tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49382062035902909632023-11-16T07:25:38.052-05:00Underneath the WillowSewing my way out from under the tree.Ginniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632786663022922660noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938206203590290963.post-52997230811592353872012-09-04T12:19:00.000-04:002012-09-04T12:20:39.494-04:00Still no sewing...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
... but look what I did make!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_K6iBvBb52Jfk15kc8ru6LRExdQiaIwWF-U5wXkDPu5AdhAK91uLRdWivmjXNvVFDnec6Vug2IdrkHAExLEjYbs0JVMcf1v0v2zRVV4UM5rcCjy8J5Lw9pHyBuLP32LGCPxL2rhQ2U0/s1600/%7Befe09ac4-a77c-4186-a4e2-c7f7d499d19e%7D_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0_K6iBvBb52Jfk15kc8ru6LRExdQiaIwWF-U5wXkDPu5AdhAK91uLRdWivmjXNvVFDnec6Vug2IdrkHAExLEjYbs0JVMcf1v0v2zRVV4UM5rcCjy8J5Lw9pHyBuLP32LGCPxL2rhQ2U0/s640/%7Befe09ac4-a77c-4186-a4e2-c7f7d499d19e%7D_1.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Isn't she gorgeous?<br />
<br />
Norah Elizabeth joined our family on August 12th at 11:46 AM. She weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces and was 20 inches long. She's just over three weeks old now, and an absolute joy. Can't imagine life without her now that she's here!<span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"> <3</span></span></div>
Ginniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632786663022922660noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938206203590290963.post-71053985025358444462012-07-24T11:24:00.000-04:002012-09-04T12:19:39.962-04:00A Belly<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I haven't been doing any sewing, whatsoever. *sigh*<br />
<br />
I do have plans, though! Baby bedding is up first on the list. After that, I have a growing list of post-belly items.<br />
<br />
This is the reason I've had no energy to do anything:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjYcvo56PGiwkqLGTaZ8P1w6igWxd0VF5mNvnW5y1TQWqCtViJiVVq9805p9pG1f5-_eNv0fcdnci4JBOhjZmwZLuPQr4bVv74dHGbKtTeLrNpb8Pit9txwVsdRq0I5aohiwsbccer0E/s1600/Wise015-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpjYcvo56PGiwkqLGTaZ8P1w6igWxd0VF5mNvnW5y1TQWqCtViJiVVq9805p9pG1f5-_eNv0fcdnci4JBOhjZmwZLuPQr4bVv74dHGbKtTeLrNpb8Pit9txwVsdRq0I5aohiwsbccer0E/s640/Wise015-X3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm 36 weeks now, incredibly uncomfortable, and chasing at 3 and 5-year-old at the same time. Some day I promise I'll have something creative to show you. Right now, I need a nap. :)<br />
<br /></div>
Ginniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632786663022922660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938206203590290963.post-29130897421080546142012-04-14T15:03:00.000-04:002012-04-14T15:03:51.505-04:00New Look 6922 and a Wadder<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This is one of those posts that should've been written... oh, say, a year ago? Oops.<br />
<br />
I've made the top from <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-3108-misses-sportswear.aspx">New Look 6922</a> twice, now. It's quickly becoming a TNT for a 3/4 sleeve knit top. I have one in green and one in white, both of which I wear endlessly in the spring and fall. They are perfect on their own or for layering. (I haven't blogged about either top, but I am wearing it under <a href="http://underneaththewillow.blogspot.com/2011/03/catching-up-read-bad-blogger.html">this jacket</a>)<br />
<br />
Last year, when I went away to my <a href="http://underneaththewillow.blogspot.com/2012/03/first-of-all-this-amazing-house-in-deep.html">Scrap & Sew</a> girls' weekend away, I made the short-sleeved dress option.<br />
<br />
The dress itself is very simple. It's only two pattern pieces with a neckband. The front neckline is slightly gathered, but otherwise there's really nothing to it. This one is made in a floral print matte jersey, which is so soft and silky feeling that I love wearing it. It is a synthetic, so it's breathability is not ideal for very humid days. But since I was wearing it indoors, primarily to work or church, it was never an issue.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWoL3heWX8cGC07l_ARKiB7X7UKodJ__8FvX3N8aWUxuYq02IbL3jSgryzDoodgJNHkBb4hI5fDDjTBDXVSf1UkKaCp2GID8l49ZE14lETpNgbRoceU5wFz0adiW6sbt3_17jkWB3xvI/s1600/IMG_7790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWoL3heWX8cGC07l_ARKiB7X7UKodJ__8FvX3N8aWUxuYq02IbL3jSgryzDoodgJNHkBb4hI5fDDjTBDXVSf1UkKaCp2GID8l49ZE14lETpNgbRoceU5wFz0adiW6sbt3_17jkWB3xvI/s640/IMG_7790.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have only two very minor issues with the dress. One is the faded fold line right down the front of the skirt. Everyone to whom I've pointed this out says it's not noticeable, so I guess I'll take that at face value and not worry too much about it. The other slight issue is the just-wonky-enough placement of the flowers on the chest. They aren't straight-up 'boob flowers' but since they're off kilter, I feel like that might be worse. It doesn't stop me from wearing it, at any rate. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The same weekend, I made a Vogue 8593 in a heather grey wool jersey, just like on the pattern envelope. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxoj_HLyunzOS-ZksAXLT6jC2b6y4UdJZ_dfjph8siMfFHLUGe1bT5FzDOqZKEku6SrE-xNY09BSGjWj_IbloKXmDL_ro7iO5Tlnk7gbfuyElGsPBoxNqdnVN2mdW9f2_YvGbeEC9qpI/s1600/V8593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxoj_HLyunzOS-ZksAXLT6jC2b6y4UdJZ_dfjph8siMfFHLUGe1bT5FzDOqZKEku6SrE-xNY09BSGjWj_IbloKXmDL_ro7iO5Tlnk7gbfuyElGsPBoxNqdnVN2mdW9f2_YvGbeEC9qpI/s640/V8593.jpg" width="606" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Man, I loved that look. Sadly, it was a horrendous mess that didn't fit anywhere. Too tight in the hips, too big on top due to the strange way those pleats lay, facings all bunched up and pulling in weird ways... it was just a complete wadder. Sad, but true. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, yeah. I have another New Look top planned in navy and probably another one of those super comfy dresses for after baby girl arrives this summer. I'll need a few loose-fitting but stylish dresses to wear while I'm 'recovering my shape', so to speak. Hopefully, it won't take me a whole year to post them, if I do. :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>Ginniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632786663022922660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938206203590290963.post-78808989262652931492012-03-29T15:55:00.000-04:002012-03-29T15:55:46.878-04:00In case you were curious...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsQ1upB7QOW1rI8GNMzDH1tPSIJlcmqnzUUBvjp5oi5VZoIbNyYOh9InnssT-meqDLPM34Lm0rTs0sMrfLNlhvHKXzqm9OUJRWeB6lwRm0u-xvwkBWrRsQAdDB-WTEzpAuVc_wU1gYAo/s1600/its-a-girl1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWsQ1upB7QOW1rI8GNMzDH1tPSIJlcmqnzUUBvjp5oi5VZoIbNyYOh9InnssT-meqDLPM34Lm0rTs0sMrfLNlhvHKXzqm9OUJRWeB6lwRm0u-xvwkBWrRsQAdDB-WTEzpAuVc_wU1gYAo/s640/its-a-girl1.gif" width="640" /></a></div>
We had our ultrasound this morning, and lo and behold, we're going to have our THIRD baby girl! Everything looked wonderful and all was normal. She was doing so much 'gymnastics' that the tech could barely keep the right parts on the screen. :) Very healthy, very active little girl. Now I just can't wait to meet her! <b><span style="color: #f4cccc;"><3</span></b><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
Thanks for all the well wishes! </div>Ginniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632786663022922660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938206203590290963.post-91049134242132200922012-03-26T20:19:00.000-04:002012-03-26T20:19:56.090-04:00Scrap & Sew Weekend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First of all, THIS amazing house in Deep Creek, Maryland is where I spent the weekend with a fantastic bunch of ladies for our annual Scrap &Sew Weekend. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9xf5OlnDOGrdfovwX_i2hcGzXpCZ-sWysGGAyLMQVF5upyV3D9dVYecBQ-p-l9PJtU0QepGxZ_0lhOyBxqwc63X51sbtOctlREiCz0VgsWnmJHhJ6jHBLz2QSyeV1pSgnjVvhXcW7WQ/s1600/IMG_6332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9xf5OlnDOGrdfovwX_i2hcGzXpCZ-sWysGGAyLMQVF5upyV3D9dVYecBQ-p-l9PJtU0QepGxZ_0lhOyBxqwc63X51sbtOctlREiCz0VgsWnmJHhJ6jHBLz2QSyeV1pSgnjVvhXcW7WQ/s640/IMG_6332.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Amazing, right? This is the second year we've rented the same house, which comfortably sleeps 12 (although there were only 9 of us this year) simply because it's gorgeous. And there's plenty of comfy couch room and table space to spread out.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96XA85isDDK1ftoyvlIvnzrjVmfI610Hfn_Y13Rg6ZpbmwAG03X7TAQDMXMOTAt9LrrXZHSCWETFBxwgp2jza_M7sSJcBEaV061ygd370rOUwVIYwfrAhe4O4Pn8Poi42IS1ZecpYiBo/s1600/IMG_6328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96XA85isDDK1ftoyvlIvnzrjVmfI610Hfn_Y13Rg6ZpbmwAG03X7TAQDMXMOTAt9LrrXZHSCWETFBxwgp2jza_M7sSJcBEaV061ygd370rOUwVIYwfrAhe4O4Pn8Poi42IS1ZecpYiBo/s640/IMG_6328.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's a weekend away for us ladies to do whatever crafty thing we want. Some of us scrapbook, some quilt, some cross-stitch, some read, some sew, and some just sit around and enjoy the view, the hot tub and the conversation. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Since I'm rather limited in what I can sew for myself, currently (although I'm working on a few things to remedy that!) I chose to spend my weekend sewing for my girls. And since Easter is quickly approaching, I seized the opportunity. I had this Simplicity pattern - 7113 - in my stash, thanks to a good friend's generosity. When I showed it to Lilly, she immediately gravitated to the pink and white polka dot line drawing. "I want that one!" she told me. I asked her what colors she would like, and she just looked at me like I was crazy and repeated that she wanted <i>that</i> dress. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYYqQPcoQjkcHy0u-MJKQEcBUKrZsZZKHnMjb-3hLhQ-P3koikzreihk2V1QuzU2dQztYqHPlPtGM2XxlvPf1ljzCoDc3ouGITvtDZb-34d2FHRPrSR2ZMhxcpXzYbxETJ0lzbeUIYdo/s1600/7113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicYYqQPcoQjkcHy0u-MJKQEcBUKrZsZZKHnMjb-3hLhQ-P3koikzreihk2V1QuzU2dQztYqHPlPtGM2XxlvPf1ljzCoDc3ouGITvtDZb-34d2FHRPrSR2ZMhxcpXzYbxETJ0lzbeUIYdo/s640/7113.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, I headed to our local Joann Fabrics (my only real choice for fabrics on the fly) with my fingers crossed that I could come up with something close enough. To my astonishment, I found a white Swiss dot cotton with pink polka dots for the top and washed the crap out of some pink with white polka dot quilting cotton for the bottom. A little pink ribbon for the sash trim et viola!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZm5TIpgNomy6ZZlWN_W6-xotlNEptFA0l4hM4HjLMNq5C-yMB4MOzwEnYj3bGvF5e7LqBQW6XW2hW81rpw9tELQmu1hSSnrjZCAMIKr-FhustIAnihIyJ4NX0vhHRZj5z8vPG0OKQxo8/s1600/Easter+Dress+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZm5TIpgNomy6ZZlWN_W6-xotlNEptFA0l4hM4HjLMNq5C-yMB4MOzwEnYj3bGvF5e7LqBQW6XW2hW81rpw9tELQmu1hSSnrjZCAMIKr-FhustIAnihIyJ4NX0vhHRZj5z8vPG0OKQxo8/s640/Easter+Dress+1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I arrived at the cottage on Friday evening at about 8 PM and by Saturday around noon I'd finished the first dress (albeit unhemmed). I finished the second one by that night. It definitely helped that I had cut all my pattern pieces a few days before the trip, to speed up the process.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUnuIfKRp5UOK5emUbjreI-QmvmLbSwSQ1j9jzSUaWHqPicSVpy6cGAGq3x2UKnmMrwa1FtTIhJXdBLR9FXNQJHM1JLpXuQu6djSjIokYe3Ocj9mPu3qn9VJ02tiuQarUokw4v_-wRjQ/s1600/Easter+Dress+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUnuIfKRp5UOK5emUbjreI-QmvmLbSwSQ1j9jzSUaWHqPicSVpy6cGAGq3x2UKnmMrwa1FtTIhJXdBLR9FXNQJHM1JLpXuQu6djSjIokYe3Ocj9mPu3qn9VJ02tiuQarUokw4v_-wRjQ/s640/Easter+Dress+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Pardon my less than perfect photography - I was using my phone's camera. I still have to hem both of them, but after I got home Sunday evening the littlest girl woke up sick, and her big sister followed suit this morning. Both are feeling much better now, and I'm just praying I don't get whatever it was.<br />
<br />
