Not-So-Haute Couture

Work Shirts and layette

2010-08-27T21:15:00.000-07:00

It's been months since I have done any sewing besides mending. But I am ready to jump back in and hubby needs new work shirts. I tried buying some but they were cheap, cheap, cheaply made. They did not have the pocket in the correct spot, did not have a divider in the pocket for his pen, and were too short. So I dug out some cotton interlock (enough, I thought, for 2 shirts), searched high and

By Special Request: Magic Sword Sheath

2009-07-24T14:21:00.000-07:00

Just a flattened cardboard tube slipped into a fabric tube.Priceless

rostitchery: overlap nursing top

2009-07-13T15:47:00.000-07:00

rostitchery: overlap nursing top

Debbie's Sewing Projects Fisheye Dart

2009-07-13T10:11:00.000-07:00

Debbie's Sewing Projects Fisheye Dart

FREE! The "Ruffler"...Unruffled! | Featured Products | YouCanMakeThis.com

2009-07-09T13:05:00.000-07:00

FREE! The "Ruffler"...Unruffled! | Featured Products | YouCanMakeThis.com

Lyles Fabrics, Crafts & Gifts

2009-07-02T14:48:00.000-07:00

Source for knit collars: Lyles Fabrics, Crafts & Gifts

Lindsay T Sews

2009-06-22T16:52:00.000-07:00

Lindsay T Sews

lower your presser foot: Taming the pattern collection

2009-06-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

lower your presser foot: Taming the pattern collection

Sewing Tip - Organizing Your Pattern Stash

2009-06-18T13:00:00.000-07:00

Sewing Tip - Organizing Your Pattern Stash

Funny blog

2009-06-15T17:36:00.001-07:00

She's funny: http://stitchinmysideregan.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2008-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&updated-max=2009-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=12

Free skirt/dress pattern

2009-06-15T10:29:00.001-07:00

Looks cute and easy: http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c64412/nancy_dress.pdf

Comfy elastic instructions

2009-06-12T21:17:00.001-07:00

Off The Cuff ~Sewing Style~: "HOW TO USE IT" ...Elastic!Shared via AddThis

Dresses for the Doodlebug and Ladybug

2009-05-23T09:11:00.001-07:00

The dressesDoodlebug & Ladybug wearing the dressesGroup shot

How to Fold a T-Shirt (from Real Simple magazine)

2009-03-26T22:46:00.001-07:00

Making Cute Hair Clips + Tutorial «

2008-10-11T16:46:00.000-07:00

Making Cute Hair Clips + Tutorial «

Free Hair Bow Instructions: hairbow free directions, hair bow business work at home

2008-10-11T16:42:00.000-07:00

Free Hair Bow Instructions

Furoshiki

2008-08-20T12:55:00.001-07:00

Furoshiki

2008-08-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

Furoshiki

Found in Mom's Basement: Vintage Lane Bryant ad for "chubbies"

2008-08-13T21:10:00.000-07:00

Found in Mom's Basement: Vintage Lane Bryant ad for "chubbies"

Londas Creative Threads Gallery

2008-08-11T19:20:00.000-07:00

Londas Creative Threads Gallery

And the Winner Is....

2008-08-01T21:41:00.000-07:00

Ladybug Knit Fabric for Hannah Mae

2008-06-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

Searching for knit fabric to make a coming home kimono, blanket and hat for my grandaughter due in August.There this: The Fabric FairyAnd this: The Fabric Fairy

Sew Random: Threads Tip Implimentation

2008-05-28T21:27:00.000-07:00

Sew Random: Threads Tip Implimentation

The Perfect Bra?

2008-05-16T23:31:00.000-07:00

I may have found the perfect bra at last: Amazon.com: Lilyette Women's Maximum Support Bra #908: Apparel: "te Women's Maximum Support Bra #908"

The Space Between My Peers

2008-05-16T00:20:00.000-07:00

The Space Between My Peers

Party Skirt and Wrap

2008-05-03T15:12:00.001-07:00

Party skirt and matching wrap with bead trim made to wear to a wedding.

I've Been Looking For Something Like This

2008-04-25T12:54:00.000-07:00

Sweaty feet? Chic Summer Soles open shoe sandal insoles for sweaty feet.

