I just joined my very first world wide web swap. I don't count all the swaps I've done with the Mary Engelbreit ladies because I know them in real life. I'll include a link in case anyone is interested in joining. It's all about orange and yellow, two of my favorite colors so I'm excited. Well I'm going to post this quickly because DSO, Howard is using my computer to take continuing education classes for his insurance business. I love him dearly so I will not fuss at having to share my computer. Tomorrow he's going to work so I will post my "Simply Six Samples." Oh and let's see if I can correctly post a link to that swap page. Toodles for now.
Sweet Goodness Swaps
Friday, June 1, 2007
Friday, May 4, 2007
DECISIONS....What to do next?
Some of you may be unaware of this interesting fact so of course I must clue you in to my secret...I have a bunch of really wonderful qualities. However making quick firm decisions is NOT one of them. What am I rambling about you ask? Well sewing of course. :o)
I know I want to do some Spring/Summer sewing but I don't know what I want to do. I was kinda dragging my feet because of my weight loss quest, (although we won't talk about results in that area at this moment)
Hmm I feel a lot like Veruca from Willy Wonka when she's running around whining about what she wants NOW, RIGHT NOW! Anyway I want to sew but I don't know where to start so I've come up with some choices and I thought I would let y'all help me decide. See how I got out of making that decision? Keeping in mind that I have no TNT patterns for my plus sized body and my fitting assiant is 1100 miles away in Ohio, (Thanks Mama!) I think I have become paralyzed with fear of fitting! Having said all that, here are the choices...
CHOICES....
#1 Work on Lounge wear pieces that I talked about in my last post.
#2 Join the Summer SWAP sew along @ Stitcher's Guild Summertime SWAP Style Sewing
#3 Join the SWAP Contest @ Patternreview Contest Discussions >> SWAP contest 2007
#4 Pick a pattern for a basic top, pant, blouse, etc and work on those to get ready for next year's official swap.
OK, there you have it. Let me know what you think. Oh and thank you for saving me from pulling my hair out!
I know I want to do some Spring/Summer sewing but I don't know what I want to do. I was kinda dragging my feet because of my weight loss quest, (although we won't talk about results in that area at this moment)
BUT I WANT TO SEW NOW.
Hmm I feel a lot like Veruca from Willy Wonka when she's running around whining about what she wants NOW, RIGHT NOW! Anyway I want to sew but I don't know where to start so I've come up with some choices and I thought I would let y'all help me decide. See how I got out of making that decision? Keeping in mind that I have no TNT patterns for my plus sized body and my fitting assiant is 1100 miles away in Ohio, (Thanks Mama!) I think I have become paralyzed with fear of fitting! Having said all that, here are the choices...
CHOICES....
#1 Work on Lounge wear pieces that I talked about in my last post.
#2 Join the Summer SWAP sew along @ Stitcher's Guild Summertime SWAP Style Sewing
#3 Join the SWAP Contest @ Patternreview Contest Discussions >> SWAP contest 2007
#4 Pick a pattern for a basic top, pant, blouse, etc and work on those to get ready for next year's official swap.
OK, there you have it. Let me know what you think. Oh and thank you for saving me from pulling my hair out!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
CH-CH-CH-CHANGES
I am letting myself off the hook when it comes to this year's SWAP contest. For several reasons, the main one being I am physically exhausted. Both doctors had warned me that I would be this way once I returned to work but I felt so good two weeks after surgery I was sure I knew better. HA HA HA! I admit they were right and I was so wrong. Darn it I hate that! I do good to go to work and keep the kitchen clean. The second big reason is that I am in the process of losing 100 pounds. I ADORE my parents (I know everyone says this but I really do) but my family history is atrocious, with emphasis on heart disease and diabetes. Once I got my tonsils out and was able to breath again, I knew I could actually start exercising, and need to do something quickly. Oh I should add that both of my parents are small, (clearly I didn't get those genes) and yet deal with chronic health issues. So I joined Weight Watchers 1 month ago and have lost almost 11 pounds so far.
