Fabric Giveaway - Roberto Cavalli paisley print

I have less than a yard of this fabric left and you are welcome to it.  It is 56" wide.  There is enough for another slim skirt if you are about my size, or use it for handbag (wouldn't it look great combined with leather?) or pillow covers on the sofa  (I think this would look great on a black leather sofa).  Leave a comment to let me know if you are interested and I will make a random drawing this Sunday & mail it on Monday before I leave for Korea.  wooooo hoo~

I don't think I need a matching vest ;)

Paisley Skirt Save

I sewed this skirt a few years ago out of unusual paisley tapestry fabric by designer Roberto Cavalli.  I used Bernina My Label for the pattern.  Yesterday I set out to hem it, and I wound up taking it completely apart to do it right.  Here it is on the work table, wrong side up.

I wish I had a clear "before" photo but honestly it was too embarassing to even consider documenting just how unflattering it was.  But I had a feeling this skirt could be saved if I put it back together using better construction choices.  It needed an underlining.  I had some cream colored silk organza in my stash, so I cut and basted it to the skirt.  I sewed long diagonal stitches to keep the organza attached in the field.

I originally sewed the waistband with a facing- and that was too bulky so I tossed it in the trash.  In its place, I applied a narrow twill tape to the waistband.  It is positioned to lie just below the seam line when the lining is attached.

I cut a new lining using the same skirt pattern and sewed it by machine at the waist.  Then just some hand sewing around the zipper and the vent and I was finished.  Not hard at all.

The result is so much nicer to wear and it no longer clings or sags or otherwise misbehaves.

What a wonderful treat to have a snow day and time to sew.  I have missed it!  Also, it was an opportunity to see how much I have learned from you over the last few years.  I made such better choices this time and it's all because I read your blogs, comments and tuturials online.  Thank you.

*happy sewing*

a little snowing on the side

We never lost our power, so no complaints.  But we lost Comcast - meaning we did not see the SuperBowl (congratulations New Orleans!!) and no internet.  But it has been good for sewing!  I have lots to post, but first I need to get out of the house for dinner.  It has been nice actually.

*Blizzard 2010- WOW*

May I say Thank You? Yes I may!

I wrote a ridiculous long rant about the Post Office yesterday. Full of  f*bombs, too.
And then I got a little embaressed and deleted the post.  But check it out, one of my readers sent me this information:

Hi!



I used to mail international packages for my business. It's easier if you create a Click and Ship account online with the post office and fill out all the forms online. I print the label with a laser printer on regular paper and use a glue stick to attach it to the package. You will need a scale to weigh the package. It also doesn't hurt to do a search on the PO site to read up on the restrictions and requirements for packages to Korea. Then, because it's international, you have to hand the package in at the counter. If they're used to seeing you there, you won't have to wait in line, just put it on the counter of the friendliest mail person make eye contact and go.


I hope this takes some of the frustration out of it. I feel your pain...


HTH,


Jane


PS - love your blog!
 
THANK YOU Jane!  And thank you Al Gore for creating the interwebs.  So amusing!

black, black, easy, easy: SWAP 2010

I am still Sewing With A Plan, even though I hardly have time to post about it- and I may not finish.  But when I have time to sew, I make sure it coordinates.  Here are 2 easy pieces I sewed this weekend.  The skirt is really short and tight, and meant to be worn under the sweater coat I sewed. 

The top is self-drafted using shams' instructions (see her blog post here)

And I will wear my tall black boots- this is just what was handy for a quick outfit.

Goodness, I have been busy; almost overwhelmed for the last month or so.  I've been transitioning to my new weekday Baltimore digs.  That is actually very nice because my sister is my landlord.  We have dreamed up a nice little makeover for her /my rental apartment and it's going to be awesome.  The kitchen will be ripped out and the floors refinished while I am away in Korea at the end of February.

Of course, Korea!  I am taking two weeks off from work and travelling to the other side of the world.  That is a break from my routine, that's for sure. 

I am ready. Oh. So. Ready to see Asia. 

I can totally understand why people love travel and I am so grateful to have a chance to see new places soon. I hear the buttons are amazing :)

I sew to relax- and sewing did its' magic on me this weekend.

*I hope you've had a little creative chill, too*

Janome contests - anyone else thinking about entering?

Check out this email I got today: 

Dear Robin,



Hello from Janome America! As a large sewing machine company we are extremely interested in who’s doing what in the sewing and craft world. For this reason, we have been following your blog and are excited to see your enthusiasm for the craft. We at Janome are thrilled to see sewists sharing this art with others.


Currently, Janome is running a contest we thought would interest you. The contest theme is “Pass it On”, and encourages those who love to sew to share their skill with someone new to the craft. In the primary contest, you are given the chance to win one of three PAIRS of prizes. If chosen, both you and your 'student' win! There are three fantastic prize sets in all: two pairs of sergers and one pair of thread collections!


The rules are simple. On our website, we provide you with four easy and unique projects. Choose the one you like best and partner up with a beginner sewist to create this project. Submit a photo of the two of you as well as a few short words, telling us how the project went.


Winners will be chosen on March 31, 2010 - so get sewing! The goal of this contest is to encourage people like you to share their love of sewing with others, and to spread the joy of this craft.


You can find the link to the contest here. Please enter it yourself and share it with your readers as well!


We also have another “Pass it On” contest running that can be viewed here. You may be interested in participating in this as well, for more chances to win.


We appreciate your participation and are excited to see the projects and photos you and your readers create!


Feel free to email me for more information about the contest or Janome’s machines.


Thanks and Good Luck!

I gotta say, I LOVE the idea of a sewing machine manufacturer noticing the blogosphere where we really do share our love and enthusiasm of the craft.  I recently agreed to help my niece with a prom dress, so... hmmm.
Opinions?  (I confess I haven't yet studied the contest rules.  I am busier than usual lately and not much sewing happening.  This shall pass, though and I will be sewing up a storm again soon.)

*Happy sewing*

Are you looking for a sewing machine?

As you may have noticed, I love sewing machines and I seem to acquire extras now and then :)

I am selling my Pfaff 1475 CD on eBay.  I am currently sewing on a Bernina Aurora 430 (and I love it) so I am finding new homes for some of the nicer machines in the herd.  Feel free to email me if you have any questions!  You can reach me at  alittlesewing at gmail dot com.

I also have a very nice old Kenmore in the original wood cabinet (recently serviced, too) if you are local.
I can't sell that on eBay- too heavy!

on a side note- my flight and hotel are confirmed, I really am going to Korea in late February.  I can't wait!
I WILL be visiting the amazing DongDaeMun and reporting back.



Any readers in Korea?  Let's meet up!

*Happy Sewing!*