Reap What You Sew!

Welcome to my sewing blog. Here you will find personal thoughts (not always related to sewing), ideas, and confessions from someone who loves looking at pretty material and who thinks that stitching things together is one of life's greatest pleasures (or at least one of life's best forms of therapy!).

Mar 6, 2010, Sewing Events and Conferences are SEW Fun!

Improve your skills and make new friends at sewing events and conferences. Information for sewing enthusiasts.

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Mar 3, 2010, Wee... I love my Wii!

We have had our Wii system for a while now and I have to say (again)... I love it. It gets me off my backside and moving - which is good for my weight and for my heart. My brother lost 12 pounds in one month with the Wii Fit disk. I find that impressive. He said he's the hula hoop champ of the neighborhood on it and my sister-in-law is the knockout queen of boxing. (I've tried the boxing... I suck.)

For me, right now anyway, the sports disk and the Resort disk are my favorites. The other day I was sitting on the sofa after watching one tv program after another, started feeling cold, and decided I needed to get moving to warm up. So on went the Wii and I was happily sweating in no time, which means my heart rate was up and so was my body temp.

I love the tennis and my Mii runs and jumps and gives it her all every time I play. Confession: I used to actually play tennis... now I play at playing tennis and my Mii is much better than I ever was. I played three games of "best of three" this afternoon before going to work. Tonight I have tennis elbow. And my shoulder hurts. I think I played a little too hard... which is silly... after all, it's just a computer game!. If this keeps up, I may need to see a specialist. Are there computer sports doctors to keep up with all the computer sports injuries we inflict on ourselves? Do we dare admit where our aches and pains are coming from? "Boss, I think I threw my arm out slicing fruit during swordplay and need to see a doctor ... so I won't be able to come to work today."

I guess I'll just take two aspirin, cuddle up to the heating pad, and keep my "sports injuries" to myself! For now.

Feb 13, 2010, Sewing News

As someone who sews, I'm always looking for new sewing products, notions and interesting news.

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Feb 1, 2010, Happy Birthday Butterfly!

It's a girl! Or maybe a boy! Who knows? For sure... it's a butterfly! It broke out of its cocoon early this morning and I am so excited! I'm a new Mom... sort of. If you read my blogs, you know that I took in a caterpillar (see earlier entry) and I've been waiting for it to "birth" itself. Well it's here!

Unfortunately, we are no longer having balmly seventy degree weather. The cold has returned and now I'm afraid to release it! I did take the container and my new baby outside earlier. When I put my hand inside, he (or she) climbed on and wouldn't get off. I had to encourage it to step over on to the side of the container where I thought it might decide to take flight. (It's wings are dry and flight ready.) Nope. Every time I checked it was still sitting there, not moving. So... I offered it my hand and, it went right back on. Makes sense to me. My hand is warm... the outside air is cold. No dummy there! Well, needless to say, my new baby (and it's plastic house) are back inside my house. I guess I'll be playing mother for a few days... at least until the temperatures warm up outside. I also guess I'd better go ahead and give it a name. Maybe something like... "Lucky"? Here's its birthday photo.

Jan 27, 2010, Sewing Projects Off to a Slow Start!

Ok, I really thought that I would be sewing doll clothes like crazy this month since my granddaughter got an American Girl doll for Christmas. I did make several outfits for this new doll as Christmas presents (gee how did Nana know??) and I went and bought some terrific books with patterns and instructions for wonderful contemporary doll clothes. I even (oh yes, I did!) bought myself a pretty 18" doll to use as a fit model for any outfits I made! She is sitting in my sewing room, probably wondering why she's wearing the same thing day after day, while she stares at my sewing machine. (My husband says she makes him nervous.) Well, I guess I just sort of burned out on the whole thing! Sadly, another sewer has "bit the dust" on yet another sewing project. I had good intentions and will probably make more doll clothes later (much later), but for right now... my creative juices seem to be flowing very slowly. Maybe I'm just having "after holidays" jet lag... or more aptly "sewing lag"! HA! It's not that I'm not doing anything right now. I have someone who needs a Greek costume made for her first grader and I've been making tutus which I'm enjoying the heck out of doing, especially with Mardi Gras approaching and the Saints big win! Yes, I'm a member of the "Who Dat Nation"! Bless you boys! I don't really care if they actually win the Super Bowl.... I'm just thrilled (and I mean THRILLED) that they made it to the big show!!!! Oh by the way, my caterpiller is still in its cocoon and so far... nothing is happening. Pray for Haiti, hug your family, smile at everyone you see, and root for the Saints at Super Bowl!

