3rd Annual Parade of Empty Spools

I have done this twice before. The first posted on 31 Dec. 2010 (30 spools used in 2010) and the second on 11 Jan 2012 (15 spools used in 2011, with 2 from this current year). This one will be posted today, 31 Dec. 2012 because I am done sewing for the year. I spent the past two days in the sewing room, we have 22 folks coming in the morning and there are other things to do! 

So here are 28 spools, which really should be 30 because I took the two from January of this year and stuck them on LAST year, to boost my puny, post chemo sewing accomplishments. So, I am thinking 30 spools for 2012. So how many will I empty is 2013? We'll see! 

I do have some "goals" for this year. First to finally make the "perfect" man's dress shirt. I have struggled with interfacing, just not finding that perfect crisp feel that won't show through from shrinkage, which seems to be a problem with Pellon brand. So frustrating to follow the instructions and still come out with less than ideal results. With my experience, my new shirt book and now, finally, the possibility of being able to order some professional quality interfacing, we'll see. When I think of the time, effort and expense of a custom man's shirt, it is nice if it looks right and lasts a while. I have three I want to finish in January, one for my son (late Christmas gift) one for SIL#2 for his b-day and one for hubby, just because he's my #1! His will be basic white with french cuffs. 

I also want to sew for myself more. I have gone through some physical changes either from chemo or from facing the big 60. The bod is looking more like a cozy comfy place for a grandchild to snuggle into, even though a non-sewing goal also includes some fitness. My clothes from the last decade need to be updated and replaced. I have some fabulous fabric that is just calling me! I found a blog that is called the "stingy seamstress" or something like that. She ONLY sews for herself. I am inspired by her dedication, but I just can't do that, seems boring. 

I would like to also start keeping a notebook. The blog is great, but I am hands on. I want to have a section for each person I sew for and also a GUEST section, for donations and friends. My hubby has me sewing for several of his buds these days. So a gift section for those outside the immediate family will be included. 

That's enough goals for now, I have 22 people coming to my house in less than 24 hours, gotta GO!

Pattern drafting

My youngest finds plenty of ways to challenge me in the sewing room. She likes fine fabrics, so silk and wool have become more comfortable and less intimidating for me to work with. I have also made her a couple of things from scratch and also used clothes she loves to draft patterns. This is my latest pattern drafting effort. I believe that the pattern grew a bit as I drafted this time. Not sure why, but that can be adjusted once we try on the blouse. 

 This is an overall look at a blouse she really likes. My basis for the pattern. 

Inside the front of the blouse. 

 The outside. Drafting that facing was a challenge, won't be sure I got it right until I actually attach it. 

 Front pleats, a necessary addition. 

 Another detail of the pleats, how they come up to the collar. 

 My practice piece from some fabric that was not designated for a particular project. One thing I have learned, a practice piece is NEVER a waste of time. The pleats were a real challenge and I cut the armhole part to the first pleat, sewed the pleats, THEN cut the rest of the front to the front center. I am not sure how I would draft with the pleats integrated into the pattern, but this works just fine. I took some of the curve out of the right front pleats and they turned out a bit nicer (and smoother) than the ones on the left front of the blouse. 

Snow

Snow is 

Beautiful

Cold

Magical

Heavy

Sparkly

Dangerous

Soft

and we got our fill while visiting my brother for Christmas.

Games

I like to play games. 

My mom stayed with us from Thanksgiving until Dec. 22 when we drove her to my brother's house for Christmas. She will visit a few more weeks with them before heading back to her home. We saw three movies, Lincoln, Flight and Anna Karenina. We had lunch with friends, friends for dinner, shopped and sewed, had a lesson or two on her IPad, and we played games.  We played a LOT of games and added a few more during our time at my brothers. We even invited neighbors a couple of afternoons to join us. All total we played . . . 

Farkle - 59 games
Upwords - 27 games
Rummy Cube - 25 games
Scrabble - 1 game
Quarkle - 3 games
Dominos - 4 games
Settlers of Cattan - 3 games

I think my favorite is Upwords, but any time I can spend face time with those I love is a good time. That is one reason I like games. You are WITH the person playing the game. Conversation - optional. Competition - optional. It is simply time with another person. Fun, engaging and a lovely way to spend in your leisure. I still remember our last trip to the beach with my son and his family. Each evening the four of us adults played Contract Rummy. What a fun way to spend an evening. Laughing, enjoying, thinking a bit and just being together. 

Now . . . back to work. 

Shirt for mom

My mom picked out this vineyard print and because the shirt pattern is so simple and I have made quite a few, I was able to pull this one off before we took her back to bros. I have another shirt, skirt and top to make her, but other things have floated to the top of the list, she will have to wait a bit. 

Skirt and shirt

My oldest was looking for a suit and we found a nice navy jacket and blouse at the outlet mall and I made her a skirt to go with. She's ready for an interview!

Sewing for mom!

My mom has been here for the past few weeks and we have been seeing movies, going to lunch, bible studies, concerts and visiting family and friends . . . . and sewing. Here she is wearing the latest creation. 

I made a list of all the items that we wanted to get done. measuring, hemming t's and pants, making custom pellon patterns for shirts, skirts, shells and such, and of coarse sewing. I still have two shirts to make for her, which will probably have to mailed later and also learned that polyester has a strong tendency to pucker when you sew it. One skirt will never see the light of day. 

Happy Birthday mom, so easy this year! Just make you clothing that you designed yourself!!

That's my sewing room??

We have a leak! So . . . for repairs to be made and repainting of the ceiling, THIS had to happen. A total removal of all my STUFF! Good grief, I sure had a lot of stuff and it is now stuffed into the dining room, with some in the master from the earlier removal of stuff for company. Good grief, I sure have a lot of stuff!  The other thing was I took down ALL the pictures and quilts. There were three quilts and more pictures than I could count. Each new picture randomly went up on the wall, but as I took them down I realized that there is WAY too much linty dust generated in that room. I think a photo album is going to have to be purchased to house all those fabulous baby photos with a choice few put back up. Decisions!  

Happy Birthday - Part 3 & 4

We had another big weekend with folks arriving on Friday afternoon and a concert and dinner on Friday night. We went to a local eatery that also has really great talent done in a small venue. One of his favorite artist joined with another artist and they did a great holiday review. Great food (surprisingly) and great music. 

We also had plenty of time to just visit and hang out, which was wonderful. 

                                     

The "boys" heading out to the kitchen store. 

The next evening hubby gathered a group of friends and family for cooking school. A great way to celebrate a big birthday. Getting to move around, learn a technique, visit with everyone, just a fabulous way to enjoy a meal. I am thinking of doing the same for part of my big birthday celebration. 

 Our group. Fun people!

 Watching his sister mixing up dessert.

 Plenty of time for visiting while others cook. 

Oldest and SIL#1 mixing up some salad dressing.

Happy Birthday hubby. I am so thankful for you.