La Cubanita Cose

Miercoles Tam, Knitscene Winter 2011

2012-02-14T09:37:00.000-08:00

I love the way a flower shows up on the crown as the cables come together!

I was looking for a hat to knit, one that had enough ease built into the design that did not flatten my hair =). I found this design and I loved it. Hats are pretty quick to knit but I like them to have a variety of stitches to make it fun. This one fit the bill!

The bobbles are made with a crochet hook.

I used yarn (Dark Horse Yarn Rhapsody, 100% merino wool, aran weight) that has been in my stash and that came from a local yarn shop that closed a few years ago.

Of course right after I finished it the temperatures in my area rose to the 60s so I couldn't wear it. Well, it has been pretty cold recently so I got to try it and I love it! So far no flat hair to report!

Ravelry link

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Gertrude's costume is almost done and I already cut out the fabric for Mazye. More Seussical sewing showing pictures soon!

Gertrude McFuzz dress, Simplicity 5092

2012-02-06T13:18:00.000-08:00

I was able to do quite a bit of work on Gertrudes's dress. It's looking very 60s as my husband pointed out, I agree and I like it!. The white ovals are supposed to anchor the pockets, I skipped the pockets and just added the bands for looks.

A little wonky on the hanger, the side seams are just pinned

I had to change the way the dress is put together because I'm adding a lining that will help support the pocket/bag that I hope will hold the tail that can be pull out on stage when her tail grows. I could not finish the neckline with the outside facing as instructed so I added an inside facing to finish the neckline and attach the lining. I also added more swing to the skirt by adding a wedge at center back and front and since it is on the short side it should give the actress plenty of room for dancing and such.

Here is the opening for the tail.

I need to add the lining/facing and the sleeves, which I'm adding to the teacher's request.

If my idea for the growing tail works, I'll share it with you just in case one day you need to costume Gertrude!

I'm doing it again

2012-01-30T05:27:00.000-08:00

Sewing for the high school play! This time around they are doing Seussical and I making costumes/dresses for two of the main characters Gertrude and Mayzie, who are bird girls.

These are the patterns which I'm using.

This one for Mayzie who is the flamboyant one. I'm giving her a taffeta ruffled slip and of course there will be feathers, a tail and such

And this is for Gertrude, who has a one feather tail, until it starts to grow.

I have already made muslins; I especially wanted to test the halter dress for cleavage and to make sure there's no gaping. Of course I'm already prepared with double sided sticky tape to make sure that neckline stays put ;-)

My biggest challenge is going to be working with feathers. The ultimate challenge? How to make Gertrude's tail grow on stage. Yeap, I'll let you know how it goes.

Burda Style 2/2010 112 A quick top

2012-01-24T04:43:00.000-08:00

I had all intentions in showing this simple top in a creative outfit, but yesterday we had ice in the morning that quickly became slosh as the temperatures went up and it rained; so, it was jeans and weatherproof boots for me today!

There isn't much to say about this. I'm always looking for the perfect boat neck, is this one it? I'm not sure. When I first finished it I realized that in styles like this I need a 36 at the shoulders instead of my usual 38; the neckline was all sorts of wonky and not laying nice at all. So I went and took in a bit at all the shoulder/necklines seams and now it is behaving. Of course as soon as you put a cardigan on top the neckline will droop a bit, I think it is just the way of the boatneck. Just know that the sleeves are on the long side and so is the body, which I like and I can see adding a nice belt to change the look.

Who would have thought

2012-01-21T11:18:00.000-08:00

that my chubby baby would turn into such a string bean?

He was born two weeks early weighing 9 lb 8 oz and measuring 22 inches, and he seemed so small to me! Today he turns 14 and he's 1 inch away from 6 ft.

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I have a dress in the pretreating fabric stage, more later!

Vogue Knitting Winter 05/06 The Yoga Wrap

2012-01-18T05:55:00.000-08:00

I had not noticed this pattern until I saw this version and then I decided I had to make it. While looking in Ravelry I saw that May had made a version of this pattern using a lighter gauge yarn. I happened to have Debbie Bliss Merino Aran which I had purchased for a project I no longer wanted to make and it was perfect for her version , which she kindly gave instructions for.

Wearing this sweater is like being wrapped in a large cozy blanket!

I was trying to show you that the body of the wrap is just one big rectangle with two slits to insert the sleeves in; it was kind of windy yesterday so I couldn't get the fabric to hang perfectly.

This project was all knitted by the end of the year but I didn't block and sew it until this month, so it will count as my first knitted project of the year!

Christine Jonson Base Wear Two 1025 - Skirt

2012-01-10T14:27:00.000-08:00

I have been purging and organizing my stash and I found two one yards cuts, one the leftover Sophia knit that I used for these pants and the other leftover from a jacket I made before blogging. They were perfect for this simple pattern.

I used a decorative elastic I bought at Pacific Trims in NYC after seeing it in a picture that Kyle took (thanks Kyle!) I thought it made this simple black skirt a little more special.

Both skirts were constructed with my serger (yay!) except for the hem and attaching the elastic. I love how the cut of the pattern allows for and elastic waistband with minimum ease to give a smooth fit.

I wore it to work today and it was extremely comfortable!

Here is the other skirt

It felt great to make use of this fabric that was just taking space in my leftover bin!

A hike in the woods

2012-01-09T06:48:00.000-08:00

On the last day of the year we took advantage of the mild temperatures in our area and went for a hike. I loved the mushroom color everywhere

The unexpected color

the creatures


Salamander under a log

the fairytale landscape

and the contrast we added

It was just perfect.

What I made in 2011

2012-01-05T13:22:00.000-08:00

I wasn't going to write this post but I was curious about what I had accomplished this past year after reading the end of year recaps of other sewists.

Burda Style 2011


Paco Peralta Patterns 2011

Vogue Patterns 2011


Butterick, My Image 2011

Knitting and crochet 2011

Costumes 2011

Quilts in 2011

Keeping a blog is a great way to keep track isn't it?

Welcoming the New Year

2011-12-31T07:59:00.000-08:00

The past week or so I have been going through my fabrics and remnants to put some order in the stash. Out of that came out one Christmas present for my mom, which I will show a picture of later, since I forgot to take one before giving it to her. I also found a couple of knit remnants big enough to make simple skirts out of this pattern, Christine Jonson's Base Wear Two 1025

Photo from CJPatterns.com

I have used this pattern before for the skirt and top before I started blogging.

I also traced two tops from different Burda Style issues

7/2010 112

9/2011 108

I lengthened 108 to turn it into a dress but because the cut on sleeve requires so much fabric I did not have enough in the knit I pulled out to cut it as a dress. I did make it as long as possible to wear it as a tunic. I will still make it as a dress I just have to have a different fabric.

I'm planning on a quiet day sewing interrupted by family time =). We will wait for the New Year watching Avatar in our new blue-ray dvd player with sparkling wine for the boys and a good bottle of wine for DH and me.

Happy New Year to all my wonderful readers! Feliz Ano Nuevo para todos!

Feliz Navidad!

2011-12-25T13:34:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad!

Today after having lunch (leftovers from last night) my husband and I took our Clio for a walk in one of our beautiful county parks. We were forced to take a different path than usual because the park was officially closed, even though us hardcore hikers parked farther out and found a new path that it turned out super enjoyable; we are planning on coming back to take this new way in the future. Don't you love it when a little twist on your road allows you to discover something new and wonderful?

Here is hoping that whatever twists life throws your way will help you discover an unexpected and enjoyable path!

And because I don't like photo-less posts here is a picture of a Danish style ornament I made years ago following instructions from a Martha Stewart show. I still love them and put them on my tree every year. You can see one hanging near my head on the first picture of the previous post.

Burda 7428

2011-12-21T10:07:00.000-08:00

The fabric I had picked for this jacket was soft and almost sweater like but I didn't have enough so back in the bin it went and I pulled this loose weave wool instead. The fabric was bought at PA fabric warehouse, back when we were lucky enough to have one in our area.

Buttons also found in my collection.

The fabric came with a tag " Cecchi made in Italy" so I looked it up. Anywho I wanted to show you the cool weave design.

This pattern does not include a lining but because I interfaced the whole jacket for more body I included a lining. The lining fabric came from my stash, I think this one is actually from my mom's stash :-) I forgot to modify the construction of the sleeve bands to attach the lining so I ended up attaching the lining by hand there. After wearing it yesterday I tacked the lining a few more places along the sleeve to prevent too much peek-a-boo; as you can see in the pictures it was bubbling out of the sleeves a bit.

This is an easy jacket to construct as you can see not much fitting went on and it doesn't get easier than cut on sleeves.

If I were to make view B I would downsize the pattern and give it a little more shape at the side seams. While I like it, I do recognize that it is pretty shapeless as is.

I'm deciding what to sew next, I think I'll make pants, it has been a while since I have sewn any. They will be Burda since their patterns fit so well.

Paco's half circle skirt and Vogue 1261

2011-12-12T14:51:00.000-08:00


Photo from In Style Magazine

After finishing Paco's gorgeous skirt I wanted a new top to go with it. I had saved this picture from a In Style magazine and I decided I would replicate the look.

Paco Peralta half circle skirt Pattern Review

Isn't it gorgeous?

Working with Paco's patterns makes you feel very special. Paco hand draws every single one and clearly marks all pertinent information, both in Spanish and English. This pattern is drawn whole for single layer cutting, as you can imagine you need a very large surface to cut out the maxi! Once you see the shaping of this pattern you know you will get one fantastic looking skirt.

