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.

The Wardrobe That Just Keeps Going

The Wardrobe Contest is still chugging along and so are my projects.  Why is it the more I sew the longer it takes me to get things made?  The tunic that was 4 pieces took 2 weeks, the shorts that are 6 pieces have taken more than 2 weeks to get fitted as well.  Am I becoming more particular?  There isn't time in this contest for perfection- cranking out the garments is the plan.  So, here's the update:

Yep, the Anthropologie knock-off is gone- not enough fabric and couldn't find a replacement.  The second top is also up in the air.  What I've accomplished was done in the first few weeks.  It's not going to come together by the deadline but what I've finished has been worn to death.  After the shorts I'm tracing the dress and starting on the white skirt that's been traced.  Although I've traced it, I'm considering holding onto the pattern and finding a shorts pattern instead.  Ann Taylor has a cute pair of shorts with a boyfriend jacket ensemble that I think is really cute.  Ideally, I need more t-shirts so I'm probably going to go boring and make a few more.  Yes, I know it's boring but it's very wearable with my other items.

Well there are 5 more weeks, give or take a few days, until the contest is over.  That means I need to finish the shorts and both tops this weekend.  Then, 1 item a week until it's over in order to finish on time.  Chugging along... trying not to lose steam.  I really need these items in my wardrobe.

After all these are done, I'm on to make many pairs of pants.  Gotta get a muslin made.  Any suggestions on patterns?

Most Perfect Shoes

Ok, I haven't hidden the fact that I like shoes... ok, LOVE shoes.  I walked my happy self, dress in hand, into Nordstrom to find some shoes.  There was a hidden area that I had to look at, more on that later.  So, had in mind something strappy, metallic and high heeled.  Found:

Donald Pilner Snakeskin sandals

Disclaimer:  I don't condone cruelty to animals but I've dealt with enough snakes to know I really don't care about using them for clothing, pavement decoration or food.  So, if you don't agree with my choice, I respect your opinion but when you find a snake hanging in your closet, let me know what your opinion is after that.  Yes, that actually happened.  That's for another blog entry...

So, the tunic now has shoes to coordinate.  Did I mention the wedding was at Big Sky Ranch in Montana? Do you think I'll go with the cowboy theme?  Where's that cowboy hat???

Almost forgot, the curtain contained the pre-Anniversary Sale items.  Yep, found another pair of shoes there- 50% off so they don't count.  I'll be wearing them this fall with my new wardrobe.

New Look 6849

The dress for the wedding this weekend is almost done.  All that is left is the hem.  I've reviewed this at Pattern Review.com.  You can see it here.  http://sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/52715

Here's the lowdown...

This pattern allows for much translation.  I basically redid all of the dress- new armholes, new line (straighter and less A-line), lower bust point, square shoulder adjustment, raised the neckline and finally, took out the seams on the front and back.  Did I leave any of the pattern- hardly.

Also, my mom has a great embroidery machine and I find lots of things for her to embroidery- this included.

The color is off slightly.  It's peacock blue and lime green stitching.

This is the invisible zipper- used a new foot and not real happy with the result- 

Another photo-

This is slightly green but shows the detail.

I'll include photos from this weekend later.  Now to find some shoes...

What color do you think I should go with?  I've got a strappy black shoe, camel colored heels but nothing green or blue.  Would silver go?  If so, time to go shoe shopping:)

Time to Change Things Up

Warning:  I'm bored!

Time to change my name to something I've been thinking about.  When coming up with a name for my "designs" I decided on the word "apostrophe".  It's one of my favorites.  So, now my labels will say, "Apostrophe Designs" in fancy script.  Can't wait for them to arrive because I know I'll put them on everything.  My dog had better hide;)

So, "The Furcation" is a thing of the past.  Julie says it's the crotch of the tooth and I'm tired of being a crotch.  I'd rather be puncuation.