Cats and Calico

2012-01-26T17:41:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited about the new online class being offered on Craftsy by Susan Khalje called The Couture Dress. I love her books, loved her old TV show and I'm thrilled about this class. I hope it encourages other well known teachers to do the same. Not everyone can travel or afford to go to classes. I've already started watching and it's amazing. I got it half price from clicking on this link from the blog Frabjous Fashion. http://frabjous-fashion.blogspot.com/2012/01/couture-dress-class-by-susan-khalje.html

EG Valentine Tealights- Emboidery

2012-01-14T12:37:00.000-06:00

I bought these embroidery files from Embroidery Garden

and for once may them up instead of just buying them and thinking about making them. They are super fast and easy. Just use felt and no stabilizer. I had fun making them. You put battery operated tealights in them and they glo. Can't wait for the grandkids to see them.

Ottobre 6/2011 Dora Dress & McCalls6457 Leggings

2012-01-13T12:03:00.000-06:00

Found this crazy wild colored Dora Fleece at Hancocks and Sophie loves Dora and Owls so couldn't resist. I made the dress from left over leopard fleece to see if it fit and if Momma liked it. She liked it but it was way to short so I added 2 1/2" to the length. It's a little long but Momma was happy and didn't want me to shorten it. It's a little warm for our mild Texas winters but it's good for the ocassional cold days. It goes together easily. The leggings and hat are from McCall's 6457. The leggings run loose fitting and they are way to long in the crotch depth. I cut off about an 1 1/2" on the front and 2" in the rear and could have done with a little more. I sewed the hat with 1/4" seams in lieu of 5/8" seams since large heads run rampant in our family. Glad I did because it wasn't falling off that's for sure. While the fabrics a little wild for my taste. Sophie loved the material even if she did hate trying it on since it wasn't cold at all the day we made her try it on. I like the shape of the dress and will make it again in a lighter weight fabric.

Maternity Tops for Liz x 4- Jalie 2787 & 2788

2012-01-09T12:28:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow is my daught in law's birthday. So pulled out the Jalie patterns and made her some maternity/nursing tops. Jalie 2787 takes a little longer to make than Jalie 2788

but it is also a nursing top so they will get more use. Made all the version of 2787 since she's due in May and it gets hot here by March so the sleeveless top will get a lot of use later. I've got a few more of the Jalie 2788 cut out and hope to get them made this week.

Kwik Sew 3773 Fleece for William

2011-12-30T15:00:00.000-06:00

Made William one of these tops a few months ago and he wears it all the time. So decided to make him a couple of more. The fleece came from Hancock fabrics. The pattern is Kwik Sew 3773 . This is a easy quick pattern.

Grinch Christmas PJ's for Nine Grandkids

2011-12-28T10:12:00.000-06:00

I made PJ's pants and bought shirts and appliqued Grinch fabric panels to the fronts. Got all done with almost a week to spare before Christmas.

New Look 6977 Lace Skirt & Houndstooth Ponte

2011-11-04T06:10:00.000-05:00

This was such a quick couple of skirts and they are both loved. I made Judy an off white ponte skirt with a stretch lace overlay- both fabrics from fabric.com. I used New Look 6977 pattern. I made Sharon the houndstooth ponte knit and she loved it. Here's a picture of Judy in her skirt after a long day as a kindergarten teacher

Swimsuits for Ella and Lucy Kwik Sew 3605 & 1339

2011-06-20T14:48:00.002-05:00

My Granddaughters came to visit and had grown out of thier swimsuits so whipped them up some new ones. Ella's is Kwik Sew 3605 and the fabric is from fabric.com a couple of years ago. Lucy's is an OOP Kwik Sew 1339 and the fabric was from fabric club I think. The frog applique is from JuJu desgins and the hearts where cut free hand and appliqued by machine zig zag. They love them and they were lots of fun to put together.

Vogue 1224 Tracy Reese for Megan & KS 3811 for Sophie

2011-05-04T12:17:00.001-05:00

Like everyone else I liked the look of this pattern Vogue 1224 by Tracy Reese. I saw it on Erica B's blog and GiGi Sew's blog and just had to make it for one of the girls. I showed to Megan and she loved it. I happened to have a piece of fabric I had ordered for undies that she liked and wanted me to use. It was very bright yellow and purple print that I was a little leary of. I not only had enough for the dress but also enough scraps to cut a little matching onesie out for Megan's daughter Sophie with Kwik Sew 3811. She's not sure she's in love with it but she's going to wear it. Sophie's onesie was cut out with a 6-12 months width and 12-18 month length. It's a little snug in the sleeves so I'm going to remove them and either make it sleeveless or replace with larger sleeve. The Tracy Reese dress goes together so quickly. I like the way it isn't tight in the front but is more fitted in the back. My daughter Judy and my daughter in law Liz both want one in thier size. I'm glad it was simple.

And a picture of Judy wearing Vogue 8679.

Simplicity 2195 & Jalie 3024

2011-04-26T11:45:00.000-05:00

I made Simplicity 2195 to wear to the Kenny Chesney Concert. I cut a size 20 in the shoulders and neckline and out to the largest size at the hips. I didn't use the facing pieces. I hate facings on knits, actually I just hate facings period. I bound the neckline with crosswise cut fabric. I had large pieces of fabric left so I cut out Jalie 3024 for two of my granddaughters. They are thick as thieves and love matching each other. I love this pattern for a quick and easy dress. The girls love them. I don't remember where I got the blue knit I've had it for awhile. The black knit w/ silver skulls is from fabric.com. I added length to the dresses but they are still short. Will add more length next time.

And a picture of Mr. Finnegan and his newest idea of fun. He steals paper plates and chews and throws them all over the place. He is one crazy kitten.

Lots of Panties for Hailey- That Darn Kat Undies

2011-04-18T11:41:00.000-05:00

I made 10 pairs of panties for Hailey because she was trying to wear the ones I made her over and over because she likes the way the feel. My son implored me to make her additional panties. So I spent all day Sunday making panties. I have a very happy granddaughter now who loves all her "new pairs" as she calls them. I used the pattern from That Darn Kat

but used elastic in lieu of the suggested lycra fabric. I've done it that way but if the fabric doesn't have really good recovery than the panties fall off. Hailey has a full lower bum and store bought undies ride up on her. These fit her wonderfully. Huckleberry and Mr. Finnegan had to get in on the panty party.

Vogue 8679- Top for Judy

2011-04-16T16:26:00.000-05:00

Made this Vogue 8679 top for Judy for work. Not sure if she'll like it but Sharon likes it so it will have a home. It was quick and easy and I was pleased with it. I added 1" length in the body and 3" to the bottom. I'll add a picture of Judy in it if I see her anytime soon.

I used the coverstitch for neck, sleeves and hem. I use steam a seam lite first then coverstitch hems. It works so nice. And a picture of Huckleberry just for good measure.

Vogue 8724 Custom Fit Cups- for Megan

2011-04-15T12:50:00.000-05:00

I made Vogue 8724 for my daughter Megan. Whom I usually have to do a FBA for. I used this pattern with the D cup and only a minor pattern adjustment to the neckline that I do to all of Megan's patterns. She always has gaps at the neckline. I use the french curve to mark the neckline then foldover a 1/4". I use to just fold in a little pleat in the pattern but this works much better and lies smoothly. This dress went together quickly and fit her perfectly. This will become a TNT for Megan. She loves this style and often buys this style dress. I had a bunch of fabric left so made this matching romper for Sophie June. I couldn't find a pattern that was what I wanted so I just took a vintage romper pattern and used the general shape and changed it at the top. The picture of Megan in the dress are before I hemmed it and finished the neckline. I used my coverstitch machine to hem it. I took two inches out of the length but it was still long. Mr. Finnegan wanted in on the photo shoot. He's six monthes old this coming week. He's a really playful fun kitten.

New Look 6917 Skirt for Sharon

2011-02-23T09:28:00.000-06:00

This is New Look 6917 view E in a tropical light weight wool blend from fabric.com a year or so ago. It was a a perfect fit right out of the envelope. I just love sewing for sharon she fits patterns perfect. She's 5'6" with a B/C cup and proportioned perfectly for patterns. Love it. Sorry the pics of the skirt on dress form are not ironed my son in law broke my ironning board and I hadn't replaced it yet.

