Noemi and Curtis

This was suppose to be up on St. Patty's Day but my iPad got screwed up after I updated it. Finally got it back to normal. So here we are a week late for the ball.

Noemi is a secondhand doll (I'm still trying to tame her mane). I made her gown, it has a slight fishtail hem in the back which you can't see.

Curtis is actually Perfume Lovin' Ken. I didn't make his outfit but I am working some Ken outfits.

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My Original Barbie

Her name is Barbie. I got her when I was 7 waaaayyy back in 1963. For a much loved, played with doll she is in very good condition. Her pale pink lip color is almost rubbed off but still noticable even in this photo. She has no neck splits but does have greening on one ear. The outfit is original to my collection from 1963 #955 called 'Swingin' Easy'. It came in this green and a darker green of the same print. The ribbon sash has faded to a purple from a dark green! Aside from that it also is in good condition.



If you look closely you can see the ear greening on this side. It is oxidation from the metal earrings she came with and is common on older dolls. Some people have had success with removing it but.....it doesn't bother me enough to risk it.  I love her the way she is and I think she looks darn good for 50!




Here she is with Jeanelle, my reproduction 1961 ponytail. Jeanelle is dressed in a green cotton dress that I made from a vintage pattern.




Barbie and Jeanelle are getting ready for Christmas!

Halloween Ensemble

I love this outfit on Stacey. I think it looks fabulous with her red-orange hair.



The dress is a simple princess seamed strapless sheath. The cape provides protection from the chill of an autumn evening.










This is a vintage Stacey doll from 1969. She is not part of my original collection. I picked her up over 10 yrs ago. She has not been retouched, but shows some discoloration on her arms and face. But isn't she a cutie?



Stacey is a mod era doll and think this outfit is both modern and mod.

I won't be doing an outfit for Thanksgiving as I am working on a jacket for myself and hope to make several doll outfits for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Hope you enjoy!
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Location:Destin, FL

Harvest Moon Ball

I love dolls. I still have my original Barbies from my childhood. I have also added to those over the years and now have a modest collection of Barbies and Ideal Miss Revlons (from the 50's).

I go through periods where I pull a few out for display and/or to make clothes for them. This is one of those times when I wish I was 10 yrs old and didn't have a care in the world..........because the world is a very scary place at times.

So I've decided to make a few outfits for some of my Barbies (and they can't all be named Barbie, so yes, they have names). Now it's been awhile since I have made anything for the Vinyl Goddess and she is quite small so I am starting out with simple but pretty outfits.



These two lovely ladies, Jeanelle (reproduction 60's ponytail) and Courtney (early 2000 doll) are attending the Harvest Moon Ball tonight in coordinated fall dresses.




These are simple strapless dresses but getting that full skirt attached to the bodice did take some doing. One of the hardest parts of making doll clothes on this scale is finding fabric prints that are appropriate and have enough drape or are not to stiff. These are made from cotton and I think worked out good. The leaf print is really pretty.

I have decided on the next outfit to make.....something along the lines of Halloween but not a costume.

Hope you enjoy!

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2012 Goals Revisted.

On January 1, 2012 I posted some resolutions, oops, goals for myself.  There weren't many, just 4 little things, you can revisit them here, if you like.  I thought it was time to take a look back and assess myself on how I did.

1)  This one was the easiest.  I did manage to reduce my fabric stash by making 19 dresses for orphaned girls in Africa.  I had hoped to make more and do another shipment later in the year but I started working full time in late March, so my extra time disappeared.  Grade: PASS

2)  This one was hit or miss.  I was more active at times, but at others was still a couch potato.  Grade: NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

3)  We did manage to reduce some of our debt, but again got caught with some unexpected expenses.  Grade:  NEEDS IMPROVEMENT

4)  As predicted this was the hardest one to achieve.  Of course it didn't help that I didn't even try to make a pair of pants this year.  Aside from the girl's dresses I didn't do much sewing this year.  Grade:  EPIC FAILURE

Well, that's it, 1 out of 4.  I think I will go for the same 4 goals in 2013, see if I can improve and check them all off this year!

Update:  I need to add two things to this list, a new throw quilt for The Husband and a queen size quilt for our bed.  Both of these current quilts are about 20 years old and in tatters, so even though I burnt out on quilting 3yrs ago and haven't made any since, I am going to have to add them to my goals for 2013.

Sewing? What's that.........?

I can't remember the last time I posted about any sewing projects.  I think the last was the little dresses project early in spring.

Anyway, I have been doing a little sewing because it's too hot to do anything outside!

Let's start with a winner.....