No matter what chaos I returned home to, it was a lovely and productive weekend away. I'm already looking forward to next March when I get to do it again. :)<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Ginniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632786663022922660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938206203590290963.post-81509560460089014792012-03-22T14:23:00.000-04:002012-03-22T14:23:29.885-04:00Better Late Than Never<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well, it seems I have a bit of sewing-for-myself downtime. It happens when you're pregnant and can't fit into anything you might want to make. *sigh* So, I thought that in the meantime, I could get caught up on some of the posts I <i>should have</i> already written.<br />
<br />
I made these dresses for my girls as Christmas gifts. Each of my daughters has a very different personality, so I wanted to choose something that they would love and know was made especially for them.<br />
<br />
I made Lilly's dress first. It's made out of a really cute lightweight cotton print I found at Joann Fabrics. The bottom band is just a matching color broadcloth. Only the bodice is lined and I finished the seams just by pinking.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlGZ6TuZaoseeEO79argpw7UR5BpVSNo5RGdYYMncD9ez3fkL9GxfTvgjo7dY-vdCRHNuWaBBSz26cwlKlsQv8ePoOjSrebOxrPOyvXYfkF_HvX5n_RTOkEWZrI797pCFwNbkSV37S7o/s1600/IMG_7583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlGZ6TuZaoseeEO79argpw7UR5BpVSNo5RGdYYMncD9ez3fkL9GxfTvgjo7dY-vdCRHNuWaBBSz26cwlKlsQv8ePoOjSrebOxrPOyvXYfkF_HvX5n_RTOkEWZrI797pCFwNbkSV37S7o/s640/IMG_7583.JPG" width="457" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Look 6927</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I made Evie's out of an adorable narrow wale corduroy that I found it two contrasting colorways. I may make another dress for her out of the other color after she outgrows this one. I don't think she needs two dresses in such a distinct print at the same time. But I <i>loved </i>how this turned out.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEb_C1j1CXKduYWjhbsQuElMweOzdmPmyrnTpyLvlX_WE_XWXq8OdBdX8qHO4qbGuml3QsVLxK7WNuQrq-iSP-EtX03jG9LvGnqRoLIb5y93WTFJRBgdPlr0viJkbhL1Mq7HOSl9kDi-M/s1600/IMG_7626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEb_C1j1CXKduYWjhbsQuElMweOzdmPmyrnTpyLvlX_WE_XWXq8OdBdX8qHO4qbGuml3QsVLxK7WNuQrq-iSP-EtX03jG9LvGnqRoLIb5y93WTFJRBgdPlr0viJkbhL1Mq7HOSl9kDi-M/s640/IMG_7626.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Look 6016<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />There is a very plain knit shirt pattern included with NL 6016, so I made one to go under each of the dresses. Both were made out of a super soft rayon knit jersey; Lilly's was made in ivory and Evie's in chocolate brown. <div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAd7K_Ur_QaBL2JSPV1NX-ZY7OdPUi9EoGtzko7RDM_dSniv3qps1q7MjlGO_wsWluWbZFJSuXUgpP-vLoqZKAKEuogATPMTheJ_hBZzQSH8CKEAPnN9jgXH6LX2UJCUoz7HNgm26Cv0/s1600/m1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUAd7K_Ur_QaBL2JSPV1NX-ZY7OdPUi9EoGtzko7RDM_dSniv3qps1q7MjlGO_wsWluWbZFJSuXUgpP-vLoqZKAKEuogATPMTheJ_hBZzQSH8CKEAPnN9jgXH6LX2UJCUoz7HNgm26Cv0/s640/m1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas day action shot. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have a few more things to post, which hopefully I'll get to this week. I'm going away for the weekend for an annual "Scrap & Sew" getaway weekend in Deep Creek Lake, MD. I went last year and made two dresses - one of which I wore constantly BB (Before Bump) and one that was a horrible wadder. I'll share them both and hopefully have some cute new things to show from this weekend. I have big plans for Simplicity 7113 in pink and white polka dots, for the girls' Easter dresses.<br />
<br />
I'm going to try and take a few lessons from Miriam over at <a href="http://madmim.com/category/made-by-me/sewing-made-by-me/for-me/">Mad Mim</a>. She did some amazing things in her 'Sewing for a Belly' posts last year. I shall study hard and make you proud! Also, I won an amazing vintage maternity pattern giveaway from Mikhaela over at <a href="http://www.polkadotoverload.com/">Polka Dot Overload</a> a month or so ago. I might give one of those a try while I'm away this weekend, if I have the extra time. * fingers crossed *<br />
<br />
And as a parting shot - here's me, about three weeks ago.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuW7ZWaZMPnNX1s_uyaD4G8Emix3E83hTaSyDvF39_VpHr3YnLq8OUBbnToum-YD5f6Py5xfubGIoaTCAsPcuIPlSM6D3Qxqwbo0ctN4ewigxBvdzyQlv0K1naNy08A77EXnHbUsfjQ68/s1600/15+w+6+d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuW7ZWaZMPnNX1s_uyaD4G8Emix3E83hTaSyDvF39_VpHr3YnLq8OUBbnToum-YD5f6Py5xfubGIoaTCAsPcuIPlSM6D3Qxqwbo0ctN4ewigxBvdzyQlv0K1naNy08A77EXnHbUsfjQ68/s640/15+w+6+d.jpg" width="432" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Belly at 15 weeks, 6 days. Trust me, it's bigger now!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>Ginniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632786663022922660noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938206203590290963.post-83504657369601714122011-12-09T10:58:00.001-05:002011-12-09T11:25:21.932-05:00The Adventures of Jingles the Elf<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sadly, as my household has been in the grips of a nasty upper respiratory plague for the past several weeks, I haven't even stepped foot into my sewing room. Even before that, though, I've been either too busy, too tired, or just downright not in the mood to sew. I'm sure that will rectify itself soon. I do have a few items to blog that are finished, just as yet un-photographed. Maybe once the under-nose redness goes away entirely and I feel less like Rudolph.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I've been occupying myself with the antics of our newest friend, Jingles the Elf. Has anyone heard of the <a href="http://www.elfontheshelf.com/?gclid=COKGv_ex9awCFUXf4Aod13dITQ">Elf on the Shelf</a> idea before? I hadn't, although it has apparently been around for a few years now. A friend of mine introduced me this year and I'm having quite a lot of fun with it.<br />
<br />
The idea, after purchase of your Elf on the Shelf and accompanying book (available at multiple retailers in the US such as Hallmark and Books-a-Million, abroad I have no idea) is to place him somewhere in your home and give him a name. His story will give you all the necessary details and tell you that he was sent by Santa to keep an eye on the children of the household and magically report back to the North Pole each night. When he returns in the morning, he will find a new place to 'hide'.<br />
<br />
He likes mischief, this little elf, and he seems to keep finding himself in a bit of trouble with Mommy in our house. More than once, after the girls race downstairs to find him, have I heard, "Oh, Jingles! Mommy's not going to like that!" (followed by giggles).<br />
<br />
I'll admit it. I might be having as much fun with it as the girls. Every evening after I tuck them in, I start thinking of my next 'adventure' for Jingles. And there are tons of resources to help your creative juices flow. Just Google "Elf on the Shelf", or better yet - look on Pinterest. So, I can't take full creative credit for the following Jingles Antics; I've just put my own touch on them. :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppWx9uXULZHyKYOudcUejuuUTiMOW2pJ0UenyxICqutmZ3UcPxOGnJ5E2AE0m3Ogr9y0UdAlCzIrDM2FIRgzCorfbbAQ6vR1TB23c6c-4fZXzxjZkSk7sG2oYCWBWvmDrrwJ_MDg0bOk/s1600/12-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppWx9uXULZHyKYOudcUejuuUTiMOW2pJ0UenyxICqutmZ3UcPxOGnJ5E2AE0m3Ogr9y0UdAlCzIrDM2FIRgzCorfbbAQ6vR1TB23c6c-4fZXzxjZkSk7sG2oYCWBWvmDrrwJ_MDg0bOk/s640/12-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December 1st - Sleigh ride, anyone?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3HNHhLOm_KapFSIqKyXusDVHgij3ut6n8JWy3g6azGB9EAVQEWLe4ol4SggQlIj2qiIGsj4xkKWbSmUC8Yw5ixpcT8MVahAclFzQC7PA7KhnN7SrCkOUe1G7I9zpQXZm17MIuC_pTnc/s1600/12-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3HNHhLOm_KapFSIqKyXusDVHgij3ut6n8JWy3g6azGB9EAVQEWLe4ol4SggQlIj2qiIGsj4xkKWbSmUC8Yw5ixpcT8MVahAclFzQC7PA7KhnN7SrCkOUe1G7I9zpQXZm17MIuC_pTnc/s640/12-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December 2nd</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjns7eg4oNrR7TkzsWO_R8_4HmGOvj1_hyphenhyphenCBLAZDXXaZA0xUSAXKt9ki9Ny4Hbl5HwM3_lhK-fHDEvmsc2WUVAYz8lF8VeYsD_dM_08kUXTTW9N9dmVUZf0Dn9HVQ7dVmFi0kIkmRTjcJY/s1600/12-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjns7eg4oNrR7TkzsWO_R8_4HmGOvj1_hyphenhyphenCBLAZDXXaZA0xUSAXKt9ki9Ny4Hbl5HwM3_lhK-fHDEvmsc2WUVAYz8lF8VeYsD_dM_08kUXTTW9N9dmVUZf0Dn9HVQ7dVmFi0kIkmRTjcJY/s640/12-3.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December 3rd - Botched re-entry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMp3PsoR0IcBr7HHLyLVRJZe1vOvHuI7_W-XErVXRVIrnQAjWz0C9-z39_IddGNd2ukxHQKmtB_PEnhem2DF4mNeDMzbZ2Mgy_o44ZXKLkQZ-UVLUmfqkOqtGEJcka5GZKHLD6xECT6CE/s1600/IMG_7498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMp3PsoR0IcBr7HHLyLVRJZe1vOvHuI7_W-XErVXRVIrnQAjWz0C9-z39_IddGNd2ukxHQKmtB_PEnhem2DF4mNeDMzbZ2Mgy_o44ZXKLkQZ-UVLUmfqkOqtGEJcka5GZKHLD6xECT6CE/s640/IMG_7498.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also December 3rd - We spent a few hours at my parents' house later in the <br />
afternoon and Jinlges put up our tree for us while we were out. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWizqMIobdUZWmNxH7UwT4Dd-ukP-QlRqnLnhbjVAON_mCjyHAiZFI59uTeJDD-wl4aURjs4Sj4L3HVKuiy9WM73MIBbg6HhuNmGOuH4lB7Xj0cpyv-x_akxBcLuBN9c199D1Y9Mx2H_A/s1600/12-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWizqMIobdUZWmNxH7UwT4Dd-ukP-QlRqnLnhbjVAON_mCjyHAiZFI59uTeJDD-wl4aURjs4Sj4L3HVKuiy9WM73MIBbg6HhuNmGOuH4lB7Xj0cpyv-x_akxBcLuBN9c199D1Y9Mx2H_A/s640/12-4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December 4th</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpPTqgQwJyuZODykmBWvPfXWi5jGCOIpgCE9uYboMRY-7bd6waPLXvdI6-Xxfz4qtDNJVN361DMIBzLKZ7J6uDIxeofGZBC4PzwhFVFTiuEGH9B75dCEf7PThf03H4fp_Tv0IiOKYqlo/s1600/12-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpPTqgQwJyuZODykmBWvPfXWi5jGCOIpgCE9uYboMRY-7bd6waPLXvdI6-Xxfz4qtDNJVN361DMIBzLKZ7J6uDIxeofGZBC4PzwhFVFTiuEGH9B75dCEf7PThf03H4fp_Tv0IiOKYqlo/s640/12-5.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December 5th - Panty raid?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NKxKa_UzVTVmiQDHoKS00ncUx0O5dZQ57orxUjtUP4fv0wQtBQi9M5j5-MChaXoN4Rgg99uSff1WJ67lEoaygIa0GoPKJUuMdDZH-nSzeg9keBo3WX1baAjhyIT1qSg4mAWN1eIt7u8/s1600/12-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NKxKa_UzVTVmiQDHoKS00ncUx0O5dZQ57orxUjtUP4fv0wQtBQi9M5j5-MChaXoN4Rgg99uSff1WJ67lEoaygIa0GoPKJUuMdDZH-nSzeg9keBo3WX1baAjhyIT1qSg4mAWN1eIt7u8/s640/12-6.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December 6th - Date night with Angelina Ballerina. She likes his sparkly tie. ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0bXEMvEEZM1gUflPirxj0K2mBDsfdO6sV-5-filPRVQ8omks71GhtYM4f6nPsBUQrb32qqeKx_RIPBoyqv3Ie_zhtPZs9vB5BEk4L2gjSjdL38hePodb3DMADTFXieQ5FVVRbSsq45E/s1600/12-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0bXEMvEEZM1gUflPirxj0K2mBDsfdO6sV-5-filPRVQ8omks71GhtYM4f6nPsBUQrb32qqeKx_RIPBoyqv3Ie_zhtPZs9vB5BEk4L2gjSjdL38hePodb3DMADTFXieQ5FVVRbSsq45E/s640/12-7.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decemeber 7th</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymyAJOBv-uEiYcHz5d_LbY87guEb-EbzL6AbSZGu4XDnZwK1ESszu6OIwThwETbqXNG0G2qR33zhsbEPsDAbfGZuyiz1TKnU0XRkKXdP2mZ-zHzIOvaPso8AeiFWTG7L1Ja-ZVQXqtZk/s1600/12-8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymyAJOBv-uEiYcHz5d_LbY87guEb-EbzL6AbSZGu4XDnZwK1ESszu6OIwThwETbqXNG0G2qR33zhsbEPsDAbfGZuyiz1TKnU0XRkKXdP2mZ-zHzIOvaPso8AeiFWTG7L1Ja-ZVQXqtZk/s640/12-8.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December 8th</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3vF1a2cdzfzXfftzjSEsrgcLnxsHJdZfwWkaLKwjI5xKXw6YIupIdeYlRufvWvEURTnK9C2IynT170h_t33CpHpdsfZtDoG5_bBH0gXGgkPBiLH1z3kynjKQVpkS1zlkQN2sFX5nkgQ/s1600/12-9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3vF1a2cdzfzXfftzjSEsrgcLnxsHJdZfwWkaLKwjI5xKXw6YIupIdeYlRufvWvEURTnK9C2IynT170h_t33CpHpdsfZtDoG5_bBH0gXGgkPBiLH1z3kynjKQVpkS1zlkQN2sFX5nkgQ/s640/12-9.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">December 9th</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What will he get himself up to next, I wonder! ;)<br />
<br />
And P.S. <a href="http://3hourspast.com/">Steph</a>, we're working on more salt dough ornaments this afternoon. I'll post some photos once they are finished! Glad you like them!<br />
<br /></div>Ginniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632786663022922660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938206203590290963.post-30527162176867881782011-11-19T16:39:00.001-05:002011-11-19T16:54:48.339-05:00Salt Dough Ornaments<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm working on getting photos posted of the last few things I've finished. Some have been completed for months, it's just difficult to get photos, so they never get posted. It's on my to-do list.
