Back to the blog

I have returned from my blog hiatus.  I have been in somewhat of a funk.  Nothing I was working on seemed blog worthy - so what does one do when one is in the funk?  Go shopping.  I always find a book or two that gets my mojo back and true to form I found one.  Here it is:

There is so much eye candy in this issue that I can hardly stand it.




I thought this bag was so interesting - this form or type of smocking is popping up everywhere.

Esther and Estella

They do fantastic embroidery and amazing things with sea shells - this bouquet is a sample of their work.
 http://star-of-the-east.blogspot.com/ check her out.




Take a look at Donna Downey Studios


She calls this her arm candy tote.



Last but least my VERY FAVE is from the unbelievable talent of Deb Allen.

 

 

Her 'pods' are what got me to purchase the book.  They are made from wool roving and then embellished with beads and flowers.  What more could a girl want?

Happy Sewing
Michele P

Working on my UFOs

I was somewhat embarrassed and called to task when one of my BFFs, Tina Marie, was over and looked at all of my UFO's and made a few comments about my lack of focus!  In my defense, I usually start a project close to the end of the season and by the time it would be done, it is the next season so no need to compete it as I could not wear it!  I am determined to get all of them completed before I will allow myself to start anything new.  (well, we will see how long that lasts!)

Here is the list of my fall/winter UFOs:

2 Vests
2 Jackets
Many T-Shirts
2 Twin Sets
1 Blouse

Since that enlightening visit, I have completed one vest and one jacket.  Here is the jacket.

Pardon the background - Today is a very cloudy day and I was forced to move Chesty to an area of the studio that had the most light.

The fabric of this jacket is a boiled wool that I purchased many moons ago at Mood Fabrics, NYC.

Back - sorry for the flash on the belt.

Close up of the belt.  I had this buckle in my stash and decided to use it to connect the belt.

Close up of the back collar.  I finished the back neck with a facing and hand sewed (oh yes I did) the entire collar to the jacket.

Again, I had this very small piece of vintage velvet in my stash and thought it would be a great facing for this garment.

Close up of the sleeve.  I used a BWOF pattern with this twisted sleeve.  I like the look, but would not use it again as it was SOOOO much work to construct and to fit into the arm hole.

Close up of the front.  Pardon the interfacing on the small lapel.  It must have flipped back when I shot the pic. 

I wore this jacket yesterday and I loved it.  I has the warmth of a jacket and the comfort of a sweater.  As usual, after I wear a garment for the first time, I have to make a few adjustments.  I need to tack the left lapel and add a snap to the waist where the belt ties.

Happy Sewing,
Michele P