The Denim Skirt--Simplicity 1760

I am finally getting around to posting this skirt,  Simplicity 1760.

This was a fun project to put together.  It started out as part of a mini-wardrobe and has been cut out for ages.  It's turn to get sewn came around at last.  Please forgive all the wrinkles, I'd been running around all day but was determined to get these photos before end of day.  (Got them just before sunset.)  

I love the curved seams on the front and the contour waistband, which makes it so comfortable to wear.  I topstitched the waistband seam and the front "princess" seams in gold jeans thread to make the seaming stand out.  

On the inside of the waistband I finished the facing with pink bias binding and a specialty stitch . It's my own private little treat.  

The skirt is made of light- to mid-weight denim that I've forgotten where or when I got it.  I love how easily cottons sew up.    The pattern itself was easy to follow along, pictures helpful, and directions were good.  I think a beginner with a few skills under their belt could easily tackle this.  It also has a back zipper and vent.  The pattern has several different views to choose from.  This one in particular, I think, lends itself to creative interpretation from decorative topstitching to color-blocking. 

I think it's a real winner but is out of print, unfortunately.  I did find it available on Etsy and Ebay, if you're interested.  

Vacay, Shingles, and a Missing Mojo

For once, I'm missing in action due to being absent and having little to report sewing-wise.  But I can catch you up on what's been happening in my corner of Kentucky this past month.  First, we went on a short vacay to Texas to see Hubs mom.  She's in her 80s and beginning to have health problems but remains very independent with a great support system down there.  Daughter #1 and her family flew in and joined us for a few days.  A few pics of the trip:

Daughter and her family.

The Grands up to shenanigans.

Grandma and The Grands at Blue Bell Creamery.

We were lucky to arrive in time for the bluebonnet show. I just love them!

I needed a small hand project for the 2-day drive to and from Texas.  I found this cute little piece in the closet.  It was a gift from a very dear lady many years ago.

                    Between driving, navigating and just plain gawking, I got a little done on it.

When we got back, I broke out into a rash that quickly revealed itself to be shingles.  Oh dear god, this stuff is pure misery!  Itching, burning, weird tingling, and pain. It's enough to drive you insane.   I'm in the healing stage now but still itching.  Needless to say,  there's been no sewing mojo to be had.  All my energy had been devoted to not scratching.  I have so many projects in the works too:  

the Friendship Quilt needs quilting, the skirt just needs a zipper and hem,  the crazy quilt block needs some attention, and now I've started the Rejoicing Angels.  Hopefully, as the itching resolves I'll be able to pick up the sewing again.  Moral of the story:  50 and ups, get your Shingles shot!

Til later,

         Cathy

He Is Risen!

May all of you have a lovely and blessed Easter!

A New Dress--New Look 6298

I took a break from the quilting to get a little garment sewing in.  Just a quick little something that I had already cut out as part of a mini-wardrobe I had set for myself last fall.  I got the skirt and 2 tops done, but the dress. skirt and jacket are still on the top of my pattern cabinet cut and ready to go.  Waiting.....  

I got to a good breaking point in the quilt process and decided to pick up this dress again, New Look 6298.

It's a simple knit sheath dress made in a Liverpool double knit from Fabric.com, I believe.  I cut a size 18 neck & shoulders, a 20 bust, waist and hip.  I also added 3 inches so it would come to mid-knee on me.  My last version of this bears far too much thigh for my age and size.

Photobombed by the cat, Fritzi, making a rare appearance.  The double knit is such a pleasure to work with -- it just hums under the machine. The pattern is an easy one too with raglan sleeves that sews up quickly

I have a off-white jacket that looks great with this.  I forgot to "style it" for the photos.  

In Crazy Quilt News:  I've started on a new block.  Here's my blank slate:

Quilty news:  I finished both the inner border and the outer pieced border.  Got my batting tonight at Joann's but couldn't find the 505 spray recommended by class.  Will check at Wally World tomorrow and if that's a no go I'll order on line I guess.  

In the meantime, I'll be working on the skirt I had cut out, Simplicity 1760.

Floral Block Finished!

