Well Howdy

Wait till you see what I've been up to! Its not sewing, or painting, or hammering, or really house related at all (Eric's not happy about that or the stack of dishes in the sink.)

Before--Just like Twirl Together. Plain with the very basic template.

After:
Go HERE to see it in real life.

I've been stumbling through the wonderful world of HTML and CSS. I've wanted to change the look of my personal blog ever since I started it. But, lets be honest. My knowledge of code is about that of a three year old. I know its there and it makes this internet stuff work but that's about it.

Paying someone to do it for me was out of the question. Luckily we have the all mighty Google. Want to know how to change the background? Google it! Directions magically appear. So that's what I've been doing the past three days. Believe me there were a lot of mistakes made. But, I'm pretty happy with the results for now. There's still a couple things I'd like to add but they can wait for now.

Hope your week is going well!

Pot 'o Soup Quilt

That's what I've affectionately coined this one. I think there's about 11 different fabrics in it and it's crib size. This was finished in July but I've just gotten pictures of it. I'm always so excited to give them to the recipient that I forget to take them myself. Luckily my friend who I gave this to, for her new little guy, found a moment to take these for me.

When putting together her new nursery my friend's plan was to use lots of color. LOTS. So I followed suit in choosing this design or her. There is a quilting computer program available that will let you layout your design and fabric choices before cutting and sewing anything. I, however, rely on my trusty color pencil set to figure out what I'm going to do. I usually start with the backing fabric and choose fabrics for the front, sashing, and binding from there. The hardest part about this was to decide which colors would go where and what design of block to do. I admit I redid one row after laying out the pieces. The tones just were not right. Luckily I had leftovers and was able to quickly piece together new blocks to finish the top.

It's hand quilted in a double diamond pattern and the lovely crinkles are from the 100% cotton batting I always use. I refuse to use synthetic because the cotton just washes beautifully and you end up with gorgeous results each time. I think that's all. If you have any questions let me know!

Almost time!

Remember this? Well, finally after weeks of waiting, the furniture arrives in just 3 short days. I am so excited, like a kid at Christmas! I will definately post pictures once it is assembled and ready to go!

Slacker Stacey is at it again....

Let's start with this: I hate my job. No, that's not true. I hate HAVING a job. I could find much more useful and creative things to do with my time than work. I could bake all day long, sew, and even take pictures (which I haven't had a chance to do since we moved :( ). But instead, it is currently my "I am slammed till November" busy time at work and feel like I can't breathe!

There are so many projects I want to work on! Remember this from a few weeks ago? Still waiting to be cut out.

Or how about the rest of the house that needs curtains? Still waiting to be cut out.

I have a pattern for an A-line dress - no time to shop for fabric :(

I don't even have time to do this blog - I just happen to be at work early and am sneaking it in.

So, I apologize that Slacker Stacey is at it again. Hopefully in the next week or two she can get back to Super Crafty Stacey. :)

How'd the belt turn out?

See here.

What I've been doing

Four days, four days gone. All because of this.

Oh you may look innocent simplicity vintage pattern 8033, but I've seen your ugly side and I have evidence. I chose pattern view A-the sleeveless dress. Cute simple A-line. Materials accounted for: 3 yards main fabric, 3 yards lining, 22in invisible zipper, and thread. What do you get after slaving over washing, ironing, cutting, and sewing? Let's see...

Oh the horror! Photos courtesy of the iphone. Which, in low light 10pm "oh my word I have to email these to my mom on the west coast I need help!" panic did not turn out great. But you see what I'm talking about, right? That's a whole lot of fabric on a petite frame batman. "But it's not belted?" you say. Well you're right. Let's give the dress the benefit of the doubt and show it similar to the photo on the pattern cover.

See?! Not so innocent are we dress. Although...I wonder how the husband feels about being Peter Pan for Halloween? So what to do? Obviously it would look better a little more like this:

It's time to lay her flat, say a prayer and cut. I thought I had her beat. I won! A dress, that fits, how simple simplicity 8033. Lower V neck, new armholes, zipper removed, seams resewn shut.

But she wasn't done fighting yet. This is what was handed to me:

Something went askew here. Bunching folds just aren't cute. I tore out (all that work!) the side seam to let it "fall" where it wanted to, hopefully, removing the folds. But, that didn't work. Actually, it got worse so this dress found a new home in a bag, put in a box, all the way in the other room where we can enjoy some time apart. Perhaps someday we'll meet again and I will win. Whether its a dress or a skirt Simplicity 8033 something will be salvaged from you.

Until next time dress...

Word to the Wise

Two points:

1. When making a belt the fabric should be cut on the bias. Unless,
that is, you like belts that stick out from your side.

2. When cutting fabric on the bias do not fold said fabric in order to
cut multiple layers at once and/or have it fit on your cutting
surface. By doing so you will end up with zig zags, not strips.

My wisdom to you tonight.

