A little sewing hiatus

As we have a ton of things going on in our household- I have had to put my sewing projects on hold.  It makes me sad- but right now my goal is to spend quality time with the family whenever we are able.  Hopefully by the end of the month I will be back at it.

But I do want to announce that I have a new baby- I bought a new sewing machine!  It is a Janome and my first computerized machine.  It was a little strange to sew on at first- but now I am in total and complete love.  The stitches are just beautiful.  Truly- it is like going from a base model economy car to a sports car with all the bells and whistles.  Even my kids were entranced.  And it is so quiet!  I can bring my machine into the living room again without bothering anyone's TV shows. lol

Here she is- the ThreadBanger TB30.  Isn't she gorgeous??

I bought it at Fabric.com

I just realized they raised the price of this baby!  Now I am very glad I did not wait and snatched it up right away.  I think my Hubby was a little miffed with me that I bought it so quickly after discussing it- but wait till he hears I saved about $200.

When I do get back to sewing I plan on making a few things for the kids.  I scoped out the thrift store and found some "like-new" and probably never worn, twill pants that I plan on recycling to make shorts/capris for Sissy.  I never thought of doing that before, but here it is sometimes hard to find what I am looking for.  And!  It is cheaper than buying fabric! 

I like the trend of recycling.  It reminds me of my grandmother.  She grew up during the Great Depression and had to learn to use everything and not waste.  Clothes that were too small were handed down or made into new clothes.  Or- if that couldn't be done she used the good pieces for quilting.  She would show me the quilts she or my great-grandma made and point out the different fabrics used- "that one came from a dress I made your Mamma when she was your age"- or "This is from a shirt grandpa used to wear."  I loved to look at her quilts.  She finally gave me one after Brother was born.  My great grandmother made it.  It is a red, white and blue Dresdon Plate pattern.  This was after my younger cousin had visited and asked if she could have one of the quilts- only to be turned down.  I felt a little guilty about that- but only a little. 

My grandma got me started on my first scrap basket- which I used to make Barbie and doll clothes.  I don't hold onto many scraps anymore just for the sake of not having the room.  But I do continue the tradition of hoarding fabric that she started me on.  I like to say that it is all being part of the "Sisterhood" of fellow seamstresses.

Hopefully by the end of the month I will have a new project to share.  Until then...

My First Muslin

I have to confess I have never made a muslin.  This comes from the fact that I was impatient and didn't want to waste spend precious time making a muslin.  I have been perusing many sewing blogs in the past few months.  It made me realize that maybe making a muslin is not so bad after all.
A few weeks ago (after promising myself last year I would not buy anymore patterns)- I was lured in by Vogue patterns with their $3.99 sale to purchase one or two (or 5).  My favorite was this cute little dress by Anna Sui-

Vogue V1153

I realized that it would be a good idea to make a muslin first.  I had a feeling it was going to be a bit short and frankly it has been a while since I have made anything with a lining.  So not only was the muslin going to be for fitting purposes- but to also practice my skills.  Eventually I would like to make a few coats/jackets with beautiful linings- so here was an opportunity to "train".

The result?  The dress was fairly simple to make after all- once I was able to wrap my brain around how to sew in the lining- the directions weren't so clear on a couple of things.  The bodice seemed to fit perfectly- I was pleased.  After attaching the skirt I did note that I would definitely need to add about 4 inches- too short for me- if a wind were to suddenly pick up it would be all over in the short skirt.  It all looked a little bulky- however.  I thought the tie would help.  It didn't.  It is so bulky around the middle!  It makes me look like I have absolutely no waist what-so-ever.  There a couple of factors here I realize.  One- the fabric I used is just a woven cotton and perhaps a little too stiff.  the suggested farbrics are charmeuse, crepe de chine and broadcloth.  I would think the broadcloth would ne too stiff as well.  The charmeuse is better suited- but I really just wanted a cool cotton for the summer.  If DID try the charmeuse- would the dress have a better drape?

The other factor- the model in the picture is most likely a size 0 in RTW- I am more of a 10.  Therefore- the dress is probably better suited to an anorexic-thin model- not a normal average everyday figure.  So if I did try the charmeuse, would it be worth it?  Or did I just pick the wrong sort of dress for my figure?

(I made everything but the ruffle above the lower skirt.  I love how playful the skirt looks.)

(I love the neckline and shoulder seams- it is very flattering.)

  

(The back is kind of blah and not very flattering at all.  There is an opening at the back of the neck that would look cute if I were to sew the button and loop in however.)

