Ski Bag Anyone?

I know many of you are familiar with this fabric. It is outwear fabric from JoAnn's. I believe that is was popular last winter.





The skis are my DS' Christmas present. He is going skiing after Christmas for four days. He is quite excited about these skis. He also got the poles and boots. Well, he wanted to keep the skis covered while traveling. This is where the above fabric comes into play.

DS asked me to make a bag for the really cool skis. So I remembered the outerwear fabric. I went to JoAnn's hoping to use my coupon, because the fabric was not on sale. I took all the fabric on the bolt. It was over 3yds. I was blessed. It was on sale and I got it for $6.00. I did not get to use my coupon, but it was a much better deal.

I measured and planned the pattern. It was 78 inches long and 26in. wide.

I sewed a casing at the top. I re-purposed nylon rope and stoppers from an old Land's End coat I had in my closet.

As you can see the bag works. DS loves it. I am sure he will be the only skier with this type of bag!!! I still have enough fabric to make a vest for myself.

Winter Wonderland

Yes, we are living in a white wonderland!!! Just thought you might want to see a few more pictures of the beautiful 20 inches of snow that fell on Maryland Saturday. We stayed inside for the most part. DH and DS went out to try to keep the driveway clear, but it was a losing battle. Sunday, one of the neighbors with a snow-blower helped many tired shovelers.

The snow was nothing compared to the crazy atmosphere at the grocery store on Friday. Here in Maryland, if we think it is going to snow an inch, we are out buying bread, milk and toilet paper. Well, parking and getting a cart were almost impossible. I did make it inside the store and got enough food to last us through the storm.

DD is still taking final exams. She returns on Wednesday when another storm may hit here. I am praying that she can fly in without any problems.

Favorite Skirt

Well it has been a long time. Sorry I was having some tech problems. DD came home from college and solved all that was wrong with my camera. Here is my favorite skirt. The fabric was bought to make a purse. I kept looking at the fabric and feeling that it should be made into something more wearable. One thing I wish I would have done was to underline it. Carolyn at dairyofasewing fanatic wrote a wonderful informative post on underlining this summer.

The pattern is used is New Look 6843. The fabric was an Alexander Henry quilting cotton.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Our christmas tree is up and decorated. I still have more "house" decorating to accomplish. My family is getting their "wish lists" together and I will shopping ASAP!!!

Oh Jalie

Oh how I love this Jalie 2806 pattern! It is such a good fit on me. This is the third time I have made it. I remember wearing my first version and thinking "this feels so good on". When the fit is right-all is well in the world! The fabric is a knit from JoAnn's. It was featured in their summer fashion magazine.

I made the gathered neckline view. The past two versions were the large pleat view. The three quarter sleeves stay put on your arms. Since I am a petite, some sleeves are long and I am constantly pushing them up.

The directions have illustrations along with the text. I don't think anyone will have a problem following them. Children sizes are included. I am ready to cut another one out this week. It is a nice transitional top for the weather on the east coast.

Pretty in PInk

I saw this fabric in a JoAnn's fashion magazine from the summer, and it caught my eye. It just so happened that one of the two JoAnn's in my area had it. I used NL 6892 view A. This is a quick top to make. I did not want the ruffle at the sleeve bottom, so I put the casing at the sleeve hem line. I used clear elastic for the neck and sleeves. To used spray starch when pressing my casings at the neck and sleeves.
I love this top.My inspiration came from Sheila. She made a couple and gives her instructions for applying the elastic to the neckline and sleeves.The cami I wear underneath brings out the lavender color within the pink. I received many complements at school from both teachers and students. I am keeping my eyes open for more beautiful fabric to create this again.

Well I am finally posting!! My tech person (DD) went off the college and I was lost without her. So now I have pictures of what I have sewed since my last post. This is Simplicity 4076 view D. I made this top before and felt that the neckline was a little low, so I raised it this time.I wanted to lengthen the cap sleeve. After lengthening, the sleeve stood away from my arm. So, I came up with a design change. I took a pleat at the center hem, basted it and then hemmed it. My drafting skills still need practice, but I was able to come up with a cute solution!
The fabric was a cotton knit from JoAnn's. The instructions are easy. This was one of the first patterns I tried when I returned to garment sewing. It has become a TNT tee shirt pattern.

Parting thought:
Last post I talked about the fabric store that closed. It played a very big part in my sewing history. I bought both my Bernina's from that store. I took sewing classes there and made display garments for the display window. The ladies that worked at the store were seasoned designers. They encouraged and helped me during my sewing journey. When I pass the shopping center where the store was located, I feel sad. That chapter is closed. This is the new chapter--The Blog Sewing Community!!!

My first post!!!

Well this is my first post!! After reading many sewing blogs, I decided to jump in and have one of my own. I have been inspired by all the blogs. I am very grateful for all the tutorials that many sewists have shared.



Many blogs have inspired me to increase my stash!!!! Here are some of my most recent purchases.

Above: Three stretch wools that I purchased from Fabric.com. (brown, grey, black).



Two knits that will hopefully be a top & a dress.

These are two cotton prints. One is an Amy Butler print. I hope to make skirts with both pieces.

There is a story that goes along with the above prints. The store I purchased them from is going out of business. The store has been opened for 20+ years. I bought all my machines from this store. I also made display garments for it. It was difficult shopping for my last time in the store. There are many memories that are tied to my sewing history from that shop. Well, life goes on.



I will tell you about my "sewing history" next time!