Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Quilted Wallhanging for Spring

I needed something new to hang on the quilt hanger I have in my entryway. I love the new "modern" quilt style that has become so popular in the last few years. I have always been drawn to simple designs and bright colors in quilts. One of my favorite quilts of all time was a shoo-fly quilt made by my great-grandmother, with a white background and 1930's fabrics (the real stuff, from the 30's, not reproduction). Sadly, that quilt is long gone. So I guess the "new" trend of simple lines, and bright colors with lots of white space isn't so new, is it?

I made this simple quilt with a charm pack of Connecting Threads "Botanical Beauty" collection. I love the bright blues and greens in this collection, with a little purple and gray mixed in. I made simple half-square triangle blocks with white Kona cotton, and simply sewed the squares together.


If you've never ordered from Connecting Threads, and you are a quilter, you have got to check them out. I believe the way they keep they prices so low is because they design their own lines of fabric instead of carrying other companies fabric lines. Their prices just can't be beat. And their collections are only around for a short time, so if you see something you like, you better jump on it. They won't be around long, and they will have something new before you know it. I think that adds to the appeal- the ever changing selection. (I am not affiliated with them in any way, I am just a happy customer :))

I did a simple machine quilted stippling on this one,  and it is happily hanging in my entryway, adding some cheery color to the room.



Charm Pack:                               $2.48
One Yard for backing and binding:  5.96
Batting and thread (already had)         0
Total cost of project:                  $ 8.44


Up next, a pair of shorts, much needed in my wardrobe.

Blessings-
Lisa

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Jumping on the Lace Trend Bandwagon

I've had a vision in my head since the fall of 2011 of a simple black lace top, a shell basically, that could be worn under jackets or cardigan, or even alone with the right underpinnings. When I found this fabric on clearance at Hancock's, I quickly snatched  up two yards, but still hadn't married my vision of this top with this fabric.

This spring, after seeing all the great lace projects on the Mood Sewing Network, I was inspired to pull out this fabric, and make my vision a reality.

I choose Simplicity 8523, which is a terrific pattern for a woven top, with many neckline variations. I choose to make view D, which has a scooped neck.


What I love about it? I love the pattern, it fits great and is a nice addition to my pattern collection. What do I not like so much? Well, my fabric shrank up quite a bit when I pre-washed it, and instead of being open and lacy, it is more bunched up and lumpy. I am guessing the fabric is a cotton, which is why is shrank so much. I may try ironing it well before wearing it to see if it will "flatten out" some.

Overall, I like my top, and will be playing around with the styling of it to decide how to wear it. I am considering a narrow belt at the waist, in a bright color. I am also planning to try it with a bright blue pair of cropped pants that are in my project queue.

Here is a close up of the lace:




In the background you can see my Snowball Shrub (which I have trimmed into a tree shape). In these pictures, it is at the end of it's bloom, but it was so pretty this year, just loaded with blooms. I guess it didn't mind to cold, wet spring we had. In this picture you can see that it was already dropping it's petals. They ground looks like it is covered in snow. While these blooms only last a short while, they are such a pretty start to the flowers that bloom in my gardens all summer.

Up next, I finished a small wallhanging, and I am finishing up a pair of short that are a muslin for a new pants pattern I am trying. I am happy to report, the fit is perfect, right out of the envelope! Stay tuned...

Blessings-
Lisa

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Burda 8497

While my hubby and kids were gone on a fishing trip a couple weeks ago, I took advantage of my alone time to do some sewing. I choose this blouse, Burda 8497, because my work wardrobe has been boring me to tears lately. I like blouses for work because it makes for easy dressing. Dress pant, a blouse, add a necklace to jazz it up, and you look professional and pulled together.


Not sure what my hair thinks it is doing today, but it's not good. :)

The fabric I used was a poly crepe-backed satin from Joann's, and I used the crepe side as my right side. It was easy to work with, and surprisingly took a press well for a poly. This is not a fabric for someone who is in their hot-flash phase of life though, as it doesn't breathe well. But since I am a freeze-baby who is always complaining  saying how cold I am, it works fine for me.

I like this blouse, but I don't think this pattern is for me. The fit is off, I think I could have gone up a size, and I am not sure what the deal was with the ties. They are much shorter than they show on the pattern envelope. Maybe I cut them out wrong? In the picture above, I only have them single tied. If I do a knot, the short ties stick straight out and look funny. I guess my options are to lengthen the ties, or wear them as is and hope there will be no wardrobe malfunction and they don't come untied.

I do like how the band wraps around the back:




All in all, I like the blouse. I may like if better if I lose some of the extra "fluff" I gained over the winter. This past winter was a long one, and my figure sure shows it. :)

Up next, I have two very different projects almost completed: a lace top and a small quilt.

Blessings-
Lisa