New Look 6895

It doesn't look like much but it looks really good on and it was super easy to make.  Sometimes with these super easy top patterns they can end up looking boxy (especially without any darts like this one).  But I think this lightweight crinkle poly crepe made it work.  The color is a taupe/mushroom and looks really good with jeans.

Now for a loser..........

NL6803

No, that is not a potato sack, it's a dress.  I got this pretty striped seersucker fabric and was going to make a summer blouse.  Then I got the bright idea it would make a nice cool summer dress.  I didn't have enough for a lot of the dress patterns I have but this on would work.  I've made a different view of this dress with the pleated neckline and the obi belt so I knew it would need a belt and I found a nice one.  But even with the belt I'm not lovin' it.....

It really screams HOUSEDRESS when you put it on even with the belt.  And the front neck vee is really, really low....it stops past my boobs.  I'm disappointed.

Another winner.................

B3717

This pattern is OOP and is my one of my go to skirt patterns.  A simple slim skirt with narrow waistband and back kick pleat.   What makes this so special to me is the fabric.  I LOVE IT! Animal camo!!!  Here's a close up.

Mostly dogs with a few cats, bunnies and birds thrown in for good measure.  Adorable.

As Mr. Meatloaf would say ...."two out of three ain't bad".

2012 Goals: dresses...lots of dresses

I haven't been doing to well on the 4 little goals I set for myself at the beginning of the new year, except for one, stash reduction, the other 3 goals are gathering dust.

I am proud to say that in the past two months I have used up approx. 30  yds of fabric from my stash!

How you ask did I achieve this wonderous feat?  I will tell you........by making these.....

19, yes, 19 little dresses! 18 of these little cuties will be sent to Little Dresses For Africa and 1 will be going north to Chicago for my grandniece, Nicole.  Here is a close up of her dress.

Her Daddy is a Chicago Fireman and his birthday is on the Fourth of July.  I thought this would be a cute little dress for her to wear on his birthday. Here are the other size 2 dresses I made.

A close up of 2 of my favorites.  Here are the size 4 dresses.

And a close up of my favorites.

And these dresses are for the older girls, size 10 and 14.

A close up of my favorites.

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I used New Look 6796 for the size 2 and 4 dresses and Simplicity 5234 for the bigger dresses.

I enjoyed making these dresses, especially playing and picking the fabric combinations.  I am especially glad that I came across the Little Dresses for Africa site that gave me purpose for this project.   It's one thing to feel good because I am on the way to reaching one of my goals this year, but it doesn't compare with the good feeling that I am providing someone with something they need........and what little girl doesn't need a pretty little dress.

Nothing to see here, folks....keep moving.......

This has been one of those weeks at work.  Can you say computer crash with no current backup, can you say corrupted Quickbooks data file?  It is amazing how a plastic box can bring a company to its knees!  I have spent the last 2 days rebuilding data from our last good backup (8/31).  Monday the IT guy is coming with a new machine (we run a 3-machine network) and we are redoing our years old network setup. Hopefully by Tuesday we will be close to normal (my fingers and any other flexible appendage are crossed).

I had hoped to have a jacket from this pattern finished this week:

I am making it from a black cotton pique.  I made a muslin a few weeks ago and the fit was perfect.  So far it is turning out very nice.  Maybe I can get in a few minutes this weekend and get it finished by the end of the week.  I have lots of things I want to get started on for fall/winter as I got some nice fabric in the mail about a week ago.

On a more positive note, Lily had her first chemo treatment this week and is doing great! No ill side-effects and she is learning to maneuver better each day.......in fact she is back to charging dogs on the TV......not necessarily a good thing.  But we are just glad she is happy, pain free and being herself.

The Knit is Still My Enemy

It's been almost 2 years since I tackled sewing with knits.  I decided it was time to try again.  So I took this pattern:

 Vogue 8669

And made this:

It's not too bad but I still have an issue with my stitches.  The side seams aren't bad, and the back neck had bias for a little more support but the front neckline and bottom hem stitches still come out all wonking.  It doesn't make any difference if I use the so called "stretch" stitch on the machine or a regular straight stitch.  At least the front neckline folds in on itself and really can't be seen.  And I doubt anyone is going to be staring at the hem, the print is busy enough to hide it.  I didn't want to take any chances with hemming the arms so just left them unstitched.

I love this top, it looks really flattering on me.  I cut a straight Size 12 and the only adjustment I made was taking the length up 1".  It is very long and the tunic version even longer.  I would love to make a few more sleeveless and 3/4" length versions.  I think I am going to try a matte jersey knit next, this slippery 'ITY' stuff is a PITA to work with, luckily it is the last piece in my stash.