If I had the energy, I don't know that I would want to use some of my favorite pieces of fabric from my stash to sew clothes that are going to be too big very soon. Add to the fact that I have not sewn for my body in almost 10 years, mainly because I didn't want to do all the alterations that it would require. I usually sew crafts and gifts to get my sewing fix. However realistically I will be still be in the process of losing next year at this time and I do not intend to wait till the cows come home to sew for me! I've come up with a compromise that I think I can live with. I tossed around the idea of switching gears and doing a lingerie swap but I just don't want the pressure of a deadline right now to go with the weight loss, exhaustion, oh and extreme stress at work. So during the next 5 months I am going work on pjs, gowns, shorties, lounge wear and a robe. I still plan on at least 11 pieces and the twist will be that I'm thinking of trying to use regular patterns that I may be able to continue to size down as I shrink. I know my color scheme will be black and white and I want to have a pair of pj's and a gown done for my trip to Ohio in April. I have a trip to Hancock's planned for Thursday to look at patterns and such so I will post my new SWAP plan on Friday or Saturday. Oh I forgot to mention I am off work on Friday and Saturday and I am sewing something!
If I had the energy, I don't know that I would want to use some of my favorite pieces of fabric from my stash to sew clothes that are going to be too big very soon. Add to the fact that I have not sewn for my body in almost 10 years, mainly because I didn't want to do all the alterations that it would require. I usually sew crafts and gifts to get my sewing fix. However realistically I will be still be in the process of losing next year at this time and I do not intend to wait till the cows come home to sew for me! I've come up with a compromise that I think I can live with. I tossed around the idea of switching gears and doing a lingerie swap but I just don't want the pressure of a deadline right now to go with the weight loss, exhaustion, oh and extreme stress at work. So during the next 5 months I am going work on pjs, gowns, shorties, lounge wear and a robe. I still plan on at least 11 pieces and the twist will be that I'm thinking of trying to use regular patterns that I may be able to continue to size down as I shrink. I know my color scheme will be black and white and I want to have a pair of pj's and a gown done for my trip to Ohio in April. I have a trip to Hancock's planned for Thursday to look at patterns and such so I will post my new SWAP plan on Friday or Saturday. Oh I forgot to mention I am off work on Friday and Saturday and I am sewing something!
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Sunsets & Brights
Well I have fiddled and fiddled while recovering from surgery and this is what I hope is my final draft for swap. I know some may think the plan isn't exciting but it meets the contest rules, my personal requirements, and most importantly my style. I mean what good are 11 pieces you aren't going to wear?
My personal requirements are as follows:
1.) It must consist of pieces I will actually wear. I have a very active job that may require me to sit on the floor, climb a ladder, etc so everything needs to be comfortable. Then there is the heat factor, living in Texas of course summer is HOT, but our store is so under-air conditioned that I have to wear sleeveless just to function. At the same time I always take a blouse (in place of jacket) with me because I never know when I might get sent out into the community for something or another.
2.) To finish the swap, mainly because I seem to have lost my personal sewing spirit. I do crafts, gifts, and such but when it comes to something for me I end up not doing what I love to do....SEW!
3.) It needs to coordinate with pieces I already I have.
So this is what I finally ended up with.
1.) Jacket~Red Tencel~Butterick #3886 view B, must slightly lengthen
2.) Bottom~White Rayon~Cutting Line One Seams
3.) Bottom~Yellow Rayon~Cutting Line One Seams
4.) Bottom~Red Tencel~Cutting Line One Seams
5.) Bottom~Oyster Trousers~Bob Mackie~Purchased (need to shorten)
6.) Top~Sunset Stripe~Butterick #3886 view B, must slightly lengthen
7.) Top~Sunset Floral~ Simplicity #7189 view C
8.) Top~Sunset Fashion Print~Butterick #3886 view B, must slightly lengthen
9.) Top~White Rayon~Simplicity #7189 view C~reversible (0ne side will be embellished)
10.) Top~Yellow Rayon~Petite Plus #101 view D
11.) Top~Red Tencel~Petite Plus #101 view D
By only using four patterns I still feel like I can pull this off. Considering I have no TNT's I had to start somewhere and this seems somewhat realistic.
