pants

I just made a UFO. My misfortune to make the pants too small. At least in the waist, don't ask me how I did that. I used a quick sew pattern that said: extra large, and then I added an additional two inches to the waist because I wanted to make the blue jean stitch. I am not even going to bother taking a picture of this.............it's one of those I will lose weight pants. So I don't know how long it will be before I can put elastic in them and wear them. In the mean time it's off to something else just keep plugging away and not to get discouraged.

Wed.

Today I decided that I wasn't going to watch Regis and Kelly. Why should I watch them make money? I decided I was not going to watch the "view" to watch Barbara babble over stuff. There are days I can't take her, love her but she is nerve racking. Anyway just the same tired stuff and I thought to myself: " This is two hours you can be doing something with a UFO. So I started on something that is summery kinda. It doesn't matter.

I am also really going to invest in some pattern software. I tried to go over the sunburst pattern, and I tell you and a builder must have designed those patterns. I've tried twice to connect the dots. Thought I had it, maybe I will try again. So I put that down and worked on these summer slacks. It was piecing. That took me two hours. I am going to try making my own pattern. Maybe I could work with the tracing paper and write down my measurements. One of my neighbors is coming over to use my machine on Friday for a blind hem. She claims hers doesn't have a blind stitch, and maybe I can get her to take some measurements, and then I will trace them on paper. In the mean time I will just have to sew with no patterns. They are really nerve wracking. Going to still take pictures of my mistakes and wear everyone of them.

shower curtains

The first picture I put grommets on the curtain. I sent the photo to one of my opinionated sewing friends. She said the curtain looked fab, but it would look better with button holes.

So I cut off the top part of the curtain and added the 3 inches or more in the second photo and made button wholes. I have to admit it looks much better. So from this point on I will make buttons holes if I am going to make a shower curtain. I love the fabric, however it bleeds on the sewing machine, so I know what this will do in water, there will be dye everywhere. I should have washed the fabric first but didn't think to do it, because I love the richness of the fabric and how crisp it felt. Now all I have to do is get some towels to set this color scheme off.

sewing divas

Well I've just spent the last hour or so looking the sewing divas blog. When I see some of the things these women are doing I just want to throw up my hands. It is nice and does make you want to do something. So this is just an incentive to want to create something for myself. I have a plan that I dare not mention at this time, but if this comes into light then I will be well on my way.

Went to the Bernina blog to catch up on what going on there. Lets face it I am just a sewing machine junky. Bernina though really is my first love machine. When I get this Janome 7700 I want to see how it feels or works out should I say. Bernina people are snooty it seems.........but they are so loyal to their machines. As practically all the ladies who sew....you just get a certain machine and it talks to you. Tomorrow I'm going on a dream workshop. I would like dream up some more fabric.......so that I have something for the summer.

Today

I know this is a new year so I've decided among other things, to really throw myself into being creative. I was looking over the sunburst pattern booklet that I paid 198.00 for. The lady designed her book after the lutterlogh system. That's the picture I meant to upload on the left not of myself. You are suppose to trace these lines according to your measurements. I'm going to fiddle around with it again tomorrow. So tired of sewing and getting by. I am going to really push myself this time. Tomorrow I am also going to go to Millend fabrics in my new neighborhood. There's a 60% sale of fabric.

sunday

Well here it is 2nd day of the new year. I decided this morning that I would try and sew something. I really am doing a half ass job which is unlike me, but this doesn't look too bad. For some reason I just wanted to piddle around doing something. So far in my new place.......i've been trying to get used to all of the room, and then having a sewing room. Now you think I would be tickled pink. However I looked at a blog yesterday and noticed how organized the sewing room was and realized I've got a lot of work to do. Maybe this will inspire me to do more things.

I've got to get my mojo back. On the 30th of December I decided to go to a sewing shop. I asked the gentleman if he was going to be doing hiring for a part time job. He told me to come back in the spring. This is a Bernina and Elna shop. What a combination. Of course I wanted to let the guy know that I am somewhat sewing savvy. Let him know that I am familiar with machines. Now Bernina was the first company I wanted to work with, because I have a 160 which is older than juju dust. I talked to the guy for at least 10 minutes. I told him that I would like to be loyal to one sewing company. Wouldn't it be a hoot if this guy hired me in spring?

