tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-288559192024-03-15T01:47:50.544-08:00Vintage ThreadsCharityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018974052435209730noreply@blogger.comBlogger440125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28855919.post-80738616131487200512009-01-22T13:47:00.002-09:002009-01-22T13:50:36.692-09:00Do It Again?I've had quite a few inquiries asking if I will repeat the project for 2009. Unfortunately...no. This was quite an undertaking and I don't think I'm ready to turn around and get started right away on another yearlong marathon. :) The goals I set for 2009 are more personal, some fitness and athletic goals I want to see fulfilled before my 50th birthday in 2010. I'll post about that in another month or so. <br /><br />I owe you all one more picture which I hope to post soon. A photo of all the boxes on their way out at the post office! And then I hope we will have a photo or something to post from the orphanage when the packages arrive.<br /><br />Big thanks again!<br /><br />CharityCharityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018974052435209730noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28855919.post-61593811498930260102009-01-22T12:54:00.004-09:002009-01-22T13:05:43.818-09:00And the final count...is 103!Here they all are in all their glory! Thanks to everyone who helped. You all have been exceedingly generous. I could not have completed this project without you. I will let you know when they have arrived at the orphanage and forward any communication received. Again, blessings to all. May your kindness be returned to you a hundredfold.<br /><br /><br />This photo doesn't really show just how many skirts there are. They are piled about six deep! You all did a great job! Everything is just beautiful.<br /><img src=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/IMGP0060.jpg width=800><br /><br />Hugs!<br /><br />CharityCharityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018974052435209730noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28855919.post-37530242446998787142009-01-06T11:10:00.003-09:002009-01-06T11:15:06.149-09:00Last, But Not Least...Sharon's Skirts!Sharon of <a href="http://sharonsews.blogspot.com/">Sharon Sews</a> sent in these six delightful skirt sets. Each was beautifully packaged with satin ribbons and handmade tags. I wish the photos were better. It's still bitter cold here at 10 degrees below zero. I'm stuck with indoor photograpy which, as you can see, is not my strong suit. These skirts are even more adorable than the photos depict. Stop in over at <a href="http://sharonsews.blogspot.com/">Sharon's blog</a> and give her kudos for her generous gift.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/sharon7.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/sharon6.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/sharon5.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/sharon3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/sharon4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/sharon2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/sharon1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />With this batch, we are DONE with our Hundred Skirt Project. I have to buy a few tees more and then add those to the box. Then it's simply a matter of addressing and taking it away to the post office. I will share pics of all the skirts in mass and the box once I get the last few things ready to go! <br /><br />CharityCharityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018974052435209730noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28855919.post-57359091852510788352008-12-30T16:20:00.006-09:002008-12-30T16:50:01.241-09:00Scads of Beautiful, Fun Skirts!We are almost there, ladies! A ton more skirts came in this last week so pull up a chair and get comfortable. I received word of two more skirts on their way and I'm finishing up about 6 more here. I think that will put us at goal. I'm hoping to get these mailed to Guatemala by the end of this week. I have to shop for a couple of dozen tops for some skirts that came in without, but after that we should be ready to ship!<br /><br />I was blessed to pieces to receive these ELEVEN skirts from Sally. Sally sells children's clothing on Ebay. You can see her work and visit her <a href="http://cgi3.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewUserPage&userid=emerald_door">seller page HERE</a>. They are all beautifully made with sturdy mock flatfell seams, perfect topstitching and fun pockets or ruffles. The fabrics are cheerful and soft, which will appeal to the young girls.<br /><br />So...here they all are...Please excuse the poor pictures. I had to shoot indoors as it is 20 degrees below zero outside. The lighting is poor. I'm sorry the photos don't do Sally's beautiful and generous gifts justice.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/sally2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/sally4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/sallyskirt1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/sallyskirt3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/sallyskirt4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/sallyskirt6.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/sallyskirt9.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/sallyskirt7.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/sallyskirt10.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/sallyskirt12.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/skirtsally8.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />And these two skirts were sent in from Elaine. You can visit her blog by clicking <a href="http://goodworks1.wordpress.com/">HERE.