To the Faithful Followers

My apologies for not giving you more information.  I've been remiss about updating the situation.

Well, here we go...  I opened an office about 1 year ago.  It has exhausted me to the point of anxiety and ill-health.  My plan for the new year is a recovery.  Don't get me wrong, it has been successful beyond expectations but at a cost.  Many costs...  I won't go into it but man, I'm not perfect.

So, let's get on to the sewing, knitting, crafting, fun!

I'm currently in the process of knitting Ecuador MT Ecuador.  It's a beautiful yellow-orange.  Pantone shows it will be in vogue through next year.  I hope so.  If you've ever worked with fingering weight you'll understand.  I've never worked with it but it does take diligence.

On to sewing...

I have a wedding in October to plan for.  So on to the Pantone charts for Fall 2012/2013 (can you believe it?).  I'm thinking about a nice navy dress with a contrasting jacket, maybe a orange or purple.  I'll leave that for a little bit before the wedding.  Here's what I'm thinking.

http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6464-products-15234.php?page_id=528&search_control=display&list=0

When you look at the photo, you'll see how the neckline buckles.  This is expected when you move, I think a nice slit with a v-shape will help make it flow better.

Although I'm a 30E, I think this might work.  What do you think about making a slit at the neckline to break up the large expanse of fabric.  Also, this jacket may look nice.
http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8673-products-11353.php?page_id=262

I was thinking about the 3/4 sleeves.  With the collar on the left. 

What do you think.  It's probably going to be a late-afternoon wedding.

Thoughts? 

Fabric?  I'm thinking a nice gabardine or double-knit for the dress  The jacket would be nice in a plaid.  I don't know.  Please help!

Oh, Vogue has come out with some new patterns.  I love this dress.  But is it too much for 43 yo woman?

I don't want to look like a hoochi-mama!  let me know.  Also, I could stand to lose a little weight so will it look right?  By the time summer gets here I hope that last part isn't an issue.  Gotta work; no hope:)

Fall is HERE!

It's that time again.  Cleaning out the stash, planning the sewing and knitting, getting my act together for another season.  Oh, do you Pinterest?  I'm big into this now for sewing/home dec/cooking inspiration.  http://pinterest.com/okie2thdoctor/feed.rss  Check me out:)

First it starts with the magazines.  What is going to on trend this year?

1. Scarves- they are in again but include silks, velvets and cottons.  It's not only about the knitting.
2. Long skirts- gored, godets, flowing.  This is a rather touchy subject for someone as short as I am.
3. Peasant tops- gathered sleeves, wide necklines
4. Boots, boots, boots- all types
5. Kitten heels- love these shoes and still have some from when they were in vogue years past.
6. Bright colors- does this remind of the '80s?  
7. Lace and layering- lace over or under as a top/jacket or cami
8. Ponchos/capes- I personally think this is going to be bigger next year but what do I know.  

Plans:

Photo Bergere de France, poncho 119.921

Cascade.com- shade 8013

Knitting this poncho in Cascade 220.   I know bright colors are on trend but staples are always necessary.  Add a bright handbag to make it pop.

MustHaveBag.com (Tano)

Boots- Frye

Frye Boots- Jane (Photo Shoes.com)

 Sewing plans:

Vogue 8751 pants

From Vogue.com

Fabric from Fashion Fabrics.com

Olive Green wool tricotine suiting

Taupe wool suiting

Wool/silk suiting

Camel wool suiting

(Is it obvious I need pants?  Being in the field I am, skirts aren't really conducive to work in and dresses are really only for going out.  Since we've cut back financially, it's not necessary to sew going-out clothes.)

Next, come the tops.  Jalie has just come out with a new pattern- LOVE it!!!

http://www.jalie.com/jalie3130-womens-shirt-sewing-pattern.html
I'm thinking about a sateen shirting in the royal blue (again from Fashionfabrics.com)

 

Speaking of new patterns, I've been doing Fusion Fitness and now need some cool tops.  This one spoke to me right off the bat.  Being that I've never had kids, the nursing portion isn't necessary but I do like that she has that option for those who need it.

http://www.jalie.com/jalie3131-nursing-bra-camisole-sewing-pattern.html

This is a good start to fall.  Now it's time to clear out the closet of things I haven't worn in years. 