Don't forget this is the first place I wanted to work for. I told the guy that I had a Janome 7700 on lay-a-way and that it would be out in spring. He showed me an elna same type as the Janome and had the dial as the 7700. Come to find out Janome brought Elna. So now both machines are made by the same company. You learn something everyday. I am going to get back in touch with this guy toward the end of March. I am determined to work with what I love doing. Shooting the breeze about sewing machines and using them. I explained to him that Bernina is the kind of sewing machine you buy alla carte cause they have 70 feet. The only company that has that many feet. I still like Janome. More bang for your buck, followed by brother. I certainly like the elegante2.............and wish I could spring the deal that was proposed to me the other day. 3999.00 trade in for my brother ult. what a deal. That's half off of the original price.

Mentally salivating. I sincerely hope my friend in Toronto does not procrastinate and get the Janome I told her about when i was there last summer. She said things came up and they do, but she could have almost be through paying for it. I am really trying going to go back up there. So I will start saving for some fabric. ciao for now

update

This is my new sewing room. I've been here for all of two and a half weeks. I made a plain beige sweat shirt with eygptian thread decoration on the sleeves. I tried to take a photo of it, but botched it up. As you know I am just trying to figure out things regarding pictures on the blog sight. I kinda like this sweat shirt. But even more I am really delighted with my new residence. I have more than enough room. So from this point on, I will make this my creative place. It's nice to have room in which to put things. Now I've got to find the places in which to put them.
So it's all a matter of organization. Which will be coming to a theatre near you. I even like the location of my new place. Although it seems like miles to get from point A to B..............checked out the places for fabric. Only Mill End Fabric. I don't know the street yet, but I will pay attention to the stop on my next bus ride. JoAnne fabric is around here somewhere, but I won't be going there any time soon. I hate that place. By the way I am in Burnsville, Mn which is a subburb of Minneapolis. Never thought I would be moving this far out south. But everything is right here at my finger tips so to speak.

In the mean time it looks like I will be getting the Janome sometime in June. But this move took out November and December payments. That's alright as long as I have the other two machines to fall back on. After I get the 7700 I have one more plan. I won't even mention it right now. Will keep that to myself until it comes true then I'll tell you. Still have not spent any money on fabric yet. I will be adding that along the way. I think I will do my shopping on line. Will follow the ladies from various sights getting their imput. I also have to find some type of sewing groups out this way. More networking. ciao for now

sewing quilt expo 2010

Well I was an ambassador really fancy word for volunteer for three days at the show. I was a bit disappointed. One: there weren't as many vendors as there was last year. I assisted two teachers during the three days.

I thought there would be perks in volunteering, like getting a bag of thread or something that we could use. I was there from 8:15 to 5:30 the first day, 8:15 to 2:30 the second day, and 8:15 to 2:30 working the front desk and then stayed until the drawing give away at 5:45. All the women stay until that time because lets face it, everyone wants to win a sewing machine that they don't need but just want, it's really for the sewing machine junkies.

The second day I worked I received an ink pen and some sticky pads, and very thin sticky pads I might add. The people I worked with always volounteer every year, so basically I was the only dip stick in the bunch who didn't know what to expect. Now the deal is being able to sit in on the classes. Well, assisting the class the ladies have paid, but you are a getting the class free by volunteering. So that's suppose to be a plus right? Well the teachers are slick. They make sure that you really are not going to see too much, but that you are going to assist them, even if it means getting a glass of water or going downstairs to the main floor to get a jacket off their rack at there booth. The other thing is that they are there to sell their books and patterns; the info that is recieved in the class is just a hint of what's in their book or video.

So next year I think I will only do one day.........but it would be better if I just did hands on classes because I would actually learn more..........really bump that idea because I would be better off purchasing the cd and learning from the cd. At least I can go back and forth seeing the demos. Other than that this was really a dull three days, but I am glad that I kept to my word and worked all three days. Right now I am in the midst of moving so you won't hear from me until I get my room set up. I expect things are going to go just right.

long time

well bless me for I've not sewn in since July. I believe that was the last picture post. I still have my sewing machine on lay-a-way and really wish I were closer to paying it off. Doesn't look like I will get it out until next year some time. I was misquoted on the price or maybe I misunderstood, more than likely it was the latter.