I cut the skirt before I started working full time on Peter Pan so it has been a while, but I believe I traced the medium and added a bit extra, since my measurements fell between these two sizes.

I used a rayon lycra jersey with a wonderful weight. Because of the weight I made sure that I stabilized the waistline with Seams Great (which gives you stability with a bit of stretch) The waistband I interfaced with weft interfacing. I let the skirt hang overnight but there was no additional stretching so I felt confident inserting the zipper and finishing the waistband once I had a good fit. I referred to Paco's tutorial for the zipper placement into the waistband. I added a lining, a tricot that I hoped would smooth everything out, and it does!

I love my skirt! I could have one in every color! I am planning many more outfits with this skirt, I hope to share them with you as I wear them.

Vogue 1261

I bought this pretty lacy sweatery knit from Gorgeous Fabrics without a plan, I just liked it, and then I knew it would be perfect to replicate the above In Style inspiration.

I had two other patterns with raglan sleeves, Burda which had the ease I was looking for since my knit is not super stretchy but I did not want a cowl and without it the neckline was too high. The other pattern (from Burda Stle magazine) had a boat neckline and very tight fitting, two style features I did not want. I did try to modify the Burda envelope pattern but got myself all confused with matching the seams at the neckline so I gave it up. Then Vogue patterns went on sale online and I found the perfect pattern with raglan sleeves and the pretty round neckline I wanted!

As you can see I did not make the uneven hemline, not that I don't like it but I just wanted a simple hem for this version. I removed some of the flare at the hem and I cut the back on the fold since I did not want to cut up my knit's cable design.

The instructions have you leave raw edges, this is not the kind of fabric for those finishes so all my hems are finished, including the neckline binding.

Looking at the pictures I'm considering taking in the side seams of the tunic for a slightly more fitted look...I'll keep you posted.

And a last picture wearing the coat I made since I left the nurse at my son's school speechless when I told her I had made it after she complemented it.

Winterizing a summer frock

2011-12-01T05:55:00.000-08:00

I had planned on wearing this dress (Burda 5/2010 105) with a green tee in the same shade in the print, and blue tights (which I did wear). However when I put on the tee with the dress the neckline pairing did not work (don't you hate it when that happens?)and instead I pulled this lightweight black sweater whose low scooped neckline worked with the dress'. I also own purple Mary Janes that I can wear with this dress and I will get yet another look.

I hope to have something new to show in the next post!

Time to move slower

2011-11-28T04:36:00.000-08:00

So the whirlwind that was the Peter Pan project, the family visits preparation and crazy work (Parent/Teacher conferences) has ended.

The Peter Pan performances were a success, the kids really came through and every night they were better than the night before. The flying looked fantastic and so did the sword fights. I saw every performance except one, when I baby-sat my adorable nephew so that my brother and SIL could see the play. I was on hand to fix wardrobe malfunctions and help find "lost" stuff, "my boots! I can't find my boots!", "where is my dagger?"...

And you know what? I was listed as "Seamstress"! And given "special thanks" for my "sewing expertise"! How cool is that?

Here is Peter trying to strike Tootles (aka my son) for shooting Wendy. I made all the leaf print covers in this set and of course Peter's tunic.

When I had some time this past week, well yesterday, I found a pattern I had prepared the fabric for but the weather changed so it had been put away. I did my usual alterations to it and I hope to cut it out today. Today the sewing room will be available again so I will first sew Paco's skirt.

Here is the pattern

I'm making view B.

Yes there will be fashion sewing coming soon!

Peter Pan is coming!

2011-11-16T04:41:00.000-08:00

So tomorrow is opening night for the fall play and I couldn't be more excited. On Tuesday I got to sit in the audience with the director/theater teacher and a couple of other parent volunteers while they ran the whole show for the first time. There were "oops" moments but all in all not bad. Amazing all that goes in these productions!

The set looks wonderful and I'm so proud of what I accomplished. The last bit I did was to add valances to the Darling children headboards using a piece of lace leftover from curtains that used to hang on my living room window. My husband is part of the "flight crew" and he is having fun making the kids fly.

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News from the sewing room. Before I started sewing for the theater I cut out this gorgeous skirt by Paco Peralta

I used a rayon knit in a yummy chocolate brown. I won't get any sewing done until after Thanksgiving since I'm having company for the next couple of weeks and the sewing room will become a guest room.

Happy Sewing!

Sewing for theater

2011-11-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

I'm still very much involved sewing for Peter Pan at my son's high school. Here is the tunic Peter will wear. It looks great on with leather boots and belt and sword. It also looks fantastic when Peter flies, the leaves fluttering along!

I picked up leaves from my backyard and made the templates and cut the shapes out of three different color synthetic suede and attached them to the faux leather tunic (pattern from a Simplicity costume, I think a Roman tunic?). Peter's mom (one of the directors and a professional actress) and I ripped the hem and the sleeves. They don't want to do a "Disney production" so costumes and props are earthy and old looking.

The closure looks a bit wonky, it is velcro and it's not closed properly =)

I am now working on the covers for the props that turn the nursery into Never Never Land. It is going to be a wonderful show!!

The swing cardigan

2011-11-07T10:34:00.000-08:00

I finished knitting this cardigan (Bergere de France Swing Cardigan) in the spring so I put it away to be sewn until the fall, therefore it is now making its appearance.

I like it but I was disappointed with the sleeves I thought they would be more bell like. I really couldn't make many changes to this because I was very limited by the amount of yarn I had. As it was I had to send away for an extra skein, after having paid quite a price for this kit; I found I didn't have enough yarn to finish the collar. It is simple to knit, the designs on the sleeves are purl stitches that you incorporate following a chart.

Here is the project page in Ravelry

Butterick 4080 and what I'm knitting

2011-10-27T08:08:00.000-07:00

I hope this is the last apron I show you for a while! =). This apron had the big ruffles on the shoulder straps that the Peter Pan director (drama teacher) had requested. I changed the pockets to make them practical, since Nana (the nanny/dog) carries stuff around and she needed a place to put it. The pocket tops are finished with purchased bias binding.

The fabric I used for the ruffles and ties was lightweight so I doubled the ruffles and I used a stiff netting sandwiched between the layers to make the ruffles to "perk up".


how shoulder straps attach to waistband

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I have a number of knitting projects all on the finishing stage. Since I can't have some knitting when watching tv and I am bored with the Missoni scarf currently in progress, I started a new project. It is a dress from Phildar in a yummy merino wool yarn.

The Victorian Apron

2011-10-22T05:13:00.000-07:00


Butterick 5509

Yesterday I delivered the apron and the two caps for the play. They were very happy with them.

The eyelet fabric and ruffle were in my stash, I bought a bit of bleached muslin to use as lining and interfacing since I did not want to use fuseable interfacing on the eyelet. I also used muslin for the collar because I ran out of eyelet.

I used the border as the hem.

This is a good pattern if you need a Victorian era apron =)


The caps are from Butterick 3071

I spent yesterday afternoon going around with one of the assistant directors looking for props for the show. We were amazed at the generosity of our local businesses!, where we didn't get a discount it was because the items we needed were donated or given on loan. I have my van packed with stuff that I will deliver this morning to the school where once again we are gathering to put the set together.

Have a wonderful weekend and as always happy sewing!

Aprons and caps, oh boy!

2011-10-17T06:34:00.000-07:00

So I have managed to cut and interface all the pieces for these two patterns.

I am making the one in the middle and it will be worn by the maid in Peter Pan.

The teacher/director wanted an apron with ruffles on the shoulders for Nana (the nanny/dog)so I'm making a large size and I hope it will fit around the dog outfit the student will be wearing.

I dug into my stash of white fabrics and I also purchased some bleached muslin. I made the caps which are from Butterick 3071 which I made a few years ago.

I have Paco's maxi skirt cut and waiting to be sewn but it has to wait =( . After I'm done with the aprons I will tackle the Peter Pan tunic, and by then I will be helping with the fabric to cover the stage props.

I'm trying to keep up with the blog reading, forgive me if I'm not leaving as many comments as I usually do!

Burda Style 5/2010 Knit dress 105

2011-10-12T04:45:00.000-07:00

This dress has been reviewed many times, it is a very easy to make pattern and very easy to wear. Since my fabric, a rayon knit is lightweight I added a lining to the skirt.

As you can see this is a very large print and I tried to space out the flower centers as well as I could, considering that I had very little fabric to play around with (note to self, when buying large prints always get a little more!)

I wanted to show you this dress when I had some time to take pictures, so this was a quick session (no accessories and flip flops =0 !) I will not be sewing for me in the next couple of weeks since I'm rather involved making costumes for my oldest son theater production of Peter Pan. He is playing one of the Lost Boys and he is super excited to be on stage for the first time since his involvement before had been as part of the tech crew. So far it has been lots of fun! I will share what I end up making with you.

A baby quilt

2011-10-06T09:16:00.000-07:00

Today I mailed the package with this quilt which is going to good friends' baby girl born the weekend of Irene (so glad she didn't get named after the storm!). Like I said before I thought it would have gone faster but I got a little fancy with the quilting, really it was more that you had to maneuver the quilt all around the needle to make the rectangles inside the blocks. I love how it turned out and I hope they enjoy the bright cheery colors I picked for them!

I have been wanting to make a modern backing and I thought this design went well with the quilt top, just pieced left overs from the top and used a pretty Kona solid. The binding is a Kaffe Fassett print that I found at a local shop.