Jan 11, 2010, Saving the Last of this Season's Butterflies

If you spend time watching the Weather Channel,(Storm Stories.. riveting stuff), you know that the South has been having record cold temps. We're freezing down here... and we don't like it! Anyway, with temps in the 20's and low 30's, this southern belle keeps her southern backside as close to the nearest heat source as possible. Anyway... about the butterfly.

I have citrus trees in my back yard and every year these big beautiful tiger swallowtail type butterflies lay their eggs on them. Especially on one in particular (a small lime tree I have growing in a container). This lime tree is their nursery, all hours buffet, and favorite playground. Which means, I've been able to watch caterpillars turn into cocoons and finally into glorious butterflies for several years now.

Apparantly, however, there was one late holdout this season. Yep, one last caterpillar about to get put in deep freeze... at least that's what I was worried about the night before the temps dropped! So I threw on a coat, ran outside and broke off a small section of branch and put both it and the caterpillar into a large plastic container which now sits in my dining room among my houseplants. (I told my husband I'd find a use for that thing!)

Well, lo and behold... my little late season hold out has now anchored itself and has begun the cocooning stage. That wonderful transition period where something that looks like a giant ugly bird dropping will, in about six weeks or so, emerge a thing of beauty... if all goes well. I'm not Mother Earth, I'm just one of her stewards. I hope this container thing works (yes, I put lots of holes in the cover).

I'll let you know when the blessed event happens.

Jan 5, 2010, Sewing for an American Girl Doll

American Girl dolls have been around for quite some time and this Christmas, my six year old granddaughter, Kaitlyn, got one (as did all her best friends... Santa must have been listening really well this year... or Grandma helped him.) So now, Kaitlyn has two 18 inch dolls... Fancy Nancy and her new American Girl best friend.

Anyway, much as I don't like sewing tiny clothing... I've been (as you might already know) making doll clothes for these 18 inch dolls. I'm not an expert at doll clothes, but here's one thing I've found (you may already know this)... 18 inch dolls, are not all the same size! Bust, waist, hip, shoulders... these measurements can vary from as little as 1/4 inch to over 1 inch depending on the company making the doll. (Have you seen Fancy Nancy's tush? You may have to adjust the hip width because of that bottom! Gee, I have the same problem when sewing for myself... HA!) Soft bodied dolls from the same manufacturer can also differ as much as half an inch since they are each hand stuffed.

Anyway, if you too will be sewing doll clothes for a new American Girl doll in your family and don't have the actual doll to measure, the information below should be helpful. (If Santa brought you your own doll, lucky you... you've got your own "fit" model.)

Bust: 11 inches
Waist: 10-1/2 inches
Hips (widest): 12-1/4 inches
Leg inseam: 7 inches
Around thigh: 6 inches
Around calf: 5-1/4 inches
Shoulder to wrist: 5-3/8 inches
Around shoulders: 14-3/4 inches
Around neck: 6 inches
Neck height: 3/8 inches
Around head: 12 inches

We all know that most of the major pattern companies offer doll clothes patterns, just make sure to check measurements and make adjustments prior to cutting the pattern pieces if you want them to fit your American Girl doll or other 18 inch doll. Also, for some really great doll clothes patterns and instructions... look for books by professional doll clothes makers such as Joan Hinds. I now have two of her instruction books for my sewing library. I'm definately adding her to my list of favorites.

Happy sewing!

Jan 4, 2010, Happy New Sewing Year!

I hope your transition from the old year to the new year was a good one. I know that many, many people are glad to see 2009 leave and I pray that for ALL of us 2010 proves to be better.

Because we felt the need to kick 2009 out the door, for the first time in years, we actually went to a real New Year's Eve party at a lovely new restaurant not far from where we live. We gave the old year the boot and with great expectations, welcomed in the new at midnight with party hats, noise makers, as well as with hugs and kisses. Prior to the midnight hour, we ate like fools, sipped champagne, enjoyed the company of the people at our table whom we hadn't met before the event, and actually spent time on the dance floor! Let me tell you... I haven't danced in high heels in years! In fact, I rarely WEAR heels anymore so the next day... I could barely move! Oh yeah, I paid the piper dearly. Not only did my feet hurt, but so did my calves, thighs and butt! (My husband swears nobody kicked me.) It had to be from wearing those shoes. Add to my short list of New Year's resolutions: spend more time in high heels, especially prior to the end of the year... just in case.

