Still haven't sewed, but I do have updates.....

On MLK Day, my Grandma B turned 80!
There was a huge family celebration at her house in South Carolina and I was so happy to join everyone.   I can't believe the entire weekend - the only pictures that I have are of me wearing things that I made (on second thought - I CAN BELIEVE THAT).  You know I need pictures for my blog.

Really, that's my lead in - because it's the 23rd day of January and I still haven't turned on my sewing machine..... OMG!  I had so many great plans that I just haven't had the opportunity to get started on.  I did get a chance yesterday to pre-treat some fabric and on Monday night my mom and I worked through the fitting issues on two of my current projects.....

Although, I have some pending commitments for the next few weekends - I'm also looking to get back to my regular work schedule, so I'm sure I'll have more time going forward to get some sewing done.  So, here are my *New Sewing Plans*...

To Be Completed
Write a review - S1885 - When I finished this dress, I never wrote a review for the pattern.  I like writing reviews and having 1 central location where I can see all of the patterns that I have tried.

Fabric Samples - I need to organize my fabric samples and post on it...
Projects in Progress
V8541 - When I get back sewing - this project is on the top of the list.  I want to get this pink skirt (and, hopefully a jacket) finished before the weather changes for good.

V1250 Dress - I've been able to get this dress fitted to my shape and now I can finally finish it!  I've taken out a total of 3 inches from each side and now the dress fits perfectly (well, it only basted) when I try it on.

NL6757 - I was able to pin up the halter pants on my mom to get an idea of the fit.  I may decide to get a different zipper - I was going to use black for me, but I'll try to find a pink zipper that matches the fabric for mommie.  I need to read / watch you tube on inserting zippers. 

Brand Spanking New Projects
NL6130 - I want to make the sleeveless peplum top (View C) and the zippered skirt.  I have a few different cuts of cotton fabric and now, I just need to decide which colors I want to work with to achieve my desired look.  I will be making the shirt in February - depending on my time and progress before the 1st.  I will start by making the skirt.

V7975 - Jacket using the pink and white fabric.  Originally, this is something that I wanted to have completed by now, but my life has gotten in the way. 

Infinity Scarf - I don't have a pattern for this, but I saw a great tutorial.  Once, I'm able to get to this - I'll be sure to post a review of the tutorial and I'll show some pictures.

Hopefully, now that I've finished year end close at work and I'm back home from visiting with family - I can get to my sewing plans

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Inspiration from St. John

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Inspiration from St. John

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Thanks so much, L!

 

I've been gone for too long...

Okay, technically I didn't go anywhere.... Well, except work (days, nights & weekends), but it feels like I've been gone for such a long time.  Now, the worst part of year end close is almost nearly done (only, almost nearly - yikes!).  As it is, I'm 14 days into the New Year and I haven't turned on my sewing machine once!  Hopefully, I'll be able to work on something tonight after work.

 

During the last month, Lynn of You Sew Girl nominated me for the Lovely Blog Award.   Unfortunately, between deadlines at work, holiday festivities, and finishing all of my 2012 UFOs (and, I had a few - see Finishing What I Start), I didn't have time to respond. 

 

Thank you so much, Lynn, for the honor.  I always feel like the happy noises I make in the process of sewing is reward enough, but then you went and upped the ante! 

 

Here are the rules:

1. Thank the person who nominated you.  Thanks again, Lynn!
2. Add the One Lovely Blog Award/The Very Inspiring Blogger Award to your post.
3. Share 7 things about yourself.
4. Pass the award on to 10 other bloggers that inspire you.
5. Include the rules.
6. Inform your nominees.

Seven Things About Me:

1. I love making lists!  Once, a year - I write a list of 100 things that make me happy.... Making lists is almost always number 1.
2. It's hard for me to cut (or, draw) in a straight line.  Ha-ha! I already know what you're thinking.
3. I love making plans and organizing.....
4. Most of my blog posts are released at 8:00 a.m., but they are normally prepared between 1 and 5 a.m. I always schedule them for 8, so I have a chance to read them after I had coffee to make sure I'm making sense.
5. My life (well, really my stuff) is either totally organized (once, I have a system I keep it going) or totally unorganized (that reminds me I need to do something about all the beauty products I have under my bathroom sink).
6. There are 2 days a year that I always schedule or request off - March 11th (my birthday) and August 28th (my radiation anniversary).
7. I end my blog posts with "Needles Up" because when I was younger Grandma A always had to remind me to lift the sewing machine needle.

  I still need to nominate 10 bloggers, but I'll do that in a separate post.  That's all for now!

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Inspiration from Cato

I need to find a pattern to match this shirt. 

I love this look!

Needles Up,
Always Audrey

Challenge 1: Sew ReInvented Audrey

A few months ago - I organized my sewing space. And, much to my own surprise - it's still organized. Currently, I'm using a 3-drawer plastic organizer that holds my fabric (inside the drawers), notions and patterns (on top in fabric covered shoe boxes).

Sew ReInvented Audrey - Organized Fabric, Pattern & Notions

Patterns - all patterns are organized by Pattern company and number (Vogue 1st, all others alphabetical).  I haven't really tried many patterns, so I'm going to try more patterns before I decide to get rid of any that I have.

Fabric - all fabrics are folded up inside the drawers. I use 3x5 index cards and double sided tape to keep an accurate list of what's inside each drawer. The cards list the color and type, amount (yardage), size, and whether or not it's been pre-treated (i.e. Purple Knit 2 yds (60) <P>). I don't put new fabric in the storage container unless I mark it. If I take fabric out, I mark it when I put it back in.

Fabric List from Drawer 2

Fabric List from Drawer 3

Here's my fabric:
Knits: Double - 2 colors, 4 yds (60), Crepe - 1 color, 2 yds (52)
Tweed: 2 colors, 4 yds (60)
Cotton: 3 colors, 8 1/2 yds (45), 1 print, 1 yd (60)
Polyester backed Satin: 3 colors, 4 yds (60)
Suiting: 2 colors, 6 yds (45), 3 yds (60)
Crepe Georgette: 1 color, 3 yds (58)
Brocade: 1 color, 1 1/2 yds (52)
Shirting: 1 color, 2 yds
Vinyl (leather look skirt): 1 color, 1 yd

**I bought practically 20 yds of fabric on Black Friday with the intention of sewing more of my own clothes in 2013.

I'm also posting this on my blog along with pictures.

Needles Up,
ReInvented Audrey


ReInvented Audrey playing with the web cam

Inspiration from St. John

Maybe, I need to add - make a formal dress to my 2013 goals or at least a red dress. 

Needles Up,
Always Audrey