Home Design Help Blog

2008-04-11T20:23:00.000-07:00

Blog Hopping | Home Design Help Blog: DesignTalk decorating advice, home decor ideas, DIY articles and more

Breakfast Room Banquettes: Informal Seating

2008-04-05T14:13:00.000-07:00

Breakfast Room Banquettes: Informal Seating

ikea hacker

2008-04-02T12:57:00.000-07:00

ikea hacker

Kitchen Gallery - HotSpots: Banquettes - Kitchen Bath Ideas®

2008-04-02T12:44:00.000-07:00

More booth/banquette seating ideas: Kitchen Gallery - HotSpots: Banquettes - Kitchen Bath Ideas®

booths photo gallery

2008-04-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

Booths!They're all cool. Photo 5B looks like it could work in our house.booths photo gallery

Brett Manning's Singing Success

2008-02-28T12:58:00.000-08:00

Brett Manning's Singing Success

Remembrance of the Lord’s Supper

2008-02-27T12:43:00.001-08:00

Remembrance of the Lord’s Supper

2008-02-27T12:43:00.000-08:00

Remembrance of the Lord’s Supper

Vintage Sewing Patterns - a Wikia wiki

2008-02-06T12:58:00.000-08:00

Main Page - Vintage Sewing Patterns - a Wikia wiki

Sewing Patterns on Squidoo

2008-02-06T12:54:00.000-08:00

Sewing Patterns on Squidoo

Christian Seder

2008-02-03T20:16:00.000-08:00

Passover Seder Dinner - Messianic Haggadah

2008-01-28T13:25:00.000-08:00

Passover Seder Dinner - Messianic Haggadah

Declutter Your Desk

2008-01-11T20:47:00.000-08:00

Declutter Your Desk

TIPI pattern

2007-12-17T13:21:00.000-08:00

PLAINS INDIAN TIPI PLATE A

Hot Patterns Classix Nouveau Trouser Skirt

2007-10-31T12:48:00.000-07:00

I'm working on this skirt from Hot Patterns:So far, so good--right out of the envelope; no alterations required. I'm so close to being finished I can taste it, but I'm stuck at the front fly zipper application. Grrrr... Reviewers of this pattern at PR mentioned the directions being confusing and they were right. It'll look great when it's finished, and once I get the zipper figured out it won't

Another DYI Charging Station

2007-10-25T13:04:00.000-07:00

Another charging station

Two Loose Teeth: Lisa: Supercharged

2007-10-25T12:59:00.000-07:00

DYI Charging Station

Green/Blue Paisley Maternity Shirt

2007-10-14T17:14:00.001-07:00

Butterick B4201, view D

Erica B.'s - D.I.Y. Style!

2007-09-09T00:19:00.000-07:00

Erica B.'s - D.I.Y. Style!

Sewing Stuff - free sewing patterns

2007-09-08T23:46:00.000-07:00

Sewing Stuff - free sewing patterns

Flickr: Photos from tamtay

2007-08-25T09:15:00.000-07:00

Flickr: Photos from tamtay

Kenmore 19233 Computerized Drop-In Bobbin Sewing Machine with 215 Stitch Functions at Sears.com

2007-08-08T18:27:00.000-07:00

Whoa...lots of excellent reviews of this machine..I wouldn't have thought about a Kenmore, but...Kenmore 19233 Computerized Drop-In Bobbin Sewing Machine with 215 Stitch Functions at Sears.com

INTER-SEASONS

2007-08-05T19:55:00.000-07:00

INTER-SEASONS

Pants Fitting - NOT!

2007-07-24T20:19:00.000-07:00

I can't get a pants toile fitted. I give up trying to fit myself. I'm going to check out the local stores and see it I can go to a class or something. I know that StoneMountain and Daughter in Berkeley has classes. Ooohh--I just checked their classes link and Sandra Betzina is giving 2 pants classes! Hmmmm...$140...First class is September 9, then another on November 18.

sewing_room

2007-07-21T21:06:00.000-07:00

sewing_room

Sewing Rooms

2007-07-21T12:30:00.000-07:00

Sewing Rooms

Which Size Pattern?