But in the meantime..... salt dough ornaments.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHCceAUw5z74MltWcxB66oA4NjdswlLvj43fQGm7qbdSJsu_bXiZPax3ZPeTF1Cfq4Gc2Q9d1Lj65BIDuRefLI4XIjAQdB8Nkck1a9ls9r-l9eJqXrMzL4L9h68QfQOzDdzEsnMGJOOA/s1600/IMG_7460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHCceAUw5z74MltWcxB66oA4NjdswlLvj43fQGm7qbdSJsu_bXiZPax3ZPeTF1Cfq4Gc2Q9d1Lj65BIDuRefLI4XIjAQdB8Nkck1a9ls9r-l9eJqXrMzL4L9h68QfQOzDdzEsnMGJOOA/s640/IMG_7460.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Every year, I buy a personalized ornament for our family Christmas tree, and two more for each set of parents. They aren't particularly cheap, so I thought this year I'd try my hand at making my own. They're not quite the professional versions I normally purchase, but I think I like them even better. Isn't handmade always more personal? <br />
<br />
In case you'd like to create your own, the recipe is SUPER easy. 1 part each salt and water to 2 parts flour. Mix salt and flour and add water. Mix until doughy, knead on a flat surface using more flour to keep from sticking. You can using cookie cutters or hand-mold. I baked them for about 45 minutes at 200 degrees (they should sound sort of hollow when you tap them). I painted them with regular craft paints. I haven't sealed them yet, but I'll probably get around to that part tomorrow.<br />
<br />
I made a few other shapes for the girls to paint, too. Butterflies, snowmen, and candy canes. Fun for kids AND grown-up kids! ;)</div>Ginniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632786663022922660noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938206203590290963.post-75008545613491363612011-10-03T18:41:00.000-04:002011-10-03T18:42:03.904-04:00My Other Creative Outlet - Digital Scrapbooking<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br /></div>
I use Mixbook.com, which is hosted online and is free, but there are lots of programs available both online and for purchase. I find this program to be somewhat limited, but very malleable. You can upload your own things like backgrounds and stickers in addition to your photos. They provide you with pre-made themes or the option of a blank slate. You can create and tweak until your hearts content and then have the books printed for a pretty reasonable fee.*
<br ><br />
This is the family album from last year. I think I'm finally satisfied with it, and it will probably end up being the family Christmas gift for my parents and my in-laws this year. Simple gift idea that every grandparent will love! :)
<br ><br />
<object width='740' height='570'><param name='movie' value='http://www.mixbook.com/flash/mixbook_albums.swf?b=5313729&k=iDtlY4Tnxl&mode=production&pid=5313729&autoplay=true' /><param name='wmode' value='transparent' /><param name='FlashVars' value='b=5313729&k=iDtlY4Tnxl&mode=production&pid=5313729&autoplay=true' /><embed src='http://www.mixbook.com/flash/mixbook_albums.swf?b=5313729&k=iDtlY4Tnxl&mode=production&pid=5313729&autoplay=true' FlashVars='b=5313729&k=iDtlY4Tnxl&mode=production&pid=5313729&autoplay=true' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' wmode='transparent' width='740' height='570'></embed></object><div style='text-align:left; font-size:11px; font-family:tahoma,arial; height:26px; padding:2px;'><a href='http://www.mixbook.com'><img src='http://mixbook.s3.amazonaws.com/images/mixbook_player/logo_embed.png' [^] style='border:0px none;margin-bottom:-3px' alt='Mixbook - Create Beautiful Photo Books and Scrapbooks!'/></a> | Learn About Mixbook <a style='text-decoration:underline;' href='http://www.mixbook.com/photo-books'>Photo Books</a> | Create your own <a style='text-decoration:underline;' href='http://www.mixbook.com/'>Photo Book</a></div>
*I am not affiliated with Mixbook in any way and have not been paid in any form for my endorsement. I just find it to be a good program and enjoy using it.Ginniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632786663022922660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938206203590290963.post-41762334951904227002011-09-25T14:21:00.000-04:002011-09-25T14:38:21.273-04:00A Good Start: The First Finished Object<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After a quick start of the the initial <a href="http://underneaththewillow.blogspot.com/2011/09/plan.html">planning stages</a> of the Colette Patterns Fall Palette Challenge, I hit some time snags. I took my family to the beach for a few days the next week and had to finish up another project that had already been started before I could feel composed enough to begin. (That project will be coming up soon... just need to find and apply the perfect finishing touches first! Here's a <a href="http://underneaththewillow.blogspot.com/2010/09/super-nerdy-school-pride.html">hint</a>.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pAC7vX2khAao9hCgW-CFLpBtDzVSzZwOyAvWT9mgt4SfHEeQ19v3DTyYCEs0ftIhzxNQRyR14YiymbaRJW29-q6G5gDz8Kq6KJhO5Ij8dn59VPrFlLdK6U_yUBrP4Xxm5wnZoJebeKM/s1600/V8747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6pAC7vX2khAao9hCgW-CFLpBtDzVSzZwOyAvWT9mgt4SfHEeQ19v3DTyYCEs0ftIhzxNQRyR14YiymbaRJW29-q6G5gDz8Kq6KJhO5Ij8dn59VPrFlLdK6U_yUBrP4Xxm5wnZoJebeKM/s400/V8747.jpg" width="377" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmNtVvnBuPSiZziph5srRBsblaqZNiZhLzWYorfBer94SJN-LMX552F8aYj3tV3Rrw77Q_fpWoOoH74eZtODrKndvaswZqqAR7HVaSGSKeJwlFvwCyQUqE3-vvYC7UTSoKC_X-BJ63bo/s1600/IMG_7239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmNtVvnBuPSiZziph5srRBsblaqZNiZhLzWYorfBer94SJN-LMX552F8aYj3tV3Rrw77Q_fpWoOoH74eZtODrKndvaswZqqAR7HVaSGSKeJwlFvwCyQUqE3-vvYC7UTSoKC_X-BJ63bo/s320/IMG_7239.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I started out with the most versatile of my pattern inspirations, Vogue 8747. It's an adorable button-front blouse with some gathers at the bust. My palette called for an ivory color top, and this one was perfect. I made it in a rayon challis with a lovely feel and drape.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWeu4XMoz6ypthSs4JsjnZrvuOloDQDcTi_AAQzQYyvVVZWR_df6_WAPpxb3O-UYJuKXI5BtwE1evjN7MMPezisQl11qck6PxxYLmBXRzxhqh_BXlEO9TIsgRkRhhGXJUkwBUuxCT8_Q/s1600/IMG_7236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWeu4XMoz6ypthSs4JsjnZrvuOloDQDcTi_AAQzQYyvVVZWR_df6_WAPpxb3O-UYJuKXI5BtwE1evjN7MMPezisQl11qck6PxxYLmBXRzxhqh_BXlEO9TIsgRkRhhGXJUkwBUuxCT8_Q/s320/IMG_7236.JPG" width="320" /></a>It frayed quite a bit, so I finished all the inside seams. As the color was so light and a bit opaque, I had another reason for doing that - you can see the seams from the outside. I didn't want a lot of bulk, so I just turned under the seam and stitched it, rather than using seam binding.<br />
<br />
<br />
They need to be pressed a bit to lay nice and flat, but it keeps the fraying to a minimum and looks uniform from the outside.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5X9tBmWX2P2OazDPMrelxH_oPjI3vTaR3tZSJUXRIOr8U8Kh0EF3A-1QOGg5bL9CzVFGIyjJsQNfFO0JsSCkRDgqssKKypQt-H88ut38xcvPSBW-nADFHAqO8jQAx29PwuooF1VqI1rU/s1600/IMG_7235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5X9tBmWX2P2OazDPMrelxH_oPjI3vTaR3tZSJUXRIOr8U8Kh0EF3A-1QOGg5bL9CzVFGIyjJsQNfFO0JsSCkRDgqssKKypQt-H88ut38xcvPSBW-nADFHAqO8jQAx29PwuooF1VqI1rU/s640/IMG_7235.JPG" width="402" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why do all my photos look exactly the same? I need to go to modeling school. ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Next up, I think, will be a pair of green stretch sateen pants. Or maybe one of the knit shirts. I'll probably decide tonight and get started.</div>
Ginniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632786663022922660noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938206203590290963.post-82694785285882148212011-09-14T11:42:00.001-04:002011-09-14T11:45:40.742-04:00Snuggly Things for Small People<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Every now and then my attention shifts from garment sewing to something crafty. Most often, when I get in a crafty mood, it's to make something for my kids. A few months ago, after a particularly fierce battle over the only character print pillowcase in the house, I decided to make them each their own special pillowcase. We trotted over to Jo-Ann Fabrics and they picked out a print. Lilly chose princesses (to no one's surprise) and Evie chose Mickey Mouse (her current unconditional love).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhud0u0bU9XQ0DjYc3tq7zus1wAb5vesiyQbdtKwL2N9QxEjCkJEzcNKXbHV8tfK4LVV7u7CLl-fESXIcQ9Ekc01dmLCdfCHvpCUcpEC4vutNUl7zyzMBfNGi6BzxCrz3IpcDs2MNuiVLA/s1600/221099_10150163420333215_655288214_6787329_1081943_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhud0u0bU9XQ0DjYc3tq7zus1wAb5vesiyQbdtKwL2N9QxEjCkJEzcNKXbHV8tfK4LVV7u7CLl-fESXIcQ9Ekc01dmLCdfCHvpCUcpEC4vutNUl7zyzMBfNGi6BzxCrz3IpcDs2MNuiVLA/s640/221099_10150163420333215_655288214_6787329_1081943_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="goog_337041845"></span><span id="goog_337041846"></span><br />
<br />
I made my own pattern, if you can even call it that. I measured a 20" by 33" rectangle on the fold, sewed one short side over itself by 3" for the 'facing', and closed the other two with French seams so there would be no frays. Both pillowcases took me an hour and a half total to finish. And, boy, are they loved.<br />
<br />
Evie won't go anywhere without 'Mickey' - including naptime, bedtime, the minivan, the swingset in the backyard, the beach... :) It's nice to be appreciated.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, as I was considering fabrics for the <a href="http://www.coletterie.com/sewing-challenges/fall-palette-challenge-your-moodboards?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ColettePatterns+%28Colette+Patterns%29">Colette Patterns Fall Palette Challenge</a> (PS - That's MY moodboard featured! What an honor!), my thoughts drifted to the cooling weather. I got another kid-crafty idea and took the girls to Jo-Ann again. This time, they each picked out a yard of their favorite character fleece (Minnie Mouse and Angelina Ballerina). a few snips around 3 sides and a no-sew finish (I just tied knots in the fringes) gave them each a new snuggly, comfy blanket to help guard against the new chill in the evening air. And something else to tote around the yard.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYD6FXYewrB_l4Stk1LSmfGOmCCSwPGSeU7ZM2glgfB9wCAfKpwnRRUaQCS9JtOfiYQv4DBuZqmqZDgy-HGedqCiD1jHDQE-IB8nvJX2ApnnnYvvG-oeAuYLvzQSswqo724V_u6fTO17I/s1600/IMG_7219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYD6FXYewrB_l4Stk1LSmfGOmCCSwPGSeU7ZM2glgfB9wCAfKpwnRRUaQCS9JtOfiYQv4DBuZqmqZDgy-HGedqCiD1jHDQE-IB8nvJX2ApnnnYvvG-oeAuYLvzQSswqo724V_u6fTO17I/s640/IMG_7219.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
Ginniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632786663022922660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938206203590290963.post-67780678674051504942011-09-03T12:05:00.001-04:002011-09-03T13:51:55.130-04:00The Plan for the Challenge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I think I've figured out which patterns I'm using. I have a few fabrics that are definite and a few that may change, but this is the basic plan.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRKBfu_ObvljUC3-df4LAaA8pRGP7BdL18zsxLbrAGxvCKXw2n8u3Janx7qt6JfuK15GlFJliq_SB5gP8oAtCvoLESjRKSlfg-04InsMO4_c85QNi1xGL0gWdU8C5cKkGHaekrDPUps8/s1600/Pattern+Board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRKBfu_ObvljUC3-df4LAaA8pRGP7BdL18zsxLbrAGxvCKXw2n8u3Janx7qt6JfuK15GlFJliq_SB5gP8oAtCvoLESjRKSlfg-04InsMO4_c85QNi1xGL0gWdU8C5cKkGHaekrDPUps8/s640/Pattern+Board.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Are you <a href="http://www.coletterie.com/sewing-challenges/fall-palette-challenge-2011?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ColettePatterns+%28Colette+Patterns%29">participating</a>? How's everyone else doing on their inspiration and pattern boards?</div>
<br /></div>
Ginniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632786663022922660noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938206203590290963.post-53561326706590005992011-09-02T14:03:00.000-04:002011-09-02T14:04:52.689-04:00Fall Palette Challenge Inspirations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm thinking of throwing my hat in the ring for the Colette Patterns Fall Palette Challenge 2011. My sewing time is usually fairly scant (I have 2 kids under 5) but it seems like, recently, I've been getting a bit more accomplished. I guess time will tell if I have enough time and energy to actually complete the challenge, but I've been creating an inspiration board anyway.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUgK18pol_PMMee8bBp5WT7F4C373OE17KJovnTn7E2RXiXDSSjYPX1vu89WrgSPZEBvfOiKeoBNccKtpM2tEFtL33fXFdefcGKMu5sKZ6mmwnw4nvSat6wpmOSFo0QMxGVfTQZ2oVBY/s1600/Inspiration+board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUgK18pol_PMMee8bBp5WT7F4C373OE17KJovnTn7E2RXiXDSSjYPX1vu89WrgSPZEBvfOiKeoBNccKtpM2tEFtL33fXFdefcGKMu5sKZ6mmwnw4nvSat6wpmOSFo0QMxGVfTQZ2oVBY/s640/Inspiration+board.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Color palette by <a href="http://www.colourlovers.com/palette/1736782/Fall_Palette">COLOURlovers</a> and Inspiration Board by <a href="http://pinterest.com/ginnie_wise/fall-palette-challenge-inspiration/">Pinterest</a><br />
<br />
Clockwise from upper left corner:<br />
Navy ensemble: <a href="http://notetosarah.tumblr.com/post/8804202769">Note To Self Blog</a> via <a href="http://eatandlove.tumblr.com/post/8796687850/missmossblog-spotted-on-crosby-street-new">Eat & Love</a><br />
Buttons: <a href="http://www.designworklife.com/">Design Work Life</a><br />
Green Dress with navy sash: <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=22692982&catId=CLOTHES-NEW&pushId=CLOTHES-NEW&popId=CLOTHES&navCount=12&color=030&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&subCategoryId=CLOTHES-NEW-DRESSES&templateType=subCategory">Anthropologie</a><br />
Grey, green, ivory suit: via <a href="http://pinterest.com/abbydaigle/">Abby Daigle</a><br />
Grey flower: <a href="http://frenchvanillahome.blogspot.com/2011/03/more-new-product-teasers.html">French Vanilla Home Blog</a><br />
Navy polka dot top: <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?color=041&navAction=jump&id=20920187">Anthropologie</a><br />
Green shoes: via <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/157965823/">Maria G</a><br />
Yellow heel: <a href="http://www.heels.com/womens-shoes/loveme-yellow-suede-pu.html">heels.com</a><br />
Green & ivory ensemble: <a href="http://tulipsandflightsuits.squarespace.com/tulips-flight-suits/2010/8/10/talbots-this-fall.html">Tulips and Flight Suits</a> via <a href="http://www.talbots.com/online/ecatalog/catalog.jsp?sku=2010LookBook_Fall">Talbots</a><br />
Blue shoes: <a href="http://www.chiemihara.com/collection.html">Chie Mihara</a><br />
<br />
I guess I need to start looking for patterns and then some fabrics! So much to do! Anyone else thinking of joining the Challenge? I can't wait to see all of your inspiration boards, too!</div>
Ginniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632786663022922660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938206203590290963.post-15038804220457281032011-08-29T11:43:00.003-04:002011-08-29T14:29:00.310-04:00Vogue 1241 - Kay Unger Dress<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It seems like ages since I've finished anything, and in reality, it sort of has been. The last time I sewed was March. *shakes head* I can barely believe it, myself. I guess I just wasn't in the mood. And I was finding other things to occupy my time. I discovered digital scrapbooking, and for a solid month it dominated most of my spare time. And let's face it, with a 2 and 4-year-old in the house, 'spare time' is quite sparse. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUFXq4jHaTuimrB_06SbmuycgsvjXtPdq8JxKQ_dAzDPP_Jpqeas8NyILOtzhhXdoFt3TybBmKoP5_r8YG0noQ6hSrT7KWRw1YVNjeqA45gHQ9CSZn9CtsdszgIrNzQATp8hZjVUDQEY/s1600/V1241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUFXq4jHaTuimrB_06SbmuycgsvjXtPdq8JxKQ_dAzDPP_Jpqeas8NyILOtzhhXdoFt3TybBmKoP5_r8YG0noQ6hSrT7KWRw1YVNjeqA45gHQ9CSZn9CtsdszgIrNzQATp8hZjVUDQEY/s320/V1241.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vogue 1241 - Kay Unger</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But, at long last, my mojo returned and I set to work on this newer Vogue pattern. I thought this would be a perfect dress to wear to a wedding in September, in which my husband is the Best Man.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It looks like it should be fairly complicated. It is a designer pattern, and it has several interesting design features. The pleated neckline, the rouching on the front and back princess seams, square seaming, invisible zipper, full lining. Maybe it's actually relatively simple, maybe the directions are really good, or maybe I'm just getting a lot more comfortable in my sewing skills, but this went together like a breeze. I was fairly confident that I would get through the entire thing without a single unpicked seam until I accidentally sewed to the bottom of the center back seam, eliminating the kick vent. Oops. Minor, though, and easily fixed so I'm considering this a complete success anyway. :) </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0745snkxO16K4t7XcHHipiVguZE2j5p_iFXuIxsAOe7zJUdd0BHAFyee_NbUwIJopaHghTAinxi_jTcpb1fJK3qrdlYX9TAB3Hzs6xqlsS3f6SYAgWWfWdxd9QkzILJ5osReQUmi7wjo/s1600/IMG_6985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0745snkxO16K4t7XcHHipiVguZE2j5p_iFXuIxsAOe7zJUdd0BHAFyee_NbUwIJopaHghTAinxi_jTcpb1fJK3qrdlYX9TAB3Hzs6xqlsS3f6SYAgWWfWdxd9QkzILJ5osReQUmi7wjo/s640/IMG_6985.JPG" width="425" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used a navy blue and white polyester print (cute, but very cheap) in case my first designer Vogue didn't go so well. The only issue I have with the finished design is that you absolutely <i>must</i> tack down the front cross over. It hangs open in such a huge, breast-bearing way that it's impossible not to sew it closed. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It has a lovely silhouette. The side rouching covers whatever sins the large print doesn't.</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEwM_chGkdaLDcPo6KwwugLpOvpvOi1EzDKVFnDn0m_PjUnaGdTvWtO3HzFx8TQDirvljHsx6VKr5HbV15ol38HR2T8v0QK18Wi_PBzxHhGklJ2CPAQOMMLASdcf6CxbR1O-7z8rZrQc/s1600/IMG_6986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEwM_chGkdaLDcPo6KwwugLpOvpvOi1EzDKVFnDn0m_PjUnaGdTvWtO3HzFx8TQDirvljHsx6VKr5HbV15ol38HR2T8v0QK18Wi_PBzxHhGklJ2CPAQOMMLASdcf6CxbR1O-7z8rZrQc/s640/IMG_6986.JPG" width="425" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgPjaOtQ97DbCMi0dB1h8wniGrkg6XiB2pfG_RtOuQX3IGRLLBkdWWQUvdfGR_8OpzogcXgIMDq6zTdPSaUT1uBH7rtfzTauEYFRkorPqmiQN07GLLPKh7DqXrWkfDmMrZZMRo8ZzlnI/s1600/IMG_6987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgPjaOtQ97DbCMi0dB1h8wniGrkg6XiB2pfG_RtOuQX3IGRLLBkdWWQUvdfGR_8OpzogcXgIMDq6zTdPSaUT1uBH7rtfzTauEYFRkorPqmiQN07GLLPKh7DqXrWkfDmMrZZMRo8ZzlnI/s400/IMG_6987.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the neckline pleats</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'll try to get some photos of it on after I've had a chance to shower and gather my wits about me. I've spent most of the morning doing laundry and getting the older of the little ones ready for preschool. I'm so not a morning person, and I move very slowly before noon. ;)<br />
<br />
** EDITED TO ADD **<br />
<br />
On-body photos, as promised.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8r2LWf0pHEmLRnHzOwQkzK9Djatpqt_q5CSXh6dVSXZqjk7Uv7wYY8Wb6e_GjWeqfeEYx_GG2cQNbi7cNh2JDZg-mBokywC31Xf3ZEfUslJp0xeMEBDN6H26hYjLQ685Qafs8wv-Y6g/s1600/IMG_6989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8r2LWf0pHEmLRnHzOwQkzK9Djatpqt_q5CSXh6dVSXZqjk7Uv7wYY8Wb6e_GjWeqfeEYx_GG2cQNbi7cNh2JDZg-mBokywC31Xf3ZEfUslJp0xeMEBDN6H26hYjLQ685Qafs8wv-Y6g/s640/IMG_6989.JPG" width="419" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIRJNHs7EHJZiQP8c5OHbiRTDS3heZJd_wcKSdX_n-M2OyJ8VleAT_6i38SZZUoqVBxRr2V2bbg8QUwVRh4L2VjrJQUbaNB-oVi9_sd_O0lyadv7ss4nRk17pQ4zuLZGOQGCEWnqqkNw/s1600/IMG_6991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIRJNHs7EHJZiQP8c5OHbiRTDS3heZJd_wcKSdX_n-M2OyJ8VleAT_6i38SZZUoqVBxRr2V2bbg8QUwVRh4L2VjrJQUbaNB-oVi9_sd_O0lyadv7ss4nRk17pQ4zuLZGOQGCEWnqqkNw/s640/IMG_6991.JPG" width="414" /></a></div><br />
Now, I just need to find some awesome red shoes!<br />
<br />
</div>Ginniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632786663022922660noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938206203590290963.post-31457138386027001082011-07-15T16:31:00.002-04:002011-09-14T12:57:52.719-04:00This Year's Over-The-Top Children's Party<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As some of you may have guessed (based on my post of last year's <a href="http://underneaththewillow.blogspot.com/2010/10/wonderland.html">Wonderland festivities</a>) that I like to go a bit overboard with theme parties. I freely admit to it. :)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This year when my girls' birthdays rolled around again, I already had a plan in mind. For now, while they're small, it's much easier (and more fun!) to throw a joint birthday party. Lilly turned 4 on June 14th and Evie turned 2 on the 25th, so we chose a free June weekend and went full throttle. (And by 'we' I mean that Hubs said "Whatever you want, dear," and <i>I</i> went full throttle.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What better way to celebrate childhood than with Dr. Seuss?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cP1mGUm4688zEYPj1hPFkYNiPHZxS9_M86bkTBcPgCOtp00O3Dwi5U98YvIXkVn2bSf5xheAZTa3RIlJzTGvXjz9WMfvURrU4RO0pWQZW4fVjQQ5sUSWhc-h-xykmIrtAHP0oJEl6_w/s1600/IMG_6558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cP1mGUm4688zEYPj1hPFkYNiPHZxS9_M86bkTBcPgCOtp00O3Dwi5U98YvIXkVn2bSf5xheAZTa3RIlJzTGvXjz9WMfvURrU4RO0pWQZW4fVjQQ5sUSWhc-h-xykmIrtAHP0oJEl6_w/s640/IMG_6558.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I chose only Seuss themed foods:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzao6YO4hzSjmaydR1JD0HtaYCB2GSj1ULTHlHgXPgghgCX3n7WknQgUgefH1UV_0DDfEYo0K_XH3yabC3WkkPRasbDPZjQaQNEjVqZn6vPX7iYe45CZ95CFCLdw5B20EfTHfvNTrf8g/s1600/IMG_6543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzao6YO4hzSjmaydR1JD0HtaYCB2GSj1ULTHlHgXPgghgCX3n7WknQgUgefH1UV_0DDfEYo0K_XH3yabC3WkkPRasbDPZjQaQNEjVqZn6vPX7iYe45CZ95CFCLdw5B20EfTHfvNTrf8g/s640/IMG_6543.