Simplicity 8138 and Shopping

I'm not posting much but I am sewing.  Simplicity 8138 seems to be out of print. This surprises me because the tunic was rather popular and its  copyright date is only 2016.  Oh well, here's a picture:

I made the pants instead of the tunic because I had some lovely linen that cried out to be some long-coveted linen slacks.  These were so super easy to do.  They have slanted pockets with a yoke and an elasticized waistband.  I like the somewhat fuller leg on this.  Skinny jeans/pants make me look rather like a lollipop

I cut a size 22 and made some alterations.  I have a full butt so I cut the crotch a little deeper, extended the inseam at the crotch about ½ inch and added 3/4 inch to center back seam.  The center front was way too tall on me so I ended up removing 1½ at center front top tapering to 0 at the side seams and ½ inch at the front crotch.  Does this mean I have a tilted pelvis?

I love these pants!  They are oh so comfortable to wear!  Granted, they're linen so they wrinkle like a fiend but they're a classis for a reason.  They feel fabulous and look great even with the wrinkles.  I may have to make another pair next summer.  It's time to think fall now. 

Joann's had Simplicity patterns on sale for this weekend and I had quite a few on my wish list.  Here's what I came home with:

Lots of  patterns for Elaina, the granddaughter-to-be, who's due to join us in November.  I'm currently working on a crib quilt for her for the baby shower.  I was thinking a sprinkling of handmade outfits and sleepwear would be nice, too, after the shower while we await her arrival.  I think I'll get good use of the patterns--they go up to size 18 months most of them.  And they're so cute!

Well, back to the quilt so I can get it done in time for the shower in late September.

Jane Austen Festival -- 2019

Two years ago Daughter #3 and I got to go to the Jane Austen Festival in Louisville, Ky.  We are so fortunate to live on 2 hours from there so it's an easy road trip.  We missed last year when my husband's father died within days of the event.  This year we spent months planning and preparing--we were going.

Once again, I used the pattern from Sense and Sensibility's An Elegant Lady's Closet.  This year I also made chemises for us our fabric was rather thin and see-thru.  It was my first time to sew a gusset--in the underarm!

For my daughter's  dress, I graded up to a size 28 at the shoulder, a 32 at the back and a 32D plus an 1¼ at center front and back.  The skirt is very full so it accommodated the 5 month baby to be just fine.  The sleeve is a size 30, but was still a little tight.    The fabric is a lovely embroidered dark brown voile with a deeply embroidered border that I used for the hem.  I also added lace to her sleeve hems.  

The hat is an unadorned straw hat available online that I decorated with a dark brown satin bow with a small white &taupe butterfly in the center of the bow.

My dress was made from the same pattern using a 22C bodice, 20 skirt, and 24 sleeve.  

The fabric is a very light shirting from JoAnn's, and I trimmed out the neck, sleeve hems and dress hem with lace.  My "bag" for the day was a wicker basket with a drop-in drawstring bag to keep my phone, change purse, and small purchases secure and private.  I thought I was being so original with this idea, but there were baskets everywhere!

We were so busy at The Festival--the were lectures, we took a book binding class and made a small journal, the duel, touring the vendors, a beautiful tea in an air-conditioned building (what a reprieve!), and of course, we ended our day participating in the promenade.  It was such fun.  We're already making plans for next year.  I've already purchased a new pattern to try from Laughing Moon Mercantile.  In the meantime, there are other projects calling. 

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.