Here is the tutorial I used for the quilt top.

Next up the Burda dress. I'm feeling much better and I am ready to sew again!

Where did September go?

2011-09-26T04:22:00.000-07:00

So much for September being (at least in the US) Sewing Month! Things have been slow around here, as far as sewing.

On Friday I managed to cut the Burda dress above. The temperatures around my area have gone up again so I decided to go ahead and make a sleeveless dress.

I have been trying to finish a quilt which is a gift for a newborn baby. I decided to quilt inside the rectangles and while I like how it is turning out it is taking longer to finish than I thought. Of course it doesn't help that I have been having a flare up with the back/leg pain; it's time to have some diagnostics tests done.

Stay well and happy sewing!

How visible are you?

2011-09-19T09:45:00.000-07:00

I recently discovered a new (to me) blog Not Dead Yet Style, catchy name no? I have enjoyed reading it so I decided to participate in Visible Monday.

The dress above I made last summer and I love it. I have always loved red (and orange as well) and while I feel very visible in this color, I also feel very me when wearing it. How many things stay constant through the years? not many.

My first thought when I started to write this post is that as sewers, knitters/crocheters of garments we want to be noticed, but always in a good way! We are proud of producing one of a kind and well fitted garments. I enjoyed the creative process and everything in between that leads to a garment I can be proud to wear and say "I made it!" if complemented on it.

How do you feel visible?

Verena Knitting Summer 2009 #6 Apricot A line tank

2011-09-15T09:44:00.000-07:00

Here it is this very simple to knit tank top with a swingy hem which you get with uniformly adding stitches. One thing I love about Verena Knitting magazine patterns is the finishing details, in this case you are instructed to finish the armholes and neckline with crochet, it makes all the difference in my opinion to a well constructed knitted garment.


This picture taken before blocking

The magazine shows this top being worn over a breezy blouse; I plan to extend the wearability by also using it as a layering piece once it gets cooler.

I used a linen yarn, more details at Ravelry.

This morning I had a very early appointment and it put me in a neutral color mood, I also wore a light tan cardigan for the cooler temperatures earlier.

A quick turn around

2011-09-12T06:50:00.000-07:00

My son had been asking me to make him a cloak to wear to the Renaissance Festival for a while and I had procastinated, so when the time came I had to hustle. The fabric, 6 yards of a wool/poly blend crepe from Fabric Mart Fabrics arrived on Friday at 3:00. It went into the dryer to pretreat as I prepared the pattern and readied the floor for cutting since my table was not big enough for cutting this full length cloak. The cloak was done Saturday afternoon in time for my son and his friends to attend the festival on Sunday morning.

I used McCalls 5957 and cut a men's medium, my son is 13 years old and 5'11". The shoulder pad was added as per his design; I have used this pad shape many times before out of this Simplicity pattern reduced in size for his smaller shoulders. He made the pattern for the hand appliqued to the pad. The closure I found of all places at Michael's craft store. Except for hems all construction was done on the serger for speed.

It gives me great joy to be able to render my son's vision for his costume. Every year he has a new idea which becomes a wonderful collaboration to bring the project to its ta-dah! moment.

Vogue 1179

2011-09-05T13:41:00.000-07:00

This dress has been made many times by many sewists but mine is super special because the fabric was given to me by my friend Andrea =)

I knew right away that this was the pattern for this rayon blend knit. The fabric feels great, very "buttery" and the colors were so summery I hurried up and used it so I could wear it this summer.

The pattern is simple to make, comfy to wear and stylish (I think!). I was having trouble with the side seams puckering and not hanging right, so I stabilized them as I was sewing them with Seams Great(as were the shoulder seams). The hem I stabilized with a strip of fusible tricot interfacing.

One thing to note is that the armscye in this pattern is very high, which is very different for Big Four patterns.

I have one more summery garment to show you (knitted top) and then I will start on cooler weather projects. First I have to make a baby quilt for a gift and quickly (hopefully!) make up a cloak for my youngest who with his friends is attending the Maryland Renaissance Festival in costume.

Happy Sewing!

Burda 4/2011 123 Maxi skirt

2011-08-30T03:56:00.000-07:00

So I finally got to make the linen maxi I wanted at the end of the summer, oh well. I used the linen from this other Burda dress. I still have fabric left.

The grain runs straight through the center of the side panels, front and back which gives this pattern a lovely drape. Because I needed a bit taken at the waist I did stay-stitch plus at the waistline and secured it with cotton stay tape, then I attached the waistband.

The invisible zipper goes in the seam of the right side back panel which made fitting this skirt a breeze, especially since I ended up taking in the side seams.

I did not line the skirt, I believe one of the versions is lined, also I eliminated the pockets. The linen was very drapey and shifted quite easily when cutting and sewing so I did not want to complicate things; I also like the close fit around the hips I was able to get without pockets.

This skirt was finished before the hurricane and I already wore it. I loved the feeling of the airy cool linen around my legs when moving and I love the ways it looks. This pattern would be great in wool crepe, and I think I see it in my future for fall and winter.

When plans come together and quickly fall apart

2011-08-29T09:38:00.000-07:00


Delacorte Musical Clock, Central Park

I was thrilled that I had managed to plan succesfully a meeting with two dear high school friends which I hadn't seen in 20+ years, a shopping day in NYC with sewing friends and plenty of time to spend with my fun 2 year old nephew.

Even though Irene was coming up the east coast I left on Thursday to NY. I had a nice lunch with my brother in the city and then headed to NJ where I spent time with my nephew and then went on to what turned to be a fun-tastic reunion with my friends. We strolled Hoboken and reminisced about my college years there.


Sat here for a breather, plaza on 50th

On Friday, because now I was thinking I would probably be leaving on Saturday, since the word was Sunday was looking bad for travel, I went into the city and went fabric/notions shopping (more details on the next post), I met my brother and his family for lunch, a visit to the Frick Museum and strolling in Central Park. It was a glorious day!


Enjoying an ice cream in Central Park

That night I exchanged my tickets to leave Saturday morning and I did to make it home before Irene went over MD. We just got back power this morning. My house phone is not working and even though the internet is working my cell phone communication is terrible, all my calls get cut off.

While I'm disappointed that our PR shopping day was cancelled, I feel I made the most of my short time and I'm so very glad I went.

Hope you are all safe!

Hortensias en mi mesa

2011-08-14T07:46:00.000-07:00

I cut these hydrangeas from my Annabelle shrub yesterday. They start out pure white and as they get older they turned this beautiful bright green, lovely no?

Notice my tablecloth? It is vinyl, of the wipe to clean variety, I loved the gingham print with the daisies. Before I had children I swore I would never have a vinyl tablecloth on my table, of course that changed after I decided I did not want to change tablecloths every day. Right now there is a flannel pad with protective vinyl finished underneath the cute gingham. One day I hope to be able to completely clear my table in between meals and show off the beautiful table I careful chose years ago.

Have you seen these beautiful oilcloths? They surely elevate the homely vinyl to a new level

McCalls 6725

2011-08-11T12:46:00.000-07:00

As I shared with you before, this pattern is from the 90s and therefore out of print. I was looking for a shirtdress with a circle skirt and this was perfect. It has been a while since I wore such a swingy skirt, and can I tell you it feels very girlish and fun. The fabric is a cotton shirting from Michael's Fabrics/A Fabric Place and I have enough for a fall dress; it was a joy to work with!

The bodice has a collar with no stand and no back facing so I followed Connie Long's instructions in Easy Guide to Sewing Blouses and I had no problems. There is no shaping on this bodice, no darts and the side seams are straight (mine ended up with some shaping to allow for a larger waist/hip). As you can see the bodice is a bit poofy in places but it doesn't bother me, this is the way it's drafted. The pattern instructs you to use facings for the armholes, instead I used the Burda method and made bias strips to finish them.

The skirt has pockets. I used the version with the longer skirt and shortened it to my knees.

One word of general warning. When marking my buttonholes I used the red wax/chalk that I bought in many colors in NYC and which disappears when it is pressed. Well, this color did not disappear

I washed the dress many times and most of it came out, you can see it if you are looking for it. I know many of us have bought this marking tool so beware!

These photo sessions are exhausting! ;-)

A series of previews

2011-08-08T13:47:00.000-07:00

This is McCall's 7625, hanging nicely, completely finished and waiting for me to wear it, and photograph.

The Verena tank top waiting to be blocked.

Vogue 1179 in progress.

But first my husband's shirts need to be ironed while I supervise the boys building bird houses.

McCalls 6165

2011-08-05T14:15:00.000-07:00

I have been seeing this style of top all over so I decided to give it a try. Being that I am a pear I was always hesitant to wear this much fabric around my hips. I fell in love with Connie's top, she looked so chic wearing hers. So what do I think? I think I will like it better styled for fall/winter with a long sleeve top underneath and leggings and boots.

This was very simple to make, I made all construction in my serger (yay!) except for the topstitching for the hems. The fabric is a cotton knit left over from pjs for my son; because there is no lycra in the fabric I did not want to use any pattern that was fitted and needed a knit with good recovery, so this pattern was perfect.

Isn't it great that we can be brave and try a style we are curious about without spending a lot of money?

Flower on one of my datura plants

The view from the side

Airlie Gardens, North Carolina

2011-07-25T11:42:00.000-07:00

When on vacation in North Carolina, we drove to Wilmington to sightsee. I wanted to visit Arlie Gardens which had been closed the last time we were in the area. I will tell you that I fell in love. These are more architectural than botanical gardens, lots of structures, statues in wonderful garden rooms. Above and to the right is the Minnie Evans Sculpture Garden, inspired by a painting of the artist.

I loved the shrine to Aunt Jemima and Frangelico!

The oaks were breathtaking.

The Pergola Garden, doesn't it look like a movie setting?

The serenity garden

Sculpture hanging from the ceiling at the butterfly house

The real thing which I was thrilled I captured with my camera!

A hidden garden

I hope you enjoyed my tour of the Airlie Gardens and if you are ever in the area, don't hesitate and visit!

Burda Style 6-2011 dress 107

2011-07-22T06:14:00.000-07:00

This is another one of those simple to sew patterns that Burda is favoring. Because the fabric I used was pretty sheer, a cotton lawn from my stash, I underlined the dress with cotton batiste and then treated the pieces as one. I used the facings that are included for the version that is not lined and stitched them by hand to the batiste for neatness.

I only had difficulty when it was time to turn and stitch the hem on the cut-on sleeves, being this is a woven fabric it wasn't cooperating so I trimmed the hem to about 1/4 inch and that worked. I don't know if there is another way of doing this type of sleeve hem when there is no lining involved.

I included the pockets so when you use them you can see the A line shape of the dress. I did take the dress in at the side seams in the bodice quite a bit, it was looking to much like a house dress, so I gave it some shape.

I fell in love with these shoes when I saw them at DSW, I guess the feeling was mutual because they followed me home =)

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One more...

My son turned 17 yesterday. As we sang happy birthday he was holding the phone so that his girlfriend who is out of state could be part of it.

I love shirtdresses

2011-07-20T06:33:00.000-07:00

I wanted to thank you all for your wonderful wishes for my mom. She has enjoyed reading all of your comments!

Last summer I made the orange Burda Style dress. I enjoyed making this pattern, while simple in looks it gave me the opportunity to learn how to make a collar with stand and a yoke.

This time I wanted a shirtdress with a full skirt and found this McCalls pattern. This is a very out of print pattern, dated 1995 (I refuse to call it vintage!). At first I wasn't too sure about the pattern, the collar has no stand and there are no darts for shaping on the bodice. Then I decided to relax, after all Connie Long in one of my favorite books (The easy guide to sewing blouses) covers this type of collar and I figured it will give me a chance to compare it to my orange dress. So I have cut view A, the hem will be longer than the short view but not as long as the long length.

I'm using a beautiful cotton shirting from Michael's fabrics. I had like 7 yards of this fabric because when I bought it my mom was still sewing and wanted some. Now I have plenty for another project! The pattern came from my mom's stash; I wasn't sewing garments in 1995, I was making curtains for my new home in my mother's in law 1950s singer, so I think the pattern was one of the last my mom bought to make for me.

I have finished the dress below from Burda Style June 2011 issue. I hope to get pictures soon to share.

A day of celebration

2011-07-10T06:31:00.000-07:00

Recently my mom turned 80. We planned to surprise her with a get together after I got back from vacation, so yesterday was the day. My family and I, my brother and his family and mom's best friend gathered in the back yard and surprised her; she had no clue, mission accomplished.

I had hinted before that I was working on a sewing project that I couldn't talk about and the quilt I made for her was it. The panels were embroidered by my mom quite a few years ago; she thought she was going to start quilting but didn't like the cutting and piecing involved, however she loves to embroider so she had bought the redwork designs for this quilt and then she gave me the panels. I have had them in storage since I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with them and then I thought it would be a great gift for her 80th celebration.

I embroidered the center panel with our initials to show our joint cooperation and to highlight her beautiful embroidered I decided on simple framing in red. The hand quilting was done freehand and then I machine quilted in the ditch around the frames. The backing fabric is muslin I didn't want any color or print to come through to the front panels.

We had a lovely afternoon, we talked, the kids played (well the youngest played and we were entertained) and we enjoyed the food we all worked hard at getting ready. All in all a successful event!

A swingy tank top from Verena Knitting

2011-07-06T07:05:00.000-07:00

I started to work on this project from Verena Knitting Summer 2009 last month. I wanted to use the linen blend yarn I bought at the MD Sheep and Wool festival. Andrea and I bought the same yarn, it was a great price and it has wonderful drape.

Even though I took this project with me on vacation I was not able to work on it. I have been having back/leg pain for a while now and sitting is my less comfortable position, especially for any length of time. I'm going to my first physical therapy evaluation/session today in the hope that I will get some help. As much as I am on the move during my day, it is necessary to sit every once in a while ;-)

Have you seen this fabric?

2011-07-05T13:27:00.001-07:00

Image from Anthropoloy.com

What can I say? I love striped fabric...and irregular size multi color stripes? Oh my

If you come across similar knit fabric, would you let me know?

Back from vacation!

2011-07-05T06:16:00.000-07:00

My family and I took our vacation early this year and we spent a week at Emerald Isle, NC. We have been going there for many years; we seem to schedule our time there when we need a break from a high energy vacation.

Sand sculpture at the aquarium

The weather was beautiful and we got to do everything we had planned the aquarium, the beach, miniature golf, the marshes hike and a visit to Wilmington, NC (I have plan another post for that visit!)

Marshes at the aquarium

The beaches there are like the ones of my childhood, clean sand, warm water, no boardwalks. Being there transports me back, and I reacquaint myself with that little girl.

The four of us proudly showing off our beach hair!

Burda Style 4/2011 114

2011-06-16T10:42:00.001-07:00

I was inspired to make this top after seeing Lucky's trend "article" below.

I had liked this simple design when I saw it in Burda and I had planned to make the dress version. I found the striped almost sheer silk remmant and I decided to try out the pattern first as a top. I think it turned out cute to wear with capris and slim fitting skirts.

If you look at the magazine picture you can see the sleeve minicap fits closely on the model. I get a little bit of a wing which I think it's courtesy of my very narrow shoulders, even though I made my usual 38 for the shoulder area.

The armholes and neckline are finished with narrow facings which I finished using the technique that The Sewing Lawyer recently posted about. I have been doing my facings that way for a while, it gives a very clean finish. I believe these facings are so narrow that they caused problems insisting to flip out (even after understitching) so I topstitched to make them behave.

This is the first of my planned simple sewing, next up a dress!

A note about my commenting

2011-06-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

First thank you all for your nice comments on my crochet dress, I'm glad you liked it!

I have been having trouble commenting on blogs that required you select a profile. I cannot leave a comment at all if I'm using Firefox, if I use Internet Explorer I sometimes am able to leave a comment if I select the Anonymous profile. In that case I leave my name and my blog address so that you know who I am. I apologize for not leaving more comments but that is the reason why. I hope my husband might have some suggestions for me or maybe one of you has encountered the same problem?

I finished the Burda magazine top I was working on and hope to have pictures soon.

Vogue Knitting Crochet dress

2011-06-08T10:27:00.001-07:00

This is the Michael Kors crochet dress from Vogue Knitting issue Winter 2006/2007, that I blogged about. The yarn I used Gedifra Mayra was a pleasure to work with and I adore the color. It took me a while to figure out the right size to make since my yarn was a substitution, but once that was done the different stitches are easy to memorize. The skirt is worked in the round, the front and back separately but attached to the waistline, and then the sleeves are made and sewn in. This is the Ravelry link

Reverse single crochet edging

Hem detail

Reverse single crochet is used on the neckline and the sleeve hems

Am I proud of my dress?, oh yes! I really like how well the dress fits. This is my second crochet garment, the first was this skirt.

Sewing goodies in the mail

2011-06-07T12:25:00.000-07:00

After commenting in Kyle's blog about the Christine Jonson pattern she received as a gift during PR in Chicago, she offered to send it to me since it wasn't her style. So here it is with other goodies she picked up in Chicago and another sewing event she attended. Thanks Kyle, it was a treat opening my mail yesterday!

My crochet dress is finished, just have a few tails to weave in, I am thrilled with the fit! So pictures coming soon!

I traced this Burda top but haven't been able to do much more, gardening is taking priority. And speaking of gardening, here are a few pictures of what is looking nice right now

Coral bells, seedum with yellow star flowers and a shrub I can't recall the name of. The shrub has never looked this good, it is 3 years old in that spot and I think it is going to do great there.

These are Japanese painted ferns and a few perennial foxgloves growing among them.

19 years and counting

2011-05-31T04:17:00.001-07:00

I am one year away of having spent half my life (we dated for 4 years, engaged for 1, married 19) with my husband, wow. To celebrate on Sunday we went to a wine bar; we love this place, it is comfortable with good food and delicious wine. Yesterday we went with the kids to the National Zoo; because of the high temperatures (90's) we concentrated in looking at the indoor exhibits. We managed to do all we wanted and came home to rest and get ready for the week.

My crochet dress is almost done, I'll post a picture soon. I hope to make a quick top this week, I'll see how my week goes.

Keep cool and keep on sewing!

Simple designs

2011-05-24T06:23:00.000-07:00

Burda 4/2011

Recently the trend has been for extremely simple, and easy to sew garments. Burda Style magazine is showing this trend as well as all the pattern companies. While I enjoy sewing complicated construction garments I love the look of simplicity, in the right fabric they bring a certain elegance. These designs sometimes mask our body shape but I'm okay with that I like wearing different silhouettes. From the latest Burda I like this elastic waist pants, I know some of you will gasp at elastic waists, but how comfortable to wear these pants will be in the summertime!

