Randomness Today

1.  I don't know who this Murphy fellow is, but he needs to stop making laws.

2.  Had an appointment today.

3.  Wore my new duds:  Simplicity jacket, McCall's top, New Look skirt.

4.  Thought this was the perfect time to snap some photos.

5.  Camera breaks.

6.  You've got to be kidding me, right?

7.  The lens is stuck and will not move a millimeter.

8.  I consulted the Google.

9.  None of the fixes worked.

10.  It's not the batteries.

11.  I am annoyed.

12.  Seem to be having an electronics failure season.

13.  Again.

14.  I have almost 8 pounds of blueberries currently in my possession.

15.  That's not a typo.

16.  I really like blueberries.

17.  They'll be gone by this time next week.

18.  There is no gracious way to eat sliced mango that still has its skin.

19.  It was cool enough to wear a wool jacket this morning.

20.  In June.

21.  In the northern hemisphere.

22.  Got buttons for my trench coat.  They're perfect!

23.  Did I mention I was sewing a trench coat?

24.  Oops.

25.  I would show pictures. 

26.  Stupid camera.

27.  I've had it for eight years

28.  I guess it was time.

 What's on your mind today?  =)

L

Today's Miscellany

1.  No good reason for bad blogging.

2.  Just bad blogging.

3.  I've been very fatigued lately.

4.  And a bit lazy.

5.  I slept twelve hours last night.

6.  That is rare.  Really rare.

7.  And a little scary.

8.  No I am not sewing for two.

9.  Just really tired.

10.  The sewjo is on leave.

11.  I did make two muslins of a button-up shirt and a t-shirt.

12.  Both are tres hiddy.

13.  I have reviews to write about three successful garments.

14.  Gotta get pictures.

15.  See item #4.

16.  Yesterday it was 80+ degrees.

17.  Today it is 55 degrees.

18.  Even the birds are like WTF?

19.  Why do people stand pigeon-toed in their photos?

20.  Is this really a thing?

21.  I tried it.  My knees hurt and I look ridiculous.

22.  I gained weight.

23.  See item #10.

24.  I suck at Instagramming.

25.  I still need a new computer.

What's on your mind today?

Today's Miscellany

1.  I finally finished.

2.  No, not the Simplicity jacket.

3.  Or the post on how to skinnify Jalie 2908.

4.  I finished counting my fabric, save for a few pieces on the in-progress shelf.

5.  One thousand two hundred (1200+) yards.

6.  And then some.

7.  Don't judge.

8.  A lot of it was retail therapy.

9.  So that counts as a plus, right?

10. I have no regrets, though I do have moments of WTF.

11.  It's all good.
12.  Progress is slow on the jacket due to work and fatigue.
13.  I just cut out the lining today.
14.  I am still pressing on with my starting from scratch wardrobe plan.
15.  But I want to sew dresses and summer stuff.
16.  I have a wedding to go to in two weeks.  I have nothing to wear.  Oops.
17.  I made four desk lamps at the pottery studio.
18.  Two of them are going to be really, really tiny though.
19.  Shrinkage.
20.  I saw the chunkiest robin today. 
21.  Spring is my favorite season.
22.  Big decisions to make real soon.
23.  I'm nervously calm.  
24.  That doesn't make sense.
25.  I'm going to try Instagram.
26.  I still need a new computer.  Hah.  Going on two years now.
27.  Flying is still remarkably safe.  I don't mean to be insensitive; I love someone with mental illness.
28.  Scandal has crossed into the "this is stupid" zone for me.
29.  Anxiously awaiting bike season.
30.  Just wanted to round out the list at 30. =)

How to Lose Your Sewjo in 4 Easy Steps

Step 1:  Start a sewing project involving two patterns from the same company with similar pattern numbers.

Somehow I thought it was a good idea to cut out both New Look 6407 and New Look 6704 at the same time and out of the same fabric.  Let that marinate for a minute.  SMH

Step 2:  Combine stretch cotton poplin with step 1.

