Reap What You Sew!

Dec 30, New Years Eve Dress

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 22:40:07 GMT

It's Friday. Tomorrow is Saturday. Which means tomorrow night is New Year's Eve and the big party we are attending. I need to decide what I'm wearing. Like, today! So,this morning I start rummaging through my "other closet". You know, the one that is more storage than anything else. The one with clothes that only come out when the weather changes from season to season and clothes for special events... like weddings and annual parties. I was surprised at how many special occaision dresses had wound up in that closet. (Unfortunately, I was NOT surprised at the change in sizes of the dresses through the years.) Maybe I hoped that one day I would be back to a smaller size and could wear them once again. As far as the styles, most could be worn today. Even those that bring back a specific era, eventually, make a comeback. Look at dresses and patterns showing up now. Many look like they could be from the 1940s... which I happen to like. Vintage dresses and dress patterns are quite popular. There will always be a market for retro looks. (Well, maybe not the 80's. HA!) Anyway, though I have a perfectly good black "special occasion" dress that I can still wear, I decided this morning that I was going to MAKE my dress. It's only Friday, I have plenty of time before tomorrow night. I went through my pattern stash, found a pattern I like, and was soon on my way to the fabric shop. Yes, I was going to sew myself a new party dress! I even had the color and type of fabric (or fabrics) in mind. Yes indeed. I would sew this afternoon, night and tomorrow. I figured ten hours tops at a leisurely pace. I was feeling so proud of myself. (Ok, I was feeling cocky.) I was going to make this happen. I would not be a slave to what was in my closet or on a rack in a retail shop which would most likely require some altering. There I was, merrily on my way, not even five minutes from the house when my cell phone went off. Fortunately, I'm at a stop light. It was my husband checking in. I shared with him my grand plan and he said, "You know, I'll pay for a new dress so you don't have to make one." I never made it to the fabric shop. However, next time, I plan to make that dress. Have a wonderful holiday and whatever your plans are for the new year, I hope you stay safe and stay sewing.

Dec 6, Got the Sewing Machine, Now Get the Stand!

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 04:30:55 GMT

My daughter recently got a sewing machine and intends to learn to sew. I'm thrilled... and dismayed. Thrilled that after all these years she is finally interested in sewing and dismayed that she's in Texas and I'm still in Louisiana. I would love to be able to work with her face to face and teach her what I know. (Hopefully, we'll be heading that way for good sometime in 2012.) Anyway, in the past, when I've visited and she's needed something done, she would pull out an old machine given to her by a friend and I would set it up on her pub height dining table in the breakfast area and stand while I made the requested alterations, repairs and (sometimes) new things. Standing was a real pain but there truly was no other option unless I sat everything up on the floor, which would have been just as uncomfortable. If I sat on the pub height stools that went with the pub height table, I couldn't reach the foot pedal. It was a no win situation for me. Now that she has her new machine, I've been stressing the importance of a proper stand for it. Unless you want to ache from neck to foot, you don't sew standing up. If you aren't brand new to sewing, you know that sewing machine stands (or cabinets) can be expensive. Take out a loan expensive! She can't get one. Heck "I" can't get one (yet). Which is why so many of us use what was once considered a typing stand. There was a time when that's ALL you used. I think mine cost around $35. I won't say how long ago I bought it. So, I've been checking them for her and such "machine stands" (they don't call them typing stands any more) now cost around $70 from an office supply store. Hopefully she'll find one that suits her. If not, Sam's sells small portable tables that will do in a pinch as long as you keep your machine close to the edge and don't sew like a race car driver. I know. I have such a table. One of my sewing machines is currently sitting on it since my serger has taken over my old stand. Sewing at high speeds, causes the table to vibrate and the next thing you know.. your machine is bouncing around like water in hot grease. Not fun. One day, I will have my dream sewing machine stand/cabinet. Most likely one made by Koala. Every time I get a new issue of a sewing magazine, I drool looking at their ads. Yes, one day I'll have one. Of course, I'll have to take out a loan. At least dreaming about it doesn't cost anything.

Nov 29, Not Too Late for Holiday Sewing and Crafting

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:27:36 GMT

It's not too late for holiday sewing and crafting! If you are looking for pattern projects that aren't found in your local fabric store, here are two of my favorite places to browse: Clotildes (clotildes.com) for sewing and Annie's Attic (anniesattic.com) for knitting crocheting and other crafting projects. You may already be a fan too. We all know that the major pattern makers make patterns for holiday apparel, accessories and crafts, but sometimes I want something different and these two sites never fail to grab my interest. So if you are in the mood for making holiday ornaments, home and kitchen decor, cozy mittens, hooded scarves, doll clothes and accessories... drop by and visit these two on-line retailers. Their projects range from easy to experienced and many are kid friendly. If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about all the free holiday projects that are offered online. There's always something out there that you'll love making. So put on your holiday music and get to it!

Nov 13, Easy to Sew Cat Bed

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 23:35:11 GMT

An easy to sew cat bed from a towel that kitty will love.

Nov 6, Bunk Bed Bedding for 18" Dolls

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 15:21:37 GMT

Guess who's getting a bunk bed (with trundle) for their American Girl dolls this Christmas? I won't name names, but she's related to me. Anyway, you can't have a doll bed without appropriate bedding... so Nana got the request to make this for a Christmas present. Like most everyone else, finances are getting tighter and tighter so being able to make this instead of purchasing a set is a good deal for me. Truthfully... making bedding for dolls is actually fun. If you've never tried it, give it a shot! Like home decor sewing, you are working almost entirely with straight seams. How fancy or detailed you get is entirely up to you. (Which also adds to the fun on a project like this.) At one point, I was thinking about adding an inner layer and quilting these little bedspreads... thankfully I came to my senses. We're talking dolls here, not real people. Having an actual bed on hand to use for measurements would have been great, but since I didn't (and you may not either), I had to get them from the "details" on the website that sold this particular bed. Those measurements were then transfered to drafting paper to make my pattern. (You can buy ready made patterns for doll bedding, but I prefer to draft out my own on something like this.) Since the bed for this project is a bunk bed, I needed the drop (sides) of the bedspreads to not hang too far down yet still cover the dolls when under the cover. I gave it my best shot with 2" on each side. If this had been a regular style doll bed, I would have increased that measurement. Again, it's for dolls so it doesn't have to be perfectly figured. Adding a pillow and making accent pillows was also fun. If you want to get really into it, add blankets using minky or fleece. As I said above, if you've never tried a project like this before... give it a shot! It's certainly a good way to use up some of your stash. Also, if you have a young sewer in your home, making doll bedding is a wonderful way to increase their sewing skills while teaching them how to work with measurements. Happy sewing!

