As promised, I am back with some sewing projects to share with you all. I am back a bit later than planned. But better late than never, right. Things have busy here, as I knew they would be. I'd planned on fitting in the blog post when I took breaks from the organizing for the movers. But instead of sitting at the computer, I found myself itching to knit! I am pleased with how the knitting projects turned out considering my not so great knitting skills!lol But let's get to some sewing projects first.
Let's talk about that dress I shared in the last post. I am in such a need for a wardrobe update, it is not even funny! I consider myself to be sort of hip, but gracious, you would not know it by looking in my closet these days. Well, that is not true...there is some cool stuff in there. Problem is, most of it does not fit! I am STILL hanging on to some extra weight post motherhood. I know, my youngest is almost 5. No excuse, right. Right!! I could give a million excuses. They are just that, excuses, but I can give them to you. Anyway, instead of complaining about those nagging extra pounds, I figured I should probably just make some clothes that fit!lol I know, I am clever, aren't I. :) I really don't want to waste too much of my favorite fabrics, so I am cutting into stuff that I have lots of. And trying to make things that I can easily take in when (yes, I said when, not if---making progress) I get rid of these last excess pounds. These extra pounds are sitting on my hips and rear end, so I decided to make some items that would at least camoflauge that area a tiny bit. This dress works. It will be my new go to dress. I made 3 of them!
If you want to give this a try, check out this pattern: See & Sew B5166.
This one is from the last post. The original pattern has 2 sleeve options, but I decided I'd make mine sleeveless. And I lined the bodice as well.
I made some other alterations to the pattern in order to get a good fit on my body. I left out the bodice back darts. I also lengthened the bodice 2 inches so it would hit my natural waistline and I had to add 4 inches to the length so it would hit me mid-calf. I always measure the pattern first to see how it will fit before cutting, and then I made the needed adjustments. It is always a pity to have to make so many adjustments to patterns, but all our bodies are different, so I learned early on to make the adjustments needed to commercial patterns so that they would fit my body properly. If you try to make this dress, do be afraid about making adjustments to get a better fit for your body...it is really worth it. In general, this style is universally flattering, I think...you just have to make some adjustments so it fits your particular body shape well. Now after saying all that...I am thinking, I really need to take some pictures of the dress on me to post here. Hmmm, gotta think about that.
I need to iron and photograph the other 2 dresses. I'll share them next post.
Next, I wanted to share with you all pictures of that quilt I mentioned a couple months ago...you know the one for the Silent Auction at my daughter's school. I ended up getting it done, along with a tote/library bag that I stitched up also. And we also submitted a painting that the class worked on and a set of postcards also. Our class items were a success, raising loads of cash for the school. And I ended up being a dork and winning back the quilt I made. I just had to have it. After I put the binding on, I knew I had to win it back. So I got the okay from the auction organizers to bid and we brought that baby right back home with us. Leah was so thrilled. She snuggled with it that night and spent the next morning looking at everyone's drawings. I am soooo glad we won it now that we are actually leaving and won't be attending the school anymore. We will miss ISD. We made some wonderful friends and my daughter was blessed to have truly amazing teachers. And the quilt is just going to be a wonderful reminder of our time here in Duesseldorf! Okay, so here are some pics.
If you look closely, you'll see this is not professionally done, as this is my second quilt. Well, technically my first, since the other quilt really was not quilted trhough all through layers. It is more of a partially quilted blanket!lol But I am pleased with the outcome and am looking forward to starting in on more quilt projects this Fall. Practice makes Better, right!
I also made myself 3 new skirts. I used the same See & Sew Pattern mentioned above, but just used the skirt portion and made a casing for the elastic waist band. So easy and fast.
Notice all the brown? My serger is set up with brown thread right now, so that narrowed down the fabric selection for me!
My daughter's teacher from 1st grade actually stopped by yesterday for a sewing lessons. She is one of the teachers I was scheduled to give lessons to, but the timing never worked out and so we were going to start this September. Now I am moving, so no lessons. Ms. G. got in touch when she found out we are moving and we set up a quick lesson..so glad we did. Look at her super fabulous bag that she whipped up in no time.
Smooches to you Ms. G!!
We had a blast. I am so glad she came by to sew with me...We will miss her dearly! I hope I can rally together a group of sewers in Houston. I'd love to continue the teaching, as I really thoroughly enjoyed it! I have some ideas spinning in my head...maybe one of them will come to fruition!