</a> You can also visit Elaine on her <a href="http://goodworks1.com/store/customer/home.php">business website.</a> They are lovely cotton knits. One has tie-dyed stars. She has embellished the bottom row with rhinestones. The other is a fun green and purple rugby stripe with generous pockets in the sideseams. These were sent in much needed large sizes. I didn't want the Plus-sized girls at the orphanage to get left out. Elaine also included a cash gift to help with international shipping. Very thoughtful! Thank you so much, Elaine! <br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/elaineskirts1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/elaineskirt2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I only have a few more to post - as soon as they are completed and then we will be shipping soon. I will post one last photo of all the skirts in their baggies ready to go! And one of me at the post office mailing them away!! <br /><br />Thanks to everyone who has been part of this project. We're almost there!Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018974052435209730noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28855919.post-4998851846739140742008-12-16T15:50:00.006-09:002008-12-20T14:47:53.412-09:00More Skirts Arrive!Six beautiful skirt sets arrived in the mail today. From Tammy Kniegge in nearby Anchorage. I will take pics and post tomorrow as it is already dark here in Alaska. Tammy did a beautiful job on the skirts. Each has a t-shirt and a special touch either on skirt or shirt. These skirts were received with much joy as the deadline is looming and I was getting nervous about making it on time! These new arrivals put us at 82 skirts received and ready to ship! Thank you SOOO much, Tammy. I will post pics tomm. as soon as possible.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/tamsskrits.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=700></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/100_0721.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=700></a><br /><br />CharityCharityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018974052435209730noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28855919.post-45275298332275822862008-12-16T10:31:00.004-09:002008-12-16T10:40:58.839-09:00Heirloom Photo PillowI'm currently working on an heirloom photo pillow. It is decidedly Victorian in flavor in soft shades of gold and ivory. A lace-framed tulle pocket provides a spot to tuck in a favorite photo, wedding invitation or vintage postcard. It's completed except for the stuffing and embellishment, some hand-beading, a few pearls, silk flowers, tassels, etc. It's a Christmas present for someone who will remain unnamed lest she read my blog before December 25th. I'll post a pic as soon as I get the handwork done and a decent photo taken. <br /><br />In the meantime, here are some pretty pillows found online.<br /><br /><img src=http://www.victoriantrading.com/store/catalogimages/19t/19t133.jpg><br /><br /><img src=http://www.thebellacottage.com/images/productImages/HDPLDW1026e8b27c4185553599.00e8b27c4185553599.JPG><br /><br />And some past pillows of my own...<br /><br /><img src=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/icepillowtop.jpg><br /><br /><img src=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/fallchic5-1.jpg><br /><br /><img src=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/nurseryred2.jpg><br /><br /><img src=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/violets002.jpg><br /><br /><br /><br />CharityCharityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018974052435209730noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28855919.post-54092642103166256992008-12-15T15:29:00.005-09:002008-12-15T16:49:13.826-09:00Tonight's DinnerI have been experimenting with gluten-free cooking as well as some fat-free, sugar-free, dairy-free cooking. We have a variety of health issues going on in our home at the moment. Which makes meal planning a real thrill. I thought I'd share tonight's dinner. We had <a href="http://fabgrandma.blogspot.com/2007/12/moms-gluten-free-meatloaf.html">gluten-free meatloaf </a>(I substituted crumbs from <a href="http://www.glutenfree.com/Ener-G-Seattle-Brown-Bread/Item952010">Seattle Brown Bread</a>). We also had roasted red potatoes spiced with rosemary, paprika, garlic, onion salt and a few bay leaves. A garden salad, Normandy vegetables and gluten-free, sugar-free brownies (substituted xylitol for the sugar) rounded out the meal. Since I was a bit worried about how the meal would actually taste (being new to all this), a little camouflage seemed in order. I thought I'd distract with a pretty table setting...<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/100_0715.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018974052435209730noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28855919.post-74201186434702035772008-12-13T19:09:00.003-09:002008-12-13T19:16:29.715-09:00Wool Felt Christmas OrnamentsI made this set of wool felt ornaments while watching the John Adams mini-series. I like to have a little hand-sewing to do while relaxing in the evenings...<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/100_0707.