house on hill road

Jane's skirt

Jane chose the Oliver + S  hopscotch skirt for herself. I was a little surprised, but didn't let on. I really think it was the paper doll that made her choose this pattern. Both my girls are really into paper dolls these days.  But I digress.  The skirt is uncharacteristic for Jane - she's my shorts and pants daughter.  So when she said skirt, I said ok.  I gave her the choice of a few different fabrics that I thought she'd like and was surprised a second time when she asked about this corduroy which wasn't among the choices.  I had this print earmarked for Kate because for the past few years Jane has been anti-pink.  A pink skirt? Really? I played it cool and said sure.

I measured her and compared the measurements to the size chart.  I cut out a size 12 and got sewing.  I skipped the origami folded pockets because Jane asked me to.  This was my first time sewing an Oliver + S pattern and like you have probably read elsewhere, it is very, very well done.  Everything is explained extremely well and there are many good illustrations to help you along the way.  I have sewn many things in my life and I still managed to learn a few new tricks. Awesome.  Start to finish, I'd say this was about 3 hours of work.  I imagine that the next one would come together even faster. Again, awesome.

I had Jane try it on last night before bed which was hours after I took these photos.  She loves it! We adjusted the elastic in the back significantly - the waist was huge! She could definitely wear a size 10 - the side seams are now towards the back.  It doesn't really bother me, or her, so all is good.  Also, now I know what size to cut for Kate.

If I were handing out grades for the Kids Clothing Week Challenge, I'd give myself a C.  My execution was good - probably an A-.  My effort, on the other hand, was dismal - I only managed to finish this one skirt and never hit the hour a day.  Effort = F.  So yeah, overall a C. Between not feeling well and the camera strap production, it just didn't happen the way I had intended.  Oh well.  There's always next time.  There will be a next time, won't there Meg?

And, if you are interested, there are still a few camera straps remaining in the shop.

In other news, I've got quilts on the brain.  Did you see Blair's pattern?  I'm working on coming up with the perfect color combination for that one.  Stay tuned.

For the record

It's two days into fall.

The temperature is still in the 90's.

The garden is still producing lots of tomatoes, even without rain and without watering.

We managed to harvest a few potatoes.  Note to self: the fingerlings failed.

My silver flip flops have a little life left in them yet.

But I'm ready for sweaters and boots.

The shop is open

I have just re-opened the shop with new five new colorways of camera straps.  Please take a look if you are so inclined. Thanks!

Shop update postponed

I'm postponing the shop update until Wednesday, September 22 at 12:30 EST.  I hate to do this with little notice, but being sick most of last week just put me behind in all endeavors.  This will be the biggest group of camera straps to date - five colorways and a total of 48 camera straps.  If I have time, I'll put a few scrap bags in there too.

All right.  I'm turning the sewing machine off and going to bed.

Oh, and don't forget that Meg is hosting her Kids Clothes Week Challenge this week.  I plan on joining in as soon as I can. Jane actually wants me to sew her something!

Stitch

The fall issue of Stitch hit the newsstand yesterday and I couldn't be more excited because it features three of my projects!  This issue focuses on different fabrics and was a great opportunity for me to use something other than quilting cottons for a change.

I had the idea for this firewood tote as soon as I saw the jute upholstery webbing at Jo Ann's.  It's hard to see here, but the webbing is folded and sewn together at the top to make handles for the cotton duck and home decorator fabric bag.  It's also generously sized so you can haul a decent amount of wood in one trip and will still look good sitting by your hearth.

This apron is also made from a home decorator fabric with a mid-weight linen for the pocket.  I think this is a great way to use a bold, geometric print.  It's sized to fit most adults and would be great as a chef's apron, too.  It comes together really fast - maybe an afternoon at most?  It'd be a great gift for almost anyone on your list, men included.  Fatty has one like it, so the sample I sewed for the magazine is now mine.  A girl can't have too many green aprons, I say.

Finally, this velvet and silk cowl is probably my favorite of the three projects.  I love sewing with really luxurious materials and because it only takes 1/2 yard of each the velvet and the silk, it didn't break the bank.  Before I sat down to sew this, I wrangled with the construction in my head.  I was really worried that it would be complicated, but then I had a light bulb moment!  It comes together fast and easy.  I think it would be super pretty and just as soft with voile or Liberty lawn for the lining.  A lightweight, drapey wool would be equally as lovely as the velvet.  Great for gift giving, too.

This issue is packed with great projects including some by Blair, Melissa, Beki and Linda.  There is a fantastic section on items made from one yard - awesome for stash busting!  This magazine has been one of my favorites since its debut two years ago and I am so excited that it will now be published four times every year.

If you make any of the projects I designed, please let me know. I'd love to see your take on them.

Shop news

I'm feeling a bit under the weather today. I knew I was fighting something after I slept for 9 hours on Thursday night and 11 hours on Friday night.  I felt good on Saturday, but yesterday I woke up with an achy body.  I'm resting up, drinking lots of tea with honey and hoping that tomorrow I'm back to feeling myself again.

I had planned on updating the shop this week, but it'll be next Monday, September 20th instead.  When people email me and ask when I will have more camera straps available, I always respond that I will announce the update a week in advance.  Consider this the requisite announcement.  I haven't pinpointed a time yet - I'll let you know that later this week.  I'm going to try to have five colorways available this time.  I also plan on doing two more shop updates this year - one in October and one in November.  More details on those specific dates as they get closer.

Back here soon with more news. Until then, take care.

A muslin slip not made of muslin

The first day I was in Nashville (more on that soon - I promise!), Anna Maria's right hand gal, Alexia, was wearing the cutest dress.  Turns out it was the slip from the Roundabout Dress pattern (that's Alexia on the cover!) with an added ruffle on the bottom.  Even Fatty commented on the dress which was about all I needed to hear before the pattern jumped in my bag, along with some of that lovely Little Folks voile, to come home with me. 

Before cutting into the voile, I thought I'd make a muslin to use as a nightgown.  Last night I pulled out this Alexander Henry fabric and got started.  I traced the size large and cut it out.  This morning I sewed it all up.  It came together super fast - maybe about 2 1/2 hours including the time last night.  I did have to let out the side seams so that added a bit of time.  It *just* fits in the hips, but is pretty good elsewhere.  As a slip, it would work great.  As a dress, I think I will have to re-work it a bit and add quite a bit of length - it hits mid- to upper thigh.  And that is exactly why I am not modeling it for you all.

I'm going to try it out tonight.  I figure if I don't like sleeping in it, I can cut some of the length off and I will have a new camisole for under cardigans this fall.  In fact, I may just make a few camisoles from this pattern for that very use.

Hands down, my favorite part is all the edge stitching.  I know this might drive some people batty, but for some reason, I love detail sewing like this.

I am trying to get over my fear of sewing for myself.  I've pretty much given it up because I always have fit issues and I hate wasting fabric.  Those are lame excuses.  I'm not going to get better unless I try and if I screw up, I can always use the fabric for something else.

At least that's what I'm telling myself.

When in New York

I always visit Purl Soho.  I always leave inspired to create.

And never empty-handed.