Holiday Sewing

I've been sewing, but have not done much photography! I made a top from Oliver and S pattern (these are fabulous for good drafting and easy-to-follow directions) for DGD to go with her pajama pants--made several pairs of jammies for a doll she will receive for Christmas, and did some embroidered pillow cases for all of the grands. Fun sewing. Today I even made a "draft snake" for the front door of our condo unit. I think these units had carpet when first constructed and now we have large ceramic tiles on the floor of the kitchen, dining, and living rooms. Thus, a pretty generous slit under the front door. Our door opens out onto a hallway, but still cold air comes through during our rare cold spells. Easy project, found the directions on the internet. Again, I'm thankful for this media!

Happy Holidays to anyone who stops by to see this pictureless entry. I'm enjoying my "fur" coat and have a pair of LH Euro pants almost done--just a zipper and hems to go. I worked for several weeks and will return for the week after the winter break as an elementary assistant principal. Kind of a nice way to keep myself busy, make a little money, and help out our cash-strapped school district. Besides, I got to see the holiday performances and even received a few gifts and good wishes form students and staff.

Dinner with family tonight, nothing planned tomorrow, then medical appointments and a drive home on Tuesday. So thankful we can get away easily and visit my ocean on a regular basis!

Loes Hinse Sweater Coat

I had a lot of fun making this coat--pretty easy, and I love the result. This is made from faux fur snow leopard fabric I bought from Sharon at Causal Elegance. I used the sweater coat pattern with a couple of minor tweaks Loes introduced at the seminar in October. Slightly longer collar and a slightly lower V neckline. I included the in seam pockets but did not topstitch them due to the nature of the fabric I used. It will be a fun garment to wear during the fall and winter months. I did not line or change the pattern other than as already noted. I will try to add a photo of me wearing the coat, but for now it is on my dress form in the messy sewing room.

Oiver and S Bedtime Story Pajama Pants

A quick project for the younger DGKs--I made 3 pairs of pajama pants for the grands from the Oliver and S Bedtime Story Pajamas Pattern. Made B and C size 5 and a size 7 for S. Just for my records, B got a 15" inseam, C got a 17" inseam and S got the standard as made in pattern for her size.

Here's a quick picture of the pants and the pattern. I got the fabric from the JOS fabric coop. I think the kids will all enjoy them. Got the boys long sleeve red t shirts to go with and I will make DGD a t like the previous pink one. I hope I can find some red cotton lycra in the stash!

I was not aware that Ann at Gorgeous Fabrics was having a sew along, but I did these yesterday afternoon (Black Friday) and finished sewing the elastic today. So, I guess I unwittingly sewed along! I am going to make the kimono top from the pattern for DGD, by the way.

Happy Thanksgiving to the USA blogworld--and a happy holiday season to any readers who stop by.

Add an Ottobre t shirt...Pattern 301 for boys and girls

I had enough fabric for a t shirt and made one from the Ottobre 301 pattern size 134. Might be a little big, but she just keeps growing!

Twirly skirt and Jalie leggings

Here's a cute and quick skirt I made from this tutorial here

http://houseonhillroad.typepad.com/photos/twirly_skirt/

and a pair of leggings from Jalie's pattern. The leggings are a size K made from a beefy cotton lycra knit I got at JoAnns. Now I really am packing up most of the sewing stuff that is of concern to little people as they will be here in a couple of hours.

Two Tweaks done! Loes Hinse Ascot Tweak Pattern

I finished the silk tweed that was my desired garment--then I finished the linen one too. I like this pattern--easy, quick, and I think a bit dressier than a simple cardigan. The linen is from Fabric Mart, I think. It has been in the stash for a while. The silk tweed is from Casual Elegance, the wonderful fabric service run by Sharon. She and Loes work collaboratively to provide patterns and fabrics that work well together. I know I'll wear them both. Black pants, black skirt, jeans...other possibilities?

Now I have to pack up the loose sewing tools in preparation for the DGKs coming back to our house for a few days. My DGD loves to help me run my embroidery machine so we will be in the studio. I try to move pins, scissors, seam rippers, anything with sharp points.