Oh yes and I made it in a day, a few hours all total from cutting it out to picture.  For me that is an accomplishment!

4 Sorbettos, all in a row

 You already saw #1 in a previous post but here it is again.

I had some fit issues with this one that were entirely my own fault by cutting it out on the incorrect sizing lines (they need to make 10x reading glasses for this stuff.  I don't know how people can use the Burda patterns without making a mistake!).  This was made in the standard Sorbetto with front pleat and has self-made matching bias trim.  It's a little snug across the bust (FIRST time I have ever had that issue) but it is wearable and I do like it.  I have worn it once already.  Here is a close-up of fabric and bias trim.

Sorbetto # 2:

I only had about a yard of this fabric but really thought it was a nice print to go with jeans.  I got rid of the front pleat and had to cut the back in 2 pieces rather than on a fold, making a scant 1/4inch seam.  I thought it looked a little plain so I made the little front placket and added the buttons.  It has purchased bias trim. The fit was better on this one and I have already worn it once.  Here is a close-up of fabric, trim and buttons (these buttons are actually on backwards, I liked the pearlized underside better than the top):

Sorbetto # 3:

 This one is my favorite. I just love this fabric and even though the background is a dark navy intend on wearing this with black jeans.  The fit on this one, after a little tweaking, is perfect.  It is a standard Sorbetto with contrasting self-made bias.  I have not worn it yet, but plan to next week.  Here is a close-up of the fabric and contrasting bias:

  Sorbetto #4:

This is my second favorite.  The print is black and grey on bright white.  It is a standard Sorbetto with front pleat, self-made contrasting bias and 3 black mismatched buttons.  The bias trim really contrasts on this one while #3 was a more subtle contrast so as not to fight the busyness of the print.  This print cried out for a little more zing.  I have not worn it yet (just finished sewing on the buttons an hour ago) but plan to next week.  Here is a close-up of the fabric, contrasting bias trim and buttons:

There is actually a Sorbetto #5 cut out and sitting on the work pile.  As with #2 I had less than a yard of fabric so it will have no pleat and a seamed back.  But I am a little burnt out on making these at the moment but will come back to it shortly.

This is a great pattern and like many other sewists out in blogland I have been smitten with Sorbetto Fever!  I am sure I will continue to come back to this pattern time and again.

Issues ....I've got issues

I don't know who's blog I saw it on but they made Colette Patterns Sorbetto tank top.  It was adorable and it was a free download.  So off I went.......

After taping the pieces together I was going to copy the size I needed but for the life of me these old trifocaled eyes could not see the lines through the tissue paper.  So I decided to just go ahead and cut out the size I needed from the paper pattern.  

In reading over their size chart I was a little surprised that I would cut a size 2 (Bust 34).  I know they are an independent pattern house and not the one of the larger commercial brands but I was still a little concerned.  I decided to go up one size to a 4 (Bust 35).  I also cut the length at the size 10 because I like my tops a little longer.

The top just looked small to me as I was sewing the seams.  Once I got the seams done I held it up to me....uhoh.  I am surprised I could get it on.....I know they say they have less ease in their patterns but I looked like 10lbs of sausage stuffed in a 5lb casing!  It was also shorter than I like even after adding length. I was so disappointed because:  1) I really like the fabric (it goes so well with a pair of cargo pants I bought months ago, that I have nothing to wear with) and 2) everyone always raves about the fit of Collette patterns.  I'm note sure what went wrong where.

Not to be defeated I was determined to try and save this cute little top.  Getting out of it was my first hurtle....I looked like Edward Norton in 'Fight Club',  beating the crap out of myself to get this thing off!  But I won, and off it came.

I took out all the seams and resewed them at a scant 1/4".  It is still a little snug in the bust but I think it is wearable.  Here she is with the bias facings on yet:

The flowers are shades of lavender and purple with tan, not green leaves.  I was going to make the bias out of a lavender tonal print, but I think I will just use the same floral fabric.

I have already made my adjustment notes and because this is a simple top they weren't that complicated.  So fit issues aside I really like this top.  It sews up quick and the pleat adds a little interest. You can embellish it or make it even simpler by taking out the pleat.  I know I plan on making more.

Better Late Than Never

TaDa!

I present Simplicity 3786  (hopefully I get a better picture later wearing it). Since it has been well over a month since I began this garment, let me refresh your memory.  This is the pattern and fabric:

I did View F. It has been eons since I've sewn pintucks and I didn't find their instructions very clear, so I kind of winged it.  They looked good enough to impress The Husband. Other than that it worked up easily.

