New Toy

Or at least a new to me toy.  My mom had offered me one of her old sewing machines a while back but I didn't take her up on it.  At the time, I was content with my simple reliable machine that I had at home.

I've had it since shortly before my oldest dd was born.  We've tackled crib bedding, maternity clothes, dresses for K, numerous crafts, curtains, and clothes for M and B over the last 11 years.  It's even been borrowed to make repairs on horse blankets.  It's easy to use and functions pretty darn well after all the less than careful care I've given it. 

However, after using my mom's Bernina every Tuesday the old machine is sufficient but I'd like a little more bells and whistles.  This past Tuesday I finally carted home mom's old machine.

It has all kinds of fun options.

And a huge manual!

I'm hoping to play with it this weekend and make B a top to match her "Lime" shorts.  Speaking of which, the girls had their new clothes on today and I snapped a few pictures before preschool.

We're still working away at that to-do list for the house.  I re-grouted our shower last weekend and have been working on stripping some furniture.  Making an actual list of tasks we'd like to accomplish has helped us focus and relieved some of the gloom and doom feelings I had looking at all that needed to be done.  Hopefully, this weekend we'll cross off a few more items.:)

On a Roll

It's been a while since I was able to spend a Tuesday mostly sewing.  Between getting ready for our vacation and appointments once we came home, my usual sewing day has been limited.  Not yesterday! 

The shorts are from Gymboree.  I picked them up at a consignment sale back in March knowing that I could always make some shirts to coordinate.  I know in that picture it looks like the yellow of the shirt is brighter than the shorts, but it's not.  I swear!lol  That particular shirt is from Ottobre Design 03/08 #29.  I opted to use FOE (fold over elastic) for the neckline and sleeves.  Every time I use FOE, the first part I sew (in this case the neckline) I have a little difficulty.  Kind of like with the bias binding.  It takes a few mistakes before I remember how to apply it.  I used the flower template from the girls' Easter dresses for the applique and straight stitched around the edges.

#10 OD 03/10

These are super simple to do.  In the magazine, they are more of a capri length.  I made a size 98 and I'm thinking these will hit right above the knee.  I held them up to the Gymboree shorts above and they were about an inch longer.  I'm planning on making another yellow top with an aqua flower applique on it to match these.

OD Sundress

Believe it or not, but I finally finished the sundress top! 

Ottobre Design 02/04 #2 size 92

All that bias binding was a lot of work considering that I don't have much experience with it.  I really like how the binding finishes the top off and for once, I can say that the inside of a garment I made actually looks presentable.   Not perfect, but presentable.:)  Now I need the warmer weather back so B can wear it.

What's next on my sewing agenda?  Not sure.  I have the swimsuits from the girls' SWAPs to do but there's no real hurry since the girls won't need them for another month or so.  I have the new Ottobre issue in hand and might make the "Lime" jersey pants for B.  Both of the little girls could use some basic T-shirts to wear too and I have several patterns traced off.  We'll see...

Sneak Peek

I've finally made it back into the sewing room and have been working on this top.   I only have the sleeves and hem binding left to do and it'll be done. 

What is it about owning a home??  There is always something that needs to be done.  We've started making an attempt to mark off items on our mile long to-do list.  We've lived here 8 years now and at times there feels like there's 8 years worth of work to be done.  Some of it is little stuff, patching holes/popped nails in the drywall, touch up painting, fixing a leaky faucet.  Then there are the big ones...repairing termite damage in the garage, regrouting the shower (today's project), replacing doors, etc..  It's all been pushed aside due to lack of time but this year I've vowed that we will work on the list and hopefully, accomplish some of the tasks.   Something has to give and I'm afraid for a little while it'll be my sewing.  So, if you're looking for me... I'll be in the garage stripping furniture, out in the garden planting veggies, scraping old caulk, painting the hall way...somewhere around the house but not in the sewing room.:)

Spring Break

My sewing room has been being ignored this week other than to open the window and let the fresh air (and pollen) in.  The kids have spring break this week and the weather has been fantastically warm (dare I say hot?) so we've been playing outdoors.  I've also been working on some long over due cleaning projects like steam cleaning the carpets and washing slipcovers and curtains.   School breaks usually mean I have an extra kid or two here also.  That was the case yesterday with 2 extra kids.  I'm amazed at how families of 6+ kids do it.  It took me over an hour to dish out lunch, never mind cleaning up afterwards. 

So, no sewing this week but next week I'll be back on the sewing train and hopefully, finishing up the girls' SWAPs!

Happy Easter!

The girls and I

The completed Easter dresses

I'm back...

I definitely needed that vacation.  In fact, I think I could use another week of sunny, warm weather away from the house.  We got back on Sunday night and we've all been going non-stop since then. 

Today, I finished the girls' Easter dresses (Ottobre Design 02/05 #12).  I started them on Tuesday and ran into a small problem.  The linen is too sheer.  No big deal...buy some slips.  Apparently, slips are not too common an item for little girls anymore.  I couldn't face adding another item to my list of things to sew for Easter so Mom stepped in and whipped out some "down-n-dirty" slips.  I'm glad I picked an easy dress pattern to sew because if it had been complicated the girls would be wearing something they already have.  Next year, I swear I'll finish the Easter sewing before we leave town.  I haven't embellished them yet and am not sure if I will.  Depends on how busy tomorrow is.