Nov 6, Sewing Room Layout and Design

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 14:00:46 GMT

What makes a good sewing room layout? Some recommendations for the design and layout of your sewing room.

Oct 20, Save The Rompers!

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:31:18 GMT

Knit rompers with snaps between the legs are so cute and are a staple of most crawler and toddler wardrobes. As littles ones grow, they normally get taller before they get wider... which means all those rompers (and onesies) get too short before they get too tight. (You know what I'm talking about!) What do most mom's do when this happens? They stick them on their growing child and leave the snaps unsnapped under the pants (or skirt) of their young one to get more use out of the item. As a part-time teacher at a day care, I see this a lot and it makes me nuts. Especially when the "tail" drops into the toilet during potty time... which leads to an unplanned wardrobe change and the "WHY do I work here" anthem. There's an easy alternative which makes the romper last a lot longer (and helps keep the sanity of your child's caregiver). Turn those rompers into shirts! Lay the too short romper on a cutting board, make sure front and back are even. Use a rotary cutter to remove the leg and snaps area. I recently did this with my grandson's outgrown knit rompers. To be sure that I had the correct length from underarm to hem, I used one of his current tee shirts. Just remember to include additional length for your new hem. I serge the edges prior to sewing, but if you don't have a serger use your edgestitching foot to get almost the same look, then put in your hem. It's also helpful to adjust your stitch length to a slightly longer length. Super easy and your child's teachers (or caregivers) will think you're the greatest.

Sep 23, Smile! Show Your (Zipper) Teeth.

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:27:59 GMT

Using a zipper as an embellishment has been a big thing (i.e. "fad") for a while now. Zippers sewn on the outside of a seam, in a contrasting or coordinating color can add real flair to a project.

So with that in mind, I decided to make a jumper for my granddaughter with the zipper stitched on the outside of the front middle seam. Sewing a zipper on the outside of a seam is super easy to do. However, as you can see in the photo... that's not how it turned out. What I had planned, as often happens with sewing projects, just didn't happen. Unfortunately I couldn't find a kiwi colored zipper in the size I wanted for the project. I briefly thought about cutting a longer zipper down to size, but soon realized doing so would NOT work for this type of embellishment... it really would ruin how the zipper-on-top is supposed to look. Therefore, I decided to do the next best thing. I inserted the zipper in the traditional way but increased the seam allowances the length of the zipper so the teeth would show.

Not quite as splashy as having the entire zipper for the accent, but I got a little splash of the color I wanted for the front of the jumper. The first photo doesn't do it justice. It really does show when you see it in person and I like how it turned out. So... or sew... whether it's on the outside or peeking from the inside of a seam, show your zipper teeth!

Sep 13, Me Time on Monday Nights

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 01:09:17 GMT

Now that my hubbie is retired, he meets up with his long time pals at the local Hooters on Monday nights to watch football. I'm all for it. He's earned it. So, for now, I get to have Monday nights watching my guilty pleasure.. Bachelor Pad. Please don't roll your eyes. The drama, tears, backstabbing... all crack me up. I find it pretty entertaining. When the season ends, I guess I'll have to find something else to watch. Maybe Monday Night Football. HA! I saw on a news page that Kate (as in Kate and William) is not considered fashionable... fashion "know it alls" call her a fashion follower not a fashion leader. Well, if she is a follower... she does it with grace and style. Kudos to her and a big raspberry to the "know it alls". Hope you get some quality me-time tonight or at least sometime soon.

Sep 8, Going Gray this Fall?

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 16:23:14 GMT

Another season, another gray hair (or fifty). I personally don't like it too much in my hair, but love it in fabrics and clothing. Solid grays or shades of gray in designs mixed with other colors will always catch my eye. If you're also a big fan of this color, you're going to be very happy this season. According to some fashion and sewing magazines we're going to be seeing a lot of it this Fall. It's going to be a hot color again and is showing up in major designers' runway shows. We'll be seeing it in blouses, skirts, slacks, dresses, coats and eveningwear. Spreads in magazines showcasing the more silvery shade of the color make it look quite beautiful and have me wanting to get my hands on some. Unfortunately, my local fabric store hasn't been reading the same magazines. I was there yesterday and didn't see much gray (in any shade) anywhere. Except, of course, on the heads of customers. If your local store isn't yet carrying different fabrics in various shades of this versatile color, be sure to check online fabric stores. One of my favorites is VogueFabricsStore.com. If you subscribe to Vogue Patterns magazine, you probably already know about this site. No matter your age, let's all go gray this Fall!

Sep 4, Craft Fair Season is Coming!

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 04:18:27 GMT

You know, if you've been reading my little tidbits through the years, that last year I said I was not going to do any more craft fairs. Well... guess what. I've decided to do another craft fair this October. Hopefully this time there will actually be a large number of people coming through eager or able to spend money. The last time, (two years ago) that I did a craft fair at this particular location (a church), attendance (pardon my French) "sucked". Most of the people who showed up were church members and they were only there for the hot dogs and hamburgers being sold by the adult Sunday school group. HA! Trust me, I know how difficult it is to plan events, especially in the Fall when you have to compete on any given Saturday with college football, competing craft fairs, and everything else going on within a fifty mile radius. So... as tropical storm Lee was busy dumping rain, blowing wind and threatening to produce tornados outside, I was busy making hairbows (and watching the weather reports about Lee) inside. We were lucky. Today our area only got about 4 inches of rain. Two miles from me got 10 inches and some areas even more. No trees down here or major street flooding. Thank you Lord (and I do mean it). So, back to craft fairs. Do you do them? Over the years, I've made candle holders, wreaths, Christmas decorations, baby items, baby quilts, lap quilts, koozies... to name a few. Most times I make a little money. I have yet to make a lot of money. In my limited experience, it always seems that the only one making any money is the group hosting the fair. Oh well. I have to admit, while I'm making things for a craft fair, I tend to feel a bit of excitement. You know. The excitement of thinking, "If most of this sells... I'm gonna make some money!" However, if it doesn't... "Hello, Etsy!" Sooooo, here's to happy crafting and wishful thinking. Salute!

