When the Kid's AWAY Mom will PLAY........

It's way too late for me to be up but after being on the road a good part of the day and I'm just happy to be back home safely.  Anyhow the purpose of our trip was to drop my little one off at her Aunt & Uncle's house so she could spend the next 3 weeks hanging out with family and all of her little cousins!!! She's gonna have a BLAST!!!! My Sister-in-Law is Super Mom and already has a super fun lineup of events for all the kids. Well that means I'm child free for the next 3 weeks. Hmmm....what would I ever do with myself???? (looking down at the floor and twiddling thumbs)). HAAAAAAAAAA!!!!! If you thought that was the case then you don't know me too well! LOL!!!!! I'm gonna miss my little munchkin but there's LOTS to do (I've already got a list).

(The Wee-One....Daddy and I's Sweetie)

(The Wee-One with 2 of her 4 cousins she'll be hanging with)

 Between going on lots of dates with the Hubby (oh to pretend to be 18 again:) and doing household stuff and TONS of sewing (I mean TONS) I'll be pretty productive!!!! I've made July my "Operation: Stock my Summer Wardrobe" month. I literally have no clothes and I need to fill up my closet with some good and stylish staple items. I've gotten most of my plans together and will spend another day or 2 finalizing them before I reveal them to you all. I'm SO excited. I NEED some binge sewing in my life about now.

Anyhow, I'm excited about my upcoming plans but am surprised at how fast June went by!!!! But  I was able to get a few things accomplished. Here's a recap of the last 2 months---May & June. I made some clothing....an electric blue peplum, a dress for my daughter, a knit peplum, 2 pairs of colorful leggings (turquoise and bright pink) and 2 coordinating tops---all pictured below.

Also, I didn't get a chance to do any reviews but I made some home decor pieces too as promised using fabric I bought at Jo-Ann's. I made these barstool covers based on this previous post. Instead of cushions I used some green foam and cut them into circular pieces:) They go perfectly with my "mccaw green" accent wall:)

I also made these "Roman Shades" based on this tutorial a friend sent to me:)  Note: I did use the tension rods but ended up sewing the ends and finishing the seams properly by sewing machine/serger.

Non-sewing related, I actually created this matching flower arrangement after catching a 70% off florals sale at Jo-Ann's. I'm not a professionals but I LOVE the way it turned out.

Anyhow, I love my colorful kitchen and all the items I sewed up the last couple of months!!!

Ok, that's the wrap-up. I'm looking forward to some exciting sewing for next month. Stay tuned. Also, I'm hosting a book giveaway. See my last post for details!!!!!!

Video Post---A Book Review and A Book Giveaway!

I made a video to review the book "Fitting & Pattern Alteration: A Multi-method approach".  I have both the new and original edition and give insight into how they're both alike & different. Check it out.

"The NEW version" I bought a couple of weeks ago....

Also, in honor of my purchase I've decided to give away my old version. It's still a great book to have and has the essential information regarding multiple pattern alteration suggestions. Please leave  a comment below stating your interest. Sorry, I can only extend this to U.S. Residents. The drawing for the winner will be on July 4th:)

McCall 6754--- The Knit Zebra Print Peplum

Well time was a little bit limited this weekend so I thought I'd take a couple of hours to churn out a quickie top. McCall's 6754 fit the bill. I've had this zebra print knit, just one yard, for a couple of months now. I think this simple top turned out really cute. This top will make the 4th peplum top I've sewn up and my first knit version. Seriously, should there be a limit to the number of cute peplums one could have? Well I need to probably give them a break and work on some other quick projects to build my wardrobe. My closet looks so naked. Anyhow I digress. See the review below.....

McCall's 6754

Time to Sew:

Like 2 hours. Quicker for those folks who don't drag butt on doing the neckline binding like I did.

Sewing Ease (scale 1 easy to 10 difficult):

It's a 2

Pattern Description:

Knit peplum top

Pattern Sizing:

I cut the size S and graded the bottom peplum to the medium to get more flare.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yup!

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yup!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Loved everything!

Fabric Used:

A gray and navy zebra print knit that's similar to the knit used for jeggings.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

1. I raised the neckline on the back.

2. Did my usual 1" length reduction center back & tapering to nothing at the sides.

3. Added 2" length to the peplum and cut/sewed it from small to medium size for added flare.

4. My knit was so stretchy I ended up having to reduce strap length 1".

5. I used FOE (fold over elastic) around the neckline and serged/sewed down the neckline seams.

What would you do differently next time?:

Nothing. I like the changes I made.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Probably. It's super easy but it would make my 4th peplum (and the 1st knit).