I love me some stretch cotton poplin - except when I hate it.  I get excited about how the fabric can help with fit and then highly annoyed at how it puckers like crazy.  I have steamed the shit out of these princess seams and the puckers keep coming back as if an iron never touched it.

 New Look 6704

Ugh x 100!  I did a lot to get the front bodice to fit (future post), but these wrinkles are just wrong.  Maybe I need to add some more length to the front panel to help ease the princess curve.

I haven't decided if I will finish it or not.  Maybe I will just to get practice on the techniques.  Will I wear it?  Um........no. New Look 6407 is coming along much better.  I used french seams throughout and the puckers aren't nearly as bad.

I think the bust curve is too high, though.  I didn't notice that on my first version perhaps due to the busy print.  I love that shirt and have worn it several times already.

Step 3:  Be inspired by what everyone else is making. 

Inspiration is a good thing.  Not finishing two shirts in progress and wanting to move onto something else - not so much.  Area 51 is already bursting at the seams (hah, so punny) and doesn't need any more visitors.  I need shirts and think both of these have great potential.  BUT...the puckers...
 

Step 4:  Be so tired that you fall asleep as soon as you sit down.

This has happened for the last seven weeks.  I'm not kidding.  Y'all know I usually skate Friday nights.  In the last seven weeks, I've only been skating once.  Last Friday, I had EVERY intention of going.  I sat down and closed my eyes for (what I thought was) 20 minutes.  Lights on, clothes on, everything.  I woke up two hours later.  Oops.

How do you lose your sewjo? =)

L

Today's Randomness

1.  I still haven't finished the New Look blouse.  All I need to do is make the buttonholes. 

2.  I started another Jalie 2559 jacket.  I'm almost finished.

3.  Stupid buttonholes.

4.  Summer in Michigan finally decided to show up. 

5.  Just in time for Fall.

6.  Some farmer's almanac is predicting another harsh winter.

7.  I still won't move to Florida or California.

8.  Too much rain.  Not enough rain.

9.  Polar vortex it is.

10.  Throwing plates on the wheel relaxes me.  

11.  This is my last full week of freedom.

12.  Buttonholes!

13.  Taking a dog to the vet is like taking a car to the mechanic:  the problem you noticed instantly disappears once you get there.

14.  Still had to pay for the appointment.  Grr.

15.  Change is coming.

16.  I bought more fabric.  Mmm...therapy.

17.  I always give a quiz on the first day.

18.  I suppose I should write it.

19.  42 days until the end of the semester.
20.  Yup.  That excited.
21.  I haven't touched my trench coat since I started the now-defunct Trench Coat Sew Along back in...what...March?
22.  And finally, to sum up how the last two weeks have gone:

 

I took this from my car on Gratiot (sounds like gra-shit) in Downtown Detroit.  Words fail me, yet I totally get it.  I think.

L

  

 

 

Ramblings

Not so happy stuff:

1. The last two weeks have been quite stressful.  

2. Previously I mentioned a situation with a family member that has consumed almost a decade of my life.  Well, shit met fan two weeks ago and it looks like there is nothing more that I can do.  To say this is heartbreaking is an understatement.  The hardest thing is to be forced to sit back and watch everything unfold without being able to do anything about it.

3. A new development in my social life has left me vexed.  Vexed I tell you!

4. Planes keep falling out of the sky.

5.There's so much violence.  Everywhere. 

6. My allergies are relentless.

7. I finally got around to glazing eight plates (4 salad, 4 dinner) only to find that one of the glazes was contaminated and the other started running like crazy.  So I need to make eight more plates.  Plates take a LONG time to make from start to finish.

8. V.E.X.E.D!

9. After over a decade of loyal service, Sprint needs to kick rocks.

10.  The dog has recently decided inside and outside are the same when it comes to relief.

Now for some happy stuff:

11.  Mmm...retail therapy.

 rayon-lycra jersey (tops/dress)

 poly ITY in colors and print that are rare for me (skirts)

 bright yellow stretch cotton sateen (pencil skirt)

 floral cotton shirting

 cotton eyelet

 dark green poly-rayon-lycra double knit

12.  I won second place in the Outerwear contest.  I am excited to have won and am thankful to all who voted for me.  

13.  I made a pair of skinny jeans out of Jalie 2908 in about two days.  I wore them out last night and got a nice compliment from one of my friends.  He always teased me about not letting go of boot-cut jeans.  He was shocked when he saw this pair!  I'll get pictures up soon.

