Madame Fabrique

Mother of the bride dress

2011-06-27T16:55:00.002-04:00

The photos are pictures of the mother of the bride dress I am making for myself using V8556. The fabric is a stretch charmeuse from Fabric Mart. The wedding colors are purple and a mint green. The pattern has gone together nicely. I could have cut a smaller size but rather than be in a predicament of wrong size not additional fabric, I cut it out then took in and altered where I needed to. I did a 3/8 inch full bust adjustment for the cups. I will take a photo of me in it when completely done. The skirt is just pinned on now as I need to get some lining fabric. I did not know whether I wanted to line it or not as the fabric has some body to it but the skirt is cut on the bias and I think a lining cut on the straight grain will help the bias skirt to skim my bumps and bulges better!

Here Comes the Bride ('s mother)

2011-04-25T17:18:00.002-04:00

I had a client bring me this picture. She wanted this made for her daughter's wedding. She loved the neutral color pallete and and flow of the pants. She is not a dress kinda gal so the palazo pants seemed like the way to go. Fancy but she can feel comfortable & beautiful!

This is the final product. Minus the person modeling it. It does not do it justice with hanging on a dress form! I used a champagne satin as the base of the camisole. The overlay was a black lace. The jacket was made using a knit chiffon from Fabric.com. This one has a shawl collar and the original did not. The pants are made with a chiffon and a china silk polyester lining. I added the front pleat detail that she loved. I used three patterns to crate the ensemble: OOP See and Sew 6910, OOP Butterick 4982 for the pant, and McCall 5890 for the jacket.

I hope to have pictures of her in it at th wedding so I will post those.

It was fun to create this for her.

Blessings- Linda

Circus is in town!

2011-03-14T12:04:00.004-04:00

The circus came to town yesterday. I realized that my girls had never been to a circus before so I took them. I did not wait for hubby to say he'd go along. He prefers to spend his down time watching stupid movies on his laptop and, in the past I have waited for him to go along to do things with the kids. NOT. ANY. MORE. I am going to just do it from now on. Time is passing by at a rapid rate and I want to build some memories with the girls. Evan leaves for college this fall and unfortunately, he won't have many family fun time memories. Not going to happen with the last two. Anyway, I am way off topic!
The circus was not BarnumBailey but it was a fun way to spend the afternoon. The girls had their faces painted as you can see. The picture above is not a good representation of having a good time. It is, however, a very true representation of two sister arguing over who touched whom! LOL!

Geordan, age 11 is my beautiful clown!
Olivia, age 9 (10 on the 18th) is the prettiest butterfly around!

This AM has been filled with taking down my snowmen displays and cleaning. I stopped at 11am to get cleaned up. I need to run the sweeper and then get some sewing done. There is still more cleaning to do but it will wait until another day as I have some client sewing that needs to happen today.

Off to finish a couple chores an then sew!
blessings- Linda

Purse-onality!

2011-03-11T15:16:00.002-05:00

I made this purse today. I had been working all week on client sewing and needed something fun! It is a downloaded pattern from Ottobredesigns.com. It went together very easily! I think I will make some more of these. I am going to try carrying it for a day but is is rather small for my carrying habits! Fabric from Joann's flat folded area with a cotton polka dot lining!

Bling!

2011-03-06T18:18:00.007-05:00

Some wedding DIY projects are done.....

My eldest child, Jen, is getting married in September. This weekend was project weekend. We accomplished the bouquet, assembly of the vintage pedestal cake plates, figured out the birdcage veil, did a roundup of some vintage tableclothes, and bought the fabric for the bridesmaid gifts. Below are pictures of the brooche bouquet. Not the gretest quality but if I get better pictures I promise to post them.

The following photos are of the vintage pedestal cake plates we created from garage sale and thrift store finds consisting of glasses, candlesticks, and plates. Each table will have cupcakes in the middle as the centerpiece instead of having a large central cake. Not great shots but they are in the store room and I am too tired to move them out for better pictures! ;)

Watch for more wedding projects to creep in here! I am so happy with what has been accomplished.... this week is client sewing to finish up a project and then hopefully the pieces I need for the bridesmaid project will have arrived!

Goin' to the Chapel and we're gonna get married!

Blessings- Linda

Productivity makes me happy!

2011-02-26T15:43:00.004-05:00

This top was made from a very soft knit that has been curing in my stash for a couple years. Probably from JoAnn's clearance area. I used Simplicity 2520 top for this. I'd like to make a mustard pencil skirt and get a skinny mustard belt for this top.

This was an outfit that did not quite pan out in person as it did in my mind! The skirt is a double sided quilted piece from JoAnn's clearance area. Again, it's been curing in the stash for a while. I used a salvage edge wool for the trim in the front seams. The front panel was cut on the bias and stretch wonky when I put it on so I fused a tricot interfacing to the front inside. The top is a cheap sweater knit from who knows where.... again, a very cured piece from the stash! I used New Look 6753 for the top. I did add to the bust area so the seam would fall below the bust line rather than across it.

This top is made with the Jalie tee pattern. It is my tried and true pattern for tops. I did finally break down and do a bust adjustment. I did not like how just using a larger size sagged on my shoulders. This fabric is from JoAnn's. There were two pieces in the remnant bin so this top was cheap! It will be nice with jeans and a jacket.

