Sew Divalicious!

McCall's MP336

As you can see, I've been working on the dress at right. I picked up the McCall's pattern and fabric last weekend at Walmart. Yes, Walmart! The fabric is brill. The pattern directions were fairly simple...I didn't have really any trouble...can you believe it? The gathers were a bit tricky and time consuming, but not too hard to handle. The only difference I made to the pattern is that I added another strip to the bottom in order to make the dress longer. I did not gather this part. What do you think? Oh, the model is my five year old daughter...she's a diva.

Today, of course, was Flea Market Friday. That in mind, I scored big time! I got a hodge podge of fabrics, including at least 2 yards of white eyelet and two "grab bags" of trims and lace! I also found a bag within one of the grab bags full of "old school" pearl-like snaps and snap setter. This has to be really old. I have no idea how to use this, but I do know it involves a hammer. What could go wrong?

Old School Snaps and Setter

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Angela

Sergers...what the heck are they?

I've been thinking a lot about sergers today. A friend has "inherited" one and doesn't know what to do with it. She said she'll probably try to sell it, but admittedly has no idea how much it is worth or how much, generally, sergers cost. I certainly have limited - very limited - knowledge of sergers, I am not much help to her. However, I have an idea that they probably range in price from as low as $150.00 to as much as $1,000.00. I am almost certain that my friend's "new" serger is probably worth somewhere in between these prices. Why? Why are sergers so expensive? Are they worth it? To me they look very complex. I almost had to obtain a pHd to thread my basic sewing machine...how on earth do you thread a serger? Still, when you see an example of the seam they can finish, it is tempting to try one isn't it? I wonder if my friend would let me borrow her machine....maybe do some experimenting? I'll keep you posted.

Angela

Sew In Love

I'm sew in love...with my Abbey Bag!  My grand prize package arrived today from Cyndi at Bluebirdswing and I love it all!  Cyndi sent the bag, a fantastic wallet, a key strap, a matching journal, and a little notebook!  I cannot even begin to describe how great this stuff is; I wish you could see this in person!  The fabric is awesome!  Cyndi's work is supurb!

You have to check out Cyndi's blog and the next time she has a giveaway, which, I think will be in May, you have to enter! 

Thanks again Cyndi!  Please tell me where you got this fabric!

Angela

Sew, No More Halters!

Okay, I've decided I'm done with halters!  I've finished the Craftstylish "Super Easy" Triangle halter and, while it was pretty easy, I ended up altering the back so much that it is no longer a triangle!  I put elastic around the back after cutting a big chunk out of it.  Anyway, it turned out pretty cute, and I love the cheap fabric I used ($3.00 yd), but it's definitely not for me.  Even though I believe I am a pretty hip and happening hot mama even at 40 (grrr), and I did contemplate cougarness during my birthday last week, I am not leaving my house without a bra!  No, not even to make the Walmart run wearing house shoes and curlers...(kidding).  So, no more halters.  Well, at least the kind that you can't wear a bra with!  If you are brave, and under 40, go ahead and make this top, but I'd suggest cutting the excess fabric off and inserting elastic in the back.  

Am I wise now and accept the fashion rules for women my age or am I just chicken? 

I'm not sure I want an answer to that.  Night night.

Angela

Sewing Box Find

I found this, we'll call it 'vintage,' sewing box during my Flea Market Friday! I'm not sure what sort of wood it is made from, but considering it was only $5.00, I'm sure it isn't mahogany. But, I think it is cool and it is a great addition to my sewing/studio/lair!

This evening I started working on the "super easy triangle halter." I'm sure I measured properly the 36" square from which I cut the triangle, but the bottom of the shirt seems super large. The directions state that in order to secure the bottom around you while you are wearing the halter, you tie the two ends together at your back. At this stage, I've tried to tie the two bottom ends of my triangle together and it seems too big and bulky. I'll see what I can sort out with this tomorrow. For now, I'm off to bed. I've been going on about 3 1/2 hours of sleep in that last two days..this is definitely catching up with me. Hmmm, maybe this might have something to do with my triangle measurements???

Angela

Sew...Another Halter?

Craftstylish Triangle Halter

Thanks to everyone for sending me birthday wishes!  I had a pretty great weekend with my shopping finds on Friday, a great meal out that night, a terrific play Saturday night, and then a surprise birthday party Sunday evening!  Yes, my hubby threw me a surprise party complete with candles, cake, and friends!  Of course there were also plenty of gag gifts including a cane accessorized with a horn, hair dye, and Geritol tablets!  Luckily,  there wasn't a "Lordy, Lordy Look Who's 40" sign anywhere in sight!  I probably would have drawn the line with that.  Anyway, I've accepted that I'm the one who is 40.  It's better than the alternative right?  Think about it.

Sew, what's next?  I've actually started making some graduation presents, but I realized that I can't blog about them since the graduates may be looking.  While I work on those projects in secret, I decided to try making another halter top.  Instead of another one of the Butterick patterns, I am going to try a pattern I found online at Craftstylish. Check out the Super Easy Triangle Halter. "Super easy" hmm?    All I need is 1 yard of fabric, which is cut into a triangle, 1/4 yard of knit fabric for binding, and 1 1/2 yards of ribbon.  The directions seem easy enough.  Of course they all seem easy at first right?  Sew, we'll see.  I'll keep you posted!

Angela

Sew Excited!

I'm sew excited!  I won the grand prize from Bluebird Swing!  Cyndi emailed me this morning and told me I was the lucky winner of her Abby Bag!  She gave me the option to take the bag as shown or choose different fabric for a custom bag!  I opted for the great fabric shown in the picture 'cause it is sew pretty!Cyndi designs and makes great looking bags and her blog is beautiful.  Check it out and see!

This prize tops off a great weekend already.  Last night we got "gussied" up and went out for fantastic meal with an awesome view of the big city.  Today I went shopping and scored two great McCall's patterns for $1.99 price match at Walmart.  And tonight....a high school play!  Pretty great birthday weekend huh?  Oh yeah, this superhero turns 40 (eek) tomorrow!

Until next time,

Angela