Sew Spoiled: Sew Spoiled Weekender Tote Sew-a-long!

Sew Spoiled: Sew Spoiled Weekender Tote Sew-a-long!

Great idea. I am joining in. I also posted info and a link on my much neglected sewing blog:
http://sallysews.blogspot.com/2010/04/great-idea.html

I need to get my sewing mojo back.

Great Idea

Here is a great idea! Sew Spoiled (Leah Williams) featured a large weekender tote bag in the March issue of Sew News, but was not happy about how the pattern was featured. SO...
she is hosting a SEW ALONG to make the bag.

This is a photo from her site of a completed bag:

I am going to join the sew along in an attempt to get my sewing mojo back and in operation. Here is the timeline:
Here is the Time line...
Gather Fabric and supplies- - - - - - April 17- May 1 (2weeks)
Cut out the pieces - - - - - - - - - - - - -May 2- May 8
Outer Shell Pleats - - - - - - - - - - - - -May 9- May 15
Straps and finish Outer Shell- - - - - -May 16- May 22
Pockets and Magnet Clasp - - - - - - May 23- May 29
Lining and Finish the Tote- - - - - - - May 30- June 5

Go to her blog for details: http://www.sewspoiled.blogspot.com/ The post outlining the rules is from April 14/2010.

And the free pattern is at her website: http://www.sewspoiled.net

Hello, Am I Out There?

I have not touched my sewing machine since just before Christmas. Well I did touch it, but it was acting up and the bobbin thread was a mess, and I just didn't have the patience.

Part of the issue of not having any "sewing mojo" as so many call it is in the photo above - three little urchins! I love them though. But every weekend, and sometimes twice a week, mean less sewing for grandma.

I also started a new job - full time - and the move from part-time work/consulting part-time is causing havoc as well. I have a 40 minute to 1 hour commute each way, so that cuts considerably into my day.

Do I have sewing ambition? Oh yes. At the JoAnne's Simplicity sale a few weeks ago I got four new patterns - including a cool jacket I love. Well Blogger isn't cooperating, so I can't access the site and show it to you. Drat! Oh and I bought a KnipMode magazine that has a jacket and a pair of pants I'd quite like to make. AND loved the plus size things in the March issue of Burda.

And my fabric buying is still going on. As a matter of fact, just last week I stopped at Joanne's and found some fleece remnants perfect for an Easter Bunny delivered blankie. Hum, are you seeing a theme here?

Meanwhile, I have been crocheting off and on, and even took a knitting class. So I've moved some of my time into those categories as well. So stay tuned, I might be able to do something this spring . . . after taxes are done. And Z's 5th birthday is over. Sigh.

2009 Recap- Part I - How Did I Do Against My 2009 Goals??

Time to recap the 2009 progress on my goals. Hum, did not make all of them. But that is why they are goals, right??

This year my life seemed to speed up considerably. My consulting business was booming for the early winter, spring and summer - in May I had an all time high number of projects. Too many in fact. I acquired a new granddaughter, which makes three from this family brood, five overall. And that has taken up a considerable amount of time, especially with d-i-law having difficulties before and after delivery. And I was a bit depressed for quite some time all year, although that seems to be clearing. There were times when I could have/should have been sewing, but didn't. So overall, 2009 was an overwhelming year. I hope to mitigate that feeling in 2010!

I have some creations I have not listed, so that will make up Part II - just as soon as I get time to take a few photos.

Purple font is a quote from my 2009 goal setting post. [Progress rated on a 1-5 scale, with 1 being best].

"In 2009, these are my goals: + No new fabric purchases!!!!!! Sew only from my stash ( which is extensive), with the exception of zippers and lining (if I can't find something in my stash). [Since this is a 2009 deadline, this week I ordered from Fabric.com, fabricmart.com and equilter.com. Technically, not purchased in 2008!!!]

I did very well the first six months or so, then threw this goal to the wind. But I also don't think I purchased as much as I have in the past. So while my stash grew, it didn't grow as much proportionately as in previous years (how's that for rationalization???). [3 out of 5]

+ Learn to Quilt on my New Used Quilt Designer Machine!!!!! I want to learn to use this machine to the fullest.