This is another Jalie tee pattern using the enlarge bust. Printed fabric is from remnant bin and not sure where the brown is from. It was stash and matched really well. I added a ruffle down one sleeve. Again, another great top for jeans and a jacket.

I am pleased with my February sewing. This was in addition to the Mom of the Bride outfit I am making for a client and all the embroidery and alteration/repair I did for clients. I have three more things that have been cut out for a while that I want to sew up this weekend so we shall see! I'd like to get all my UFO's (unfinished objects) sewn and out of the way so I can start on some other ideas that are swirling in my head!

Blessings! Linda

Transforming Ugly....

2011-02-18T13:11:00.007-05:00

Well over a year ago... maybe two this spring.... while on the way to church, I spotted two wingback chairs in the trash. U.G.L.Y. I was almost in panic mode as I wanted the chairs. My hubby was flabbergasted that I would consider it. So we dropped the kids off at church and drove back to load them into the van. The upholstery was worn and they stunk!

People from church were driving by and hubby was mortified! I was giddy with excitement and the possibilities for these two chairs.

Here is a picture of the found state...

We have a friend who is a carpet cleaner so he came and tried to get the smell out but what worked the best was sitting the chairs in the sun. I started the search for fabric for the chairs. I did not want to spend a ton of money on the fabric and wanted a piece that was pretty neutral so I could put the chairs anywhere in the house.

I found just the piece at JoAnn's on a 50% off the clearance. $3.00 a yard for upholstery weight fabric! Cha-Ching!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is a picture of the fabric:

This is a tan chenille with the leaf pattern cut into the chenille.

My hubby and I re-upholstered these together. It was our first "real" upholstery job. We've done kitchen chair seats and little benches and such but nothing like a wingback chair. I am sure a professional could have done a much better job but at $500.00 a chair I decided to go for it myself. We have less than $100.00 in re-upholstering BOTH chairs.

Here's a picture of the chairs. I am working on a little side table for between the chairs. Right now their home is in my bedroom. Might try them flanking each side of the fireplace.... I see some furniture moving in my future!

I am motivated to get my bedroom finished up now...... I have been dragging my feet. A little more painting... a little more sewing..... ooooo the possibilities!

Linda
Paticipating in Metamorphisis Monday At http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

Time marches on!

2011-01-27T16:50:00.003-05:00

Yesterday my hubby and I celebrated 20 years of marriage. Time marches on..... quickly! I cannot believe that much time has passed. We have certainly had ups and downs, bumps along the road of life. 12 years ago our marriage was over... I was done. He was done. God intervened and brought restoration and love back into our marriage. He transformed two self-centered people into people seeking Him and wanting a marriage based on His plan. I am blessed. I have a man who loves me even though I weigh significantly more than I did in 1991. Even though hormones rage in this middle aged body. Even though I spend money when he thinks I should save it. Even though I love home improvement projects and he only tolerates them. I am blessed. Not every woman can say she has a man who loves her no matter what.

Here are some pictures of then and now:

Jennifer was 9 and Jason 7 when we walked down the aisle toward Rick, making us a family. Rick was a brave guy of 23 years of age to take on a wife, two kids, and all my baggage! LOL!

Here we are 20 years later.....I think I need to work on a better photo! LOL

Here is the whole family in August 2009 when my eldest son married his beautiful wife, Jenny. God is so good!

This beautiful couple is our eldest child, Jen with her fiance', Dave. They will marry this year in September. Love this guy!

So that is our family then and now. Again, God is good.

Goin' to the Chapel!

2011-01-18T14:02:00.011-05:00

My daughter is getting married on 9/10/11. I am in the process of making many of the things for that day. My list includes:

Birdcage veil and fascinator

Wreath for the altar area

Lace "shrug" for her to wear during the ceremony

Vintage Brooche bouquet

Purses for the bridesmaids

Flowergirl dress

Resize a bridesmaid dress (from a lady's size to a girls size)

Bake corn bread muffins for 180

Bake cupcakes for 180

Make bridesmaid bouquets

I have been blessed with a multitude of gifted friends so I will be calling on their help during the next 8 months! ;)

Here are a few things I have completed.

This is the fascinator for the birdcage veil. I am not sure this is the actual brooche she will use in the center but it worked as a stand-in for the photo! The fascinator is about 5 inches across. Very pretty and vintage looking! I could not phathom paying 150.00 for a birdcage veil when they are so simple to make!

This wreath photo is what we are shooting for at the "altar" area. The wedding is outside. The ceremony area has trees surrounding it and a wreath will hang from the trees with organza draped down to two small pillars that will have boston ferns resting on them.

Below is the wreath I have created so far.

Progress is slow but she is a working girl living 70 miles from me so we don''t see each other often. We are planning a weekend where we can get together and work on wedding things. Some of the things I just need to get off my plate so I can feel a little less overwhelmed!

Linda

Green Skirt with wings!