I thought I was paying for the 6600 price toward the 7700 and now it looks I am going to pay an extra 1200 dollars more. I really don't feel like upgrading now since it's taking so long. First off there are some complaints on the 7700 and probably by the time I get mine all of the kinks will be ironed out. It seems like the ladies are really torn between the 6600 since it was and is still the most reliable. However many times when new machines come out there are always kinks in them. So I will just wait. Right now I've got a money kink.

Haven't been able to buy material. The only good thing is being an ambassador for the sewing expo November 11-12-13 so at least I get to see a few things. Of course buying a few things is something I would love to do, but don't know whether or not that will be likely. I will be there all day though. In addition to that.............I am moving to a bigger apartment. Looks like I will have to go south to do so. This is really a crunch. I am praying for some miracles...........which will be here any day now...............anything is possible.

bummer

The last few days have just been really bummed. I had this all planned on how I was going to move and now I am finding it's more trouble than it's worth. Not to mention I don't have the support group I need on this side and support from the other side. It's nice on the east because of the Bahai's but after that what is left. I really haven't given Minneapolis a chance. Even though I said two years was chance enough.

I think it is more or less the building that is getting to me and I don't like that feeling. So maybe if I get out of here things will be a little better for the time being though.....there are no really true friends here at all. The people that I know are not on my wave length and that's just horrible. So I now have to rethink things. I couldn't blame my friend in Toronto for thinking that I am flakey, but after all I am trying to do this by myself self and must add the money is the biggest factor in this equation. My hands are tied right now. I don't even have one months rent saved for a new place, not to mention the train fair and everything that came along with this trip. Can't give up though just have to have another outlook.

lazy

Must be going through a slump. Tomorrow I am going to attempt to sew something. I really need to work with the hotpatterns marekesh pants. That's what stopped me dead in my tracks. I cut them out and they have just been laying around. I will look at that pattern again. Better yet I am going on Youtube to see if she shows how to put those pants together. There must be something that i am missing somewhere along the way.
Early on I looked at some videos for bags regarding studs. That's another thing I'm almost afraid to do...........must get rid of this fear of messing up and just jump in, after all I've been wearing my mistakes all this time and no has noticed. So why should anything be any different now?

finished night gown

okay this looks like something I could get away with wearing outside. This does not look like something to sleep in. On the lower part of this garment I put in a flat felled seem or blue jean seam.
I finally got how it works. For the longest I couldn't figure it out visually by the videos and suddenly it clicked the other day. So I decided to test it out on something you can't really see. How dizzy can one get. Well if anything I will lounge around in this on a do nothing day. Even if it does say: naught & nice sugar and spice" I am really trying to learn. This is on a knit kinda fabric. I made another sleep item like this and it's lasted for more than two years and wears and washes really well. So I am going to wash this now and see how it holds under coming through a dryer. I like the design or maybe it's just the color that appeals to me.

today

I've got to put the finishing touches on this night gown. It was too short, so I have to lengthen it now. I looked over the hotpattern and still don't know quite what to do yet. If I don't figure it out before the weekend is over I will just make up something myself.

blah tuesday

okay I know I should be beat with 30,000 wet noodles. I've been really procrastinating. I got the hotpatterns pants pattern last week. Cut out the material, and have looked at the pattern pieces, but can't figure out the directions on the waist band. I know it's something really simple, but I will get back to it some how. In the mean time what do I do? Decide to go to the second hand store and get some fabric for a 1.99 and make a night gown. Couldn't resist, because the fabric said: naughty and nice, sugar and spice" just what and old broad needs to be wearing to bed. Who the hell is going to see it? I tell you I don't know where my head is at times.
For the past few days I've felt like doing nothing. Last night I started on the night gown....it's really not a gown more a less decorated moo moo. I will be through with it tonight and take a picture of it. I really have to finish those pants, and if I can't follow the instructions then I will have to fudge on it myself. I hate doing that, but one of the problems is the patterns don't go step by step. It does say: 1, 2, but the instruction is printed out, and somehow I am not picturing it in my head. I will reread the instruction again. This is so frustrating.

lucky

My friend in Chicago talked me into this blog...........and of all things she chooses to pick a picture of me that is totally bloated. Who could look any worse, but at my age I am not really caring too much. She chose the picture taken of me in front of a store front of food. Delicious food.........and I walked two doors down and ate a great big bowl of soup and veggie rolls. I am so glad there was no one there to take a picture of me eating my food. I think that would have been more embarrassing.

