Bummed Out!!!

Here I was, all set to win the Pattern Stash contest on patternreview.com. Then I discovered that I do not qualify if I use patterns that I've previously cut out but never used. Dagnabit! I always cut my pattern tissues out as soon as possible after purchase so that when I want to sew something, I can get right to layout. I'll cut out four, five, six patterns in one sitting. It's my own daggone fault for not reading the contest forum first. Oh well, at the very least, I have three new pieces in my wardrobe, and approximately 4.5 fewer yards of fabric in my stash. As soon as I get my photo op, I promise loads of project photos, including some crocheted garments. This is why I need a dress form in my life!

Contests!

Call me over-zealous, but I signed up for three contests on patternreview.com. The one I'm most excited about is the pattern stash contest, in which I will use patterns I've been collecting but haven't used yet. This will surely help me accomplish two things: meet my end of year fabric stash sewing goal and get me started on my fall and winter wardrobe. The contest period runs September 1 - October 31st, 2008. As of now I plan to sew at least the following: McCall's 5283 (see previous post), McCall's 5634 and Vogue 1060.

I also entered the "make your own grocery bag" and the "sewing for kids/babies" contests. My niece will benefit from the latter. Both of these run for the month of September.

These are the first sewing contests I've signed up for. Wish me luck and lots of sewing!

Getting Organized

Whew! I've spent the last hour organizing my fabrics and I'm still not done. I'm putting all my warm weather fabrics away and out of sight until I have a need to sew for those seasons. I don't know why I never thought of doing this before. How nice it is to have all my fall/winter fabrics in one organized location. I can now see at a glance what I have on hand.

This organization effort came about as I was searching for a red cotton with white pin dots that I wanted to use for lining a craft tote. I'm using McCall's 5238, View B out of a denim embroidered with red roses and a plain denim for the contrast. The red cotton would be perfect for the lining as it would coordinate well with the exterior and provide a less slippery option than traditional lining fabric. This tote will be used for current crochet projects. I did not find the fabric in question, but its counterparts are now living in an orderly fashion.

My Workroom

This is where I sew. Yes, you're looking at three of my four sewing machines. It's actually one serger, one electronic sewing machine and one overlock. My back-up conventional machine is out of view on the bookshelf.

For the love of sewing...

Like many who enjoy this craft, I. love. to. sew. Period. To me, a perfect day includes at least a few hours in my sewing room, cranking out a new garment or two. Of course there are times when I have just a few minutes to spare and I'll organize some fabric, or plan which pattern I will sew next.

My sewing room is much too small to properly accommodate all of my materials, tools and equipment because I also crochet, design jewelry, and dabble in beginner knitting from time to time. The entire closet is full of fabrics, yarns, and bins of notions. The bookshelf contains a library of reference books for all of my crafts, as well as containers of more notions. Still, I'm very thankful to have this space dedicated to my crafts.

For the love of sewing, my house is not as tidy as I would like, and I don't get as much exercise as I would like, but I always have the perfect outfit for just about any occasion, and if I don't I can always make one up without spending a fortune or hours at the mall.

For the love of sewing, I have a large stash of fabric, much of it unorganized at any given time. In an effort to do better, I have set the following goals for myself:

• sew all fabric stash between now and December 31, 2008;


• utlilize more trims in my sewing;


• stick to my "fabric diet" until a maximum of 10 yards of fabric remain in my stash;


• obtain a mannequin to assist in fitting and garment display for photos.

Pretty lofty, eh? Yeah, but with God all things are possible. Now if only I can stay off Patternreview. com and my favorite sewing blogs long enough to accomplish the above!

Please bear with me as I get this blog up and running.

What I'm working on now

Kwik-Sew 3155

I've once again taken up walks in the nearby state park. It is five miles all the way around, and approximately another 1/2 mile total walking to and from my car. As a result, I am in dire need of cute, comfy pants and shorts for this activity.
Last night I whipped up View B (shorts only) in a pre-shrunk candy pink french terry. I lengthened the pattern pieces by 1 1/2" for my 5'9" frame and the length is just right. I figured they would be a little roomy, so I made a slight size adjustment but once completed, they ended up being too big. Not a bad problem to have, though. In order to salvage them, I will have to take in up to two inches in the crotch seam. I really like the shorts so I will cut the pattern down to the next smaller size. While I'm at it, I will make up the matching short sleeved, hooded top. Pics to come.