Another Pair of Pants

I made another pair of pants!  OH, yeah!  They look orange, but actually they are RED! 

Special Thanks goes to Beverly Reece from work for taking my picture today.

 

Pattern Description:
Very Easy Vogue 8541 – Out of Print – Misses’ Jacket, Skirt and Pants. Pull-on pants D have elastic casing and straight legs. I only made the pants. This is my 2nd time making these pants.

Pattern Sizing:
16-24. I made the 16.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Absolutely Yes!

Were the instructions easy to follow?
The last time I made these pants - I sewed both pant front to pant back the same way... This time - I GOT IT RIGHT!  This was a fast & easy project that I was able to complete in about 5 - 6 hours (I'm slow! LOL! But, I started and finished in one day - and, for me that's FAST).
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I made it, I love it! 

Fabric Used:
I used a red cotton blend textured suiting or something like that - it was on clearance for $1.95 per yard at Fabric.com a few months ago. 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:No changes made.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Super easy to make and you can dress 'em up or dress 'em down.  Yes, I will make it again.   

Conclusion:
I love these pants & I received a lot of compliments! Winning! 

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

The difference that thread makes....

I've been using the Coats thread that they sell in Wal-mart.  Someone recommended that I try using Gutermann Thread.  OMG!  What a difference this thread makes.....

My sewing machine is singing with this thread on the inside....
I can see a difference in the seams....
And, generally speaking - I am loving this thread!

The only problem is that I didn't buy enough of it.... So, I made a pair of red pants - and, yes - I used black thread (LOL!).  Let me tell it, that's a design feature. 

I also made a pencil skirt (thanks, MIMI G for a great tutorial), but I'll have to get some pictures before I can post the reviews for both.

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

9 years.....

How much can 1 person's life change in 9 years? 

Well, it's been 9 years since I have radiation - and, I can tell you my life has changed A LOT.

Now, I don't like chocolate.

So, the answer to the question - a life can change a lot in 9 years.

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Summer Challenge

I know - all after the fact! 
Of course, I’m a 100% in or out type of person, so I totally jumped in.

For the Summer Challenge, I committed to saving towards Baby Step 1 and to start Baby Step 2 between July 9^th and September 3^rd.  Honestly, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out.  I actually hit my goal and now I've surpassed it.  

At the beginning of the challenge, I wasn't certain that I could do it.  I mean, when I have no choice, but to get it done.  I get it done.  But, when I'm the one making the choice - well, I haven't always made the best decisions.  But, this is about ReInventing Audrey....

And, now I know what I’m capable of for other challenges as they come up. 

I’m still fine tuning my spending plan (okay, it’s a “budget”) to suit my life.  Even though, it always seem so hard… I think that starting is the hardest part.

Now, I’m re-evaluating decisions and choices that I make.  I need to be wise and “live like no one else now, so I can live like no one else later.”

ReInvented Audrey

Sew ReInvented Audrey - The Baker?

I challenged myself this year – to spend less time at the mall, or in stores, or just wasting my life "shopping".  This life is so crazy because --> the more I buy, the more I need. 

Except, I didn’t grow up like this.

So, last year I started sewing – again.  I mean this is “SEW ReInvented Audrey.”  But, I also want to explore different areas of home making.  I feel like it’s a lost art.  And, I LoVE art.

But, baking? 

Uhh, girl - you don't know nothing about baking (I know double negative).  And, well - that was TRUE.  I'm not perfect, but I'm learning.  I do need to say "thank you" to Ms Cathy Rudick at my job for taking the time to explain some "baking basics".  That really helped!

So far, I’ve made 3 exceptional baked goods (if, I must say so myself)….

1)      Blueberry Muffins – Although, I used a box recipe – it was absolutely delicious.  I’ll will make these again!

2)      Homemade White Bread – I’ve never done this before, so I was unsure.  But, the bread was absolutely delicious - and, I got to beat some frustrations out on the dough.  Hard and crusty on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside.  I used some Honey spread and Apple Jelly – and, it was so, so good.  Will I make this again?  Yes, but preferably when I have guests.  I made one loaf, but it’s best if you eat it in the first 3 or 4 days and it was just way more bread than I could handle by myself.

3)      French Baguette – I purchased this at the bakery, but I still had to bake it when I got home.  This bread was so good.  And since it’s a skinny baguette, it wasn’t too much for me over the course of 2 or 3 days.  Oh yeah, if I catch this on sale again (it was $1.00 the last time) – I will make this again!

As I’m posting this – I realize that I haven’t taken any pictures of anything that I’ve made.  I’ll try to remember to take pictures next time.

ReInvented Audrey

Dave Ramsey - My Total Money Makeover

This is not your typical Audrey.
I’m telling you, so you already know it’s the truth.

I heard about Dave Ramsey back in 2010 when his book My Total Money Makeover – made the top 10 list at my local Publix (grocery store).  I eventually purchased the book AND read it.  But, that’s all.

I will say that it made me think.  And, wonder – would it be possible for me to do all of these radical things?  Amazingly, the answer is YES.  In June, I joined the MYMMO (My Total Money Makeover) Website – and, I’ve started the journey to Financial Peace.  I don’t have all of the answers, but I know in making a few changes suggested in the book over the last 2 years – that, I have seen a difference in my finances.  I haven’t switched jobs.  I don’t make significantly more money.  BUT, I’ve seen a difference.

I wanted to get 2 or 3 financial plans (I hate the “b” word – budget) under my belt before I started talking about my progress, etc.  Since, I already know how I can be…

I’m trying to make a change in my life for the better. 

I feel like this shift in my finances will: 1) lead me to financial peace; and 2) prove to be another ReInvention of Audrey….

I’m hopeful…

And, optimistic.

But, mostly –

I’m tired of debt

Especially, Sallie Mae

And, I want to have choices.

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Summer's Officially Over!

I’ve had the best summer ever – and, just like a school kid…

I can’t believe that Summer’s Over.

Although, I’m not headed back to school, it is time for me to get back into the swing of things (and, especially back on my regular schedule)…..

But, I don’t wanna – well, never mind that.

I enjoyed a great weekend with Friends in Detroit, MI (July) – and, I had some great soul food while I was there.  I’m still tripping because they literally sell Kool-Aid as a drink.  Now, I think I’ve seen it all.

I had the best time ever in LAS VEGAS!  OMG!  A month later and I think my feet are still sore from all of that walking.  I walked, danced, walked, shopped, walked, toured, walked, walked, walked…. And, I ate really well while I was there.  At least, that’s what my scale said when I got back.  LOL!  I would tell you more, but “What happens in VEGAS….”

The majority of August I’ve been reinventing in some different ways, but I’ll save that for a different post.

That’s all for now….

And, I’m getting back on track.

Well, I still have this weekend – VACATION (4 days).

And, then Labor Day Weekend – Vacation (3 days).  LOL!

But, Tuesday, September 4^th I’m totally and completely back on schedule….

And, yes Audrey, that does mean – you WILL be back in the gym.

Needles Up,
Always Audrey