Changing Things Up

I think our vacation to find summer really woke me up. I realized I had been falling into a routine that had become monotonous. It's time to shake things up a little. I decided to take a little break from quilting. (Jaw drops in shock!) Don't worry, not a long break. I decided I needed a new jacket. I went round and round looking at patterns, trying to find just the right combination. conservative enough to last forever (almost anyway), stylish enough that I will want to wear it and was easy enough that I wouldn't get bogged down in making it. That's quite a tall order. I decided on a McCalls pattern, made the muslin and hated it. Good thing I used muslin first. Remind me about this jacket the next time I want to skip that step. I finally settled on Vogue 1064. I ordered a grey wool three season suiting and a grey silk lining. I have to say, it went together beautifully. I still have to send it out to the cleaners so they can press it.

Then, I promised to make the Amy Butler Weekender Travel Bag for T. It is a beautiful bag, but has piping all the way around. It has been some time since I have done piping, so I thought I had better make a "sample" bag to make sure my piping skills were up to speed. Off to the quilt store because (of course) I didn't have anything that would do in my stash. I bought a beautiful black/grey and tan fabric and a very cool stripe for the piping. I came home and cut everything out and realized...I can't use the stripe. I have to cut the piping strips on the bias and the stripes were already on the bias. So back to the quilt store for more fabric. In the end, I like how the bag turned out. Now I just need to fill it. Hmmm.

I'm ready to add some color to my sewing again. Working with all this grey has been soothing but it's time for another change.

A Little Sewing Fun

I have borrowed a new book from my guild's library "The Art of Manipulating Fabric" by Colette Wolff. It is so much fun. The book covers many different ways to fold, gather and stitch fabric to achieve 3 dimensionsal results. I have so many new ideas my head is spinning. I think I'm going to have to buy this book for my reference library. Jus tlooking through all the photos has given me ideas. There are also detailed instructions on how to pleat, tuck, gather and fold. The book is divided into sections, organized by technique. Definately worth checking into. Love it!

I also have been working on a little jacket and top for work. This is McCall's 5007 jacket and the top is New Look 6669. Both went together very easily. The top took me about 5 hours to cut and sew. I did lengthen the jacket about 2 inches. I like to weat my tops out right now and I wanted to make sure the jacket come down past the hem of the top. It may or may not be fashionable, but it is a little more professional looking. I think they'll look great with a pair of black pants. In fact, I think I'll wear them tomorrow.

As for my quilts, I have been busy , busy getting reasy for the quilt show in Chatauqua at the endo f the month. I have 2 more that need quilting. I have also been planning what I should take to Houston in October. Sorry, you'll have to wait and see on those. They are only on paper right now, now yet in fabric. I can give you a few little hints though. I love the Benartex Fossil Ferns. http://www.benartex.com/ You can be sure I'll be using some of that fabric. I also have taken some ideas from the book that I think I might use in a table runner. There is still that wedding quilt as well. I'll have more hints and sneak peaks later. Maybe I'll get back to that mirror idea...

Did you know there have been studues which prove sewing reduces blood pressure? http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3831/is_200011/ai_n8921765

Happy sewing all.