Purple Pockets

Just a quickie! Yesterday afternoon I was able to take this pattern:



And turn it into this:





I am seriously in love with these pockets!

I did however make this 2 sizes too big (even though I followed the pattern's measurements exactly) - - so I had to go dig out a size 14 from the trash. I will still wear this one with a belt, and it will certainly be comfortable. But I am perplexed that I have been all over the map with pattern sizes. 12-20 seems like an incredible range to me. I know being a 40D has a lot to do with it, but has anyone else found that every single clothing pattern is a guessing game??

Today I will be taking a break from clothes and get a couple if bags sewn up.

Hoppity Eggster Day!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee



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Spring Wardrobe: Art Journal Top

Look what just needs to be hemmed and then it's done!!




The beautiful bird and flower fabric is from BariJ's "Art Journal" line. I just love her fabrics!


Tomorrow I'm cutting out a dress from this pattern:


Oh so 80's, right? Will keep you posted on my progress!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee



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Qui, Qui!

No, I don't speak French.

But I know someone who does.

She loves visiting France, and I believe would like to live there someday, at least part time.

So, when I stumbled upon this remnant of kitchen fabric with French sayings...





...I knew I had to whip up a couple of kitchen tea towels for my friend.





I was even able to squeeze out a small coin purse.





Now this is in no way a "pay-off" or a bribe, but it is a THANK YOU. You see this is a Twitter friend. I've never met her, but I buy her handmade, organic soap. It saved my hair and I will forever be eternally grateful. And if a few handmade gifts from time to time keeps my friend motivated to continue making soap, well, all the better for ME! Non? :D

If you haven't tried a bar, you are really missing out! Check out Hilary's Etsy shop, A Slice of Delight



Lemon Verbena Slice - Yummy!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee


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Full Bloom Jacket: update

Ok, I made some good progress today on the sleeves and a pocket, but struggling with fabric choice and style of set in collar...Tried denim and it was a distraction. Should I use the green? The collar is supposed to be a continuous band that ties in the middle. Ideas would be most welcome!










Hugs,
Dee

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In Full Bloom

Just two teaser pictures as I'm working on a jacket using a piece from BariJ's "Full Bloom" line:




And in BariJ fashion, I will be adding some flower appliqués!


More later!
Dee


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New Dress for QM

Sometimes I really am manic when it comes to my sewing. I will produce a lot and then hibernate for awhile. Right now I am caught up in the anticipation of attending Quilt Market next month, so I am sewing up a storm!

This fabric by Amy Barickman:




And this pattern:




Has become this dress for me!




I love the pleated neckline:




I'm thinking a white or red thin cardigan and some brown sandals. This was also my first try at an invisible zipper and it was a piece of cake :-)

Okay, now I'm sewing up an unlined jacket out of three different fabrics, one of which is Full Bloom by BariJ. See you in a bit with pictures!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee


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Angel Challenge: April Project

Hello! Some of us (like ME) haven't finished our March project, but I wanted to get the April project posted so everyone can start when they want.

We will be cross stitching angel scissors (the scissors handles make her "wings"). When you've finished you'll need to make the angel into a scissors case.




Feel free to change up the colors! This is a free pattern from the following link:

http://meriwanderer.blogspot.com/2009_02_08_archive.html

If you post your finished project anywhere, please give Meridel Abrams credit for her pattern "Cameo Stitcher".

Let me know if you have any questions!!!

Hugs,
Betty & Dee



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Pattern Review: Kyoto Top

In my new quest for making myself spring and summer clothing, I came across a PDF sewing pattern I really liked: The Kyoto Top by Couture Nomad.

I cut out the correct size and had this sewn completely, except for sleeve and bottom hemming, in under 3 hours. Unfortunately, the larger size (38-40 bust) does not increase the length enough to have the blouse hang below my waistband. The sleeves and bust fit, but the back/neck piece is not in proportion and pulls the sleeves up toward the neck.

If I were flat chested and 4'10" this might fit me...

GORGEOUS fabric courtesy of SisBoom/Jennifer Paganelli. (Don't worry Jennifer, I will turn it into a haute purse for QM!)

Back to the drawing board!

Hugs,
Dee


Front:









Front and Back:






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Angel Challenge 2011: Latest Update!

Hello everyone! As you know, a couple of us were a bit remiss in our February project. Rhonda of @LilBitSassy and I did finish and I wanted to publish photos of what we made:

Rhonda made this "angelic" eyeglass case. I love this image because the angels look a little impish, as if they have secretly been up to no good! (kind of like Rhonda!!! lol).  If you'd like to see more of the adorable items Rhonda makes, please visit her Etsy stores:

Lil Bit Sassy 

Pink Gingham Ladybug Squeaky Toy/Wrist Rattle Set

French Chickens Bib Apron

Daisy Dreams BabyBlanket

 

Animal Match/Memory Game

 

Schoolhouse Designs

Skulls and Roses Fabric Basket

Paisley and Butterfly Jumbo X-Factor Bag

Groovy Flowers Hanging Door Pocket Organizer

I took my computer generated angel image and made a quilted block. I then turned the block into a diaper bag. I've never made something so shabby-chic and loved mixing the fabrics and trims. Keep an eye out! This bag will be in an upcoming giveaway here on our blog!

Front and peek at reinforced bottom. Magnetic flap closure with yoyo's and buttons.

Back with button trim. Handles have antique pale pink plaid ribbon on one side.

The inside has four roomy pockets trimmed in cream lace roses.

Well, one of us has finished the March Angel Challenge - and I will be making a post soon about what we all have created.  I will also be posting the challenge for April: a small cross stitch scissors case with, of course, an angel on it.

Hope everyone is beginning to enjoy some spring weather. We picked up a truckload of topsoil today for our planters and my darling husband also filled 4 hummingbird feeders. Our oldest cat, Darya, caught a lizzard this evening - that's always a clear indication warm weather is here and critters are out and about.

Hugs,

Betty & Dee

March Showers Bring Spring Flowers!

One of our local wineries has an incredible display of spring flowers. I couldn't help but take pictures to share with all of you. Enjoy!

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!
Betty & Dee