Happy New Year - 2015!

Happy New Year!

Happy Sewing!

I went to a knitting retreat a couple of months ago.  My goal was to bring a couple of projects and at least finish one of them.  I ended up doing more sewing than knitting or crocheting.

First I made the two pillow cases.  The was an easy pattern from American Patchwork & Quilting.
I love how these came out.  Guess I'm gonna have to make a lot more.

My second project was a bowl cozy.  Sorry I don't have the pattern for this one.

Also, my house guests have left so I can have my sewing space back.  Not sure what I'm going to make but since winter is coming, it's going to be something warm.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sewing Withdrawal

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I haven't been able to sew for at least a month.  I have family staying with me (on a long temporary basis)  and they have taken over my sewing space.  I like having a permanent space to sew and not have to drag out the machine every time I want to use it.  Plus sewing is my private and relaxing time. No audiences allowed!  I'm gonna have to figure out something.  Maybe try and set up a tiny sewing space in my tiny bedroom. 

February's MAGAM is Finished!

I finally finished the February garment.  I made McCalls 4097 view A.  It was easy to make and I would consider making another one if I can get the size right.  I did make a few changes to the pattern.  On the pattern, the sleeves and the bottom of the top have a split seam.  I decided to just sew to the end and leave the split out.  I also added an extra inch to the length of the sleeves and two inches to the length of the top.

The top looks a little big but since the fabric is a cotton blend, it should hopefully shrink a little when washed.  I'm not sure about that neckline.  It's too big for my tastes.  My bra straps show on both sides.  The neckline could have been adjusted by 1 1/2 inches on both sides.  Next time I'll have to adjust the neckline.  Since I'm not the best sewer, I wonder if there's a way to add a fake collar.

I'm always trying to figure out the front from the back on round neck shirts.  However, I'm sensitive to scratchy labels.  So I decided to stitch a design on the back facing.  It looks kind of cute.  May have to make that my signature label for everything else I sew.

I don't know what my next project will be.  Maybe a skirt.  I won't have to worry about visible bra straps or giant leg pants.  

MAGAM - February 2014

I've got to catch up.  I think I'll make McCalls 4097 view A for February MAGAM.  It looks quick and easy and I can whip this one up and still have time to start on the outfit for March.  The material is a pea green color t-shirt knit.

January's MAGAM :(

I've been sick so I haven't been doing too much sewing.  I finished the January MAGAM and I'm not pleased (see that happy face).  First, I had a scissor mishap and had to darn the hole with my machine.  It was high enough to the waistband to be covered by a shirt.

 Second, the pants are too big.  If you've ever seen the movie "Undercover Brother", he had a pair of parachute pants that he used when jumping off a cliff.  That's what these pants remind me of.

I'm not a tailor so alterations are not a part of my sewing skills yet.  Going to have to look for something real easy with less material for my February project.  Trying not too get to disappointed.

Patterns

Checked my Jo-Ann Fabrics app and saw that Butterick and Vogue patterns were on sale.  I decided to pick up a few.  Trying to build that nonexistent wardrobe of mine. 

Just bought my first Vogue pattern.  I was a little intimidated by them and thought their patterns were too difficult.  Only time will tell.

My New Baby!

I have been wanting to buy a new sewing machine for a while.  I finally made my decision and purchased a new Janome Magnolia 7360.  The sales lady at the shop was great.  She showed me the different machines and their features.  After I made my decision, she had me take my machine out of the box.  Then she began showing me how to use the machine.  She was polite and patient with me. Now that's what I call customer service.  I'm in the process of making a pair of pants on my old Singer for the Make a Garment a Month Challenge.  Now that this new machine can make button holes in one step, I may decide to make a shirt or blouse that has buttons.  Oh I'm so excited about what I can now do.

To Buy or Not to Buy...Online!

I went to my local fabric store looking for some material for future wardrobe projects.  I found some silky type material to make a top.  I had to stand on a long line to get the material cut and then another long line to pay for it.  I don't do well with lines.  I'm going to look into purchasing some fabric online.  I've been reading different sewing blogs and have some names of some online fabrics sights I'd like to check out.  Maybe I'll make a purchase for a small project and see how things go from there.  Ooooh I'm excited.  Can't wait to see what I might find.

MAGAM - January 2014

I haven't sewn for a long time but now I'm excited to get back into it.  I was always telling myself that I wouldn't make any new clothes until I lose weight.  Well guess what!  I haven't lost any weight.  Time to start building up my wardrobe.  I've decided to make a pair of pants (Butterick 3039) out of this dark green suiting material.