Sep 2, Sewing News

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:42:32 GMT

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

Aug 26, TGIF and Prayers for the East Coast

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 15:35:23 GMT

It's Friday! Another work week is almost through and, at least here, the first week of school will be behind us. We will all have a weekend to take a deep breath and recoup! This Friday is also the last day of my husband's 33 year career with the military. He's retiring! I promised to give him a few weeks before presenting the "honey-do" list. Did you watch Project Runway last night? My word, I expected to see a few of them haul off and smack each other! (Fun, fun, fun!) Living in Louisiana, I have been through more hurricanes and evacuations than I care to think about and know exactly what people along the east coast are feeling right now. Preparations, not knowing how bad it will be, whether to evacuate or stay... the stress can be sickening. With New York and surrounding areas being pretty much at sea level... I fear flooding there could be as bad as what happened here because of Katrina. People, animals... my prayers for all in the storm's path.

Aug 22, Yay for Streaming Video!

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 02:33:54 GMT

Here it is, Sunday night, and I suddenly realized that I missed last week's episode of Project Runway! OMG! How did that happen? (Oh yeah, pre-season football. I was watching a game with my husband.) But I missed last week's episode of Project Runway!!! I'm a huge fan of this show. I even enjoy watching repeats of previous seasons. I need to see who is IN and who is OUT! Which is why I was starting to feel a slight panic... like I had missed an important meeting type of panic. Thank goodness for modern technology, the internet and streaming video! I was able to watch the entire episode on my computer with only a few short "sponsor" interruptions. Thank you Lifetime Television!! This Project Runway junkie got her fix.

Aug 20, Diaper Burp Cloths (and bibs) are Fun to Make

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 17:32:39 GMT

New mothers love diaper burp cloths. Make them yourself!

Aug 19, The Answer is in the Selvege!

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 02:57:57 GMT

Earlier this evening I went upstairs to start sewing and discovered I had made a serious error when cutting out the pattern. And I do mean serious. To make matters worse, the error never should have happened. After all, I'm not a sewing novice and I've made this dress (for my granddaughter) twice already! I still can't believe I made such a boo-boo. The pattern piece for the skirt portion of the dress clearly states "cut 2 on the fold". I, however, cut... one. The dress now has only a front (or back) depending on how you look at it. Here's another problem. The fabric had been sent to me by my daughter some time ago and I used it all up on this and other projects. There's no more. None. Zip. However, all is not lost... yet. If this ever happens to you, hopefully you will have some scraps left over... with the selvege still attached. The selvege can save your project if the fabric wasn't a recent purchase because the selvege is where you'll find the designer's name, the fabric design name, and usually the year it was produced. Thank goodness, I had a few scrap pieces still on the cutting table. I actually found one little section with the information I needed. The fabric was from a collection by the Brother Sister Design Studio. Unfortunately, it was from 2007. Over an hour on the internet searching for this particular fabric design proved fruitless. I did, however, come across several other fabric prints by this design team that I have used in the past still available from various sellers on the web which didn't help me at all for this project, but made for a nice reunion. Anyway, though it would have been great to find the exact fabric, the project will not be sent to the "oops" drawer... it's just been delayed a bit. The mission now is to find fabric with color or colors that coordinate with the bodice! Isn't sewing FUN?

Aug 17, The Credits are Worth "Listening" To!

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 04:07:40 GMT

No, this has nothing to do with money. Or sewing. The credits I'm talking about are the ones at the end of a movie. I have recently come to the conclusion that some of the best songs can be discovered simply by waiting for the credits to roll after the movie is over. Seriously! This weekend we watched a rather silly (but entertaining) movie from the U.K. called Wild Target and the song playing during the credits was so darn catchy that I just had to see what the name was and who sang it. THEN... I found myself on the I-Tunes website to see if I could find it. I did and it's now in my music library. Tonight, with nothing on tv that we wanted to watch, we watched our other Netflix dvd waiting to be seen, and here we go again... the song played during the credits appealed to me soooo much that I, as before, let all the names roll by so I could hear the whole thing. It was Life is Beautiful by Keb' Mo'. I found out (on I-Tunes of course) that he's a blues singer. He may not be new to you, but I had never heard of him before. I may not like everything he's recorded, but I sure like this one. I-Pod here it comes! Life is beautiful, life is wonderful...

Aug 13, Sewing Events and Conferences are SEW Fun! Take a Sewing Vacation.

Sat, 13 Aug 2011 03:13:12 GMT

Attend a Sewing Event! Improve your skills and make new friends at sewing events and conferences. Information for sewing enthusiasts.

Aug 10, The Sewing Bug Has Bit

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:44:17 GMT

If you've been reading these tidbits of mine, you know that I'm supposed to be getting things around the house sorted out and cleared out in anticipation of putting the house on the market sometime in the next few months. With that in mind, I had planned to sort, clear out and start packing up my fabric stash. Then I decided, why pack up what I can go ahead and sew up? So I've been sewing one project after another, mostly for the granddaughters, to reduce the amount of fabric on hand. Unfortunately, there must have been a bug... a sewing bug... hidden in all that fabric because I've been bitten. I have a bad case of sewing fever. I already admitted earlier that I went and ordered MORE fabric (for myself) and bought another two yards for my granddaughter on my last trip to the local Hancocks. This sewing bug is also affected my sleep. I'm actually sewing seams, putting in zippers, and looking at fabric in my dreams! Even as I write this, I have an urgent desire to run upstairs and get back to my sewing machine. Has this ever happened to you? Have you ever gone a while without wanting to sew anything and then found yourself totally caught up in it? I'd be willing to bet you've been there too. More than once. Sewing bugs, you just can't avoid them!

