Breaking Back Into Reality

It has been some time since my last posting.  I have been away on a vacation that lasted longer then intended.  It was wonderful, but now we are back to reality around here.  One of the parts of getting back to normal is getting back to healthy.  Today I am trying a green power smoothie recipe that comes from the blog Oh She Glows.  It is a protein packed drink that goes down pretty easy.  Great for a post run recovery drink.  Also this mean healthy eats which is being inspired by spring finally arriving. 

I plan on getting back to my crafty place soon.  We came home to a broken dryer and that has put a ding in some plans.  However, that misfortune is almost under control.  I have a finished project or two to report and I got a fun idea while away. Life should be shaping up and back on track. Can't wait to share!

Dress For Spring Break And Beyond

Things have been a bit of a whirlwind around here.  We are in our last week before spring break. Time to kick those sewing projects into high gear!  I finally finished one dress from the book Happy Homemade ( for an awesome review go HERE ).

  There is quite a bit of prep work that goes into these patterns.  I do think it is worth the extra effort to make sure you get a good fit.  This particular pattern was cut BIG, so I went down almost two sizes then I would normally use for a sewing pattern. It saved a huge headache by doing some calculations ahead of time.

   This is the finished product! I like it.  I used a linen blend material.  It has a very nice drape and it is going to be very comfortable for the hot weather ahead.  The pleat and the belt may not be friends. I think I am going to play around with this look.

This is the intended look.  It is so comfortable. 

 I did have to rework the neck line. The first attempt I did something wonky and it would not lay flat.  After much seam ripping and a couple of choice words, it finally lays nice.  The pattern came together pretty easily.  I used a serger for the inside seams to help control the fraying of the material. That frey thing can be very messy!

   Close up of the pleat. I think it adds a little interest to the finished piece.  In a solid color, it can be a little boring.

  The pocket is scrap material that I am trying to use up.  I like the contrast against the solid color.  Pockets are such a plus!  I think with some cute accessories and shoes this dress will be very fun.  It is a break from my usual, black and grey pieces in the wardrobe.

  I also just finished up a dress using the book Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross.  I love how the dress turned out.  Hope to have that project up on the ol' blog later this week.

The Knit Skirt Lives!

  Happy Friday!!  I finally have pictures of the spring skirt.  While we continue to have winter like weather, the sunshine has brought out a positive attitude about warmer weather.  Before you continue on reading, please forgive the quality of the photos.  These were done in a hurry on the camera phone.  Not my favorite, but it works in a pinch. 

 
 This project was super simple.  I used a skirt that I already own and love.  Luckily that skirt is a knit also, which makes the "Give" factor easy to determine.  I traced the skirt adding just under an inch to the tracing.  The waistband is a yoga style.  For that, I used a piece from an existing pattern.  You may notice that the waistband is a different color.  I ran out of material to cut the original band, and wound up using an old t-shirt.  Yup, an accidental repurpose project. 

 I used my handy dandy surger on this project.  This means everything just zips right up.  I can see a couple of these lovelies being made.

Please avert your eyes from the pale pale legs! Us northers have yet to get out of hibernation.

  Right now on the sewing machine I have a dress in the works.  I have had a bit of an issue with the neckline and there is some ripping out going on.  While I am happy overall, I am not going to settle for a so-so fit on the neck.  The goal over the weekend is to get that finished and begin a shirt.  Spring break is only 2 weeks away.  I have to hustle along to make my goal. 

  Happy weekend!!!!

And Now It's Time For A Refashion

  My knit skirt is finished, I love it.  However, it continues to be all cold and snowy like outdoors.  Right now pictures in the skirt are not happening.  I do have a new finished project that I will share with you.  I love a good refashion or repurpose of old clothing.  It is usually very quick and very easy.  One girls Goodwill donation is another girls refashion.

So shapeless!

 This dress, tunic, shirt?? was wwwaayyyy to big, but it was in fantastic condition and it seemed oh so comfortable.  It is made of a lightweight cotton.  (Maybe I am feeling a little nostalgic for the 90's. Could be all those rock docs I have been watching on Netflix recently?) 

Love the contrast inside print.  Doesn't that look so cozy?

 I threw my project on the dress formed and pinned away.  I think I look in about 3.5 inches on each side of the dress and then stitched the button front down.  I am not a fan of buttons popping open or that annoying gap you can sometimes get. 