McCalls 6049 Apron for Hailey

2011-02-01T06:11:00.000-06:00

My granddaughter Hailey walked in the door this weekend and told me she needed a apron because Mommy had one and she didn't. So she picked this pattern and this adorable Michael Miller Mermaid fabric I've had in the stash for a couple of years. I just recently got the green pin dot from fabric.com. I added a large pocket to the front because little girls always have lots of things to put in pockets. She was so pleased with it and even wanted to take the scraps of fabric home with her. She is so cute. This is McCalls 6049.

My Chirstmas Kitty- Mr. Finnegan

2011-01-28T13:22:00.000-06:00

Look at my new baby chocolate siamese kitten. My whole family and my brothers family went together and got me Mr. Finnegan because we lost my little Miss Kitty from kidney disease. We had her for almost 12 years and adopted her as an adult. I usually wait months to replace an animal but having this new kitten a few weeks after losing Miss Kitty was actually very helpful with missing her. He's so fun to watch. He plays/annoys Huckleberry all the time. But he really was missing Miss Kitty so the new kitten helped Huckleberry too. The last picture is of Miss Kitty.

Cowgirl Boots for Sophie Simp 2278

2011-01-25T12:33:00.000-06:00

I made these little boots out of pink cowgirl minkie from fabric.com from

Simpliciy 2278

. I used leather scraps from fabricmart for the soles. Really quick and easy. Now I need to make her a matching outfit. How cute is this picture of Sophie in her little tutu her Mom made her.

MOB Pictures

2011-01-24T09:38:00.000-06:00

I accidently published my last post before I added the pictures.

Mother of the Bride Suit

2011-01-24T06:22:00.002-06:00

I made a suit with black/white/blue boucle from fabric.com. I was going for a retro look but felt I channeled my inner Aunt Bee. I used Vogue 8123 for the jacket but added a lining. The skirt was an old pattern for a straight skirt which I also added a lining to.

Kourt's Birthday Dress McCalls 6240

2011-01-21T09:23:00.005-06:00

Made McCalls 6240 view C for my niece Kourtney. The fabric was from Joann's. It was quick and easy. We ended up adding a shoulder strap to cover her bra strap. Sorry the pics aren't very good they are from a phone camera.

Wedding was Perfect

2010-12-07T05:11:00.007-06:00

Judy's wedding was just beautiful and everything went great. The dress looked so pretty and she looked perfect in it. It was such a bear to make but I couldn't have been more pleased with how she looked on her wedding day. I've never put so much work in anything I've ever made. Judy had a friend make a custom pattern but it came with no directions and no patterns for the front overlay. I had a hard time getting the poly chiffon to pleat but with tons of ironing and some steam-a-seam to keep the pleats from puffing out I managed to get the look Judy wanted. The front was the problem I had. I draped right breast and was able to make it look fitted and was happy with it. But the left side because of the direction of the pleats just wouldn't conform and fit to the bust. I took it apart 5 times trying differnt things. I even decided to start from scratch with a different pattern that had long ties that wrapped aroung the waist. I had made the new bodice and was attaching the long ties that wrapped over the bust and around the waist. When I got the bright idea of using the ties from the second bodice and attach to the waist of the original bodice so that I could get the fitted look on the left side of the bust and still use the bodice I had worked so hard on pleating. It worked like a charm and everything finally came together. All the aggrevation and hard work was worth it when I saw her in it. She loved it.

"The Joker" Halloween Jacket

2010-10-12T14:22:00.004-05:00

I've almost finished "The Joker" Halloween Jacket for my grandson Dylan. I used Simplicity 2513 and added length since it's suppose to go to the knees. Still need to press it and hem it. Ordered the material for the vest and waiting to get it. Got my mother of the bride outfit cut out and found lining fabric to match so need to start on it.

Wedding dress muslin

2010-10-08T08:37:00.005-05:00

So we got the pattern from the custom patternmaker yesterday. Here's the muslin from it. It's perfect in length and only a little snug in the bust- easy fix. A little loose under the bust in the ribcage- easy fix. I want to change up the curve of the sweetheart neckline which is super easy fix. Couldn't be more pleased with it. Will save me from having to do all the length adjustments that long tall Judy takes. And buying three patterns and making a frankenpattern to get the look she wanted. Yippie. Looking forward to getting started with the fashion fabric this weekend. Hoping to get at least partically cut out.

Vogue 8123 Muslin & Alice & Wonderland dress

2010-10-07T11:36:00.009-05:00

I'm working on my mother of the bride outfit for Judy's wedding. I'm making a suit using black with blue flecks boucle from fabric.com. I used Vogue 8123 in a size 22 at shoulders and arms but sized out the sides to fit all my additional girth. I did a high round adjustment and shortened the sleeves 3" since I'm only 5' 3 3/4" inches and have short arms and of course did a full bust adjustment and added a dart. I'm pleased with the fit and it's a super easy pattern. I'm going to add a lining and I'll fuse knit interfacing to the boucle. I'm nervous it will be to warm since it's far from cold in Texas in November. But hopefully with the wedding in the evening it won't be to warm. It's 88 today so still warm down here. I really like this pattern and will make the other versions. And this is the dress I made for Emma who likes Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland. It's

recycled t-shirt pattern

from you can make this.I bought a junior women's shirt and cut it up for top of dress, scraps from a top for myself for the sleeves and trim and used some random shiny hot blue fabric for skirt. The skirt material isn't wearing well so will probably have to replace skirt but it sure is fun.

Judy's Wedding Dress & Halloween

2010-10-06T08:48:00.007-05:00

I'm going to be making Judy's wedding dress for her November 20th wedding. A friend of Judy's is making a custom pattern thats a knock off of a RTW dress that doesn't fit a tall women. I'm getting nervous to get it so I can get started. I don't want to have to rush rush rush the dress. I've been working on somethings for her honeymoon. I've basted Kwik Sew 3760 tried it with all ivory fabric and then ivory/black print at waistband and upper neckband but she hated it. She wants black or navy at waistband and collarband but everything I've tried has bleed when I tested it. So on the look out for some black or navy that won't bleed onto the ivory double knit. Here's a pic- basted and not pressed version. Been in a Halloween mood so made a couple of wall hangings. Have to make a Joker costume for Dylan, does anyone know of a costume pattern with a large boy or small mans that is a knee length jacket? I don't want a detailed real suit, this will be a one time wear so don't want to put to much work into it.

Sewing for Granddaughters

2010-09-21T07:54:00.012-05:00

Life has been crazy this summer. My father was in a serious car accident and when he left the rehab hospital he came to stay with us. He finally was well enough to go home last week so life is much calmer now. I've sewed some during the last three months but not much. So I've been going to town the last week. Here's a couple of things I made the Granddaughters. I made Emma two gymnastics outfits the brown skirt set was two Jalie patterns 2006 is the top and 2796 is the skort. Love the little skort it has a pocket in the side for a ipod and you can put shorts or panties under the skirt. I also made her Jalie 2797 but left off the skirt and cut the body of the leotard as one piece instead of putting the seam at the waist since I wasn't adding the skirt. Just used some swimsuit material left over from a past projects for both. I'm working on some little A-lines for Hailey and Alyssa. The pattern is Burda 3026, I changed the back from a button closure to a back zip and lined it so the applique wouldn't be scratchy. Hailey has very sensitive skin. I got the jungle prints from fabric.com a year or two ago. I appliqued the lion from Planet Applique and the monkey from Sewing for Sarah. I've finished Hailey's but haven't gotten a picture of her in it yet. And last but not least is a little dress made from scraps from a project my daughter Nicole made for Lucy for baby Sophie. I wish I had a picture of her in it but still waiting on it. It's Simplicity 2572, I just used three cordinating prints in lieu of using all one fabric. I also used bias turned to right side in lieu of suggested method. I'm glad my Dad is home and doing well with help from a friend from church. I'll be starting on Judy's wedding dress soon and want to make her some things for the honeymoon also. So lots and lots of sewing needs to get done in the next few months. She's getting married Novemeber 20th and it's creeping up quickley.

McCalls 6109- Liz's new dress

2010-07-28T13:53:00.010-05:00

Sorry the pictures are so awful but here's McCalls 6109 dress for Liz. I had to shorten the top and take an inch out of each side seam. Not sure if it just runs big or if that was design ease. But looked much better taken up. These pictures of dress on Judy before I took it up and hemmed it for Liz. Judy's 5'10" and Liz is 5'4" so had to shorten it also. It's a quick dress if I didn't have to take it apart to resize. I don't like that the neckline isn't finished but on it looks cute. Also some pictures of the pj's (Kwik Sew pattern)I made for William and Dylan plus undies for Jacob.

