one - and now our moving day is finally almost here.

(When our children were younger we read them "every" Berenstain Bears books that were out there. One of them of course was the "Berenstain Bears' Moving Day". They had subjects on everything :) and they were wonderful stories that kids loved)

Even Bradley wants in on the fun.

....not sure where I found this dog running away picture....

All is packed and waiting for the truck. One of the biggest packing jobs I (we) had was "my" sewing room.

I knew I had allot of "stuff" but this move is truly confirming this fact. Our new house does not have a sewing room ""yet" but my husband will make one as soon as he can. He assures me it will not be long.

I definitely have not been sewing for the last couple of months (well one quick skirt) but I have been enjoying reading my favorite blogs, and then more.

So for a few more weeks there will be no sewing. I am so very anxious to get settled in so everything can get back to normal.

I received my Claire Shaeffer CD this week and I have not had time to even look at it, but when I do I'll report back :)

I hope you are all having a great summer.

Happy Birthday Canada! - Bonne fête Canada!

2009-07-01T17:28:00.005-03:00

Happy 142nd Canada! -

Bon 142e anniversaire Canada!

Behind The Seams: The Shaeffer Collection Volume One: CHANEL

2009-06-27T11:00:00.009-03:00

Ready at Last!

I just ordered my copy from David Page Coffin's-

Schaeffer on Chanel site!

Pictures from Shaeffer on Chanel.

Lovely Blog Award

2009-06-20T22:03:00.006-03:00

I want to say "Thank-You" to Barrientos for giving me the Lovely Blog Award.

I have been very slow in posting this but believe me I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness.

1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.

2) Pass the award on to 5 other blogs that you've newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Attitude of Gratitude Award

2009-06-04T14:05:00.023-03:00

I wanted to check in and say "Thank you" to Cennetta for giving me this award. I truly appreciate it.

In short I have an Attitude of Gratitude because I am just so fortunate to have a wonderful family - excellent health - doing what I want to be doing, with the people I want to be with...... .............overall my life is simply "perfect"...and I am truly Grateful!

There are so many people out there who share so much of their sewing knowledge!

The following are some that I'd like to recognize:

Attitude of Gratitude - The Rules of Accepting and Sharing this Award

1. Put the logo on your blog or post
2. Nominate a few blogger's that show an attitude of gratitude
3. Link to your nominees within your post
4. Comment on their blogs to let them know they've received this award
5. Share the love and link to this post and the person who nominated you for the award.
6. Tell us how you've come to have an attitude of gratitude

Edited to add: I'd like to Thank Marie-Noelle from La Machine a Courdre for the Premio Meme Award.

Things are Slowing down .......

2009-05-28T21:37:00.004-03:00

Finally life is starting to slow down "somewhat" ..... and I am so planning (hoping) to get some sewing done this weekend.

I'm also behind in my blog reading but I am slowly getting to all my favorite blogs :)

Happy sewing to all!

Burda 7947 Skirt - Done

2009-05-18T19:16:00.013-03:00

This was a very easy skirt to make and it went together perfectly. I didn't make any fit adjustments to this pattern.

Overall I am pleased.....I like the skirt style....it is very slimming.

I like the fabric.....but ....... unfortunately I'm just not sure yet how it will wear!

Skirt Front

My fabric is a light weight jean fabric with some stretch, and I'm thinking I should have made the skirt a touch smaller to accommodate for the stretch..... I have a feeling by the end of the day it may be somewhat loose. We'll just have to see!

Skirt Back

Inside Back Yoke - label & yoke seam detail

Invisible Zipper

Once I finish the Jalie top I will post a picture of the outfit.

Taking pictures to post on a blog sounds easy enough - doesn't it? Not so...not always....not for me!

I have to say I have allot of respect for people who take pictures of their garments and they look "so" professional. ....whether they are on their forms or they are wearing them.... trying to get everything right is just not as easy as it may appear.... again to me!

I must take 50 pictures to get one right. Now I'm curious, am I too fussy or do you all go through this to get your pictures up on your blog???

Have a great week!

Burda 7947 Skirt & Jalie 2910 Top

2009-05-12T21:05:00.017-03:00

Just a quick note to check in. I hope everyone is having a great week so far.