For those who may wonder what SWAP is I have included a link to Julie Timmel's site which has pictures from last year, this year's rules, and several articles about the original concept. timmelfabrics
My personal requirements are as follows:
1.) It must consist of pieces I will actually wear. I have a very active job that may require me to sit on the floor, climb a ladder, etc so everything needs to be comfortable. Then there is the heat factor, living in Texas of course summer is HOT, but our store is so under-air conditioned that I have to wear sleeveless just to function. At the same time I always take a blouse (in place of jacket) with me because I never know when I might get sent out into the community for something or another.
2.) To finish the swap, mainly because I seem to have lost my personal sewing spirit. I do crafts, gifts, and such but when it comes to something for me I end up not doing what I love to do....SEW!
3.) It needs to coordinate with pieces I already I have.
So this is what I finally ended up with.
1.) Jacket~Red Tencel~Butterick #3886 view B, must slightly lengthen
2.) Bottom~White Rayon~Cutting Line One Seams
3.) Bottom~Yellow Rayon~Cutting Line One Seams
4.) Bottom~Red Tencel~Cutting Line One Seams
5.) Bottom~Oyster Trousers~Bob Mackie~Purchased (need to shorten)
6.) Top~Sunset Stripe~Butterick #3886 view B, must slightly lengthen
7.) Top~Sunset Floral~ Simplicity #7189 view C
8.) Top~Sunset Fashion Print~Butterick #3886 view B, must slightly lengthen
9.) Top~White Rayon~Simplicity #7189 view C~reversible (0ne side will be embellished)
10.) Top~Yellow Rayon~Petite Plus #101 view D
11.) Top~Red Tencel~Petite Plus #101 view D
By only using four patterns I still feel like I can pull this off. Considering I have no TNT's I had to start somewhere and this seems somewhat realistic.
For those who may wonder what SWAP is I have included a link to Julie Timmel's site which has pictures from last year, this year's rules, and several articles about the original concept. timmelfabrics
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Tagged....
Giggle...I've been tagged by Carolyn at diaryofasewingfanatic ! I have to say this is the first smile that has crossed my face since last Friday morning when we arrived at the hospital for my tonsillectomy. The surgery is a whole different topic.
Tagging....
1.) Someone tags you.
2.) You post five things about yourself that you haven't already mentioned on your blog.
3.) You tag 5 people you'd like to know more about.
Now for 5 things you don't already know about me!
1.) I want to teach young women to sew. I'm speaking of basics of course because I'm definitely not an expert. In fact in the late 80's while attending Kent State University my major was Secondary Education-Home Economic's Education. I was in my second year when they notified us that the state of Ohio was no longer going require it for graduation, (of course that means the schools are going spend the money in other areas, thereby eliminating the courses in all but the largest schools). I got mono soon after that and had to take a break, I didn't go back because I couldn't think of anything else I wanted to teach.
2.) I have a 10 pound ball of poodle fur that is sitting next me that runs the lives of our whole house, he is currently scooping out the rest of the neighborhood to see who else he can con. He is such a joy and blessing. His name is Toffey or Bartoff if he is in trouble. He was rescued from no-kill shelter in August of 04', and I wouldn't take a million dollars for him.
3.) I LOVE to cook, and I hate to bake. OK, I don't hate to bake but I don't enjoy it either. I don't measure in the kitchen, maybe because I do so much of it in my sewing and crafting, so it's just not my cup of tea. If I bake something from scratch its for one of two reasons, someone I love is having a special/bad day, or I am craving Grandma food.
4.) I wear red every single Friday to show my love and support of our troops. Before anyone asks this has nothing to do with my view of world peace. It is merely because it is the right thing to do in my humble opinion and such a small thing.