2011-01-18T12:03:00.005-05:00

Made a skirt of a green gabardine found on a clearance shelf at JoAnn's. I use a Today's Fit pattern V2933 http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v2933-products-5479.php?page_id=283&search_control=display&list=search

The pattern is out of print. I have had it in my stash for years. It's a cute and easy skirt but not one that you need several of in your closet! I have not really styled myself in the photo. Need to get some jewelry on and my sweater before I head out the door!

I am looking through my stash for a coordinating fabric to make a top to go with it but for today it is a brown tee with a cream sweater.

I hate photos of myself. I want to lose 15 pounds but am struggling getting the scale to move despite going to the gym and following Weight Watchers. Why must we base our worth and value on our size.... I wear a ready to wear 10/12 but find myself saying things like "you are a big fat cow". Why? Why? Why????? I am 25 pounds lighter than I was 3 years ago but I focus on the 20 pounds I gained back from my lowest point. Always the negative.... Sad.

Fabric and Pattern for a wedding

2010-12-11T14:58:00.003-05:00

My daughter is getting married this coming year on 9/10/11, to be exact.

Her dress is purchased, the bridesmaids dresses were found for a steal so the only sewing I will be doing is the flowergirl dress and my own. Well, I will do all the alterations but does that really count as sewing?

Here is the pattern I am leaning toward for me. I will shorten it to just below the knee.

http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8556-products-9765.php?page_id=943

Here is the fabric I found that I love, love love!

http://www.fabricmartfabrics.com/xcart/812049-Charmeuse-flloral-print-57-Wide.html

The fabric arrived today and it is stunning.... STUNNING!

Can't wait to sew this dreamy dress but will wait until spring to dive in!

Blessings- Linda

A little something for a little someone

2010-12-06T19:00:00.005-05:00

I have a dear young mom in my life. She is newly married with a 11 week old baby boy. He is my "grandbaby" and I love him to pieces. I made the little baby coverall out of a double sided faux suede/sherpa piece of fabric I bought years ago to make a dress coat for a daughter. The pattern called for two pieces of fabric sewn right sides together then turned right side out. Since this was a double sided coat fabric, I just too a matching boyish stirped knit and cut some binding on the bias (so the stripes would be slanted) and bound the edges. Easy peasy sewing project for Ottobre Autum 2003

I will see him this weekend. Can't wait to give him his new "coat"!

I also made this little shirt for him. It is a Ottobre too but I don't remember which issue. It is to be a knit but I used a fleece remnant I found for about a dollar at Joann's.

I have a few pieces laid out to make a couple tops for me and a skirt to hem so better get busy. Snow is falling here in Mid-Ohio, everyone is safely at home, supper is over, dishes are done and I am ready to sew!

Monday evening blessings-

Linda

2010-11-24T07:18:00.004-05:00

Mama’s Holiday Wish List Meme
TodaysMama (link to: http://bit.ly/tmwishlist) and GameStop (link to: http://bit.ly/gamestop10) are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.

1. What is your holiday wish for your family? That all my kids have a wonderful holiday and know that I love them and that their Creator loves them even more.
2. What is your Christmas morning tradition? Monkey Bread for breakfast
3. If you could ask Santa for one, completely decadent wish for yourself, what would it be? A 7 day holiday cruise where I did not have to worry about money AT ALL!
4. How do you make the holidays special without spending any money? We make a birthday cake for Jesus. Spend the ay in our pj's, go nowhere on Christmas day, and watch movies/play games all day!
5. What games did you play with your family growing up? As a late in life child, /i had no other kids to play with so did not really play games
6. What holiday tradition have you carried on from your own childhood? Stockings are a BIG thing!
7. Where would you go for a Christmas-away-from-home trip? A cruise to an exoctic place
8. Check out GameStop (link to: http://bit.ly/gamestop10) and tell us, what are the three top items on your GameStop Wish List this year? 2 DSI's for my daughters and Kinect sport game and Kinect Zumba

My En"light"ening Day!

2010-05-08T19:02:00.010-04:00

I had plans... big plans. I planned for hubby to move the linen closet doorway from the bedroom side of the wall to the master bathroom side. He did not want to do that. He did not say that in so many words but rather started doing other projects on the "honey-do" list.

First he started taking down old light fixtures and "stuff" (my technical term) on the front porch.

The picture below is where the ugly, 1950's original light fixture was. It was

by the front door. U.G.L.Y.

This is the light fixture now. Now is where I tell you that I have the greatest husband EVER! Did I mention that I purchased this light fixture at a Hospice Thrift Store in Chicago? I paid a whopping 5 whole dollars for this baby!

SCORE!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is the other fixture he added. The base is in the center of the porch ceiling and we swagged the actual light over with chain to above the sitting area. I would so be sitting out there right now with a magazine if it weren't a measily 40 degrees outside!

This picture shows the price tag of the above light fixture! SCORE!

The final light bulb moment happened in the kitchen. We removed a teeny, tiny pantry last year and that removal left a ceiling light fixture typical to closets. The porcelain basic fixture. It has been sitting on my ceiling waiting for the "right" light fixture to be found be me at a premium low price. I have been following a whole bunch of ingenious and frugal women who blog of their decorating deals. Someone, somewhere had used "work light"for fixtures over a counter. El-cheap-o. My kind of thing! So while at Home Depot getting supplies for the front porch, I found a clamp on cheap "stainless" work light. Around $7.00. I bought some chain and one of those screw in plug thingy mabobs. Once home we (hubby) screwed in the plug thing and put up a hook and took the clamp off the lamp and WA-LA a light over the "coffee station". Perfect!

