Sewing in the Spring and Summertime!!

    It has been a while since my last post and much has been going on.  I have been sewing a variety of projects working on different skills and experimenting.  I wanted to learn how to use piping on a pillow and applique so I created the Long Horn and Texas pillow with some simple embroidery.

Front Back

    I had some fat quarters that I had purchased a couple of years ago but hadn't used up and so I created a set of quilted oven mitts.  I have some "Doc McStuffin" fans in my family and came up with this simple tote bag, that I was considering for teaching during a summer kids camp.  It is unlined.  I opted for doing a lined tote instead.  I will have post a picture of it on another post.

    I fell in love with dredsen plates  and thought I would experiment with a few different styles of dredsen plates and circles.  The result of those experiments turned into this small lap quilt.  I'll call it "Dredsen World".  You will seat least four different styles.

 My daughter has some "Our Generation 18" dolls and so I made a couple of doll outfits for her dolls.  This is a good way to practice clothing construction on a small scale. The process is the same.  I also learned that no one 18" doll is the same and so fitting and some pattern adjustments can be done for a doll as well.  A little tedious though trying to fit a doll.  I've learned that there are body dress forms for dolls out there.  I'm not sure if I will invest in one but if I do decide to, I know that they exist and are available if need be.

I thought I would take a shot at creating a knit dress for myself using New Look pattern 6482. The pattern includes a dress, jacket, and top.  I tried the dress and it turned out better than I thought for a first try.  Knits can be tricky.  I'm still learning about fitting and adjusting patterns for the perfect fit. That seems like a science all in itself.  I have a big learning curve.

This project gave me an opportunity to make a sewing machine cover and trying out applique dies with my Acuquilt Go machine.

Well that is all for now.  I'm working on some more clothing projects and will post as they are completed.  I also found a wonderful project for a back to school pencil bag.

Until next time!!  

The Sew Stormer!!

Happy New Year 2017!!!

      Well 2016 is OVER!!! I can't say that I will miss it too much.  Quite a few lessons learned, some sadness with the loss of two family members, and just a great deal of changes overall.  I'm grateful to still be here and also thankful that I pushed my sewing to new heights with my 365 challenge to myself.  Although I didn't reach the goal, I sewed more and tried new projects, learned new skills in the process, and started this blog.  All in all I don't feel so bad.  This year, I'll be participating in another sewing challenge and that is to complete UFOs (Unfinished Projects), working more with my serger ( l learned some simple projects last year that I didn't know you could do with a serger), improve my garment construction skills so that I can delve into alterations and learn a bit more about how to repair sewing machines so I can maintain my machines.  I plan to teach some more classes at my local recreation center.  I was able to pilot a couple of classes last Fall and it turned out successful.  That was exciting.  Who knows where all this will lead but I'm hopeful and optimistic.

Maintaining a blog is challenging work but I plan to get better with this blog and get more exposure and readership.  The learning curve is high, when you are attempting new things.  

It is also sad that quilt shops and sewing lounges are starting to close in this economic climate.  We must do all we can to keep our small businesses alive in the sewing and quilting industry.  Please support your local businesses in your communities.  They are the fabric of our society and in many cases the center of the communities that they serve.


That's all for now.  You all have a blessed New Year this year.   Make 2017 full of optimism and hope!!!



The Sew Stormer!!!