14.  It's still summer. =)

15.  The anniversary of my hatching is coming up.  Hmm.  I think I shall treat myself to more fabric goodness.

I hope everyone has a pleasant weekend.

L

The Questions & Other Stuff

Based on some conversations on PR, Debbie Cook of Stitches and Seams asked and answered some questions about her sewing habits.  Knowing that us blog-folk like to share, it'll be no time before everyone is posting their own answer to "The Questions."  Since I like hopping on and off bandwagons from time to time, here are my answers:

1.  Do you cut with your fabric RS or WS out?

I cut with the fabric mostly WS out.  This way, I can make all of my markings as I lift the pattern paper.  For plaids (which I have yet to sew), single-layer pieces, or when watching motif placement is important, I cut with the right side out. 

2.   How do you make your pattern markings?

It depends on the fabric.  Most of the time, I use old pieces of natural soap or wax tracing paper for dots, darts, or other important markings.  For white or delicate fabrics, I use small pieces of low-tack painters tape to mark the right/wrong side and dots.  To mark notches, CF, CB, or fold lines, I snip into the seam allowances.

3.  Do you follow the cutting layout in patterns?

Nope, though I used to when I first started sewing.  At some point in time, I stopped looking.  I try to lay out the patterns to minimize waste.

4.  Are you obsessed with re-folding your pattern tissue on or very close to the original fold lines?

Never.  Well, maybe not never.  I take the time to fold BWOF magazine and Jalie pattern sheets.  If I need to trace a pattern, I cut around the piece(s) to be traced and then fold it in anyway that makes it fit back into the envelope.  If the pattern has lots of pieces and tracings, I put them both into a 1-gallon Ziploc bag - again folded any old kind of way.

5.  Do you make all of the markings?

Most of the time.  I save buttonholes for the end.  Notches, tuck lines, and anything that helps construction are marked.

Anyone else jumping on "The Questions" bandwagon?

********

The only thing I have left to do with the Indygo Junction coat is the hem.  I've played around with the belt several times and can't find a layout that I like.  So, I will probably not stitch the belt to the coat and, instead, leave it free hanging with belt loops or a buckle.  I am still waiting on the buttons.  They didn't go in the last firing and I don't know when they will.  In the meantime, I will get some pictures in the next couple of days.

********

My next sewing project will be....wait for it...an attempt at a button-front woven blouse.  Anyone who knows my sewing history knows that this has been a quest for a LONG time.  I decided to join BeaJay's Scary September challenge (original post) and resume the quest for a good-fitting woven blouse.  She's already posted an update of risk-takers.  At this rate, I might be rolling my project into Onerous October.  =) 

Until next time, peace!

L

Ramblings

1.  I love watermelon.
2.  Seriously.
3.  This is my fourth one in just under two weeks.
4.  I think I'm addicted.
5.  Watermelons are 92% water and 100% sweet goodness.
6.  If you know how to pick them.
7.  And I do.
8.  School starts next week.
9.  I am not ready.
10.  Moment of silence for the end of summer break.
11.  We have a new edition of the book.
12.  I am not a fan.
13.  I am eating watermelon right now.
14.  For real.
15.  I have to have everything prepared for school by Sunday.
16.  I need to finish my Lady Grey coat and muslins for my mini wardrobe.
17.  Did I mention I entered the mini wardrobe contest?
18.  My dog loves watermelon too.
19.  It's the closest to anything that remotely resembles meat she'll ever get in my house.
20.  Unless she finds another dead cat to play with.
21.  Don't ask.
22.  I should be doing work.
23.  I suppose I'll do some work.
24.  Then again. 
25.  Good night!