I now look back at some of the things I've posted. I've been going to the Janome forum and reading up more on my new sewing machine. I can't wait until I get that puppy home. It's going to be so much fun. Now I've got to figure out what I am going to buckle down and sew. Haven't heard from Britt in Sweden. I am going to let her be my inspiration on sewing bags. That's if I decide I want to go that route. But I have to admit she has given me a few ideas. My new Janome will sew 1,000 stitiches per minute. Do I need that..............no.............but i must have it just in case. Just hope I don't end up burning out a motor.

Just got my Hot Patterns blouse design and the Marakesh drawstring pants. I am going to attempt to make the pants first. Cut out the material today. It's cheap and used. If I mess this up so what I will just look for the next project. The lady at hotpatterns.com explains so easily and of course with her english accent makes you sound like you are going to look so chique if you purchase her pattern. Although I will admit her pants made her look really good, although I don't have any muslin like the women instructed me to get. Next time I will make sure that I get a few yards of it. Well that's all for now........the next post will be a possibly a picture of the pants I make. There are only a couple of pieces. Oh...........this is my first time ordering her patterns and I think I will order more, because her patterns are not made of the cheap tissue paper. I'm not cutting into these either..............I am tracing...........that way I get everything back in the envelope without it looking stuffed. I'm learning!

toronto pants

They fit fine, but I still am having problems with a good fit for the crotch. Although no one knows that but me. I always try to make room for my girth. In this case I noticed while wearing them that the front part of the crotch was a little too high.

So more than likely I will have to adjust them. Or just wait for the first washing. Which is what I was suppose to do in the beginning. I am also going to get some muslin and this time do all the adjusting on it. Other than that these pants give stretch when sitting, but they do wrinkle a lot............so I am not liking that at all..........maybe its the way I cut them. Live and learn. Sooner or later I will get it into my head to do the muslin thing. It's just so time consuming.............but it is worth it. It beats having experiences like this. Even though they look wonderful to you..........i'm the one who knows how they fit. The only thing I am really pleased with is the stitch quality on the fabric, which came out really good. I'm getting better in that department. In other words: you can't see my mistakes at all. Only I know which is a good thing but at the same time very nerve wracking.

invigorated

I am still coming down off my trip to Toronto. This has given me a new perspective on what I would like to do and where i'd like to go. I really enjoyed seeing the bustling of the city. It's really huge. I like the fact that you could get lost in it, there are so many people and so many things to see. Robin (host and friend) didn't get a chance to show a great deal, but for me she showed just enough of her town. I liked the foods can't you tell by the picture. Well I won't put all the blame on my visit, but thank God for casscara segrada. I really ate and some things i'd not tasted before. Next time I will come when the festivals are just beginning.

My host was really gracious and so was the rest of the family for putting up with me. Three weeks is a long stay. Not to mention the fact that I did most of the spending within the first week of being there. It was a tit for tat situation. I had to pull out my skills of doing hair.....so I worked some but didn't mind at all considering the company. I so wanted to get more fabric. Just goes to show you things change. Prices do go up. I could have gotten a lot more material say 10yrs ago. Stupid of me to think things would still be the same. Never the less it was just an enjoyable time being around like minded people, and seeing the sites.

Toronto photos

My new friend is really having a good time, but she decided to give this pose. This is sunday going to church. The other picture is me in my element.......basking in the smell of fabric.

today

today i was in the house because of the rain, so we didn't go any where. i must say that this is somewhat of a rest for me. My people have been so helpful and most gracious in my stay here. I am so glad that i decided to come but next time i will stay a shorter time as not to impose on them. Over all though it's still a good trip.

photo comments

as you can see from the pictures i'm not far from food. The sites and sounds of the place are really just too much. I had no idea this place was so large. There are shops on every block every other door. I really wished I'd stopped at the Italian store earlier because I really got a deal on some fabric. I am going to make a shirt and skirt from this stuff. Probably the closet I'll get to Italy is just to buy the fabric and anything Italian.

My friend was with me every step of the way. What are friends for....to just watch you spend money you don't have. I knew that I had to have that fabric and that I wasn't going to get the opportunity to buy it again at least not in the states. So seize the moment. That's exactly what I did............am I ever glad that I don't have a charge card. I might have been in serious trouble. So at least i'll have a memory. Now just two weeks to go. I will go home with just the cab fare to get home. I really am going to have to do something about this body..........cause I don't recognize this person. ciao for now