Aug 9, Sew Healthy! Sew Smart!

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 12:56:13 GMT

Sew healthy! Take care of your back and hands and enjoy many years of sewing pleasure.

Aug 8, Ease(y) Does It!

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:21:00 GMT

I recently finished this Butterick pattern dress and like it enough that I'm making another one in a bright multicolored print. It was easy to sew and the bodice was easy to line. However, with this pattern, the EASE built in to the pattern was (for me) way too much.

If I had cut out the pattern pieces according to the pattern bust and hip measurements, making the adjustments I routinely make on every pattern for being short waisted etc., this dress would have hung on me like a sack. I wanted it more form fitted (but not as tight) as shown on the package. This is why it's so important to know your fitting measurements. If you don't know yours, see my website or your favorite sewing book for how to find and take these. Ease, the extra amount added to the pattern for wearing comfort, is not shown on pattern packages. You have to look for it on the pattern pieces themselves. The finished bust width is usually printed on one of the bodice pieces by size, same for the finished waist measurement. From this "ease" measurement, I knew that the cutting lines I normally use for the bodice and the skirt would be too large for this style of dress. I wanted a little bit of ease, not several inches. With careful measuring followed by pattern fitting on my dress form and then on myself, I got a fit and finished dress that I'm really happy with... top and bottom. So "ease(y)!

Aug 6, Zippers. Buy Them Long!

Sat, 06 Aug 2011 21:10:57 GMT

I had to go to my local fabric store to buy a zipper this morning for a new dress project and they didn't have the size, in the color, that I wanted. For a minute or two I silently fumed since I want what I want when I want it. HA! Then it hit me... what was I thinking? Buy a longer one! DUH!!! Sometimes, even seasoned sewers forget the obvious. Ok, sometimes "I" forget the obvious. If you're new to sewing, zippers we most often use for dresses, skirts, and pants are super easy to shorten and most every zipper package will show you how. Anyway, since the zippers were 30% off, I proceeded to buy about ten in various colors. Each 18" long. Most of the dress patterns I want to make call for a zipper anywhere from 14" to 18". Since I remembered I can cut the darn things, I figure I'm covered for all of them. Besides, I'd rather have a stash of long zippers I can shorten than a stash of short zippers that I can't. Makes sense to me. When I went to check out, with my armful of various notions and, oh yeah, MORE fabric, the cashier was really surprised by all the zippers I was buying. "Wow, that's a lot of zippers." Obviously, SHE doesn't know the secret. I just smiled... and agreed with her.

Aug 4, Take a Break and Have a Smoothie!

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 15:04:07 GMT

Just finished doing some early morning yard work and am now enjoying my favorite smoothie... for breakfast. Super yummy! Unfortunately, it doesn't make me feel full, so I'll be opening up the grapenuts and cranberry great grains cereals (I mix them... trust me, it tastes great.) After the rest of my breakfast, it's off to the shower and then upstairs to the sewing room. Projects await! Fabric stashes must be reduced! Unfortunately, I have very little willpower and ordered some great stretch twill from Fabric.com. I am soooo baaaaad. Oh well. In the meantime, take a break from whatever you're doing and fix yourself a healthy smoothie. My favorite for the blender: 1 cup apple juice, 6 to 8 frozen strawberries, 1/3 or more cup of frozen blueberries, two good squeezes of honey, 1 cut up fresh banana. Blend until smooth and enjoy!

Jul 30, Seam Rippers are a Must Have Notion

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 17:17:41 GMT

A short review of seam rippers for sewing projects

Jul 29, Sewing Hurts Sometimes

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 04:44:46 GMT

I may have to take a break from sewing. I think I've been doing too much of it lately. No really. I've made twelve things in the last three weeks and project thirteen (for me for a change) is now cut out. I have to tell you, my right hand, wrist, elbow, upper arm, shoulder and neck are demanding a break. Owww, they hurt! It's like tennis elbow from the knuckles up. I'm tempted to put my arm in a sling when I'm not working on a project. "Oh, did you fall and hurt yourself?" "No, just been sewing!" I'm not sure I'd get much sympathy. Oh, did I mention that my right thigh muscle is hurting too... from pushing the foot control??? It's crazy. I can understand the hand arm shoulder thing. Not only have I been cutting a lot, I've also been tracing a lot. I do that with children's patterns. I don't want to cut out one pattern size and ruin the whole package so I always trace the pieces for the specific size I want. I started doing this a long time ago and have saved myself a small fortune. I buy tracing paper (drafting paper) by the roll from an art supply business I found on the internet. There's also a product called Swedish Tracing Paper made specifically for tracing sewing patterns, but I've never tried it and I think it was more expensive than what I like to use. Anyway, I may have to put the brakes on the sewing projects for a while. Unfortunately, once I get on a roll sewing... I find it hard to stop. Even when it hurts. Thank goodness for Advil and heating pads!

Jul 22, Are You Ready for Project Runway?

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 03:36:51 GMT

I love Project Runway and am really excited that another season is starting soon on Lifetime. July 28th, to be exact. If you're a fan of this show, mark your calendar! If you've never watched Project Runway, you're missing some really good "reality" tv. I love watching the design challenges and how the contestants react to what's thrown at them. The drama! The tears! The backstabbing! It's better than daytime soaps! The usual crew Heidi, Nina, and the boys will be back and I always enjoy hearing their comments regarding the outfits when they're judging the designers after each challenge. Even when I don't agree with them, I feel like I've learned something. I also enjoy seeing the designers explain or try to defend their finished project. Sometimes I really laugh... who are they kidding? Even I think their finished outfit sucks. HA! However, fashion (like art) is very subjective. Some of the finished projects that I like, the judges trash. Geez, I'd wear it! This season, celebrity judges include Christina Ricci and Kim Kardashian. From what I've read, the producers are bringing in a larger number of designers to compete which means more wild, wacky and talented personalities to watch. I'm ready for the new season to start and hope you are too!

Jul 18, Granddaughter and Doll Love Their Dresses

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:54:03 GMT

My granddaughter got her package with the sundress for herself and her American Girl doll Saturday morning.