Why I Love & Hate Contests

Contests are an opportunity to focus solely on the challenge presented.  There are rules to follow and deadlines to meet.  Contests serve as a good motivation to try something new or hone old skills and there's a sense of accomplishment when the contest is completed. The excitement of the start of a new contest brings about creative ideas and the prospects of planning fabric and patterns.

I have come to realize that while contests are fun and challenging, I also hate them.  It's not the contest per se, but the feeling that I can't begin other projects until after the contest is over.  As a result, I end up rushing to finish a garment and making far more mistakes.  Plus, right now I can't help but think of all the new sewing possibilities for Spring.   The fact that it's 40 degrees outside...in February...in Mchigan is NOT helping.  (What is up with the weather??  I am not at all a fan of the cold, but it should not be this warm in February.  My mother's daffodils broke ground last month due to the abnormally mild winter.  That is not good!)

Case in point:  I am working on two more pairs of jeans for the Jeans Contest.  On one pair, I have sewn and unpicked the waistband three times.  On the other pair, it took me forever to come up with the simplest back pocket design - and I'm not even a big fan of it.  With just over a week to go, I don't even know if I'll finish the contest.

As for the SWAP, I am still committed to finishing, though I am stalled on the jacket.  I got the fit to a point where I like it and now I need to insert the lining.  The problem is, I neglected to make the same adjustments to the lining pieces when I adjusted the fashion fabric.  I only vaguely remember what I did.  I usually write these things down as soon as I do them, but didn't this time.  I just hope the lining goes in smoothly.

Finally, the Fashion in Detroit show is coming up in a month and I want to make a dress for that.  After viewing the comments left on my last post, I've decided on Butterick 5559.  There are only three pieces, it's knit, and I should be able to sew it up rather quickly - thus freeing up more time and energy to devote to my SWAP.

I think these will be my last contests for a long time.  I might join a sew along or two, but I'm over competitions.  Anyone else have experience with contest fatigue?


L

Has it Been Two Weeks?

Yeesh. It seems like whenever school resumes, not only am I super busy, I am super sick too! Two (yes 2!!) days into the new semester, I came down with a nasty cold. Sore throat, headaches from Hades, and sinus pressure that was unbearable. I went through a box and half of Kleenex. TMI? Sorry. Needless to say, during that time I did not do much sewing. I haven't worked on my jacket since re-setting the sleeves.  But now that I'm feeling MUCH better and can comfortably breathe out of both nostrils, I'm back on the sewing block.

Jacket progress:
Since the jeans contest on PR ends on 15 Feb, I decided to postpone construction of the Jalie jacket until after I complete the contest.  I need to assemble the lining, sew on the facings and attach it to the garment. 

Jeans progress:
I cut the fabric for two more pairs of jeans.  I wracked my brain for a two days on how to design the pockets. I've got a couple of ideas, but I don't know if I'll have the time to implement them fully.  I really want to return to sewing for the SWAP and since we have midterms coming up soon, time might be an issue.

Two more versions of New Look 6648:
I managed to squeak in two more versions of this top.  I *love* this pattern.  It's my new go-to option when I need a new top. It's really quick to make and very comfortable to wear.  Even though I already had plans to make more versions of this pattern, I moved them up in the queue in response to a comment by one of my friends at the rink.  He said, "You're looking good as usual...even in last year's clothes."

O_o

Ummmmmm....thank you?  I laughed so hard when he said that, he probably thought I was a lil' cray-cray. 


Ugh.  I have to grade papers and do a host of other things.  If I manage my time right, I can get a lot done before the football games start today.  I'm a die-hard Lions fan, but since they're not in the playoffs I'm rooting for the Giants.  After they humiliated the Packers last weekend, I want them to go all the way.  Part of me wants to see another Giants-Patriots rematch in the Superbowl.  Then again, I cannot stand the Patriots and would do a happy dance if they were eliminated by the Ravens.

Until next time, be well!

L

YSG: Ramblings

1.  On not blogging for two weeks...

I've been really busy and very tired.  The beginning and end of the semester is always busy for me and this semester was no different.  Plus, I had doctor's appointments, court, jury duty, and I've recently restarted doing volunteer work.  Every day of my calendar had several things scheduled; I even had to pencil in 'rest' on a couple days. 