Ascot Tweak Jacket in progress

I have some black and white silk tweed fabric to make this--but I've never made this jacket before and wanted to test the pattern first. So, from the stash, I tried this rayon linen version. It is OK and will be finished before spring! I have enough fabric left for either pants or a skirt. I'm leaning more toward a skirt since it is linen and it does wrinkle. I love that Loes' patterns go together so well--one of the sleeves is a little puckery, but that is operator error, not the pattern.

New Old Post--Added Photo of Princess Jacket

There is a post showing the Loes Hinse garments I made in Carmel. Somehow this photo was deleted, misplaced, messed up by the author, etc.

This is the new princess jacket paired with the silk blend Oxford pants. A rarity for a Loes Hinse jacket these days, there are actually functioning buttonholes in this jacket!

Covered snaps were a major element in current RTW Loes garments and the focus of a little tutorial for the seminar attendees.

2010 Loes Hinse Seminar garments

First and easiest is my one sample of the cap sleeved top. Loes made this much more form fitting than mine and hers was more flattering! It is lovely made from stretch lace for an under layer with a jacket. Can also be made longer as a sheath. Loes made several from woven fabrics for the boutique--added a gusset under arm for ease of getting into the dress. I need to take out 1/2 inch on each side through the midriff area before I make another.

These two jackets are both versions of the Biarritz tweak/zipper jacket or cardigan as described in a recent newsletter from Casual Elegance. I made the black and white one as a wearable muslin and then the brown tweed one as a keeper. I still need to finish the hand work with another snap and then sew on a couple of accent buttons on the outside of the right front. The latter fabric I bought from B Black in LA last summer. It is on a chair in the sewing area at the seminar, so not the best photo. The pants with the tweed are Europeans made from some nice rayon/poly/lycra I bought at Michael Levine's in LA. I love the buttons, and they came from the local Hancock's!

Next is the new Princess Jacket based on the Bergman blouse pattern. I made this from some black puckered fabric--really like it! The jacket is very light weight and can be worn as a blouse with cami as well. I made Oxford pants from some silk blend and will use this as a holiday outfit with a lace cami or tee shirt. Pretty casual in this part of the world :>)

This jacket is sort of listing on the hanger, but it is my favorite! It's the same Biarritz tweak made from a sweater knit. Loes had it on a hanger in her boutique with the tee shirt under and I really liked the look--even the scarf. So I copied the whole shebang. It will go well with my current items and I can wear it year round with local AC in the summer! Kind of peeking out from behind is a green tee shirt--perfect tee. I made four of these while in Carmel. Easy peasy, instant gratification.

That's it for now--I cut out an ascot tweak jacket and will try to get it together in the next week or so.

Happy sewing!

Loes Seminar--Photos to come!

I had a fabulous time! Got home last night and still have laundry to do and grand kids to hug, so it will be a few days before I get organized to post what I made and how much fun I had! We had a wonderful group of women who all had a successful time making garments from Loes's patterns. Lots of laughter as well as hard work getting jackets to fit, pants "scooped", and fabrics chosen.

I made 3 jackets, 3 pairs of pants, and 4-5 tops. Others made more! On my list to finish at home are a sweater coat and one more of the Biarritz tweak/zipper tweak cardigan jackets. I'm also going to work on a new take on the Hepburn pants in a more drapey fabric. Lots to contemplate!

We are busy with the kids and a business venture, so I will see how quickly I can get my photos downloaded and organized :>)

I hope everyone is sewing!

Thinking about Sewing, Again...Loes Seminar Prep

I am going to the Loes Hinse seminar again at the end of the month and won't get any sewing done until I go--DH and I are in New England enjoying the fall color and will be gone till mid month. Home for a week, then we'll go to Carmel for the seminar. I am mentally planning what I'd like to make--and maybe do a little cutting the week we are home. For sure, I will cut out a few perfect T shirts with long sleeves for the winter. I can make these up very quickly and it is a good activity for "filler" while waiting for Loes to help others or if I get up early and want to accomplish something to get my sewing juices going!

