Run For The Border

  

A Little Ironing Wouldn't  Hurt

I love how this summer top turned out.  The only problem I had was that both my irons died this week during the making of it.  What are the chances?  One iron just stopped working and the other was my fault.   I barely finished pressing this shirt when I accidentally knocked the iron face down on a wool carpet and the sole plate was instantly covered with burnt black wool.  The carpet doesn't show any wear, but the iron was unable to come clean..  So, now I will be on the hunt for not one, but two irons this week.  

Planning For Warmer Weather

Summer Tops

I found a floral print recently that will look really cute as New Look 6027 in the sleeveless version.  I love the Pintuck details. 

 

Going through my fabric stash, I found this border print that will make a lovely version of New Look 6937.  I plan on using a solid black contrasting neckband.

        

Two "New Looks" for Me

  I am planning a few new tops for this spring and summer.  I usually wear only solid colors but am planning on adding a little print to my wardrobe to add under solid sweaters and 2 new blazers I purchased recently.  I only have a yard of this flowered fabric and will need to underline it for this pattern.  You can't see it in this tiny picture, but it has little chenille dots throughout it.  

    I love the tiny flowered print for this next top.  I'll make the contrast neck band in a blue chambray.                                                                           

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Sewing Room

  

I haven't posted any photos of my sewing room for a while.  I have several new additions.  First, one of my sons gave me a computer desk he was no longer using and we took it apart and reconfigured it to accommodate my serger and serger supplies.  He also helped me build and hang the shelf above it.  It's hard to see but I have 4 plastic bins underneath the desk in the center section with the next 4 projects I will be making.  I have fabric, patterns and notions ready to go.  In the decorative boxes, I have my serger thread cones.  My serger books and resources are right at hand on the desk top which is very deep.  I also have a long pull out drawer with lots of storage for small notions and tools.  On the shelf above, I have self made portable ironing boards for small projects so I don't have to always have my ironing board out.  I got this idea from watching Sewing With Nancy.  She always has a small ironing board near her sewing machines!

I love the jewelry holder and actually bought two from Target.  This one has machine needles on it sorted by type and size.  The other has buttons on it that are still on their cards.  

I have also reorganized all my sewing machine feet in a tool accessory organizer.  I labeled the drawers to make them easier to find.  

When I look at photos I see clutter.  I hate clutter.  When I am actually in my sewing room I feel so at home and happy.  It's better than comfort food!

Another Quick "In"Vestment

Another Quick "IN" Vest-ment

I wanted to add another red vest to my wardrobe, but quickly, and with a leftover piece of fabric from an earlier project.  Enter Simplicity 2373.  I omitted the cap sleeve and used seam binding to enclose all seams and the armholes.  This was a short afternoon project with instant gratification.   Besides deleting the sleeves I did not make any other adjustments to the pattern.  I believe I will make this again, but will most likely lengthen it and use self binding versus purchased seam binding tape for finishing the arm holes.  I have never been a fan of cap sleeves on myself and assume I will not make this pattern with them.     

                                 

Home Dec Project

  Over the past year I have worked on several home decorating projects, including, painting every room in the house, making slipcovers and curtains and other home furnishing accessories.  I remember when I first built the house I could not wait to get rid of the builders white paint throughout the house.  After 13 years of "color" I could not wait to get back to neutrals!  Funny how that happens.  

This is an early example in the slipcover project.  The sofa and love seat were plaid.  I bought slipcovers from Ballard designs which were about six inches too short in sofa length.  I cut them, inserted matching fabric, made gussets in one and added a zipper to the back of the other.  I love how they came out!

In photos the sofa and love seat appear to be different colors.  I think this is due to the stained glass window above the love seat. No matter the lighting, in photos I couldn't get them to match.  In person they are beautiful.