Inspiration on a shoestring budget

Ok, I should be rich.  I want to be rich but reality is, I'm not.  So, I'm sewing this skirt for $14 and not $78.  Yes, my time is worth money but with a serger I estimate the time will be about 30 min.  Here's my inspiration:

(Photo courtesy GarnetHill.com)

I didn't find the exact color but something beautiful anyway- this is a close color but the one I picked is sold out.  It is an 11 oz. Rayon Jersey from Gorgeous Fabrics.  I love their knits- soft and light- just like RTW.

(Photos courtesy Gorgeousfabrics.com)
The pattern I selected was Simplicity 2184

(Photo courtesy SewingPatterns.com)

Simplicity 2184

I'm making view E.  The Garnet Hill skirt has godets so this pattern was perfect.  If you have average length legs then you will want to make a longer view to get the same effect.  It's short but so am I.  I would like the skirt to hit right above my knee.  This view has the model wearing socks with the boots (have the boots already) but I'm going to knit a pair of "boot toppers".  This might be the answer to leg warmers but they don't make the leg too warm and keep the boots from feeling sticky where they fit close.

Time: Cut-out- 10 min
           Threading the serger- 30 sec
           Piecing it together- 5 min
           Serging- 30 min
           Hemming (with narrow zig-zag)- 5 min (after hanging the skirt)
Total Time: 45min (It's a 2 hr sewing only skirt)
$14 fabric
$1.99 pattern
$25 time (ok, I want to pay myself a lot per hour:)
Total cost: $39.99 (*$78 plus shipping for the original garment)

Changes to the pattern:
I love skirts which have a wide band at the top so you can wear it shorter or longer or even roll it over the skirt.  So, I made a waistband 3" wide to add on top of the skirt.  Gentle gathers on the sides were added to make the turn-down more gathered. 

Conclusion: Time to find a nice cardigan.  I'm so glad they are back in vogue.  I used to be called "twinset girl" because that's what I always wore.  They are back again and perfect for so many occasions.  I have an embroidery design of a Koi fish that would look great on a nice dark cardigan.  Time for some shopping for things I won't be making!

More photos when it's finished.

Decisions, Decisions

I've let myself go.  Ok, it feels better to say it.  Where did the woman go 15 lbs ago in such a short period of time.  Ok, laugh.  My friend did Boot Camp and looks like a million bucks!!  I'm jealous and a little ashamed.  That was me a mere 5 years ago.  Now, I work long hours and can come up with many excuses.  Who wants to sew for the "new" person I've become?  Sigh.

So, not to wallow in pity.  What in the world am I going to do to kick start myself back into what I can be? Do I commit to running nightly again?  Yep, I now run a whole mile and that's it if I get to it at all.  Eating- yeah, when I do it's dinner and then some coffee throughout the day.  I could eat better too.  See, I've fallen apart.

Well, to address other things I've been doing- dropping the Burda magazine.  I once loved it and couldn't wait for the new issues.  Now, I don't even look at them when they arrive.  The pattern sheets are frustrating and the styles are far from spectacular.  La Mia Boutique is better but I haven't traced a pattern yet.

Knitting:  I'm almost done with my first lace project.  It has been a very bumpy road.  It was frogged 10 times and is being finished with errors.  It has to be finished this time or it will never be done.  On to simpler projects.  I must admit, it wasn't hard but why did I have trouble?  On to another project of written instructions and predictable fitting/knitting.

Now, what to sew?  I love dresses but work in an environment where it is nearly impossible to wear them.  We, as dentists, must sit in a somewhat stance resembling the splits.  Yes, a long skirt is fine but try working in one and not dragging the ground when you sit.  I really don't want my skirt to drag on the floor in a dental operatory- yuck.  Slacks are fine but look at paragraph 1 and get back to me.