Judy's Romper- McCalls 6083

2010-07-07T14:35:00.005-05:00

This is McCalls 6083 Romper I made for Judy for the July 4th weekend. I added 3" to length of top for Long Tall Judy's length and to add additional blousing per Judy's request. I also added 3/4" to length between waist and hips. I did the top different I added contrast and turned to front and used that for casing. The material is cotton shirting from Joanns last year and the plaid is from who knows where and when. She likes it and so did my niece and she wants one now. I would recommend this fun and easy pattern.

Tiana Dress for Hailey B-3351

2010-06-29T08:29:00.008-05:00

This is a dress up dress for my granddaughter Hailey who loves the Princess and the Frog movie. She's been asking me for a Tiana dress so I used Butterick 3351. I made it a little big so she could play in it for a couple of years. Put a grow tuck in the hem to let down later as she gets taller. I changed up the top -gave it a sweatheart neckline and gathered the rest of the front. Not crazy about it but it's to play in so it's fine. My youngest daughter got engaged on Sunday so will be working on her wedding dress soon. The wedding is in November so have lots of time to get it finished. Picture of Cowin J Pussycat whom I thought looked cute that day while I was taking pictures for the blog.

Sewing Miss Daisy

2010-06-20T08:34:00.005-05:00

Made one of the Lil Blue Boo Recycled T-shirt dresses again. Emma Daisy loves cheerleading so cut up an old t-shirt and made her a dress. No model pics yet. Also made another version of the kwik sew nightgowns for Emma Daisy with some scraps from a shirt I'm working on. And of course a matching doll dress to go with it.

Fab Four- UK dress for Alyssa

2010-06-13T14:23:00.006-05:00

Well when my daughter in law Liz saw the dress for Sophie we had to make one for Alyssa Grace. I used the top of the Lil Boo dress and just made the bottom layers wider and gathered them. Doesn't she look adorable in it. Now her sister Hailey wants one. That's what happens when you have 9 grandkids, they all want one. ha ha

Three's a charm- Lil Boo x 3

2010-06-12T16:56:00.005-05:00

Well I'm hooked. These are just fun to make. This is the third one today heres number one and number two.Megan had this old shirt I cut up and used the scraps from Judy's test fabric (one of her favorite summer shirts)and some leopard poly knit from who knows where. It's kinda silly but I like it. Love the colors. Now I'm tired and need a nice bubble bath.

Lil Boo Take Two- refasioned for Sophie

2010-06-12T12:37:00.006-05:00

This is the remake of the Lil Boo dress my daughter Nicole of Cole's Creations made Sophie but did not fit her. I added the fabric to the sides and took off the red binding and replaced it with the matching fabric I added to the sides. It's not as cute as the original dress but it's cute enough.

Go Big Blue- Lil Blue Boo for Sophie

2010-06-12T10:53:00.010-05:00

This is Lil Blue Boo's Recycled T-shirt Halter dress pattern. My daughter made this dress for her 4 month old Sophie. Who's lets say is very healthy as my Grandmother would have said. It was way to tight on the belly. So this is it with 1/2" added to all side seams which will add two inches around the tummy. Sophie isn't in town today so no shots of her in it. Hoping it will fit her chubby tummy with added width. My daughter is just starting to sew and this pattern uses old t-shirts to make little dresses. You actually use the bottom of the t-shirt's finished hem for the bottom of the dress so no hem is required. The fabric is an old University of Kentucky T-shirt, some cotton lycra leopard print from fabric.com I ordered last year and some scraps of stretch lace and UK fabric from some boxers I cut off years ago. It's a quick pattern and very very very easy for beginners.

Kwik Sew 3675- Way too Big

2010-06-10T15:53:00.007-05:00

I made this dress for Megan, thought it would work well since she's nursing. I went by her measurments but it's huge on her. I guess I just wasn't thinking and used her full bust measurement to choose the size. Poor Megan wears a 34F when she's not nursing so you can imagine how big her bust is with nursing. It just was way to big. I'm hoping it will fit someone else. I'm going to make it again in a smaller size. The material is a Rayon Knit blend from fabric.com.

Kwik Sew 3593 Teacher Clothes for Judy

2010-06-01T10:59:00.006-05:00

This makes up pretty quick. Made the neckline an extra small and the rest a small. It runs pretty loose so took a little out of the waist to give it a little shape. She'll wear it with a belt. Used a poly knit from fabric.com I bought a long time ago. I don't know if you can tell from the pictures with that busy print but the back isn't gathered, only the front. I like that they didn't add extra fabric in the back like some shirts like this one. I have this cut out in the tunic in red with longer sleeves for the fall.

Kwik Sew Pattern 3593

Lots of finished dresses on Mothers Day

2010-05-10T04:27:00.007-05:00

Got all the girls dresses finished for Mothers Day celebration. Judy is in a mixture of Kwik Sew 3758 and an old Gap T-shirt that was to short for Long Tall Judy. She had wanted one of these dresses since they came out last year but couldn't find one that wasn't to short. She loves it. I made the skirt per the pattern and took a pen and marked on the t-shirt where I wanted the skirt to be and just sewed the elastic to the shirt in lieu of making a t-shirt per the pattern instructions.Here's pictures of Sharon and Liz in thier finished dresses. Lucked out they loved them to. Now I need to make Megan a new dress she's feeling left out. Had a wonderful Mother's Day dinner that everyone brought something for. Yummy and I didn't have to do anything. Perfect Day.

Judy's Little Black Dress -Kwik Sew 3778 Number 2

2010-04-26T20:42:00.008-05:00

This is the one shoulder version of Kwik Sew 3778. I used some black knit that I think is ottomen knit. It's very soft, medium weight with a ton of stretch and it's got a ribbed like look similar to corduroy. She'll wear it with a belt. It only took about an hour from start to finish to make this dress. The changes I made were to add length for long tall Judy and additional 1" to front to help cover her bust -a quick and easy FBA. A picture of Huckleberry with some new fabrics I got from fabric.com.

Liz Summer Dress -Kwik Sew 3778

2010-04-25T16:52:00.007-05:00

Just another quick and easy summer dress for daughter in law Liz. This went together very fast. I added a self fabric belt because it just needed something. I used my coverstitch machine for hem. Used clear elastic at armholes because this fabric was so soft it needed something to beef it up before I turned it under and topstitched it. I also topstitched the neckband to keep the seam allowences from popping out. Fabric is from Fabric Mart. I believe it was a rayon knit. Here's a picture of Megan and Sophie all tuckered out from taking an hour long walk and then playing with the cousins. Sophie looks like a little angel sleeping on top of Mommie.

Sharon made her first dress. Kwik Sew 2630

2010-04-21T09:28:00.009-05:00

I've been teaching my daughter in law how to sew. We have a lesson on tuesday while my grandaughter Emma Daisy is in cheerleading class. It's been so fun. We started working on this dress a couple of weeks ago. It's Kwik Sew OOP pattern 2630 and we used rayon knit from fabric.com and lined it with a flesh colored knit that was in the stash from who knows where. We added ties and lining. We bound the neckline and armholes instead of turning under the edges per the instructions since when Sharon tried this it wasn't working with the lining. I don't have a picture of Sharon in it yet but will put one up later. I also put a picture of Judy in the beach cover/ dress I just finished.

Kwik Sew 3505 Beach Coverup

2010-04-18T12:00:00.008-05:00

Judy wanted a swimsuit cover that would match any of her suits so she would have something to slip over her swimsuits. We decided on this Kwik Sew 3505 in a lightweight white stripe shirting from Hobby Lobby we got last year. I added 1 1/2" to bodice length, 1/4" to shoulders and 8" to skirt length. This was suppose to be a top but she wanted it to be a dress. I will still probably add a modesty panel to the front. But first need to try it on her and see if and how much of a modesty panel it needs. I also fully lined it. The material was just to shear, so added a white cotton lining. She really could wear it with a cami as a dress if she wanted to. I'm working on Kwik Sew 3758 but I'm using a fitted T from the Gap that's to short for Judy, as the top of the dress and some cotton from fabric.com for the skirt. I've got the skirt put together but have to find where I put the elastic for the waist. Which might take weeks considering the amount of stash I have. Oh well we all have our weaknesses.