Here is the entire "coffee station". I do love my coffee!

And THAT my friends was how we spent our day! Perfect on a cold, blustery May day!

Blessings- Linda

Prom 2010

2010-04-24T18:32:00.003-04:00

Son and date headed out for prom 2010. I made Anna's dress. It was a combination of several patterns. She found a picture online and I created it for her. I now realize i should have underline the satin. It was a little flimsy and is buckling. Other than that, I am pleased. She was happy with it and due to my stashing fabric and sale coupons we accomplished the dress for right around $22.00. Not Bad!

Son is wearing the suit he wore in his prother's wedding! His shirt and tie are new. $30.00.

Very budget friendly prom!

Coursage for Anna. Looks great with her dress style. Anna and a front view of the dress. The "pulled up " areas of the skirt are centered. I think this was taken before I realized it had twisted from car riding.

I love this smiling shot! Evan rarely smiles like this... love it!

Wish I had thought to underline the satin. A little buckly here. It looks very unpressed but I promise, I pressed this! I did learn that i need to carefully consider underlining satin when using it. I did do a compete boned corset under this. Oh well. She was pleased so I am too.

A decision has been made....

2010-04-15T09:10:00.003-04:00

I have been struggling recently with the busy-ness of life. Following is my current life:

Wife
Mom- 5 kids. 2 grown and three at home. 17 YO soccer and tennis player, finishing his junior year of high school, preparing to make college visits. 10 year old daughter, gymnast who competes. 9 year old daughter who plays soccer.
Taxi drive for kids
Seamstress (own my business)
Work as secretary for husband's business
Church obligations- adult Bible fellowship leader
School volunteer obligations- Coordinator of SCRIP program, coordinator of annual auction
Mentor and Bible study leader for 4 couples

I have been feeling overwhelmed particularly when it comes to my sewing business. I have made the decision to close my business for this portion of my life. I enjoy sewing for myself and that has been pushed to the bottom of the pile and I am losing the joy of sewing. As of the end of April, I will no longer be accepting any sewing "jobs". The little bit of spending money I make doing this is not worth the anxiety I get from this. I want my sewing room to be a retreat. A place where I can relax and think and pray. Now it has become a chore to head here and that makes me sad.

God keeps bringing people into my life to minister to and I want to do what He wants me to do.... and that is focus on people and love them as He would.

One custom prom dress to finish, two to hem, and a few pair of trouser to hem and then it will be done for now. I may come back to it when my life changes but for now, I am at peace with this.

Blessings- linda

Closet dreams.....

2010-04-13T16:44:00.005-04:00

We have been working on transforming some space in our bedroom. We have a very large master sweet but had the typical 1970's reach in closet for each of us. Hubby had one and I had one. Mine was at the "end" of the bathroom wall. To the right of the stool is the closet area. Please excuse the pile on the bed. This was taken as I was emptying the closet. Once all is said and done the closet will be 6' x 12'8". We are leaving hubby's closet on the other side of the room to become a linen closet as the one I have is about 18 inches wide and holds nothing neatly. The linen closet will be cloed up on the bedroom side and then opened on the bathroom side to make built in towel storage. Eventually we will be tiling the bathoom and adding a few things. No change in the footprint for in there. I'd love a whirlpool tub but that costs way too much and we are trying to be frugal ont his project.

This photo shows the before closet area. Very standard closet with bifold doors- yuck!!!

Here is the in process of demo. Shelves, rods, and doors removed.

Here are some studded walls and then drywall is up! This is the bedroom side of the closet. The bed will go on this wall. The blue electrical boxes are for scones that we moved from another wall for above our bed. You can see on the far purple wall where we moved them from.

I am now in the process of priming over the paper over paper over paper (left by the previous owners) so that the entire wall will be purple. I will take some more pictures and post them later.

Repurposing... well, sort of....

2010-03-31T17:26:00.005-04:00

My niece had a baby a couple weeks ago. Her 4th in 4 years! So in the spirit of having so many so close, my mom and I decided to shop for matching outfits (for the babies not my mom and I!) We found adorable dress/bloomer dresses ( all at a killer on sale price) for the newborn & the 18 month old but not for the almost 4 year old. There was a shirt in a girls size 12 that was of the same fabric (also on killer sale) so we purchased that and I made knit shorts fromt eh shirt for the almost 4 year old. The other child is a boy so we found a polo and short in matching color scheme for him.

This picture is of the style of shirt used for the repurposing. I forgot to take the actual shirt photo. I was so excited to get started on the repurpose so the fabric is different.

And here is the photo of the shorts made from the top:

The navy ruffle on the legs is from the bottom band of the shirt. Turned out rather cute and makes a nice matching ensemble for the kids. We purchased a pink top to go with the shorts.

Now off to finish a prom dress alteration!

