Not-So-Haute Couture

Aren't they cute!

Have some fun with this. ! Thanks again, Going Jesus !

This is mildly disturbing:

See all of our stockings! We added some purchased red and white fuzzy stockings because we're expecting visitors this Christmas and we want to make sure Santa has a place to put their presents!

Quit trying to look like a magazine cover or a movie star! They are not real ! (Thanks, Neefer ). And thank you, Jamie Lee for this photo .

In the middle of Christmas preparation, where the only sewing project I have going is hand-stitching arms, mouths and tails to sock monkeys, my order from Unique Patterns arrived. This jacket will be a nice addition to my wardrobe: I got this blouse for a basic, semi-fitted shirt: After the holidays I will make a toile of each of these new patterns to check the fit--as soon I've sewn up the 2 pair of pants and sweater-knit shirt that are cut out and ready! For now.....back to sock monkeys!

Angelic kitsch....from hell (thank you, Going Jesus )

Completed: 2 Christmas stockings for our 2 newest family members: Son-in-law Ray and Grandson Kai Got my Durango shoe boots, too--I love 'em!

I've begun my boot wardrobe with these shoe boots by Durango: Durango shoe boot (black) I just ordered them today, so I don't know if they'll fit. If I keep them, they should last a nice long time. I had a pair similar to this that I loved, but they weren't nearly the quality; in the first place, they were previously owned, and in the second place, I'm pretty sure they came from Payless Shoe Source. Even so, they were the most comfortable pant shoes I have ever worn. I have high hopes for my new shoe boots. And they come in brown & red, too! These are my next purchase. La Dolce Divas approve of these and that's enough for me. I'm a bit worried that they'd be too small for my ankles but they have a gore and they're made with stretch 'leather' so maybe they'd work. How cute would these be with longer skirts?: Naturalizer Ramon (black) These are what I'll get when I've saved enough. I tried these on at a local store and my feet

These look about right for dresses, and I've already decided on these for pants.

These might work, too. They have elastic gores, inside zipper and come in wide width. Everything I need for my fat legs. They're running a 40% off one item sale, too.

I've been looking for short boots .

Still got sock-monkeys on my mind. I found a step-by-step picture tutorial to make them. I would embroider the eyes so they'd be safe for the little ones.

My funnel-neck shirt did get completed. I raised the underarms--much better. Still a bit roomy; I might try just taking it in at the sides. The Unique pants re-draft is a success! A few tweaks were needed--could easily be due to the fabric. My pants pattern tweak reference is Pants for Real People . A very helpful book. The pants pattern has tapered legs, so now that I've got it where it fits, I'm going to try altering it to a straight-leg pattern. I have 2 Christmas stockings to make: 1 for our new son-in-law and 1 for our new grandson! I got those 2 Christmas stockings cut out on Saturday. I had a pre-holiday cut-a-thon and I have ready to sew: 2 Christmas Stockings V-neck shirt from a black sweater knit using the funnel-neck shirt pattern with neckline variation. 2 pairs of pants. I wanted some nice black material for my next pair of pants. I have plenty of my cheapy Wally-poly that I used for the test pair, but now that I know they'll fit, why not use some nic

Chocolate Shoes! Thanks, Divas !

Take a hunk o' material, interfacing, knitted collars and buttons and let them age a bit: Remove pattern from envelope. Let that age a bit. Alter the previous alterations: Cut out material and sew the shirts: Happy husband likes the shirts I make him: These really did turn out nice and went together very easily. Here are the additional alterations I did to eliminate flapping sleeves and too-low armholes: Raise armhole and reduce width in sleeve and corresponding width in underarm. Add a bit to the sides to make up for lost width taken out at underarm. I also added a self-band to the bottom of the sleeve instead of hemming. Next time I must remember to serge-finish the edges of the placket right after fusing and before sewing to shirt.

Working assembly-line fashion, I've got the sleeves on, bottom edges finished (not strictly necessary with a knit, but very professional looking) and the side seams stitched. The shirts are needing only hems and buttons/buttonholes to be finished. Easy-peasy.

Pockets, plackets and collars are on. It's all downhill from here; that is, until I get to the buttons & buttonholes which intimidate me until I remember that they're not really such a big deal. The khaki-colored placket looks reaalll good.