Yes, I could sew tops and am in desperate need of them to wear with the tight slacks I own.  How fast can I get back into shape safely?  It's depressing- frustrating, especially since my sinuses are constantly clogged and getting my breath is difficult.  Oh to be so negative- believe me, I see the glass half full the majority of the time.

Where to go from here?

Cleaning up some things

When is there a better time to take an inventory of what you have and clean up a little?  No better time then when it's 100 degrees F?  Well, that's what I did.  Amazon got some listings, Ravelry got their share too.  I'm no longer a member of PR so no classifieds there.  I've decided to rid myself of a few of the BWOF.  Most of the issues I have are from 2008 to present.  If you're looking for one, message me.  I'll look to see if I have it.

Time to clean things up.  It's nice to see space where other things once occupied.  Next comes the basement...  not much to sell there.  The fabric has been destashed already.  A few skeins/hanks of yarn but mostly garage sale stuff.  Anyone need a wedding dress???

Hayley Hoodie

Finally, pictures!  The Hayley Hoodie was finished a few weeks back and I've finally taken really bad camera photos for your viewing enjoyment. It's also reviewed on Ravelry.

This is my first garment and I learned a few things. First off, mark your rows. It seems so obvious now... Next bind off in purl.

I love this hoodie and will be making it again for friends.  The hoodie is behind the garment in this shot so it looks odd.  The way the light was coming in the window it looks worn.  Really, it's the clouds.

Hoodie is behind so it's lumpy.

Photos of me wearing someday...

Time Flies

Ok, it's really been since April 30th.  The Haylay hoodie is done and I've worn it several times with multiple compliments.  No pictures- camera battery charger is MIA.

Starting on the wedding dress.  After several responses, I've decided to wear the turquoise dress from the Montana wedding but will wear the shift for dinner that night.  I feel like such a princess to be switching outfits for one event.

Knitting-wise I started this top:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/v-neck-lacey-tunic

Photo slurped from her website

This is something I want to finish for my birthday celebration.  I think it will cute with little cap sleeves so I'm going to try to figure out out to make them from this pattern.  I think I might just extend the shoulder portion and add increases to make a sleeve.  Still thinking on this one since I'm still very new to knitting.  It's a beautiful pattern and is knitting up quickly so wish me luck.  Oh, the yarn, it's this one by Cascade Cotton Rich DK:  (I know, no originality in regards to color...)

Pictures of the progress on the shift this weekend... if I can find the charger.  ARGH!

Wedding Dilemma

Is it appropriate to wear a sleeveless black dress to a daytime wedding?  My mother-in-law is getting married in the early afternoon in a small chapel wedding and I'm contemplating on wearing this pattern.
(Photo courtesy of Voguepattern.mccalls.com)

Vogue 8647

The newest magazine had a great idea for a little black dress with lace overlay- perfect for summer.  So, I got black crepe and a beautiful lace with a little sparkle.  Now I'm second guessing myself.  Should I have gotten the champagne crepe instead?  I don't want to look like I'm mourning at the wedding.  

So, fellow sewists and non-sewists alike, is it appropriate to wear black to a daytime wedding?  

Another Little Girl's Dress

New Look 6819 (Courtesy SewingPatterns.com)


I can't believe this is discontinued.  Talk about an easy and creative pattern.  This fabric is from Joann Fabric, Etc.

I can't say I looked at the directions other than to determine the length of the straps.  Adorable and easy pattern.

On to the little boy's shirt...

Dress Done!

First item in months that I've started and finished.

(Photo Courtesy New Look)

The dress is made of quilting cotton, lined with cotton batiste and biased with polka dot cotton.  I love the feel of the batiste.  I lined it to help it keep it's shape, hide seams and make it less see-thru.  I always worry that a dress that is too light will not look right when worn.  Hopefully it won't be too hot for the little girl.

The buttons are pink and green with swirls and polka dots.  Boy, are buttons expensive now days...  I added a piece of ribbon on the back since I don't have labels at this time.

Finished dress.  Quick project.  I hope she likes it:)