2.  This week, I went in for a medical procedure and am recovering from that.  Let me just say that some pharmaceuticals are amazing and very scary.  I was given a sedation drug that caused me to be conscious during the procedure.  The scary (or good?) thing is I have zero recollection of the procedure.  My friend told me that I was talking with the doctor and nurses during the process and even debated the doctor about the areas of my body being fat versus muscle (a very funny exchange as I am told).  I do not remember ANY of this at all.  I don't remember feeling any pain during the procedure - despite my many verbal complaints of being in pain.  I don't know what kind of voodoo was going through my veins at the time, but that is some scary shit.  Anyway I am home, rested, and feeling better.  I still have some minor pain, but I am mobile. 

3.  I got another jury service questionnaire.  I haven't even been paid for last week's service.

4.  Today is the winter solstice. Yay!  The earth now starts her glorious tilt back toward the sun tomorrow.  Mmm...heat...

5.  I cut out all of the pattern pieces, linings, and interfacing for several of my garments in the SWAP. 

6.  Upon cutting out the jacket pieces, I realize that I made a stupid alteration error that I hope won't be too visible in the final garment.  Of course, I don't have any more fabric to re-cut the piece.  Oh well.

7.  I picked up 5 of the 12 pounds I lost.  Stupid thanksgiving holiday and all those delicious sweets.

8.  I finished jeans #6 a while ago.  The button tack popped off sometime last weekend and I have yet to replace it.  Since I plan on wearing the jeans tomorrow, I guess I should look for another tack.

9.  If you haven't watched The Cleveland Show's parody of Die Hard (fabulously titled Die semi-Hard), watch it on Hulu.  Very funny.  I wish Family Guy would return to its comedy roots.

10.  I hope EyeCandy is at the rink tomorrow. This guy is sooooooo handsome.   

11.  Hmm.  Admittance to the rink is free tomorrow and I know it's going to be crowded.  Since I still have a bit of pain, I better take it easy and not get too wild out there.


12.  I'm really enjoying my volunteer group.  So far, it seems like a nice group of people.  I'm looking forward to meeting up with them in January. 

13.  I have about 15 pieces of pottery that need to be glazed.  I can't decide on a colour scheme for my dishes, lantern, or pedestal bowl.

14.  I've had a headache since Monday night.  Tylenol does nothing.

15.  This dog's snoring is epic.

16.  I keep waking up at 3 and 4am.

17.  Newton Leroy Gingrich.  Le-roy??  Too easy.

That's it for now.  I hope everyone is well.  Have a happy and safe holiday season!

L

Hmm...

 

Either I had too much or not enough wine. I'm going to go out on a limb and say 'not enough.'

L

What the Hell?

I know I'm supposed to be talking about the last two days of developing my bodice sloper, but as the process has come to a grinding halt (details to follow later), I will write about something else.

The Grammy Awards are tonight. I haven't watched any award show since...what...eighth grade? I am simply not interested. In surfing the web, I came across a site that has pictures of what some of the attendants are wearing. Okay, I get it. You desire to be "out there" with your look. Lady Gaga (who the hell is that?) arrives in an egg. News Flash: It's been done already. Michael Jackson slept in an oxygen chamber or incubator or something. Get a new gig, gaga.

What is this??!

Um. No.

I don't know who you are, but honey, you need a bodice sloper in the worst way. A little spanx, boning, or a new dress might help.

L

Planning & 7 Deadly Sins

My sewing hit a brick wall with the New Look skirt. I have no pictures to share because I cut that joker up and threw it in the trash. The fit was terrible and I had Z.E.R.O. motivation to finish it - even for charity. I felt an enormous weight lift when I tossed it. Now I can work on something else. Since being sick, I am slow to return to the sewing room.

In the meantime, I am planning my next projects. The Endless Combinations contest is coming up on Pattern Review and I've already got some ideas in mind. I'm keeping that on the low for now, though. =)

Switching gears, I saw this on Adrienne's Blog a few days ago:

The 7 Deadly Sins...
Day 1 - Pride. Seven great things about yourself.