Blessings- linda

Sad day for mom

2010-03-22T21:02:00.002-04:00

The day has finally come. I knew it was on it's way. My 10 year old daughter just had a melt down over her Easter dress. She thinks it makes her look fat. She picked the pattern and the fabric. It was a loose fitting, more flowing type dress. One of McCalls new patterns. I knew the time was coming so I am okay with it.... The meltdown on her part and frustration on my part is not worth it. I will take her shopping and she can find a dress she likes.

The 9 year old liked her outfit so I am okay on that one.

It marks the end of that time in her life.. she is growing up and for now, does not want to wear homemade items. She is becoming more independent and trying to figure out who she is apart from me.

She is a strong, determined, beautiful, intelligent, witty, bossy, and strong-willed young lady. God has a wonderful plan for her. I will not allow something so petty as sewing for her to stifle her or cause her to be frustrated with me. There will come a day later, on down the road where she will ask me to make her something again. And I will do so with love.

And jsut so you know, there is not one speck of fat on her precious little 10 year old body. She is a gymnast and is smaller than most second graders in her school. She is a 54 pound bundle of dynamite! With the temperment to prove it!

Well, now I am off to sew something else.... maybe something for me.. or maybe the prom dress for my 17 year old man-child's girlfriend.

Blessings- linda

Baggy pants

2010-03-15T12:18:00.005-04:00

I made a pair of jeans a few weeks ago. They are too big in the backside for sure. I do not like the high rise either. I pulled the wrong adjusted pattern out when getting ready to cut these so they are not right. I used Sandra Betzina jean pattern V 7608. I have a pattern done that reflects alterations that she recommended when I took one of her classes but as I said before I pulled the wrong pattern out. I probably should get rid of the too big one!

The front fit is not too bad as you see in this photo:

The backside however, well, that is another story! />

I have no butt so I think I need to remove via a fish eye dart alteration under the cheek. Actually going to try just cutting a size smaller in the back and see what that does for me!

I have a pair of ready to wear that I like the fit of (except that it is a little tight in the waist and causes a small muffin top to appear) so I think I will lay them on top of the pattern and compare them.

My adjusted pattern that I should have used has a bit removed from the "body" of the pant to make them a little lower rise than these "mom" looking jeans!

These are wearable for around the house (at least until I lose a few more pounds). I think the main issue is that they are just too big. I can snug them up by about two inches when I pinch out the excess on tne body.

Well, off to hem a wedding dress.

Blessings!

Linda

Some people never fail to amaze me....

2010-03-11T10:57:00.002-05:00

This is nothing more than a vent post... I need to get it out of me so that when I see this person the next time, I do not say the things that are going through my mind.....

Background. We had a computer client (person from church) bring us their computer last spring (April). Thick with viruses because she does not work and spends her day doing nothing but hitting the gambling sites and games sites. We cleaned it up and the charge was $90.00. Called her to get it and was told I do not have the money. Well, knowing her financial/work situation (or lack thereof) we did not let the system go without payment. It sat here until September. We knew she was being trained by a church person on budgeting and had been told that we would get our monies due but to not let her have her computer until said monies was paid. She finally paid and all was resolved.

Forward two months and she comes to me at church to say hey we have a virus so you guys must not have got it cleaned up... TWO MONTHS of surfing and playing games and gambling and we did not get it cleaned up!!!!!!!!!!! I told her that as politely as I could and said it would be 90-120 to clean up the virus depending on the extent of the problem. She got mad and made some rude comment under her breath which I ignored. Looking at the source so to speak.

Now today, someone on Facebook mentions a virus that is out there now and I responded with not understanding what the creators of the viruses get out of doing this. She responds back that there are lots of "programmers" (which programmers are not necessarily computer techs but what does she know) out there that can remove them inexpensively but not T.T. (which is our company). AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I want to rip her head off and spit down her throat! She did not pay us for months (not even an attempt at payments), tried to rip us off, and then makes a rude comment like that!

Some people are just plain ignorant and rude!

Anyway, that is my vent... If you made it all the way to here, thank you for allowing me to vent!

Now on to taking down the snowmen and then some sewing!

Blessings- Linda

Getting things done

2010-02-26T09:54:00.005-05:00

I have not had much sewing time this week. The sewing I have done was for customers- bridesmaid alteration, pants repair, shirts embroidered, etc. I don't really count that as sewing. I am trying to get DD#5's Easter outfit done. I did get an idea at Target for the top of her outfit. Skirt should be done today since there is no school which means I have no running to do today. Gotta love those snow days! ;)

I made an outfit for me last week and wore it Wednesday but forgot to have someone take a picture of me wearing it. Next time I wear it I will have DH take a photo.

Today is plumbing day at out house. Our kitchen drain was set up wonky by someone in the past. It goes out the wall and around the house. It is slow draining and causes a stinky basement family room after I do dishes. We "think" that the outside tile is probably cracked and filled with dirt OR the tree roots have taken over the tile. So instead of digging up the tile and replacing it, we are running new drainage from the sink through the basement to the 4 inch drain. Of course all this excitement happens mainly in my sewing room so everything is out of place and covered. I am trying to sew a little in between my hubby needing my helping hand (in other words me holding this or that!).

