Cutting /Work Table

I am on my way to a new cutting table. Just the thought of it is making me giddy.

I was inspired by Elaray's cutting table. I just took her concept a step further - I will prop my work surface on top of the headboard & footboard of this bed:

I bought this from craigslist. I'll put a mattress on it - covered in a tailored slipcover. Then I can use it as seating, too. Our new condo will really sorta be a sewing studio.
So exciting!

Two Hour Pants

Here are the pants I made one night after work. I had pre-washed the fabric (twice, in warm water AND through the dryer!) to prevent unpleasant future laundering experiences. This particular navy blue cotton came from EmmaOneSock, so it is luxuriously stable, soft and strong. Michael's is a good source for these sorts of fabrics, too.
There are two pattern pieces and they go together in a snap. First I sew the center seams on the front and on the back. I always serge them down to about 3/8". I do this to make sure the right side of the fabric has been established. On basic solid colors, it is so easy to mix it up. No- it it not generally noticeable, but, it will always bother me if I get it wrong. The downside of being a perfectionist!
Then I serge all the edges, then insert the invisible zipper to the side seam. It's only another few minutes to stitch up the rest of the seams. Then, I just try them on to determine the size and placement of darts. It's nice to get something of a close fit, from a vanity perspective.
And finally, I stitch 3/4" non-roll elastic to the waist seam, pulling just a little as I go. I pre-wash the elastic when I buy it to avoid future laundering surprises there, too.

On these pants, I turned the waist band (such as it is) over and did the ole stitch-n-the-ditch on the darts and seams.

Turn up the hem, machine stitch and wear 'em!

Now, these pants will not earn you any awards for fine sewing. In fact, my dear stepson asked me one day, "How come you never put pockets on your pants?" and the answer was, well.... that would take 20 minutes I don't have!!

But I will. I truly intend to sew pockets and other neat features. As soon as I have just a little more time!

When I say I do "a little sewing on the side", I kinda mean it!

:)

HAPPY SEWING, friends!

Let there be light!

I was up early this morning, so I tidied up and snapped photos of my new sewing nook. It is really pleasant!I love the built-ins. They are circa 1953 and still function well. There were some nasty brass drawer pulls which I replaced yesterday with a more mid-century brushed aluminum style.

Now for window treatments...
IKEA has some really cute fabrics that I have my eye on. And lighting. I need better lighting for evening sewing. All in all, things are working!

Thanks everyone for your lovely posts about Laura's graduation. It has been a wonderful time for our family!

Free Fabric if you are local to Rockville MD

I cleaned out my fabric closet and filled THREE bags of fabric.
If you are local to Rockville and you want it, email me.
Many pieces are small leftovers from projects, some are several yards and suitable for garment sewing. Some stuff is from old Home Dec projects.
Almost everything is fine wool, silk, cotton, rayon, etc. I buy good stuff!
You come pick up.
Thanks and Happy Sewing!

Enough about me!!

What you do think about my daughter? I raised her. I read books to her and gave her money.

Now she is a college graduate!! Yay!

Laura's housemates and BFF's are in these shots. Just in case you are curious (and who isn't?!) I included a pic of my former husband, with me and Laura. He has been a great support to her. Laura and I really appreciate him and his wife (yes, we are all on friendly terms). It has been a great ride- congratulations to my dear, dear daughter! I am so proud of you!

Womens LIberation, Good Idea /Bad Idea?

Yes, I think it was a good idea.

I am now living in the new condo during the week. I am navigating a neighborhood that was my home for many years, yet it feels a bit unfamiliar. Old muscles of independence are getting some exercise. I like taking care of myself!!

But really, how is it?

Um, a little lonely!!
Yeah, I miss the companionship of the hubster in the evening.

BUT- I can work a 12 hour day (like I needed to do on Monday) and have a little time at night for some small act of self-pampering. My new commute is anywhere from 5-8 minutes. :O

And, you know what? I get satisfaction from my job. I really do. Sure, if I could afford it, I would stop working. I would be a home-maker and I'd love it.
But we are educating a few kids and we need the income & benefits from my job.
And I am not sorry. It is hard to measure job satisfaction, but I can tell you it does nourish me.

Next week, I will have my sewing machines with me and you know what that means!
Fortunately, DH is coming up to B-more for a date tonight. Best of both worlds.

Feeling pretty blessed at the moment.
Happy Sewing to those who HAVE a sewing machine.
:)

Womens Liberation- YES, a good idea.

Memo to the Boss

I hope this shows up well - I enjoyed this article from 1943: