Date Night Blouse

For date night I wore this blouse I made using a 1983 vintage pattern, 8802 Stitch 'N Save by McCall's. Comfy, classic style. Jeans and Roper Boots were thrifted.

Ribbon Blanket for my Granddaughter

I made a ribbon blanket for my granddaughter. She loves it. The last two pictures are in progress.

Our Daughter's Sewing Interview With Edward & Lily When She was 9

Ran across this interview with our now 16 year old daughter Emily when she was 9. She is still sewing and teaching. She had her own blog chronicling her sewing adventures when she was 9. Blogger shut it down. She started a new blog when she was 13. Her new blog is Fashionista Emily. 

Sew Along for Simplicity 8167

Sew Chic Pattern Company is now taking sign-ups for Simplicity 8167. This tutorial will be for lessons beginning September 19th through October 12th, 2016. No cost. Could be cancelled for lack of Interest. So sign up here, and please spread the word.

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My Sewing Space

My sewing space is on one wall in the family room. My patterns are organized with skirts in one box, pants and jumpsuits in one, blouses and another, vintage dresses in one and modern dresses in another, and miscellaneous items like aprons, swimsuit, robes, nightgowns, et cetera, in one. The magazine holders house the larger patterns. To the left is an Ikea storage unit for fabric, thread, interfacing, et cetera.  I am very thankful I was able to carve out a little spot for my sewing. It's the next best thing to having a dedicated room, and it keeps me out amongst the family when I'm working on a project.

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Review of the Refashion Handbook

This is currently my favorite book on Refashioning clothing. I've been following Beth's blog for years now. Her ideas are unique, practical and things I would actually wear! Each project turns out looking professionally done. I don't know how she does it, but she never seems to run out of ideas. She must come up with them in her sleep. She basically shows her readers how to take what is already in their closet and no longer working for them and revamp it. There are 19 stylish projects. She shows step-by-step how to transform easy-to-find secondhand items into one-of-a-kind fashion statements. I strongly encourage you to check it out. I can promise you that you will not be disappointed. As a matter of fact, I know that You Will Love This Book as well as her blog, The Renegade Seamstress!

Modern Patterns With Vintage Style

I am so excited to share with you one of my favorite Indie designers, Laura Nash of Sew Chic Pattern Company. Laura is a gifted designer. She incorporates classic vintage style in a modern way, styles that are wearable in the marketplace as well as the workplace for women of every age. She has added special and even unusual details all of which are directly inspired by the first half of the 20th century. They are feminine, elegant and modest. One of the wonderful things about the vintage vibe of her designs is that there is a flattering silhouette for every figure type. 

Below are just a few of the ones in my collection. I definitely plan to get more in the near future. She has a couple of designs with Simplicity Pattern Company. She offers a class on Craftsy for one of her dresses. She has done some sewalongs. She is always available by phone as well for any questions you may have. She is very knowledgable and personable. For her blog go here. She is also on Facebook and Pinterest. So go and see all of her offerings. Very inspiring!

My Fabric Designs Giveaway for FREE FABRIC!!!

Back in February I was contacted by My Fabric Designs with an offer of free fabric in exchange for sharing with my audience. They are an online store which sells custom printed fabric. Users can choose from any design in their curated collection or upload their own design and print them on any of their 26 fabrics. Users who choose to share their designs can make 15 percent from each sale when another user purchases that design.

My 15 year old daughter Emily of Fashionista Emily has enjoyed the role of designer. Pictured are the fabrics she has designed so far.

If you have always wanted to design your own fabric, here's your chance and enjoy $35 in FREE FABRIC! Let me know in the comments if you like Emily's designs or if you would like to be entered in the giveaway.

The GIVEAWAY is for ONE winner and will be chosen by random drawing. All you have to do is leave a comment if you would like to be entered. SHARE for EXTRA ENTRIES. Let me know where you shared it. Be sure and leave your contact information in the comments so I can get the giveaway code to you if you win. Good luck!

UPDATE: We have a WINNER!!! Melissa!

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Matching Tartan Skirts

My daughter Emily of Fashionista Emily and her sewing student made Matching Tartan Skirts. Aren't they cute? 

Spider Apron

My daughter Emily of Fashionista Emily's sewing student made this cute apron last Halloween. She chose spider fabric. She's only 8. Isn't she adorable. How old were you when you first started sewing?

Matching Girl's Purse and Coin Purse

My 15 year old daughter of Fashionista Emily teaches private sewing lessons. This is a purse and matching coin purse one of her students made as a gift for a little girl. The fabric is gorgeous. Do you or have taught others to sew? I have passed this skill on to three of my girls and one of my sons so far, as well as two of my nieces.

The Watercolor Skirt

My 15 year old daughter Emily of Fashionista Emily made this beautiful skirt. I originally got this fabric for myself, but I let her talk me out of it. Glad I did. 

A Vibrant House Dress

Another house dress for my aunt using McCall's 5640. After this I'll make her just one more for a while so I can do some other projects. She should be set. This will give her a total of four. The three I made several years ago have had to be retired. I'll probably make her one a year after this. I don't do a lot of sewing for others. I'm really good at setting boundaries. Do you sew for others? For who and what? Do you set boundaries? How do you handle requests? 

Sneak Peak at My Next Project

Happy New Year! Hope your new year is getting off to a good start and that this is a great one for you. 

Isn't this pretty fabric? I love the vibrant colors. Pink and purple are some of my favorite colors. I picked this up at Walmart on clearance. What are you working on right now?

Another Addition to Our Family

We just found out that our daughter and her family will be adding a new member to their family in August. This is a great way to start the new year. Happy New Year!

Making Hula Hoops

Hope you  had a wonderful Christmas! We went to my brother and sister-in-law's home. They live in town. My mom and sister come as well. Always nice to see family. How did you spend Christmas? I made these two hula hoops for a client. They are made to last, not like the cheap kid ones. Such great exercise too!  I like variety. I enjoy walking, hula hooping, Yoga, weight training and Zumba. What do you like to do for exercise? Any New Year's resolutions? Happy New Year! Stay safe!

Parting Shot:

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from me and my family to you and yours!