 I am going to hold off making the actual dress for now- until I figure out a solution. I thought of making it with and empire waist (they usually flatter me) and making the skirt longer- but right now that seems like too much work for something that may or may not work.

I am pumped to sew more however- it's all I can think about now!

Finally- the pictures of the finished product..

The darn memory stick lost my pictures!  So I had to buy a new one and now I have new pictures to share.  Unfortunately- I lost the pictures of my daughter's photo shoot she modeled for.  I am so bummed!  They did her hair all crazy- the pictures were so much fun! 
So here is the dress I made from the Japanese pattern I was so excited about.  It was pretty easy to make- even without being able to read the directions.  The pictures were sufficient though I am sure I did a few things differently- that's ok- turned out as it should. :-)

(Don't let the picture fool you- she likes the dress- she just didn't feel like modeling it at the time...)

If you heard someone cursing at their sewing machine it was me!  I practiced buttonhole after buttonhole.  After I got it just the way I wanted- I tried making one on the dress.  All I got was a big ball of thread on the underside.  I finally realized my machine didn't like sewing through the linings (I really should have remembered that from past experiences!)  It has been so long since I have made buttonholes- it felt like I was learning all over again.  Eventually I got it to work by pulling the fabric through with my hand.

My next lesson to learn was that old seam rippers should be replaced!  I did not realize how dull the two I had were.  I ended up ripping a hole the fabric from pushing too hard.  Sissy didn't mind- bless her heart.  I think I could make a little patch to cover it?

(The big rip.  As you c n see I had to make the buttonholes over the seam.  That was due to not using the same seam allowance and not being able to calculate and/or decipher the instructions.  Of course that is why my machine got stuck there..)

But at least the my first fabric covered buttons turned out pretty darn cute!  I used a Japanese kit and it was so easy- why haven't I tried this before?  (Maybe because I have avoided making buttonholes?- lol)  I used a different little birdy from the skirt fabric for each button.

I may try making another one in a different fabric.  The fabric used on this dress is  from the Alexander Henry Collection.  It is really meant to be a quilting fabric- but the two prints were so darn cute and it was on sale!  It is a little thin however- so maybe I will try a cute polka dot next time.

I do have a new seam ripper now.  I bought it here locally and it has Snoopy on it.  And it is sharp!

Back on the machine

Last month I cut out the pieces for the dress I am making for Sissy.  It is from the Japanese pattern book I mentioned previously.  I FINALLY got a table for my machine so I was able to sit down and get started on it last Sunday.  I am nearly done- just need to finish the armholes, make buttonholes and hem the skirt.  Yesterday (Monday) I had to finally put it down as I was getting mad at my machine.  I was sewing in the bias tape into the armhole and the stiches were just all over the place.  I was wishing I never got rid of my old machine (and just had it fixed after my cats knocked it on the ground)- and bought the machine I have now.  It is a Singer like my old machine- but it is not made as well (plastic vs. metal for one thing.)  My aunt gave my previous machine when I was 13 or 14.  I made my ASB Ball and Senior Prom dresses on it.  I used it to sew my garments for my clothing construction class I took in college.  I loved that machine.  I was so wrong to think that something new and shiny would be better.

I have decided when I get back to the states I am going to invest in a good machine (and maybe steal my mother's old Kenmore from here while I am at it- tricky tensions knobs and all.)  So far Berninas are sounding good to me.  I just have to decide what kind of machine and what features I want.  Oh- I am going to commission my Hubby to make me a proper sewing table as well.  We have talked about it in the past- just never got around to it.

After I put the dress down and shut my machine off I noticed that it wasn't threaded correctly.  Doh!  Maybe that's why it was not giving me nice stitches.  I laughed at myself then.  It is kind of funny the that serger's thread was also a little out of whack as well.  I  think maybe Sissy was checking out my equipment- though she denies it. :-)  I am going to give her a go on my mini machine soon- she is eager.

I still want a new machine of course.