The 90's are alive in Portland Michigan.

TA- DAH!  All done within a matter of an hours work or so.  I love this dress.  If I am feeling particularly lazy I take the belt off and just let it go all tentish.  Nice for at night when you are vegging out (watching more rock docs) with the Mr.

 I promise dear reader to get my skirt project up soon.  I am most hopeful that spring is on the way. With this setback of weather, I thought I would crazy if I put on my same ol' winter sweaters. This project was just what I needed while waiting for a warm up!

Hemlock Tee

   Hurrah!!  One piece of spring clothing all sewn up and ready to rock!   This is by far one of my most favorite tee shirt patterns.  The Hemlock Tee by Grainline Studio's is brilliant.  This pattern is simple and can easily be altered to suit any needs. It is an over-sized shirt, which is perfect for lightweight material with a flowy feeling. (yeah, that is the technical term....flowy).
  I

A little better view of neckline and short sleeves.

 This material was kind of pain to work with. You had to be careful with all aspects when working with it.  The material wanted to curl and it was a bit on the slippery side.  Cutting, pinning and trying to get a decently straight line were very tricky, but it is worth it. Patience is the key (at least that was what I kept trying to tell myself.)

It is very helpful to have a serger when dealing with tricky material.

  I am so very happy with the finished product! It is ridiculously comfortable.  I can already tell I will making more of these.  This is Hemlock #2.  They are great for layering or standing on their own.  The pattern comes with sleeves, so you can make this pattern in the colder months.  We are thinking warm weather here, so no more long sleeves!  You can add a pocket, play with the hem, so much versatility to be had. 

 I am almost finished with my spring skirt.  I just have to finish up the hem and then that one is ready to go! I had to get a little creative with the waistband, but I think it turned out okay.  Stay tuned to see the results. 

It Can't Be This Cold Forever......Right??

  Dear Old Man Winter,  our relationship needs a break.  A spring break, to be more precise.  In a few weeks time we will be heading for palm trees, beaches, sunshine, and drinks with tiny umbrella's in them.  In my day dreams of warm weather, I also dream of warm weather clothing. This lead to trips to the fabric store, which lead to fabric purchases, which now leads me to think I may have gotten a bit ambitious.  I would love to try and sew some new clothing for spring break.  While my color choices are nowhere near bright and tropical, the material is light and airy.  Linens, lightweight cotton, and light knits are what you are looking at dear reader.

    I am going to take this one fabric at a time and see how far I get.  I think I have plenty of time, but also things get pretty busy around here once March hits.  My first thought is to go with something I know and love.  The Hemlock Tee from Grainline Studios is a great pattern for knits. I have already used this pattern and have had great success.  I keep the sleeves short and lengthen it just a little.  I am on the tall side at 5'9".  I think the semi-sheer stripe fabric will be a great choice.  It will allow room for tank tops underneath and will give a nice flow with the material. The other knit is the solid grey.  That is going to be a skirt, however I have not yet decided on what look I want.  Something comfortable for sure!

So, now that I have a place to start, it is time to sewing.   While tomorrow may snow, I'll think of the sun.  Be well and craft on!!

The Closing Ceremony

Please excuse the bad picture, I know I look a little orange.

   I am coming to the party a little late. I missed the deadline for finished projects during the Olypmic games. Which of course was the goal.  Today, the only thing that remained was the binding off.  With a little time this afternoon, I was able to complete all tasks and have a functioning and fantastic cowl.  Huzzah for finished projects!!

 The cowl pattern was lots of fun. The constant having to change up the yarn made for an engaging knit.  I like all the different options the pattern gives you. If you did not catch my last post on the Ravellenic games, the pattern is Inspira Cowl and can be found on Ravelry.  

  The original pattern is for a very large cowl.  I scaled mine back a bit and was able to use one skein of yarn for each color.  The variegated yarn is Liberty Wool and plain gray is Cascade 220 Superwash.  The combination of yarns are very soft and warm.  I like the pop of the yellow and the subtle of the greys. This was a nice way to work in some bright colors, while I also think this works well for a very neutral palette.

   Next on list is to finish up another knit in progress and also start my spring sewing.  I think I may have been a bit overzealous at thinking I could sew my spring break wardrobe.  Stay tuned for that update!