Latest Sewing Projects

I haven't been doing as much sewing lately as I would like. We've been busy around here and there isn't enough energy or time to get everything done. I have finished 2 projects and here they are.

I made this vest for Nathan for Easter. The pattern is one that I've used before but I drafted it down to be slimmer and longer. I also added an extra welt on each side. The buttons are some vintage ones that I've been hanging onto for something special and the fabric is some that was leftover from an older project. 

This is my latest accomplishment. The pattern I used was Simplicity 7876. It's a simple wrap skirt but I made it more time consuming be doing a more tailored look and hand sewing most of it. The only other time I made this skirt I hemmed with the machine and top stitched the waistband.  I think this version looks a lot better. 

1960's

I just finished this dress using a simplicity pattern from the 1960's. I've been wanting to make a dress with a full skirt for a while but it takes so much fabric. Back during the summer I got this brown calico for free! Sewing my own clothes really isn't cheaper than buying unless I can find the fabric at a discount.

Next time I will draft the pattern down a little because the bodice and shoulders are a bit too large.

The little blue buttons are vintage from a antique store in GA.

Matching Pillow Cases

We have never had pillow cases that matched our bedspread very well or that matched each other. Everytime we unpack and move in someplace I vow to make pillow cases to match our bed. Thanks to Nathan ripping a hole in on of our overly washed pillow cases I finally was forced to sit down and make these.
Last summer Nathan bought this remnant of fabric for me and it was the perfect color. I used Dana's tutorial found here.


The boring before:

The more exciting after:

Summer Shirt & Dessert

I started this post a month ago...just got around to posting it.


About three weeks ago I made this shirt using this pattern that I modified a little bit to fit me. It's probably the last summer item that I will be sewing. I've just started on a vintage vogue pattern that Nathan bought me for my birthday.

I don't have a picture of this amazing ice cream but I have to share it because it is amazing and very easy to make. It's from Nigella Lawson and I've been wanting to make it for a while but finally got around to it last week when I realize that I didn't have my churn to make ice cream.

Nigella Lawson's Bitter Orange Ice Cream

3 Seville oranges (or 1 eating orange and 2 limes)

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

2 1/2 cups heavy cream

wafers, to serve (optional)

If using Seville oranges, grate the zest of 2 of them. Squeeze the juice of all 3 and pour into a bowl with the zest and sugar. If you're going for the sweet orange and lime option, grate the zest of the orange and one of the limes, juice them and add to the sugar as before. Stir to dissolve the sugar and add the heavy cream.

Whip everything until it holds soft peaks, and then turn into a shallow airtight container (of approximately 2 quarts) with a lid. Cover and freeze until firm (from 3 to 5 hours). Remove to ripen for 15 to 20 minutes (or 30 to 40 minutes in the refrigerator) before eating. Serve in a bowl, in cones, with wafers — however you like.

Recipe used with permission, from Nigella Bites by Nigella Lawson.

Fall/Winter Wardrobe

I've been thinking about fall and winter lately. As of right now we won't be living anywhere with a real winter. I have to say that I'm disappointed about being here where the winters are so very mild. I have a great deal of winter clothing and accessories from last winter that I'm afraid if we're here in GA that they won't get used. Of course our situation could change at any moment and we could move somewhere much colder.


So with the thought of temperatures below 90 degree's and possibly wearing something other than linen I'm trying to figure out what items I would like to add to my wardrobe. I have quite a few vintage patterns and will be acquiring even more in a few weeks when we go visit my parents. The plan is to sit down and map out and make a list of items I would like to sew. With all of my many vintage patterns and buttons it could very easily become a strange hodgepodge of a wardrobe if I'm not careful. Once I figure how what my projects will be I'll let ya'll know.

4th Of July Dress

I know this is about a month late but I had to post about my July 4th outfit. I found this amazing fabric at a antique store in Iowa and it was just enough for this pattern. I used an old pattern of my moms from the 60's. The pattern is McCall's number 9700.

This dress was really easy to make and the best thing is that I didn't have to alter the pattern to fit me. I will definitely be makimg more of these!

Not Suitable For Chubby Girls

My SIL has this adorable pattern from the 1960's. As we were looking at it last week we notice in parentheses "not suitable for chubby girls" under the pattern description. I'm not sure anyone could get away with printing that now.

Sewing Project

So lately a lot of friends of ours are having babies. Between last October and this September there will 9 babies born! I have 4 baby gifts to make so I got started last week with a vintage pattern I picked up at a thrift store. The next 4 babies will all be girls and out of the 9 only 2 are boys! Anyway, I tried out a bubble pattern with some vintage pink and white gingham and it turned out pretty well. It was just a trial run so now I'm on to the real deal.

These vintage buttons were some from my grandmothers massive stash.

The pattern is a 1970's Simplicity 8811

Latest Project

I'm trying to get this ready for the wedding in Charleston this weekend. All I have left is the hem and clasp on the waste band.

Vintage Pattern Giveaway

If you love vintage patterns enter this giveaway! I have so much fabric but no patterns!!

Tutu Heaven

I made this tutu for my niece Lucie and my sister-in-law sent me this picture on Christmas morning. She seems to like it! I'm loving the Christmas pajamas underneath.

Fabric

When we do get the pantry finished I'm going to do a curtain instead of doors. I found this fabric at Ikea that I love! I thought it would go well with the orange.