I have also been working on getting the bedroom hallway painted. I have the base done, and the stenciling finished as far as I think I want it. I am ordering a stencil for one wall with a Bible verse on it so until that arrives, I am done. On the lookout for some thrift store snags for the hall decorating.

Top picture is the hallway in process. That is the shot after the primer, which was hideous, was applied. The paint is a chocolate brown. The middle photo is the stencil. The flower is probably 15 inches in diameter and are occasionally painted on the wall. The brown and the blue paint came from the Habitat ReSale shop. Full gallons for $5.00 each. The green for the leaf came from the "mis mixed" area at Home Depot. $1.00 for the quart. The hall area in the first photo does not have the flower stencil on the walls. The hall is in two sections so I am thinking of leaving it plain and just having the stencils on the long area. Waiting to make that final decision after my artistic son sees it this weekend! Always good to have a second opinion! Bottom photo is the light fixture. It is original to the house and I think I am keeping it in the hall. Kinda pretty!

Now off to sew a little while hubby makes a Home Depot run for an elbow he needs for the plumbing project!

Blessings-

Linda

Ages

2010-02-10T19:04:00.003-05:00

It's been ages since I posted. Christmas has come and gone, New Year's has passed, my son is another year older, and two snow storms have pounded our area!

I just discovered a Stash Busting contest that I am going to participate in. I need to be on a fabric diet so this is goin to help keep me accountable!

Here's the link if you are interested in joining...

I have already used 3 yards of fabric for the contest. Tan denim for jeans for me (2 yards) and a pink knit for pj pants for daughter, Olivia (1 yard). Now to take and post some pictures!

Blessings- Linda

Well, off to watch a movie for family night.

Where has the time gone......

2009-11-12T10:43:00.003-05:00

It has been a while since I have checked in with this lovely little blog. Just found a cool site that I will be looking over in more detail at my next coffee break! Click here to check out some lovely fabrics. They are having a great little giveaway too!

What has been happening in life here... busy-ness..... sometimes it takes over. I have been sewing a little. Finished some Christmas items. Working on a jacket for me. Building a table top tee pee with my daughter, Olivia. I think I will take pictures tonight as we finish it. I will try to post them later. I WANT to sew some other things! Bought some amazing fabric that is full of texture! Can't wait to make a skirt!

Well, going to try to make something happen in the sewing room. Just need to set in some sleeves on a jacket and it will be done.

Blessings- linda

Will this month ever end.......

2009-10-29T16:33:00.002-04:00

Not that I want time to speed by but, really, is my family the only family that does not celebrate Halloween? Every blog I read talks about decorating for halloween. People from church talk about trick or treating. My girls come home from school (they attend a private Christian school) and say they are the only ones not attending trick or treat tonight. We have chosen, as parents, to not celebrate Halloween on the basis that it is of satanic origin. Yes, I know that there are arguments leaning the other way but this is the stand we choose to make. We will go to Harvest Parties and such but not Halloween celebrations. So ready for it to be over!

Blogging has been limited this week. Spent Friday through Monday in Chicago with my oldest daughter and my new daughter-in-law. Had a nice time. Of course, coming home means messy house, catching up on things, mountain of laundry, etc. I have been palyign catch up all week.

Hope to take some photos soon of some recent sewing.

See you soon!

Linda

A TV star!

2009-10-19T22:07:00.003-04:00

My eldest son, Jason, works for Carousel Works in Mansfield Ohio. They company was featured this week on Extreme Makeover, Home Edition. He was in part of the clip about the work they do. The picture above was captured from watching the show online. So excited!!!!!!

Tomorrow is hubby's birthday. We will have to postpone celebrating until next week as every evening this week is consumed with other obligations. What a week. Only 4 days until our trip to Chicago. I am taking my daughter and my newly acquired daughter-in-law for a three day weekend. Just girl time! Art Museum, pizza eating, pool/hot tub time, shopping, and Vogue fabric store shopping for me! The guys are heading out to Hocking Hills for a weekend camping adventure. The little girls are staying the weekend with friends from school. It is going to be great to get away!

I have been sewing and should have some more things to post before I leave..... Wish I had more time to sew something great for Chicago... My wardrobe is paltry to say the least! Oh, well, as long as I am dressed no one will even notice what I am wearing! LOL!

Blessings - linda

Bathrooms, sewing, and life.

2009-10-17T14:39:00.008-04:00

We have had a whirlwind autumn..... High School Soccer seems to take over every year at this time. It is winding down and I have had actual sewing room time lately so that is a wonderful blessing!
I took a glass fusion class at Mansfield Art Center last month and have some really nice pieces to show for it. The main reason I took the class was to make some knobs for the custom cabinets in my newly remodeled main/kids bathroom. My father in law made the custom cabinetry for me and I been thinking and pondering knobs. I was at an art show in late August and a local Artisan had knobs for sale. When I was talking about having some made for my cabinets she mentioned she would be teaching a class on glass fusion so I immediately went and signed up. I had a blast! It definitely got the creative juices flowing again. I have been processing and planning sewing since then.....
Now on to the pictures....

The photo to the left is from the window wall of the bathroom looking out to the doorway. You see the tall built in cabinet. The mirror needs framed yet but time has not allowed that but that will make for a great winter project!