I decided my next project would be a fairly easy and hopefully a quick one, so I picked this Burda skirt and a Jalie top.

I love the lines of this skirt.(View C). I'm making it in a very light weight jean fabric. The Jalie top will be the sleeveless one done up in a knit.

When sewing is done in short sessions, and the project is simple, it's actually exciting that you can see progress :) in one sitting. In one night I easily traced the pattern, cut out my fabric and sewn the skirt fronts. It's great :)

I met a young lady today, who just happens to make beautiful garments and I wanted to share her site with you. . . Erin drafts, designs and sews them up herself and sells these creative garments on Etsy. ... .She is very talented.... Enjoy!

Vogue 8259

2009-05-08T20:13:00.011-03:00

I want to thank you all for the very nice comments on my jacket.

Faye I'm honestly not sure how long it actually took me to make this jacket. I know I really should keep track but I never think of it. If I were to roughly add up the time I'd say it would have taken me no more than a week. (We are selling our house and buying another house and unfortunately that has taken priority over my sewing time. I'm not too upset over all this though because it will all be worth it when we are settled again in our new location.)

I know when I read other people's blogs, I like to see them wearing their finished garment, so I wanted to post a picture today of me wearing my jacket.. I didn't have a photographer handy though and had to do this task myself! Not very professional ....and approx 100 pictures later....this is actually kind of funny......I think I need to get a tripod :)

Vogue 8259 - Completed

2009-05-03T20:53:00.022-03:00

I'm thrilled to finally have this jacket done. I love it. It is so comfortable and I love the fit. The time I took to make the sway back alterations on the muslin paid off. I think this is the best fitting jacket I made so far.

Pattern Review- Jacket Vogue 8259:
Pattern Description:

MISSES’/MISSES’ PETITE JACKET:

Semi-fitted, partially interfaced, lined jacket, below waist has princess seams (no side seams), stand collar, patch pockets, long three-piece sleeves with buttoned vents and purchased trim. A: couture construction techniques, quilting details, contrast front and sleeve facings, collar lining.

Pattern Sizing:

SIZES

- 6

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

The outside of the jacket did look like the model on the envelope. I made View B and made some changes from this view, but overall yes it looked like the pattern should.
Were the instructions easy to follow?

The instructions were very well written. There are "Claires Hints" all thru the pattern. I've done most of the couture techniques in this pattern however the sleeve method was new to me. I loved the construction of the sleeve/cuff. One construction step that was a little confusing was attaching the sleeve/lining to the jacket. I could not wrap my head around these instructions (step #41 & 42), so I just did it my way. (It just appeared that the steps were reversed. Even in reversing the steps it was awkward setting the sleeve lining in, but I did it.)

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I love the style. The fit is the best I've made so far. I love the sleeve/cuffs.

Cuff Inside view

Fabric Used:

Bouclé, and satin back crepe for the lining.

Bound Button hole

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made.

1- I made a sway back adjustment and I took in pretty much every seam. I could have made a size smaller.

2-I underlined every piece with fusible knit tricot interfacing and also added hair canvas to the front and did pad-stitching to the front pieces.

3- I made bound buttonholes. My fabric was a very loose bouclé and I had some trouble with the buttonholes. I made my test buttonholes and the fabric was fraying /tearing around the buttonhole stitches. (Making the bound buttonholes with organza and using a 1.5 stitch worked great)

4- I made a front facing

5- I added a chain to the hem.

Padstitching

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I definitely will sew it again. Next time making View A with the quilted lining. I definitely recommend this pattern.
Conclusion. This is a great Claire Schaeffer pattern.

Final inspection

****************************************************************************

Pattern for Smartness 1948 - Simplicity Video

2009-04-22T13:46:00.008-03:00

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I couldn't help myself............I had to share this find from youtube.

Enjoy! ;)

Part (1)

Part (2)

My Run-4-Fun

2009-04-20T18:53:00.011-03:00

I love running - and it's that time of year when the weather is great and I can start running outside. I enjoy that so much more than running in the inside track. I do run inside all winter but for some reason I don't keep track of the distance I run. Over the summer months I like to see how much I actually run.

I think these little graphical trackers from The Ticker Factory are great, so I'm using it again this year.

I've set my goal / guess-timate :) for 1000 km's from now till end October. We'll see how that works out.