5.) I am an information lush. If I catch a snippet of something on TV that sparks my interest I may spend hours or days researching it on the net. I love the fact that we have that option. A few of my prior searches...US mint The United States Mint , wonders of the world The Seven Wonders: Other monuments , the Titanic Titanic Passenger and Crew Research :: Encyclopedia Titanica , the Great Barrier Reef ,http://www.nationalgeographic.com/earthpulse/reef/reef1_flash.html and so on. Now as to who tag, I have no clue, so by all means let me know if anyone has been missed.
Tagging....
1.) Someone tags you.
2.) You post five things about yourself that you haven't already mentioned on your blog.
3.) You tag 5 people you'd like to know more about.
Now for 5 things you don't already know about me!
1.) I want to teach young women to sew. I'm speaking of basics of course because I'm definitely not an expert. In fact in the late 80's while attending Kent State University my major was Secondary Education-Home Economic's Education. I was in my second year when they notified us that the state of Ohio was no longer going require it for graduation, (of course that means the schools are going spend the money in other areas, thereby eliminating the courses in all but the largest schools). I got mono soon after that and had to take a break, I didn't go back because I couldn't think of anything else I wanted to teach.
2.) I have a 10 pound ball of poodle fur that is sitting next me that runs the lives of our whole house, he is currently scooping out the rest of the neighborhood to see who else he can con. He is such a joy and blessing. His name is Toffey or Bartoff if he is in trouble. He was rescued from no-kill shelter in August of 04', and I wouldn't take a million dollars for him.
3.) I LOVE to cook, and I hate to bake. OK, I don't hate to bake but I don't enjoy it either. I don't measure in the kitchen, maybe because I do so much of it in my sewing and crafting, so it's just not my cup of tea. If I bake something from scratch its for one of two reasons, someone I love is having a special/bad day, or I am craving Grandma food.
4.) I wear red every single Friday to show my love and support of our troops. Before anyone asks this has nothing to do with my view of world peace. It is merely because it is the right thing to do in my humble opinion and such a small thing.
5.) I am an information lush. If I catch a snippet of something on TV that sparks my interest I may spend hours or days researching it on the net. I love the fact that we have that option. A few of my prior searches...US mint The United States Mint , wonders of the world The Seven Wonders: Other monuments , the Titanic Titanic Passenger and Crew Research :: Encyclopedia Titanica , the Great Barrier Reef ,http://www.nationalgeographic.com/earthpulse/reef/reef1_flash.html and so on. Now as to who tag, I have no clue, so by all means let me know if anyone has been missed.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Winter in Texas...oh no!
Well I have to say Texas is having some rather unusual weather this week, cold and icey at the moment. In fact I'm home today because of the weather. Today was supposed to be my last day for two weeks since I am having surgery on Friday. A tonsillectomy at 39 years old...UGH! My Mama is flying in from Ohio tomorrow and will be here thru Tuesday morning to keep me company, that is if the weather will clear long enough for her to get here.
I know I won't feel like posting or sewing for that matter for the first few days but do plan to get some SWAP sewing done while I'm off. I would LOVE to get all the tops (6 tops, total) done for my SWAP while I'm off but I don't think that's too realistic so I'm goaling for two. I've been told by several people that this a painful surgery so time will tell what I'm actually up to. I do plan to post my swap plan before surgery on Friday. So more from me either tonight or tomorrow! Maybe by then it will be a little warmer since it is FREEZING right now.
I know I won't feel like posting or sewing for that matter for the first few days but do plan to get some SWAP sewing done while I'm off. I would LOVE to get all the tops (6 tops, total) done for my SWAP while I'm off but I don't think that's too realistic so I'm goaling for two. I've been told by several people that this a painful surgery so time will tell what I'm actually up to. I do plan to post my swap plan before surgery on Friday. So more from me either tonight or tomorrow! Maybe by then it will be a little warmer since it is FREEZING right now.
Friday, January 5, 2007
Hey Y'all Welcome!
Hello from a somewhat damp North-East Texas! I promised myself I would check into what it took to set up a blog in the New Year. It seems all the ladies particpating in the "Timmel SWAP Contest 2007" have one but I honestly figured it would be way too complicated for someone that wasn't a computer wiz. Of course this is the very first post but so far I find it to be pretty basic. More to follow I'm sure!
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