Burda 6/2011

This simplicity reminds me of Claire McCardell designs. A while ago while trying to find out more about her I purchased this book; I bought mine from The Strand in NYC using their website, but not at the current prices! I think I payed less than $15 including shipping. I have enjoyed reading about her life and designs, and I just pulled the book out again for inspiration.

I'm in the middle of a non-garment sewing project that I won't be able to share with you for a while, but soon it will require hand sewing so I will be able to start on a new garment...You can bet it will be simple!

Vogue 1224 Tracy Reese dress

2011-05-16T12:11:00.000-07:00

This weekend I finished this knit dress and wore it to work today. I love this dress but I had the hardest time getting a picture that showed what I was seeing;it is a grey and humid day, my hair is "on the frizz" and the camera did not want to be my friend. Anyways on to the review.

This dress has a high waist, I added my usual 1.5 in in the Big Four patterns and it sits above my natural waist. It is a very easy dress to construct what takes the longest is inserting the elastic and the elastic/ties. I will be shortening the length of the elastic in the neckline to close it in some. I also addded 4-5 in of length to the skirt (I'm 5' 6");the camera angle makes the hem look to be below my knee but it is really mid knee on me.

As you can see I added the lining in the skirt as instructed since my rayon knit is lightweight. I had a chance to play with my serger and reproduced the picot edge finish Ann showed in her blog.

I know my bright print prevents you from seeing a lot of details but this pattern is super cute!

Another almost identical pose...I need to be more creative when posing

Meeting up with Andrea

2011-05-09T04:02:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Andrea

So what is better than spending the day at Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival with a knitting buddy? Spending the day with a knitting buddy who also crochets and sews! Conversation was never lacking!!

Andrea and I met for the first time at Philadelphia's Pattern Review weekend a year ago, and we made plans to get together this year at Sheep and Wool. We both had similar plans as to what we were looking for so we kept each other in line ;-) The weather cooperated and we had a gorgeous day. She drove down with her knitting group and they had set up a space under the trees so we had a relaxing spot to meet and rest and chat.

This year the festival was the biggest by far, many more vendors than in previous years, I agree with Andrea that Ravelry has had a lot to do with spreading the word about this fantastic event.

I had commented on her blog about Burda 7866 and how I couldn't find it locally, so she brought me a copy! She was wearing her version of this pattern, and I really liked it. She showed me how she treated the neckline, clever girl!, I believe she'll share on her blog later.

I'm almost done with my son's pjs and I look forward to working on the Vogue 1224, but first I have to finish working on my planters since I bought my herbs and annuals yesterday.

Happy Mother's Day!!

2011-05-07T17:41:00.001-07:00

What I'm working on

2011-05-04T07:59:00.001-07:00

I am really excited how the skirt of the Vogue Knitting mag winter 06/07 is coming along. The yarn I'm using Gedifra Mayra is slightly heavier weight than the yarn that the pattern calls for so I played with gauge swatches to determine hook size and the size that I needed to chain for.

Below is a picture of the design,

I'm working on pjs for my youngest son, who after outgrowing his present pjs decided that I could make him a pair. So I'm using a pattern from my stash. The fabric is a cotton jersey from Fabric Mart.

I also have the pattern ready to cut Vogue 1224. I think you probably have seen this pattern made up by quite a few sewists and I'm sure the fabric is familiar too, it is a rayon jersey from Joann.

I don't have to work today until this afternoon so I'm catching up on housework and maybe get some sewing in.

Stay well!

Burda Style 10/2008 116

2011-04-29T10:12:00.001-07:00

These pictures were a long time coming so Ta Dah!

For this jacket I used a double knit from Fabric Mart, I love the color and I originally was going to make a dress and then I came across this pattern and my plans change.

The jacket is unlined, I'm not showing you the inside because my serger thread is grey, so far the only color I have, not much of a match for this beautiful purple. No changes to the design or order of construction were made, just followed Burda's instructions. I did stitch the neckline facing down by stitching in the ditch, no flopping facings for me! I chose a black separating zipper, since I thought it would look nice with a black belt.

Do I like this jacket? Oh yes! It will fit very nicely with my existing wardrobe.

Worn here with Vogue 8663

I'm still here!

2011-04-17T06:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I got a nasty cold, then the allergies hit me, at the same time last week was one of the busiest ever! I guess because school is off this week everyone was trying to get their meetings done.

I have made progress in the Burda jacket, it is going well. I'm finally done altering the prom dress; my son's friend was ecstatic with the fit when she tried on her dress on Friday, what a difference good fit makes!

I have been playing with crochet swatches for a couple of different dresses, I have wanted to crochet a dress for a while so when I'm done with the finishing on the knitting projects (winter wear) I will commit to the dress. I couldn't find the magazine picture online but here is the Ravelry link of the Winter 2006/2007 Vogue Knitting Crocheted dress by Michael Kors. I also ordered yarn for this Interweave Knits design

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I promise to get pictures of the jacket this week, I should have plenty of time to get it done.

Burda jacket is cut!

2011-04-06T09:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had some time and I was able to cut the jacket. I also stabilized neckline, armhole and front with fusible bias tape. Next I get to use my sewing machine!

This and that

2011-04-05T04:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday after work I went to DSW to find comfortable black flats, I was pretty lucky and came out with a great comfortable pair. I love fashionable shoes but some days you need a comfy pair that will take you through hours of standing at work. Anyways, on my way out I noticed that they had opened a Hobby Lobby on the same shopping center. I have heard of this store but never been in. As you can expect most of their merchandise is the crafty kind you find at Joanns and Michaels, but they do sell McCalls and Simplicity patterns. The cabinets were new and opened without a fight and the inventory was excellent. McCalls was on sale for 99c so I bought two.

McCalls 6341

McCalls 6282

As some of you know I also like making quilts and these crooked log cabin designs have attracted me for a while. The knit dress I think will look great I like the ruching on the sides.

I haven't cut my jacket yet I have been altering a prom dress for a friend of DS1, not fun, and I have been patching up DS2's pants, also not fun.

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On Sunday I made cinnamon scones. I used a recipe from Simply Scones: Quick and Easy Recipes for More than 70 Delicious Scones and Spreads. The recipe is for a fig and walnut scone, I left out those two ingredients and added cinnamon and nutmeg to the dry ingredients. I used to add cinnamon chips but they have disappeared from my supermarkets =(. I also don't shape the dough into a round and double bake it (traditional instructions for scones) I just "drop" them on the baking sheet. There were two left by Monday morning which my sons had for breakfast before going to school. I highly recommend this little recipe book!

So where is my jacket?

2011-03-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been playing chofer for my son who was part of the stage crew for his high school spring theater production, in between I got sick (24 hr stomach bug), I worked, tried to keep up with laundry, made family meals...you get the picture...no jacket.

I did manage to finish knitting the Swing Cardigan that I was knitting. It came as a kit and I ran out of yarn to finish the collar. I was able to find another skein and now is awaiting sewing up the side seams/sleeves and other finishing.

I also added a border to the Happiness blanket, and now all that remains is to weave in a couple of ends.

I love it!

Mrs Obama wears a crochet dress

2011-03-22T16:11:00.000-07:00

Picture from http://michelleostyle.blogspot.com/

and how pretty and chic does she look? Just another reminder that crochet is not just about Granny Squares (which I love for home decor!)

Ready to be cut

2011-03-20T05:39:00.000-07:00

is Burda 10/2008 # 116A. The fabric is a ponti di Roma knit which is the recommended fabric. This pattern has been reviewed favorably and I think it will make a great transtion jacket.

I love this issue of Burda I made a knit top years ago from it and now I have around 10 designs on my list to make.

Besides the flowers popping out in my yard, another sign of spring,
Clio patrolling her yard. While she loves her yard year round, as soon as it gets warmer she spends most of her days out rediscovering all the wonderful smells and sights.

My Image magazine Winter Tunic 1010

2011-03-16T11:42:00.000-07:00

I loved many of the designs of this magazine's first issue and after making this dress, I'm glad I went ahead and bought the spring issue.

I lengthened the pattern so that I could wear it as a dress, and as always used multiple sizes (38-42) to get the right fit. I also lengthened the bodice after measuring the pattern. The instructions,I read to look at order of construction but this was an easy dress to put together, all the pieces fitted well together. There are many seams (princess on the back, and the skirt has 6 panels) so lots of opportunity for nice fitting.

Because the fabric I used, cotton knit from Michael's fabrics, is very drapey my collar wont stand up to fill in the length of the tabs. I cut them to fit over the folded collar. As you can see in the above picture the shoulder seam is falling off my shoulder a bit; I don't know if this is due to the weight of the fabric pulling or if the 38 in these patterns has a wider shoulder than Burda. It doesn't bother me enough to pull out stitches and re-sew though =0

I'm very happy with the dress, I'm glad I got to wear it before the temperatures go up.

Hot Patterns Wrapture Jacket

2011-03-16T05:54:00.001-07:00

If you like this out-of-print pattern, Hot Patterns has a couple for sale at their etsy shop.

Simplicity visits Kashi

2011-03-14T04:58:00.000-07:00

I was looking at the interview of the Simplicity Project Runway Contest winner, and there was Kashi of Metro Textiles. It really made me want to head over there, his place is like a treasure hunt, you always find more than what you were looking for, and because I rarely visit I allow myself quite a bit.

