What I dream of making

Lately I have been spending quite a lot of time checking out other blogs. I fell in love with so many projects and them found myself going to the art store, Michael's, and scrap booking stores to get ALL the supplies that I needed to make these things. I couldn't believe that there are products out there that I did not know about! 

Here a just a few of them:

This pillow is made of recycled materials from Allison Burke.

 

This necklace from Running with Scissors only my will be blue.

 

This flower pot from Lolly chops.

 

Try my hand at some hand designs on a skirt.

 

Start an Art Quilt - idea from Donna Downy

And a lampshade like this one from Tatertots and Jello.

Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!  I plan to make all of these this weekend!!! Not really, but a gal can dream can't she.

Happy Sewing,

Michele P

What to wear to NYC??

Our ASG chapter sponsored a trip to NYC garment district last Saturday.  I have been in a tizzy trying to decide what to make and wear.  I imposed several conditions on the garment:

1. Must be fabric in my stash

2. If possible, fabric I purchase in NYC on a previous trip

3. Comfortable and breathable

4. Fashionable and have an element that I spied while inspiration shopping

5. Flattering ( always a challenge)


I managed to meet most of my criteria with the exception of #2.  This first jacket I started was from NYC fabric, but turned out to be too HOT!  You know women of a certain age must be concerned with temperature and fiber content! That jacket will be a fall project and will be showcased in a later post.

This is what I came up with and must say I was quite pleased.
(1) The fabric came from a little store in Harrisonburg, VA. 
(3) Fiber content is Rayon so it is light and breathable. 
(4) I used the back bow treatment that we spied on many jackets. ( 5) Well, that one I will leave up to you.

Front of Jacket

Back With Bow

Showing how the tie goes through an opening in the princess seam

You know I must add a little suzh to the back neck

Sleeve detail

Showing how the front is cut in one big square to create the drape

These are the beads I used on the sleeves and neck - I did purchase them in NYC on a previous trip.

I struggled with the sleeve treatment and  the belt.  After several failures, I came up with  the idea of taking some faux leather (a gift from Deb) and cutting  a 1 1/2 inch wide strip of fabric and put in on the leather, then folded the leather over the fabric and topstitched three times to create a belt that had substance yet was flexable and comfortable.  Also, a note that the fabric is two sided making the front drape more interesting.

I am so pleased with this top that I plan to make another in linnen for the dog days of summer.

Hope you like it, if you do please leave a comment or check a box on the comment section.

Sew Happy,.

Michele P

Tale of Three totes - part trois

This is the third bag in the series!  All three are from my same basic pattern.  This one was inspired by a Valentino bag that Dr. P gave me for Christmas last year.

Here is my version:



Bag Back

Close up of the tag on the back

Side of bag 

I hope you have enjoyed the tale of three totes.  If you have been inspired, please leave me a post or check off a box in the comment section.

Happy Sewing,

Michele P



Tale of Three Totes - part du

This is the second of the three project totes I made.

 I had so much fun with this one. 

The fabric is fantastic - it is Alexander Henry "Home Sewing Is Easy Fabric Retro 24".  







Front of Tote

I can't just make a tote - I must add some interest.  This is on the front - a small label that says create joy and a pewter bee.

A small charm of a martini glass.

Sorry this is blurry - but I wanted to show the thread spool button

Inside of bag - my label I made on my Janome embroidery machine

Inside with the same pocket treatment as the first bag - You can see that this is a working project bag

Hope you are inspired to make a project tote - if you do please let me know, I would love to post them.

Happy Sewing,

Michele P

Royal Wedding and our Hat Party

What An Event!

One of my BFFs had a Royal Wedding viewing party. What an event it was. We were required to wear a hat. Before I show you ours, I thought I would show you theirs!

Best Looking Couple

Great Fascinator

Right up there with the most unusual

What do you think the Queen was thinking?

Are these girls triplets?

I love this one!

Now for a few Laughs!



                                       The Queen of Star Jordan graced us with her presence.

                                                            Our Hostess, Lady Fairfax

                                                             The Duchess of Alexandria

The Countess of  Eagle Rock

Crown Princess of Fair Lane 

I hope you had as much fun watching the wedding as we did!

Happy Sewing,
Michele P