Day 2 - Envy. Seven things you lack and covet.

Day 3 - Wrath. Seven things that piss you off.

Day 4 - Sloth. Seven things you neglect to do.

Day 5 - Greed. Seven worldly material desires.

Day 6 - Gluttony. Seven guilty pleasures.

Day 7 - Lust. Seven love secrets.

Let's see how long I play with this one. =)

Until next time!

L

Sewing Stalled

I seem to be writing about what I am not sewing than what I am sewing. I've run into yet another stump - this time work and life related. I have done work at home every day of the week - except Saturday. I absolutely refused. I had a long list of things to do and I intentionally set Saturday as a day to do n'er one thing work related. And I didn't. I went to my ceramics class, came home and slept.

The life drama is (and has been for a while) quite a time, energy, and emotions hog. Today, I thought I was going to make a bit of headway. Nope. Gotta wait until the end of next month. Sigh. So, on goes the anxiety. At least school will be over by then.

As for sewing? I have lots of ideas and am excited about upcoming projects. I stopped working on the vest. It looks good, but I'm just not feeling it anymore. I really loved how it looked and fit before I put on the facing. But afterward? Meh.

I read on Susan's (knittersdelight) blog that she, too, has projects that she sets aside. I used to feel really guilty about having UFOs. You know...all the time, energy, and materials invested in a project that goes nowhere. But now I realize that working on a project that yielded no inspiration oftentimes sunk my sew-jo. So, why not put it aside and start something else? So, that's what I did.

I cut and altered a blouse pattern (M6035). The front actually looks really good, sans sleeves. I've pinned in one sleeve and when I get a moment (like Sunday or something), I'll actually sew it in.

Wow, this post was all over the place. =)

Have a great day everyone!

L~

No Sewjo

It's sunny outside. I'm on spring break (finally). I feel rested and am almost caught up on grading. So, why am I not sewing? No sewjo. Yep. My sewjo is ghost. Nada. Incognito.

I have many projects in queue. I am inspired by other people's creations. I even worked out the fit issues in my vest. But I can't get to my sewing room. Hmf.

How do you get your sewjo back?

L

Just Let It Go

On Sunday, I was sitting in front of the TV watching the Jets-Colts game and grading papers. While grading, the brand new green gel pen I bought (in a pack of other additional colours) began to skip and act as if it was out of ink. No matter what I did, the pen just would not write. Annoyed, I rose from my comfortable seating position, went to the office (only to immediately hear the game's commentators announce some major play), and retrieved another pen. I sat back down, maneuvered myself into another comfortable position, motioned for my dog to sit beside, and resumed grading. About 20 minutes later, the new green pen began to write like the last one. Grrr. I got up, slammed the papers down, retrieved both pens and tossed them in the trash.

Before this moment, I would have attempted to save those pens and make them write at some later time. I have oodles upon oodles of pens that are waiting for me to help make them work properly. It was at that moment that I realized letting go of these two stupid pens was completely okay. It was okay not because I can afford to buy new pens or because I have some space to house the two that don't work. It was okay because I no longer have to deal with any mental attachment or connection to those pens. I know that sounds weird, but the lesson I learned applies to more than just those two menial objects.

I am enduring some difficult personal drama at the moment. This drama all but consumes my mental, physical, emotional energy. Couple that with the stresses of everyday living and I am on edge - I mean Grandmaster Flash don't push me 'cause I'm close to the....EDGE...edge. Throwing out those pens, as futile as that may seem, made me realize that there are some things that are just not worth holding on to: pens, fabric, people, relationships, etc. At some point, one must realize that if letting something go makes you less of a nut, then do it. Trust me, the world is in no immediate shortage of stressed out folks.

So, whatever it is you're holding on to, let it go. Just let it go. I am no guru. Tomorrow, I may be saying something different. I know that in this moment, this is what is. Some parting words from Deepak Chopra:

“Be willing to stop judging against yourself. Bad urges don’t make you a bad person.”

L~