Skirt Project

Built by me using a Built by Wendy pattern. While in Portland the husband bought me this book. I spent an afternoon this weekend putting together this skirt after waiting for additional material to arrive. My initial thought was to add a sash to the waist somewhat like these dresses at Anthropologie. However, after the heavy swearing and work it took to get this skirt to come together I decided this was enough and it was time to move on to the next project.

The sizing on this pattern was a **little** off. Following measurements it should have fit. But, the waist hit way up on my ribcage and the hips were SO tight. In order to make it fit I had to roll the waist down 6-7 inches and create the elastic waist band. Does that make sense? I'm really glad I didn't try to put in a zipper this time. I'll save that until I can adjust the pattern to fit. I think next time I'm just going to follow this tutorial when I want to make an elastic waist skirt.

And a bad picture of it on. I really do like it though. It's a nice casual skirt.

Vintage Plaid Skirt

Vintage Plaid Skirt
Originally uploaded by jtothee

I made a stop today at the Nearly New Shop in Atlanta since I was in the area. I scored big I think--vintage plaid skirt, high-waist, leather belt, pleated in front. Reminds me of a 1950s skirt. i bought it thinking I'd chop it off but I'm kind of loving it now. I cannot get enough of plaid right now. I think this will hold me over until I find a plaid dress to love.

By the way. This weekend's goal: Big Full Size Mirror.

If you come to Atlanta...

photo.jpg
Originally uploaded by jtothee

these will be yours!

In all seriousness, what do you think of the flag? Didn't have birthday candles but I always have scrapbooking paper. btw...these are so so good. Red Velvet, Peanut Butter Chocolate Hi tops, and Italian Cream Cake.

Lots of cutting and organizing going on here. I planned on making two dresses for our anniversary trip and then I realized that was next weekend. So we'll see...

$4.95 later...

Right now is the first time in about a week I have had longer than 5 min. to sit and peruse the internet. Thanks to your 2 minutes of etsy-ing, you found me a great pattern for a clothespin bag. I chose this pattern, and with a few clicks of the mouse, it was delivered within hours to my inbox! I have not yet chose a fabric; I have several great ones stashed away that I buy when they are on sale. (BTW, this is not really a good idea, becuase when you go to use it, it seems as though you never bought quite enough). Something bright and colorful for sure; maybe even a retro print, which is a genre I am madly in love with right now.

Speaking of Etsy-ing, my friend has her own shop on Esty, if you ever want to check it out. She makes all kinds of custom designed note cards, invitations, etc. Her company is Behind the Scene Design. She created not only my wedding invitations, but many, many others for our friends. Very talented chica! I am 95% finished on a clutch I have created for her...I just need to finish that rouched flower and I can post about it!

Store bought vs. Homemade

Back to curtains...it seems these days it's all I have time for. I promise after October 17th, I plan to delve into much more complex projects. In one week, I have a 2day, 150 mile fundraising bike ride to put on for work that is consuming SO MUCH of my time. Very stressful, yet fun at the same time.

Back to the curtains. We needed something to cover our bathroom window becuause my husband is so tall, he was afraid people were seeing his naked chest (why that matters, I'm not sure). I told him I would find something. I didn't want it to be too bulky becuase our bathroom is light and airy. I had gone to the fabric store and purchased some sheer clearance fabric to get me buy until I found what I really wanted. Last weekend, Lance and I were shopping and I drug him to Bed, Bath and Beyond so he could pick out bathroom curtains and feel like he was part of the process. He picked out a great sheer fabrick with a diamond design and decorative edging.

Just like this!

Except they were designed for an 84" high window. Obviously that was not appropriate for our bathroom, so since I liked the fabric so much, I just bought a panel (with a coupon, of course!) and brought it home to modify to the right size. So, I just finished them and they turned out like this:

It is jsut one panel, so you can't really open these curtains. I probably should have 2 panels to make it look "proper" but I think having just the one is just right for this window. I doubt I will go back and purchase another. It has a slight gather and its not like I intend on frequently opening it to see out - it is, after all, the bathroom.

I don't think I would have been able to find something this perfect if I had just soley gone to a fabric store. I am always excited to modify something storebought!

Sophia's Dress

Well after Sunday night's disastrous sewing attempt I needed something with quick results and satisfaction. I started with this tutorial and followed the 2T sizing with a bit of adjustment. I'm hoping the proportions are right. We'll see once my model gets her hands on it.



This was super fun to make and my first time using elastic. The fabric (all 1/2 yard of it) was something in my stash that was already washed and ready to go. I made the top too long (I actually forgot to cut that dimension, oops). That's when I decided to add the casing to the waist using this as inspiration. It's a lot of fun sewing little kid clothes. The best part is trying new things because even if its a complete disaster you're out very little fabric.

Mail's Here!

**Look** at what came in the mail yesterday....



Vintage fabric-covered belt kits I found on Etsy. What did I tell you? That is the place to go when you need to find something. I think that the larger belt buckle will be good for making a belt to go with this blouse. Hopefully I can finish it in time for this weekend! The other one? Well, I'm sure I'll think of something...