Here Begins the Year of Stash Sewing

When times get tough, the tough get going.  Or sewing.  It's been a year of transition.  The funds are limited since the office opened.  I talked last year of bringing my sewing machine to the office to sew when it's slow.  No time for that!  We're busy.  Unfortunately, as a business grows there are sometimes limited funds available.  So, I've decided to only sew from my stash this year.  I figure it's always a good thing to get the fabrics out of the stash after a certain period of time but it's SOOO hard when you see new fabrics online.  Stay offline, right?  Easier said than done...

So, here begins the year of stash sewing.  Now I see I don't have a very big stash!

Photo from HotPatterns.com

Finishing up the Boudoir Bliss PJs from HotPatterns.  lounging PJs You may remember how the pants looked last year.  Big, big, big.  I'm really too short to wear wide-leg pants but hey, they look so cool in the old movies.  Oh yeah, they usually wear them with heels.  Gotta find some of those feather heels.

Burda 5/09- Finished!

Yes, you're right, I started this in the Spring of 2010.  At least it's the same year.  But, I can say, it may work with a long sleeved shirt, tights and boots for the Fall.  But, it's done.  Another one bites the dust.

5/09 Burda Dress #126

I didn't notice until just now that the buttonholes are vertical and not horizontal- hmm, makes sense.  Too bad it's too late.

The dress is made of a lightweight stable denim.  The buttons are from Joann Fabrics and are tarnished copper.  It's topstitched with black thread for contrast.  It was difficult to decide on the color of thread since I wanted the option to make it more dressy and didn't think the yellow thread would do that for me.

Front view.  It looks a little blackish-blue in color in this photo but it's actually deep blue in a much nicer color. (Picture below looks much more representative of the color)

Close-up of pocket and button

Another item this weekend

Ahh, it's been a nice weekend to sew and get a few things done.  I've been holding this project since July of this year and now it's done.  For a friend's son I've made a lightweight jacket (yeah, I know it's cold now- oops) from Ottobre 4/2010 issue, item # 18 Naava.

Photos from Ottobredesign.com

It's made from corduroy and a nice cotton flannel lining.  The jacket is interlined with fusible fleece.  To limit the bulk I omitted the fleece from the sleeves.  The buttonholes are large for the buttons so he can button it himself as he learns.  It does ask for a snap but I haven't added that yet.

These are the first welt pockets I've made in probably 20 years.  They need a little improvement but overall, they are nice.  I don't think he'll ever use them but they do look nice.  I'd like to think it looks a little Ralph Lauren.

I know I've said it before but it's a good thing (for my pocketbook) that I don't have kids:)

Here are a few photos of the jacket.

Dark brown with a blue plaid corduroy.  This is a view of the outer jacket side.

Ok, the plaid doesn't match up.  Darn it.  Hope the little boy doesn't notice;)

Back view of the jacket.  

Fortunately he'll be wearing so I don't see the plaid issue.  Argh!  Plaid...

Next come the PJs that I started last year.  The plan was to have them done for Christmas last year.  Maybe it will happen that I finish them this year:)

Has It Been THAT Long?

Yes!

I think it's been about 3 months since I sat down and sewed something.  Really?  Yes, it has been wayyy too long.  So to break up the monotony, I decided it was time for a laptop bag.  Since my life is centered around work and work is my life, why not mesh the two?

I found a cute little pattern but ended up getting a laptop that was too big so I needed to modify it a smidge.  The pattern is from Sew Liberated and is called "Mischievous gnome messenger bag".   First, the dimensions for the finished bag are 13 x 15.  The laptop that it needed to hold is 17x15 so I added 3" to the width.  Also, instead of interfacing I used fusible fleece for the outer portion of the bag.  This resulted in a cushion for the laptop and I feel, a much more substantial bag.

At the new dimensions, it looks a little large but what can I do?  It needed to hold my laptop and receipts and magazines and whatever else I stuffed in it.  Did I mention, I no longer need to workout because I lift weights (i.e.- messenger bag)?

A few other modifications, I added magnetic snaps (the magnet went on the flap) to hold it closed.  I figured it is safe to have the magnets on the flap with several layers between the laptop screen and the electromagnetic force.  Sorry, a little physics slipped:)  I will let you know if it becomes a really bad idea.  Inside I used a jeans zipper for the inner pocket- scratchy to the hands but otherwise nice looking.

Pictures will follow when I find the darn charger for the camera...

Oh, btw, I'm back to sewing again:)

It's been a while

I haven't written in the blog for probably months.  Honestly, I probably haven't sewn for that long either.  Projects are in the process and I'm planning on getting this up and going again now that my life has settled. Who knew I could work 16 hour days to get the business off the ground.