This machine made my sewing this year easier. Not just on quilts, but on clothing - the buttonholer is a dream to use, the quarter inch needle setting great. I really like this machine. Did I learn to quilt? Well, a bit. But still much more to learn. I'm trying to get up the courage to try the quilt I made for my brother, but it is HUGE and my machine is small. [2 out of 5]

+ Make One Item from Each Burda Plus and/or Burda World of Fashion Magazine Acquired!!!!
I have three issues of Burda Plus, with the fourth coming my way in January, plus several BWOF issues. BUT I have been hesitant to actually make anything - the idea of tracing and preparing the tissue seems to be a barrier. But I will overcome this barrier in 2009 and make one thing from each issue I acquire.

Ha, ha, ha. Spoken like a true optimist. I did eventually make two items from the Burda magazines. They haven't been hemmed as yet, but I want to get that done this weekend. I did copy off several patterns. But I added to my stash with two KNIP MODE magazines (incredibly expensive, but I wanted to see what all the fuss was about), from which I've copied four patterns, and am thinking about a fifth. Now I just need to get these things made! And I have overcome the barrier of tracing the patterns from the magazine, so I can declare progress on this one! [3 out of 5]

+ Make at least one item for myself from the vintage patterns I've collected!!!!
I have a bunch I've picked up here and there. I used the men's pj's for a Christmas present. Now I want to make at least one dress out of the vintage patterns I've picked up.

Same story as above really. I have one copied and partially adjusted, but haven't made anything. I'm bad. [0 out of 5]

+ Finish the Unfinished 2008 Projects!!!!

I made some progress here, but haven't finished them. Several of the eight pointed star squares are sewn together, and all have been "squared up" in preparation for sewing. This project is actually not just a 2008 UFO, but dates back to 1999 - so it celebrated its 10th anniversary this year! Whooo hooo! Happy New Year.

On the Paris Flea Market quilt, I have all the blocks sewn, and the large one squared up for patching. Still need to square up the small ones. And I have another UFO - the Oriental Geisha quilt I need to finish for my Round Robin - from 2007! This is beyond ridiculous at this point - must make it a priority.

I created only one UFO in 2009. I joined a group of sewing enthusiasts that were working on the faceted jewels pattern. I have all my pieces cut out, but have not put needle to fabric as yet. [1 out of 5]

Average Rating of Progress from 2009: 1.8 - not great,
not even average, just so-so.

Back to Blogging!

Wow, it has been a long time since I blogged! Can't believe I've been away so long, but things have been hectic here. Two new babies in the family, two little boys to help care for as their mommy had a series of complications following baby's arrival, interviewing for a new job - things have been busy this fall.

The upshot of it all is that I will be moving to a new job, effective 1/4/10! I will be working at a local community college as their Grants Administrator. Should be an interesting opportunity - a newly created position, so lots of trails to blaze.

And through it all, I have been sewing! I actually achieved one goal I had for this year - I made a piece from the Burda magazine. Actually, I made two. I don't have photos of these as yet, but plan to get some in the week between Christmas and New Year. The items I made were:

SKIRT 137B/ Sept 09 Burda

I made this skirt, which has an attractive back that you can't see in this drawing. The bottom 1/3 is flared or draped. The rest of the skirt is a plain pencil skirt. I planned to make the jacket as well, but found I needed to adjust for larger bust and add to the arms - well by the time I got things worked out on paper - it just didn't seem as though it would fit. So that idea was abandoned and I plan to make a jacket from a Burda Pattern Company pattern.


DRESS 407/ Burda Plus Spring 09
I made this dress in a heavy, nicely drapy poly. I added about 8 inches to the tie to make it a longer and floppier tie. I really love this dress, although it was a mistake a minute (sewing the two side seams together as the center back seam, etc.) I'll post a photo soon.


AND I've been sewing and crocheting my Christmas presents - hats and scarves, shawls, pajamas, nightgowns, pullovers - lots of things. Still have a bit to go in the next week.

Finally, my Cincinnati Five Crazy Quil group got together for the first time in months and months for a Christmas event. This is our photo below, with a digi-scrapbook frame.

So have a Merry Christmas everyone, and a Happy New Year!!!!!!!