Yes.....progress! When I realized how much sewing I have planned, Dh moved my cutting table (plastic-topped folding rectangular table with pvc risers into the house to free up the dining table and get my workspace at a comfortable and back-saving height. I'm happy to report that 4 workshirts are cut out and pockets & plackets are interfaced and marked. About those plackets, remember I wanted to make them out of the same color as the pants? Well, due to the lack of selection at Jojos (olive green was only available in a dry-clean-only wool suiting fabric) I compromised and chose a khaki-colored twill instead. I think it'll still add a nice touch to the shirts. There's enough blue knit left to make this for me: I got this Butterick 4290 (funnelneck view) custom-drafted from Unique. I've made it once before and it fits okay, in that I didn't have to alter for full bust, swayback, and hip amplitude. The armholes are awfully low and it makes the shirt feel baggy on

The pattern is cut out and pressed, the cutting mat is laid out on the table, and pre-washed fabric calls out to me. What is missing? TIME, that's what! And if there's a little time to be had there has been NO ENERGY left to git 'r done. But things are picking up and I hope to have 4 dark blue knit work shirts made this weekend for dh. I just bought him a coupla pair of olive green 'Big Daddy Cargo Pants' at Penneys. Finding work pants for Dh that fit, are comfortable and don't rip the first day on the job has been an adventure. These pants look great on him and they are stretch twill! Yay! I had picked up some black and brick-colored knit collars at The Place That Sells Sewing Machines but now I have olive-colored pants...what to do? Here's what: I'm going to try and find matching olive knit or woven material to use on the work shirt placket and (maybe) collar! How coordinated he will be! Oddly, dh doesn't seem as excited about this as I am....

I think this is a first: Supreme Court Nominee Blog She's got an upbeat attitude and a neato sense of humor.

La Dolce Divas --from Manolo's shoe blog

These folks seem to have a nice selection of bras in my size (36H--gulp): Lauren Silva Fine Lingerie - regular and plus sizes

Note to self: Don't forget about sock monkeys . Here's another sock monkey pattern . JoJo's had some sock-monkey print flannel that would be cute for a blanket.

Test post using Blogger for Word. Can I insert a picture? Nope—it wouldn’t let me—images and tables are not supported, it says.

In getting ready to resume the sewing part of my life, my Malachi posts have been moved to a new location, our family Gallery . It's the perfect place to see pictures of the wee lamb and there are also links to web albums and videos.

Since this my sewing blog, I've started another blog specifically to post family pictures. I'm calling it the Gallery and I think it's going to replace the Gallery at cheztamtay.net. It's a lot quicker to post to Blogger than it is to update the webpage. To the Gallery .

Free templates for Blogger

I'm fixin' to jump back into sewing mode, having been sidetracked by hurricane Katrina and resulting moral questions regarding self-responsibility (I'm a take care of me and mine, teach-a-man-to-fish, Free Republic kinda gal myself), and the imminent birth of our grandson. I also started a new hobby: Beading. So far I've made 2 pairs of earrings and replaced the irritating lobster-claw clasp of a necklace with a handy-dandy magnetic one that won't make me late for work. Beading and jewelry work is portable and can be done in the living room when I want to be in there with dh instead of at my sewing table. My faithful fitting double, Mrs. Dinky, has been patiently wearing my princess seam blouse fitting toile and soon I will take that project up again. Unique has emailed me asking for some measurements so they can re-draft my pants pattern. I've got a 15-yard bolt of blue cotton knit and a bunch 'o buttons on order from Trim Fabrics that will be turned into

These shoe boxes may be a better (cheaper) choice than these double shoe bins . Or there are these single shoe boxes . Must compare prices. I've also got huggable hangars on my radar. Can't forget to check ebay for this stuff when I'm ready to buy.

Ready-to-Wear not . I scored 3 nice cardigans (1 black, 1 gray and 1 lavender) at Ross for $9.99 apiece. They each had button-in white collars and cuffs, they accenuated my sloping shoulders and the sleeves were too long . I bought 'em anyway. I saw their potential as wardrobe builders. It's a riskto buy clothes that have to be altered for a good fit--not to be confused with clothes that would fit if you lost weight, which is NEVER a good idea. I mean buying clothes that fit, and would look and fit even better with a bit of work with a needle and thread: Hemming shortening straps taking a tuck at the waistline Inserting shoulder pads So I spent labor day weekend removing a gazillion buttons from the neckline and cuffs (something like 15 buttons per sweater), hemming the sleeves and inserting shoulder pads. Jojos even had the pads for 50% off! I took my time--I wasn't in a hurry about it. Just kept the mending stuff by my chair & took a few sitches every time I sat down

Dd Mandy is due in 10 days, so using the 2-week rule (baby can come any time 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after the due date) Malachi could be born any day now. Here's what I made for him: Blankets, decorated onesies (they say 'Kai'), washcloths and a coming home gown. Here's what we kept from when Mandy was a baby: I made the bunting for her to wear home: Her daddy bought her the Raiders outfit for her first game:

This blog , written by the crisis manager for an internet provider company, is a fascinating real-time account of the hurricane and subsquent sack of New Orleans.