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Eggs... No Ham. Just green food coloring in the yolk mixture!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgz9GXUXoZXfTEBNKAEOTQkPFJXu2PRAPzpM7q8wASTiTjb80mFf-vRdkCyJfXoZ6cde_92k3814SKCrdtOrbwebmic2ywyDbwLYcqKX2JdBxyQ1-fI-PwMK76Xl9bAeYj6eMnAW5f3b0/s1600/IMG_6539+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgz9GXUXoZXfTEBNKAEOTQkPFJXu2PRAPzpM7q8wASTiTjb80mFf-vRdkCyJfXoZ6cde_92k3814SKCrdtOrbwebmic2ywyDbwLYcqKX2JdBxyQ1-fI-PwMK76Xl9bAeYj6eMnAW5f3b0/s640/IMG_6539+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purchased... not homemade. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHiFpeRqXFBRtPKdaTquW2tWQqXysk_VeWilOAB3cxRo4ZntEWYujC1ZpuRdmyHIcgqBvNzuWnY7nNkNrRk4m5IQE1v-muNvOt7KFI02e9063fORO8b8rBi0Td6WsbGADyyf2Nql2LBc/s1600/IMG_6541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpHiFpeRqXFBRtPKdaTquW2tWQqXysk_VeWilOAB3cxRo4ZntEWYujC1ZpuRdmyHIcgqBvNzuWnY7nNkNrRk4m5IQE1v-muNvOt7KFI02e9063fORO8b8rBi0Td6WsbGADyyf2Nql2LBc/s640/IMG_6541.JPG" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pasta salad with cheese, pepperoni and veggies topped with Italian dressing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_vy4mwUnnX_tldFrdgratnBk3dZTfJgJzS81g6_Axvaa0YbZyTA1VN1Pe58wGAGa27HaWwzU7uj0c8lvKBx7SFO1j7UcjVrgIIOaXDIPVnwjBEjQRcxnqnZVEOB41TkszMApBJDcKFg/s1600/IMG_6547+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_vy4mwUnnX_tldFrdgratnBk3dZTfJgJzS81g6_Axvaa0YbZyTA1VN1Pe58wGAGa27HaWwzU7uj0c8lvKBx7SFO1j7UcjVrgIIOaXDIPVnwjBEjQRcxnqnZVEOB41TkszMApBJDcKFg/s640/IMG_6547+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Layers of Jello and Cool Whip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OaFyjrF8M2zKMVmEGgnevdrgC0pQX3xx1E-3ivDtKxdVlmUBi8u1PGri1yahD1wF6D3PAcx1C3nNC-4L7VoMGDeisDuskvvQYCTNgdlj6R3xlc2T7F9UyWSzToY404rht_f9lI7q2Ec/s1600/IMG_6550+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9OaFyjrF8M2zKMVmEGgnevdrgC0pQX3xx1E-3ivDtKxdVlmUBi8u1PGri1yahD1wF6D3PAcx1C3nNC-4L7VoMGDeisDuskvvQYCTNgdlj6R3xlc2T7F9UyWSzToY404rht_f9lI7q2Ec/s640/IMG_6550+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheeky ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5g792P3-nUkJ_oG7it8JF1sQOjrwHFnmZAzu1loI3-R13yFAm6Ifz26jxea6hIAn5YxveBtJ7ODNZjQM5sMbKig3vlGGDs7bJ6pLQq5WB5CECFfL9xJ-DGk8UIRI9J-vQYYWkAuEarEQ/s1600/IMG_6564+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5g792P3-nUkJ_oG7it8JF1sQOjrwHFnmZAzu1loI3-R13yFAm6Ifz26jxea6hIAn5YxveBtJ7ODNZjQM5sMbKig3vlGGDs7bJ6pLQq5WB5CECFfL9xJ-DGk8UIRI9J-vQYYWkAuEarEQ/s640/IMG_6564+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink lemonade - AKA Yink Drink</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QET3qEORmb7Ffbbb0bnJN8ufypVjc4YlmLALPmePF_aJXzqfjmPAHj1_icSkzuZrjnEjBX0DSQvHADFPNziCFjqoxWnKWTEI8jJSmHkbctfXAGKlwogIkbZgy4DL8Y9kxYSFlsKXMDE/s1600/IMG_6551+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QET3qEORmb7Ffbbb0bnJN8ufypVjc4YlmLALPmePF_aJXzqfjmPAHj1_icSkzuZrjnEjBX0DSQvHADFPNziCFjqoxWnKWTEI8jJSmHkbctfXAGKlwogIkbZgy4DL8Y9kxYSFlsKXMDE/s640/IMG_6551+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red velvet 'Thing 1 & Thing 2' cupcakes with blue tinted frosting!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's lovely that the birthdays are in June because we're almost always assured nice weather. We had a very brief rain in the late afternoon that day, but most of it was beautiful! We decorated the cherry tree and set up the tables underneath.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-DS81_txd_5z6d6XlYhVdTyqrammdAtFNnbEh7yXnbVyF4zmNw8Fcw1dGAcJxroKN9gPBd8r100HE2QSP4GRAVIFWGiL8Zz5olYLuPpmE8_EqCzrTYIahehH4x1Sv4cl2niGHyBGyn0/s1600/IMG_6559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-DS81_txd_5z6d6XlYhVdTyqrammdAtFNnbEh7yXnbVyF4zmNw8Fcw1dGAcJxroKN9gPBd8r100HE2QSP4GRAVIFWGiL8Zz5olYLuPpmE8_EqCzrTYIahehH4x1Sv4cl2niGHyBGyn0/s640/IMG_6559.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoijQNfvq3j2qm0YXI8doly2mbzVHwWVjFX-CsAXzw7dVZeNzH_sdwIE_oUmqnxnNiEKLSbcX9ZZsGc96xm5yPmTCHa3Z-rHKrQZjAVPpbPfnlbWEQ4zPsStithCG5UTO6tiRUeehQvc/s1600/IMG_6461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRoijQNfvq3j2qm0YXI8doly2mbzVHwWVjFX-CsAXzw7dVZeNzH_sdwIE_oUmqnxnNiEKLSbcX9ZZsGc96xm5yPmTCHa3Z-rHKrQZjAVPpbPfnlbWEQ4zPsStithCG5UTO6tiRUeehQvc/s640/IMG_6461.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWpDDslzdYSlJ4IEk5zKzZ7mP3ZKSicTEwYWnJAiEQ9aSJUeY9g6RFXUFJnAG8axP4qZjMYpcIlyupwCuz5TpRb87l0QCB7KFjwxXzAI74kAh-28r2c22LSj-sAeg7IlWj-s0HO9n5n8/s1600/IMG_6563+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWpDDslzdYSlJ4IEk5zKzZ7mP3ZKSicTEwYWnJAiEQ9aSJUeY9g6RFXUFJnAG8axP4qZjMYpcIlyupwCuz5TpRb87l0QCB7KFjwxXzAI74kAh-28r2c22LSj-sAeg7IlWj-s0HO9n5n8/s640/IMG_6563+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsi4p27u2RCiVP_3CFAQbw2xg5lqqUY8QvQIUBiZaOuGvwX9eOCNKJzDu65reRm7bboFfdQFY0-8-uFZrLAfCxvTNGibBva_dkIlW1mtluMvGaSZS7ZawV4ew72IXm5hXRt9gAn7odkE/s1600/IMG_6468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsi4p27u2RCiVP_3CFAQbw2xg5lqqUY8QvQIUBiZaOuGvwX9eOCNKJzDu65reRm7bboFfdQFY0-8-uFZrLAfCxvTNGibBva_dkIlW1mtluMvGaSZS7ZawV4ew72IXm5hXRt9gAn7odkE/s640/IMG_6468.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We enjoyed the day, ate our cupcakes, had a cooling water balloon fight, and enjoyed the company of our friends and family. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUO2bGTR-gND2GdqrbdhpigzSTiyJ2GulPMs1qHkK7BN4L6BdMNiNlZ1kI-avTrY4-jdVe_BLzRcXFox1AmOItNd0LpYzjnly5g1r_5Sdcw18NLhIL8GzGnJVcSGu5bIq07TLp_gFFfmE/s1600/IMG_6467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUO2bGTR-gND2GdqrbdhpigzSTiyJ2GulPMs1qHkK7BN4L6BdMNiNlZ1kI-avTrY4-jdVe_BLzRcXFox1AmOItNd0LpYzjnly5g1r_5Sdcw18NLhIL8GzGnJVcSGu5bIq07TLp_gFFfmE/s640/IMG_6467.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY655qj_YqJdJIV1_fcOO7zFQD7aRyKuKTL-GKrZvYDQRrPplJ2xtvwPt5rSVxB_MsQj51L8MkwRtMzTdt_ey3L8Bf_buIphciO7yFtbMqYHi2F2LMhabRSBCO3ENSzUk7emdtybEy22M/s1600/IMG_6833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY655qj_YqJdJIV1_fcOO7zFQD7aRyKuKTL-GKrZvYDQRrPplJ2xtvwPt5rSVxB_MsQj51L8MkwRtMzTdt_ey3L8Bf_buIphciO7yFtbMqYHi2F2LMhabRSBCO3ENSzUk7emdtybEy22M/s640/IMG_6833.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4OVF5RGTH2S981ehdQmHoeC8nNCK9EnvvciKE4Fu9nAyHzjors41-i7FuQsLjxFUMjQXGQ-HAT-FPCdI5dPB10SgVQ3Va97v2NH3qAhkYi2ctCgJBaQZqb2bQwV4D-ydlp3OrkV4Jf8/s1600/IMG_6737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4OVF5RGTH2S981ehdQmHoeC8nNCK9EnvvciKE4Fu9nAyHzjors41-i7FuQsLjxFUMjQXGQ-HAT-FPCdI5dPB10SgVQ3Va97v2NH3qAhkYi2ctCgJBaQZqb2bQwV4D-ydlp3OrkV4Jf8/s640/IMG_6737.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even Mommy's friends got in on the dressing up. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBANRBPzpItvjLSdaj48XTdmBM_dbV-OZyhhO-HH2yF0jEjzIg2-4QqCQTtvoCpn3kP5wH4Z7Ss4DW5aHNOph5dQ2bq7Fkfy9fOEHyBre49YVdiBDg1spPi9G8ZBrnd5vTLDK6nf5J8I/s1600/242611_10150212048024621_606959620_7006922_1618483_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBANRBPzpItvjLSdaj48XTdmBM_dbV-OZyhhO-HH2yF0jEjzIg2-4QqCQTtvoCpn3kP5wH4Z7Ss4DW5aHNOph5dQ2bq7Fkfy9fOEHyBre49YVdiBDg1spPi9G8ZBrnd5vTLDK6nf5J8I/s640/242611_10150212048024621_606959620_7006922_1618483_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch out for this one... he carries a Wocket in his Pocket!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndQXgaDe5dUdC2PYNhFcYPjAycmcfjUA_X-yTPYIR5baFaShTYh1rUd5B3tIYPX-Hikkyv7-sLKFxkXXym2fipSL_ncnLzPxlnSMIqPFZA5xp2d77h3fgPAeAgIiaZDgHlL0E_7Pea0M/s1600/IMG_6449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjndQXgaDe5dUdC2PYNhFcYPjAycmcfjUA_X-yTPYIR5baFaShTYh1rUd5B3tIYPX-Hikkyv7-sLKFxkXXym2fipSL_ncnLzPxlnSMIqPFZA5xp2d77h3fgPAeAgIiaZDgHlL0E_7Pea0M/s640/IMG_6449.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The birthday girls and their cousins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdmcV66oJCl66rzrrYN93ScRDHAUqKt8Hw1dyeSzLb_XV8JSHtm1abMlEeBU183isi4ARHb41zhC-XP41nZVudk6HK4tL41yo6ci0DLaCbGR655uSYtzPQnlp7dJvqjFGbVyO1Yd_Xv0/s1600/IMG_6459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdmcV66oJCl66rzrrYN93ScRDHAUqKt8Hw1dyeSzLb_XV8JSHtm1abMlEeBU183isi4ARHb41zhC-XP41nZVudk6HK4tL41yo6ci0DLaCbGR655uSYtzPQnlp7dJvqjFGbVyO1Yd_Xv0/s640/IMG_6459.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of friends!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
Can't wait to see what we think up for next year! Hope you're all having a great summer!</div>
</div>
Ginniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632786663022922660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938206203590290963.post-60571058524513399622011-03-22T16:28:00.004-04:002012-02-03T21:24:02.722-05:00Catching Up (Read: Bad Blogger!)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Good heavens, it's been a long time since I've posted! So sorry to have fallen off the radar like that. It's been a busy few months, and I haven't had much time to photograph or blog, although I have been doing some sewing.<br />
<br />
Firstly, I have been meaning to post some photos of the gala dress actually<i> on</i> my body. I will know for future reference not to rely on Husband to be photo-man for events, particularly ones where I'd like shots of one of my creations. Noted. That said, I took a few snaps of myself wearing it, along with a few of the other recent completions. So, yeah, they were all taken today. No hair and make-up variety, but I did try to change up my background a bit here and there. :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFGi7vG2ZxB-2uHlGuOELwGOeXjE1fGbjJKlnQxDy4iCiSfariRKOY6iYpWSpEzMUcHKGZSoCDzanC-Vn0zva6lcFy31KLcTDSkE6VifvVP2dFq7_0MEhG1ufmb0bPwnRoSuGsMRDGcI/s1600/IMG_6244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFGi7vG2ZxB-2uHlGuOELwGOeXjE1fGbjJKlnQxDy4iCiSfariRKOY6iYpWSpEzMUcHKGZSoCDzanC-Vn0zva6lcFy31KLcTDSkE6VifvVP2dFq7_0MEhG1ufmb0bPwnRoSuGsMRDGcI/s400/IMG_6244.JPG" width="256" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_DvKhZbcLe4On8ZTrlW-ChTzlyN0W5L9-KD-_CqkEWQnTI0ah-Ns-CLIfcoAqjHSf6xAeDXc7A9y4LRq8q3oQwQ0ECkkAPQXfnYFDunDtVe3FOrOMlTEtQFiSWNOQNaUl0jhmk48rgw/s1600/IMG_6243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_DvKhZbcLe4On8ZTrlW-ChTzlyN0W5L9-KD-_CqkEWQnTI0ah-Ns-CLIfcoAqjHSf6xAeDXc7A9y4LRq8q3oQwQ0ECkkAPQXfnYFDunDtVe3FOrOMlTEtQFiSWNOQNaUl0jhmk48rgw/s400/IMG_6243.JPG" width="255" /></a></div>
<br />
I purchased a mask from Michael's craft store to make a matching masquerade ball mask. I covered it in the same maroon satin fabric, used stick-on jewels (which I glued for stability) and painted the designs on with glitter glue. Just one one-piece feather thingamabob hot melted onto the back and some pretty ribbons. It wasn't terribly difficult, just a bit time consuming. But I was asked a few time how I managed to have a matching dress and mask, a people were genuinely surprised and impressed when I told them I'd made both items. Not so secretly, I love that. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHC6RHm_GGy2pq5FJqPcneqL4UL1gNNqDH3C9NiuCUEZbsxipTnU-r8P9oeNdv2kiJhaY9a0LZqFrBIGGhuToQpeWN6bCFhCTqDA1caquin62KiJxD2PYr7Ml8tXUoQn4s2Y71jEBcyM/s1600/IMG_6257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinHC6RHm_GGy2pq5FJqPcneqL4UL1gNNqDH3C9NiuCUEZbsxipTnU-r8P9oeNdv2kiJhaY9a0LZqFrBIGGhuToQpeWN6bCFhCTqDA1caquin62KiJxD2PYr7Ml8tXUoQn4s2Y71jEBcyM/s640/IMG_6257.JPG" width="552" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBGDzdFwDR3bsnBHpNOzn_RXkX6N0TUxsi2jhzFl7KlZNZPksj0Bro9AuhsKxrIFUlWCRyC7OHGBOMo33sIGO5XpkNwTaMnzLXdqd9j3SsJKDRjq0R4tb98Yb3QsnkZMlnDh0E2pUm14/s1600/IMG_6264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBGDzdFwDR3bsnBHpNOzn_RXkX6N0TUxsi2jhzFl7KlZNZPksj0Bro9AuhsKxrIFUlWCRyC7OHGBOMo33sIGO5XpkNwTaMnzLXdqd9j3SsJKDRjq0R4tb98Yb3QsnkZMlnDh0E2pUm14/s640/IMG_6264.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