I love the innovative designs Loes comes up with to "tweak" her basic patterns, so maybe I should just wait until I get there to cut and sew!

We are enjoying the cooler weather here and that has me thinking of jackets too. When we left Las Vegas a few days ago it was still in the 100's for the daytime high. Just not an incentive to think about winter items. Now I'm in the mood to pull out some darker colored fabrics with a little more heft to the fabric.

This morning I took a long walk and enjoyed the scenery, but also did some day dreaming about what I'd like to sew next. I "tweaked" my European pants pattern with a cruise pant--really just retraced the front of the cruise to include the European zipper front. I did taper the waist at the side seam a bit too--a closer waistline possible with the zip front. I plan to make a pair or two of this frankenpattern. Both pants fit me well and I expect this version to be an easy sew as well. I have traced the new cardigan pattern from Loes's most recent newsletter--had the pieces/parts already at home. What fabric to use to try this out....what to order from Sharon?

Time to shower and meet DH for lunch!

More to sew mentally...

I sewed, no photo yet--Loes Hinse Europeans

Finally, I finished a quick project. Bought some gray fabric from Fabricmart Fabrics--it is suit weight with light blue pinstripes and a little lycra in the content. I made a pair of Loes Hinse European pants and they turned out great! Gotta love a TNT pattern! When walking at the mall the other morning I noticed a cute vest with a little ruffle detail in the window at The Limited and went back to buy it! Usually I walk before the stores open which helps with crowds as well as impulse buys! Anyway, I now have a trendy new outfit to wear in slightly cooler weather.

We are leaving the beach in the morning--hate the sign that summer is over, but it is! We always have a little trouble adjusting to desert heat, but it won't be for long.

I hope to post a few more sewing projects, but I also accepted a short-term assignment at an elementary school in need of a principal. Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's back to work I go! Only for two weeks though, and I know I will enjoy the challenge. I'll post a photo of the pants with vest just to document that I have, in fact, accomplished one project! DH and I went to the LA Garment/fabric district last week and I bought 2 pieces of fabric for pants and jacket, so I hope to get some sewing done on the side too.

A little sewing

I made some pillowcases for the kids using remnants from their crib quilts and some home dec scraps from window valances. Youngest DGS is the Mickey fan, middle DGS has an Orioles fabric quilt with some green striped contrast fabric, so he gets the green/orange/white one, and first DGD had the Garfield nursery (used by her brothers too). I used the "easy peasy pillowcase pattern" I found on google and it really is too easy for words! Nice finish too with an enclosed seam so no raveling. I'm waiting for my August Burda to show up to do a little sewing for ME!

Sewing Room Remodel--sort of

Well, due to many factors, we now have some cute little people living at our house half of their days. We bought this house after the boys were grown and really just set it up for our needs, not even for guests! So, we dismantled the exercise room (no big loss since we DO exercise daily, but rarely used the room to do it), moved our son into that room, consolidated my sewing stuff, and moved a set of bunk beds into the cutting area. They slept here last night and everything went well. Is it ideal? No. Is it safe and friendly? Absolutely. We will be here part of the time and in CA part of the time. DS will have to determine a routine and schedule so that when the children are with him, he is the parent. He is a loving, caring Dad. He has a successful career and works very hard. He will come out the other side of this tunnel with his life intact. I get to see some of my grand kids much more often!

Kwik Sew 2752 OOP?

Another quick project for the DGD--this pattern may be out of print, but I found a copy online and it arrived in just days. I made the size 8 skort in red cotton twill. The pattern is designed for knits, but this made up easily in the twill fabric. I will see DGD this weekend and hope she likes the new clothes :>)

Sewing Labels

Last summer, my DGD drew a picture while visiting--and she said it was her portrait of me. So after having it hang on the refrigerator here for a year, I wanted to do something to keep the drawing. It was in purple crayon on a thin piece of copy paper. So, I managed to scan the picture and sent it to an Etsy shop to have the drawing converted into a graphic design and then into some cute little labels for me to use in clothing for the DGDs. Here is a PDF of the design and a photo of the labels as used. I'm pleased and I think Samantha will be too when she sees how I kept her drawing "alive." I don't seem to be able to load the PDF so just a peek at the labels as sewn into the garments.