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=600></a>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018974052435209730noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28855919.post-90589197380028388802008-12-13T09:07:00.006-09:002008-12-13T12:04:21.012-09:00Christmas Gift IdeaHere's another Christmas gift idea. I made a little notecard set from a vintage Dr. Seuss book. I simply used spray craft glue to adhere the illustrations to the front of a blank notecard. I bought a a set of 8 notecards at a local thrift store, new in shrink wrap for next to nothing. I lined the envelopes as well. But the fun part is the little folder. To make it, I simply ripped the entire inside pages out of a hardcover vintage Dr. Seuss book. I then covered the bare spot where the pages had been with a strip of paper cut from the end papers so it would match the inside of the cover. Then I glued a strip of ribbon across the middle of the book leaving long ends loose at the edges in order to tie the folder closed. I packaged the cards in sets of four and tied them with matching ribbon. A fun presentation for a vintage children's book lover!<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/059.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=600></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/056.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=600></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/057.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=600></a><br /><br /><br />CharityCharityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018974052435209730noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28855919.post-8276994995501864642008-12-12T08:46:00.004-09:002008-12-12T09:10:50.090-09:00Christmas Gifts for SeamstressesI just finished this little stash of gifts for some fellow seamstresses. The tutorial for the needlebooks can be found in the tutorial list in the sidebar. The tutorial for the pincushions are readily available online<a href="http://blog.creativekismet.com/2007/11/16/patchwork-pincushion-tutorial/">. Here </a>is the link I used. I did a 4 patchwork circle rather than 6 simple because of time constraints. Great fun and fairly quick to complete.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/100_0702-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />CharityCharityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018974052435209730noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28855919.post-25496549978165200892008-12-06T13:34:00.001-09:002008-12-06T13:35:55.939-09:00Yet another...Another skirt ready for shipping. This one is from a Liz Claiborne stretch twill that I bought from Vogue Fabrics quite a few years back. It's a size 8.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/100_0700.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=600></a>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018974052435209730noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28855919.post-66926959085197729392008-12-05T15:13:00.003-09:002008-12-05T15:17:26.465-09:00DEADLINE!!!The deadline for The Hundred Skirts Project was to be August 1st, then December 1st. Obviously, those have both come and gone. I wanted allow time for those of you who said you were working madly to get your skirts in. The new deadline will be January 1st. This time I will have to enforce it as I don't want to delay receipt of the skirts any longer. My mother-in-law and I are working hard to finish up the last amount to complete the 100 skirts. When we reach 100, we will be sending the skirts whether or not the pledged skirts are all in. If all the pledged skirts arrive, that will be terrific! It will put us well over our goal. However, the skirts are going January 1st regardless. If you can't make the January deadline, I can provide the orphanage's address and you can mail them when you're ready. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at lovelace @ mtaonline . net<br /><br />Thanks to all who have participated! I will continue to share skirts as they arrive in my mailbox or are completed in my workroom! Hugs!<br /><br />CharityCharityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018974052435209730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28855919.post-73850503276503698402008-12-05T15:06:00.003-09:002008-12-05T15:12:59.605-09:00Skirt Donations From High School Classmate!I am quite late getting these posted. My high school best friend (Class of 1978!) and I "found" each other after 30 years. We had a delightful visit this summer. I was touched to receive these adorable skirts from her a few weeks ago. She wanted to help with our 100 Skirts Project. She did a beautiful job on the skirts. The fabric combinations are really charming. Thanks so much, Lisa! Lisa is now working on a extravaganza auction for the Northwest Children's Fund. To read more about this project, click<a href="http://www.nwcf.org/events.htm"> HERE</a>.<br /><br />Black, Red and White Ladybug Print Ruffled Skirt<br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/100_0687.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=500></a><br /><br />Teal Floral and Stripe Ruffled Skirt<br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/100_0689.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=500></a><br /><br />Border Print with Eyelet Trim<br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/100_0686.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=500></a>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018974052435209730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28855919.post-15458102462035278332008-12-05T14:51:00.005-09:002008-12-05T15:05:33.208-09:00Hundred Skirt UpdateMy mother-in-law and I have been working on skirts to wrap up The Hundred Skirt Project. We have made three in the last day or so. Here they are..<br /><br />Black and White Pique with ruffle, a girl's size 14<br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/100_0683.