Pardon all the wrinkles. The dress hasn't been cleaned and re-pressed since the event.<br />
<br />
I should mention that the only change I made the original Burda design was to add bra cups sandwiched between the outer and lining layers. There was no possible way to wear an undergarment with a back that low, and even with my less than ample chesticular area, I thought it necessary to have a bit more modesty.<br />
<br />
I did take a bit of break after I finished the dress. Although not particularly difficult, it was a time burner and the last few bits were a little fiddly. I guess I needed a little break, so I doubt I stepped foot in the studio for at least 2 weeks. Once I did finally get some mojo back, I started on <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m5668-products-8663.php?page_id=115">McCalls 5668</a>, which I've had cut forever and never bothered to put together. What better way to ease back in than with a project you don't even have to cut, right? I didn't bother with a muslin since it was just a cheapo moleskin from Joann Fabrics with a pretty swirly flowery design. I find, for the most part, that I can get away with a straight-out-of-the-envelope size 12. I count myself very fortunate for this, believe me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bXoYicy3zdaNEaRV0mb2FgEqYQnMAgGwDqkNkaeIbBexlDzk2mShiXHS3knpT5bT3YCLkQE56TBEmsNKI0Hibky42A3vu-KomCzav5u41Kq77mjACBVzfymeSfzulKirUKMgfMjFnPY/s1600/IMG_6242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3bXoYicy3zdaNEaRV0mb2FgEqYQnMAgGwDqkNkaeIbBexlDzk2mShiXHS3knpT5bT3YCLkQE56TBEmsNKI0Hibky42A3vu-KomCzav5u41Kq77mjACBVzfymeSfzulKirUKMgfMjFnPY/s640/IMG_6242.JPG" width="512" /></a></div>
<br />
I think it turned out very nicely, and I've already worn it twice. The only thing I changed on this pattern was to add a closure. The white shirt underneath was also a completed project, but it was in the laundry, and thus I could not photograph it for this post. Promise I'll throw it in somewhere else after I can get a photo.<br />
<br />
I threw this little skirt together in an evening. It was comes from a <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5534-products-12356.php?page_id=154&search_control=display&list=search">Butterick 5534</a> separates pattern and really lives up to its <i>Fast and Easy</i> title. It's a bit hard to see in the photos, but the fabric is a subtle blue/black plaid with a little stretch. It has to be 100% polyester based solely on the smell of it being steam pressed. I did add a full lining, which the pattern did not call for, and changed the lapped zipper to an invisible one. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9k5OANfeuYlJwrbWVyNioNK-iFz8WdRfcyAVcfLth0EpMC1OepLzxd0cqyu8jb5UeecUyCCo-Vy_LCquCpO2vuw9TzPBKSAGbG84r-54Q1xGE6sXwGGiF6znM3PlcQfMguHQy7Yprolo/s1600/IMG_6229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9k5OANfeuYlJwrbWVyNioNK-iFz8WdRfcyAVcfLth0EpMC1OepLzxd0cqyu8jb5UeecUyCCo-Vy_LCquCpO2vuw9TzPBKSAGbG84r-54Q1xGE6sXwGGiF6znM3PlcQfMguHQy7Yprolo/s400/IMG_6229.JPG" width="220" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRenvgo3MH5cDZ_3s1Pak5t_wNL31O36cLussn2Su2QPr1tD9jaKCJQpY7zpBACYapLYoPtCgbYc_5HYwgegqC0xgOKOuwb9MIYNmdqO3cxqUVaRaKRIxTJ6_7xeGBJF4IGjEdcyRYTAo/s1600/IMG_6236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRenvgo3MH5cDZ_3s1Pak5t_wNL31O36cLussn2Su2QPr1tD9jaKCJQpY7zpBACYapLYoPtCgbYc_5HYwgegqC0xgOKOuwb9MIYNmdqO3cxqUVaRaKRIxTJ6_7xeGBJF4IGjEdcyRYTAo/s400/IMG_6236.JPG" width="326" /></a></div>
Please ignore the horrible fit of the RTW shirt I've paired it with. I won't attempt an excuse except to say that I won't wear it anymore after seeing the photos. Ick.<br />
<br />
Lastly, sometime for the girl. Well, one of the girls. Lilly came home from preschool the Friday before St. Patrick's week in tears after her teacher told her she could wear something green on St. Patrick's day. The child who normally only allows me to dress her in pink (and the occasional purple or Disney/Nickelodeon character) was devastated that she didn't own a single green item. So, what is a sewing mom to do? We went down to Joann's, picked out some green printed cotton and flowery trim and whipped something up. I used <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-5838-childs-easy-to-sew-dresses.aspx">Simplicity 2269</a> from my stash.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqZDHGzWHTFOQt7vu8NXMREbinsxSJBuItqK1Qo9C76UCIC2cx3A3q8rC6lsDc-6Lc8QafabuWg2U97RxXa-ieDzX_nPb2QPRwHu3An0XMY0uJQfjWFJtPNEGHtmZeE3Pme_QAoFaInU/s1600/IMG_6215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqZDHGzWHTFOQt7vu8NXMREbinsxSJBuItqK1Qo9C76UCIC2cx3A3q8rC6lsDc-6Lc8QafabuWg2U97RxXa-ieDzX_nPb2QPRwHu3An0XMY0uJQfjWFJtPNEGHtmZeE3Pme_QAoFaInU/s640/IMG_6215.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvm-Lz78JyxBw-7wlM3HZLRn9zc93v-uYlQ8DNnutcclCG3XDU67-fPvMPOdEdZiI2jdxMPnlL11EpE4jhT-HIIeo-yi9_QzIaZuVfsRjoueG7SfgTpkdOAsjpT_w_ml9Et43gd4Q5ns/s1600/IMG_6210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvm-Lz78JyxBw-7wlM3HZLRn9zc93v-uYlQ8DNnutcclCG3XDU67-fPvMPOdEdZiI2jdxMPnlL11EpE4jhT-HIIeo-yi9_QzIaZuVfsRjoueG7SfgTpkdOAsjpT_w_ml9Et43gd4Q5ns/s640/IMG_6210.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
<br />
I had to re-do the squared front sections twice so they'd lay flat. It's taken a while, I think I can safely say I've mastered that skill now. It's super cute and she was completely in love with it. Not only did she wear green on St. Patty's Day, but she wanted to wear it again to church on Sunday. Maybe I've converted Little Miss Pink to include a bit more variety. Maybe it's just because it was a dress. She still won't wear jeans with anything that isn't pink. Oh well, I guess it could be worse! :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-m01GhpMcTg8qlOgt2DB85lCOZrhjWMBrFDrpK3IPZ6An000sT1e0oeaCIRlJnQQ7NJhMn-2vfcT6fW2pJobNB-Hs93T8lhNaR91XHjlPUgNvhqSriSpZJVDpw2MtYnOOKpq99yPjP8/s1600/IMG_6286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-m01GhpMcTg8qlOgt2DB85lCOZrhjWMBrFDrpK3IPZ6An000sT1e0oeaCIRlJnQQ7NJhMn-2vfcT6fW2pJobNB-Hs93T8lhNaR91XHjlPUgNvhqSriSpZJVDpw2MtYnOOKpq99yPjP8/s640/IMG_6286.JPG" width="425" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, yeah. That's what I've been up to for the past two months. This weekend I'm headed out to a cabin with some girlfriends of mine about an hour from home. It's traditionally a scrapbooking getaway, but since I've converted my friend (who happens to be the organizer) she's made into a Scrap-n-Sew. I have to haul my machine and supplies, but who cares! Imagine -- a whole weekend with no husband, no children, no distractions (well, except for the hot tub and copious amounts of alcohol), just lots of sewing (and maybe some scrapping) time! I'll be sure to take the camera to document my (hopefully) productive 2 days away. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Until then... Happy sewing to all!</div>
</div>Ginniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632786663022922660noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938206203590290963.post-4543835945503150262011-01-21T23:57:00.001-05:002011-01-22T09:36:44.839-05:00Gala Dress<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdtFpmP2dJBsYVf5Mo9-vwb8IQtRrZGV9DsWxRY7zWT6kDOnjTaqkwQLThkD9rlDC6WerlcDDYFDXpOF7968ORGSeL3UmWw82UTtwGTyjjbXVXF0KzFCU5cp9UxzR7ka6Sk9U5hJ_-C4/s1600/bd7470lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdtFpmP2dJBsYVf5Mo9-vwb8IQtRrZGV9DsWxRY7zWT6kDOnjTaqkwQLThkD9rlDC6WerlcDDYFDXpOF7968ORGSeL3UmWw82UTtwGTyjjbXVXF0KzFCU5cp9UxzR7ka6Sk9U5hJ_-C4/s320/bd7470lg.jpg" width="238" /></a>I've been putting off my Vintage Sewalong dress in order to finish a formal dress for an event that came up last minute. Well, not exactly last minute. I knew it was going to happen (as it does every year) but I didn't have a date for the event until less than two weeks ago. The company gala. My husband's company Winter Gala, to be exact, and it's January 29th. <br />
<br />
So, I dug out my list of formal wear patterns (of which there are very few) and chose Burda 7470. I first noticed in the inside cover of my November Burda Style magazine. I'm generally not the 'butt bow' kind of girl, but this one just looked so elegant. I even chose a very similar color, a deep maroon.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhS2bO6KYy6kKAkzlbHBuYCPrD3mNjPSZ9gDmXIlOjTR9wfSagKspz60DhHQ7C-QuTofWvzLf7dfA1XW2cPa5u-2v2Vd0Lva5OuGSLKZjoErRD2HWTUID1QG5HBScPTX1vMMVNhicrViw/s1600/IMG_6085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhS2bO6KYy6kKAkzlbHBuYCPrD3mNjPSZ9gDmXIlOjTR9wfSagKspz60DhHQ7C-QuTofWvzLf7dfA1XW2cPa5u-2v2Vd0Lva5OuGSLKZjoErRD2HWTUID1QG5HBScPTX1vMMVNhicrViw/s200/IMG_6085.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is as close as I could photograph of the actual color. It's really close.<br />
<br />
The instructions on this one were actually pretty good. I've heard some horror stories of Burda instructions, but I didn't have any problems at all. Of course, I'm not a beginner, so that could make a difference. It seems like it took forever to put together, but that's mostly just because the plague hit our house (or at least it seemed that way) last week and both the little girls and I were quite under the weather. So, that meant that when I felt like sewing (which wasn't much) it had to happen late at night after the girls were in bed. It probably only really took a few hours.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuB1qs4Fuf3UEZCEGqU_c6M0XaiiTA5QfQ8uHi_CdPcHo8msbq69T0CnzJg151FfzUl2IYcrJaQsSI0vZu7ffk-Q47ZmiF_FEATm5eh0knEkocd79ltOMd8XWppsx92ACCUY0T2aOcNI/s1600/IMG_6077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuB1qs4Fuf3UEZCEGqU_c6M0XaiiTA5QfQ8uHi_CdPcHo8msbq69T0CnzJg151FfzUl2IYcrJaQsSI0vZu7ffk-Q47ZmiF_FEATm5eh0knEkocd79ltOMd8XWppsx92ACCUY0T2aOcNI/s400/IMG_6077.JPG" width="188" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh72_yDtJmGA0taMJwnRWhr-u3rn5-iu1KL0N5uXGrQEeYyt3AKjBL1XtoOKeW4hPtiCDiVS6MK5D0_znePm9cGJmVuclA-17ttiPNxVciykpyY10eOhXknhMcyOwBa0AoTSI-o9jwqeM/s1600/IMG_6082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh72_yDtJmGA0taMJwnRWhr-u3rn5-iu1KL0N5uXGrQEeYyt3AKjBL1XtoOKeW4hPtiCDiVS6MK5D0_znePm9cGJmVuclA-17ttiPNxVciykpyY10eOhXknhMcyOwBa0AoTSI-o9jwqeM/s400/IMG_6082.JPG" width="187" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sorry for the horrible lighting. It's very late and I have harsh florescent lighting in my basement studio. And the material is shiny. I used a really delicious feeling crepe backed satin and lined it with black charmeuse. Don't look too closely at the bottom of the photo - it's not hemmed yet. I'm getting there tomorrow. Hopefully, I'll be able to take some pictures of the dress on my body, too. You won't get the full picture until after the masks are finished. That's right, I didn't mention that it's a masquerade ball! You can't even imagine how excited I am about it. I <i>love</i> a good theme party. This is the ultimate. A fancy hotel ballroom filled with 200 adults dressed in black tie and feathery/sequined masks. There will be copious amounts of pictures, I promise. :)Ginniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632786663022922660noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938206203590290963.post-44960093967827701452011-01-08T09:57:00.000-05:002011-01-08T09:57:52.539-05:00Come and Join Us!There has been a bit of sewing happening here in my house, just nothing blogged about yet. I'm saving up my few 'brainless' projects for one post. I needed a bit of a thinking break after <a href="http://underneaththewillow.blogspot.com/2010/12/finished-great-coat-project-of-2010.html">The Coat</a> was finished. Plus, I'm getting ready to start my muslin for my <a href="http://thegreatvintagesewalong.blogspot.com/">Vintage Sew-along 2011</a> project, the <a href="http://thegreatvintagesewalong.blogspot.com/2011/01/1930s-button-dress.html">1930s Button Dress</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaPwDK-HMF8KPkSvdhwmSpbgq5HojG3q0ci6Rp09cvL0tXgaDU_Lz3TomHXMUZf-t3KfPJBl4m324Tcc3HTGZbFCmgrQV6WnQJXVI3bvxX5PAqa4NF8wwUW-54lxq3tx4qUQDTMq7iSA/s1600/books460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaPwDK-HMF8KPkSvdhwmSpbgq5HojG3q0ci6Rp09cvL0tXgaDU_Lz3TomHXMUZf-t3KfPJBl4m324Tcc3HTGZbFCmgrQV6WnQJXVI3bvxX5PAqa4NF8wwUW-54lxq3tx4qUQDTMq7iSA/s400/books460.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