From what I've been told, she and her doll wore their new dress all weekend long! Boy do I like it when something I make is a hit and not just being worn when Nana comes to visit. HA! As I've said before, if you have a girl in your life who has an American Girl or other 18" doll, you can make matching (or closely matching) outfits for the two and save yourself a ton of money. Have you seen the prices for matching outfits in catalogs? The doll outfits by themselves will cost you both arms and a leg. This last project has given me the sewing bug again. I had put sewing on hold because there is so much to do with the house right now. However, I think I can find a happy balance. That's what life is... finding balance between what needs to be done and what you would rather be doing. Right? Truth is, my husband retires the end of August and he's made it clear that he's not "doing any house projects" until then. He's right, we're in no hurry. Ok... he's in no hurry. I'm the one that wants to get this show on the road. In the meantime, I'm going upstairs. To sew.

Jul 13, Sundresses and Texting

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:54:31 GMT

The latest dress for my granddaughter is finished! Yippee! One more project out of the sewing room and less to pack up later.

I sent her mom a picture of the dress via a text message because I like it when she calls me back to say how much she likes what I sew, even if she sometimes doesn't. (I raised a polite child.) Anyway, we decided not to tell my granddaughter it was coming since I wanted it to be a surprise. Later, I decided to replicate the dress to fit her American Girl doll and sent a photo via a text message of the dress on a doll that I have... you know, surprise look what I did, what do you think?. I immediately got a reply back. "I like it Nana." Ok... sometimes my daughter refers to me as Nana, especially in front of her kids. All's well. I text her again that I hope Kaitlyn will like it. I get a text back. "It's me Kaitlyn." Oh,oh. Before I can reply, she texts me wanting to know what I'm doing. I'm a good Nana. I text her an answer. However, I'm not having a good feeling about this so my next text is "Where's your mom?" the reply, "With Claire." Ok, obviously not in the same room where YOU are... "tell mommy to call me back." Seems like mommy did not know that Kaitlyn had taken on the role of cell phone receptionist for the morning. In her defense, she only responded if it was someone she knew... we hope. The doll dress is no longer a surprise, but as far as we know, the sundress still is. As a result, this granddaughter of mine now has her own special ID number for texting family and friends so Nana and other family members will no longer be "surprised" (and possibly blackmailed by a smart seven year old). She also has a new set of rules imposed by her mommy and daddy. All I've got to say at this point is, good thing I have an unlimited texting plan.

Jul 10, Not Touching the Sewing Room... Yet

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 17:38:05 GMT

What was I thinking? I must have been delirious. I can't start packing up and clearing out the sewing room! I still have projects to finish! My sewing room will be the last room I tackle as we get the house ready to go on the market over the next month or so. How could I have thought that I could go without sewing or crocheting or making things... even when there is so much to do! Jezum, with the housing market as it is, this place could take months to find a buyer once we put the for sale sign out. Must have had a moment of insanity. Besides... every shelf, drawer and space in my sewing room has something occupying it. Until we make room in the storage unit (or rent another one) I have no place to move anything to! Yesterday, when I stood there staring at the room, mentally trying to formulate a plan for what to pack up and when, I gave up and decided I didn't need to start yet. No indeed! What I needed to do was make my granddaughter that summer sundress I cut out a few weeks ago! Yessiree. When faced with a clearing out clutter, boxing up fabric, and making space in the sewing room challenge I did what most smart grandmothers (and mothers) would do. Tabled the idea and starting sewing. The summer dress is now almost finished and other fabric is calling. Well, that's one way to clear out the room. One project at a time.

Jul 8, Love the Dresses on the Today Show

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:01:48 GMT

I often start my day with the tv tuned into the Today show from early morning through Hoda and Kathie Lee's hour. I don't know if you are a fan of Today, but one thing I particularly look forward to, besides the topics they present, are the dresses the female hosts wear. Quite often I sit there watching, thinking to myself, "I want a dress like that!" "Wish I could wear that style." "Fitted dresses never fit my shape." How silly of me. These dresses that I love are the same pattern styles that can be found in current sewing patterns, especially Vogue and Butterick. And, with a little effort along with a really good dress form, the fitting issue is... well, not really an issue. I know how to "pattern fit". (Thank you Patti Palmer and associates - great books and dvds!) I know I can easily find patterns and with a little bit of hunting in local shops or online, fabric and prints that I like. However, finding the time to sew right now... that's the real challenge. Get the house ready to sell or sew... hmmmmm. I'm thinking that maybe I won't pack up all my sewing stuff after all.

Jul 5, First the Kitchen, then the Sewing Room

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:20:52 GMT

No, I haven't been sewing for my kitchen. I have, however, been painting, painting, painting. Cabinets and what seems like miles of trimwork! We're hoping to put the house on the market in the next few months in order to move to Texas and have started sprucing up the insides. I say we. HA! It's me. My husband has no love at all for home improvement projects; however, he knows they must be done before we put the house on the market. I wish I could convince him that a fancy new sewing cabinet for the sewing room would help sell the place! Speaking of the sewing room. It's a mess. An absolute mess right now. Once the kitchen is done, I intend to start packing up and storing all my stashed fabric, finished projects, and craft stuff which has taken over the room so it will look more like a bedroom. Any sewing or other projects I want to do, may have to be put on hold for a while. Mark my words...my next house is going to have one room dedicated just to my sewing and crafting... no bedroom furniture allowed. I have decreed it and it shall be! I've got all kinds of design ideas for it and enjoy looking at photos of other people's sewing spaces. I'll let you know how things are going. One more thing... Dottie loves her new bed. Oh the things we do for our four legged children.