Work in Progress -Pattern Mix

2010-04-12T05:13:00.007-05:00

I started to cut out another version of New Look 6936 but didn't pay much attention to how much fabric I had. Didn't have enough fabric to cut out the bodice so started looking for dresses with a bodice that could merge with the bottom of NL 6936. Used an old OOP Kwik Sew 2630. I have it half put together but when Judy saw it she was not in love with it. She thought the dress was to grown up for her. I showed it to my daughter in law and she liked it so now I'm going to finish it up for her. Just need to hem it and finish the armholes and neckline. I got the fabric at Wal-Mart for $2.00 a yard, I should have gotten more considering it had panels but was thinking of a skirt when I picked it up. Next up Kwik Sew 3505 a beach cover up. Here's a picture of Alyssa Grace giving Huckleberry some love, he was not feeling the love in return.

Nightgowns for Alyssa and Hailey

2010-04-06T05:17:00.006-05:00

Another version of Kwik Sew Nightgown pattern. This time I made a matching gown for Hailey's little sister Alyssa who is one. I cut out a heart of Minky and appliqued it to the front so it wouldn't be so plain. Fabric has been in the stash so long no clue where it came from. Here's Emma Daisy modeling Hailey's nightgown. Isn't she a cutie. I cut Judy out two more dresses while I was watching 24 last night.

New Look 6936 Judy's Easter Dress

2010-04-04T12:23:00.007-05:00

Judy told me she needed a new Easter dress last night at about 8PM which is to close to bedtime for me to start a dress. So got up and cut out and made this simple dress for her to wear to Easter Mass this morning. The fabric is a rayon knit from fabric.com. This was a very easy quick dress but she loves it and was well pleased. I'll make this and the other view for her again. It was so quick and will be great for our hot Texas summers.
Here's a picture of my finished top. It's not a perfect fit but I like and it and think I'll wear it.
Hope everyone is enjoying family and friends today.

Kwik Sew 3657 & Kwik Sew 2405

2010-04-02T12:21:00.009-05:00

I'm working on Kwik Sew 3657 for me. I started working on it this morning before work. I cut the neckline at a 1X and took the armholes out to a 4x. The neckline is still big so will have to cut it down if I make it again. I took our two inches in the sleeve length but still cut off a couple more inches after trying it on. It's suppose to have elastic casings at arm but I think that might not be comfortable so I'm going to finish it with self fabric bands. I used a rayon kint from fabric.com and I really like how it feels. I was afraid it would be clingy but it's not at all. I had to cut 7" off the length which isn't a surprise since I'm a hair under 5' 4". It's a little big under the arms but not sure if I'll bother taking it out. I had a bunch of the material left so I cut out a couple of pairs of panties for Hailey. She has a full bum and it's hard to find panties that are comfortable for her. I used Kwik Sew 2405 and used some light pink elastic at legs and waist. It seems a little high waisted will see how it fits her. Can always change it up as needed. I look mad in the picture but I wasn't? I'm one of those very chipper happy peppy people in the morning.Hope you and your families have a wonderful Easter.
Update on my daughter Megan: She's doing very well now. She did have to go back into the hospital for a few days but she's doing really well now. Her husband got a job a few miles from us and they have moved back home. We are so glad to have them so close and we are enjoying having Sophie and Megan so close. She can't have more babies for three years but I figure it might take her three years to think it's a good idea to have the next baby after all she went through with Sophie.

Kwik Sew 3034- Hailey's Nightgown

2010-03-25T08:59:00.005-05:00

Quick easy nightgown for Hailey. Had some scraps so made her baby doll a matching gown. Got two more cut out and need to get them finished up. Everything for Hailey has to be soft because she's got very sensitive skin. So this is some soft knit I bought a long time ago but don't remember from where probably fabric.com. I used some stretch lace to finish the edges.

Necrotizing Fasciitis- Scary Nightmare

2010-03-04T12:00:00.006-06:00

My daughter Megan gave birth on Feb 10th by C-section. Everything seemed fine when we went home a few days later on Friday. But not for long. She started running fever even though she was taking 800 mg of Motrin and Tylonel Number 3 for pain. I made her call the OB on Monday morning and she went into see her. Her stomach was very swollen, more pain then you would expect, fever and felt crappy. She said Megan had a uterine infection and told her the conservative thing to do would be to hospitalize her but she decided to let her take antibiotics at home for a few days. Her temp continued to spike so they hospitalized her and they were giving her IV antibiotics. On Friday morning with fever spiking over 103 and her stomach very hard they called in an Infectios Disease OB/Gyn specialist. He stuck a needle into her incision and withdrew a sample to culture. They also did a CAT scan. It showed a large mass on her abdominal wall- a hematoma which is a blood filled clot. He came back and bluntly told us that Megan had the worst bacteria Clostidium and also two other Strep bacteria. That this was very serious and that the bacteria would be eating away at her insides. The good news was that it was not on her organs only the abdominal wall. But they had to take her to surgery now and he said it would be a hard road and she was in serious trouble. They asked her if she had a living will and who she wanted to have the baby if she didn't survive. So completely unexpected and the most fightening thing to hear. I was alone because she lives in a different city and my family wasn't there. I texted my husband and just told him she had a serious bacteria and they were doing surgery. I didn't want him driving like a crazy man if he knew what he really said. Then I called my son and lost it, poor kid, but he has a biology/chem degree and I knew he would know about it and understand my extreme fear. I also called my go to person my SIL and lost it again. I wanted them all to be there so bad, being alone is awful. Then I couldn't find her husband. I called cell and work with no luck. So finally thought to call his dad and he went to his work and told him. The doctor came back a couple of hours later and said she had Necrotizing Fasciitis and they had to remove all the dead tissue and they put a graft of pig intestine material to help promote the fascia cells to grow. They leave the wound open so that it heals from the inside out. She seemed fine when she got out of recovery but then her blood pressure dropped and they put in a PICC line and gave her a blood transfusion. She was in ICU for four days and while she was feeling awful she didn't do to bad about not seeing the baby, but after a few days when she felt stronger she just got so upset about not having the baby. It was so sad to see her so sick and crying for her baby. When she finally got to hold Sophie it was such a heart warming sight (picture above). They kept her for two weeks counting the ICU time and then we finally got to go home. I thought everything was fine and all she had to do was wait for the wound to heal but the morning we left he told her she wasn't out of the woods yet. So now this very nervous Mom is crazy with worry. She's gone 5 days with no temp at all so I figure everyday with no temp has to be good. Can't wait for several months to go by so I can loose this ball of fear in my stomach. But I've had time to think about some of the decisions we make with out thinking when we go into surgery. Megan allowed students in during her C-section and donated her cord blood which required that person to be in her surgery, and while it seems like the right thing to do I now think I would never allow anyone besides the needed personel in the operating room. Additional people add up to additional risk of infection. We will never know why or how she aquired the bacteria but I assume it was from the hospital. Having stayed almost three weeks at that hospital I watched nurses not follow procedure about 5% of the time. Most do everything they should but not all of them. Some didn't flush her PICC line before or after using it. Some would clean her wound with gloves and leave them on searching for more sterile material with dirty gloves. I saw one use a cotton swab that had already touched the wound and contaminate the tube of petrolium jelly that they put around the edges of the wound. My dad's a vet and he wouldn't do that on a dog. So while 95% of the time it's done correctly it's not hard to believe that maybe the day the OR was cleaned for Megan's C-section someone didn't do it correctly. But there is not much you can do about it but thank God she's here and didn't have anything worse than she did. It's an awful bacteria and she was actually very lucky.

Nursing Hider Kwik Sew 3734

2010-02-13T10:25:00.008-06:00

I made a hooter hider for Megan. I used Michael Miller fabrics from fabric.com and from some ebay shop becasue fabric.com was out of the owl fabric. For those who don't know what that is, it's a cover to hide yourself while nursing the baby. At the top you put boning so it will pull away from the body and you can see the baby but no one else can see anything else. They are great. I wish I would have thought of it when I was nursing my five kids. It beats recieving blankets, that's for sure. Excuse the fuzz on the hotter hidder it was packed with a fuzzy blanket and didn't have and thing to get it off with.

I missed the biggest snow in Dallas since the sixties. They got between 6" and 14" in the DFW area. Crazy and I'm missing it. My son sent this picture. I can't believe it.

Sophie June

2010-02-11T14:40:00.006-06:00

Well she's here. It was a little rough going for Megan but all's well that ends well. They took her C-section yesterday. She weighed 6 lbs 15 oz even at 36 weeks gestation. But since I had a nine pounder I guess Sophie might have been if she went to term. She had a little fluid in her lungs but they said she's fine and healthy. Megan is so ready to get out of the hospital and back home. Isn't she beautiful.