In other news, though, I have joined forces with Steph of <a href="http://3hourspast.blogspot.com/">3 Hours Past the Edge of the World</a>. Alas, not for sewing (although I admire her work so much I sometimes contemplate traveling halfway around the world just to raid her closet). Instead, she's hosting a bit of a side project -- a vintage read-along. And why not? We're all talking 'vintage' these days and what better way to understand the world we wish to emulate? The idea is to read the chosen book with the group and pick out the parts that help color our mental images of the time period. We're starting off with Breakfast at Tiffany's. Far more colorful a read than the watered-down Audrey Hepburn movie (as wonderful as it was). Please come and join us! You can find the read-along at <a href="http://greatvintagereadalong.blogspot.com/">Pelicans and Penguins</a>.<br />
<br />
I hope the new year is treating you all well and has presented you all with new, promising opportunities and lots of motivation!Ginniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632786663022922660noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938206203590290963.post-1110459196193658272011-01-01T09:54:00.000-05:002011-01-01T09:54:33.598-05:00Ah, 2011! Welcome... welcome...<div style="text-align: center;">I just love the start of a fresh year... so many possibilities. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsOvfcjMeAus61emubCKUy6tq6N5D7bV29DBroQhF25xmfsOLpqmbt750zHEU_Xm42yosYolhN6IVLPwyF_MqDNy6X3VLf64-LksXGhTMxRDOe5CMQYj9atKoCxpcjhcd0g2oKTAZ7ZE/s1600/liked2011cutebeachnewyearcardsea-0cfaf34a316798658d3f104606613a96_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsOvfcjMeAus61emubCKUy6tq6N5D7bV29DBroQhF25xmfsOLpqmbt750zHEU_Xm42yosYolhN6IVLPwyF_MqDNy6X3VLf64-LksXGhTMxRDOe5CMQYj9atKoCxpcjhcd0g2oKTAZ7ZE/s400/liked2011cutebeachnewyearcardsea-0cfaf34a316798658d3f104606613a96_h.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I'll be spending the afternoon thinking about my creative to-do list and my goals for the year. There are so many things I want to do and try, it'll be difficult choosing where to begin.<br />
<br />
Happy New Year to all of you! I wish you a creative and prosperous year with lots of inspiration and motivation.Ginniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632786663022922660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938206203590290963.post-39947476848250459772010-12-31T14:29:00.000-05:002012-02-03T22:46:43.405-05:00FINISHED! The Great Coat Project of 2010<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDWtfNk2W2YvAGRRKQs8Th1jVwIeqLWiYg3TCfJxMeG7vNI5qcZ6HvywkB8y-tbebSXeSyHp9PAAVy7bsEB2KOokFVa20ppVXvQc5-Q6XxaX4kgwP6Wzjx5hH8Z_HgCZJs0PQvjgEy1o/s1600/IMG_6067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDWtfNk2W2YvAGRRKQs8Th1jVwIeqLWiYg3TCfJxMeG7vNI5qcZ6HvywkB8y-tbebSXeSyHp9PAAVy7bsEB2KOokFVa20ppVXvQc5-Q6XxaX4kgwP6Wzjx5hH8Z_HgCZJs0PQvjgEy1o/s640/IMG_6067.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
What can I say? I'm a bit of a flapper at heart. I really didn't mean to style myself right out of the Decade of Indulgence, I swear. (But I like it!)<br />
<br />
And wouldn't you know that the day I finish a wool winter coat it would be 50 degrees outside? I was sweating while doing my contest photo shoot! Last week... wind chill of 16. Today? Not so much. But, I'll be honest and say I MUCH prefer the unseasonable warmth. Greatly. <br />
<br />
Here it is, all pretty and pressed on Beatrice. The only thing that bugs me is that I can't get my buttons to stay facing the same way. I had to add a bit of a thread shank, since the wool is so thick, and now they twist all over the place. I'm working on a solution. ...... Ain't she perrrrty?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBRbLOgjdDAipDRPmroxvbGn37cLP7RW8i7W8axfelWNGQincxRDCXDGiWv1wIaTS_XihAMUuFGt91GWoknCP07WzYyo5eJoQyeEhZszCudJ9Stp_8kZC1Y2CuUH1Zo_WnluAuQ851pE/s1600/IMG_6053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBRbLOgjdDAipDRPmroxvbGn37cLP7RW8i7W8axfelWNGQincxRDCXDGiWv1wIaTS_XihAMUuFGt91GWoknCP07WzYyo5eJoQyeEhZszCudJ9Stp_8kZC1Y2CuUH1Zo_WnluAuQ851pE/s640/IMG_6053.JPG" width="422" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The front of the coat, in all its 20s-styled glory:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4BuGWcEwV0ymnG6k0lT3xs-6YdW1rae9Url0nlVwvZA-rPFgpzO2v303azjpSZMoU-uE5F6p1etJN9ckpFYz4KduGvUDcVumdtU4-6PsDN-ykW5V2Xm9vFNbAC1eVK60c1FQ9zJwoN8/s1600/IMG_6061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4BuGWcEwV0ymnG6k0lT3xs-6YdW1rae9Url0nlVwvZA-rPFgpzO2v303azjpSZMoU-uE5F6p1etJN9ckpFYz4KduGvUDcVumdtU4-6PsDN-ykW5V2Xm9vFNbAC1eVK60c1FQ9zJwoN8/s640/IMG_6061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
And the back. It lays nice and smoothly without the original vertical shoulder folds. I guess those two full weeks of muslins really did pay off in the end.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUsSNjExoo2-_PJeqUv_oeHiLFRwgpgUwzmQGJnebhXHt1NH4MvAYGgEWLTW9fc1kjE0T-MkV5dUw93Mg0Kn7CUqQet4JnR1WxGpoh0BLexzlYneC9f4xqGnrFo5bpOaE31Q0PR4QaH4/s1600/IMG_6066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUsSNjExoo2-_PJeqUv_oeHiLFRwgpgUwzmQGJnebhXHt1NH4MvAYGgEWLTW9fc1kjE0T-MkV5dUw93Mg0Kn7CUqQet4JnR1WxGpoh0BLexzlYneC9f4xqGnrFo5bpOaE31Q0PR4QaH4/s640/IMG_6066.JPG" width="393" /></a></div>
Too warm for the hat and gloves... after breaking into a sweat, we went with less buttoned-up type of look.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-ubtvT4GCa1Gi0GURTCl1GSl_rd6OqtvO6eKebvNW2Vex6srvQ2QeNcGICNKLCaguoy8mFVjJ6PSG2G1728CS2prrUISJ-4syJ-LyCB2ElIj4oJunHwoqsVL_YsREzkoMaVVXxfeNYY/s1600/IMG_6071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-ubtvT4GCa1Gi0GURTCl1GSl_rd6OqtvO6eKebvNW2Vex6srvQ2QeNcGICNKLCaguoy8mFVjJ6PSG2G1728CS2prrUISJ-4syJ-LyCB2ElIj4oJunHwoqsVL_YsREzkoMaVVXxfeNYY/s640/IMG_6071.JPG" width="412" /></a></div>
And some of the front details. Did I mention before that I love the buttons? Cause if not, I really love the buttons. I mean, really really. They cost me a small fortune, but worth every penny. Now, to get them to stop spinning around! I know, I know, I mentioned that already.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3BZtquktTK-nuiZsY9_B6XN8vKG4McI4Jc3TAr0KaajY7UfNChJG4acdiqv4kWj4nAEkCO7pSiBv-CJtC_lf8AxmPT4IbuiXk96sFNS0lp_MgfHjWd1RIVdyzvwmTqMnzCChpZJKHgA/s1600/IMG_6072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ3BZtquktTK-nuiZsY9_B6XN8vKG4McI4Jc3TAr0KaajY7UfNChJG4acdiqv4kWj4nAEkCO7pSiBv-CJtC_lf8AxmPT4IbuiXk96sFNS0lp_MgfHjWd1RIVdyzvwmTqMnzCChpZJKHgA/s640/IMG_6072.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
*WHEW* I'm actually pretty glad that's over. It was fun, I learned A LOT of new techniques, and I got an amazing coat out of it. Overall, I'd say that I'm thrilled and excited to move on to the next project. Good luck to all of you participating in the Winter Wear Contest. Except <a href="http://malepatternboldness.blogspot.com/">Peter</a>. That <a href="http://malepatternboldness.blogspot.com/2010/12/finished-peter-models-vogue-toggle-coat.html">toggle coat</a> is far too amazing, so I'm sending some voo-doo vibes that it doesn't win and gives the rest of us a fighting chance. ;)</div>Ginniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632786663022922660noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938206203590290963.post-3965378500790130532010-12-30T09:29:00.001-05:002010-12-30T14:37:33.551-05:00Thinking AheadThe coat is very nearly finished. I've gotten the wool completely hemmed and topstitched. Now, I just need to finish hemming the lining and get some buttonholes put in! I was busy trying on hats last night while out on a quick shopping trip. I'll need something new and special to go with my work-intensive coat. I think I found something that I really like, but I'll need to have the coat on when I try it, so I guess it will wait until after tonight. That's right... a few more hours and it should be complete!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUT2X0SutCpS1viSaFluIwvrQE4nZm1LbEjwSKoKJI1dgppm7jNj3WckOA8ke33V1a950JYs5uvx6kxwZ0swQtnqK0_VQsH4RFG5p-yStLIW7pUbGmBiMu-eWDJEMlI_U0a_3t88i57Q/s1600/vintage-150-x-150-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzUT2X0SutCpS1viSaFluIwvrQE4nZm1LbEjwSKoKJI1dgppm7jNj3WckOA8ke33V1a950JYs5uvx6kxwZ0swQtnqK0_VQsH4RFG5p-yStLIW7pUbGmBiMu-eWDJEMlI_U0a_3t88i57Q/s1600/vintage-150-x-150-1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeYJlCbhlc8tF1BuPwiseQkCO-l_r3SA5VGrf85Ovbt4XAQsiq9RmHfA-yNUU8FQvmtbMhJv-XXUQgZayI3KdaNJX4s7_Eu96OSjw0lJRTgaW7Cr_SU9YVlO45xn91ci_Em7GMBVDi_Y/s1600/Button+Dress+-+1930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeYJlCbhlc8tF1BuPwiseQkCO-l_r3SA5VGrf85Ovbt4XAQsiq9RmHfA-yNUU8FQvmtbMhJv-XXUQgZayI3KdaNJX4s7_Eu96OSjw0lJRTgaW7Cr_SU9YVlO45xn91ci_Em7GMBVDi_Y/s1600/Button+Dress+-+1930.jpg" /></a>And, on other thinking-too-far-ahead news, I'm excited to say that I've joined the <a href="http://thegreatvintagesewalong.blogspot.com/">Vintage Sew Along 2011</a>. I even picked out my pattern... a 1930s reproduction - the Button Dress from Decades of Style.<br />
<br />
Just look at that beautiful vintage silhouette! I will probably change the back to include fewer bows. I'm not such a bow kind of girl. It has an invisible side zipper, so I'm sure I could do away with at last the neck bow, and possibly reconfigure the waist tie to just be a belt of sorts that will open at the side seam with the zipper. Minor redrafting, I think. We'll see once I actually receive the pattern.<br />
<br />
At any rate, I'll be looking for some amazing fabric to cook this one up with. I'm not generally into very vintage-y fashions. I work in a professional office where even a hint of 'costumey' wouldn't work. But I love the lines of the 20s and 30s, and I think this will look very classic when it's finished - just a bit reminiscent of the decade from which it was designed. Either way, I'm very excited! I hope all of you out there who are enjoy vintage take a moment to check out the sew along and those of you already participating find something you fall in love with.<br />