Sewing with Sissy

Yesterday I made up a project for my daughter to do.  I bought a bunch of felt a while back from Fabric.com (she picked out the colors.)  I let her pick what she wanted to sew.  She decided to make a purse.  I had her cut out shapes to sew on the front of the purse.  I should have thought of using felt before.  It is 'sew' easy for her to use!  She had a ball decorating and sewing her new purse.  We even got out the Bedazzler (it's cheesy but the girls love it.)
I machine sewed the purse together when she was done.  It is the first "purse" or bag I have ever made.  I am now wondering why I haven't done so before?  It was so much fun.  Of course the felt is super duper easy- so using heavier fabrics would be more challenging for sure.  I had to remind Sister that the purse will not hold up well and not to put too heavy of objects in it.  She was so proud!  Of course she had to take it to school today.  Hopefully it made it through the school day. :-)

I love that she enjoyed the project.  I told her we could make pin cushions next.  I think for her birthday coming up in May I could get her her own sewing kit or basket.  They have some really cute sewing kits here she would love.  A basket would be good too- something to put scraps in that she can sew on.  I remember when I was a little girl I always begged my grandma for her scraps.  I started hoarding fabric at a young age. ;-)

Like I said- sewing the purse made me want to try making one for myself.  It reminded me of these cute purses sold by Persnickety Designs in Bellingham, WA.  They had the cutest bags!  I am not sure if they are still in business or not- I think maybe they closed their shop and starting selling on Etsy.  Here is an example of one of their bags.  They are made of a kind of vinyl/leather like material.  I am sure if I did some research I could find out what that stuff is called.  I wonder how hard it is to sew on? 

Piggies & Jammies

I admit I have not sewn much recently.  I have started teaching English to some local Japanese women.  It is in my home- so I have been working on cleaning my house so that it is presentable.  But tomorrow I am going to buy a table to put my machines on so I keep them out and handy.  I used to have a sewing table- but it was an old one where you put the machine in and can drop it upside down to store.  My machine didn't work with that.  So I had a big piece of plywood over the top.  It was ugly- but it worked.  My dream is to have a beautiful sewing table.  Of course I can't order one now that I am overseas- they won't ship- and if they do it is way too expensive.
I am sad to say I never finished that Valentines jumper for Sister in time.  The sad part is all that is left is the straps and buttons.  I hope to finish this weekend- she will still love it.  I have the pieces cut out for one of the dresses from the Japanese patterns I bought- also for Sister.  Hopefully I can get started on that as well.  After that I plan to sew for me. :)

I finally got my pictures to upload so here are a couple of things I made last month:

Miss Hogs 'n Kisses- the sock piggie.  Sister LOVED it and took it school everday for a week.  Now it is a bit dirty and worn- but here you can see her brand new and clean.  I got the idea from a really cute book my mom sent us called Stray Sock Sewing.  We love just looking through this book- it is so fun!  Now when I see cheap but cute socks I find myself picking them up to make sock animals.  Brother wants one now too.  And Sister's best friend gave me sad eyes and told me that her mom doesn't have the stuff to make her one.  I think I need to make one for her as well.  Looking the book up on Amazon, I found out there is a sequel to the book- Stray Socks Sewing Too!  I think that will be included in my next Amazon order.

She's not perfect- her feet and eyes are different sizes- but she is loved all the same...

I finally made Brother the PJ pants he wanted (that I meant to make for Christmas.)  He loves the soft fleece- I admit they are quite cozy.  It is supposed to be "non-pill"- but I know they still won't be that soft forever. I love fleece because it feels so good and it is easy to sew- just wish it lasted longer.

Now I need to get my machine back out...

My first Japanese patterns (I am so excited!)

I finally got my scanner to cooperate with me, so I thought I would share some pictures from the beautiful patterns I bought. 

The first is a simple pattern for baby britches.  I have seen Japanese babies wearing these and thought they were just adorable.  The cool thing about the pattern is that it is an iron-on.  It is printed on what feels like freezer paper- you just cut out and iron on to the fabric.  It probably would be a little difficult with darker colors, but it is nifty nevertheless.  Notice it says Simplicity on the back?

The second is a pattern book.  The little girl in the pictures totally sold it for me.  Isn't she beautiful?  I love the outfits- they are simple and feminine.  I didn't realize until I got home that the book also includes patterns for mom too.  Bonus!

The third is another pattern book.  This one is for me.  There are some cute summery outfits in there (the second one I must make), perfect for the hot humid summer here in Japan.  It also has a recipe for the cookies as well.  I can follow the patterns ok, but I will have to have the recipe translated for me if I want to be able to use it.  I did decipher the sizes and measurements- using my Hiragana workbook and my Japanese-English dictionary.  I need to study up more on the Japanese characters, I am starting to recognize a few though!

I ordered some dotted swiss fabric from fabric.com- I think they will be perfect for some of these patterns!  The only drawback here is that now I need to trace the patterns- they have printed the patterns full size- but on both sides of the paper.  So I need to trace my size out and add the seam allowance.  I am not looking forward to THAT part. I'll keep you posted! *smile*