Where I've been.

Well, sewing has been on hiatus.  With no children I have ventured out and found some who don't mind wearing what I make them.  One dress done and another in the works.  I'll post photos when complete.

On to other topics.  In the past year I've picked up embroidery by machine.  A Pfaff became part of my working machines.  It's been a learning curve.  Pinterest reflects what I've been up to.  How many of you Pin?  Isn't it the greatest thing ever?  Patterns, ideas, projects, recipes, style help... it's endless. Follow me if you are so inclined, Jennifer Mc is my user name.

A little outside of the sewing room...

Summer has arrived and I've worked my tail off to get the house in order for the season ahead.  Summers are so harsh in the Midwest.  I feel like we start over every year just to lose headway the following season.

The deck needs boards repaired again...  the screws won't come out so what is a girl to do?  Avoidance for a short while longer will be my option.  Here are a few things I've been doing.

Dreaming of Summer

It's cold and snowy here but at Joann's it's sunny and warm.  I landed a couple of patterns that make me dream of summer.

 McCalls 6700

Vogue 1329

The McCalls dress recommends knit fabric.  Lots of options with regards to length.  The back has a cute little tie.

Vogue has been reviewed by Erica B. on Patternreview.  She made hers in Ponte.  I like that idea.  Calvin Klein had a similar dress.  You can't go wrong with Calvin.

To satisfy the immediate need of clothing, because winter is still going, I found a shirtdress pattern.

McCalls 6600

It's got 8" of ease.  This makes it look much more coat-like to me.  I will be cutting that down.  The photo looks like sateen but it has charmeuse recommended as the fabric to use.  Something shirt weight would probably fall nicely.

My 2013 resolution is to include more details and finished photos.  I've been remiss.

Happy New Year everyone!  See you soon.

Sewing, knitting, Burda and Jalie

It's been a while.  What a tumultuous fall- I'll spare you all the details but hopefully things are settling down to allow a little sewing, knitting and cooking.

Here are some plans.  (I'll be better about posting how things are going on these patterns here in the blog.)

Vogue 8825- tunic and dress (photo from Voguepatterns.com)
The tunic would be great with leggings and boots.  The dress, a little shorter, would be good for our Christmas party.  I've got some Missoni-isc knit I may try for this.  If not, my stash has plenty of good knits that will work.


Vogue 8831 (photo from Voguepatterns.com)

This pattern has different options for the sleeves and hem.  Although an asymmetrical hem is all the rage right now, it screams "dated" to me.  So, I'll be doing a straight hem.  The sleeves can be cap, 3/4 or long.  Cap sleeves are cute but not practical in the winter.  This will be a definite Spring top in a yellow but right now, it is going to be 3/4 length sleeves.   OT: Don't you hate when your sleeves get dirty around your hands? I love the look of fingerless gloves but mine would be constantly dirty.  Grosses me out...

Back to the topic at hand-

I've taken up kickboxing and would like some more workout pants.  These can be so expensive in the stores.  Jalie has a great yoga pants pattern that I'm going to try.  These are almost identical to the high end pants.  I like the idea of the top but would want to lengthen it until the abs become rock solid;)

Jalie 3022

On the needles:

I don't know if you can tell, I'm totally loving the big sleeve look right now.  Very bohemian.  This design is by Heather Dixon.  It's called Pumpkin Pie.

Pumpkin Pie (photo slurped from Ravelry, Heather Dixon design)

I'm about half way across.  It's made with large needles so knitting is going super fast.  I've decided to make it in Cascade 220, colorway gray.

(photo slurped from Yarn.com)

This has been put on hold until I finish a test knit for Heather.  She's got a great Winter collection coming up and it promises to keep me busy.  I'll share more as I can.  What I can tell you is I'm using Madelinetosh yarn, DK weight in colorway Geode.  It's becoming something really pretty.

Oh, Happy Thanksgiving!  Off to knit and sew this long weekend.  Look for more posts on the progress.

Sewing like a mad woman.

My Juki went to the shop.  After breaking a needle it had a funny sound so I packed her up.  Meanwhile, I got lots of patterns and fabrics to make up when she came back home from the doctor.

Here are a few.

Vogue 8574


I'm making it out of a knit or Challis, possibly from Vogue Fabrics
Jersey Knit

 Challis

Joann Fabric had a sale today on Vogue and Butterick patterns.  No Vogue this go-around but found a few Butterick.  Wish all the ones I wanted were available.  I'm starting the transition into fall so most of the colors are darker but still lightweight enough to wear for August and September weather.

First, B5643

The plan is make this dress in a nice dark red knit with the little jacket.  I think I'll belt it as well.

Next, B5489

I've got a purple knit planned for this one.  It looks comfortable but can be dressed up with the right accessories and shoes.

Another one, B5456

This one is going to be made with a red knit and yellow and red print challis.  Darn it if it didn't say dry clean.  So, who washed it before she realized it?  We'll see if it is a hot mess when it dries...  This pattern looks like it will need some modification; namely, a belt or tie.  I might lower the neckline as well to make it a little less dowdy for my taste.  Since I've got DDs, a high neckline isn't good but neither is too much cleavage.