<br />
Good luck to all - in both the Patter Review Winter Wear Contest and the Vintage Sew Along 2011. More photos of the finished coat to come very soon!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TPmNLolQwbFl5eEBtGdUKDjoUVG2_bLiBGakUzml4IfpgiC9MSrrlUHWnBhyphenhyphenKq4VW1SY8jEifFalPoUzTHrrKmmz_MJHtMsnXD4ABnLX-HsX0c1DbwYe5FpiI4W17_LSyqvWv0QgIgs/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4TPmNLolQwbFl5eEBtGdUKDjoUVG2_bLiBGakUzml4IfpgiC9MSrrlUHWnBhyphenhyphenKq4VW1SY8jEifFalPoUzTHrrKmmz_MJHtMsnXD4ABnLX-HsX0c1DbwYe5FpiI4W17_LSyqvWv0QgIgs/s200/Signature.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Ginniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632786663022922660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938206203590290963.post-52235900502006116922010-12-27T16:05:00.001-05:002010-12-27T16:09:57.735-05:00I Can See the Finish Line!Everyone coming down off the Christmas gifting/food/sugar high yet? It usually takes us a few days in our house to get back to normal. Today was planned to be the massive clean-up until Lilly woke up at 5:30 AM throwing up all over her bedroom floor. Poor baby. So, I let her off the hook for one more day. Santa hit our house hard, so she'll need to be in full health to tackle the mess. :)<br />
<br />
I, on the other hand, have been working furiously on my coat for the Pattern Review Winter Wear Contest that ends on December 31st. I'm pretty sure (barring any unforeseen emergencies or snafus) that it'll be done with time to spare.... days, even.<br />
<br />
Many thanks to my sweet hubby for taking on post-Christmas children solo for a few hours yesterday afternoon, so I could have some un-interrupted coat time. I got the sleeves set-in beautifully and smoothly using <a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/2010/10/setting-in-tailored-sleeves.html">Gertie's method</a>. Definitely worth a try if you've never used it before, especially on thick unwieldy fabrics like wool. They look great and the sleeve caps are supported, too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7Yo5-N40qwoELROUUJFrTh6vV41QwMRIH7nK3Oi72ff5tA9ji8ItfBxSm5wXO5euhSdbCqbaF53D5r5uf22wx46od1puwyQmMAiNLXtYJXl5r33Em72D1PnAr2xyUnZiJpHTQ0vnu6Q/s1600/IMG_6045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7Yo5-N40qwoELROUUJFrTh6vV41QwMRIH7nK3Oi72ff5tA9ji8ItfBxSm5wXO5euhSdbCqbaF53D5r5uf22wx46od1puwyQmMAiNLXtYJXl5r33Em72D1PnAr2xyUnZiJpHTQ0vnu6Q/s400/IMG_6045.JPG" width="266" /></a></div> I got the lining completely cut out and the body seams finished and sewn to the facings. I had a really hard time deciding what color to use for lining. I wanted to use the Kasha flannel-backed satin for warmth so that I wouldn't have to underline. But, it only comes in a few solid colors. Hubby suggested ivory, which would have indeed looked gorgeous, but I worried about how easily white-ish colors can begin to look dirty and settled on navy instead.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3-YQqOxmO4uX-jn2KYWX83MvNoxb1tnh3bSsuPsn3Je57gkd5e6QBwTY_U0JFIWPeaDnCbf709GVQsogbElOU7mwbIsFaRPFlTY_Z313IZO2H7T1Y1JVIp7hvK6OF8tpfxl74dj3vV8/s1600/IMG_6051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg3-YQqOxmO4uX-jn2KYWX83MvNoxb1tnh3bSsuPsn3Je57gkd5e6QBwTY_U0JFIWPeaDnCbf709GVQsogbElOU7mwbIsFaRPFlTY_Z313IZO2H7T1Y1JVIp7hvK6OF8tpfxl74dj3vV8/s400/IMG_6051.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
It feel absolutely spectacular! If I ever make another winter coat, I'll definitely be using it again. If you could see close enough, you'd notice that where I attached lining to wool, I actually changed bobbin threads to match. I know, I'm an anal-retentive perfectionist. I can't help it. <br />
<br />
I do have the upper collar attached and the facings sewn to the coat (although it's still inside out). But, alas, I had to call it an afternoon when I ran out of thread. I should've known better and bought two from the beginning. I used heavy thread for the wool, so there's significantly less of it on the spool. It's okay, though, I need to get my shoulder pads, too.<br />
<br />
The best is yet to come. After the lining is attached, I have all the hemming to do (ugh) and then...<i> the buttons</i>! Oh, I cannot wait for the buttons. They are, hands down, my favorite part. You'll see. I promise you'll love them, too. :)Ginniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632786663022922660noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938206203590290963.post-20533460956118276712010-12-23T23:41:00.000-05:002010-12-23T23:41:45.579-05:00TeaserIt's getting there...<br />
<br />
Belt - finished.<br />
Wool body shell - finished <br />
Undercollar - pad-stitched and attached; steamed and drying overnight<br />
Sleeves - stitched and awaiting attachment to coat<br />
Facings - pad-stitched and read to go <br />
Lining - in the dryer with wet towels, shrinking if it's gonna... <br />
<br />
To do:<br />
Cut lining<br />
Attach sleeves<br />
Attach facings <br />
Sew and attach Kasha lining <br />
Attach overcollar<br />
Hem<br />
Buttons and buttonholes <br />
Admire ♥<br />
<br />
Here's a little teaser:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKoLHJzQXt2EvGZMxKCmIJfLHAGtOf3DkThyUuX9IwaO7_uzrYk47zwwLw6AWhii2LvPlFsfGv8QCCXTz2ikxfNAQbuA5zfzYrxC-DhdPxQLmQ97Lq3trHjZDPC2pZWn4vzrmZEGV4I8/s1600/IMG_6009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKoLHJzQXt2EvGZMxKCmIJfLHAGtOf3DkThyUuX9IwaO7_uzrYk47zwwLw6AWhii2LvPlFsfGv8QCCXTz2ikxfNAQbuA5zfzYrxC-DhdPxQLmQ97Lq3trHjZDPC2pZWn4vzrmZEGV4I8/s400/IMG_6009.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>Merry Christmas Eve! (okay, in 19 minutes...)Ginniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632786663022922660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938206203590290963.post-45221655580466631722010-12-17T14:39:00.000-05:002010-12-30T09:34:10.561-05:00Persistence Pays OffI've done it, folks! With minimal help, a little experimentation, and a few frustrated tears... I've finished my muslin. And it's actually GOOD! This makes three (I guess four if you count the alterations I did to #2) of them, all told, but the finished product seems light years from where it started. You can see the first awful mess <a href="http://underneaththewillow.blogspot.com/2010/12/second-muslin-almost-there.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
I made 4 adjustments:<br />
1. I shortened the waist for the 'petite' sizing. I am only 5'2" afterall, so it would make sense with my petite frame that I might need a petite adjustment.<br />
2. I trimmed just a bit off of the back side pieces at the princess seam. This took in just enough behind my arms that I don't have those unsightly vertical folds. As I started reading, I discovered that those ugly wrinkles were due to a narrow back and a bit too much fabric. A slight adjustment made those goners.<br />
3. I added 1" (1/2" to each side) to the center back seam from the waist down. Now I have plenty of "bucket room" :)<br />
4. I moved the bust dart up 1". The saggy look was not becoming on me; a must-fix. Moved the dart, redrew the lines and -- <i>voila! </i>-- a princess seam that looks like it should.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkd_h_1oLyMNCtYMS4dG_T_m7uTohOBm5zCOYr4e5HZAotMNIkPoL1-DPFYdCVHCTjm1m1cBUcQJ2KoCJsFVlFuafL72oqYXa8EDHrD0TbrNPLXnv3tVJZD3WcED9h2np9jV0w_RP-fqc/s1600/IMG_5994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkd_h_1oLyMNCtYMS4dG_T_m7uTohOBm5zCOYr4e5HZAotMNIkPoL1-DPFYdCVHCTjm1m1cBUcQJ2KoCJsFVlFuafL72oqYXa8EDHrD0TbrNPLXnv3tVJZD3WcED9h2np9jV0w_RP-fqc/s400/IMG_5994.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lays smoothly and dart now ends at center bust, like it should.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_AskAhXQLTKuvv1iI6UhFewtEwRDYa4MD7dXbVrAXgu7nOxjl1GD_WVk3Mo-MoTxivHV3dwE9nGOhcJR2E4IiEh0qysuBDiidd-Nub8luExDR3ZZd7CHv6hbd4BlOwzinGzyVCd54jE/s1600/IMG_5996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz_AskAhXQLTKuvv1iI6UhFewtEwRDYa4MD7dXbVrAXgu7nOxjl1GD_WVk3Mo-MoTxivHV3dwE9nGOhcJR2E4IiEh0qysuBDiidd-Nub8luExDR3ZZd7CHv6hbd4BlOwzinGzyVCd54jE/s400/IMG_5996.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please ignore the fact that I sewed the back center seam inside out. I was too lazy to take it out and do it right. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JU6qwAYKf6djSung21tAY9FueKubKy9hWSy8QKxq3QpfsdtgZQQTygUimf8ao7eCANvc1NDd4Z3Vdpn6vWQoETJOr_htPq8razsdcc0oOfNh87o3OWunMFhO1bVEX-uyz2WAfJ3-kzc/s1600/IMG_5997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JU6qwAYKf6djSung21tAY9FueKubKy9hWSy8QKxq3QpfsdtgZQQTygUimf8ao7eCANvc1NDd4Z3Vdpn6vWQoETJOr_htPq8razsdcc0oOfNh87o3OWunMFhO1bVEX-uyz2WAfJ3-kzc/s400/IMG_5997.JPG" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's hard not to look super serious when you're trying to do self-photos. It's hard work!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Better, yes? *Whew* I guess you can learn just about anything you set your mind to! Thanks for the words of encouragement. Starting this weekend, I'll be pinning and cutting my actual fabric (gasp!), so wish me luck!Ginniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632786663022922660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4938206203590290963.post-26244471290374855912010-12-13T23:30:00.001-05:002010-12-23T10:26:57.910-05:00Lessons learnedI think I might have it, now. Thanks to the few people who offered some advice... my grandmother and <a href="http://3hourspast.blogspot.com/">Steph</a>, in particular I have come away with an epiphany. Well, maybe several. 1. You don't have to know what you're doing to figure it out. Trial and error is the only way to learn 2. Simpler is usually better.<br />
<br />
So, here's the gameplan after more muslin alterations.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jAWB9O4soGSAutxwEifmMArGViMjvUNHMC7mWml8uLjv2SpNpycTk4uihszRZ8n7CINkD4Goe0omtGqHI0eW9XHLHsoyqj_00uUHdK7oKwPi_aPUfjRzkJmMincD339o1xmaa_ST_74/s1600/IMG_5989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jAWB9O4soGSAutxwEifmMArGViMjvUNHMC7mWml8uLjv2SpNpycTk4uihszRZ8n7CINkD4Goe0omtGqHI0eW9XHLHsoyqj_00uUHdK7oKwPi_aPUfjRzkJmMincD339o1xmaa_ST_74/s320/IMG_5989.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-48IDo9FU58j8anyCOfxHzxSOZUOOwnqovHcaOZvgtgBOB-AiAcsjVm4UImEjR5KbgyCtlSg_iJkU2IY_5Zgeq5OqiwwJRnwpW6KBwz4hJ5uPsnVpeUL78_xx5EvnfD1r6RC7HrZ1ls/s1600/IMG_5987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm-48IDo9FU58j8anyCOfxHzxSOZUOOwnqovHcaOZvgtgBOB-AiAcsjVm4UImEjR5KbgyCtlSg_iJkU2IY_5Zgeq5OqiwwJRnwpW6KBwz4hJ5uPsnVpeUL78_xx5EvnfD1r6RC7HrZ1ls/s320/IMG_5987.JPG" width="201" /></a></div><br />
1. Move bust dart in princess-seamed side panel up about an inch.<br />
2. Rather than doing an SBA on an armhole princess seam, I'm simply going to remove a sliver of fabric from the center front seam - about 3/4 inch at the top, tapering to nothing at the waistline.<br />
3. I will make the petite adjustment at the waist<br />
4. Add a bit of bum 'wiggle room'... I think about 1/2 inch should do it just fine.<br />
<br />
Round 3 muslin coming soon.Ginniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07632786663022922660noreply@blogger.com0