So I finished the Burda WOF jumper and the turtleneck top to go with it but I haven't had a chance to photograph it to show you. I'm happy with the way the outfit turned out. Stay tuned for pictures soon.

I also decided that it was time to make the coat I had planned and bought materials for last year. The muslin is made and tested and the fabric prepared, I have everything I need to go ahead. In preparation I started re-reading my material on making coats. I'm starting with the Bishop Method of Clothing Construction, then I will review The Great Coat Sew Along and Tailoring. I have made jackets and one coat before so not every technique will be new to me, however I have never tackled welt pockets before, so this will be new and I also want to try bound buttonholes. I'm looking forward to the adventure.

I also wanted to show you the last patterns I bought.



I loved 2473 when it first came out, but at the previous Simplicity sale they didn't have it (at Joann's). I really like the view with the collar for winter but I also like the other views. View A in 2560 is a really pretty layering piece (I'm always cold so I like layers), and I have fabric to make it with. View D of 2501 is wonderful, the sleeves are feminine without being frilly.


When I saw the review in Threads magazine for the Cynthia Rowley 2586 this cut of fabric came to mind. I think I can use the border at the hem and sleeves. I'm sure some of you will recognize this fabric, it came from Fabric Mart a while ago and Carolyn made a wonderful jacket out of it (I'm sorry I couldn't find it on her blog for a link!)

When photographing the fabric my camera was behaving weird. Keep your fingers crossed that it will straighten itself out!

A rainy field trip

Today I went to the National Gallery of Art in DC with my son's high school. Both the art class and the photography class went and he is in both. I hadn't been in the West Wing where mostly the classical works are exhibited in a while, my family enjoys the East Wing with its modern displays and special exhibits more, so I comply since I enjoy both.

It was a nice surprise to go from room to room and still be able to identify the painters; my son was impressed and you know is hard to impress a teenager so I was happy. We had terrible weather but as the teacher says it discourages the kids from wandering outside.



Above is a painting I had never seen before. It is by Leonardo Da Vinci, my son said it look like a dead Mona Lisa.

Hope the sun is shining in your part of the world.

My first stitching passion

A couple of weeks ago I woke up to 1/2 inch of water around my water heater; it seems overnight it sprung a leak. About $400 dollars later we got a new one installed and a major part of our storage had to be moved. In storage I had quite a few pictures of my cross stitch projects, so I photographed them to share. I picked up cross stitch when I first moved to Maryland back in the 80's. I made many pieces, a lot were given as gifts. After a while I realized I couldn't fill my house with pillows and frames so I expanded into quilting, knitting and fashion sewing. I still have some that I started and a couple that need to made into pillows, one day I will finish them.





I had just gotten my first dog, Echo, and I was in love with my little rascal!


This is one of my favorites, I love 30's fashions and this is reminiscent of a fashion plate; it hangs in the sewing/guest room.



I made this one to display along with wedding photographs of my parents and my husband's parents at our wedding.



This is the cover of my stool for my vanity. It is covered with clear plastic ( I know I know), it is the only reason that it still looks this good.


After I stopped cross stitching I made a few needlepoint pieces, this one I hope to make into a pillow eventually.


When visiting Winterthur, Delaware, I fell in love with this kit, I really do plan on finishing it!

I hope you enjoy them!