Update - Behind The Seams: The Shaeffer Collection Volume One: CHANEL

2009-04-13T14:33:00.007-03:00

I had posted about Claire Shaeffer's Behind The Seams: The Shaeffer Collection Volume One: CHANEL - CD in Feb....... so I thought I'd share this information with you!

David Coffin left a comment on my Feb post today saying that .... "this project has been so delayed; Claire's just been too busy to nail down! But I'm optimistic that we'll be ready to go soon, like in the next month or 6 weeks"…

He also said ....." this is a collection of high-quality still images with text, not a video, and there's many hundreds of them, way more than could ever be put in a book"......

Thank you so much for taking the time to pass on this information Mr Coffin. I truly appreciate the update.

I am really looking forward to this CD..... so now I know .... 4- 6 more weeks :)

Happy Sewing!

True or False....12 mins & 50 secs to make a pair of jeans?

2009-04-08T13:01:00.016-03:00

Those who read my blog probably know that I love instructional videos :) and finding good sewing information sites.

There is allot of talk on blogs lately on making jeans. How appropriate, I came across this video on YouTube.

Now I know I've seen this years ago..... and many of you also may have seen it on the show "How it's Made".

I think it's so interesting.

This company makes 1500 pairs of jeans a day. ....and it's True.....a pair of jeans takes them.....

........12 minutes and 50 secs............

Update report!

2009-04-08T09:53:00.014-03:00

When I'm short on time, and have to do stop and go type sewing, I really don't like that kind of sewing! It just feels like the project doesn't step forward ........ quick enough :)

I came across a cute saying and it kind of sums up how I feel about spending so much time working right now......

"Born to Sew...Forced to Work"

Having said that...... my V8259 jacket is actually coming along, which is somewhat encouraging. I'll try and have pictures up by tomorrow.

I do like working with Claire Shaeffer's pattern so far. The instructions are well written and easy to follow.

I've received my Jalie patterns and my jean Fabric from Fabric.com. I washed and dried the fabric 3 times before I liked the feel of it. (definitely do not wash this fabric with anything else....the dye runs..... but still very nice fabric.

Hope everyone else is getting some quality sewing time in :)

My newest Sewing Room Notion

2009-03-21T19:12:00.025-03:00

My husband and daughter saw this shoe tape dispenser at our local Staples store- and they thought it would be just too perfect for my sewing room...... I love it!

I'm very"slowly" making progress on my Vogue 8259 jacket .

Pieces are all interfaced.......pad stitching done ....

and pockets ready to be hand sewn on.

I hope to get more done tomorrow. It will be nice to finish this jacket so I can start on summer clothes....like this one of many I want to make.....

from Patrones #278. There are so many beautiful patterns in this issue.

(Thank you so much Paco).

I'm happy to say that my Jalie patterns have been shipped. They were not supposed to be released till Mar 24th, but I got my shipping notice on the 19th :) For those not familiar with Jalie, when you order (from their site), 3 patterns you receive a fourth free. I ordered three new patterns and my fourth I chose the pants patterm # 2107 for my husband. I also ordered my stretch denim from Fabric.com for the jeans pattern #2908.

....and last but not least, a picture of my "boys" keeping me company in my sewing room! Bradley happy as can be sleeping very comfortably on Duncan.

New Jalie Patterns

2009-03-13T22:03:00.020-03:00

Following pictures taken form Jalie site.

The New Jalie Collection is Available for Pre-Order.

I pre-ordered mine today. They are due out Mar 24th.

I just love the neckline and the little mandarin collar on the Faux Wrap Top-2910.

Sisterhood Award Pass it On

2009-03-04T19:45:00.008-04:00

Thank you so very much Marjie and Lindsay for this Sisterhood Award. There are so many great blogs out there and I can spend way too much time browsing, but I do love reading blogs :) and seeing what everyone is making.

As I said for the Kreativ Blog Award, I would just like to pick everyone from my side bar, because they are all wonderful blogs!

The rules of this award are:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post .

2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!

3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.

4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received your award.

