Just a list...

to figure out exactly how many projects I have started in the last couple days.

- Drafted [or maybe purchased pattern] Apron for my cousin (and maybe myself too)

- Dotted blouse (lined)

- Green Skirt to match

- Baby bibs (2) and burp clothes (a few) for my mom's coworker [These can't be that hard, and should be pretty quick] finished 5/14
- Dotted Skirt to match (lined) finished 6/10

Oh, and maybe any other things that decide to pop up.

Midnight Sewing Madness

Sew (sorry, bad pun), as most of you know, I've had started a lot of different projects over the 2 week span I have been home - most of these are quite far from finished (my 30's ensemble, the apron for my cousin…). Last night I decided to embark on another (quick) project. At the end of the school year, my theater group was enlisted to clean our stuff out of the basements of the houses we were storing stuff in, and move it to another basement. We split up and conquered two houses and each took a box containing varying props, costumes, and other really random knick-knacks (a ceramic duck? body parts? I think you get the idea). In the process we found a few really old t-shirts that were printed before any of us were even involved with the group - of course they were all size large and extra large, but I managed to get a large, figuring I could do something to make it fit. And I did.

I lay the shirt out and measured the front and back and cut it so the width of the shirt was slightly larger than my bust measurement and then zig-zagged the edges to prevent any fraying (I've never used or had any interest in using pinking shears). I stitched the two sides together, adjusting the arm holes a couple times until they fit right. I then folded over the armhole seams so they sat on my shoulders better and voila - I now have a nicely fitted sleeveless shirt! I was hoping it would be a little longer because I can't wear it without shorts or pants to bed, but with bottoms it will make a nice rehearsal shirt. It took me a couple of hours, plus I also sewed another part of my 30's blouse muslin. Yay!

Huzzah!

My patterns came in the mail yesterday and I am suddenly really inspired to get started on (at least one of) them. I checked the mail as I left for babysitting and found a small package with my name in the mail!! Yay! They were here! Both were packaged very nicely in clear plastic envelopes (and I would highly recommend the seller as she shipped very quickly - purchased monday, sent wednesday, received friday).

I'm starting with the pattern on the left, the dress/skirt and blouse set with the short sleeves

After babysitting, I went over to Joann's to pick up some fabric for the blouse/dress/skirt (and notions for my apron making fiasco). Let's just note this now that when I go shopping alone, I tend to take my time, weighing every option and possibility (which is great for a savvy shopper, not the time-saver). Two hours later, I walked out with tracing paper, a tracing wheel, a measuring gauge (good for making a pattern and creating your own seam allowances), and a huge pile of fabric. I think it totals close to 8 yards. I bought 3 yards of plain white muslin (for lining and such - boring), 1/8th of a yard of silky white taffeta for "sleeve stiffener," 4 yards of a blue and green dot cotton which I am planning to use as the blouse (with enough leftover yardage to create a matching skirt), and a yard and a half of bright lime green cotton sateen for a second skirt to match the blouse. I'm really happy with the dotted fabric because it is very similar to one I found on reproductionfabrics.com, just half the price and minus shipping costs.

So pretty!!

I'm also working on some baby bibs for my mom's coworker who just had a baby girl and I decided it might be good to deplete my stash of pink baby fabric. More about that in my next post.

I also finally heard from the theater I applied to intern at and they want me to come in on Sunday and help them out by being a dresser backstage! I've never been a dresser before, so I hope it's not too hard to pick up on. Hopefully I'll have good news to report!

Photographic Updates

I finally found my camera cord, so I can post some photos of some of the various projects I've been up to:

So this is the hideous scotch-brite plaid I mentioned in my last post. I made a skirt out for it for the actress playing the German woman. She also will be wearing a vest left over from Hedda with puffy sleeves made out of the same plaid. I'd like to get a couple photos of the girl in the outfit.

Here is my finally finished chemise (all nicely ironed and hemmed). The hemline is a bit uneven, but that is because the tucks in the back are uneven as well. I'm very proud of my work, just wish I had someplace to wear it!!

Yep - those are baby bibs and burp cloths! A family friend is having a baby in September and I figured I'd make her some bibs and burp cloths for a baby shower gift. There are 4 bibs and 3 cloths in the photo, but I have enough fabric to make at least 6 more bibs. I bought nearly 5 yards of fabric. Oops. I'll probably make some more after the baby is born as I also have another plan for her gift. The site claims these gifts are perfect for baby showers, but you'll have to click this link to find out why :)

Also, my puppy has grown a ton! She's 12 weeks old and nearly 25 pounds!