2007-07-05T18:17:00.001-07:00

Just when I think I've got fitting issues handled they pull me back in!I tweaked my Vogue 8151 T-shirt by scooping out the armscye, which led to a corresponding alteration on the sleeve head, which I guess was the right thing to do. The chest fit somewhat better, but it really feels over-fitted and now there's a bunch of material underneath the arm. So I looked at the pattern sizing, consulted

Kwik Sew 3334

2007-06-30T00:36:00.001-07:00

I like this:

Success! A Tried 'n True Wardrobe Builder

2007-06-29T21:10:00.000-07:00

Finally! Vogue 8151 fits!I wore this all day and never had to yank it forward on my neck even once and there was no pooling of material in the small of my back. (Both issues are pet peeves).Besides changing the neckline design change to scoop style I made the following alterations: The back was cut in size D, morphing to an F below the waist The front was cut in size D, extending to F at the

T-Shirt Toiles

2007-05-25T22:10:00.001-07:00

Working on the Today's Fit T-Shirt (smaller view below):I just have to record my amazement that I am in the D-E-F size of this pattern. I have lost 60 pounds in the past year and am not used to the smaller pattern size. I look at the pattern pieces and marvel that they seem so small. But they fit me! I'm on the 3rd toile and almost to a perfect fit. Here's the rundown:On the first try I cut out

SWAP Additions

2007-05-09T22:56:00.000-07:00

These basics from Hot Patterns will be good additions to my SWAP project:The pants are mentioned in this thread on Pattern Review as being very flattering. Sewing Diva Phyllis' entry about the skirt is inspirational; I just love how it looks! Her review of this pattern is very informative, as well. (Thank you, Phyllis!)The Hot Patterns pants and skirt join the Sandra Betzina Today's Fit T-shirt

SWAP Story Board Draft

2007-04-28T14:54:00.000-07:00

Last May I posted the beginnings of a wardrobe plan using line drawings of patterns I had bought from Unique:But those patterns are too big for me now, so I started a new wardrobe story board. I'm not nearly ready to start sewing a planned wardrobe, but I had fun doing the new draft story board:

Sewing Machine Memories

2007-04-26T23:08:00.000-07:00

My mother's sewing machine. It was a Christmas present in 1957 from her future in-laws. She used it to sew her wedding gown.My first sewing machine. A Singer Genie that I got for Christmas when I was about 11; around 1972After the Genie above, my husband bought me a sewing machine from JC Penney (he meant well), which I used for a number of years before it was STOLEN (!) during a move. For awhile

Inspired to SWAP - Refitting is Required

2007-04-25T22:07:00.000-07:00

Gosh I love SWAP* contests! Timmel Fabrics' 2007 SWAP contest photos.I've lost 60 pounds and am in need of clothes that fit! I have 27 pounds still to lose to reach my goal of 150, but I don't want to wait to start sewing.When I made my Easter skirt I was pleasantly surprised at how little (compared to 60 pounds ago) fabric I needed to use. A week or two later I was back in my sewing room

Go-Pattern

2007-04-14T13:30:00.000-07:00

A site to watch--patterns aren't available yet: Go-Pattern

Easter Ensemble

2007-04-08T14:08:00.000-07:00

I sewed! I actually sewed! I got this pretty accordian pleated "broomstick" fabric at my first (and only, so far) BABES gathering (BABES is a group of sistah sewists from the bay area who have Pattern Review in common:I've wanted to make it into a skirt for Easter for 2 years and I finally did! Here it is:I've lost 58 pounds over the past 10 months and this is the first thing I've sewed since I

Shop by Shape!

2007-03-17T19:56:00.000-07:00

This looks neato: myshape.com. You enter your measurements and they match you with clothes that "fit and flatter".

It's Time to Get Organized. And Decorated

2007-02-05T13:10:00.000-08:00

My new sewing room is languishing--it needs to be brought to life! I haven't sewn in months because we moved, I started a new job and then there were the holidays. But I need to sew! Here's my organizing and decorating list:Install pegboard--paint and frame w/moulding firstOrganize tools on pegboardInstall lightingMake pressing boardCover tables with oilcloth so they matchReplace mini-blind

Truth, Beauty, Love, and Elisa.