Unique re-issued my pants pattern after I made them up and found the fit less than nearly perfect. They adjusted for my high hip, and that helped, but the main problems of veering side seams and baggy back legs remain. I sent them this picure, along with a couple of others even less flattering. They responded right away with an apology, and let me know that they'd speak with the drafter and contact me if they need more information. I hope that the next re-draft fits the way it should.

Sonia Rose has left the building. She and her mommy have headed slightly south to visit yet more adoring fans. We had a great week. Mostly we sat and talked (we're very good at that) and watched the baby be cute. We also picniced at Luther Burbank Home and Gardens , celebrated Kidz Day at church, had Sunday dinner with friends 'n family and posed with Charlie Brown. Oh! And she rocked back and forth on all fours for the first time. I have video, but it's a honkin' huge file and will have to posted later. I'm gonna miss you, Seestor and Sonni-bunny! See you at Christmastime! Sonni and preggers cousin Amanda (cousin Malachi will be here when you visit next time!) Getting toes tickled We're a clean people

Every day I check my neice's picture of the day because I just can't seem to get enough. My sister understands and is faithful to update it regularly from Minnesota we out of town relatives can get our Sonia Rose fix. But! They are here! In California! At my house! Yay! They arrived late Monday night for a week's visit. I keep wanting to click on my pic of the day link and then I remember--I got the real thing at home, at least for a few more days.

Pics of the fabu BABES gathering at Jennifer's in San Francisco on Sunday, August 21. Thanks so much for hosting, Jen! Here are the pictures. I apologize in advance for any misspelling of names and will happily fix them if you let me know! Georgene offers fitting advice to Lori while Neefer and our hostess look on. Jen, Lori, Dena, Gloria and Veronica (Verosews) swapping fabric, magazines and patterns. Joan (Grannygeek) and Georgene say their goodbyes. Tamtay, Neefer, Jen and Lori get ready to shop! Shopping in the Haight. Lisa M. , Cheryl, Dena and Gloria get inspired at Discount Fabrics

To look at later: A Socialite's Life

It was a beautiful day for a baby shower. I did get the blanket and onesies done: Binding detail: Of course, there are pictures! Just mosey on over to the Gallery .

Whip out sewing projects is what I cannot do. The baby shower's tomorrow. The gifts I'm making aren't finished. The patterns are traced and the fabric's washed. My daughter understands, though, bless her heart. I'll get it all done before she has the baby. While waiting for the fgift abric to wash 'n dry I cut out a sleeper and a onesie shirt out of stashed fabric so I could practice making smaller stuff. I really thought it would go faster. The practice sleeper (yes, those are straight pins, and yes, I will take those out and replace them with snaps) Shower gifts-to-be: This pile of stuff will be turned into decorated onesies, gowns and a blanket.

Shout out to dh's brother Scott and his lovely wife Lynn, whose 16th anniversary it is today.

Until 2 days ago, I would have had to answer, "Nope, never been there." But now I can proudly say, "I have been to Yosemite. I have seen the highest waterfall in the United States, El Capitan, and Half Dome." We joined my brother Bobby and sister-in-law Dee Dee, along with nephew Jeremy, neice Sierra and her hubby Josiah and their little girls Havilah and Gigi for a whirlwind of a weekend that managed to be both exciting and relaxing. On Saturday Bobby & Dee Dee took us on a one-day tour of Yosemite (more pics in the Gallery ). The scenery was tremendous. If there's this much natural beauty just 4 hours from where I live, what wonders must heaven hold? I really enjoyed seeing the families from all over the world. Saturday night Darren & I saw the Eagles at Calaveras County fairgrounds. Great concert. Sunday we kicked back. We did not get enough of Yosemite though and may return this winter.

This one's for Kim and Ray, who dashed around town one evening late last week to snap some poses with Charlie Brown: More photos, including Scuba Charlie, Train Conductor Charlie and Classic Bronze with Snoopy in the Gallery . More about Santa Rosa's Peanuts on Parade right here .