Not to be mean, but don't you think the designer's pink dress neckline is poorly constructed and fitted?. I'm all for being creative, but I think to design one must have construction skills perfected.

Pictures soon of My Image dress!

Manequim Magazine - A review

2011-03-12T09:44:00.000-08:00

My first impression was that it was a "Lucky type" magazine with patterns thrown in. There was no page which included all line drawings like the other pattern magazines.

Click on pictures to see it better!

In the picture above you can see how they replicate an outfit from what I believe is some celebrity and they include a garment from one of their patterns in the look.

Like Lucky magazine does they have a fashion spread for different occasions, work, weekend. In the pages above they summarized all the pieces they used and identified the patterns included in the magazine. They also tell you what body type works better for each emsemble.

There was an interview, the lady in the picture who is a broadcaster, and she modeled several patterns, including the cover. I found it refreshing that she looks a normal size and that they didn't find it necessary to photoshop her birthmark/mole out. I really like the top pattern here.

There is a lot of beauty advice and even a recipe section. They also had a pattern for a crochet dress and some crochet accessories.

The pattern sheet is no worse than the new Burda sheets but patterns come in only one size. I took a quick look at the measurements and they seem comparable to Patrones. This issue has summer designs and there are quite a few that I liked. The grey dress (mod 109) with the zipper over the shoulder reminded me of McCalls 6243 but in a wowen.

I do not know Portuguese but there are a lot of words that are very similar or the same as Spanish (pear - Spanish pera - Portuguese pera) so I can get the main idea.

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I'm hoping to finish my My image dress this weekend!

I was weak

2011-03-08T16:38:00.001-08:00

I went to Joann's yesterday to buy thread and buttons for the My Image dress I'm ready to sew. I was happy that I found buttons I liked and then I decided to check on the patterns and saw that the Simplicity patterns were on sale. I bought a couple of the Lisette patterns and then saw what I think are perfect coordinating fabrics to use with Simplicity 2211, I want to make the longer skirt and short sleeve blouse. I really loved the color of the teal twill and finally settled on the irregular polka dot lightweight cotton for the top.

A while ago I asked my best friend from college, who is Brazilian and living in NYC, if she had heard of the pattern magazine Manequim. She told me she remembered her mother using it and would see if she saw it in the city. Two days ago the magazine came in the mail. I haven't looked through it yet, I've been trying to find some quiet time with no luck the past few days, but I can't wait!

More soon!

Made by me, on my birthday

2011-03-02T07:00:00.001-08:00

Made by me: Kwik Sew 2759 tank top, Interweave Knits crochet skirt

Today I start a new decade. I'm sorry but I have no words of wisdom. I am grateful for my life and my family. I am also thrilled that I still feel, except for a few aches and pains, very much like I did two decades ago, and there's something to be said for that!

I'm off to enjoy my day (no work today yay!). Next time I'll have something new to show.

On with more cold weather sewing

2011-02-28T13:43:00.000-08:00

I thought you might like to see the nun habit I just finished. I made two complete outfits but the robe is not worth showing, it is a shapeless tunic and in black which is impossible to photograph well. I will be delivering the costumes tomorrow in time for their costume parade, part of the festivities before the show starts.

Now I can go back to my My Image dress; it will be in the forties again tomorrow, I think I will still have a chance to wear this dress...

Sewing with a deadline

2011-02-23T16:51:00.000-08:00

My son this year joined the Stage Crew group at his high school; he is also taking Drama (Theater Arts) and he is really enjoying it from "behind the curtain". When his teacher asked for help from any seamstresses in the parent community how could I say no? So...My Image dress, (I'm making M1010)is waiting while I work on two nun costumes, Simplicity 2518.

They need to be done by March 5, so excuse me for now, I got to run!

Burda 01-2011 Number 126

2011-02-18T10:30:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to make this coat for a while and I remembered that I had this double sided wool/blend knit and that it would be perfect for this pattern. Of course finding the fabric took a while, I can identify with Carolyn who just wrote about being able to find fabric in your stash.

I stabilized the neckline at the back and the armholes at front and back with bias fusible tape.

I used my serger, yay!, to finish seams. Since this is a very simple pattern I wanted to show one interesting construction detail. There is a vertical dart that starts at the shoulder, close the front opening that ends a little above the bust point. I was looking at the directions thinking that they had forgotten to tell us to sew the dart, but they didn't. When attaching the collar to the back neckline you start at the center and keep sewing towards the dart and sew it in one swoop. You then do the other side the same way.

I could have used either side of this fabric and I considered using binding in the gray on the sleeves and hem. I decided that the long lines of this design would be better shown off without and I love the way it looks this way. Besides the gray peeks through all the time on the collar and when walking.

I love this coat and I highly recommend it, it is perfect for warmer days when you still feel a bit of chill.

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Next up a dress from the winter My image magazine.

Addressing comments on V8663

2011-02-18T09:49:00.000-08:00

the slapdash sewist asked me to share any tips on handling the facing at the neckline for Vogue 8663 and whether I had modified the skirt to give it more swing.

I did not use facings on this pattern as you can see in the photos below. The pattern instructed us to use pre-packaged bias seam binding to finish the neckline. I did not think this treatment would work well for my fabric so I just turned the allowance to the inside, top stitched and then trimmed close to the stitching.

I did not modify the skirt, this pattern has a swingy skirt.

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Gail suggested that if I had a purple cardigan/jacket it would work very well with this dress.

Gail I actually tried on my purple cardigan on first and liked it, but I was in a monotone mood that day and went for the black. Great minds and all...

Did you know

2011-02-16T17:54:00.000-08:00

Image from Simplicity.com

that Simplicity has named a pattern collection after me? Well not after me, but it has my name. Check out the Lisette Collection it's got some cute styles, a bit young, but we all know we can usually make any pattern work for us with the right alterations, fabric selection and accessories.

How could I not try a pattern from this beautifully named collection? ;-)

Vogue 8663

2011-02-15T07:22:00.001-08:00

Edited-to-add: Audrey asked about the fabric print which I neglected to address. Yes, Audrey, I too fell in love with animal prints this year. I loved that the color was unusual for a leopard print. I bought it at Joann's at the beginning of the fall season.

There isn't much to say about this dress. It was a very easy knit dress with the so popular now pleated neckline. The pleats gave me the usual trouble, always have to play with them before settling on a look I like. I eliminated the zipper, the neckline was wide enough and although my knit was pretty stable it had enough stretch to allow putting on this dress without a problem.

As you can see my sleeves end above the elbow, I really had to squeeze this pattern on the fabric I had. Even though I eliminated the zipper I had to keep the seam on the back skirt to fit it in.

I'm wearing this dress as I type, so comfortable! I came home in between interpreting assignments to take some quick pictures (excuse the flash photography!)

Learning the serger

2011-02-09T11:42:00.000-08:00

The Vogue dress is done but I haven't had a chance for pictures; I'll review it then just know that it was very easy to put together.

In the meantime I cut Burda 01/2011 Mod 126 out of a knit I bought at Metro Textiles, NY a while ago.

Since I wanted to use the serger to finish the edges, I threaded it with grey (the only color I have so far), and started experimenting. I'm quite proud of myself for overcoming my trepidations and making myself stop reading more books on sergers. I figure I can make small steps and now I can at least finish seams, construction with the serger is another thing...

Here is my fabric sample, the fabric is rust with a gray wrong side. I guess it could be considered double sided, the wrong side has a less noticeable rib pattern.

A knit dress

2011-02-05T05:14:00.000-08:00

Vogue 8663, image from Vogue Patterns site

Last week was extremely busy for me so I just did a lot of thinking about sewing. I got this cute pattern out and now is ready to be cut, I hope to have some time this weekend.

Many of you have been watching Downton Abbey and the gorgeous fashions of the time. I am obsessing about a maxi skirt and I might have found a pattern I like in my collection. I still have to find fabric in my stash so I'll post more about that later.

We were lucky last week and the worst we got was ice, no more snow came my way. Of course temperatures are still in the 20s(F) and although I'm liking a lot of the spring patterns I'm still in the mood for winter sewing. I have been wearing the coat I made last year and I've been toasty warm as well as stylish ;-)

Stay safe!

My Paco original design jacket

2011-01-30T11:07:00.000-08:00

First I wanted to thank you all for your well wishes after my "incident" at the dentist. The stitches came out Thursday when I braved the roads after the storm on Wednesday that left me without power for 3 days and nights (we hit a low of 41 F/5 C by Saturday in the house when our power was restored around 1:00pm). I was warned by the surgeon that I can't laugh too hard or open my mouth too wide; in 6 weeks he'll show me how to massage the scarring (which I can hardly see yay!).

Anyways my jacket is done! I used a totally different fabric from the two jackets Paco has made and what Tany used, which gives my jacket a different look.

I had reinforced the fronts of the jacket with hair canvas but because the collar wasn't laying down nice, I removed it from the collar area. I still can't get the collar to lay down perfectly, I think it is a function of the quilted fabric doubled up on the collar.

I followed Tany's construction steps so I'm skipping the details. I also used Paco's tutorial for inserting the lining. I love the way the facing at the hem comes out!

For the in-seam pocket I followed Paco's tutorial. The pocket pattern includes a facing and is inserted after the seam is done (the pocket opening is sewn with basting stitches.

The button was in my stash and I thought it looked well with this jacket.

I can't say enough about how nicely this jacket went together. All the markings are perfectly placed to insure precise construction. Like Tany I placed both Paco's and my label on the jacket.