Wardrobe Versatility:

It can go with a skirt, pants & shorts.

Conclusion:

 Cute top!

Christmas came a bit early.......

Here's a photo of my not so clean sewing studio. Notice anything "new" in the picture----something on my Christmas Wish list I've been wanting for quite some time? I'm SUPER excited!!!! Can't wait to share. Will dish later......

Sewing Jots and Tittles 6.15.13

First off, Happy early Father's day to all of those wonderful Fathers and Father-like figures!!!! Having a great father definitely was a benefit to my life. Thanks for all you do!

Here's another sewing jots and tittles post. I'm baring all of my ideas, crazy thoughts and opinions for my mental release and your amusement (wink).

Sewing, Fashions and Such

 Found this fabric at Hancock fabrics and fell in love with it. The colors are better than depicted here. The background is a deep teal and it has purple, light blue and chartreuse. It's a neat mix! I'm  trying to think of the perfect design for it.

 This pattern is my daughter through and through. She's been wanting me to make tights for her for a while and the top is too cute! Gotta try & squeeze this one in the schedule.

 Got an upgrade. I had the 2009 version and found out through threads that I could get the newest version for $39. So I sold my old one and bought the upgrade:)

I found this gorgeous white and gold rope!!! I can't wait to make the perfect dress and use this as an embellishment.

I'm itching to sew up this gray and black zebra knit. Dare I say another peplum (I've made 3 so far)? It would be my first knit one.

I'm all out of 3/4" elastic:( This bulk package lasted forever. I guess sewing alot of leggings can really kill your elastic stock!

I was all too excited to see this display at Jo-Ann's. Bright color thread and zippers for denim. Make me really want to make some yellow denim capris!

Non-Sewing

 The day I discovered these went down in history!!! They were awesome!!!

 Are my eyes deceiving me? You mean to tell me that the regular price of these "vintage chairs" is $99. I see these types of chairs on the street corner or in a dump. Hey......you give me $99 and I will make it my mission to get you these broke down.........I mean vintage chairs! LOL!!!!!

 This sign from Dr. Seuss' "The Lorax" was hanging in the hall of my daughter's school. Can you imagine how much better this world would be if everyone took this serious???

 Saw the writings on this picture and loved it!!!!

 One of the current books I'm reading. It encourages you to not depend solely on your passion but to build a strong skill set that makes you irresistible. There are some neat insights offered here.

 Ok, this is a bit of a mystery to me. So I was at my local grocery store and  I saw these cupcakes from the bakery section hidden in the natural food section. The strange thing was that all 4 of them were missing their frosting. Hmmmmmm.....it's this the new level of theft? You go hide out in the store and lick the frosting off of cupcakes. Was there a icing addict on the loose? This really had me perplexed!!! LOL!

Looks like I just got on the Essie bandwagon. Oh.....after all of these years of complaining to be too cheap to pay $8 for polish. Truth be told I only paid that for the first---and it was worth it. This is some REALLY great polish. I used coupons for the rest of them getting a $2-$3 discount.

We have one of these that my Hubby got for free and we take to the beach. It works pretty impressively. But what's really impressive is the mom depicted on the box. Look how she's carrying her baby, has all of the beach gear and has all of the other kids holding hands and in single file. Great advertising strategy!!!

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I've been dragging my butt on this but here it is. Just click this link......
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Thanks for following along with my sewing adventures:)

Home Improvements vs Sewing

There has been a major tug of war at my house of late! I've moved from my "Spring Cleaning Kick"onto the "Decorating/Rearranging the house phase". Wow, it has been a time! The last time I acted like this I was 8 months VERY pregnant and nesting like a lunatic LOL!!!! If you're not familiar with the nesting phase of pregnancy then you've missed witnessing an experience. A Mom-to-Be is usually ALL OVER THE PLACE trying to do everything to prepare for the babies arrival. They can't sit still! LOL! Well I've been a bit like that. But despite my productivity around the house I desperately want and plan to get my usual apparel sewing---- which is why there's a bit of a battle raging. There's so much to do and only one of me. One way I'm determined to get my sewing in is to do some sewing for the house. As the old saying goes "if you can't beat them join them". Since I feel so compelled to decorate this is a perfect time to make those kitchen curtains I've been wanting for a while. I partly revamped the kitchen this past weekend and picked new fabric for the curtains and possibly bar stool/seat covers. Here it is.....