1. Ana Carina - Os Meus Projectos de Moda

2. Ana's Closet

3. Ann- Gorgeous Fabrics Blog

4. Anne - Le Mani D'oro

5. Birgitte - Bubblegum 4 Breakfast

6. Summerset - Pins and Needles

7. Deepika - Curtains to Coats

8. Diana - Sew Passionista

9. Faye's Sewing Adventures

10. Tany - Couture et Tricot

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Vogue 8259 - Trims & Buttons -Blues

2009-03-01T15:27:00.012-04:00

** Thank you so much Birgitte, Anne, Lindsay and Paco for your help and offers. I truly appreciate your thoughtfulness :)

After yesterday's post, I've been playing around - allot - with the white trim and also making trim from the bouclé fabric, however I didn't come up with anything I liked.

I had these buttons and trim for another project, and when I tried them with this blue/white bouclé fabric, well I kind-a like it :)

The trim is a variegated color that actually blends very nicely. When the light reflects on the buttons, the blue of the bouclé fabric comes out in the buttons!

The buttons look goldish in the picture (on my screen), however they are actually an antiqued looking silver.

Fabric,trim and buttons all seem to just fit together! I'm happy. Now I can carry on :)

Blue/ White Bouclé Jacket- Vogue 8259 - Trim & Buttons & Claire Shaeffer CD

2009-02-28T19:27:00.016-04:00

I finally found some trim and buttons today.....but I must say I'm not totally thrilled with my find....but it was what I could find. I really only have the "one" place to go to, to choose trims and buttons, and although it is pretty good most times, it definitely is not like Lindsay's go to places in NYC's Garment District :)

I was truly hoping to find trim to match the blue in my fabric, but that was just not happening! So I'm a little disappointed - but white trim and buttons was just my only way to go! Hoping when all is done it will look beautiful!!

I'm leaning to the #1 choice, but will decide when the time comes to apply the trim.

**************************************************************************************

I thought I'd share this information because I know there are some of you,just like me, who are patiently waiting for this CD:

Behind The Seams: The Shaeffer Collection Volume One: CHANEL -

I emailed David Coffin today asking when the CD would be available to purchase and from where, and this is what he wrote back:

I'm sorry this has been delayed, but it WILL soon be available. It's essentially done and just needs some details tweaked so that Claire and I are completely happy with it, which we're working on as we speak. Claire will be selling it, and I'm sending her a copy of this so you can get on her announce list. She's here:

sewfari@earthlink.net

(It's a CD-ROM, btw; not a DVD; amazingly, it all fits on a CD!)

Thanks for asking, we're hard at work!

Best,

David Coffin

I didn't realize there was an announce list, might be a good idea to get your name on this list :)

*************************************************************************************

Blue/ White Bouclé Jacket- Vogue 8259

2009-02-24T19:33:00.057-04:00

I have been slowly getting thru my little fitting marathon with this jacket! Luckily they are not major adjustments, just time consuming, with allot of pinning/unpinning and trying the muslin on...... and off..............to get that perfect fit!The back was mainly the problem area.

The jacket back has 2 pieces, main back piece and a side back. This gave me lots of seams to adjust the fit, but I did end up making adjustments on pretty much every seam, front and back!

There was way to much fabric at the lower back and mid back. I made a double sway back adjustment, which were two dart-tucks tapering to nothing at side seams. This adjustment made the back hem pull up, so when I transferred all the adjustments to my paper pattern I added length to the back and straightened the grain line.

I also had to take in the center back, side seams and front seams (under the bust only).

1st muslin

* I made a 2nd muslin, no sleeves, to confirm that the adjustments were alright.

I was happy with the fit.

There is still some minor tweaking that needs to be done, but I'll make those on the fabric.

Instructional Videos & More

2009-02-12T19:25:00.060-04:00

This is a post of some of the sites that have instructional videos or sewing information, for future reference and easy access. There are so many available, but these are just "some" that I like to check out. (I'll just keep adding them as I find more)

Brigham Young University

Collar Clamp Tool - "Off the Cuff" how to tutorial

David Coffin - includes Marcy & Katherine Tilton, Kayla Kennington,Kathryn Brenne videos.

DIY Network

DIY Network -Sewing

Get Creative

HGTV

Husqvarna- The Sewing Room - Sewing Projects - Free Monthly Projects

Jennifer Stern - Tee shirt pattern
- Fly Front

Claire Kennedy - Basic Fitting Video

Linda Macphee Workshops

New Mexico State University

OTIS College - Tailored Jacket Construction Technique - YouTube

Other OTIS College videos : "OTIS Fashion Design Department" , Basic Hand Stitching, Invisible Zipper, Lap Zipper, Railroad Zipper.

