Sweep Up of Christmas Sewing

I haven't been blogging in the past week or so, as things have been so terribly hectic. But before the year ends, and 2009 begins, I wanted to update my blog with my Christmas related sewing.

First off, the matching tree skirt and table runner I made the weekend before Christmas. The varigated fabric is a Santa head quilting cotton, the dark blue has a tiny little green dot, and the backing for both items (and part of the four patch on the table runner) is a red seersucker with a white dot. The table runner is shown folded in half and runs along the table with all inserts in it, so plenty long enough. I did not use a pattern for either of these. Both will be packed away for future Christmases!!!

The second set is not exactly sewing, but it is related. One of the gifts I wanted for DH (or here, headless husband) was out of stock everywhere. So I came up with the idea of printing designs that mean something to him, and applying them to shirts. I found a wonderfully soft all cotton, long sleeve t at Walmart. The first photo is a stained glass window of St. Joan of Arc, the second green is her Coat of Arms granted by the King of France, and the final is a photo of an embrodiery from the Order of the Dragon, which was confered by the King of Hungary. The white shirt is an iron-on transfer, and the other two were printed onto treated fabric, then sewn onto the shirts.

Third, is the dress I made for my husband's grand daughter. It was supposed to be for her birthday, but we didn't see her until Christmas Day. This is a photo of her in the dress. The pattern envelope shows Simplicity 3629, a Project Runway pattern. Very easy to put together.


Finally, for my step-son, I made a fleece pullover using the vintage men's pajamas pattern on the left. He really liked it and put it on immediately. In grey fleece, the hems were just turned and sewn. The thing I'd change is the double layer of fleece on the collar and facing - I'd either make it a single layer, or a lighter facing fabric.

Busy Sewing Day, But No Photos

Well after my late night sewing on Thursday, I was determined to take a break. Maybe follow the example of this little lady, being good and going to bed before Santa arrives. And that determination worked - until about 11:30 last night. Then I got the wild hair to make a tree skirt for the tree in the dining room. It was going to be a simple one - and I guess it was. DH came upstairs just as I whipped out the last stitch, at 2:08 a.m. So that was done.

Then this morning, I decided that I needed to make a table runner that coordinated. And, five and a half hours later, I have finally completed a BIG table runner - well all except the binding. I just dropped out - my shoulders hurt from all that sewing.

SO tomorrow I hope to finish off the binding, then take photos. I also want to sew a few other things tomorrow, so stay tuned.

Super Secret Sewing Project

Two of the many elements of the Super Secret Sewing Project. This is a Christmas present for a good friend. Since I don't want her to know about it, I removed her from the email list for now. So don't tell.

This is a really great project and I think I will be making a tutorial out of it after the holidays. A very useful thing for the sewist, and make use of things that might otherwise be discarded.

I'm very excited about this project and really think it will be fun. I hope to have it complete by Wednesday, so I can show a final photo and get your comments.

Two, Count 'Em Two, New Tops

As promised here are photos of the two tops I made this weekend. I will add them to my reviews at http://www.patternreview.com/ this evening.

Simplicity 2841 - Women's Plus Tunics

Pattern View My Version
Close Up of Yoke

This is actually the second one I sewed on Saturday night. It is not the view shown on the pattern photo (with the sort of "keyhole" yoke) but the second one shown. I made it from a cotton and lurex fabric I got on clearance this fall. Something about it seemed "Christmas-y", although now that it is made, perhaps St. Patrick's Day would be more appropriate!

I started with a dark green paisley print for the yoke, but could not get it set in correctly. I finally tossed it and cut another yoke from a piece of complementary fabric. I had four one inch strips of the dark green left, so I ironed a crease in it and set it under the new yoke. What I finally did, because the directions made absolutely no sense to me, was to then overlay the yoke on the top, pin into place, and sew into place. I then used three different threads - a dark green buttonhole twist (from the 80's??!!), a metallic dark green, and a medium green rayon - to decorate the yoke. I used the curvey S stitch, and each time I went around, I switched the stitche length and width to get different types of "s" designs.

It is very loose, and now that I see the photo I may put the elastic in the cuff to draw that in a bit. But it is comfortable and will be great both summer and winter (with long johns under!).


Dana Marie's Xceptional Shirt - 1036


Pattern View My Version
I LOVE THIS TOP!!!!


I love this top. I originally cut it out in late February or early March, with the intent of making it to take to Vancouver with me. I ran out of time, then the weather caught up with me and I did not get it made. I was determined to get it done over Thanksgiving weekend however. It took a lot longer than I thought it would - there are facings on the hems and sleeves, as well as the back "V" that have to be interfaced and then sewn on, then topstitched in place. However, it was worth all the work.

I was concerned about the buttons and buttonholes on this angled front, so I put snaps on instead - and it works well. I stitched the buttons on top of the snaps on the front, and I think it looks great.

I wore it out to the grocery and a quick trip to the bookstore tonight, and got three compliments on the top from strangers. So it must be a good selection! I will be making more.

So that is my collection from Thanksgiving weekend - two tops and a purse - not bad.

Sewing but no batteries for the camera

This weekend I finished two tops. THe first is one I have had cut out since February or early March - the Xceptional Blouse by Dana Marie Designs. The second is a Simplicity Kahlia Ali design.

Unfortunately, the batteries in my camera died! So no photos. But I hope to pick some up tomorrow and we shall have photos then.

Despite my resolutions

I did go to a couple of stores yesterday. I have a lot of flannel projects this year, so Joanne's $1.49 a yard flannel (see at http://www.joann.com/) was a big attraction.
However, I stood in line for an hour and fifteen minutes before I made it to the cutting counter. By the time I had everything cut, stood in line again to check out, and walked out of the store, I'd been there for two hours. But I have all the flannel I'll need for my Christmas sewing projects.
However, that was the end of my sewing related activity for the day - I was exhausted.

New Sewing Machine

HEY! I have a new toy! It is a Viking Quilt Designer. My new pal, Ann, found it for me on Craig's List. I picked it up yesterday, but haven't had a chance to get it out as yet - and it will probably be tomorrow before that happens!
Things have been very very busy here at the ranch. After a few months of not much in my consulting business, I suddenly am awash in work. And given the nature of grants, everything is deadline driven. And often, the deadlines are only a week or so away. I've been on the computer, writing and researching, so much that the palm of my right hand that rests on the edge of the lap top is actually sore!
I have a dramatic deadline for the upcoming week, so that I means I won't have much time for posting. But I am reserving Sunday as much as possible to play with my new toy.
I am still sewing - working on cutting up and reassembling my green and pink strata mentioned a few posts ago. Slow going, as I run into the sewing room for a spare 15 minutes or half hour.
I'll talk with you later!!