Okay, now to the knitting I mentioned. I have been needed to take some time to slow down and knit during this last week. I found this hat in one of my knitting bags...it was nearly done, and I needed the circular needle to make a new hat for myself (shown below). So I finished it up quickly. This is for Lucas...I love these colors on him!
And here is my new red hat. The felted circles are on pinback, so I can wear the hat with or without them.
Both hats were made following the directions outlined in the book . I love this book and have used it quite a bit to make hats. What I like about it is you can buy the yarn you like and figure out the pattern based on the yarn and the size you want to make. I usually buy yarn without any pattern in mind...I just fall in love with the yarn. So these sorts of pattern books are great for me!
I also stitched another 2 inches on this blanket for Leah. It is taking me forever to get this done! So many stitches....But I am loving how it is turning out. I'll share full details on this baby, along with better pics, once it is completed. Hopefully it will be in 2008!
Below is a little green somethin' somethin' I am working on for myself. I am winging a design here...based on a pattern in one of my knitting books. I am hoping it turns out the way it is supposed to! I'll share full details when I am finished...that's if I don't botch it up. I am a little over half done now..so far so good, but ya never know! The next part requires some serious decreases and well, I am not always good with that. Wish me luck!
I am not sure when I'll be back.. I am hoping early next week, but honestly, I really should not be making promises at this point. I always plan on getting back sooner than later, but you know, stuff happens and it doesn't always work out. The movers come on Monday, so maybe after they leave for the day, I'll be able to sit here and share a bit more sewing and I also was tagged by Mona...so I'll need to get that up too.
Okay sweet peeps. Be good to yourself and others!
Happy Weekend to ya!
Sheree
Wow, look at all your knitting. I realize I owe you an email. If you don't hear from me this weekend remind me!
Posted by: Mama Urchin | August 08, 2008 at 01:46 PM
Love the dress and all the three skirts. They are gorgeous. :D
Posted by: Cindy | August 09, 2008 at 09:40 AM
You are hilarious, I had such a laugh at this post, thanks for that I was a bit fussy before I came to your blog. I have weight to lose too and I have a limited selection of cute outfits and I need to get some more clothes too. You are so sweet to give sewing lessons, I took one lesson at a junior college and I have been winging it since then, I really long for a serger, I might just buy an inexpensive one to tinker with. Great post btw it is the best one yet in my opinion.
Posted by: Mona | August 09, 2008 at 02:47 PM
You are hilarious, I had such a laugh at this post, thanks for that I was a bit fussy before I came to your blog. I have weight to lose too and I have a limited selection of cute outfits and I need to get some more clothes too. You are so sweet to give sewing lessons, I took one lesson at a junior college and I have been winging it since then, I really long for a serger, I might just buy an inexpensive one to tinker with. Great post btw it is the best one yet in my opinion.
Posted by: Mona | August 09, 2008 at 02:48 PM
You are hilarious, I had such a laugh at this post, thanks for that I was a bit fussy before I came to your blog. I have weight to lose too and I have a limited selection of cute outfits and I need to get some more clothes too. You are so sweet to give sewing lessons, I took one lesson at a junior college and I have been winging it since then, I really long for a serger, I might just buy an inexpensive one to tinker with. Great post btw it is the best one yet in my opinion.
Posted by: Mona | August 09, 2008 at 02:48 PM
busy, busy!!! I love the dress and skirts, great material choices! Your knitting looks lovely and the fibre looks divine!!!
Posted by: Penny | August 10, 2008 at 07:57 PM
Sheree, you have been so busy and in the midst of a move! I am so impressed! I love everything- but your SKIRTS are so fabulous! I would love to get that pattern too!
~emily
Posted by: Ravenhill | August 11, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Oh, I just love it all! And of course you knit, too. LOL!
Posted by: Mary | August 12, 2008 at 01:54 PM
You are so cool!!! These skirts are gorgeous! I love the fabrics:-)
Posted by: Kriszta | August 14, 2008 at 01:29 AM
I love the creations!! ..the skirts look wonderful and you've used such scrumtious fabrics!! :) Love em girlie!
Posted by: Corrine | August 19, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Thank you so much for the fabric. I got it a couple days ago but something is wrong with my email and it's not letting me log in. So hopefully you read this comment. The prints are beautiful and it's so nice of you to share them. :)
Thanks again!
~Staci
Posted by: Staci | August 23, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Hey Sweetie :)
Have you moved already? We miss you.
Give us some news***
Hugs from Portugal
Posted by: bu e bau | September 03, 2008 at 01:15 PM