Sunday, January 9, 2011

Lack of sewing progress and Spring patterns

Last Wednesday I was able to finish school with my boys early, and when they went outside to play I sat down at my sewing machine. It is a rare thing these days for me to get any sewing time during the day, and I was excited to get something accomplished. My machine had other ideas. It would not sew a stitch, and I spent the next hour and a half troubleshooting to find the problem. The thread kept getting all wound up in the bobbin housing. I took the metal plate off and blew out all the fuzz balls. I changed the needle. I re-threaded the machine multiple times. I turned it off and back on. Finally I threw up my hands and decided to have it looked at. After all, it's been 2 years since I bought it and could probably use a tune-up and oiling anyway. So, it is out of commission until Monday or Tuesday and I am left to twiddle my fingers.

Actually, I've been busying myself with cutting things out. I'm trying to finish up winter sewing, and have for some reason saved all my skirts for last. And they are mostly all plaid. There is a reason I cut things out one at a time and sew them one at a time. It's tedious to cut patterns out! Especially if you have to pay such careful attention to matching plaids.

As I have nothing new to show you, I thought it would be fun to blog about the new patterns I purchased last week. I'm not sure when Simplicity put these new Spring ones up. This may be old news to some of you.

I'm sure this first one is going to be popular. It is the cutest sundress I've seen in quite awhile, and people seam to gravitate towards the designer patterns as well. I already have the fabric picked out - an awesome border print cotton I've been saving for the perfect project. I am salivating to make this up, but will wait until the weather gets a bit warmer.

I saw this next dress and knew I had to make it. These diagonal seamed dresses have been in the department stores for awhile, and I've always loved the look, but this is the first pattern I've seen that copies it. Justin wants to attend the Celtic Women concert at the Majestic Theater in May, and I'm going to need a fancy-pants dress to wear. I'll probably make the shorter version, only maybe a few inches longer.

Y'all know my affinity for jacket patterns, right? I like empire seaming and double lapels on the top right view.

I need a tan skirt in my wardrobe, so am planning to copy view C of this next pattern, only with dark brown leather trim instead of black.

I get cold in summer a lot, and am always toting some type of cover-up around with me to restaurants and such. The cardigan with cuffed sleeves looks like a simple and easy piece to serve as a cold buffer, and would be light enough to throw in my bag as I'm running out the door.

We are off to spend the afternoon bowling. Fun, fun! I love to bowl. Have a great week, and I hope to have something new to reveal soon.

18 comments:

  1. I too do a lot of cutting out followed by sewing - you are right - it is tedious.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi! Just wanted to let you know I really enjoy your blog. I am a native San Antonian, born, raised and lived there until 1990 when we were transferred to DFW. Your mention of the Majestic brought back so many memories -- I get homesick easily. Glad to see a blog on home sewing as I am getting back into myself after a few years away. Keep up the good work, your stuff is gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  3. You always choose cute patterns. I can already see the one shoulder design on you!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I feel your frustration - my serger is in the shop for repairs since it won't cut and I sew with it so much it's hampering my style not to have it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Bummer about the sewing machine troubles. :-( Hopefully, they'll get it fixed up as good as new quickly! I think you'll enjoy the concert, I've seen them a couple of times, and while I was disappointed that they don't do more traditional Irish songs, they are incredibly talented and put on a good show. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I picked up a couple of those patterns too. Strangely enough, the patterns were at my local store before they were online.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Nice pattern choices. Love the skirt with the leather trim - I saw a Celine skirt in a magazine recently that I wanted to copy. No need for self-drafting - this is a replica.

    ReplyDelete
  8. De-lurking to say I'm impressed that you had time for sewing in the middle of the day. I home school my kids (4 school aged and 2 preschoolers) but never have enough time. They never want to get schoolwork done. I do most of my sewing at night when they are in bed.

    Cute patterns. Cute new baby, too!

    Amy in SC

    ReplyDelete
  9. I can't wait to see your versions of these patterns. They are so cute. I"m sure your take will be even better.!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love the second one(red dress) and the skirt with dark brown leather trim! I'd like to see them as soon as possible. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  11. I really like the first two dress patterns you posted too.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I've been eying the sundresses too but I don't think I can pull them off. The style is too young for me and my 17 year old hates wearing dresses. *sob*

    ReplyDelete
  13. I also bought Simplicity 2253 because it was the first pattern I have seen with the diagonal sections and in a one shoulder style to boot. Unfortunetly I won't need another dress like this til next Xmas. So I am trying to come up with a version of the dress that will fit into a work wardrobe. Perhaps add the other shoulder to the short version and make in a solid color stretch wool.

    ReplyDelete
  14. You picked some good ones here. I just love the Cynthia Rowley patterns. And I need to look at that short-sleeved cardi...

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Amanda!
    Love seeing your pattern choices and as always they are great! Love reading your blog and seeing your gorgeous finished garments. I was wondering I have a Vogue pattern that I ordered extra in error and was wondering if you would like to have it. Please let me know. Thanks!
    Rosalia

    ReplyDelete
  16. Cutting is definitely the worst part of sewing, in my opinion. I cut one at a time as well. Like your pattern choices!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Sorry to hear about the machine. :( Such a bummer when they decide to stage a temper tantrum.

    I love that CR dress, too. I agree, it's going to be very popular this year.

    ReplyDelete