On the sewing front I traced off about 6 patterns while we hanging out at the hospital.

Judy in her new Top, Megan in Hospital

2010-02-03T14:26:00.006-06:00

Here's Judy in her new top. Need to add more length to next one (not hemmed in picture yet) and maybe go up a size. Little snug for a work shirt and to say the least she'll need to wear a cami with it.

My middle daughter is in the hospital again with pre-eclampsia. Blood pressure was 170/110 this morning even on bedrest. She's 35 weeks now so Sophie should be fine but they are hoping they can get her blood pressure down so she can wait to induce her. So looks like grandbaby number nine will be coming a little early.

Jalie 2804 -Happy Birthday Judy Shirt

2010-02-02T10:53:00.008-06:00

This is Jalie 2804 in a black and white poly/lycra knit from http://www.fabricmartfabrics.com/ . Today is Judy's 23rd Birthday so thought I'd make her a new shirt she could use for student teaching (with cami of course). She's student teaching kindergarten and needs a more grown up wardrobe. Her t-shirts and jeans college wardrobe just won't cut it for a school teacher. This is a quick and easy pattern. I made her size R but added length in bodice, arms and from waist to hem. I cut the neckband a little smaller so it would hug to her chest and not show anything. Will get a photo on her as soon as she has a chance. She's still working as cheerleading and tumbling coach so comes in at 5:05 from student teaching and leaves at 5:15 for work. Good thing she's young.

I traced off Kwik Sew 3758. Added length to arms, bodice & skirt. Also did a small correction to neckline. All the girls in my family have narrow shoulders and this alteration helps with positioning shoulder correctly. I use to just make a small tuck but know (per Connie Crawford tip) use a curved line (use french curve) and slice to seam line and lap over. You have to true the seamline slightly. Picture showing alterations with red lines.

Sewing Drought is Over

2010-01-29T16:30:00.008-06:00

I don't know why but I didn't sew for months. Not in my entire adult life have I gone so long without sewing. But at Christmas time I found my mojo again. It was really cold here in Texas (at least for Texas) and I made a bunch of hats and some mittens. I used Kwik Sew pattern 3626 and made myself a warm hat and mittens. But true to Texas weather by the time I finished the set it was in the sixties and seventies. I used a plaid fleece that I can't remember where I got it. And a olive fleece to line it that I bought as a remenant at Hancocks. I just attached them wrong sides together with a wide blanket stitch with regular thread. I was really happy with the results. I also made several beannies from Jalie 2543 for my son with the gaint melon (I just graded up two sizes from the largest size- it was still snug but it fit), myself, my husband and one for my grandson Jacob who has autism and loves, loves, loves Cookie Monster. You can't find anything Cookie Monster for his age so I cut up an old pair of PJ pants I had to make him a beannie. He loved it.(he's six but the size of a nine year old). For christmas my daughter made all the grandkids matching PJ's and appliqued T-shirts with a reindeer to match. Since there are eight of them I helped her by doing the ones for Dylan and Jacob. But I had this idea to do Cookie Monster with reindeer antlers and begged my daughter Megan to digitize them. So now he's PJ's have Cookie Reindeer on them. He loves them so much he wants to wear them everynight. Thanks Megan.

My daughter Nicole has a give away on her blog. Go take a look, really cute stuff.

Kwik Sew 3720 Batwing Shirt for Judy

2009-08-31T04:22:00.008-05:00

Hi, I know it's been awhile but my brother has been sick and I'm just not one to sew when I'm worried. He's doing much better so here's my newest creation. This was more or less a test. I tried to add length by slashing the pattern across the frong for length but that made it not line up on the curve across the front. So I just added length to the bottom waistband. Well she liked it but it didn't work because the band that was suppose to be on her hip was almost at her waist. She put on a belt with it to pull it in at the waist but it is just to short in the body. Hopefully it will fit one of my daughter in laws who are 4" and 5" shorter than Judy. Not a big deal these were both remenants so not out anything. I actually started cutting it out wrong (the brown was suppose to be at the bottom and the print at the top) but didn't have enough to recut it and just went ahead and cut it out in reverse. It's a cute top and will make it for again but figure out how to add length to it for her. I would recommend this pattern. It's quick and easy. Thanks Judy for letting me take your picture with no make-up. It matches much better in person than it looks in the picture.

New Knit Skirts

2009-08-06T14:30:00.010-05:00

Some knit skirts I made on "skirt day"
My daughter and I were supposed to do "skirt day" together... but all she did was watch me... and ask for skirts.

This one is a maternity skirt that I made for Megan who is due in March. I've got two more of these half made. I made these same skirts for my daughter Nicole and both daughter in laws when they were preggers. They loved them and wore them afterwards when they were in between sizes. It's Simplicity 4704. It's a winner.

and these two are for my daughter in law Sharon.

I also made one for my daughter, Nicole, but I can't seem to find the picture. It's out of the same fabric as the maternity one... she calls it her Disco Barbie skirt. What can I say if there is such a thing as a Peter Pan girl- it's Nicole. It's New Look 6901
still need to make Sharon one more and Liz one. It's not that Sharon is my favorite but she goes to church every Sunday and wears skirts.
and... since it's cats and calico
here's a picture of my little baby Huckleberry shoving his grown up kitty body in a little box. I guess the $45.00 heated cat bed was a complete waste of money. ha ha

Judy's Garden Party Test Tank

2009-07-26T14:59:00.006-05:00

I found this fabric at one of the fabric outlets down off Harry Hines in Dallas. I go with my daughter about once a year to have fun spending money on lots of unusual fabric. There are many shops with designer left overs or over runs and lots of cheap fabric mixed in. This was a rectangle printed on white fabric that the man running the shop said was test to see if they wanted to print a whole fun. I wish they would have had more than one test of it but bought it because I thought it was so pretty. Took me awhile to find something to match it. But finally found this coral knit at fabric.com. This is an OOP pattern Simplicity 4192 . This tank runs really short and Judy runs really tall. The first time I made it for her I added 4" of length. This time I added 8" of length. We both love it. Been so busy with work and the grandkids visiting been a little naughty about blogging this past week. I made four skirts this weekend. Two for my daughter in law. One for my daughter Nicole and one for my newly pregnant daughter Megan. Looks like we've got a honeymoon baby. She couldn't believe she could be pregnant and she did 5 pregnancy test. But a trip to the doctor and a sonogram showed a seven week fetus. She's due March 10th and this will be grandbaby number nine. We've so excited for them.

Connie Crawford T-shirt not so great fit

2009-07-15T05:26:00.005-05:00

I made the t-shirt with no changes except for a high round back adjustment to see how it would fit. It's better than most about being smaller in the shoulders but is still way to big for my narrow shoulders. I love the fit from the bust down. It's the perfect amount of ease for me. I just need to figure out the best way to make an adjustment for the narrow shoulders. I'm not sure when the difference is so extreme if it's easier to start with several sizes smaller in the shoulders and size up the bottom or the other way around. Will just have to try both ways and see. Most things I've read say to use small size and add for the rest so will try that method first.

Judy's Evie Dress Kwik Sew 2517

2009-07-13T17:54:00.005-05:00

Judy got this fabric as a gift from her friend Evie. It was a small piece and never could find a pattern for it. I got this off ebay and thought the mock turtleneck tank in the short length would work. The material is kinda like a cut velour knit. I cut it out inbetween the x-small and small but ended up taking it down to the x-small size. I added an 1 1/4" to waist length to adjust for height. and cut it three inches longer. It looked cute with the mock turtleneck but she just couldn't stand having something around her neck. So cute it lower and used self fabric to bind edge. She's not in love with it but she liked it. I think it was just a little to dressy for her college student/ cheerleading coach lifestyle. But at least we finally used the fabric Evie gifted Judy. This is a real easy quick pattern.

Shopzilla -Eats the Budget

2009-07-12T07:16:00.011-05:00

Okay I need a twelve step program- Fabricohlic completely out of control. I finally worked on cleaning out my stash some this week. Got rid of lots of fabric but what good does it do if you replace it all. But who can resist "I Love Lucy" fabric. Not this girl, that's for sure. And the cute flannels on sale- I mean the grandkids have to have pj's. And I need some black pants so had to get the linen/cotton blend and black knit that was on sale- I'm I right. Now Lucy needed the princess panel fleece because her sister Ella doesn't want to share her's with her. I really couldn't let Lucy down. Of course the seersucker w/ watermelons and strawberry's would be adorable on Hailey- light weight and cool for this 100 degree weather. I'm she couldn't go without some nice cool dresses. And how often can you find Michael Miller cottons on sale. So it goes I can always rationalize buying fabric. It's really all my daughter Nicole's fault because I never go to the fabric stores if she's not visiting. I do better to stay away from temptation. She practily twist my arm off to get me to go fabric shopping with her. No really it's true my arm is still smarting from the twisting. Okay okay I might just win the race to die with the most fabric. I wish I wasn't a stash monster but I just can dream of so many things to make. I just wish I could make everything I dream of.

