Fredericks of Hollywood

I fixed that bra with the stretch issue. It was wearable, but I was not adverse to experimentation. So, I flipped it over and stitched the lining (which was stable) to the outer fabric (which was stretchy). I covered the cups with lines about 3/8" apart. It now looks like one of those fab Fredericks of Hollywood bras from the 60's. And it worked! Looks better and lies smoother!

I found a good tutorial for rope bowls. I like the embellishments with fabric and yarn. Opens the door for all kind of fun, methinks! If I notice a lack of clothesline rope at the Home Depot I think we will confirm this as a new trend. Note the problem she has in the tutorial with her sewing direction. She needs to stop and flip as she turns the bowl up on its side. Just avoid that issue by starting the sewing in the right direction in the first place.

My nephew has given me the greatest present! He married a girl who wants to learn to sew! We spent 2 days together this last week and she is amazing! She has an analytical mind and good control over her stitches for a newby. We made a bowtie, the Colette Sorbetto top and a nursing cover for a friend. I am so happy! I'm trying real hard not to totally snow her down with emails and links. They have 3 children (perfect children!) under the age of 5. I think she'll be a perfect candidate for Nancy Zeiman's 10-20-30 minutes to sew approach. Sadly, they live in Calgary. It will be a long distance sewing partnership.

I was asked "Why underwear?". I know. It seems silly to sew undies when they can be bought so easily. Now with bras that doesn't work as easily for me. A good fit is not easy to buy and I enjoy making them. Then you need the matching bottoms, of course.

But more importantly I needed to do some 'me' sewing after Christmas. It seemed too long since I had done some selfish sewing. It felt good.

I hear from many that it's time to control the stash and sew only for the joy. I so agree. I'm trying to weed and bestow excess on others as I go. It seems easier to do that now and releases some of the pressure. Fabric without an immediate and joyous purpose can impose its own kind of pressure. Unfinished projects can also do that. I want to ignore what I think I should do and just do what I want to do.

For instance, today I started to quilt am embroidered puppy quilt I finished some time ago. I worked away all afternoon but took a few breaks as well. When DH came in from his play date in the garage (a friend and a suspension needed suspending) I joined him to vegetate for the evening. Now I had 3 more blocks to stipple, but they get to wait. I will find joy there tomorrow. Tonight it would be an obligation. Fine line? Indeed.

I will be eyeing my other UFO's with a joyous measurement stick. You got joy for me? Then you and I got a date! No joy? Maybe you will give someone else joy. Who knows. Its worth a try.

Hanging Out My Underwear

Finished my first book of the new year. I reread Persuasion by Jane Austen. I wanted to do it with the vision of the Bath locales fresh in my head. The only thing I don't like about Jane is that I have to slow down to milk her complicated speech patterns for what she wants to say. Of course, you can always ignore her wisdom and just whip ahead for the romance and happy endings.

Why do we all get on the bandwagon for new ways of doing things in the 'coming year'? Mind you, all that ruminating can be interesting, and defining.

I have rediscovered the joy of the bath. Small b bath. Got myself some Epson salts and a few bubbles. I think it could be the new jogging. Good for the mind and the pores with none of the joint pain. Excellent when snow is on the ground. We need more happy time to just relax and think happy thoughts.

I have too much stuff. I would like to do a better job of appreciating the things I love and disposing of the things I don't think earn their dusting. Do I love dusting this?That's the question.

I need to get real about my sewing room. There are a lot of things, fabrics, notions, etc not earning their space. I have a large sewing space (2 rooms and an attic), but I think things should earn their right to take up shelf space and management time. As Sewing on the Edge says, let's make room for new ideas and sewing we will love to do. Let's make my sewing more about me and less about guilt that I haven't done or used that yet.

Along that line I spent the last week on 'me' sewing.

First up - Jan Bones' Smoothie panties.  (Thanks to Hop Along for the pattern and fabric!) Now DH says they are grannie panties, and they are. But there are times when that is just what the outfit calls for. These are great panties for a flat bottom like mine. Nice fit, go together well. In answer to the grannie designation, the 'Welcome" glows in the dark.

The  I finally got around to making the Watson bra and panties by Cloth Habit. I am well endowed. This is not a bra for people like me but I can dream. Much to my surprise the fit was excellent! The fact that it isn't supportive is exactly what the pattern says in the first place, so I got just what I knew I would. It's comfy and cute. I love the wide band - just like wearing a hug! The instructions were good, but there is a Sew Along for even more detail. I love it when a designer does a sew along. It shows confidence in the design and you really get all the help anyone could need that way. The panties were not made for my flat bum, but they will do.

Flat bums. The bain of the little old lady. I'm not content with mine. Doing daily butt exercises to combat this scourge. Encouraging remarks welcome.

Also cut out and sewed a new bra. The Shelley Bra from Bra Makers Supply. I've been admiring that pattern for some time and was on a roll. I used a stretchy fabric and didn't get it stabilized well enough. Too bad. I love the bra and the fit wasn't bad at all. I need to move the front strap extension in a bit. TL has helped me do that on a different pattern, so I'll review what that looked like and try again.

After all this undie sewing I went off to check out local sources for fabric and fixings. Don't bother people. Just order online. It seems to be the best solution for a project that has some very specific requirements.

One complaint for all you underwear designers out there. Tell me what measurement to cut the elastic and give me a mark for matching seamlines. Yes, I can just stretch elastic into place but I like my 2 legs or armholes or whatever to match. It's good to have some measurements and lines to start with. It's a little thing, but it's a good thing.

Lucy Neatby has a free Sock Knit Along on Craftsy. I love Lucy! I got so many pearls just from the first session! If any of you locals would like to spend an occasional Monday afternoon knitting socks just let me know. I could knit.