Otis College - Mariano Fortuny

Pants- Tapering Widening Pants (Threads Mag Site)

Quilters TV

Sandra Betzina - Flat Fly-Front Zipper
- Fly Front Threads article

Sewing.org

Sewing with Nancy

Sewing with Nancy (Public TV)

Sew on TV

Smartflix

Sew Much More - Susan Khajle

Sewing Tutorials - Sigrid

Threads Magazine

Threads - Tapering or Widening Pants

Neckline Binding - knits- Sarah Veblen

Turtle Neck - knits- Sarah Veblen

Sarah Veblen - Making and Using a muslin and Straightening the Grain

Sarah Veblen- Site

Sandra Betzina - YouTube

Power Sewing - The online Show About Sewing - Sandra Betzina

SulkyPower Sewing - Web TV Show - Sandra Betzina

Hot Patterns -YouTube

Hot Patterns -YouTube

Fashion Schools - Canadian

New Background

2009-02-08T16:59:00.005-04:00

Not much sewing going on however I have been playing around with backgrounds to see which one I like best.

At this moment I'm thinking I'll stay with this one.

Thank You to Belinda at Sew4Fun for sharing "the cutest blog on the block" site.

Wordel - Fun

2009-02-07T23:09:00.018-04:00

Try Wordle :) for some fun.

See what words you use most in your posts!

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Ann -Jalie 2794

2009-02-07T21:25:00.014-04:00

Ann -Jalie 2794

Originally uploaded by Ann's Fashion Studio

I must tell you that these Jalie tops are "so" comfortable!

This is the top that does not have the altered (raised) neckline.

I find it is low, but with a camisole it is just right!

Edited: I wanted to mention that I cut the neckline bands as per pattern pieces, but for this top, applied them using the Sarah Veblen technique.

Another one of her videos available is her turtle neck application. (I'm posting them here for future references.)

Vogue 1086

2009-02-07T21:12:00.016-04:00

I have been patiently waiting for my local fabric store to bring the new Vogue patterns out. I was thrilled to see them in the cabinets today so -

I bought Vogue 1086 today.

When I first saw this pattern on the Vogue site, I knew I had to have it. It's a gorgeous dress and I'm very anxious to make it.

Now - I must ponder what fabric to use!

Hope you are all having a wonderful week end :)

For Mom - Serena

2009-02-07T21:01:00.016-04:00

I Posted a picture of Duncan, my handsome DS ,(for Denise), now here is one of Serena, (my beautiful DD) - for you Momm :)

Serena

Originally uploaded by Ann's Fashion Studio

.

Sweetheart Top #2 *Jalie 2794

2009-01-31T23:07:00.016-04:00

Jalie 2794 - Sweetheart Top, Jan 31 2009 Originally uploaded by Ann's Fashion Studio

Another Jalie 2794 Sweetheart Top.

I raised the neckline by 1-1/4", and this is a much better fit for me.

This is such a pretty top and fits very nicely.

I'm thrilled with the fit and I'm thinking of making another one already!

I will wear the #1 Sweetheart Top, with a camisole, however this one will be my TNT Pattern.

Deer - in Our Back Yard!

2009-01-28T18:50:00.018-04:00

These friendly deer have been visiting our back yard lately.....but only to eat our hedges and the bird food!!

I was quick enough today to get a picture of them before they ran off :)

Click on image to in large

Sweetheart Top #1 * Jalie 2794

2009-01-27T15:50:00.014-04:00

I have been wanting to make this top for as long as the pattern has been out (2007) and now that I have - I love it! It is such a pretty top.

There are so many wonderful reviews written up at Pattern Review on this top and I think I've had the same success as everyone else who has made it. For my first one I wanted to see how the fit would be without alterations to the pattern, so I didn't make any- (other than making full length sleeves). Many reviewed that the neckline was low. I figured that would be an issue for me too. I'm thrilled to say, that this is the "only" change I will make, is in the neckline, as I do find it somewhat low. I am very happy with the overall fit of this top, ( l will post a picture wearing it).

