Skirt, Jalie 2681

Finally! I've actually created something for the summer. I've been undecided about skirts, opting for shorts these last few years, but last Wednesday at our neighbourhood playgroup most of the other Mums wore skirts and they looked so cool. So I phoned C&M Textiles, they're the only place I know of in Ottawa that stocks Jalie patterns, and they had it in stock. Next morning a quick jaunt over there to pick it up, then I traced it and cut it out when DS2 was napping after lunch. Friday I cut out the fabric while DS2 napped and watched "Cars" with DS1. On Sunday I started to sew it in the middle of the afternoon after my SIL left, and got most of it done before supper. After the kids were in bed I just finished the waistband and did a quick 2-thread rolled hem.

This fabric is a very lightweight jersey, and it feels like there's some spandex, so I do need to wear the right underwear; but I don't think the bulges are as noticeable as I'd thought (or maybe my DH was being diplomatic about it!)
I'll definitely make this again, it's a very quick skirt and so comfortable. I only made one alteration for the length; chopped 2 inches off (I'm not quite 5' 2"). I'm still not totally sure about the length though, as my calves seem large; but if it's longer it seems to unbalance me. I'll have to experiment, and I've got lots of knit fabric that I bought just for practising!

Projects BK (Before Kids)

While my little guy sleeps, I manage to get a few things done! The last cloth diaper now has velcro, so I can use it! The tomato plants are in a pot, and I got the bread machine started so we'll have something to eat for tomorrow. And since it's a nice day here in Ottawa, finally, I've decided we're having burgers...so I can do a little net-surfing!!!
I was also looking at old photos of DS1, when I ran across some photos of a quilt that I made at my favourite yarn shop ('cause I also love to knit). It's all trapunto, and I knew NOTHING about this until we had our first class, and were told we'd have quite a lot of homework to do between classes! NO KIDDING! I couldn't believe how much time it would take. I actually did finish and hang it, and I love it; I'm just not sure if I'd ever tackle this kind of thing again.

After 5 weeks of stippling (free-motion stitching) I was physically desperate to just sew a straight line!!!

Folly!

In hindsight, this really was folly! When I was pregnant with my 2nd boy, I made this stuffed chair (McCalls 9665) for my older one. Why would I make this? It only cost about $150!!!! I do love the fabric, it is gorgeous, and he loved it too!And here he is sitting in it, right in front of the TV...doesn't it say everything!

Here's my review for what it's worth!

Beginning again

I LOVE to sew. When I think of sewing, and fabrics, my mind goes into another state. I forget everything around, and time just stands still. Or so it seems, because I've often found myself up into the wee hours.

The sewing bug started in grade 7 Home Ec, and I spent hours at the sewing table with my Mum. Up into my mid-twenties I made dozens of outfits and single pieces, and several winter coats. Then it kind of tapered off as I became engrossed in my career, the new house, and finally the kids.

I'm trying to get back into sewing garments, for myself and my family of boys. I'm really tired of sewing cloth diapers!!! I had my kids late in life, 39 and 42. My oldest is 4 2/3 YO, and the youngest just turned 2, and I find myself with an almost overwhelming itch to sew something lovely again; it's been such a long time!! I've had a small fabric stash sitting in a box for years, and recently bought a pile of fabric on sale at my local Fabricland; ends/remnants mostly, but I thought I'd start with the basics, and learn to get the fit right! I never did a muslin until last month!!!

I don't remember how I stumbled across the blogs that I've been following here, but it's been so nice to feel that there's a huge community of great sewers out there. Your comments are great too.