I love the colors!!!! The fabric for the windows is exactly what I was looking for. I love the idea of a bright and colorful kitchen. It's so festive and inviting.   I also painted an accent wall in my kitchen in the Pantone color swatch you see to the right. It's called "McCaw Green" and boy is it pleasantly bright:) It just makes me smile.

I have a rather small window over the sink in my kitchen and I'm having the hardest time deciding on a style of curtain to make. Luckily I found one of my fave curtain books so hopefully I'll be able to decide on something asap! While I'm at it I need to make some bathroom curtains so I'll look into that too!

(Love this book! It's always so helpful)

All this decorating is definitely igniting some euphoric feelings. Man I love my home and am enjoying using my creativity to make it one my family and others can enjoy. But I've got to get grounded and  get some apparel sewing done as well. I've got to finish my yellow top, make some navy blue ponteroma yoga pants (I don't do yoga but for apparel wear) and possibly a cute little dress to wear for Father's day.

(yoga pants pattern and fabric and the Vogue top that's cut out in a yellow rayon and is just begging to be sewn up!)

 We'll see what I can get in this week and how this "tug of war" goes. I'm definitely going to push to get as much done as I can!

What about you, what's been competing with your sewing as of late? What's been your strategy in handling it???? Do tell!!!

Simplicity 1614- The Tribal Print Top

Wow, it's been raining cats and dogs for most of the day! We've got a tropical storm pushing through so I'm enjoying the safety of home and the enjoyment of my sewing room. I hope all of you in it's path are safe as well. Although the sky is gray I'm in the mood for some bright colors. I just finished up this top and was eager to show it. I paired the top with another version of the McCall's 5394 leggings in hot pink (I made a bright turquoise version last week). I love this top (the back detail is cute) and outfit as a whole. It's simple yet stylish. That's definitely my style preference. Well here's the review......

Simplicity 1614

Time to Sew:

2 hours

Sewing Ease (scale 1 easy to 10 difficult):

Definitely a 1

Pattern Description:

Cute top with interesting back detail.

Pattern Sizing:

I cut the size 12 for the bodice and graded to 16 to the hem.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

YES!

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Loved it all

Fabric Used:

Cute tribal print knit with moderate 2 way stretch.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

None. I did use Fold Over Elastic (FOE to finish the neckline and armholes. I love that stuff!

What would you do differently next time?:

Nothing.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Thinking about it. I love the back!

Wardrobe Versatility:

This can go with a skirt & shorts as well.

Conclusion:

Great top! I highly recommend it!

I Finally Got it!!!!

Yipppppeeee!!!! I'm just beside myself!!!! I finally bought the 2nd ed. "Fitting and Pattern Alteration" book and at a 42% discount on Amazon.com!!! I've been stalking it ever since it came out in 2009. Can you believe the price has been holding pretty steady at around $90+. I was determined to wait it out until I got a good discount. You know me, I'm just that frugal (LOL)!!! Well someone was selling a copy for $58. The catch was it had 14 blank pages (printing error) but the owner was so gracious to include xeroxed copies. Not a real problem for me--it's only 14 pages in a 496 page book and I don't mind the xeroxed copies one bit.

I've bragged on this book in the past. I ABSOLUTELY love this book! I own the 1st ed which came out in 1992. So it was definitely time for an upgrade. I think the fact that this book won't even bulge in price is definitely testament to how good it is. I was able to solve most of my fitting issues using this book. And it's an invaluable resource since I sew for clients. I love that it provides multiple suggestions for making fit adjustments/alterations.

(1992 version. I've had mine for a few years now. I can't even remember when I bought it . It's hands down one of my fave fitting books. The others being Vogue Fitting, Singer Pefect Fit, Palmer/Pletsch Fit for Real Bodies)

I can't wait to get my little greasy hands on this book. I'm so excited (thank you Jesus)!!!! I've waited a good while for updated version (feels like forever) and now I'll have it and at a significant discount. I'll be going to bed with a smile on my face. I can mark it off of my Christmas list.  Now I'm just waiting for this 5th ed. book to go on sale.....

(Update 6/4---Based on Rebecca's comments below I think I'm going to skip this one. So sad because I really had high hopes.  I forgot to mention that I already own the 4th ed of this book which I really like. For kicks and gigles I may see if I can get my hands on an even earlier version. They're always selling and for dirt cheap.)

What about you,get any special deals on sewing related stuff as of late??? Are you waiting to get the perfect deal??? Do share!