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.