I will make this jacket again with a lighter fabric next time.

So a woman walks into the dentist

2011-01-22T11:35:00.000-08:00

to replace a crown, little does she know that she will walk out with the tooth untouched but instead with a split lip.

The punch line "I'm fine" but I am now sporting 4 stitches on my lip. The dentist lost grip of my mouth/lip which hit the unbelievably fast spinning tool he was going to use on my tooth. I won't go into details because I don't want to think about it myself. It really doesn't look too bad, in 5 days the stitches will come out.

Of course I still need the work done but I'm allowing myself not to think about that right now.

I'm heading to the sewing room, I think I deserve some me time.

Butterick 5523 - A review

2011-01-19T16:54:00.000-08:00

Today I got to wear my new dress and the color gave me a lift. As you can see everyhting looks pretty gray in my part of the world! The fabric is a double knit (Cache) from Fabric Mart. I think it really suited this design, it has a beefy weight perfect for winter dresses and I love the color.

The only thing I changed, I did not add elastic at the bodice seam.

There was a sewing thread somewhere (don't remember exactly where) where someone was asking advise on how to sew seams in a double knit. For my dress I sewed the seams with a narrow zig zag (2.5 - 3 length and .5 width) and after pressing each side of the seam to set stitches I opened the seam and pressed again. This reduces the bulk that you would see with a serged together seam. This fabric does not fray so seams allowances can be left alone.

I chose to edgestitch the hem and then topstitch at the hem depth again.

This pattern is a winner, with the right fabric you'll get a stylish, comfortable and warm dress!

Chaqueta de Paco - Construction

2011-01-18T07:33:00.001-08:00

I have all the pieces cut out for the jacket (lining and hair canvas for hems also!) so I started construction about two days ago.

In the picture you can see the facing sewn to the bodice.

The fabric some of you might recognize it was sold at Joann's two years ago maybe? and it was featured in the Vogue Patterns magazine as a jacket. The lining I'm using is a rayon I bought from Michael's Fabrics a while ago. I'm using hair canvas for the hems because I did not want to fuse interfacings since the two quilted fabrics are synthetic and I believe the batting is polyester.

I'm following the steps of construction that Tany blogged about and so far all is going well.

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In my area last night we had snow followed by a layer of ice. After helping my husband outside (really he did almost all!) I went back to take some pictures, it was "popsicle land" out there!

New knitting projects

2011-01-12T08:25:00.000-08:00

A few months ago I placed an order for knitting books from Phildar. They came from France at a wonderful price, I think they are probably from a few seasons ago but I loved their designs. This dress was picked first because I have had this yarn for many years; it was a closeout at a local yarn shop and I bought every one they had left. I love the pattern, I'm not loving working with the yarn, it is a boucle and the humps get stuck so you have to be careful not to create holes in your fabric. I do like how it looks and this is a dress I can see wearing often.

Inspiration scarf $565 at net-at-porter.com

For this sock weight yarn I'm using the pattern the Selfish Seamstress posted for her Envy, Missoni inspired scarf. I'm not sure I like how this yarn looks with this pattern, I like the soft color changes of the Selfish Seamstress scarf better, so I'll let it sit for a while and keep working on the Phildar dress.

P.S; I saw the above scarf and I'm liking my scarf again

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My youngest shared his cold with me and I haven't slept well in a few days. I have decided to wait on cutting Paco's pattern, since I have to cut single layer to mind the fabric pattern; don't want to do that with anything less than a clear head.

Chaqueta de Paco Peralta, Muslin

2011-01-09T06:39:00.000-08:00

I finally made up the a quick muslin with Paco's pattern. I really like this pattern!

Based on his hip measurements I had to add about 2 inches, and I split the pattern the way he suggests. I must have not added enough because the jacket while it closes with no ease around my hips it stays open as you can see in the first picture. Other than that I'm happy with how this fits me.

I forgot to take a picture of the fabric I'm using, I'll show you next time.

I finished the Butterick dress so pictures coming soon!

An easy cowl

2011-01-06T06:12:00.000-08:00

Sometimes an easy and quick to make project is inmensely satisfying, don't you all agree?

I have been wanting a knitted cowl for a while and I remenbered that over at knitlit I had seen a free pattern. Not that you really need a pattern, but I liked the looks of the cowl she made and that way I didn't have to do any thinking ;-).

This pattern uses a bulky yarn and I usually don't purchase bulky yarns after all bulky yarns make bulky garments and most of the time that's not a look we want. However I did have a beautiful Manos del Uruguay remmant that I had used to make a hat for my oldest before I started blogging and also I had yarn from this mustard sweater (Ravelry link) I thought they looked great together, I bought 15 size (US) needles and got to it. I added a crochet border of the mustard color on top for color balance.

So there you have it, you could make this as your first knitting project, so easy!

So...

2011-01-04T10:44:00.000-08:00

I thought I had fixed the problem with this skirt (Burda 11 2009 #120). I promise that I unstitched the pockets and place them again with the skirt hanging and I promise that I tried it on and it looked fine or did I wanted it to be fine so much that I thought it was? I don't know but it looks the same.

Something else I noticed with this set of pictures is that the A line side seams are flaring too much. So I will change the sides seams and maybe even play with the size of the pockets. And you know what really drives me mad? That this is a skirt for goodness sake! Also I took no shortcuts in construction and took my time.

Oh well, I really do like how this outfit looks and the cardigan covers up the problem from most angles.

I also wanted to show you the necklace I'm wearing; it is a vintage Monet from the 70s. When I first arrived in the States this rigid silver necklaces were all the rage and I wanted one really bad, I got one for my 15th birthday with a couple of pendants (a bicycle and a turtle, which I still have) and I was as happy as could be.

I started working on Butterick 5523 so when that project is done I will work on the skirt again.

Happy New Year and new patterns

2011-01-01T14:19:00.000-08:00

I went to Joann's today to take advantage of the thread sale and bought thread for my new serger.

Of course I had to look at patterns, they had the new McCalls and I bought 6277 and 6279. It was nice to spend part of the first day of the year looking at new patterns, one of my favorite things to do!

Thank you all for coming to visit this past year, I hope that you will continue to do so!

Feliz Año Nuevo!

The last project of the year, Simplicity 2734

2010-12-30T16:11:00.000-08:00

I made these two sets for my nephew and the little rascal outgrew one of them already! I'm glad I made the one with the animal print bigger and he was wearing it today.

These are basic pjs, I liked that the sizing started at 1/2 year which is what I used for the set that fits(I had shortened the blue set). The pattern asks for knits for the top but I used flannel for both pieces, the neck opening is wide enough that the stretch is not needed. I used packaged bias binding for the neckline.

I should have made the 40

2010-12-29T16:40:00.001-08:00

Burda Style August knit pants

I always make a 40 in Burda magazine pants, always; it fits perfectly on the hips and I have to play a bit with the waist measurement. However for this pattern since it was for a knit pant and I wanted to avoid the sausage look at all costs, I made the 42. It is too big, so I have to fix it because I LOVE this pants! And the Sophia knit from Fabric. com is fabulous! I wore this pants all day today and no bagging at the knees! The only bagging is due to the fact that the pants are big on me, but I can fix that and I will. I plan to buy more of this knit in a tan/khaki color or brown and make myself another pair.

Above and below you can see the detail of the zipper on the legs.

Here, while you can see that they are loose on me, I was hoping you could see that they have a nice shape and a very flattering flat finish over the belly.

Did I also tell you that they are extremely comfortable? I also like how the seam below the knees looks (of course it is impossible to see it in my pictures)

After I take them in I will post more pictures without the boots for a better look.

What Santa brought

2010-12-25T13:56:00.001-08:00

Now to learn how to use it!

Trees of Christmas' Past

2010-12-24T05:20:00.001-08:00

Among the many things we received from family and friends when we first came to the US was this silver tree with blue ornaments. In there you can also see some paper ornaments my brother and I made. While we didn't think it was the greatest tree in the world, it was the tree we had. Of course these days these trees are all the rage, and this particular tree has been gone a long time (the date is 1977).

I couldn't resist also sharing this picture of my mom and I strolling down the street where we used to live looking very 70s

Merry Christmas to all those who celebrate and a wonderful holiday season for everyone.

Feliz Navidad para todos!

Reindeer in Sheep's Clothing

2010-12-16T05:43:00.000-08:00

I got a call a couple of days ago from my brother, my nephew needs a lamb outfit for the Christmas pageant, so I innocently asked, when do you need this? of course, the answer is Christmas eve. So I promised a hood and he said they could manage the rest. Okay then...I thought the biggest challenge would be finding the fabric and oh yes, I knew I had a Winnie the Pooh pattern I could modify but where was it? After all my kids are now 12 and 16, it has been a while since I used it.

My neighbor, who sews, calls me to chat while I'm searching my boxes looking for the pattern (it was not with the other patterns). She says she thinks she has a pattern that I can use and she starts looking while we talk. She finds it first so we agree I will pick it up on my way to work so that later on that day I can go looking for fabric. I used the pattern for the mouse hood and changed the shape of the ears to better look like a lamb.

I walked into Joann's and walked straight to the furry stuff and what do you know but there was the perfect fabric!

So that is my story and I'm satisfied I fulfilled my aunt/godmother duties pretty well. Of course my children think their cousin's dignity is in peril =)

image from Amazon.com

The title of this post was inspired by one of mine, and my kids, favorite books ever,Sheep in Wolves' Clothing.