Just for fun...

Photos with my youngest DGS. He has loved Mickey Mouse since he first saw him--a stuffed toy and then in print and on TV. He has been talking about seeing Mickey for months. So, a few days ago, we took him to meet the mouse. He was a bit hesitant, but here he is with Mickey and Grandma.

Ottobre Odds and Ends

Still not doing much sewing, but I made a few little items for DGD. Here are soome capris from an older issue and a skirt (skirt and leggings/shorts are from 1/2009) and tee from more recent ones. I just cleaned up and don't have the issues in front of me. The blue skirt is a mini in the magazine (Minna style #33)--but I added about 2 inches to the pattern and then added a 2 inch eyelet ruffle to the bottom. I also made a pair of white cotton/lycra shorts (shortened leggings Taija #32) for her to wear underneath. I have fabric (white interlock) for a coordinating tee shirt. We are going to have company and needed to clean up the sewing stuff so the guests will have a place to sleep!

The red/white stripe tee is from the most current Ottobre--again I made some shorts from the issue with the above mini--just shortened the leggings that were designed to wear under the mini. I bought some red twill and will make her a longer version of the mini from red twill. Good basics to wear to school.

Finally, the check capris are from an older issue of Ottobre and match a melon tee I made last month. She can wear these for play or school. Fun and easy items to fill out a wardrobe.

Things are still in flux but sewing does help to fill time and keep one occupied.

American Girl, Ottobre, and Kwik Sew

I have been working on some little projects for my younger DGD. A couple of outfits for her and a couple for her AG doll. The striped top for the doll is from KS 2839 and the pants are from a book of AG doll outfits--left it at the beach so I don't know the author or title! Green shorts are the same pattern and the shirt also came from that book. The kid clothes are from Ottobre and McCalls--don't have the exact pattern numbers in front of me. These were easy and fun! I made another Ottobre t for her and am finishing up some capris to go with it. More photos later.

Happy Fathers Day to all with kids, dads, brothers, etc. We had a nice day with younger DS and his kids.

Quiet Time

Sometimes life surprises you and poses some challenges that you didn't expect. My turn.

I'll be back--hopefully with some projects I've sewn.

School's Out!

I must say it is a great feeling too! We had a successful closing and everyone is off for summer adventures and classes and fun. A new principal has been appointed and she will report when the school office reopens in August. Great feeling!

Thanks to Lori and Summerset for the info on my wildflower--it is not a native, I don't think. We bought a bucket of wildflower seeds about 10 years ago and spread them on the flower beds at the back of the house. Some flowers reseed every year and these are my favorites!

We have some loose ends to tie up here and then we will take off for the summer to our little place at the beach. Cool breezes, morning walks along the sand, and sewing with the toys I have there. I bought and pretreated some fabrics for the grands and have my chanel style jacket packed to FINISH in the next few weeks! Even if I don't love it when it is done, I want to take this project to the end. I even have some cool trim, so I must focus myself and finish it up.

Today we are off to the Shark Reef exhibit--we've never been and it is free today for local teachers with ID badges. That's a nice perk that some of the local businesses have offered in these tough economic times. Our teachers have taken salary cuts, freezes, etc. and it is nice to know that some of the area attractions recognize these people. Of course, getting people to their properties is also a goal. I'll do some serious window shopping along the way as well :>)

We took take out dinner to DS's house last night and enjoyed a low key evening with son and grands. Nice night.

McCall's MP340

Here's the tee shirt I finally finished to go with chiffon skirt. I made a few little flowers to coordinate and pinned them to the neckline of the tee shirt. If you click on the picture it will enlarge and you can see the flowers. A fun little accent.

Directions for the flowers were also in the pattern.

Last shot of a wild flower that has become a repeater in our back garden. I LOVE the color of this one!