Jun 28, The New Dog Bed is Here

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:57:18 GMT

Ok, I admit it, I gave in and purchased a new dog bed for my elderly dalmation. She recently couldn't get up fast enough and wet her old bed.. ok, she soaked it. She looked so dismayed when it happened. Poor baby. I took her old bed apart and washed the cover, but the insides were pretty much toast after many years of use and previous washings. Besides, she's old and needs something that will help her joints. I thought about buying some more lengths of egg crate foam, since that's what is usually inside orthopedic dog beds to begin with and is what I had added a while back to her old bed for comfort, but... after her accident, I wanted to put a waterproof liner on the inside as well. Guess what? The only place I could find waterproof liners for dog beds was on a pet site that (sneaky people) sold dog beds and liners that are, apparantly, not standard sizes. If you want a liner, you pretty much need to buy one of their beds/crate pads or it won't fit. Could I have made a liner? Maybe. Probably. Yeah I could have. Did I want to? Heck no!!! So, Dottie the dalmation has a new bed and a new waterproof liner. I don't know if she approves, but her four legged sister (Casey our golden retriever) flopped down on the bed as soon as I unpacked it. Good ol Casey. What's yours is... hers. Seems like Dottie will have to test it out a little later today.

Jun 9, Wal-Mart Bringing Back Fabric!

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:18:09 GMT

Remember how upsetting it was when Wal-Mart decided to remove fabric from its stores? Well the (pardon my french) idiots at corporate who decided they needed to make Wal-Mart more attractive to the upper middle class (or as the news article says "wealthier customers") have now decided that they made a big mistake. No kidding! Most of us told them that a few years ago! Who the heck did they think the majority of their shoppers were? What a disconnect! Anyway, according to a recent article from the Associated Press, Wal-Mart will be restocking most of the items, including fabrics, that they removed in order to lure back all the shoppers they lost. Seems that a lot of us less wealthy (i.e. middle class) shoppers took too much business elsewhere for favorite products we use every day at prices we like to pay. Though Wal-Mart does have great prices, a lot of other stores do too. (I actually prefer Target even though Wal-Mart is a few cents cheaper.) But for inexpensive, good quality cotton and cotton blend fabrics, Wal-Mart used to offer the best pricing. Let's hope it doesn't take them too long to restore the fabric department back to their stores. Also, please pray for everyone and everything affected by the recent tornadoes, flooding and other natural disasters. Thank you and God bless.

May 24, Sew Fun with Socks

Tue, 24 May 2011 18:54:05 GMT

Have a bag full of socks that no longer have a twin? (You know you do, we all hang on to them... just in case.) Bugs the heck out of me when one just ups and disappears from the laundry basket. I used to blame the cat... the little sock thief. Anyway, I came across this book recently and thought it might interest you, especially if you like to do crafty sewing projects.

I haven't decided yet if I want to order one for my sewing library, but its definately got my attention. Just about anything with a cat (real or not) on it gets my attention! If you already have this book, let me know what you think about it. As they used to say on Laugh In, "Sock it To Me!" I know some of you are scratching your head... "laugh what???""" One more thing, please pray for those who have been affected in the recent tornados and flooding. If you can afford to, I hope you will help with a monetary donation through an agency of your choice.

May 19, Pretty in Pink? Not!

Thu, 19 May 2011 14:34:30 GMT

Pink is a lovely color. I like it a lot. Red is a favorite too. I wear them both. Unfortunately right now I'm wearing them in my eyes!. Yep. I have a nasty case of conjunctivitis... the dreaded Pink Eye! My left upper eyelid to the brow bone is swollen. The left under eyelid to the top of the cheek is swollen. That particular eye is an ugly red. The other eye is not so bad... it's only pink and slightly swollen. Pretty? More like pretty awful! I look like I've been in a brawl. Since the doctor told me I had to stay away from people for the last couple of days while the anitibotics work their magic, I've been attempting to sew. I say attempting, because for a day and a half, one eye was almost swollen shut and both were overflowing with tears and gunk. It was not a pretty sight and I soon realized that it was a dumb decision to even try. But sitting around feeling sorry for my sorry self was getting old and I have several sewing projects I want to get done for the grandchildren... before they change sizes again. Hmmmm, I wonder if maybe I should go wipe down my sewing machine, scissors, etc. with a disinfectant? I've been disinfecting everything else around here. If things in my sewing room start turning pink, I'll know I'm in real trouble.

May 15, Summer Sewing with Kids

Sun, 15 May 2011 15:58:41 GMT

How about some summer sewing projects for your kids? If they are young, it's a great way for some quality time together. If they're older, same thing, but maybe your role would be more supervisory. Either way, they're learning skills that will last a lifetime.

There are many easy patterns that you can use which can turn into "sewing time" once a week or several days a week. If you have the patience and the space, let our child invite a friend and make it a joint sewing project. Need ideas? There are several books available specifically for sewing with kids, children and young teens. Shown here are a couple of examples. (For more information, click on the photos. It will take you to the Barnes and Noble webpage.)

Don't want to spend money on a book or ready made patterns? No problem! Make your own patterns for purses, aprons, pillowcases, pillows. These are all easy things to make. Need help or instructions for any of the above mentioned items? Check out sewing sites (like mine and others) and sewing related sites on the web such as Baby Lock, Janome, Singer, etc.etc. These sites have free project pages. You can find many that are kid and teen friendly. You might even find a summer sewing project that YOU like!

May 14, Adding Snaps

Sat, 14 May 2011 16:59:35 GMT

Now that I have a grandson, adding snaps to pants and rompers has become a neccesity. So the question became, use snap tape or a snap tool? Well, let me tell you. My favorite little sewing machine doesn't like snap tape. The zipper foot isn't narrow enough to sew by the snaps on the snap tape and I don't want to buy a narrower zipper foot when I'm perfectly happy with the one that came with the machine. What to do? Well, what I usually do! I grabbed my trusty SnapSetter.

It's a neat little tool for adding individual snaps which allows you to put them precisely where you want. This particular tool uses size 16 snaps which are larger than most that you find on snap tape, but I haven't had any complaints yet. (Of course the wearer of the garments they are on haven't learned to talk yet!) One thing, the directions tell you that you can use a hammer, but I prefer to use a rubber mallet. Why take a chance on damaging the tool? There is a small learning curve to get used to how it works, but then that's true of just about everything. Happy snapping! One more thing, please pray for those in the flooded and soon to be flooded areas of our country. I really feel for them since I live where we've been through it as well. It will take a long time to get back to normal and may God give them strength in the days ahead.

May 9, Happy Anniversary!

Mon, 09 May 2011 13:03:16 GMT

Happy Anniversary to myself and everyone who happily tied the knot on this date! Here's my all time favorite anniversary song... Flintstones style! This cartoon always makes me smile, hope it makes you smile too.