B5642
Although I don't have any plans for this one, I loved the pattern.  I can see it in a black knit with contrast binding and modesty panel.  This could be the perfect dress for a daytime wedding this fall.

Not Fall!!!

Yes, I need to plan ahead.  Here's the plan for the spring, summer and fall of 2012.  Ambitious?  Maybe.

Needles:


I'm entering the "MadMay2012" event on Ravelry.  Yes, I've gotten a little stash of yarn but really, it's not a lot.  So, I'll be knitting that down a bit.

Here's my MadMay2012 entry:

Vodka Lemonade
Photo by Caro Sheridan

Yarn: Madelinetosh DK in Baltic
Slurped photo from HappyKnits.com

Vine Bolero by Emily Johnson

http://www.eatsleepknit.com/cshop/product/Vine-Bolero-by-Emily-Johnson/3081/

Photo slurped from ESK...

I'm planning on making this for a wedding in October out of Madelinetosh Carmine

Before the bolero, I will be making a vest and finishing some projects.  This vest is by Wendy Bernard and published in "Custom Knits 2".  I always need a little top to go over a cami or tank top but something not too hot.  My thoughts are I'll add sleeves- little cap sleeves maybe.
Photo Slurped from Wendy Bernard's book

Now, what yarn to use?  I've got a nice orange color called "Citrus".  It may be yelling at me to make it into this vest.

On to the sewing.

My husband and I are attending 3 weddings this season (two in KC and 1 in SC) and I have a class reunion (I won't tell you how long it's been).   I'm really looking forward to the wedding in SC.  I've known this man for 12 years, amazing huh?  He's such a wonderful person.  Who knew he would find the love of his life in SC while he lived in KC?  I'm so happy for him: words can not express my happiness.  If I had a daughter, I'd want him to be with her, so respectful and caring, honestly a good man.  I'm so glad I know him and can see him marry a wonderful woman...  Sorry, back to the task at hand.

The dresses-

As many of you know, I quit getting Burda- difficult tracing, repeats galore- yack!  But, I love their designs when they're fresh and new.  The May issue has caught my attention.  There has got to be a better way to trace these confusing sheets.
(Photos below from Burda.de)

 Color blocking is really in right now.  I like the idea of a short dress made out of double knit from Gorgeous Fabrics.  This could be really cute with some bright sandals.

This dress looks really cute on the model.  Maybe something with short sleeves.  I dont' think it would work for a wedding though... so I digressed.

This is totally wedding material.  If I could find a nice silk print or something with a little drape.  Definitely more for an evening wedding if planned right.  Any suggestions on fabrics?  I don't think there will be any dancing at the weddings, fyi.

I'll be blogging more to show updates now.  Took a little time off for surgery and starting my business.  Now I'm back to full speed.  Oh, gotta make some baby gifts too.
Jennifer

A little late to the party

I'm doing it.  It's a 12 month challenge-

So, here's my 12 in 12 Challenge1) Jacket/Coat2) Retro dress3) Pants4) 50s skirt5) Swimsuit6) Button-down top7) Casual dress8) Stash bustin' item9) Stash bustin' item #210) Knit top11) Formal wear (this is going to be tough)12) Halloween Costume

So, to start it off with a blast, this weekend I finished up #7 with Hot Patterns Classix Nouveau Uptown/Downtown Knit Dress  in an aqua blue/green (another stash fabric)#10 with a TNT pattern New Look 6807 view B in some stash busting fabric (blue rayon knit)
Here's the updated list:
1) Jacket/Coat2) Retro dress3) Pants4) 50s skirt5) Swimsuit6) Button-down top7) Casual dress8) Stash bustin' item9) Stash bustin' item #210) Knit top11) Formal wear (this is going to be tough)12) Halloween Costume
Pictures to follow.

Test knit for Army of Knitters (AOK)

It's a perfect skirt for the spring or even the summer.  I got so many complements on it the first time I wore it.  It's a test knit but will be out soon.  Really, I wasn't sure about the color but it goes well with brown and cream.  Now on to a little sewing.

It's made with Madelinetosh Worsted yarn.  I love it.  Oh, makes me look taller too.  There is a blocking problem on the left side that I will correct so ignore it;)

Ushering in Spring

It's about that time of year.  Time assess the damage from the winter and veer outside.  So, that's what I've done.  Our outdoor furniture and cushions look tired and dirty.  The grill cover has been torn and no longer serves it's purpose.  Planters are empty.  Time for refreshment...

So, a new set of cushions and a new grill cover are in order to sew this week.


All photos slubbed from Fabric.com.

Amy Butler laminated fabric for the grill cover (FYI, make sure they grill is cool before placing the cover on the grill- don't want to have a shrink-wrap cover)

Richloom Indoor/Outdoor fabric for cushions

Time to find an outdoor rug or better yet, make one.  Pictures of the finished deck to come.  What are you doing for spring?

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.