Photo Update--Double Chiffon Skirt

Here's the photo--windy day so I took a quick shot on the front gate! I see you can see my shadow and a tiny poodle head above the top of the gate, so I'm including one shot inside as well. I can sew, but I am no good with photos!!!

I used some poly chiffon (can't remember from whom) I found in the stash with a nude lingerie fabric from Casual Elegance for a lining. Feels great against the skin and provides a nice modest lining!

A Little Sewing--Loes Hinse Double Chiffon Skirt

I am going to try the cut and paste method of blogging today—we’ll see if I am technologically able. I made the double layer chiffon skirt from one of Loes Hinse’s past newsletters. How easy and cute! I had to pick off the waistband because I thought I KNEW what to do without looking at the directions. Well, when I followed the directions I got a great finish and fit.

I still have some things cut out that I had hoped to finish—the tee shirt that matches the skirt for one. I have 3 more days of work as an elementary principal then I am free again. I am so grateful that I am a retired educator because today’s challenges are truly formidable.

Hope to post a photo tonight!

I love reading about everyone’s projects. I hope to get back to creating a few of my own. It is not like I NEED any clothes—I just enjoy the process of making them. I also think it helps me to keep the old brain cells working. Problem solving when sewing is a good spatial relationship challenge.

Thinking about Sewing

I am still working, so not doing much sewing. This is the time of year when schools have evening activities, so that means the principal should show up! Not a bad thing, just eats up my personal time for a while. I have been thinking about sewing, however. I even have some black linen on the cutting table to make into some version of Loes Hinse pants. Easy sewing and I am pretty sure of the fit. Kind of no brainer sewing.

I went to visit my dad yesterday so we are on the road. We'll spend some time at the Happiest Place on Earth today and then head home tomorrow. The kids know that there are 12 more days of school left, so the end is in sight. Next year I think I'll stay retired!

My next post will be with a photo of something I've made!

Loes Hinse Cruise Pants

This is my first go at this pattern, but it fits very similar to the view B European pants I just made. This is a wearable muslin--used some stash fabric. I like them and will wear them. The fabric is wool or a wool blend, so not the wisest choice for spring and summer here in the desert! I do like the inseam pocket and am pleased with the look. It does not "pooch" out at the hipline. I followed the pattern directions and did the topstitching on the side seam. I often skip this step when making European or Oxford pants, but thought I'd make my first pair just as directed. I like the detail on this fabric. On a more drapey fabric I would not do the side seam stitching.

I'll do the pattern piece comparison later--too much on my plate today!

Short Vacation to Charleston

DH and I are just home from a quick 8 days to Charleston and Savannah. Great food, good weather, beautiful scenery, and good friends. Perfect trip. We got home on Weds night and I worked Thurs and Fri. Today we'll have DS and his family for dinner. Pretty nice week. Sewing still on the back burner for a little while.

Seems Like Nobody's Home...

I have been MIA from the blog---just working and life have taken up my days! I am enjoying my gig as an elementary principal and will finish out the year in the position. I do find tha dental appointments, phys therapy, etc. AFTER work make for some very long days!!!

Cheers to all of you sewists who work, sew, take care of families, volunteer, etc. I have put sewing on the back burner, but am working on some LH basic pleat plants without the pleats. They are cut out, serged edges, and will put together a little at a time as my life permits.

I have been looking at everyone else's creations and am sewing in my mind! There will be time again soon.

Burda Chanel-Type Jacket

Not finished! But the jacket is basically put together and the lining is too. Now I need to put them together! I do have it together enough to fit it on the form I made in October. Seems to be OK fit wise. DH asked why it has taken me so long to make this jacket, and I didn't have a great response other than it's a Burda Style pattern--had to trace and decipher the instructions without any illustrations. I've not made this exact kind of jacket before so I'm a little less confident than when I remake one or make something similar to previous garments. Learning new things is good for the brain, eh?

A work in progress: the fabric is a wool/rayon blend from Melody at Fashionista Fabrics. I have ribbon and braid to put around the sleeves and down the front edges. That will be the finishing touch done by hand so it can be removed if my taste changes...