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=500></a><br /><br />A Distressed Denim with Appliqued Pocket, a girl's size 16<br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/100_0684.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=500></a><br /><br />A Hawaiian print sheeting with banded ruffle, a girl's size 7<br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/100_0698.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=500></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/100_0697.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" width=500></a><br /><br />And we almost have a paisley stretch twill and a moss green moleskin ready to share with you next. I'll share those as soon as we're done.Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018974052435209730noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28855919.post-1718282610572525362008-12-05T14:48:00.002-09:002008-12-05T14:51:06.156-09:00Almost Forgot How This Works...I've been gone so long I've almost forgotten how all this works.... :) I apologize for the long absence. I have been so busy teaching and then remodeling a room for my mother-in-law to use while she stays with us for a couple of months. But I finally got a few minutes to get back to blogging. Life should settle down from here. I'll post a Hundred Skirt Update shortly!<br /><br />CharityCharityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018974052435209730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28855919.post-56405908262509798822008-10-12T08:41:00.003-08:002008-10-12T08:52:20.864-08:00Sewing Withdrawals!<center><img src=http://images.cafepress.com/image/18279386_125x125.jpg></center><br /><br />It's prep period. While other teachers are happily ensconced in their classrooms engaging their eager students in the mysteries of quadratic equations and the wonders of constitutional monarchies, our pathetic heroine is huddled behind her desk. Her eyes glazed. Her limbs trembling. Perspiration beads on her furrowed brow as she suffers violent chills followed by fatiguing sweats. She wraps her arms around her wasting body in a futile attempt to bring comfort to her hollow existence. It's been 10...no...12 days since she has had her last fix. She attempts to rally. She must pull herself together for the sake of the children. But all she wants is the delicious feel of the fabric under her fingers and the sound of the humming machine....Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018974052435209730noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28855919.post-44987835092395881052008-09-30T18:46:00.004-08:002008-09-30T18:52:27.423-08:00Switching GearsI have been scheduled to substitute-teach for six weeks at our local Christian school where my youngest son attends. Filling in for one of the teachers' maternity leave. I wasn't expected to be needed until next week or the week after that. But I got the call to come in Monday. So I've been and will be teaching high school until probably the end of November. I'm willing to do it because the school has only a couple of us high school subs they can call on, but I'm reaalllllyyyyy not looking foward to it. It's going to put me behind on making my Christmas gifts this year big time. <br /><br />Anyway, I'm going to try to continue to sew (and share my efforts with you) regardless. Even if I have to do the get up at 4am thing to do so. But if I'm a little quieter than normal, this is why.<br /><br />I don't know how those of you who work full-time are able to manage that, your homes AND still find time to make all the gorgeous things I see on your blogs. Advice welcome! :) :) <br /><br />CharityCharityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018974052435209730noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28855919.post-55102293820817102062008-09-28T17:32:00.004-08:002008-09-28T17:38:44.689-08:00On My Cutting Table - Vintage Toddler PatternToday I cut out this vintage toddler's pattern. Isn't that one of the sweetest little wrap dresses ever? I'm going to make it in the rosebud print below. I may insert a tiny picot lace into the yoke seam. Or a baby rickrack. Or tiny pink piping. Still playing around with ideas. This is for my eldest niece's baby girl, Serenity. Isn't that a lovely name? My niece, Noelani, is learning to sew so I will leave it unhemmed for her to put the hem where she desires. The pattern envelope shows an awfully short hem placement and I'm not sure that Noelani will want it that short for her wee one. We'll let Mom decide. I'm not sure when I'll get this one started. I have to finish up the Harvest Dress. Then I have a shirt halfway completed for myself as well as a two piece sweater dress. I need to wrap those up and then perhaps I can get started on this one. It's a size two and won't fit Serenity till Spring anyway. The fabric's a bit light for a Washington winter.<br /><br /><img src=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/serenity1.jpg><br /><br />CharityCharityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018974052435209730noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28855919.post-6483279742764634022008-09-28T17:11:00.002-08:002008-09-28T17:17:29.884-08:00Woman's Perogative To Change Her MindI've changed my mind on the petticoat for this jumper. One of the problems last time I made this dress was the weight of the skirt relative to the structure of the bodice. The petticoat and very full appliqued skirt really put a strain on the straps of the jumper. <br /><br />Since I was going to make a peasant blouse for the jumper anyway, it dawned on me that I should make a peasant dress with full tiered skirt to serve as the petticoat and blouse all in one. This will be so much more comfortable than a very heavy skirt with its weight born only by thin straps (rather than a shouldered bodice). And the dress could be worn alone or with another jumper as well. It also will solve the problem I had last time with two very full skirts layered into the bodice seam join. <br /><br />So...first thing tomm. morning I will join the skirt to the bodice and then cut out the underdress. I'm too tired to do anything more tonight and likely to make dumb mistakes. I will work on the beading and button embellishment while watching tonight's DVD. I think I'm in the mood for James Bond! Off to check the DVD shelves.