Chinooks

are back - power was flickering badly the last couple of days so I decided to not risk messing up the electronics on my sewing machine. Zipper is in, and the lining edges are all serged. I'm trying something new with the kick pleat. I found this article in the last issue of threads, and I have the hem interfaced and pressed, ready to go, but I think it's going to have to wait for the New Year! On the exercise front, I've managed to get in 4 solid workouts in the last 5 days - tired, but glad to be getting back into shape again.

Techno skirt

I found this very cool fabric at Joanne's

I made the long version(view C) of this Burda skirt for a semi-formal event I attended earlier this year, so I already had the pattern alterations done. I am going from a stretch cotton sateen to this non-stretch fabric, but I'm planning on just using a smaller seam allowance. I also have plans to do the lace version. This is a very simple pattern, well drafted, nicely shaped - a winner all the way around.

Here is a neat technique for sewing darts from "Threads"

Getting ready

This next year is going to be good - because I will make it sew - heh.
Santa was good to me and I have a new sewing machine!

It's a Juki Exceed F600 and I love everything about it! Here it sits next the my Juki 735 serger - nice pair!


 

 This year I focused a lot on trying to get the perfect fitting pants. Well, I'm not there yet, but a heck of a lot closer than I was.

My goals for this year are to focus on controlling my fabric and pattern addiction, and shopping my stash, as well as making a great fitting pair of jeans. Oh yeah, and after a month long break, it's time to start running again. Starting over is never fun, but at least I already know that it will be totally worth it.

Learning to Sew

After going through much frustration with RTW clothes, I decided to learn how to sew. After a few early successes with some very basic patterns, I was hooked. I think there was some luck involved there, or I moved on to more complicated patterns that required more skill that I currently have! No fear, I will teach myself. Hmmm, not quite as simple as I thought it would be. I am enjoying the journey despite the frustrations. I'm not so good at keeping track of my progress, hence the change to sewing from cross stitch - hey it's still all about stitches!

Finally posting!

Well, it's taken just over a month, but I've managed to start uploading photo's of my progress. So far, so good. There was just one section (so far!) that I had to rip out and redo. I've been enjoying this design. It is quite challenging in spots with all the color changes, particularly with the people's faces. This pattern is featured in 3 sections in Cross Stitch Collection, starting with issue 187. The finished picture is of a train station, steam engine (of course), and many people in period costume. One of my main reasons for choosing this particular design, is that trains remind me of my Dad.