Loes Hinse Seminar Outfit

I went to lunch today with 4 of my dearest friends. Here's what I wore: LH Tunic top and European pants with a circle scarf--all made during my Oct seminar days and all fabric from Sharon at Casual Elegance. I rarely have photos of my garments with me in them, so here is a change from the norm. Happy New Year!

First Stash Project

I am trying to make a small dent in my stash, so here is my first project! I made a wrist wallet using the Embroidery Garden pattern. I walk every day and usually just leave my ID, etc. at home because DH goes along with me and has all that stuff in his wallet. But, sometimes I go alone and have to carry keys, ID, and credit card/money. I rarely walk in pants with pockets, so this can be a problem for me. I had a small wristlet with a strap, but that bothers me and I can't wear the pendant type due to neck issues. (My girlfriend told me we are entering the "rust years" so I guess I will have to learn to deal with this!) The wrist wallet is the perfect answer. The whole thing is made using an embroidery machine as an "in the hoop" project. Even the zipper insertion is SIMPLE and done by the machine! I did use velcro as a closure rather than snaps as used in the pattern.

Here is a photo of the finished project. I used some quilt scraps from my mom's stash. I took a few things when we cleaned out her sewing stuff. My sister wanted her machine and serger and I took some of the fabrics cause I didn't need ANOTHER machine. LOL. Mom would love that her fabric is being used.

Ready to Wrap

Here is the little t shirt for DGD with her skirt. Add a pair of black tights and her fancy shoes, and she is ready to go! Fun, easy sewing for a little girl.

Loes Hinse and Kwik Sew

Finally finished up a couple of projects and have one cut out and ready to go. I also took my trusty Bernina 1130 in for servicing on Monday and will pick her up today! Maybe not the best timing, but I thought it was time.

First is the Loes Hinse tunic top, shorter version, made in a small. This is similar to one I saw in her boutique--knit fabric for the body and lace for the sleeves. I could not find the beautiful lace fabric she had used but this is an OK copy. The sweater knit is from Sharon at Casual Elegance and the lace from Gorgeous Fabrics.com.

Next is a KS pattern I used to made DGD a skirt and have cut out a copy cat top. The skirt is from a remnant of the boot skirt I finished at the LH seminar in Oct. I used the KS pattern exactly as the directions indicated until it came to the waistband elastic. I used a piece of button hole elastic, made a button hole in the back skirt piece at the edge of the turn over and inserted the elastic. Instead of sewing it at both side seams before stitching down the back casing, I stitched it on one side and pulled it through the button hole on the other side. Sew on a button and voila--we're done and DGD can adjust the waist.

To go with the above skirt, I cut out a top from the same pattern--but I tapered the sleeves to a more conventional shape. I did not think the lace would drape in the bell shape. So, as soon as I finish up this top, we will have similar outfits! We won't ever wear them at the same time, so I thought it was sort of fun.

The flannel in the background of the photos is next up for jammies. I might finish them before the big day, or I might not. We'll see how other responsibilities consume my time in the ensuing days!

Waylaid...but getting back on track...

Sometimes life just kind of infringes upon my sewing...been in CA to see my dad, check on our condo, volunteer at the Aquarium, visit old friends, etc. ALL good things, but not sewing related. I did make a little skirt for my DGD and have a dressy t shirt cut out to sew up when I put cream colored thread on the serger! I cut a shirt for me and one for her--so sewing should be easy and sort of assembly line style.

Second, I think I am going to give myself the challenge of sewing up some of the stash! I have always enjoyed collecting, but now the extent of the collection has sort of exceeded my level of enjoyment. So, I will be making some things for the kids and some from me, but all from the stash for the next month or two.

We'll see if I can really do this!

Happy Holidays--I know Chanukah begins tomorrow, and Kwanza will soon be here. My family celebrates Christmas and that is coming too soon! I'll be back before the 25th with some photos to show some progress...