2006-11-16T22:32:00.000-08:00

Truth, Beauty, Love, and Elisa.

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

2006-10-19T13:09:00.000-07:00

Found a place to upload cute videos of da grandbaby: YouTubeNow I just gotta get my photoshop elements reinstalled so I can get the pics out of the camera.

Cute Overload

2006-10-19T12:59:00.000-07:00

The opposite of fug is CUTE! Cute Overload

Stuff On My Cat: Stuff + Cats = Awesome

2006-10-19T12:53:00.000-07:00

Stuff On My Cat: Stuff + Cats = Awesome

You Knit What??

2006-10-10T18:08:00.000-07:00

You Knit What??

T-Shirt Pattern

2006-10-05T13:35:00.000-07:00

When I get my sewing room back together I wanna make Vogue 1851: Pattern Review has lots of reviews on this and word on the street is that it's a great fit for those with larger cup sizes.

Stitcher's Guild

2006-10-05T13:10:00.001-07:00

A sewing board I just learned about: Stitcher's Guild - Index

Stitcher's Guild

2006-10-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

A sewing board I just learned about: Stitcher's Guild - Index

Make Me!

2006-09-26T13:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks to A Dress A Day for this groovy link: Make Me!

It's A Purse! It's A Backpack!

2006-09-21T11:44:00.000-07:00

What a great idea!: Convertible Purse

Royal Collection - Dress for the Occasion

2006-09-18T15:42:00.000-07:00

Royal Collection - Dress for the Occasion

A Daily Briefing on Iran

2006-09-18T13:08:00.000-07:00

Definately not sewing-related, but interesting nonetheless: A Daily Briefing on Iran

Sew U | Built by Wendy

2006-09-06T15:33:00.000-07:00

I think I need this book: Sew U

A Sewing Room of One's Own....

2006-08-30T11:20:00.000-07:00

...is now what I have! It will do double duty as a guest room and that is fine by me, since I plan to decorate it so cutely that it will be a lovely room in which to be a guest as well as to sew in.It is exciting enough that we have just bought our very first house, but getting that sewing room just puts it over the top. I would like to thank my lovely daughters for growing up so beautifully,

Plan59 > InkJet Art > The Retro Graphics Archive

2006-08-18T21:19:00.000-07:00

Plan59 > InkJet Art > The Retro Graphics Archive

Time-Out

2006-08-11T11:12:00.000-07:00

Taking some time out from regular blogging because we just bought a house and what with the housing hunting, inspections, signing of papers and moving there won't be time for much blogging for the next month or so. Still gotta get those shirts done for dh, though. And--I've lost some weight and my clothes are too big (yay!) so I need to do some taking in.Our house will have a sewing room for me!

Sensational Beads

2006-08-01T23:35:00.000-07:00

Sensational Beads

Street Style Blogging

2006-07-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

That's what The Manolo calls it, like this one: lodonstreetfashion.

No Sew

2006-07-21T11:16:00.000-07:00

No sewing has happened for weeks at my house. Why not? I'm trying to figure it out.First off, Dh & I radically changed our eating habits by giving up sugar & refined frankenfood. It's not the first time we've done that, but this time it's do or die (and I mean that literally, what with the high blood pressure and all). A body can only handle so much change at once, plus it takes time to shop for

Fashion Fabrics Club

2006-07-13T23:34:00.000-07:00

DH needs some more work shirts. Last time I got what I paid for, cut I still want a bargain! Maybe this will do: Fashion Fabrics Club

Face Hunter

2006-07-05T17:05:00.000-07:00

What The Sartioralist does for New York, Face Hunter does for Paris (and other European cities), apparently.

