I had hoped to blog more during December, but I've come to understand how time gets away from you and before you know it.....you're paying another mortgage payment. I'd like to thank all those who have hung in with my erratic posting and continue to follow me. I would love to hear from more of you, and hope to provide the environment where you will feel free to tell me more than how 'wonderful' my talent is or how 'wonderful' I look wearing my clothes. I want it to be more than that when you drop by here to tell me something or see what I'm doing.
I managed to move through the 2011 holiday season while showing my childhood home to the many realtors and buyers making appointments. It sold really quickly and I have been busy in the interim packing and selling the multitude of things my mother hoarded and stuffed in any open area available during her 55-year residence here. I am exhausted and will be glad to pack the few things I brought with me while caring for her. I am shocked how much I'll be dragging back to re-establish my own household, once more. There are a lot of books, a lot of fabric, and a dog. Much more than I thought I'd have at the end of a stay I thought would be a maximum of 6 months.
Anyway, I discovered sewing blogs about 2 years into my stay here, and I thank each and every one of you who labored over words and pictures communicating your love for something I love, as well. In celebration of your efforts, I am hosting my first GIVEAWAY! The pattern below is only one of the many finds uncovered while I sorted through dusty trunks and bins of long-forgotten sewing patterns, thread and fabric. These patterns will be part of an ongoing list of what are now called 'vintage patterns' will be giving away.
This one is from the 70s (not at all a vintage year to me), nevertheless, not a pattern I will use or wear (been there--did that), so this wardrobe pattern will be offered first. It is unused and uncut, size 14 (bust 36") Simplicity 7813. (Looks a little 'Tracey Reese,' no?) I'm sure the pattern number has been used before, but this was back when patterns cost 75 cents!
Were you alive then? Leave me a comment telling me what you were sewing in the '70s and you will qualify for one entry in the giveaway (one per person, please). I would love to meet you and find out how alike/different our sewing experiences are!
This pattern is a lined, mini-coat with empire waistline, a collar, front button closing, back pleats, long set-in sleeves, optional top-stitching, flaps and pockets. The pants and A-line skirt have side zipper and waistband. The random drawing for this giveaway will take place February 10, 2012 at 6pm PST. I will open the giveaway up to everyone....including international reader/bloggers. Let's get to know one another! I love conversation, so my comment section is already set to begin threaded conversations. As my grandsons say, "Hit me up!"
The dragon is named "Yoki the Fat Dragon" and was purchased from a shop on Etsy. It was the first time I've used a pattern that was from a downloaded .pdf file. The download went well and any intermediate sewer should be able to sew it together using the instructions. I think I spent about 3 hours start-to-finish. He turned out really cute, didn't he? I filled him with buckwheat hulls, so he has some heft like a beanbag. I wish I had stuffed his neck more because his head should stand up straighter. I sewed everything closed, so putting more in now is out of the question.
I traced the pattern onto the white packing paper I had lying around, then glued it to freezer paper for a bit more stability. It worked so well, I may try it again when I make another mouse. The pattern pieces and extra fabric (single pieces cut out automatically on doubled fabric) are what you see in front of Yoki in the zip-lock baggie. Making him was really fun, and I'm glad I bought enough fleece to make another! The embroidery thread used to shape his big belly (and underbelly) is what gives him his round shape and the ability to stand flat footed. My only hint is to pull these threads tight around him to give him real form.
His arms are not hinged, nor are his wings. I wish the pattern had some marking that shows where the arms and wings should be placed. I eye-balled their position based on the rear view of the finished dragon on the instruction coversheet. You will need to do this, as well. On my second version, I may consider changing how both wings and arms are attached. I also think I will embroider his eyes. I've got a new grandson arriving early March, so I need do the second version soon....!
Gotta run...! Posting takes me sooooo much time, and I've got so much more to complete here before the big move! Thank you everyone for continuing to check in on me. Consider trying for the giveaway! It's FREE!!!!!!! All you need to do is leave me a comment.
Until then..
Keep it going...one stitch at a time!
I managed to move through the 2011 holiday season while showing my childhood home to the many realtors and buyers making appointments. It sold really quickly and I have been busy in the interim packing and selling the multitude of things my mother hoarded and stuffed in any open area available during her 55-year residence here. I am exhausted and will be glad to pack the few things I brought with me while caring for her. I am shocked how much I'll be dragging back to re-establish my own household, once more. There are a lot of books, a lot of fabric, and a dog. Much more than I thought I'd have at the end of a stay I thought would be a maximum of 6 months.
Anyway, I discovered sewing blogs about 2 years into my stay here, and I thank each and every one of you who labored over words and pictures communicating your love for something I love, as well. In celebration of your efforts, I am hosting my first GIVEAWAY! The pattern below is only one of the many finds uncovered while I sorted through dusty trunks and bins of long-forgotten sewing patterns, thread and fabric. These patterns will be part of an ongoing list of what are now called 'vintage patterns' will be giving away.
This one is from the 70s (not at all a vintage year to me), nevertheless, not a pattern I will use or wear (been there--did that), so this wardrobe pattern will be offered first. It is unused and uncut, size 14 (bust 36") Simplicity 7813. (Looks a little 'Tracey Reese,' no?) I'm sure the pattern number has been used before, but this was back when patterns cost 75 cents!
Were you alive then? Leave me a comment telling me what you were sewing in the '70s and you will qualify for one entry in the giveaway (one per person, please). I would love to meet you and find out how alike/different our sewing experiences are!
 |
| Giveaway Pattern: Simplicity 7813 - size 14 |
This pattern is a lined, mini-coat with empire waistline, a collar, front button closing, back pleats, long set-in sleeves, optional top-stitching, flaps and pockets. The pants and A-line skirt have side zipper and waistband. The random drawing for this giveaway will take place February 10, 2012 at 6pm PST. I will open the giveaway up to everyone....including international reader/bloggers. Let's get to know one another! I love conversation, so my comment section is already set to begin threaded conversations. As my grandsons say, "Hit me up!"
I will leave now, but not before showing you what I made for my grand-nephew last week. I have packed most of my big clothing projects away, so I was ready for a quick crafty project to calm my mind and fill a need for a birthday present for a 2-year old. It was so much fun to make and went together with no problems (for an immediate sewers). I hope he likes it, too!
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| Yoki wishing to meet his little boy today... |
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| "Hi, Everybody!" |
I traced the pattern onto the white packing paper I had lying around, then glued it to freezer paper for a bit more stability. It worked so well, I may try it again when I make another mouse. The pattern pieces and extra fabric (single pieces cut out automatically on doubled fabric) are what you see in front of Yoki in the zip-lock baggie. Making him was really fun, and I'm glad I bought enough fleece to make another! The embroidery thread used to shape his big belly (and underbelly) is what gives him his round shape and the ability to stand flat footed. My only hint is to pull these threads tight around him to give him real form.
His arms are not hinged, nor are his wings. I wish the pattern had some marking that shows where the arms and wings should be placed. I eye-balled their position based on the rear view of the finished dragon on the instruction coversheet. You will need to do this, as well. On my second version, I may consider changing how both wings and arms are attached. I also think I will embroider his eyes. I've got a new grandson arriving early March, so I need do the second version soon....!
Gotta run...! Posting takes me sooooo much time, and I've got so much more to complete here before the big move! Thank you everyone for continuing to check in on me. Consider trying for the giveaway! It's FREE!!!!!!! All you need to do is leave me a comment.
Until then..
Keep it going...one stitch at a time!