Maxi Dress and Police kick door in

2009-07-05T14:41:00.008-05:00

Judy loves it. Such a quick project and she's totally in love with it. Enjoyed the fireworks and a great Texas Ranger baseball game last night. My oldest daughter drove in from Arkansas yesterday so we took her son to the game with us. She stayed home with her two daughters and another granddaughter. The two year old falls asleep and she decides to take the two older ones out in the backyard to watch the fireworks. They enjoy the fireworks and when it's all over go to go back in the house and one of the girls had turned the lock and they were locked out. So she is outside in her pj's with two little girls in thier pj's (no bra- and for Nicole that is a big.... problem)and her baby in the house asleep. She goes to all the neighbors houses and can't find anyone at home because it's July 4th. Finally finds a man down the street and uses his phone to call everyone at the Rangers game. Of course it's loud and no one can hear thier phones. She calls 911 and a very nice police officer comes out and tries to get in the house. I lock everything and nothing is unlocked. So he says sorry I can stay here with you until someone comes home or I can kick the door in for you. So she tells him not to kick the door in because her Dad is a cheapskate then Hailey says I gotta go poop and Ella says Mommy I really gotta go pee-pee. So Nicole has the policeman break the door in so the girls can go potty. He was so nice he told her to shove the couch in front of the door until her Dad could fix it and said he would check the alley every twenty minutes until the morning to make sure they would be safe. Which in our city is real funny because nothing ever happens here. How sweet is that. So alls well that ends well - a few nails and some paint and everything will be fine. Is she a mess or what. So hope you all had a happy July 4th. Love my country.

PS- If you think Judy was blond last week she was. One of her best friends is a wonderful hairdresser and she is always doing Judy's hair for her.

Butterick 5215- T-shirt Trial

2009-07-02T14:01:00.004-05:00

I traced and cut out a T-shirt for myself out of a dark raspberry cotton knit from fabric.com . I've never tried one of Connie Crawford's patterns but I think I've bought most of them. Being plus sized I'll buy most large size patterns. I've seen mixed reviews of her patterns but hope that it will work for me. I only made one change to the pattern and that was a high round back adjustment. I'm really just making a hopefully wearable muslin. I'm determined to start sewing for myself. I've spent most of my life making things for my kids and grandkids. Now I'm going to sew for myself and learn what adjustments to make as I go. I now already know to do a FBA, high round back and narrow the shoulders . I didn't narrow these because her patterns are suppose to be made for someone like me. With my very casual life I don't need any dress clothes so it use to be easier to just buy clothes. But as I've gotten older and obviously heavier I find it even harder to find clothes that fit.

Judy's Tube Dress in Progress

2009-06-30T12:39:00.007-05:00

Judy wanted a Maxi dress so we went shopping for one. She tried on 18 dresses and not a single one fit. (She's 5' 10" tall and wears a size 4) So she tried one on in a large that was almost long enough and she said I'll just belt it in . Well that might have worked if it wasn't falling off of her back. But she liked the way the loose dress w/ belt looked. So we decided to make her one. All she wanted was a tube with a ruffle at top and straps that where pinched at front and back. So I literally just wrapped the material around her and decided what she thought was enough ease and cut a straight rectangle for the main dress. Cut another rectangle about 4" wide (cut on crossgrain)and width of dress (about 43") sewed them wrong side of dress to right side of ruffle together then flipped ruffle to right side of dress and sewed about 1/2" and made a casing , cut 28" of 3/8" elastic for casing. I tried finishing the ruffle three different ways- on serger, with coverstitch machine, doubled the ruffle- didn't like any of them. Judy said to leave it unfinshed which made me cringe but as she said thats what they are like in RTW at the stores. Still need to add the straps and hem. Will take a picture on Judy when I get it done. I tied a ribbon around the waist because she will were it with a belt and wanted you to get an idea of what it would look like. Oh yeah I forgot to say it's poly knit from Hancocks.

Sucess with Vogue 8580

2009-06-28T17:42:00.004-05:00

Well I finished my shirt. Here's the review from PR. First picture is the top with white tank out of my closet. The second one is with the unfinished tank that came with the pattern. I'm going to reshape the neckline to use this winter on the 10 days it's cold enough to need an undershirt.
Pattern Description: Pullover Tunic and sleeveless tank.

Pattern Sizing: Large- XX Large

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very easy. This is such a quick and easy top.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I'm not sure on someone as heavy and short as myself if the 2" elastic really works. I'm going to make this again in a solid and use 1 1/2" elastic and take the elastic all the way around the bottom of the chest. On this pattern you sop the elastic for about 5" inches in the front. I think for me it looks funny because I have a fat belly. But on someone who had a flat stomach or a tiny mommy tummy this would look great. I made the tank in grey, but didn't really like the neckline (to high -and I like high necklines -you can see it on my blog http://catsandcalico.blogspot.com/ . I like it better with a white tank I had in my closet. If I make the tank again I would lower the neckline.
Fabric Used: It's a poly knit that I've had awhile.
Don't remember where it came from. The grey tank was a cotton knit from Joann's.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: Did a full bust adjustment. Had to cut off about 6 inches in length. It was almost long enough for a dress. If it had been a few inches longer I would have made it a dress. It was cute as a dress.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will sew this again. It's quick, easy and I like it.

Conclusion: Great quick and easy top and I think it would make a cute dress.

Vogue 8580- Traced and ready for alterations

2009-06-24T13:15:00.007-05:00

I traced off Vogue 8580 last night after dinner. I started to make alterations but got sleepy and quit before I started making mistakes. I'm a morning person and I've learned not to work on sewing projects when I'm tired. I just end up re-doing it over and over again. I realized as I was tracing it that it was very close to the last top I made Simplicity 2773. I could have used that pattern and changed it up to look like this but oh well already had it traced out. I really liked the Khaliah Ali pattern. It was easy to adjust for narrow shoulders and FBA. Hopefully this pattern will be easy to adjust too.

33 and Counting

2009-06-23T16:38:00.005-05:00

Today is my 33rd Wedding Anniversary. I can't believe how time has flown by. We've been so bleesed to have such a long and happy marriage. No sewing today going to get Outback for dinner. Kinda of a tradition, which might explain why I was about 1/4 the size I am now when I got married. TO much Outback. Look at those babies in our wedding picture. Have a nice day.

Mail Goodness

2009-06-22T04:24:00.009-05:00

Some new fabrics in the mail. I've been trying to not add to the stash this year. But sometimes I fail something fierce. I just love fabric so much. I love the look, the feel, the dream of what it could be. But it's busting out of the seams at my house. I've been thinking of donating a bunch of it but don't know where to. If I could find a young family who sews and could use some of it. I've thought about putting it on Craig's list as a free giveaway. When the kid's were young I couldn't afford to stash a bunch of fabric. But now it's hard because I can afford it. I'm really bad when the fabric is a good price. I seriously need a twelve step program. I am out of control. But here's the goodies I got in the mail recently. I love the knits for pj's and undies for 5 granddaughters I got from The Fabric Fairy , the little pink owl buttons, and the Alice in Wonderland woven for Emma Daisy a dress. I got the other stuff from fabric.com . I got some blue poplin for a shirt, raspberry knit for a dress or shirt, cotton print for a skirt, the leopard knit for 5 granddaughters- pj's & undies, and the little star print for the stash.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T06:59:00.010-05:00

Today I'm thinking of my Dad. He's 82 years young. Soon to be 83. He still works, he's a small animal veterinarian. He runs a small clinic and charges reduced prices. Nothing fancy just basic animal care. I don't even think he makes a profit. But he loves it. We have tried to get him to retire and move near us but he says he'd rather be dead than not work. He's the most popular guy at church. He says to be popular at his age with the ladies all you have to do is breath. So he enjoys all the little elderly ladies attention at mass and working at the clinic. Here's to many more years Dad. He had 6 children, 19 grandchildren & 19 great grandchildren. Pictures are from his 80th birthday celebration that most of the family was able to attend. It was great fun.