Below is a close up of two of the knobs I made. Really hard to photograph.....

Left is the tub/shower area to the left of the entry door. Curtain is a Micheal Miller fabric (I think....) that I fell in love with. Retro/funk is kind of the style of the fabric. You see a portion of the builtin cabinet along the window wall. I am slowly decorating this room... Thrift store and garage sael decorating!

The photo below is a straight shot looking into the bathroom. You can see the full builtin from this photo. The sink/vanity was a bargain find for sure! I was at Home Depot about 2 years ago and saw it ... a $400.00 vanity for $50.00. That was a no brainer as I knew we would be eventually remodeling that bathroom. The old bath was original to the 1950's home. YUCK! We really wanted to put in a whirlpool tub but size and such made it out of our pocket book range right now so we had the tub (a big, deep cast iron baby!) refinished..... I still have some decorating to do but am patiently waiting for things to fall into place.
Now on to sewing!
This top is Simplicity 2643. It is a cute top. I shortened it quite a bit. I think my band ont he front and neck is not as wide as the pattern but I am okay with that. The top is a sheer georgette giraffe print. The band is a faux suede found in the remnant bin at JoAnns'

It is on thing that turned out this week int he sewing room. I made a pair of Hot Patterns jeans and am not impressed. I till stick with my Sandra Betzina jean pattern for sure!

Thinking about some Christmas sewing. Need to get my ducks in a row and get busy. It was so refreshing to have sewing time this week. I needed it. I was feeling out of sorts.

Well, off to sew something.. going to friends' house for supper! What a nice surprise ! Will be nice to get out and visit!

blessings- Linda

Another week has sped by.....

2009-10-09T08:19:00.003-04:00

A week since I posted lst. It's not that I have done nothing to posst about but most of my week's activity has been the normal, mundane, humdrum of life. Taxi-ing kids to events and practices, grocery shopping, fixing a meal and cleaning up the kitchen to just do it again in a few hours.... you know how it is.......

I did get a little sewing done....... I will be posting a photo after I get my shower for the day... no walking for us today...... pouring rain so I am staying inside where it is dry and cozy! It is unseasonably chilly in Ohio this fall..... we have actually had a fire in the fireplace more already this season than we did all winter last year. We are determined to NOT turn on the furnace just yet (you can call us cheap. we will not be offended!)

I should walk around and take some fall decorating shots of the house so I can share on here..... I have been having fun gleaning ideas from some fun blogs.....

Well, I think I will close for now and come back later with some photos to post.

Blessings- Linda

October already?

2009-10-01T12:41:00.002-04:00

Is anyone else blown away that the calendar says October 1, 2009? I cannot belive that this year is on the down hill slide..... and that Christmas is right around the corner. I have started my shopping and have lists from most of my kids...... The 16 year old son- that's a hard one.....
what to get him..... no ideas!

It was so cold this morning.... we had 39 degrees at 6:30AM. BBBBRRRRRRRR.... I did not turn on my furnace though.... we have a stone house so it keeps the warmth in pretty well. It was 66 degrees in the house at 6:30AM. Not bad! Dug out a sweater and am doing very well in the cooler house.....

Happy fall to you all..... off to sew!

Linda

One more project....

2009-09-28T15:53:00.002-04:00

I forgot to include this project in my sewing room shots. The shelf is above my embroidery machine. It is part of a bifold door that I purchased at a Habitat for Humanity resale store. The supports were free from the same friend that gave me the shelves we inserted into the wall.

My sewing room... a peak into my mess!

2009-09-28T15:31:00.003-04:00

Just thought I'd post some pictures of my sewing room in the state it is after a cutting fiesta I had last week. It is a mess but most of the pieces lying around are for projects that are bouncing around in my mind. I have been trying some new things..... like a full bust adjustment. Never did one before so cut out a button up top with some "so-so" fabric to give it a try.

Anyway, photos of my studio.

This photo is taken from my computer area. My cutting table is covered with a mess and our cat, Yankee. You can see the large fabric cupboard off to the left. It's full and overflowing!

This shot is the same area but taken form the entry doorway. You see the ironing board and the back "wall" which is a hanging curtain to cover up pipes and ugly!

This shot is from the entry doorway and is of my serger area. I also have a vintage machine that is strictly straight stitch that I use for heavy sewing.

This shot is from the doorway and is of the embroidery area and "regular" computerized machine and "desk" area. My embroidery is a Janome MB4- 4 head machine. I do most of my sewing on a Brother PC 3000 which you can see to the right of the black gooseneck lamp. My laptop sits to the left of the lamp.

A girlfriend gave me two white melamine shelving units that were 15 inches wide and 5 foot tall. They are perfect to slide into a wall between studs. So that is what we did. We carefully cut the drywall out so we could re-use it on the back of the shelves. The trim between the shelves is a metal measure stick. My hubby's idea! He might be getting some creativity in his "computer geek" body!

I am so very blessed! God is good!

A little sewing....

2009-09-28T14:18:00.005-04:00

I was able to sew a little last week. I am struggling with fit right now. My body is morphing into something that has my previous fit thrown for a loop. I am sure it has something to do with menopause and being almost 46. Just trying to find patterns that look good and hide my muffin top is very frustrating!

