to Blogger: mypetiteporch.blogspot.com. I'll see you there!
Until I lose weight and learn to alter clothes, I will not take on new sewing projects. I have made two skirts, pajama pants and aprons, but the fit of the skirts leaves much to be desired. I'd like to enroll in another session of classes, but I don't think that I will learn what I need.
::sigh::
Happy Mothers' Day to all the moms out there!
It's the end of the semester and Cinco de Mayo! Awesome!
It has been a quiet semester for me. No meltdowns, no helicopter parents, but there is always excitement. There's nothing like seeing this year's cohort of nursing students find out if they progress to the next level of classes or sit out a year and wait to repeat the class or classes.
It's the closest I've seen to rush since my freshman year at Bear Bryant University.
Now, let's talk sewing.
When I took home economics, you couldn't cook unless you had an apron. My mom promptly took me to Gayfers (Alabamians, do you remember that store?) and bought me the cutest apron! I still have it! It hangs in my pantry as a souvenir of the few happy memories I have of junior high. I've wanted a new one, but I hadn't found one that I really liked.
Well, in steps Erica Bunker! She has a fabulous blog where she catalogs her knitting and sewing projects! One of her projects was an apron. She saw some nice aprons in Anthropologie, the inspiration for many sewers and knitters, and decided that she could make her own! Well, the pattern was on sale for a dollar and the material was about five bucks! Check out the pattern!
I haven't finished it because I can't turn the ties inside out! Aaaargh! I'll do it tomorrow in class. Wow, tomorrow is my last sewing class. I know I said that I would sign up again this summer, but I'm not sure. I like sitting at my table and figuring it out as I go. Besides, I would miss two class sessions because I'll be on vacation.
Don't think that I've abandoned my knitting. I placed my raglan sweater on scrap yarn and tried it on. It actually looked like a real sweater!
Since I've been yammering away about the skirt, I decided to post a photo of it:
Here's a closeup of the print:
I also discovered Carolina Lily Quilt Shop, a small, well-organized store that sells cotton fabrics such as Alexander Henry, Moda, Amy Butler...five miles from my home. I have passed that strip mall thousands of time and never saw it! Wow! I walked around like a kid in a candy store! I must go back!
I completed my first wearable sewing project (don't ask about the pajama pants). I actually have a skirt that I'm proud of. I still haven't master altering the pattern to fit better. The zipper still causes me fits, and I won't tell my teacher that I actually used a touch of glue to stabilize it. I saw a tutorial that gave me the courage to try again.
It was only fitting to post a photo of the sewing machine that made it all happen. Drum roll please....
I'm taking a break from sewing and knitting for a week so that I can give my arms and wrists a break, but I'll be back.
I stopped relaxing my hair...one of the best decisions of 2008.
I've sewn in a zipper.
Yeah, I said it. A zipper.
I did it all by myself! Well, the Internet and Vogue Sewing did help. Just a skosh.
I couldn't wait until class. I had to conquer the simple A line skirt. Does the skirt fit? No, but it was my stunt skirt, so this error in measurement is allowed! LOL! During my next sewing class, I will sew the actual skirt after I add elastic to my pajama bottoms.
I intend to get the most out of this class! Having said that, I might sign up for another session for pointers. After all, I haven't made pants...yet.
Oh yeah, why are patterns so expensive? Ay caramba! Don't get me started about that flimsy tissue paper used for the patterns! Give me a break!
I've almost completed my first garment since ninth grade home economics! As my new machine glided along the seams, my confidence began to grow. It was fun! A great end to the day. I hope that PARA offers another session because I am there...so there!
Let's see...sewing on Tuesday, knitting on Thursday. Now if I can get a cooking class on Monday nights and a yoga class on Friday mornings...