Apr 27, Short Rompers and Over-eager Grandma

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 13:08:06 GMT

Ok, here's another reason why grandmothers need to live close to their grandchildren. The ability to take measurements... monthly... 'cause the little darlings grow like weeds! I just finished making my grandson a short romper and went ahead and cut two additional ones (in plaids). What was I thinking?!!! I should have waited because from what my daughter told me yesterday... little Evan ain't gonna fit in it. At least not with a diaper on. Now, if I had waited and asked for some critical measurements (like shoulder to waist and waist to crotch area), I would have known that he's longer in the torso than average and could have made the pattern adjustment right off the bat. But... no... I got over eager and had my cutting board, embroidery machine and sewing machine at full "on". Now, I know some of you are probably thinking, just cut the upper half off and add some fabric above the waist for more length. And, yes, it could be done. However, the pattern has a center seam and, did I mention this, the material is plaid. It was also very cheap. (Hey, he's growing like a weed in a fertile field, why buy the expensive stuff!). So the cost of my sanity vs. the cost of taking the garment apart and piecing in a section; well... you do the math. Not worth it. I will however, make the necessary adjustment to the pattern going forward (or just make the next size and let him grow into it!) As for the one that is finished, he'll just have to wear this one around the house with the crotch unsnapped! Can baby say "Freedom"?

Apr 14, Ribbon and Lace

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:18:12 GMT

My favorite trims for little girls clothing is ribbon and eyelet lace. I guess you might even call it my "signature" look because I like to add it to just about everything from babies to preteens. To me, it's like adding decorative frosting to the cake. Sometimes I only use ribbon. Sometimes I only use lace. Most often though I combine the two. A simple, plain top or dress transforms into something special every time and I thoroughly enjoy the creative process as I place different colors, sizes and combinations of the ribbons and laces to see which appeals the most to me! The photos below are examples of how playing with your trims can give different "eye appeal" to your finished garment.

Maybe you prefer your trim running this way!

Note this: My inexpensive ($10) cardboard cutting board is my best friend when playing around with placement of trims and it should by your best friend too. With the cutting board, I can make sure that trims are straight, centered and in the exact same place "inch wise" when I'm putting trim on front and back pieces of a garment. OR... sew the entire garment together and THEN go back and attach your trim. Just make sure everything's even, top to bottom and right to left, so you won't have to take it off and start over again. Yeah, we all know how much fun that is...NOT!

Apr 13, Nana Loves Her iPod Nano

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 18:57:30 GMT

I got an iPod Nano for my birthday recently. Yep another year older and happy about it... as long as I stay healthy and my Olay Regenerist serum continues to be available. Anyway, I never thought I would use an iPod of any sort (I'm perfectly happy to insert a CD in the stereo or tune in a favorite radio station), but I've been a super happy camper since I got it. Who knew!!? I think I'm having as much fun copying all my music into my library and putting my favorites onto the Nano as I am actually listening to it. As I write this, I have the soothing melodies of the islands (Hawaiian that is) pouring into my ears via the earphones. Don't laugh. I also have rock-n-roll, country, big band, musicals, new age, etc. as well. Anyway, this tiny little thing has better sound than my big stereo. No wonder so many people are plugged in all the time. Guess it won't be long until I start putting together my personal playlists. Things like: Songs for Sewing, Songs for When Your Sewing is Making you Crazy, Melodies for Margueritas on the Patio, Music to Calm Down to When Your Husband Gets on Your Last Nerve, Melodies for Mundane Housework, Music for Dancing in Your Living Room When No One Else is Around. Gee this IS going to be FUN!

Mar 22, I Forgot to Take Measurements!

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 03:01:58 GMT

I just spent eight days in Texas visiting my daughter and her family. It was so great to spend time with her and to do several craft and home decorating projects together for the house they moved into a few months ago. Even better, I got to spend time with all the grandkids. I was in Nana heaven! Unfortunately we didn't get all the projects done that we intended. I never expected time to fly like it did. I really needed another week! I guess I also needed a planner, note cards or some other reminder because I totally forgot that while I was there to take all the kids' measurements Talk about a long senior moment. I can't believe I totally forgot. I had the perfect opportunity to get every measurement to ensure fit and I blew it. Bad me, bad me! Good thing my daughter can read a measuring tape and get me the numbers I need. Too bad she'll have to engage in a wrestling match with the two youngest to get them.

Mar 12, The Joy of Forgotten Stash

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 04:35:13 GMT

I recently attempted to reorganize my sewing area and was delighted to come across several bags of fabric that had been "stashed" away. Most of it was fabric that my daughter had sent (or left with me) over the last year or so for items she wanted made for her little girls. Obviously, I never got around to getting them done. However, seeing them again has inspired me to take action; therefore, I've been looking at patterns on hand for both the 2 year old and the 7 year old. I've also been browsing all my ribbon and other "pretties" looking for colors that compliment. I've zeroed in on one length of a floral fabric in particular. It has enough yardage to make matching outfits for the girls. I figure I can get away with it for another year until the older granddaughter declares it a hideous thing to subject her to (i.e. dressing the same as her sister). I briefly thought about looking for a solid which would match this particular fabric in order to make something for my little grandson as well. You know, make it a family affair. Unfortunately, the main colors of the fabric are shocking pink and dayglo orange, colors my son-in-law would most likely not approve for his only son. However, a little splash of color as "trim" wouldn't hurt anything. Hmmm... maybe on something brown? I can see this is going to be fun, at least for me!

Feb 26, Don't Forget the Freebies!

Sat, 26 Feb 2011 17:38:20 GMT

Just want to remind all of you who enjoy doing machine embroidery projects. Many sites that sell embroidery designs as well as sites that sell embroidery blanks offer FREE machine embroidery designs that you can download (assuming you have embroidery software on your computer). Most places offer new designs every month. It does take some time to go looking, but it's often worth the effort. I have many great designs that didn't cost me a penny. Websites that offer machine embroidery applique designs will often have some freebies as well, so don't forget to check them out too!

Feb 21, The Amazing Race is Back!

