Sunday, January 27, 2008

Snow Day!!!

Woke up to snow coming down like crazy!!! Thought it would turn out to be a true snow day...no work (remember those snow days that cancelled school...those were the BEST!) No such luck though...the roads were adequately cleared enough that I could make it to work...I am spending the night and will work the morning shift so nobody has to travel when it is icy. Makes sense. I did finish the BWOF kimono pj top this morning. It turned out pretty well, but the next time I make it I will adjust the shoulders so that the seam isn't so far down my arm. I used a very silky fabric...I think the next one will be flannel! (Baby it's cold outside!!!) It was my first adventure with BWOF...I'm sure we will have more adventures real soon!!! In fact, I think I will go trace off some more patterns to sew when I get a day off.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Hats are Done!!!


Yesterday was a great day to sew. I finished the 20 funky Portland Fire hats and embroidered 10 baby bibs. Tom called Michael to let him know the hats are done...he was amazed that I finished them so fast (Sewfast's my name...speedy service is my game!) and said "Oh, would she be interested in making some more?" No specific order was placed (whew!!!) which is fine because I want to work on some of my projects...like the green coat, BWOF jammies, the tops I have cut out, not to mention all the other outfits I have swirling around my head!!! I also need to pull together some fabric scraps for the block swap we are starting on Sunday...my sewing schedule is full! Amen. As a parting shot...I took a gander at Valentino's 2008 Spring collection (his last)...some very pretty things to knock off!!!

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Baby Got Back!!!


No, it's not a song about booty...my Babylock BMP6 was ready to pick up today, so I went to Portland to pick her up. That meant that I needed to get on the stick and get that sewing room cleaned. I did just that this afternoon, watching the last half of the Wizard of Oz and Beaches (a collective "ahhhhhh"). I even pulled the loose threads out of my chair wheels...a necessary evil every 3-4 months. I also purchased a gift for my sister in law...we are going to the Charthouse tomorrow night to celebrate her birthday...40-something, I believe. I have an annoying little blue furball trying to play with me, so I better stop writing and start throwing the ball!

Monday, January 21, 2008

Might as well face it...


I'm addicted to blogs!!! Can't you just see me in my black dress behind Robert Palmer? Okay, maybe not, but I used to think I was pretty hot stuff back in the 80's. I just realized that I really like to read other sewing blogs. I get inspiration, learn new things, find new fabric outlets (yee HAW!) and just enjoy taking a peak into other creative minds. As I mentioned, today is a no sew day and I seriously doubt there will be any needle action when I get home from work. This chick has had it! I'm looking forward to getting all the pets situated and crawling into bed to watch CSI Miami. Hopefully I won't fall asleep before I set the sleep timer. I didn't sleep well last night because I knew I had to be up early to double back to work. Tonight I will take my favorite drug...benadryl...for a good night's sleep. I am so easy to please!!! Tomorrow will definitely be a sew day!

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Forward Progress

Despite being a lazy sloth yesterday after work, I accomplished a great deal today in the way of productions sewing. I finished all the embroidery for the Portland Fire order and managed to fussy cut all the bands this afternoon. Tomorrow will be a no sew day as I am working a double, but who knows...I may feel energized when I get home (or NOT). I never can tell when a random burst of energy will wave over me. I try not to do anything too critical late at night, because if it goes bad I might be up all night trying to fix it. Damn perfectionism!!! My hope is to have the hats done Tuesday and then I can work on my stuff!!! Well, I should take the time to swamp out the sewing studio before Baby comes home...cleaning is so boring!!! I get easily distracted when I pick up a pattern or a notion I forgot I had...Focus Mary!!! Also need to get up in the greenhouse, but no need to get too excited til it warms up a bit. That won't be for awhile. Guess I'll keep on sewing.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

MIA

That's what I've been for a while...MIA. Been busy with...Life actually. No time to really document it. I comfort myself in the fact that no one reads my blog, so it's just me who knows. I have been sewing...production, not fashions for me lately. I am making steady progress on the Portland Fire & Rescue hats. My EMP is still in the shop and I am being patient for the time being...Montavilla has been good to me in the past and the repairman did say they were a little backed up. It's only been 5 days. I sure miss it...I will try to do the embroidery for the hats on the ULT tomorrow. Had planned to do it today when I got off work, but we watched animal planet and vegged all afternoon. I still feel tired! I will try to get some pictures posted for posterity in the near future. Working 3 shifts in the next 2 days, including a double on MLK day...BANK baby!!!

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Sunday, or what can I NOT do today

It was another quiet Sunday. Lazy coffee and paper...banana pancakes and an attitude adjustment...window washing and sewing funky Portland Fire hats. I love days like this. The sewing studio is a wreck, but I am getting things done. The EMP6 is going to the shop tomorrow for maintenance, so I will only have the other machines to focus on. I love the hats I made for Michael...I think I will make a hat for me...they are very warm and cozy. They will make nice gifts for next year too...I always say I am going to start early on homemade Christmas gifts...maybe this will be the year. I finished the gym bags for Dan yesterday and Michael talked to me about the contract for Portland Fire...that would be awesome!!! Keep your fingers crossed.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

No Sew Today

Another day without sewing...no wonder I am blue!!! Been busy with work, Dr. appointment, dealing with family issues...Arrrggh!!! My soul is fed with my needle and thread!!! I have some more gym bags to do for Dan the Man...goal is to finish them over the weekend and get back to my wardrobe mission. Still waiting on a package from Fabric Mart. Maybe tomorrow. Class returns on Monday...life...

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Another Project down

I am sitting here proudly wrapped in my new ultra soft bathrobe that I finished about 45 minutes ago. It turned out rather well...a simple design...I modified the sleeves to have a cuff as I saved alot in seam allowance serging the seams. It is the perfect length...I added about 18 inches...I am a tall girl. I also finished the stitch outs and estimate for the Sandy fire department job. Next I think I will be stitching up the tops I have cut out (so I don't have to change the serger thread color...lazy girl!) Then the green coat!!! Better head to bed soon...tired girl!

Saturday, January 5, 2008

New Year...Back to Life

I haven't posted in a week as I have been a little out of sorts. Dealing with Dad's death and my own feelings of mortality, the family issues and just taking a little time to be with myself. No sewing has gone on, but I did make a big score at JoAnn's on embroidery stabilizer (Thanks Mair for the heads up!) I have a potential job that I need to make up an estimate (possibly do that today) and I have several things cut out that need to be sewn (also today perhaps). I purchased my first copy of Burda World of Fashion (aka BWOF) and am in love!!! I never knew a magazine existed that had patterns included. I really want a subscription for my birthday. My goal is to make at least one item of clothing from each issue, but if the first issue is any indication of the quality of designs, I'm sure there will be many outfits. I would like to make the bulk of my clothes this year. Of course I can't resist thrift shopping and that will be exempt, but everything else...I'm so thankful to those who have highlighted their Burda creations and turned me on to this. Well, guess I better get off the computer and on to the sewing room!

Project Dress a Girl

For the past couple of years, I have made dresses for Project Dress a Girl Around the World, in part thanks to the campaign launched by Mari...