I plan on making another one as soon as I finish this post and I will raise the neckline.

The fabric I used is a knit I bought at Tissus Claudiany in Quebec. (Does it look familiar?)

I'm sure you have all seen the Sewing Article: "Best Patterns for 2008" by Diane Egelston at Pattern Review. It's a very interesting article.

Jalie 2794 was the # 1 Pattern!

Kreativ Blogger - Award

2009-01-25T21:16:00.020-04:00

This Kreativ Blogger Award has been making it's way around and so many deserving people have received it. Alviana and Aminat nominated my blog! Thank you so very much Alviana and Aminat. I appreciate this very much! I visit so many wonderful blogs and I enjoy every single one that is on my side bar and then + some. These are the ones I'd like to nominate this Award to.

1. Paco - Paco Peralta
2. Tany - Couture et Tricot
3. Diana - Sew Passionista
4. Julia -Julia's Sewing Blog
5. Marjie - Modern Day Ozzie and Harriet
6. Lucia - Cafe Couture
7. Shannon - Hungry Zombie Couture

and I' d love to just keep on going..............

These are the Rules and Responsibilities--

1. Copy the award to your site.

2. Link to the person from whom you received the award.

3. Nominate 7 other bloggers.

4. Link to those on your blog.

5. Leave a message on the blogs you nominated.

Ann's Fashion Studio

Silhouette Sweater Pattern # 195

Had a really fun day :)

Sewing & Stitchery Expo

Merry Christmas!

Creative Sensation!

Doubly Fun !!

What I've really been up to!

Sew many things to do...sew little time....

My Fabulous Finds!

Pumpkin Patch!

Fun Pumpkins to Make!

Sites I`ve enjoyed this week

Frogs & Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

A new Serger for "Me"

coverlock™ 4.0 - Sew like a pro!

I wonder "Why" did 'Dial Textile'.....

Hello!

Welcome Home Kyle!

Next up ~ Silhouette Patterns # 241 & 3400

Work + Baby = No Sewing

Baby has arrived!

Get a Grip...

Baby "stuff"!

Fabric Bread Basket - Store bought

Barcelona Blouse ~ Completed

Happy New Year!

I have been doing a little bit of Sewing...

Kyle was on the news :)

Merry Christmas!

Early Christmas Supper

White Shirt Project - 1st Pattern

White Shirt Project

Lady and the Tramp

"Thank You Angela"

*** Fabric source Found ***

~ Fabric Search ~

My Little Red Dress - Picture promised .....

Grammy & Grampy! :) ~ & My new Sewing Room "Toys" ~

ÜBERLIGHT 8000C LED TASK LIGHT

My B-Day!

Two New to me Sites!

My Little Red Dress - Finished

Back Yard Visitors !

* Shoes of Prey *

Checking In

My Little Red Dress ~ Neue Mode ~ 22471

Vogue $3.99 ~ ends Jan 1 2010

~ Happy New Year ~

~ Merry Christmas ~

P-P-Posing in my J. Stern Jeans.....yes snow....brr

J. Stern Jeans #0037 - Done.

The "Giveaway" Winner is....

Giveaway * 3 months * subscription to Sandra Betzina TVShow

Sandra Betzina - WebTV Show

Blogger ???? Dashboard ?????

DPC on Making Trousers - "Cutting out "tips

How Much Fabric? Card GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Jennifer Stern Jeans 0037 - Muslin

Fall Colors.....

Happy Thanksgiving!

A Jennifer Stern Weekend!

Keeping in touch

To Facebook?...or to not Facebook?

All moved in

Moving Day......

Happy Birthday Canada! - Bonne fête Canada!

Behind The Seams: The Shaeffer Collection Volume One: CHANEL

Lovely Blog Award

Attitude of Gratitude Award

Things are Slowing down .......

Burda 7947 Skirt - Done

Burda 7947 Skirt & Jalie 2910 Top

Vogue 8259

Vogue 8259 - Completed

Pattern for Smartness 1948 - Simplicity Video

My Run-4-Fun

Update - Behind The Seams: The Shaeffer Collection Volume One: CHANEL

True or False....12 mins & 50 secs to make a pair of jeans?

Update report!

* Fabric source Found *

Sisterhood Award Pass it On