Some Sewing for Me!

I made a quick jacket and pants combo for me! Jacket is Loes Hinse Paris (seminar pattern) and pants are LH Cruise pants. The pants are my first go at this pattern--not bad right from the envelope. The jacket is slightly restyled by Loes from last fall's version. The fabrics were both in my stash--the Gray Lady for the jacket from Nancy Erickson and only aged a couple of months. The pants fabric is of unknown origin and a rayon/poly/lycra mix. Both sewed up quite easily and I am looking forward to having a few new pieces for work next week. I guess it's only for me as this will be a new staff and thus everything is "new" so to speak!

The wind is howling here--we kept our middle DGS last night and he ended up in our bed, afraid of the noises in the house caused by the wind.

I hope to make a few more things this week--maybe I will even finish the Chanel type jacket I put away last month! Or not, we'll see how my patience and enthusiasm match :>)

Vacation and Then Work

I've been pondering this, and decided I'd take this position for the rest of the school year. Our state is in dire straights financially and our local school district must tighten the budget even more. So, where there was no funding, there is now negative funding. There are administrative positions that will not be filled, so schools go without a principal? I can step in and fill the position for a couple of months. The pay is NOT great and there are no benefits, but I earned a nice living working here and I can give some time back.

So, I better sew like a mad woman the next few days :>) I made 2 t shirts today and will finish up the 3rd pair of L Hinse pants too. I don't really need any clothes, but they are fun to make! The new Burda has several tempting items and I hope to trace those items and maybe cut them out as well.

DH and I are going out for a frozen yogurt. Have a nice evening!

Quick Ottobre Project

I know I haven't done much posting or sewing--went to CA for a week to enjoy the weather, visit my dad, and volunteer at the Aquarium of the Pacific. All wonderful ways to spend some time! I did cut out a skirt (Ottobre 1/2010 style #20 Garden Flower skirt) for DGD before we left and sewed it in little spurts while at the condo. I also cut out some of the hearts in the skirt fabric and did a "quick and dirty" application on a purchased t shirt. No changes to the skirt during construction. After it was finished I realized that there was a good chance that the skirt would be too big around for DGD so I made a self casing on the inside waist and put buttonhole elastic through the casing and attached it to two buttons I placed on the interior of the skirt. It will be a cute school outfit. I want to do some sewing this week--might be going back to work again next week. I'm still thinking about it.

Cyber Friends

First, I want to thank you for the kind comments left on my last post. I am just a satisfied customer who found some patterns that fit me. I use lots of different patterns but have had the most success with these. Finally!

My husband and I had the most pleasant dinner last night with a friend I met via the internet and whom I have met twice when she came to my city. Many of you may know her as she runs a fabulous fabric shop in Kansas. I've never been to Kansas, but I have become a customer and love the service she provides as well. No need to drop names--just wanted to say how nice it is to make these connections with like-minded women and be able to share online and face-to-face time with them!

I have a few other items I've finished recently--will get photos up soon.

Happy sewing, friends! Thanks again for the comments. I so appreciate your thoughtful words.

Biarritz Jackets from Loes Hinse's Pattern

Mostly photos this time--the white boucle is the most recently finished, although I made it in October it took me forever to choose buttons and put in the buttonholes. These jackets are all from the same basic pattern (Biarritz size sm) but have been changed in various ways. Some from the "tweaks" that Loes sells through Sharon's business, Casual Elegance Fabrics, and some from tweaks that Loes provides for seminar attendees. It is great to be able to make a jacket tht fits and add different finishes to make it seem like a totally new garment without the frustrations of fitting, etc. I should have rotated the images, but I guess it's too late now! I love the simple black and white wool version--goes great with jeans and dress pants. Also the multi colored knit one--more like a sweater that I wear OFTEN. The fitst photo, far right jacket is a grey knit that Sharon sold and that Loes used for jackets in her boutique. I was on the fence about making it and didn't buy fabric at the seminar. Luckily, I changed my mind in time and love this one too. This jacket just fits my lifestyle.