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 01:40:42 GMT

I love this show. I would never (ever) want to be on it, but I sure love to watch! I like to see how the teams react to each other and to each of the challenges. I hate to admit it, but I also like to see the "meltdowns" some of the team members have during the race. For me, getting to see the countries the teams visit and the challenges they have to do which relate to the country they are in fascinates me. My husband doesn't like the show at all and disappears to the "man room" to watch tv in there. This season they've brought back teams from past shows. I'll be rooting for the two cowboys. I liked them the last time they were on the show and I'd love to see them win this time. Hope you like watching as well. Drop by Its Sew Karren on facebook, "like" my page and tell me what shows YOU like to watch.

Feb 11, I Think I Made an Oops!

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 01:09:14 GMT

I've been inviting you to join me on Facebook and become a friend, but I guess I didn't have it set up correctly. So...my Facebook page should have me with a red face for embarrassment. I invite you once again to visit me there. I HOPE I have fixed the problem and you'll be able to post and let me know what you think and what you're up to.

Jan 29, Appreciating Things Made

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 23:45:24 GMT

I was flipping through channels on the television this morning and stopped briefly on one of the weekly quilting programs on public television. My husband, from his reclined position on the sofa, commented how colorful the quilts being discussed were and how, as a kid, he had some that his grandmother had made that he wished he had taken care of. As a boy, those hand made quilts were nothing more than something thrown on the bed to keep him warm at night. He never, ever, thought about how much time and trouble his grandmother put into making them. I think that's true of most things we're given in life that someone made. I never really appreciated the rag rugs my grandmother painstakingly made long before I was born that were all over the floors of her home, ones of which later were in my parents' home, and even in my own as a young homemaker. Unlike quilts, rag rugs weren't exactly pretty to look at so I didn't think much about the wear and tear they were getting; however, the amount of work that went into making each one was amazing. I didn't appreciate that work until much later in my life. The ones I still have are no longer on the floor! Quilts, rugs, dresses, tatted doilies, wall hangings, I'm sure we can come up with quite a list of things someone in our families made "way back when" or even not so long ago, given to us, which are not getting the appreciation they deserve. Until you have spent the time actually creating something like them yourself, you really don't understand their worth... and I'm not speaking of monetary worth here. When my mother passed away, I got a box of things that had been her mothers. In it were dozens and dozens of quilt blocks sewn to old newspapers that she had entered at the Oklahoma State Fair year after year. Many had blue and red ribbons attached to them. These pieces from the past are now in a more secure treasure box to be shown to my children and theirs. I don't know if any of the many things I've made for family members will ever be saved and looked at as a family treasure to pass on through the generations, but I sure hope so. In the meantime, I have plenty of years to keep submitting them. (Whether they want them or not!) Keep creating your future treasures and visit me on Facebook!

Jan 24, Pop the Cork! The Dress is Finished.

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 04:48:50 GMT

My current sewing project is finished! Yippee! I can wear it during the season it was intended for! I have to tell you, when sewing for myself, I don't exactly keep at it, doggedly pushing for the finish line (unless I absolutely need it for a specific date, which is rare since on those occiasions, I usually go ahead and buy something already made!). I must tell you, as the years have gone by, I no longer feel the need to sew late into the night forgetting about the need for sleep or forgetting to stop to eat. When I hear or read about others who do such things, I smile... for I remember a time when I also pulled such sewing marathons. For me, those days are long gone; I have banished them. I prefer a more leisurely (or should I say lazier?) pace. I enjoy playing with the project a bit. And, like the shows on daytime television, I know my sewing projects will be there same time tomorrow! At one time, I would have made this particular dress in two days instead of two weeks. Another thing that slows the sewing process for me is that I like to multi-craft and bounce between ongoing projects (I'll bet some of you know exactly what I'm talking about!). It's a juggling act that makes me quite happy. Catch you later!

Jan 17, Do I Want to be Collared?

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:58:10 GMT

The pattern for the dress I'm working on calls for a collar that sits on top of the yoke and is the same size and width of the yoke with attached tabs which make the collar look a bit like a belt going through belt loops. It's a nice addition to the dress design and I had every intention of following the pattern. However, with the dress hanging on my dressform, I find that I like it the dress just fine without the collar. So, I keep pinning the collar on, then taking it off, then pinning it on, then taking it off, etc. etc. Do I want to be collared? I'm short, barely 5'1" and not thin, so I have to be careful about clothes which add both width and bulk. Everytime I pin on the collar and the additional pieces the designer had in mind... I see unnecessary bulk (for me) around the neckline. Without the collar, and finishing the dress yoke with the facing, I see something I like a whole lot better. Also, without this particular collar, jewelry pieces are going to look a lot better since they won't be hanging over or competing with it. So again I asked myself, do I want to be collared? The answer... no. One of the things I enjoy about sewing is that we get to change things if we want to! We get to make minor (or if you are daring.. major) changes to our patterns so that they work better for our size, shape, or mood at the moment. Ok, I wasted some material and time; however, the end result is going to make me a whole lot happier. Which means this dress won't spend its life hanging in the back of the closet where my other fashion mistakes live. Now... what can I change on those sleeves? HA! Happy Monday and happy sewing.

Jan 10, Sewing and Making Your Mark

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 18:33:14 GMT

When was the last time you looked at marking tools for your sewing projects? My favorite is the water erasable pen with its choice of fine or medium points and comes in more than just the standard purple-blue ink (which is hard to see on dark fabric like the knit I'm sewing right now). Which is why I decided that I had to have a white water erasable marker and went looking for one. However, when I saw the price on the one style available at my local Hancock's, I decided I did NOT need one. (I was already feeling guilty for all the yarn I'd put in my basket.) So, I went with my second choice for markers. The old reliable...fabric pencil. I have a few from the days before the discovery of water and air erasables, most of which are down to a nub and can't be sharpened anymore. I have to tell you, I don't like them very much and I like chalk blocks and chalk powders even less. I guess I equate them with being messy. Or maybe it's that I'm messy. Anyway, next time you are in a sewing shop, look at the notions wall and check out all the different kinds of marking tools available for different sewing projects. (P.S. I wish I had bought the white water erasable pen.) See you around the sewing machine!