<br /><br />Charity<br /><br />PS - Forgot to say what fabric I picked for the underdress. It's a country primitives print. Small mustard stars on black. Perfect to continue the country, primitive look of the dress.Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018974052435209730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28855919.post-42028381345209587752008-09-28T15:45:00.002-08:002008-09-28T15:49:03.809-08:00Harvest Dress, The Sequel...almost doneI've finished the bodice and the skirt on this Harvest Dress, The Sequel. I've pinned it together in this pic, just to get an idea of proportion. I think I'll shorten the bodice a touch. All I have left to do is make the attached petticoat/crinoline that gives the skirt its body and then attach the bodice to the skirt. Then it's simply a matter of buttons and buttonholes and it's ready to hand on to Karess. Well...gotta get the review and contest entry filled out and THEN it can go to Karess.<br /><br />Oh! Forgot! I also have to do some buttons and beading accents on the skirts appliques still. <br /><br /><img src=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/harvest2.jpg><br /><br />CharityCharityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018974052435209730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28855919.post-76420592094928835982008-09-25T12:19:00.005-08:002008-09-25T12:35:49.434-08:00And Blanket/Nursing Cover Is FinishedThe flannel patchwork with fleece backing blanket/nursing cover is finished. It's in the same flannel fruit and flower fabrics as the burp cloths. This is for a little girl baby, the first child of Casey's Bible and Literature teacher. I will be subbing for her six week maternity leave. The baby is due any day now, so if I suddenly disappear it's because I'm teaching. <br /><br />Which is all the more reason I have to get all my projects caught up NOW!<br /><br /><img src=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/blankie1.jpg width=800>Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018974052435209730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28855919.post-12054031201386702402008-09-25T10:37:00.003-08:002008-09-25T10:39:22.722-08:00Burp Cloths FinishedEight burp cloths down. One nursing cover and a ruffle attachment to go!!!!<br /><br /><img src=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/burpclothscopy.jpg width=800><br /><br />CharityCharityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018974052435209730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28855919.post-42559995635680535632008-09-25T08:36:00.004-08:002008-09-25T10:39:54.840-08:00Sewing Up A StormI am sewing up a storm here...<br /><br />I have 8 baby burp cloths and a nursing cover in progress. The baby shower is 3:30 pm today and it's 8:37am here in Alaska. So do the math. Yep! I need to haul.<br /><br />And when that <span style="font-weight:bold;">is</span> done and I have <span style="font-weight:bold;">time left over</span> (Keeping my fingers crossed that this power of positive thinking stuff works...) I will attach the ruffle to my "Harvest Dress, The Sequel" project mentioned below. I finished the applique fusing on the skirt and got the top edge gathered. I will do the button-stitch edging and the hand-beading while attending the soccer tournament this weekend. Then hopefully get the petticoat and bodice assembled on Sunday. That leaves Monday for putting the skirt, petticoat and bodice together and whipping out a quick peasant blouse. So...if all works out as planned (Gee, that would be a first), I should be able to complete this outfit and get it entered in the PR Contest before the Tuesday deadline.<br /><br />Here's a pic of the fused skirt appliques. Please excuse the very ugly indoor lighting photo. No time to set up a shoot outside!<br /><br /><img src=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/harvestskirt1.jpg><br /><br />Will report in this evening as to whether or not I achieved today's goals.<br /><br />CharityCharityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018974052435209730noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28855919.post-22801562198684055002008-09-23T11:55:00.005-08:002008-09-23T12:19:08.181-08:00Harvest Dress...The ReduxOn to the next sewing project. This one is far overdue. About a year ago a little gal from our church, Karess, modeled this dress for me. It was for a children's designer invitational event at Ebay.<br /><br /><img src=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/karess6.jpg width=600><br /><br />Karess just adored that dress, as you can tell from her smile in the photo. Though I compensated her for modeling, I did also promise that I would make her a similar dress someday. I did warn her that it would not be as elaborate as the one she got to model. :) :) I don't think I could bring myself to do all that applique twice!