Not Much Going On...

I haven't been doing a lot of sewing--transition from desert to beach, visits from kids and grands, and a new dog have kept me busy!  We always escape the desert heat for the summer, and we always have wonderful time with the kids, but a new dog has been a wonderful responsibility that does require time and patience.

We lost our precious Brandy on May 26 and decided to wait a while before getting another pet.  We are mostly retired and do a good deal of traveling and running around.  BUT, the emptiness of the house when we came home to no furry friend was really difficult and we found our little Bear via Craigslist of all places.  He was in need of a new home--his family was moving out of state and was not allowed to bring pets to their new home.  Sad for all.  He is a year old mostly poodle mix.  When we got him he was a matted mess.  He was scared to death and DH was ready to give him back after the first day.  We didn't.  He got his shots updated, a very close grooming, and lots of time and attention. 

So, I am now, a month later, looking at possible sewing projects!  Bear is asleep in his bed and adjusting to be a happy little dog.  He has begun obedience training and we are all learning!  Now I have some free time to sew up some easy shirts and a few DGD items.

"I'll be back..."

JCrew Rayon Lycra Fabric

In case some of the coop members are on the fence about this fabric, I love this fabric!  I have been able to purchase this from a coop to which I belong.  The fabric is soft but not "wimpy" and the shirts I have made are still in great condition! The lycra does not make them too stretchy, just enough to maintain their shape and not stretch out. So, here are a few of the past projects.

I made two like the top photo--basic white long sleeve tee shirts from the Loes Hinse Perfect Tee pattern.  For me, this is the perfect pattern.  It fits and I do not need to alter anything.  Whooppee. I also made this same pattern in a burgandy and also a medium brow
n colorway.  I wear these all the time with a jacket or cardigan or just a stand alone.  Very versatile and they fill in well in my lifestyle.

The bottom one is a color block tee made from same pattern with white top and black lower 2/3.  Again, this fabric sewed together effortlessly and behaves well when worn even after many washings.

I am ordering more of the same fabric in a few select colors.  It is a staple for me.  I probably need to go back and review the colors I did order.  LOL! 

Final photo is a camouflaged black tee from same pattern and fabric.  I made a couple of scarves to wear during the cooler weather and they coordinate well with this stuff too.

Just my opinion, but I am always happy to see this fabric when it is for sale!

ETA--I also made a turtleneck from an Ottobre pattern for my 10 YO granddaughter.  Wears well for kids' clothing too.

Been Sewing--No Photos

Just to document that some sewing has taken place, here's the list:

Burda pants finished--golden yellow twill to go with Banana Republic cardi
Navy Elle (style arc) pants from Mood ponte finished
Brown bengaline willow pants finished
Olive bengaline Linda pants finished
Cut out Opal SW jacket from MTilton linen. Started construction.

Also reorganized and prioritized traced patterns for summer sewing. I ordered black and white stretch twill for crop pants as well as white cotton Lycra knit for short sleeve tee shirts. Easy once the production begins ;-)

15 more days of school to work through too. I am taking a 3 day serger workshop with Sue Baker Green so I hope to gain some new skills too.

Lunch with great sewing friend tomorrow.

Photos one of these days,

Finally!

Here is my copy of Lori's jacket. Her quilting skills far surpass mine and her binding is perfect. Mine is OK. Pants are the well used Willow pants from Style Arc and the jacket is a new McCalls wardrobe pattern. All in all, I like the garments!

ETA:  I guess I should add that this is the big reveal of what was in my Mood package.  I bought the double sided cotton knit stripe fabric and some lovely ponte.  They came in the box I showed a couple of posts ago.  I did not use the ponte for this project because it was more on the royal side of navy and the stripes are more midnight.  The Mood ponte is almost finished in its role as a pair of Style Arc Elle pants.  The pants and binding above are from Joann's.  not as nice, but a better color match.  

Detour...Burda 7447 and Loes Hinse Tuscan Tweak

I got waylaid and made up two garments that have been on my list. Hurray! Two checked off and I like both. Score! More sketchy phone photos...

The pants seemed too small all the way to the waistband--then they fit. So glad I didn't mess around with alterations during the process. I'm pleases with them, but I do not seek perfection ;-). The top is made from fabric I got at the LH seminar last fall. It was so much easier to make than I had anticipated.

On to my Mood bag tomorrow ;-)

My Next Project

Yes, inside the bag which came out of this box, are the fabrics for my next projects.  I am hoping to get started early next week.  More to come...

Phone photos? No skill!

OK--I thought I'd add a couple of quick phone photos to document my recent colorblock tee shirt. My hats off to bloggers who are able to take good photos using iPhone and a mirror. I don't belong to that crew.

Here are my feeble attempts. Whole outfit is a Loes Hinse tee, LH long sweater, and Style Arc Willow pants. At least here is proof I love the items and wear them. LOL