What I made in 2012

As usual I made more Burda Style and Burda patterns than any other, just love their style and fit.
I left out one Vogue top that came out huge and needs to be worked on to be wearable.

Como siempre usé mas patrones de Burda Style y de los de sobre que ningún otro. Me encanta su estilo y como me quedan al cuerpo. Dejé fuera la foto de una blusa de Vogue que me quedó inmensa así que tengo que arreglarla.

Vogue Patterns

The dress on the left, Burda envelope, was made but never worn, except for the picture.

Este vestido es de Burda pero no llegué a estrenarlo, sólo me lo puse para la foto

 



 Burda Style and Burda

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Simplicity

 

My son loves his hat! 

 A mi hijo le encanta su sombrero!

 

 

 

 

Knitting

 

The pink is a shawl that I finished but having gotten around to blog about it.

 

Lo rosado es una manta que terminé y quedó muy bonita per aún no la he fotografiado.

 

 

 

 

These two skirts from Chritine Jonson patterns were made from leftover fabric from other projects and they have been worn the most out of my sewing this past year.

Estas dos sallas (Christine Jonson patterns) hechas de retazos son muy prácticas y me las he puesto muy a menudo.

This was a vintage pattern from McCalls, inspired by a dress I saw on Mad Men.

Este patón es "vintage" McCalls, inspirado por un vestido que vi en Mad Men.



The most fun I've had this year sewing? Come to think ever! Sewing for Seussical!

Lo más que me he divertido cosiendo fue durante el show de Seussical!

Even though I did not make the outfit on the left I did put it together so these were "my girls"

Aunque no cosí el conjunto de la izquierda yo lo compuse así que estas eran "mis chicas"

 

 I took on the challenge of making a tail grow on stage and everyone was thrilled with the results!

Accepté el hacer una cola crecer en escena y a todos le encantó como quedó!

And the bird girl that just wanted to have fun never looked more beautiful. I accesorized, repaired and coordinated costumes and it was a blast!

Y la chica pájaro que sólo quería divertirse nunca se vió más linda. Creé detalles para completar el vestuario, los reparé y tuve la oportunidad de ser parte del diseño, no solo de de la confección.




One more project finished in December didn't get photographed, it is a cover for my son's laptop. I'm finishing another and then I will share it with you. I had hoped to have it finished by now but I came down with a cold that has me laying around miserable.

Tengo un proyecto más que terminé en diciembre, un sobre para proteger el "laptop" de mis hijos. Terminé uno pero yo he terminado el año y empezado el nuevo con un catarro que me tiene tumbada. Cuando lo termine compartiré con ustedes.



Looking forward to reading everyone's end of year reviews!

Espero leer los escritos de fin de año de todos ustedes!

What I made in 2011

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?

Feliz Navidad!

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.

Simple designs

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!

Does this Jason Wu design look familiar?

Picture from michelleostyle.blogspot.com

I instantly noticed that the neckline in Mrs Obama's dress is just like the one in Burda 7517 which I made this summer.



The Jason Wu design seems to be cut at the waist with darts shaping the skirt as opposed to the shift style of the Burda that continues with the pleats that start at the neckline.

Pretty neat, no?

Seven things about me

A number of bloggers have invited their readers to play along because they cannot bring themselves to name seven people for the newest award making the rounds. I have decided to play along.

1. I left Cuba when I was 13 years old along with my family for Spain. It was to be a temporary stay until we were granted permission to come to live in the United States. It was a grand adventure for me even though I was sad to leave, family, friends and everything I knew behind.

2. I love mysteries, whether they are tv shows or books.

3. Shoes are my weakness, have been since I became aware of fashion, back when I was around 12.

4. I cannot excuse or tolerate snobby people, I quickly cross them off my list.

5. In my senior year in high school I was voted "Class Braintrust" in the senior poll, I was the valedictorian. I certainly pursue brainier activities more than physical ones.

6. I love to dance. I don't get to do it often so I compensate by dancing around the house when I'm doing chores. I hope no one is looking...

7. Gardening was my no 1 passion (after reading) before crafts (sewing, quilting, knitting and crocheting) took over. It is a tragedy to have so many interests and not enough time to indulge in all of them ;-)

I hope you enjoyed my revelations, play along if you like!

The boyfriend jacket

I like the look of the boyfriend jacket. I always have, back in the 80's I wore a smoking jacket that belonged to my father in the 50's (he didn't smoke and mom says he might have worn the jacket once)and I loved the relaxed and comfortable look. It seems that this style is back and I will be making my own.



LaROK 'Charms of Perfection' Jacket from Nordstrom.com

I found the McCall's pattern during Joann's last $1.00 sale and even though I haven't compared it or looked for other versions, I figured for that price I would get it. I like the lines of it and the welt pockets will finally force me to try them. I have plenty of jacket fabrics so shopping my stash will be the way to go.



Chloe's boyfriend jacket from Nordstrom.com

I will still like to do at least one more summer outfit, something in linen, so I'm not starting the jacket right away. That will give me more time to look at other patterns..;-)

Friday Musings

I woke up this morning and felt that the pain in my neck has sort of moved to my right shoulder. What did I do to make the pain come back?I have no idea...I haven't been doing my arm exercises, just my walks and the stationary bike. Oh well at least I'm not getting the nasty headaches I've gotten in connection with the neck.

After reading Barbara's post over at The Furry Mind where she asks if blogging was worth the effort, I started to wonder how many of you out there read this blog. I signed up for Site Meter, the free version ,I'm curious but not curious enough to pay for the extra services. I know I'm guilty of reading blogs and not commenting but then I remember how much I enjoy these blogs and how nice it is when I get comments, so I will make it a mission to leave a note.

Anyways I leave you with another version of Simplicity 4076. I used up a 1 yard remnant from Metro Textiles. This time I used the honeycomb stitch in my Bernina for the hems, I think it nicely echos the print design.




Have a great weekend full of sewing time!

Friday musings

So I find this morning at the bus stop that my kids have a half day...there went my plan which included a long visit to Joann's and Borders (conveniently located next to each other). I've had a busy week and was looking forward to just browsing through the things I love, knitting and sewing supplies, magazines and books. Well I went anyways just had to be a quick visit and took advantage of the notions wall 50% sale and bought thread for the dresses I'm working on. Oh! And the new Vogues were not in...

If you are wondering what's the story with the shoes, about a week ago I saw and fell in love with the above shoes, they just say "spring" to me. I couldn't buy them that day because I was in a hurry so...I found them online for cheaper. How could I resist?

My future SIL received the muslin and she says it fits perfect and that she loves it! How cool is that? I'll get some pictures of her in it this weekend and then I can work on the silk fabric. I am so excited about this project!!!

I'm reading a book by Laura Lippman the 4th in her Tess Monahann series. I love reading books that take place in the vicinity of where I live, Tess Monahann is a private detective that lives and works in Baltimore. In this book she ends up in a diner in Enchanted Forest which is down the road from me! If you haven't read any of her books and you like mysteries I highly recommend her.


That's it for now. Hope you all have a great weekend!