Fresh Start

2006-07-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

I had a week off of work and did I get any sewing done?Nope.I wanted to, and after a couple of days of vacation I'd finished up some other stuff & was ready to, but I organized the sewing area instead. My (small) fabric stash has been swatched onto index cards, with the fabric itself neatly tied into rolls and stored in a labeled flip-top bin. Gone are some once-promising but now-wadder-chalk it

stitch lounge

2006-06-28T21:18:00.000-07:00

How cool is this? Practically in my own back yard: stitch lounge

We Bought A Couch

2006-06-28T18:10:00.000-07:00

Yep, we bought a sectional sofa with ottoman. BRAND NEW. With cash money that we actually saved up special (we no longer use credit cards). Here are pictures of the same design & swatch of our color:We got this 3-piece set from Costco for just under $950, which, after traipsing to every furniture store in town and much internet searching, we knew was a great deal. One internet furniture store

A Fitting Invention: The Contour Clone

2006-06-26T14:57:00.000-07:00

This is a hot topic over at Pattern Review. We're very excited about it: Contour Clone

More Purse Organizers, New Habits

2006-06-21T10:31:00.000-07:00

My purse organizer has been getting some attention. My daughter wants me to make her one for her diaper bag, and my nail lady has offered to trade a fill for one. These actually go fast for me, unlike almost all my other sewing. I'm looking forward to doing these in some fun fabrics.It'll be nice to get back to sewing; for the past couple of weeks I've been giving priority to making major

Cutting Table

2006-06-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

Not much sewing has got done, but I did get a folding cutting table (with the help of a 40% off coupon from jojos):Now I can keep our dining table freed up from sewing stuff.Next sewing room organizing project: Pegboard!

George Stella - Stella Style Community

2006-06-11T22:21:00.000-07:00

George Stella - Stella Style Community

Narrow Back and Full Hips

2006-06-06T10:46:00.000-07:00

There's a thread on Pattern Review about fitting a narrow back and a full bum. That's exactly what I have! I think these alterations are going to prove very helpful:Els' swayback and rounded upper back alterationDebfxvt57's full-hip adjustmentI won't need to alter for a rounded upper back for myself, but anything I made for my older daughter would need it, so I'm glad to have found it.

Dans L'Atelier: Princess Shell Progress and Basic Darted Blouse

2006-05-23T13:10:00.000-07:00

I'm just this much closer to having a basic princess-seamed shell to add to my wardobe plan. Read all about it here.And I'm not giving up on that Butterick/McCalls blouse after all.

Hot Patterns Trouser Skirt

2006-05-15T16:04:00.000-07:00

Oh, dear. Another pattern I've gotta have: Hot Patterns Classic Nouveau Trouser SkirtIt seems that some regular Pattern Review posters have started blogging. Yay!:The Sewing DivasBehind the SeamsGorgeous Things' BlogAnd one of the Sewing Divas (Phyllis) wrote up this pattern. I'm sold.

Dans L'Atelier: Princess Shell Progress

2006-05-14T10:44:00.000-07:00

McCalls M2818I'm taking my time with this project, trying not to get overwhelmed with fitting and alterations. I devoted the weekend to it, using the excuse that it was Mothers' Day and I could do whatever I wanted to justify sewing instead of cleaning the bathrooms. And I'm glad I did, so there!I'm making the sleeveless, slit neckline view and I'm excited that the fitting/pattern alteration part

Sandra Betzina Princess Seam FBA

2006-05-12T17:01:00.000-07:00

I came across this article by Sandra Betzina: Today's Fit What Size are You? in which she demonstrates, among other things, this method for a princess seam full bust adjustment (aka fba):I'm working on this princess shell from McCalls. McCalls M2818I already did a standard fba but I still need a little more room in the bust so I'm going to try Sandra's.

Kitchenette Pajamas

2006-05-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

Is this not the cutest thing?Kitchenette Pajamas from Decades of Style.How comfy it would be done up in a stable cotton knit to wear while watching that last episode of Law & Order sipping a cup of caffeine-free, sugar-free cafe suisse mocha before bed! I have been working with my inner brat (the one that wants to stay up late to watch true-life murder movies on Lifetime) to establish a bedtime

For the Collection

2006-04-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

Butterick/Unique B4609In lavender silk noil. I've made this pattern 3 times, shortening it all around-front/sleeves/back above the armscye--on the 3rd go 'round. Which improved the fit lengthwise, but brought into focus the fact that the width is wrong. It's just too wide. Bottom line is that this 'custom fitted' pattern doesn't. I'm tired of paying Unique $15-$20 (on top of the original $99