Judy's dress finished

2009-06-19T11:06:00.007-05:00

I finally caught Judy when she came in from work. You'll have to excuse her hair. She's a cheerleading / gymnastics coach and she had been spotting girls on tumbling so her hair was crazy. But she was a good sport and let me take some quick pics. I couldn't decide what method to use on the hem. I tried the coverstitch machine but it made it stretch out pretty bad. Tried binding it with the green ribbing and while it looked okay didn't really want the green on the bottom. Tried using a self fabric band at a 1:1 ratio but didn't like that either. Tried just a zig zag and it looked the best. It still stretched a little but when I wash it and dry it I'm sure it will be fine. She loves it.

Sewing Machine Meme

2009-06-19T09:40:00.005-05:00

Beth (not me) at Sew Mama Sew has been compiling a list of posts organized by sewing machine brand. It will be very helpful to refer to when you are in the market for a new machine. Below I have answered questions about the machine that I use, and Beth will add this along with the others they receive.

What brand and model do you have?I have a Brother Ult 2002.

How long have you had it?I've had it for about five years.

How much does that machine cost (approximately)? About $3000.00 (as my husband loves to say it's the only thing he ever paid so much for that her couldn't drive- or it cost more than his first car- you get the idea)

What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?

I sew clothes, drapes, toys, crafts, you name I'll sew it.

How much do you sew? I sew all the time. I usually sew at least a little bit everyday.

How much wear and tear does the machine get? It gets plenty of use. My daughter loves to use the larger embroidery hoop on my machine when she comes to visit. I actually bought another machine to use when she comes because we fight over mine.(Brother PC 420 Project Runway- love it too)

Do you like/love/hate your machine? Totally love, love, love my machine.

Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Passionate- it's perfect.

Does she have a name? No, but I guess she could use one - I guess Sally would work. My granddaughter Ella loves the movie Nightmare before Christmas (don't ask- who would let a little girl watch this movie- my daughter) and Sally sews all the time. So Sally it is.

What features does your machine have that work well for you? It has so many great features. Love the ease of use. It works like a dream. The embroidery unit works great too. Perfection.

Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine? I've broke (or my daughters) the auto threader twice. I always blame my daughters. Not very nice of me, is it.

Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? I got this as a surprise from my husband for Christmas. Everyone knew but me. Mike isn't one to buy expensive presents or presents period. So this was a huge surprise. Everyone was watching me open it. I thought maybe it was a tv since the box was so big. I started to cry when I saw what it was. I was so excited. One of the best gifts ever.

Would you recommend the machine to others? Why? Yes, it's a great machine. It's probably not for a casual sewer but someone who really loves to sew.

Do you have a dream machine?At this point I do not have a dream machine. I don't think I'll ever buy another machine in my lifetime unless this just dropped dead with no hope for recovery. But I guess my dream machine would be the new Brother Quattro 6000D. Who wouldn't want the biggest and newest machine.

If you have a blog, please post your answers there and shoot us an email with the URL (beth@sewmamasew.com).

BWOF 115 from June 2009 Work in Progress

2009-06-17T09:17:00.008-05:00

I just loved Lindsey T's version of BWOF 115 6-09 and showed it to my daughter and she loved it. So traced it and cut it out last night. Went so fast with just two pieces. Added 4 1/2" length since it was for a petite and Judy's 5' 10" it will still be pretty short on her. Took tissue and checked to make sure it would cover her bra. Adjusted the shoulders towards her neck to cover bra straps. As per Lindsey's warning had to make circle in back much smaller. Used grey poor boy rib knit from the $1.95 clearance at fabric.com. The green ribbing at the edges I've had in the stash for so many years I don't have a clue where it came from. I cut about 2" long strips of the green ribbing and I'm binding the edges instead or adding seam allowances and turning them under. I've just got it basted this morning before I went to work. I think it's going to be real cute. Hopefully will get it finished tonight and try to get Judy to try it on. The dressform I have doesn't go small enough in the waist, shoulders and under the bust for Judy plus it can't be adjusted for height so not much help for fitting. If anyone knows of a dressform that adjust for back/front waist height I'd love to have it. This is such an easy and quick pattern. Great for young teens and twenty somethings.

New I love Lucy fabrics are coming out.

2009-06-16T18:15:00.012-05:00

For all of us "I love Lucy" fans Quilting Treasures just released some new fabrics. I really like the black with red hearts. I made a bag with the first release of Lucy fabrics to carry all my stuff to work back and forth. Will have to have some of these new fabrics for the stash. Will have to think of something to do with the new fabrics. Maybe make my granddaughter Lucy some pj's(picture of Lucy in Lucy costume on Halloween last year- her mom made her costume) .

Kwik Sew 3710 Comfy Knit Dress for Plus size

2009-06-16T11:00:00.009-05:00

I made Kwik Sew 3710 for Megan's wedding. I had planned on a dressier dress but couldn't find the fabric I wanted. And since the wedding was casual and Pat the groom's mother wanted to be comfortable in the almost 100 degree heat, we decided to wear black and white knit dresses. I found this fabric at Hancock's. I used the smallest size 1x in the neck and did a FBA to the larger size in the bottom of the dress to accomadate the girls. It was pretty big in the neckline. It kept falling down and showing my bra. I'll probably cut it down a few sizes in the neckline and shoulders next time I make it. I had trouble when moving around with the dress sticking on top of my bust. Not sure what causes this but thinking it might be that the shoulders where to big? Anyone know what caused this to happen. The top two pictures show the dress stuck above my bust ( I know curlers but according to my granddaughter Lucy my hair looked beautiful in the curlers). I will try and check Sherril's site she has lots of tips for fit for plus size gals. I really like this pattern and I'm hoping to turn it into a TNT pattern. I love the idea's from Carolyn's blog on using a TNT pattern to achieve new looks. It was so easy to put together and while I thought it was big in the neckline and shoulders, I still liked the dress and will make it again with adjustments soon.

Nicole's last minute dress for the Wedding

2009-06-15T10:35:00.006-05:00

Nicole couldn't find anything to fit for the wedding. So thursday night before the saturday wedding we cut out this dress from a old OOP pattern by New Look for a woven crossover dress. Went down a size since we used knit fabric. Got up early and finished before I went to work on friday. This is a black and white poly knit from Joann fabrics and the yellow cotton lycra knit from fabric.com. I used a light weight tricot netting to line it with. Removed the zipper. Did a full bust adjustment and added about 5/8" to the front edges for coverage. We added a lot of ease to the skirt so it would be comfortalble and easy to walk down the steps in. Used yellow knit to bind edges and decided to add a small band of the yellow under the bust. This added an additional pop of color and helped pull the dress in tight under the chest. As an added measure I also zig zagged some clear elastic under the bust to make sure it didn't stretch out as she was wearing the dress. It fit her wonderfully but she wasn't in love with it. After she wore it she liked it better. She kept telling me she wanted a dress that would make her look like her little sister. Whom is 2 1/2" taller and many pounds thinner. I told her if I could make that dress I'd be a very wealthy woman and I'd be busy making myself one first.

Pink sparkly and Leopard for Ella

2009-06-14T06:53:00.007-05:00

I ordered this fabric off of fabric.com from the everything's $1.95 clearance. It looks baby pink and was described as having silver threads running through it. It's a slinky knit. Well it was not very pretty when I got it, or should I say to me. But my granddaughter Ella who's three years old, just loved it to pieces. She's been bugging her mother to make her a dress but with making everything for the wedding she has not had time. So she brought her material with her to visit us and with big giant eyes said will you make my dress grandma. So of course I did. I used a pajama pattern made for knits and just cut the skirt as wide as the fabric was, in a big rectangle. I used leopard knit to bind the neck and when I turned it left a tiny edge showing. I added ties since we like to make dress up dresses a little on the big side to get a couple of years wear out of them. She loves it. For such a quick and easy project it sure brings happiness to Ella. The pattern is Mccalls 5510 . I used the smallest size and graded it down a couple of sizes in width. I also narrowed the shoulders a little bit. Just cut the bottom piece the 60" width and estimated the length by putting the bodice on Ella and cutting the length plus an inch hem and seam allowances. It was fun to do some relaxed easy sewing.

