Happy Veteran's Day!

11-11-11

Best wishes to all those who have and still serve in our armed forces.  May God Bless You.

Halloween 2011

Well, It seems it has been a while.  I have been busy with many projects, but I wanted to make sure and get up a couple of pics from our Halloween Theme 2011.  We went with Gnomeo and Juliet for my wife and myself, and our daughter was Featherstone, the Flamingo.  These were a lot of fun to design and make.

I will add some more later.  We still need to have an actual photo shoot in the costumes.

What were you and yours this past Halloween?

What do I have coming up?  Christmas Carol Costumes.  Time to overhaul and make some new ones for our annual Christmas Carol production. 

Victorian Bonnet

I recently finished a Victorian bonnet for a friend in shades of brown velvet, satin, and sheer silk.  Bonnets are always fun, because even though they are basically the same pattern , they can be decorated a myriad of ways.  I also have a few more that I will be showing you as they are completed.  I am working on some for our annual production of  "A Christmas Carol".  I want to get them finished while there is still time in the summer before our crazy Holiday schedules start.  Do you think it will cool off if I am working on Christmas projects?  I hope so, this heat wave has been brutal. 

Win an Accuquilt Baby Go Cutter

Win an Accuquilt Baby Go Cutter

Wedding Gown to Christening Gown Makeover

Hello there.  I was able to finally get some photos saved on my computer to publish.  Hope you enjoy. 
First up, the christening gown.  If you remember, this started with the 1970's wedding dress (polyester and glue on trim).  But I do believe it turned out very cute.  It is my own drafted/draped version.



Dress Before.  Front view.



Back view.





Trim Close-up.



More trim close-up.



Christening Gown - After.





Front trim.



Back Trim





Displayed with bonnet.



Displayed back view.

Bonnet, Diaper Cover and Booties.

The gown has been in storage since the wedding.  It took a good pressing and steaming before I started.  It could have used a washing, but I didn't want to risk it.  The steam helped to loosen up the glued on trims.  I salvaged what I could to use on the gown.  Some items were just too brittle to use though. 

The waist band on the gown was taken from the neck piece of the wedding dress.  I initially wanted to make a gown and a christening suit, but did not have enough fabric.  What I did do though was make this a unisex gown.  The sheer overlay on the gown is removable.  It is attached with clear snaps.  When removed, the gown can be used for a boy. 

The bonnet is also reversible.  One side is plain, and the other side is trimmed in the flower trim. 

This was a fun project to work on. 

I tested some smocking for the bodice on this piece, but with the fabrics, it did not turn out as nice as I would have liked.  

Coming up - The Victorian Bonnet.





SILHOUETTE MACHINE GIVEAWAY!!!!

SILHOUETTE MACHINE GIVEAWAY!!!!

Wal-Mart Fabric Department

Fabric among products Walmart will begin stocking again

Bentonville, Ark. - Walmart U.S. said it will broaden its assortment by some 8,500 skus, reintroducing some items it had cut during an earlier bout of editing - including fabrics.
In 2009, Walmart began eliminating fabric departments in many stores as part of its upscaling remodel to lure higher-income shoppers out of food and commodities into its general merchandise departments.
The fabric strategy proved a boom to competitors like Jo-Ann stores, which in December 2009 said Walmart's move was opening up greater market share for the specialty retailer.
Restored products - many of them regional food favorites - will carry "It's Back" flags.
Walmart also will step up its price match policy and is launching a national TV advertising campaign today to support it.

A nice option for those who do not have local resources for fabric, and don't like to order on-line.

Progress

Hello sewing community.  I am still here, although a little lax in that new year's resolution to post more in 2011.  Life has been very busy, and I have many pics to update you on, but that will have to wait until I get my pics downloaded, and that means that I have to wait until I find the camera that has the card, so I can download the pics. 

Much sewing has gone on around here:
 
Two sets of matching dresses fro Mommy and Daughter. 
A couple of sweater fashion redo's for the Daughter. 

An actual job turning one woman's 1970's DATED wedding gown (one she desperately tried to get her daughter to wear, but failed) turned into a GORGEOUS 4 piece christening gown set (no grand babies yet, but wanted to be prepared.

Another job making a self drafted Victorian outfit for a 35" Victorian Doll.  Complete with Skirt, Bodice, Bonnet, Overcoat, Muff, Bonnet to match Overcoat, and Spats.  This was so much fun to work on.

Self drafted Prom dress in Blue and Purple.

In the works:

I have a new bonnet in shades of Brown. 

Additional doll to dress with a matching bonnet in a black/dusty rose color scheme.

Easter Dress for Mommy.

Easter bolero for Mommy.

Lots of pics to come.  hopefully I can find the camera soon.