I pray for a better new year (physically, emotionally and financially) for everyone and hope that you are doing the same. Keep your spirit up, wear a smile on your face and remember to pass both on to others.

See you at the sewing table!

Nov 11, 2009, Raid Your Stash and Sew Doll Clothes

My granddaughter has a Fancy Nancy doll. Guess what she's getting for Christmas. Doll clothes. I won't lie and tell you I LOVE to sew doll clothes (truthfully, they make me nuts); however, it's a sure fire way to rid yourself of a lot of those fabric scraps and bits of trim you've been saving up over the years. What's good about this particular doll... you don't have to match patterns or fabrics for her clothes. You've seen her... she's fashion fun!

Years ago, the first time I ever made doll clothes, I actually finished off the seams. Now how NUTS is that??? They're doll clothes! Now if they were for "collectible dolls", sure... whole 'nother story. But for doll clothes that are going to be tugged off and on by a child and eventually tossed when the the child outgrows it? What was I thinking? I was adding a whole lot of unneccessary work. I now pull out my trusty pinking shears and am quite happy. The doll doesn't care and neither does the child.

One thing you do have to be careful of though is where you sew the seam line as doll clothes usually have a really narrow one. Yes, I forgot to make this adjustment this time around... there's just soooo much sewing going on right now... and the first outfit I made for the doll is going to be really tight.

If Fancy Nancy doesn't have a boyfriend, she probably will now!

Nov 3, 2009, Two Left Legs? Cutting on Unfolded Fabric

Ok, I goofed. Big time. I cut something out and made a silly (ok, stupid) error which resulted in having pajama pants with two left legs (or maybe it was two right legs). Regardless... it was the same leg and people aren't built that way.

How could this happen? I know better! Well... simply put... I wasn't paying attention! This pajama bottom, like many children's pants, is made from one pattern piece. If the fabric is folded with the selveges to one side like normal, you pin it down and cut it out in one step. No problem there! With the fabric folded, one cut gives you a front and back piece (or right and left), a mirror image. Unfortunately, the fabric I was using wasn't wide enough so I had to open up the material and cut the pattern piece out... twice. Here's where I messed up (which is soooo embarrasing!): I cut both pieces face up. I should have cut one piece face up and the second cut should have been with the pattern piece face down. Which would have given me a right leg and a left leg. I didn't even realize my mistake until I slipped one leg inside the other to sew up the crotch and it was totally off! I had two of the same leg! I must have stared at that silly thing for five minutes before I realized what I had done. Jeezum! Dumb, dumb, dumb!

If you're a beginner at this wonderful thing called sewing... take heart. Even seasoned sewers sometimes screw up the recipe. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough material left for another complete pant side. Which means I had to piece together what was left of the material, cut off the top of one of the legs, recut a new section from the pieced material, and then piece together the needed side. Thank goodness this was for a child's pajamas... having some strange seams running up and down and across isn't that big of a deal.

I know I can convince a six year old that it's supposed to look that way.

Happy sewing.

Oct 24, 2009, Sometimes It's OK to Get Fleeced!

A short while back I told you I was making a fleece snuggle comfy blanket for my granddaughter. You know... the kind with sleeves. Let me tell you, it really was easy to sew. More than one pattern company has a version, but I used McCalls. Now, if you are a beginner at sewing, let me remind you that patterns which claim to be 1 hour are NOT one hour. The one hour claim is simply an estimate of "sewing" time.

Anyway, if you like making gifts for people... consider sewing up a fleece comfy or snuggle blanket because now is the time to buy fleece at your local or on-line fabric stores! You can find all kinds of fleece from 30% to 50% off the regular price and there are so many designs to choose from.

Also... if you are making one of these please consider leaving off any optional inside foot pocket. Personally, I think it's a huge trip hazard, no matter what age you make this for. And also check the sleeve length prior to cutting it out, you sure don't want them so long that they become an obstacle to the wearer as well.

Happy sewing! Now go get fleeced!

Oct 20, 2009, It's Midnight... Why Am I Not in Bed!!!

I'll tell you why, I have a sixteen year old dalmatian that needs a lightweight coat. Ok, a blanket... or a blanket that she can wear as a coat. You know, like the kind they put on horses.