Knitted gifts

2010-12-15T05:48:00.000-08:00

I finished these two hats and delivered them today. The blue is made from a pattern used when I took a class at the Cloverhill Yarn Shop to learn about cables and Fair Isle knitting. I have used it many times since it keeps you entertained with different techniques and makes a pretty cute hat for a baby/toddler. The red and white is The Acorn Hat. I would love to make it with acorn colors but I made it for a girl and I thought it would look better in bright colors. The hats were made with left over worsted and DK weight yarn.

Here is me ready to go out and face below freezing temperatures yesterday. The hat was a gift from my husband a few years ago; it was tricky keeping it on, the wind was wicked strong!

What I wore and I have some re-sewing to do

2010-12-13T11:27:00.001-08:00

Burda 11-2009 120 (skirt), vest also made by me

Sometimes you need to wear a garment before you can see its faults. The skirt looked pretty good in the hanger but I discovered some surprises after wearing it today.

First what I did right. The double pleat hangs beautifully, I followed Sandra Betzina's advise and I stitched the edges of the pleat on the inside.

If you click on the picture you will see the edgestitching.

I finished the hem with rayon seam binding and I made "the thingy" (don't you love my technical language?) or pseudo crochet cord to keep the lining from rising.

What I did wrong. I'm not sure, this is what I think. The pockets would have benefitted from interfacing which was not recommended, but my wool was very drapey and I should have done it; I believe that is why the pockets are sagging. I will unstitch them and attach then while the skirt is hanging for a better placement. I think I did not transition from waist to hip smoothly on the side I'm showing on the picture so this adds to the wonkiness. I will go back and smooth it out.

I really like this design so I will try to fix it, wish me luck! =)

It's back!

2010-12-09T04:17:00.001-08:00

Earlier this week I got to pick up my machine, of course life has interfered and it is still encased and untested.

Since I was in A Fabric Place's vicinity, Margarita, my GPS directed me there. Well I left with the two knits you see, aren't they gorgeous? I could have walked out of there with so much more! Since I have been there, the ownership/management passed directly to Michael and his wife and I could see that they have increased their inventory. I was really looking for some faux fur to make a vest, but the one I like was too white, and while I don't shy from bright prints, white fur was just a bit much for me.

I also found a pattern at Joann's to make pjs for my nephew, there are not many out there for toddlers. I might look through my Burda's also but I believe most of Burda's are for older children (he is 1 1/2 years old and petite). The flannel I found is adorable, but I can't show it to you because my SIL reads my blog!

Here he is, celebrating his 1 1/2

Next post will have a sewing update for sure!

Knitting gifts

2010-12-06T04:11:00.000-08:00

while I wait for the sewing machine. Separation anxiety has reached maximum level =(

More tracing

2010-11-30T14:58:00.000-08:00

While I wait for my machine to return I'm continuing with tracing patterns. I finished the knit pants from Burda and Paco's lovely jacket pattern. Even though his pattern comes ready to cut I went ahead and traced the pieces that I think might need alterations. For example, the maximum hip size is 38 and I'm a 40. I also usually have to add length to the bodice so I added 1 inch to the bodice length. I wanted to preserve the pattern for another muslin if the first one is not perfect.

Next I'm working on Butterick 5523. I'm going up a size in the bodice since the pattern has no ease there. I'm using a ponte knit and I don't want this dress tight across my chest.

Separation anxiety

2010-11-27T10:14:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I traced the above pattern from Burda Style August. I have wanted knit pants that looked stylish but had the comfort of knit to wear with boots this winter; after seeing this pattern made by Tany I decided to give it a try so I bought from Fabric.com a cut of their Sophia double-knit in black. I'm hoping that the fabric has a nice recovery so that the pants won't bag out at the knees.

If you are wondering at the title...today I left my sewing machine for overdue maintenance. I had to drive 35 min to get to a certified Bernina technician and it will be gone for 7-10 days. I will use my time for doing all the prepwork for the knit pants and Paco's pattern. I keep going back and forth on what fabric to use for the jacket...I'll let you know

I wanted to share

2010-11-18T04:35:00.000-08:00

This week I received the books you see above. They are beautifully illustrated with enchanting words thought of by Elisa Gallego Picard, published in Spain in English and Spanish. Why am I bringing them to your attention? Well I wrote the English translation!!

Take a look at her website to enjoy her art. I am very proud to have collaborated with her.

Esta semana recibí los libros que ven en la foto. Las ilustraciones son bellas y las palabras encantadoras, todo creado por Elisa Gallego Picard. Los libros están publicados en España en Español e Inglés. ¿Por qué se lo digo a mis lectores? Porque yo escribí la traducción al Inglés!!

Visiten su sitio web para que disfruten de su bello arte. Estoy muy orgullosa de haber colaborado con ella.

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Just in case, I do not receive any compensation by letting you know or directing you to her site; my only compensation is sharing (and bragging a little!) with you

A Burda skirt

2010-11-12T15:34:00.000-08:00

Oops! I neglected to say that this is Burda Style 11-2009 #120

Like most of us I buy RTW to fill certain holes in my wardrobe but one item I refuse to buy is a skirt. Skirts are so easy to make plus I can make them fit my waist AND my hips. Right now I have an olive cotton pencil Patrones skirt that I reach for all the time so I thought I needed to add at least another "go with almost everything skirt".

I love the above skirt, I think it will look fantastic with boots. I have the wool tweed in the hot dryer with towels, trying Pam's method for pre-shrinking that everyone raves about.

Later I will let you see the wool, it is really gorgeous. I bought it at PA Fabric Outlet before it closed in Catonsville, MD.

Hope you have a sewing weekend!

Hot Patterns Wrapture Jacket

2010-11-08T13:39:00.000-08:00

I have been writing about this jacket for a while, so I wanted to give you a short summary of my experience.

This is an OOP Hot Patterns design, I think it was one of their first. There were errors in the notches and I think what made it worse is that there isn't a good description of the jacket's design and not an accurate illustration. Having said that I received excellent customer service from the owners, who quickly responded to my email and helped me understand how certain pieces were supposed to fit.

I used a very nice cotton twill from Michael's fabrics, part of a bundle. The lining is a very lightweight cotton. The buttons came from my stash and I don't remember where I bought them. For the topstitching I used embroidery floss, using 4 strands together. I did not add shoulder pads, I wanted the jacket to have a soft look. I did add some light tailoring to the collar for a better shape around the neck.

click to enlarge and see machine stitching added for shaping

My jacket is meant to be worn over a tank top or other lightweight tops. The sleeves even though I added extra ease, are still pretty fitted. After the jacket was completed I added some more topstitching, this time around the fronts and all around the hems.

Am I happy with this jacket? I'm thrilled!, the downside? the days are getting cold so this jacket will have to wait until spring to see more action. Yesterday was a beautiful day here so I had the opportunity to have my son take outdoor shots.

If you missed my previous posts and want to know more details I listed the links below.

Hot Patterns Wrapture Jacket firs post
Hot Patterns Wrapture Jacket second post
Hot Patterns Wrapture Jacket third post
Hot Patterns Wrapture Jacket fourth post

So what is next? I found that I need a mid-weight jacket for the cold days that still don't require a winter coat but are too cold for denim jackets and the jacket I just made (ha!). However I think I'll first tackle a simpler project like a dress or skirt. You'll be the first to know!

Last update on jacket, before completion

2010-11-04T08:57:00.001-07:00

I am hopefully going to attach the lining and finish the jacket today, depending on how I feel. But I thought I show you that I finished the bound buttonholes, attached the cuffs and collar and constructed the lining.

Next up I'll show you the finished jacket!

A Beautiful Fall Day

2010-11-04T07:14:00.000-07:00

The picture of a happy (blurry)dog

I have been feeling cold symptoms for the past couple of days, but on the weekend I was fine and we got to do a beautiful walk. Not much to say just enjoy the colors of the season.

Construction details, Hot Patterns jacket

2010-10-26T04:35:00.000-07:00

At this point the jacket back, cuffs and pockets have been constructed and topstitched. Topstitching through the heavy multiple twill layers went slow and made my fingers ache, but I like how it looks so far.

In looking at the pictures I got to check on the stitching of the pocket it looks a little puckery.

I added a back stay to give the dropped shoulder area a little more support, just used a piece of washed muslin.

Next up is the bound buttonholes but I have to decide on buttons first.

Changes, part II

2010-10-25T11:02:00.000-07:00

So my son had a great time Saturday. He wore his father's vintage tie and clip and I was proud of how he handled himself.

There was a photo session before they headed out to dinner where the parents could ooh and aahh at the kids.

Here he is with his best friend, they have been since kindergarten.

Here they are at 5,

they are still adorable, don't you think?

Changes

2010-10-22T04:19:00.000-07:00

For the first time this year, my son who is a high school junior is going to the Homecoming dance. This summer he cut his hair, he became a texting expert, has joined clubs and his social circle has expanded. Wow. Today I need to go buy him a jacket and dress shoes since he outgrew them and then I will probably end up playing chauffeur on Saturday since his friends are going to be taking pictures, going out to dinner and then going to the dance (and believe me I'm glad it will be me doing the driving).

A couple of weeks ago my brother and his family came to visit and I had the inmense pleasure of spending time with my nephew. He is the cutest! Last time I saw him he wasn't walking on his own yet, this time around everyone was exhausted chasing after him...yeap I remember those days.

Let's hear it for the boys!