Monday, July 7, 2008

Making Progress



I spent most of the three-day weekend in my craft studio sewing, embroidery, straightening, and listening, as I must do every summer, to my Harry Pottery books on CD set, Books 5, 6, and 7, The Order of the Phoenix being my very favorite. When I checked out #7 the other day, the librarian said, "I hope they enjoy it." I looked at her and said, "Oh, this isn't for the kids. They are bored with it. I have an annual summer Harry Fest in the car." I'm a 43-year-old who misses Harry Potter! Ridiculous or riddikulus!, as one might say to a boggart! If you like Harry, too, and have never listened to the book on tape, run out and get the series. I can vouch for the American version read by Jim Dale. He does such a wonderful job and actually grows the voices as the characters grow up. Okay, enough said!



I purchased the Simplicity 3835 pattern to make for myself, however, Camille was ga-ga for it at first glance, so I made her one first.



I tried to take in all the advice I've read about the pattern from different sewing bloggers. I made the size 6 for her but think the 8 would fit better across the front. However, there is so much excess fabric in the back. I understood one blogger to say not to put the seam back there to lessen the bulk, so I cut it on the fold. That didn't help here. Is this where I might have put in some darts? I really don't want to spend too much time figuring that out to keep it simple and easy to make.



Maybe with the size 8, cutting the back on the fold but take just a bit away, and creating vents at the side seams, the top will drape better. That's what I am going to try next time. Also, I left the elastic out of the sleeves so no puff and no bother with another casing. Camille is quite happy with the top and wore it right away yesterday and then out today again. I hope this is the beginning of a new phase in her clothing - finding great patterns for her - and also encouraging her to sew as well. By the time I was her age, I had it going on in the sewing room. I wish she would jump in, too; she is so artistic.

My husband spent most of our three-day weekend working on the harder house projects, including painting. He painted my bookcase for my studio office and finished up the work table I designed.

Remember this horrible site:


and this:

Now, see this!


Bright and Shiny


Color: Lowes Valspar Playful Pool 5005-7C
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Bright, shiny, and new, all ready for me to add what I need to make this studio office a home. It's not for sewing. That's the other room filled with chaos, which I think is necessary somewhat to create. This room is for meeting with clients, designing, blogging, scanning, creative computer work, displaying my goods, and paper art, like scrapbooking, etc.

You can see some of the art pieces I have to get framed. I found the lamp shade at IKEA in Atlanta in May. Loved this at first site! You can use it on any type of lamp, however, I picked the lamp cord to hang like a little chandelier over the reading chair.
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The two cabinets standing next to each other will be emptied, and I'll use that for display. My friend has one of the panels out to cut glass for all the cupboard doors. The cabinet with the shuttered doors is actually a craft armoire. I will use it for storing scrapbooking and paper art supplies.
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Now I just have to decide on curtains. Do I go with a calico sprigged with red and yellow flowers or do I go more demure and use a black and white toile?
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Ouch! My right index finger is hurting. I've been scrolling, blogging, flickr-ing, and working on the computer for hours now! Looks like that's my cue ....

20 comments:

Dallas said...

I love the turquoise color on the walls. It looks so fresh and cheery. And the shirt turned out great. I've got that pattern to try sometime, but I need to figure out what size to make it first.

Things Hand Made said...

Wow, very envious of such a beautiful work space.

Nan said...

You have had a very productive weekend! The top is very cute, I used to love to sew, but I am not very good at figuring out how to alter a pattern to fit me best, so I gave up on garment making. I know with all the information on the web, I could find the source for information on helping me, but I would rather take a class, but have not looked into it.

Your room is very cheerful and I love the idea of putting the glass in the doors on the cabinets. Very nice. Your daughter is a QT too!

Sew Bettie said...

The top looks great! Darts would probably help - but a lot of extra work too...

The Tattered Rose said...

I've enjoyed my visit here. I learned of you over at Nannybird Crafts. I love the Harry Potter tapes too, was even a little let down with the movies because the tapes are so good! I too had a long visit weekend of crafting although I did most of mine set to reruns of America's Best Dance Crew. I admire your new garment. I wish I was good at sewing, but I last the patience to try to fit garments from scratch. I am currently in a mode of sewing, painting, restoring, or altering previously made garments and accessories (either mine or thrifted). If that interests you, please come visit over at my place. I think we may have a lot in common.

Unknown said...

Michele, You have created a beautiful space for yourself! The color is delightful!!! I just love it. What beautiful shelves you have too. And you daughter is a lovely lady in her new made-by-mom top! You are getting so much accomplished!
I am so excited for you about your first opening nights!
~Emily xxx

Anonymous said...

I love the room! So bright! I LOVE light blue, too! I hope you enjoy it! Nice to "meet" you! :) Kristi

oliver rain said...

Your daughter is very pretty. I like the shirt. Your studio is looking fabulous. I love the colour. I think I would go with calico curtains.

My family & I enjoyed all of the Harry Potters on tape. Jim Dale is such a wonderful story teller. We absolutely feel we've watched all the books, instead of just listened to them.

calicodaisy said...

"Watched the books instead of just listened to them." That is it exactly! -- michele

Laurie said...

Oh, Michele, I love that color. Beautiful! Who makes it? Boy, I would also have a tough time choosing between calico and toile, as I love both so much. Maybe calico for spring and summer and toile for fall and winter?

And the shirt is cute as can be.

Paula said...

Wow! You're sewing room is great! I can't wait to see it all organized and ready for a new project!!

Unknown said...

Oh, Michele, I love that color. Beautiful! Who makes it? Boy, I would also have a tough time choosing between calico and toile, as I love both so much. Maybe calico for spring and summer and toile for fall and winter?

And the shirt is cute as can be.

Michelle Frae Cummings said...

WOW! what a transformation! totally LOVe the colors and look! congrat's! Also love the top, it looks so cute!

Chris Worthy said...

Wow! It's gorgeous! Love the color.

jacquie said...

Love, love, love your room! What a bright cheery place. The shirt and the model are cute too!

corry said...

I love the top! And I find your workspace so bright and beautiful!

Paula said...

OH, Michele! I love your new studio. That beautiful aqua is just right for some crafty inspiration. I wish I was closer so I could come to your open house. Good luck with it, my friend. I know you'll do well!
I really like Camille's new blouse. The polka-dots are great.

ginger said...

Wow your studio is beautiful!!

Anonymous said...

The blouse is lovely. If you used a centre back seam, you could take in some of the excess fabric where your daughter's back curves differently from the pattern. Have fun! The studio looks super too.

Anonymous said...

The blouse is lovely. If you used a centre back seam, you could take in some of the excess fabric where your daughter's back curves differently from the pattern. Have fun! The studio looks super too.