Butt-Ugly Fabric Stash?? A New Challenge..

Make a silk Purse From a Cow's Ear:Ida Reiter~ UPDATE: Ive now put together my first "Butt-Ugly" challenge, Pictured is fabric from the 1970's, paired with a old pattern from the 1990's, while the print doesn't photograph too heinously, the texture definitely is!! Ewww..70's knit!!:P... If you'd like to play along..continue reading below! ******************************************************************************************** Butt-ugly fabrics..we all have them (don't we?? or am I the only one?):D How did we acquire it, and WHY do we keep it? Perhaps it was given to us by someone who also hated it, and knowing we sewed, "gifted" us with it?? But then, why hang onto it? I don't have an answer for that one! As for myself, I'm tired of that lump in the back. It mocks me, and rears it's ugly head(or butt?? I can't tell which) every time I open the door! My solution is to make a Butt-Ugly stash-busting game of it!! :) My challenge to myself, (any you-all are my witnesses to keep me accountable) :) During down-time,(you know, the lag-time while you're waiting for the Good-Stuff to arrive?) make something from the "Hideous-Stack". No notion-shopping either, just using what I have. If nothing else, these will be work-practice pieces to hone my sewing skills. and who knows?? A pleasant surprise may come of it. Anyone else want to play? Give a shout! I'd love the company. :)

What I've been up to..

The last couple weeks have taken me way off-schedule from my personal sewing goals. Firstly, My Daughter Graduated with Honors!! Woot! and my son, a Freshman, was awarded Cadet of the Year in his ROTC program and was also awarded the pleasure of marching- around Fort Benning for a week of ROTC camp...Whatever floats your boat, Son! :D I also had to make preparations to get him ready for his First year of being a paid staff Member at the Boy Scout Camp. I had forgotten what a manic rush school year's-end brings. The expense! Oh my!.. and the whole week of all those awards programs for every school activity!!! and the crazy, busy build-up to the High School commencements. ..Oh and crazy me, without having fore-sight, I agreed to a sewing order for my sister to make a dress for a Toga Party she's hosting, I worked like crazy sewing "down to the wire"..I had to next-day mail it to her in New Jersey..While I'm very proud of my Kiddos' accomplishments... Phew, Stick a fork in me, I'm done!!

A Few Threads Loose is having a Give-Away

If you love instant, vintage patterns, dont delay in hopping over to Anna Depew's blog "A Few Threads Loose" (creator of the "Uber-fab" Oooh La La pin-up patterns) She is having a fabulous giveaway on her blog. So much better than a box-full of kittens. :)

Pyjama Party Finish

Late again!! woe is me..but I am proud to have another finish. Here I am wearing my newly-sewn pyjamas! What do you think?? The fabric is vintage 60's tricot found by a dumpster-diving friend, so it was free. Now that I've gotten the early 60's shortie pajamas craving out of my system, I'm now ready to sew more elegant, perhaps age-appropriate(??) looks. Here's a closeup of the fabric and trims. I thought the cute daisy buttons went well with the little daisies in the print..too "sweet"?? ah well...nobody will see except a few hundred of my closest friends. :D

Another Sew-Along!!

Yes, I have stumbled-upon another sew-along I couldn't pass up! :)
Pyjamas are on my immediate list, so it was perfect timing. This sew-along is hosted by "Did You Make That"?
Of course, mine will be made from a vintage pattern.
This is the pattern I just ordered, and will begin just as soon as it gets into my hot little hands. :D

Hop over to "Did you make that" if you're interested...As they say, The more the merrier!! :)

Oooh La-La..a quick update

I just wanted to show you-all real quick how I plan to embroider the bra..First, I traced a chosen design onto tissue paper, which I found at Maureen's Vintage Acquisitions blog. I loved how the design was already "Cup-shaped". I used thread tacks to keep it in place. (the photo shows my wisteria design is a little wonky, so I'll be repositioning it.)
I'll then be embroidering right over the tissue paper. when done, gently tear your paper away. If you decide to do something like this on a similar or other projects, be sure to keep a pair of tweezers handy. :) That's all for now! till next time.

A New Project...The Oooh La-La Sew-Along

Hosted By A Few Loose Threads.
Here's a pic of The Patterns we'll be using:


I love this BLOG I have been wanting to join-in on the fun of this sew-along for awhile now, I have enjoyed watching Anna's progress, and the progress of other participants, and I finally had a day-off and got my chance! I'm beginning with the Vintage French Bra Pattern, but you can start where you like..Anna has posted great photos to help you follow along..
I started with a ivory, lightweight satin..too flimsy in my estimation, so I added interfacing to all the outside pieces..I may add interfacing to the both back-band pieces, I just hadn't decided as I'm not that far-along yet. I did try out the instructions she posted on adding a lace over-lay..Sooo Easy!! Here is where I left-off for now..I'm going to try a delicate wisteria hand-embroidery design over the lace, so it will be a while longer before I'm done. This pattern is really alot easier and fun than I expected. If you would like to try it, Anna has the links to her etsy, and Artfire on her blog..Do give this a try!! Only 3 Easy Pieces!! I can see so many variations using this pattern.

The "Peggy" -esque Dress: Mad Men Sew-Along..The Finish!!

I am so excited about the premier of MAD MEN TONIGHT!! are you all ready??
I've been working on my dress for the sew-along hosted by Andrea, at
No Pattern Required. I won't bore you with all the details, but let's just
say I'm waaay too A.D.D, for my own good, and it's been quite the adventure! Beginning with salvaging my fabric which nearly frayed to shreds, to picking apart because I decided I wanted lining(I don't like inside seams..lol) to setting my sleeves first, inside-out, THEN to "correct" the situation..I set them in Up-side down!!! argh!!!..
I'd rather NOT be running around Like E-T with his arms up in the air..haa.ha..
Needless to say, my seam ripper got quite a workout! :D Sooo without further ado here's my dress which I have labored upon the last few weeks..I still think it rather plain, so I may be adding contrast top-stitching in the same blue as the buttons. We shall see. :)

Early Spring comes to Georgia

Our Ground Hog "General Beauregard Lee" was right! :)

Kitsch Finds on Sunday

I thought I'd start a new ritual.."Kitsch Finds on Sunday" Sunday's are the only day
I can slip-away from my busy family and work. A couple of weeks ago I popped into my usual haunts and spotted these adorable Lefton Blue Bird Collectibles.."swwooon" I couldn't get them out of my head, So I went back and scooped up these two little peeps for a song..I'll definitely be back for the remaining little peeps later! SO Adorable!! I'm not disclosing where they are just so noone will scoop them up before I do!..Ha! :D