Why am I thinking about this at midnight? Who the heck knows???!!! Actually, I worry about her getting cold now that we're finally getting Fall weather. Even in her bed, inside, she's curling up into a tight ball when she sleeps which doesn't help her old arthritic joints... or mine since I find it necessary to get up and cover her with a beach towel at midnight. Hey, I love my dog... she's family.

Anyway, I was in a Joanne's store today so I happened to look through the many pattern catalogs for dog coats and... lo and behold... there are dozens of them! And, silly me, I actually considered buying one of the patterns. What was I thinking? I don't need to spend money on a pattern! I've got years of sewing magazines piled up in my sewing room. One of them has got to have instructions for a simple dog coat. Not only that, you can find instructions for all kinds of things on just about every major sewing related website on the web... for free. So sometime this week, or next, I'll find one. If not, I'll measure her and just draft one up. In the meantime, Dottie my darlin' dalmatian, will be fine. She has her beach towel and the house really isn't cold. In fact, she's been snoozing for hours!

I'm going to bed.

Oct 15, 2009, Sew a Tapestry Placemat Purse for an Inexpensive Fashion Accessory!

How to sew a tapestry placemat purse. A fun easy sewing project with endless variations. Sew a purse or two today!

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Oct 15, 2009, Fall Inspired Placemats Make Pretty Purses!

Have you seen the new Fall inspired tapestry placemats for sale at your local discount or bath and home stores? I have... and I sure didn't think about putting them on my dining room table. My first thought? A new purse! A pretty new placemat purse.

Anyway, these type of placemats come with a stiff interfacing between the layers of fabric. Which means... you don't have to add anything to have a purse that stands up by itself! The back fabric is already sewn to the interfacing so there's half the construction time already done for you. And you can't beat the cost. For around four dollars plus some additional expense for the add ons (handles, closures), you can have seasonal purses out the wazoo for very little expense.

There was however, a slight problem. The seams were so thick, I couldn't make my purse the quick way. My machine had fits trying to get the needle through them to make the stitch. (I thought I broke something inside it... the noise was awful.) Anyway, I had to take the placemat apart before I could resew it into my nifty new Fall purse. Taking the original sitching out took a while, but I really like what I wound up with. There are so many handle and closure options! It's so much fun to make these things.

Of course, you won't see me carrying it every day. The tapestry material might snag on something. Most likely, this particular one will be a Sunday-go-to-church purse. How fitting. I DID say it was a Fall inspired placemat to begin with!

Sep 29, 2009, The Temptation of Fall Fabrics

It's officially Fall, but you wouldn't know it by the temperatures we've been having. We've been sweating our buns off right now, which means I can't seem to wrap my mind around sewing anything for cooler weather or the upcoming holidays.

However, the beautiful Fall fabrics available in the stores now is sorely tempting me to fast forward myself to cooler days. The Fall sample swatches I get from Vogue Fabrics are making my mouth water as well. There's also a new Butterick pattern for an unlined jacket, pants and top that totally caught my eye on a recent visit to a local Joann.com fabric store.

However, since I spend my work hours in scrubs, I convinced myself not give into temptation while at the store and buy it or any of the super delicious fabrics they had paired the pattern with.

But I sure thought about it. Boy did I think about it. I even carried the pattern around in my shopping cart for about twenty minutes and kept circling back to the fabric section where the sample was. (You know, like some dieters do with food they can't have before they put it back on the shelf.) Oh well.

You know those snuggle blanket thingies that they advertise on tv, in magazines and in so many Sunday newspaper ads? Well, why not MAKE some? Yep, you can get patterns for them and if you hurry, you can find some really good deals on fleece fabrics. Joann, Hancock's and of course one of my favorite places: Fabric.com... Wholesale to the public! My daughter has already let me know I'll be sewing some of these... soon. She's sending me the pattern. I already have the fabric. Fancy Nancy fleece for my granddaughter. Something I DID pick up at the fabric store. I can deny myself, but it's sure hard to deny offspring!

That was last week... and I have to tell you, I'm still thinking about that darn jacket and pants pattern! Which means the possibility of spending money on a pattern and fabric I don't really need. I still have Fall fabrics and patterns from LAST year! Temptation (another word for "fabric") is such a powerful thing... it just grabs at me every darn season. I bet you know the feeling!

Speaking of feeling. I have a feeling I'm going to give in. If I'm lucky, that specific pattern in my size will be gone and I'll be ... saved. At least till the next store visit. HA!!!

Happy sewing!