I've said it before - I rarely sew for myself.  But I'd like to, I really would.  I see the things Melissa and Julie make and adore them.  I have the patterns, I have plenty of fabric, but I also have fear.  I am not scared of the actual sewing part.  It's the fitting part that stops me cold.

So I am setting out to conquer the unknown.  I actually signed up for a sewing class and we are making a lined jacket.  Yes, you got it right, a lined jacket (I am doing version B with version A pockets).  My first class was on Monday night.  I showed up with my pattern and three yards of muslin.  After being properly measured, I started cutting the muslin using the pattern unaltered.  When it was all sewn up, it was obvious that I needed to add some length (about 3 inches!) and make a bust adjustment.  I get the length thing, but how in the hell you do make a bust adjustment?  I just sat back and watched as my instructor got out her ruler and marker and started drawing lines and then cutting.  Here is what we ended up with...

I completely understood what she did, or at least that is what I thought.  When I took the pattern out today to lengthen it at the waist and adjust the other pattern pieces accordingly, this one was all messed up.  I spent a good half hour trying to put it back together, but, like Humpty Dumpty, I am missing some pieces.

Anyone have any advice?  Books I should look at?  Helpful little websites I should peruse?  Maybe I should just wait until Monday and start over again....

The third floor of our house is one big room that is currently used as a playroom/guest room.  One of my favorite parts of this room is the large window seat.  I have always thought it would be the perfect place to lay down, read and take a little nap.  It just never happens, though.  It's just too big, actually too deep.  I have tried, but I just can't get cozy enough to drift off to dreamland.

While trashing out the sewing room, I found two 14"x36" pillows that I had bought, but had forgotten about.  The closet is small and they were taking up valuable real estate, but I couldn't see them due to the mess.  Then there was the bolt of extra fabric leftover from the window seat cushion...light bulb!  I got out the scissors and got to work.  An hour later...pillows!

I plopped them on the seat, arranged the throw pillows and took it for a test drive.  Better, but not just right - two won't cut it, it really needs three.  Back to the sewing machine I went.  Now the third cover is ready, just waiting for the insert to arrive.

Kate likes it, too.  Now if she'd just take a nap....

The biggest work in progress is still cleaning.  I started in the sewing room this morning and, what do you know, I found the missing presser feet!

Now that I have that mystery solved, it is time to get it all sparkling clean.  I started with my machine.  Do you ever clean your own machine?  Every time I take the plate off, I am amazed at the amount of fuzzy dust in there.  Now, don't misunderstand...I won't go near the mechanics of my precious machine.  I do get it serviced and oiled about once a year by a professional.  When I bought my machine, though, the first thing I was taught was how to keep the bobbin compartment clean.  I had never, ever thought about that before.  It turns out that keeping all that fabric dust out of there really helps reduce broken needles and other tension issues.  Who knew?  Not me!

Once I got the machine cleaned, I started in on the fabric.  I didn't make much headway so I think it is going to be my weekend project.  I have good incentive - these strips are just waiting to be turned into belts.

I am looking forward to the weekend....some cleaning, some sewing, some reading and a date with Fatty.  A movie and sushi, I think.  Sounds good to me!

I sent this to Robyn for winning my little giveaway.  I had fun doing that....I am sure that there will be more of those in the future.

The sun peeked out for a minute or two this morning, but it is still mostly gray.  I have been sewing a bunch.  No photos yet - the light is awful.  Hopefully it will get better soon!  Enjoy your Tuesday.

A sunny little ladybug...

I made this t-shirt for Jane's friend Caroline whose birthday is today.

It's been gray and raining for three days solid and it's beginning to get to me.  I don't care if it's cold, just please come out sun.  I miss you.

I am not a quilter.  I like patchwork and would like to make a quilt, but it hasn't happened yet.  When I read about Quilts for the Kims, I thought, OK, I'll give it a go.  I was deeply touched by their story and thought this would be one way for me to do something for them.  Here's what I came up with....

My square had to be yellow and I really struggled with this.  I like yellow, but for whatever reason I don't have much yellow fabric in my stash.  I took a few trips to different fabric stores and realized why....there isn't much cute yellow fabric out there.  I bought a couple fat quarters and threw in a little pink and green to make it work.  I am pretty happy with the results.  It's a basic log cabin design.  My calculations were a bit off, so I added the striped strips to two sides to get to twelve inches.  I was worried it would look off, but I actually like it.  Thank goodness for happy accidents!

I am feeling a little devious today....bear with me.

Hi Beth!

Someone - OK, it was your sister - told me that you liked this fabric.  And that you wanted a belt made out of it.  So, I made one for you.  It's all yours....if you comment on this post.  You see, Georgia also told me that you read my blog.  I thought I might draw you out with the little giveaway.  That didn't work.  I'm giving it another go.  Here's your chance.....post a comment and it's yours.

I almost forgot - Hi Luke!  I know you are out there, too.

Alright, enough mischief for one day.

First things first - this is post number 100!  And what better way to celebrate than with a little giveaway.  Leave a comment and I will draw a name on January 3rd.  What will you get?  I don't know yet, but I promise it'll be good.

OK - back to the gifts....

Five, part two
Freezer paper stencils for my nephews and Heather.  The number idea stolen from Meg who stole it from someone else.

for Finn

for Ian and for Miles

for Evan

for Heather

Five, part three
Applique t-shirts for my nephews and Heather

for Evan

for Ian (the tractor idea shamelessly pilfered from Stephanie)

for Finn

for Miles

for Heather