Good news… the floral block is finished.  I still feel like it's missing something, but since I can't determine what that could possibly be, I'm calling it done.

The open wreath roses with little pearls left such a large space, that I added the locket and bow.  The white button flowers don't show up as well as I'd like against the rose fabric, but I didn't find anything in my stash that I like any better.  The ribbon running across the bottom is actually a brown ribbon with a bit of lacy ribbon on top of it.

I really liked this applique and  how well it works on this bit of man's tie--it has so much lovely texture to it.  The buttonhole stitch actually follows the lines on the lace.  I got really close with the roses to the seam edge of the quilt.  I hope I don't lose part of a rose when these get put together someday.

This floral section was so enjoyable to work on.  These pink seed beads and yellow French knots were positively therapeutic to work on!

In Quilting News:  The Friendship Star Quilt is pieced and now I am working on the inner borders!  It's looking good--I'm surprising myself with how well it's going so far.  Knock on wood!

In Garment Sewing News:  I finished the dress, too and will be posting about it soon.  Just need a couple of photos of it. 

Well that's all for here now.  Til later y'all.

Cathy.

Work on the Floral Block Continues.

I'm still working on the Crazy Quilt Floral Block.  Here's another unit that's finished:

The center motif is an applique.  The seam on the left side is fly stitch with French knots.  The seam on the right is herringbone with pearl beads.  Above you can see a peek of lace with buttonhole stitch, sequins anchored by seed beads, and the lace is topped off with chain stitch.

The center unit is still giving me fits.  I've sewn a motif there, but it's crying out for more.  So more thought into that one and some seam treatments on one more unit and it's done.

Quilting:  I've started on the stars for the Friendship Stars Quilt from Craftsy.  So many half-square triangles to cut and press and square up before I can even begin sewing with them!  Goodness!  That got tedious quick.  Now I'm sewing again so all is good.

Garment sewing:  Miss this so much.  I'm nearly to the end of my quilt thread bobbin.  May take the opportunity to switch out threads and stitch up that dress.  It's a fairly quick sew and would keep me  and my sewing "fresh".  I'm also in need of a finished project and this would provide that.

'til next time!
Cathy 

Just a Note of Progress

It's been 2 weeks, and I didn't want to lose touch.  There has been some progress in the sewing room.

Quilting:  I mentioned in the last post I'm taking a beginner quilting class on Craftsy: Start Up Library: Quilting with Christa Watson.  Well, I'm finding it very informative and easy to follow along.  It is very rudimentary, which I like, and takes you through the processes step by step.  The teacher is very engaging and shares lots of tips not in the extensive class materials.  A more experience quilter could probably do this quilt from just the class materials.  So far, I've completed the 12 chain blocks.

Next up are the star blocks.  Really looking forward to those.

Crazy quilting:  This is something that I do in the evenings while relaxing with my husband.  I work quite a few nights so I don't tend to make very fast progress with this.  I have finished one motif I'm pleased with that did take a lot of time.

I used outline stitch, French knots for the center and beads scattered over the flowers.  I'm still working on this piece. An inspiration for the large blank center section has yet to hit.  Pinterest has yielded several possibilities if I change them a bit to suit this.

Garment sewing:  I have cut out a dress in a scuba fabric with a geometric design.  I probably won't actually stitch it up, though, until the quilt is pieced.  By then, I'll want to change gears for while and I don't like having UFOs.

I keep reading these amazing goals other bloggers post for 2019.  I admire them so much as they are posting some pretty heavy sewing goals and from their past sewing exploits these goals are attainable or near-attainable.  I don't really set goals much.  I have joined the 50-yard Dash (a stash reduction of  50 yards in 2019) and the Fabric Fast (sew from stash with only mindful purchases during the year) on Pattern Review's Forum.  These were very encouraging for me last year.  I'm hoping  they'll be more so this year.  I got so close with the 50-yard Dash in 2018--47 yards with several months of no sewing activity that I know I can do it this year.  Other than these two goals, I'd like to become adept at quilting this year.  Perhaps enough so to tackle one of Mom's quilts.

I wish you good luck with your sewing in 2019 and with meeting your sewing goals, too.

Til next time,

Cathy