Here is a picture of me in Vogue 8534

I think I might try the next size up on the sides and underarms for the next one of this simple pattern. I thought it'd be looser. It's not bad but could be better. The neckline is to be unfinished but I "clipped " the lines marking the folds for the pleats so I could not leave it unfinished so I simply turned it under and stitched it down. Worked fine for me.

Made another top today to experiment with pattern Simplicity 3536. View E. It's okay. I made view D this summer and really liked it. I will probably put view E under a jacket for fall and winter. The fabric was cheap walmart table stuff that was in my stash so I am not out much if I decide I don't like it! Oh, to have that skinny body I once had where everything looked good on me! This picture is of the top on "ADNIL" , my dressform.

Laid back weekend

2009-09-13T21:36:00.002-04:00

We had a weekend with no soccer so it was rather laid back for us. Friday night Rick (hubby) surprised us with a family trip to the dollar theater to see Night at the Museum. Saturday morning I had a glass fusion class at the Mansfield Art Center. I will post pictures once they are fused and in my possession. I am addicted to this form of art. I would love to have a kiln and all the materials to make fused glass art.

Saturday was just a day of getting some things done here at home. The garage was over run with furniture finds from dumpster diving and garage sales so I had Rick cart them to a spot in the basement storage so that this winter I can tackle recovering them. I helped our 8 year old daughter clean and rearrange her room. We really should have named her Messy Mary or Pack Rat Patty!

Today we went to church and had a wonderful service. After church it was off to a family reunion for my husband's side of the family. It was nice to see people. The rest of the day was spent relaxing and playing around here. I should have worked outside but it was nice to have some down time. Daughters and I actually danced in my sewing studio.

My plan for Monday is to cut out some things for sewing for me for fall. I have some Christmas plans as well that I need to get moving on. Christmas will be here before we know it! YIKES!!!

2009-09-08T12:05:00.002-04:00

What a weekend! We got a lot accomplished. My sewing room had been a disaster so I decided to get it together in there. Before I could get to it, a friend gave me some narrow laminate shelves- 2 sets to be exact. I had a lightbulb moment and decided to have hubby dear cut into the studio wall (back side is a storage room) and insert these shelves. I will post before and after photos soon. That led to creating a shelf from part of an old bifold door and rearranging and moving stuff around in the sewing room. Hubby also made me a bin to stand my home Dec fabrics in so that they stay where I put them and not slide around. I am so pleased with the outcome... now to get busy sewing! I have lots of ideas swirling in my head and fabric and patterns laid out. I just need to get the mojo to do it! I have been struggling lately with fit. After losing 40 pounds a year ago, I have managed to put 8 back on. I am frustrated wtih myself. I know that my "sands are shifting" and it is causing a magnitude of fitting issues. I am feeling very fat and frumpy lately! Need to get those 8 pounds off but struggling .. trying to follow my WW plan but the pounds are not moving.

Stay tuned for photos of my sewing room.

What a whirlwind

2009-08-31T20:43:00.002-04:00

Life has become a whirlwind around here since the wedding day! Freezing corn, making and canning spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce, and tomatoes has been my focus. I hope to find time this week to get some sewing done. I would love a few new tops for fall as well as some jeans.

Soccer games and practices are keeping the "mom's taxi" humming up and down the road!

Life is good. God is good. He just keeps finding ways to bless my socks off!

Blessings- Linda

2009-08-20T11:46:00.004-04:00

The wedding day has come and gone. Son, Jason, is now a husband! These are just a few pictures of the many snapshots taken by us and grandma!

This photo is of our entire family.
Left to Right Back Row- Evan, 16, Jen, 28, Jason, 25, Me, Rick (dad). Front Row- Geordan, 10, Jenny, New daughter, Olivia, 8.

This is a photo of the entire wedding party. I made all the dresses including the bride's gown.

That was a tall order. I had some photos to work from. It is a knock off of a very expensive designer gown. Hard to see the details. I will post a better photo once we receive the ones from the photographer.

The beautiful couple. I made her veil too.

Lots of prayers and love went into this gown.

Mom and Dad with the groom, Jason.

I made my dress too. I hope to have a better shot of it later on too!

All in all, it was a wonderful day. She is a sweet girl and we are happy to have her join our family. I hope to not be a "Mother-in-law" but rather a second mom. A woman that she can trust to have her best interests at heart. My prayer for their marriage is that God becomes the central focus of their life together.

Trying my hand at this....

2009-08-18T09:50:00.000-04:00

I am trying my hand at the blog thing. Not sure I will ever be able to accomplish what so many other women do with theirs..... I am already stuck. Would love one of those fancy ones that reflect my personality but have sttled for a standard template one..... someday when hubby is bored I will seek his help..... right now his work is overwhelming so I will be statisfied with what I have!

I feel like this might be a place where I can express myself so that I can "see" what I am thinking and feeling. Right now my life seems to be chaotic and that chaos is prohibiting me from thinking clearly...... we will see. Also want a place to share my sewing accomplishements (and disasters)!

Anyways, welcome. I hope you are not too bored with what is to come! Blessings- Linda