We are off tomorrow to Yosemite for a visit with db and dsil, and the Eagles concert at the Calaveras County fairgrounds. Every night this week has been busy busy. Monday night: I forgot what we did Monday night, but we were busy. Tuesday night: Dinner and a massage at dd's (who recently graduated from Sebastopol Massage Center . She needs practicum hours. 'Practicum' means 'free massage'. Lucky us! I managed to get that 3rd princess seam blouse fitting in, and it's lookin' good (but not there yet). Wednesday night: Breastfeeding class w/other dd, where I was very, but pleasantly, surprised to find former Planning Commissioner Vinny D. on the Positive Images of Breastfeeding calendar . He's gazing adoringly at his baby's mama as she nurses their wee babe . It's a sweet picture; I was surprised, that's all. Before and after the class I traced off newborn baby clothes patterns form Kwik-Sew's Sewing for Baby . I really wanna get a blanket a

More style/image information: Body Beautiful: Image Consulting and Training

McCall's 4780 (the pattern that is to be my standard for woven blouses) is on its 3rd basted fitting. Each basted fitting was preceded by at least 2 pinned paper fittings. I actually started this princess-seamed blouse odessy with a different (Plus size) pattern; it took me 2 basted fittings of that one to realize I should start with a Misses size. Naturally the first pattern didn't come small enough. So, although I'm on the 3rd basted fitting of M4780, I've actually been slogging along this muddy and rutted princess-seam road for about 5 fittings. Still nothing wearable and my $1/yd Wally World stash is about gone. But progress is being made on M4780: Basted fitting No. 1 (from Misses size 14 w/full bust alteration): Too small. Just plain too small. I got excited to work on an actual Misses size and overdid it. Decided to re-trace a size 18. Basted fitting No. 2 (from Misses size 18 w/full bust alteration): Better. But there are some fba oddities. The size 18 is for a

Got this from the PR message board: Google Earth - Home

Sock Monkey Plans . Thanks, Lori !

Some more cute pooh images

I ordered some snap tape and photo effects paper from Home Sew . In the event I can't find a winnie the pooh applique that is small, cute and classic pooh, I'll use the paper to transfer an image to material and use that. Here's a page of pooh images: Jamie's Pooh Page

Jordan Marie has some cute sets. Some of them have just plain ole' serged edges, too.

Getting inspiration for Malachi's coming home outfit. Just something cute but not fussy. I'm thinkng a receiving gown and cap, with a WtP applique. There's this one, with snap shoulders and hand mitts, made of cotton knit:

This is what I'm going to try with the Unique pants: Debbie's Sewing Projects Fisheye Dart .

I whipped up a toile of the re-issued Unique pants pattern. At the risk of being in fitting denial (a phrase coined by internet friend and sister sewist Lori ), they look pretty darn good. Unique re-drafted this pattern to reflect my asymmetrical hips and the result is nice. There still is some bagginess in the back of the thighs; however, at first blush it doesn't seem too bad--perhaps because I used a less drapey fabric for this toile. A look through the pattern catalogs brought these 2 possiblities for my size 14 princess-seamed shirt experiment: 4922 and 4780

I've been looking for this site and Manolo found it! Thanks Manolo!

I've been trying to get a good fit from Butterick 3784 princess seam shirt: Based on some threads at the Pattern Review message board I decided to start with a size 16W so the neck/back/shoulders would fit better, then alter up for everything else (swayback, bust, waist, hips). After some hard work, basting, fitting, ripping, re-altering, etc., it's getting there. The back looks great . But (and here's where it gets weird) I have had to fold out tons of extra fabric in the center chest above the bust. FFRP says this alteration is usually only 1/8 to 1/4 inch--more than that and you're in the wrong size--go smaller. I'm talking way more than 1/4 inch--more like 6 inches all told. I know I added length with the fba, but all this extra is above the bust and the fba adds the length at and below the bust! Now, what with all those altered alterations, the dang thing needs to be re-traced, and I'm considering going to a Misses 14 to see how it fits in the chest leng

Happy 5th Anniversary * to Seestor and Bro-in-Law! Then Now Fruit of their loins *Thanks to Toon Tracker for the demented toon tune. RealPlayer required.

Gotta see if I can get this from the library: Amazon.com: Books: Sewing A Travel Wardrobe: Versatile Clothes & Stylish Accessories for Every Adventure

I need this book: Madeleine Vionnet

Manda & Karen (both due in September) bump-to-bump at Karen's baby shower. Kathy made the cake for Karen's baby shower Kathy also made a bikini cake for Kim's lingerie shower last January. Cute!