Sewing Essentials

You know, I've been sewing for probably about 40 years now. And quite honestly, if you do anything for 40 years you become accustomed to doing it a certain way.

With sewing, that translates as simply this: when I have the right tools, things are just a whole lot better. The right tools make the job. This is true no matter what you're doing. For me, in the kitchen -- it's a rubber spatula. In the toolshed -- it's a ratchet screwdriver. In the laundry -- it's one of those fabulous new "Bounce" dryer bars that attaches to the inside of the drum. It pretty much boils down to this: you cuss a whole lot less when you have the right tools.

So because I have accumulated a few things that I commonly use, I thought I'd share those with you. If you're relatively new to sewing, these tools might help you. And if you're a more experienced sewer, you may not yet have come across one of the tools I use. Either way, I really hope it makes your sewing experience easier, more efficient, and more fun --

Please go to HERE, to You Tube to view the video, or just have a look below --

xoxox

What the Heck!

My kid works at Lowe's Hardware, and somehow the word has gotten out there that I sew. Everybody's calling me to do their alterations. Like I have time. Like I can say no.

I'd better make some serious money or I'm going to be really ticked. Maybe if I charge them an arm and a leg they'll leave me alone! LOL!

xoxox

New Twist, Old Idea

Here's a little video I did on hemming jeans. Enjoy!

I Have Decided . . .

to make a coat. (and to follow Jesus, but that's a different discussion and an old hymn, for those of you who didn't recognise it).

Anyway, it's gotten a bit chillier here on the NC/VA border, and I now have to walk from my car in a parking lot onto a school campus. The walk is far when it's cold.

So I'm thinking something about knee length or a bit above, that I can wear with a pair of jeans. Like a long black simple thing that doubles as a long jacket. Or deep pink, or orange, or a nice browny-beige. And fairly lightweight, and definitely NOT a trench. Nothing with a tie or belt.

I'm researching now, and have found these things:

This, but a bit shorter, above the knee:

Or perhaps this, longer:

Or maybe this. Not sure how I feel about the collar, though:

As I am currently so consumed by my biology class (I think my head may explode any minute now), any sewing I do will be to simply keep my sanity. I think this coat may be just the thing.

We'll see!

xoxox

In Search Of . . .

some ideas. I could use some help here.

I sponsor a Compassion International child in Haiti. She's about 7. I'd like to send her some homemade things, but what?

The problem is that it has to be flat. I have to be able to fit it into an envelope that's only 1/4" wide.

I've already sent paper dolls.

Any ideas?

Meanwhile, I'm buried under Barbie's dress re-do for a choir concert. It's "The Ed Sullivan Show" and she's singing "People" (by Barbra Streisand). She found a vintage dress online and asked me to copy it. I'll have to let you know if I actually get to doing it -- although I got a $30 wedding gown to revamp and lots of black tulle and satin. So far, schoolwork has prevailed, but I'm hoping to get to it in the next day or so.

More later.

xoxoxox

Anthropologie vs. Trudy of Hot Patterns

Here's something I find pretty interesting -- Trudy at HotPatterns had these designs coming out before Anthropologie's Fall offerings were out.

This lady is definitely ahead of the game! I love in all the YouTube clips when she talks about major designers and letting us know what's coming up in fashion.

And how great is it to view this stuff at Anthopologie's website, love it, and then know you can make it yourself?

I do have to say -- personal opinion here -- but I love Hot Patterns tops a little better than the Anthropologie tops.

However -- here are a few more Anthropologie tops that would be simply divine if you could make them yourself --

And a couple of cool accessories that are totally DIYable --

If I try any of these things, I'll post photos. And if you try any of these things, please do comment and leave your link below!

xoxox

Done.

I hate doing tulle and crinolines.

But it was so worth it --