<br /><br />But I'm finally starting in on the dress. I will use this pattern for the bodice as she's outgrown the pattern I used before. <br /><br /><img src=http://images.burdafashion.com/images/repos/1/000/001/635/000001635336><br /><br />I self-drafted the skirt as it needs to be much, much fuller than most pattern draftings. I will also include a petticoat with a tulle ruffle to make the skirt pouf out - as I did in the original.<br /><br />I have started the appliqué. Instead of using Fall vegetables, I'm doing a cutsier and slightly more childish crows and sunflowers theme. There will be a crow on the jumper's bodice as well. I will add buttons, beads and hand embroidery to the appliques and plan to hand buttonhole embroider the sunflowers' edges and narrow satin-stitch the rest. I can't imagine trying to navigate a satin-stitch around all those little petals of the sunflower. :(<br /><br /><img src=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/harvest.jpg width=600><br /><br />If I have time, I will recreate the black homespun peasant blouse for her to wear under the jumper. I will most likely not recreate the jacket, but might applique on a purchased denim jacket if I can find a nice one at a thrift store.Charityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018974052435209730noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28855919.post-88443595900719180242008-09-22T21:00:00.004-08:002008-09-25T10:40:21.119-08:00The DK Coat is History!Here are my final pics and final thoughts on this coat. And just to keep things interesting...a confession.<br /><br />THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN SEWING THIS PATTERN:<br /><br />1) Be sure to note that the seams are sewn 3/8! It says this in the beginning and this does not mention it again. So make a sticky note and put it on your machine if you need to. Tearing seams out of fleece is a real pain, so you will NOT want to forget this.<br /><br />2) Many of the seams are sewn wrong sides together so that the seam allowances are exposed. This is done to show off the color on the double-sided fleece. However, when you are cutting out, you will want to be VERY careful to get the seams cut perfectly straight as they will show.<br /><br />3) Because of the exposed seams, I recommend NOT cutting out the notches. The pattern does not say this and it should because it does not remind the reader to remove the notches after sewing. I recommend thread basting all your markings. Chalk will brush off the fleece. Pencil does not work well on fleece either.<br /><br />4) I used my built-in walking foot as the double-sided fleece is quite bulky. It also helped when attaching the faux fur which is apt to stretch more than the fleece.<br /><br />5) The pattern calls for interfacing the collar. I found that there was plenty of bulk going on already and didn't think the double-sided fleece needed it. However, if I was doing the coat in a different fabric such as a lighter wool or suiting, then I would do so.<br /><br />6) When working with the curly faux fur I recommend using those large flower-headed pins. Regular head pins completely disappear into the fur. It's easy to hit them with your needle or overlook removing them when completing the seam.<br /><br />7) There is a slight problem in attaching the neck facing. If you are making the coat from fleece, the pattern layout calls for cutting the neck facing from fleece. When I went to apply this I realized it was going to be far too much bulk to use fleece for the neck binding. At one point this would mean four layers of fleece in the seam allowance. So I decided to use a bias strip of cotton as close to the fleece color as possible for the neck facing instead.<br /><br />8) Illustration #12 show the front facing being on TOP of the neck facing. Actually when this seam is sewn the neck facing should be depicted as being atop the FRONT facing so that when the front facing is turned back to the inside of the coat it encloses the raw edges of the neck facing. The directions say to do it this way, but the drawing shows it incorrectly.<br /><br />9) The pattern calls for a button-on hood that sits under the collar. I didn't like this idea and decided to do the hood as one would a hat. Separately from the coat. I lined with the fur fabric, inserted ties cut from strips of the fleece and put pom-poms on the end of the ties and the point of the hood. The hood can sit under the collar for the cuteness factor when not in use and then tied on like a bonnet when desired. This way the collar doesn't wad up at the neck like it would if the hood was buttoned on and used in place under the collar.<br /><br /><img src=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/finalcoat.jpg><br /><br /><img src=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/finalcoat2.jpg><br /><br />MAJOR CONFESSION TIME.....<br /><br />Does anyone notice a difference between my coat and the one on the pattern envelope. A big difference?<br /><br /><img src=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v59/CharityAK/s4515.jpg><br /><br /> Sigh...I had a thyroid moment. Okay, a couple of thyroid days evidently. I sewed this coat the wrong side out. The pink side of the double-sided fleece should have been showing. I sewed this whole thing. Worked hours and hours on it. And never even noticed my error until I was cleaning up after it was finished. Upon putting pattern pieces back in the envelope it dawned on me that the coat in the pic was pink and mine was...was...was...VERY orange! Oh well. Here's to hoping my little niece likes orange. Alot.<br /><br />Bummer. It would have been so much cuter in pink. Note to self...check thyroid levels before sewing!<br /><br /><br />CharityCharityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03018974052435209730noreply@blogger.com2