It's an okay top. I have never been a big tunic gal, but they seem to be everywhere this year and thought I would give one a try.  The pintucks do add interest and the elastic insert in the back keeps it from being too blousey.  My cotton may be a little too stiff as it still poufs out in front for that much sought-after maternity look. I am hoping a few washings will soften in up a little.

One thing I don't like is the band collar.  It's too big and sticks up.  If I ever make this again I would make the collar half the size.

All in all, it's okay and it's DONE! Time to move on.......nothing here to see...........

On the Sew Again

I have finally gotten back in the mood to do a little sewing for myself.  Since I am hoping to shed a few pounds while The Husband is wired shut and I am fending for myself (I have already dropped 1.5lbs......probably those donuts we had earlier in the week!)  I don't want to jump back in with anything major just yet.  So here are my choices:

First up McCall's 5248.  I made the bathrobe a year ago and love it.  This time around I could use some summer pajamas.  These are all cotton fabrics, the green is going to be the shorts and the top will be a combination of the print and peach solid.  I haven't worked out the exact details, but with summer already in full swing here in the FL Panhandle this will be perfect for hot, humid nights.

Next up is Simplicity 3786 in view E (with the capped sleeves) in this light blue and yellow floral.  I saw a similar sleeveless  tunic in the Chadwick's catalog that I really loved and I have a beautiful blue, white and black cotton print in my stash that would be perfect.  But it's been awhile since I have done pintucks so I am going to make this my wearable muslin.  I'm not a huge fan of tunics but I do love pintucks and this looks like it will be very nice and cool.

Last in line is New Look 6677....gee, did I just say I wasn't a huge fan of tunics????  I am also not a big purple/lavender fan....but what the heck, I'm in a stash burning mode.  I am not sure which view to make.  My first choice is View E (sleeveless with major banding) but that neckline on the model is lower than I like and I and not sure if I am capable of redrafting this.  My second choice is View C, the white sleeveless, which is actually less tunic looking.  The neckline is more to my liking and I can still use the solid for the front placket and banded collar.  I could also make bias from the solid and use it around the armholes and side vents.  Jury is still in deliberations.

Anyway, I am happy to be back in the sewing saddle.  Hopefully I won't fall off again.  Time to get cuttin'.

Today........

is my birthday!  Happy birthday to me!

Now at 55 I can get the senior day discount at Stein Mart.......somethings are worth growing old for......

Merry Christmas Eve........................

I thought I would take the time now and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.  We hosting friends for a nice sit down dinner so will be busy all day.

Ed had his 2nd Chemo treatment this past Monday and is doing well.  His lymphnodes are back to normal and his white count is also.  He is eating like a horse but has only gained 2lbs back.  The Vet and staff are optimistic!  It will be a Merry Christmas in our house, indeed!

May everyone have a Very Merry Christmas!

Back in the Saddle Again.................

I had thought I didn't want to maintain a blog anymore. I had thought what's the point if no one looks at it but me. But after 3 weeks I kind of missed it, even if no one else did.

Unfortunately I deleted a lot of the pictures that went with the previous entries, and our computer had crashed and I don't know if I still have them to restore them.  I'm not sure I want to take the time either.  I think I will just start anew.

Been A Long Time Since I Rock n' Rolled

I can't believe it's been over a month since my last post! And I am ashamed to say I don't have much to sew show for it.

I finished NL 6895.  It turned out okay, wearable under a cardigan or jacket.  The charmeuse was a little bit of a challenge to work with but not as bad as the ITY jersey knits!  Not sure I would make it again though.

Then I moved on to B4957:

I've seen this made by several people and it looked so cute.  I just used a green cotton print from my stash and while the dress fit nicely it just looked kind of frumpy and blah.  So I didn't bother sewing in the zipper and put it aside.

Next up was M5591:

This is another pattern that has been very popular.   Here's my version:

I'm just not feeling the love here.  Maybe it would look better if I had a head but the frown on my face wasn't very picturesque.   I really like the black and white print but it looks so busy here.  I'm also not sure this style is very flattering to me, it really accentuates my short waist and thick middle.  I tried it with the top out but...uh, uh, no good.   I'm a little disappointed and not sure I will feel comfortable wearing it.

I don't have any new projects planned right now.  I am tired of summer clothes but it has been so hot here I just can not think of  fall/winter wear yet.  I did pick up a nice poly suiting for pants at JoAnn's a few weeks ago so I might try to tweak my pants pattern a little more and have another go at that.  I also have a few pairs I made earlier in the year that need some readjusting.We'll see.