Here come's the Bride

2009-06-10T10:30:00.010-05:00

Got some of the photos from family members. Thought you might like to see some of them. You can see some of the problems the bust area had. I wish it would have been perfect but so it goes. We had beautiful weather and it couldn't have been a more perfect ceremony. The flower girls kept everyone in stitches. Four 2 years olds and one 3 year old. One of the little girls wouldn't do it. But the other four did. Lucy threw her petals and when the basket was empty, chucked the basket over her shoulder. Emma threw her petals but Hailey kept hers . So when the sat down Hailey says to Emma "where's your petals Emma?". So Emma gets up and starts filling her basket back up. Then Emma decides to go see her Daddy and runs off. Lucy starts telling Emma shhhh, then decides it's a great idea to run and see Uncle Michael so they trotted off together- partners in crime. Haily gets up to follow and Ella says Hailey wait they are about to kiss. (Ella is all about pretending to be a bride and getting married). The ring bearers did a little better but William (who had the pillow) kept getting up thinking it was time for the rings. At least they stayed out of the pool before the wedding. Didn't last long afterwards. So cute. Kids add laughter and joy to any wedding. The flower girls dresses where made by my daughter Nicole http://colescornerandcreations.blogspot.com/ they are a New Look pattern. She made the ties and ring bearer pillow also.

Wedding was Perfect

2009-06-07T05:59:00.007-05:00

The wedding was beautiful. Can't believe Megan is married. The weather was wonderful even if it was almost a hundred degrees outside. We had tents covering the guest and it really wasn't that hot. I don't have pictures of the cememony yet since as mother of the bride I was busy. But got a few shots to show. The bottom of the dress was beautiful and perfect (cut on the straight of grain -underlined and lined) the top had some issues. Even though I had underlined and lined the top, the silk was cut on the bias and between the heat and Megan's large bust it kept growing. The underlining was a stable organza so it didn't grow but the top layer did. But oh well water under the bridge. She looked beautiful and it was a great and wonderful day.

Lovely Blog Award

2009-06-03T07:56:00.004-05:00

This is from Ace at http://www.ifyouthinkroundisfunny.com/ . Thanks Ace. Here are the rules: 1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.2) Pass the award on to 5 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.Here are my newly discovered blogs..check em' out!

1. gwensews at http://allmyseams.blogspot.com/ - Loves color, excellent seamstress on a beautiful island

2.Heather at http://drheathermath.blogspot.com/- prolific sewer, must have a huge closet or 2, and adorable little girl

3.Claire at http://clairekennedydesign.typepad.com/- professional seamstress, lots of tips, lovely and technically amazing clothing

4.Amanda at http://amandasadventuresinsewing.blogspot.com/- sweet young lady who finishes everything inside perfectly, looks like a model, and is a fellow Texan

5.Nicole at http://colescornerandcreations.blogspot.com/ , my daughter, makes tons of kids clothes and all kinds of crafts, 3 beautiful, wonderful, perfect children (Grandma's prejudice)

Surprise for 3 people- sometime in the next 365 days

2009-06-02T14:04:00.002-05:00

I found this on Adventures to Babysitting blog http://adventuresbabysewing.blogspot.com/ and decided to play.Here's what happens:~I will make a handmade gift for the first 3 interested people who comment on this post.~I have 365 days to do it in…~What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise!The catch is that you must participate as well:~you must have a blog~and before you leave your comment here, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going.Just cut and paste this one if you like, which I did!

Wedding Memories

2009-06-02T10:51:00.006-05:00

All the prep for Megan's wedding makes me think of all the weddings in our family. Here's pictures of her Grandparent's wedding on Feb 24, 1952, my wedding picture on June 23, 1976 and our last family wedding- my son John and Liz Aug 23, 2004. Time goes by fast in this old world. Can't believe Megan will be married in a few days. I have five children but a four year break between the third and fourth. So the last 2 children Megan and Judy have always been the babies. It's weird they are adults now. I worked on Megan's dress this morning. Got the hem put in. Will try to get it all pressed tonight and get the zipper in tommorow.

Re-make top of bridal gown

2009-06-01T09:59:00.003-05:00

Well I finally got to try it on Megan. The top had so many fit issues decided to just chuck and start from scratch. The shoulders were to big, the bust wasn't big enough, the back was to high -you get the idea. So started over and did a 3" FBA, made the shoulders much smaller and much closer to the neck- they were off the shoulder when it's not an off the shoulder style. Had to shorten the waistband (5' 4" it was just to wide for her height) We decided to use gathers at bottom of bust instead of pleats- which just didn't work with her large chest (poor kid is a 34F). I had to let the back skirt out a little but not much (I had removed about six inches out of the bottom of the skirt and it was just to much. Still have to hem, put in zipper (can't decide if I want to try an invisable zipper or do a hand picked and use the sequins I had to cut off from the seam allowences), add last godet, reset and press pleats in waist again, add lining that's already sewn into skirt seam and finish work on inside gown. Just heard on the new that Saturday is suppose to be the hottest day of the year so far- close to one hundred degrees ugh! But outdoor wedding in June in Dallas is most likely to be hot hot hot. I just hope the flower girls (6 of them- grooms nephew and my five granddaughters) and the ring bearers (3 of them- my two grandsons and grooms nephew) don't jump in the pool before the ceremony. It's at one o'clock which is naptime. Hopefully they will be excited and not to grumpy.

Progress on Wedding Dress

2009-05-28T09:40:00.008-05:00

Well it's starting to come together. You can see the kitties are giving me some unasked for or wanted help. I've got the entire bottom done- 32 pieces (including underlining and 5 pieces for lining, 6 pieces for waist and 12 pieces for top- grand total of 55 pieces. I thought it was only 50 but forgot the lining for the bottom. Megan is going to come in this weekend so will get to fit her and finish sooner than I thought. Thank goodness. I've got the bottom pressed and ready to fit. The waistband is pleated and pressed. The top is pressed and lined. Hope it fits. I did the full bust adjustment by putting up to another bodice I had adjusted for her for another dress. I'll let you know how it fits when she gets here. My oldest daughter, son in law, 2 cats and thier three kids will be coming in tommorow or saturday from Arkansas. Can't wait to see everybody and will enjoy the craziness, loudness and mess while everyone is here.

Panites for Hailey

2009-05-28T06:28:00.007-05:00

Made some panties for my granddaughter Hailey. She has rather full checks and store panties cause wedgie issues. She loves horses and polka dots (sfotty) so used some scraps to whip her up some. I noticed I cut the horses upside down on the first pair so decided to make her another pair and low and behold did it again. Oh well they look right from her perspective. The pattern is That Darn Kat childrens undieshttp://www.youcanmakethis.com/info/clothing-creation/Childrens-Undies.htm. Material was scraps and I have no idea where the horse knit came from.

PR One fabric knits Contest

2009-05-27T14:11:00.004-05:00

I tied for second for the PR One fabric knits contest. I wanted to post this on the sidebar but couldn't figure it out. duh

Huckleberry & Miss Kitty- Sewing helpers

2009-05-27T12:49:00.001-05:00

These are two of my helpers. Huckleberry is a year old seal point siamese(the big chubby one) who loves to taste the patterns, check out the drape in the fabric and eat thread. Miss Kitty is 11 year old seal point siamese (tiny little girl -a whole 6 pounds- the eternal kitten) who thinks all patterns and fabric need to be warmed with her body heat before they can be used.

And this is Cowin J Pussycat most likely the naughtest cat in the world. He's mean to Miss Kitty, he has potty accidents sometimes and he knocks over any cup within a hundred miles. He's lucky to be breathing most days. I got stuck with him, he's actually my daughter Megan's cat. But she didn't want him because he's so naughty. I hope when she gets married next week and they have children they don't give them away because they are to naughty.

Megan's Wedding Dress

2009-05-26T12:45:00.000-05:00

I'm busy making my daughter Megan's wedding dress. The wedding is on June 6th. We went and tried dresses on and she decided what she liked and then found patterns to use the components from two patterns to make the dress she wanted. I'm using bridal silk from Joann Fabrics with a cordinating silk w/ tiny sequins. The bottom of the dress is Vogue 2964 http://www.voguepatterns.com/item/V2964.htm?tab=list/evening_bridal_includes_designer&page=all and the top and waist are Vogue 8182 http://www.voguepatterns.com/item/V8182.htm?tab=list/dresses_includes_designer&page=all. I've put as much as I can together as I can without her to fit. She's not coming in until late June 3rd so will have lots to finish before the wedding. Here's a few pictures of dress in progress. It's pinned together on the dressform. Megan wanted to get a peek at what it would look like. I'll put more pictures up as I go.

Mom has a blog now!

2009-04-22T09:11:00.000-05:00

Woo Hoo! I think I have her hooked. So, Welcome to Cats and Calico!
Cole