Stay-tuned for the updates!

MIA

It's been too long since a post but I promise you, I've been sewing.  Currently I'm working on a Burda Fashion (is that what I should call it?) dress but since it has a MILLION buttons I must wait for a sale.  The SWAP at PR is almost over but my sewing isn't.  I won't finish in time but plan on continuing my sewing and modifying the plan slightly.  It's been a busy summer and as of September 30th, will begin a busy few months.

What's happening?  MY OFFICE IS OPENING!!!  (Yes, I was screaming that.)  We are opening our doors, advertising like mad, waiting on street corners to run  people down so we can drag  them in.  Anything to get the business going.  That should keep me busy trying to stay out of jail;)  Seriously though, I hope there isn't enough time to sew and lots of people to see.  If not, I'll bring my machine and sew at the office.

Excitement

I can't begin to tell you the feelings I had this afternoon after a long day at work.  My motivation was shot and I was tired of dealing with "stuff".  Well, I had to run by the space (a.k.a.- new office) after work to get some supplies...  Much to my surprise it was framed out.  That means the beginning of the walls were up.

Excitement, power boost, happiness, tears- these were the things I immediately felt.  THIS IS REAL.  I am going to do this- to be a business owner with my own future and others in my hands.  It has taken 6 years to get to the point I was ready and it is a mere 45 days away.  The fear that I once felt has now been replaced with hope and happiness.

On the wall of the office a saying was left from the previous tenant that summed it all up- "Hope is the new happiness."  Over the past few years I have debated on whether Kansas City and I really meshed.  Honestly, I didn't know if this was where I wanted to be in life.  No more guessing, I'm embracing my past, present and future.

There will be ups and downs but overall, I have found my home and it is here.  Welcome home.

Big Sigh!

Good news.  The issues I had wanted to run from are resolved.  Now back to your regularly scheduled programming:)

Sewing updates tomorrow.

Not Sewing Related

That's the disclaimer.  Have you ever thrown a temper tantrum and wished you could hide by sticking your head in the sand?  That's me today.  We haven't even started construction and there are problems with the office.  Lack of adequate disclosure by the city and an architect/contractor who didn't know what was necessary to satisfy the codes is now costing more than $10,000.  Hey, I'm made of money right?  After all, I'm a rich dentist.  Don't believe everything you read!  The bank is going to be the one to come down on this like a ton of bricks.  No money here- it's virtual.  ARGHHH.

If I bury my head in the sand do you think it will get better on its own?  I'm thinking about getting legal advice.  Hey, add that to the bill too.  Gosh, I didn't sign up to learn contract law, codes and contracting in a matter of 90 days but I'm doing it kicking and screaming!

I've been told one day I will look back and laugh about this.  Maybe after I pay off the bank but don't count on it.

Jalie Top and Burda Shorts done

I'm NOT pleased with the shorts and will probably never wear them.  I did learn a lot though.  First, the shorts ran large.  I ended up taking them up approximately 3" and shortening the crotch curve by 1/2" front and back.  Usually I do a 1/8" to 1/4" shortening but this seems like a lot.  Second, the instructions- need I say more.  The waistband stretched with the final topstitching and it distorted.  Yep, it was interfaced but apparently, I used too much pressure on the presser foot and it pulled the fabric out of whack.  Am I going to fix it- nope, I'm done with a stupid pair of shorts and lots of wasted time.

Tally: Shorts 1, Jennifer 0

This didn't stop me!  Next, I decided my ego was bruised but recovery was possible.  Time for a TNT.  I decided to make the Jalie top # 2910.  Jalie Top #2190 Link

Photo courtesy Jalie.com

I changed the pattern up and decided to add a edge treatment.  Don't know what to call it but the armholes were edged with 1" self fabric and the neckline utilized 2".  It was necessary to modify the back neck since this raised it by 1".  Also, I raised the neckline to make the crossover higher.  I'll get pictures posted on the review and then follow-up here.

Tally: Shorts 1, Jennifer 1 (I'll take it;)

Wardrobe Plan (yes, I'm counting the shorts because I've had 2 wadders and this is wasting my time)

Lesson: Make muslins!!!

Finished top                                                     Neckline with Coverstitching

Wardrobe Composite (Not all pictures have been added)

So, 5 items done.  If I had more time I'd make new shorts.  The Burda dress is traced and will be muslined before I make it.  If I don't finish I figure it's better to have wearable things vs. just completing them.  On the same topic, I finally got La Mia Boutique and there are a few things that are going to be added to replace the Boyfriend jacket and possibly the Simplicity pants.  Still, I really want a boyfriend jacket this season so sewing projects still planned.