This past week was a busy yet delightful and productive week! We had revival services at church Tuesday through Saturday evenings, I had rehearsals on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, a performance on Friday evening, and the time in between it all was spent staying busy with all sorts of things!
I decided to dedicate last week to working on a few projects that had become 'unbearable' and we're starting to hang over my head. I was ready to begin work on them and I even had help on one of them!
I decided to dedicate last week to working on a few projects that had become 'unbearable' and we're starting to hang over my head. I was ready to begin work on them and I even had help on one of them!
Pinning the lining and curtain togetherJust over a week ago now, a friend that I hadn't seen in quite a few years came to visit for a few days and, as it would turn out, she discovered that I was getting ready to begin assembling curtains for my room. Somehow or another we began working on them the last day she was here, but didn't finish them as we ran into a 'the curtain-rod-won't-fit-into-the-'sleeve'' type of problem. We did get the hardest part done and it would be easy sailing to finish them.
Pausing for the camera...Please pardon our laundry... rainy days and freshly laundered 'hanging clothes' don't mix very well!
So Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday were dedicated to me finishing them!!! Yes, it took a while but see, I ran into a 'one curtain is longer than the other and everything is already sewn up' wall and as my Momma was rather wrapped up in getting the living room put back together, I thought it best to wait until she had a free moment.
Finished...Finally, the free moment arrived and we looked/measured/compared curtains only to find that there was no problem!!!! Whatever was wrong had apparently fixed itself while I worked on other things!! So, that afternoon I was able to finish them and get them hung!!!
Comparing...While waiting for the free moment with Momma, I worked on several other projects. Piecing my quilt backing together was something that I've been aching to do for quite some time.
In this photo I'm measuring to see how wide the fabric will be once it's unfolded.
Pinning...Once I had cut the lining in half lengthwise, it was time for me to pin the two pieces together length wise (the fabric was about 40 inches wide and I needed to widths... I wound up with the back being about 80 inches wide and about six feet long! :o) and then sew them together. Then it was back in the storage bag the quilt back and top went to await the next step... which is pinning.
Finishing a project...Momma has been faithful to remind me, over the past several weeks, to finish my black dress. All that was left was to sew what I'll call 'contrast binding', made up of some black shiny material, along the neckline and sleeves. It wasn't much and I knew it wouldn't take long... it was the idea of sitting still and hand sewing that I wasn't keen on; especially since it meant doing it during the day. But the dress needed to be finished in time for the concert, so I focused my attentions on it and completed it, much to my joy!! It looks terrific... and finished! The little details add so much to a garment, do they not?
Folding out fabric...After all of the above mentioned projects were done, I chose to put a skirt together. I had a pattern that I wanted to sew again, this time making a few changes, so I rummaged around in my fabric stash and found a cheerful print that was perfect.
I used Simplicity 2609 view D and simply shortened the 'yoke' by about two inches; next time I plan on shortening it only by 1-1/2 inches. I had to add extra length to the skirt which was a process... but I think I may be able to do it again.My all time favorite skirt pattern is Simplicity 9825 view D. One of these days I'm going to get adventurous and do view E which is the same thing just with all the stitching!
Do you have a favorite skirt patter?
Friday I spent mending a few items and shocking my Mother in the process!! She never thought she would see the day that her daughter would actually be concerned about picking out seams, re-pinning/re-aligning, and finally sewing it all back together! It was quite the treat to see her shocked face when I told her what I'd been up to!! :o)
I am not at all sure as to what this week holds. I still have some mending to work on, a cross-stitch that desperately needs attention, a quilt that is working it's charm on me (which means that I'm getting in the mood to put it together!) and any number of other projects that I could dive into!!!
I hope y'all have a splendid day!
6 comments:
It looks like you've been working on lots of fun projects, Ashley! I loved seeing all the pictures of your sewing...I always feel inspired to sew when I see what others are getting done. :) As a mother of a newborn, it's hard to get any sewing done these days, but I still like thinking about it!
My favorite skirt pattern is Martha Green's Marmee Dear skirt, Gracen I think it's called. I like it because of the drawstring waist...when you're a mommy your waist changes constantly, and the drawstring is nice to have! I especially like the tucks at the bottom of the skirt. :)
You have gotten my sisters and I in the mood to make skirts! Have you seen Simp. 2516 view A or D. When looking yours (which we like very much) we saw this one and think it could turn out well. Blessings.
It looks like you have been having fun (and profitable!) times in the sewing room, Ashley! Once again, I love how your curtains turned out, and how exciting that your quilt is starting to come together! I look forward to seeing what you come up with for quilting it. :)
Have fun as you work on your other projects! :)
Something tells me you have been doing some sewing lately.....*wink*
I am so glad you have been able to catch up on your sewing and other projects!! Isn't it a relief to catch up and not have a pile in the "corner" reminding you to do it?!?
Have a wonderful afternoon Ashley!!
Thank you for your comment Joy! It was really nice to see a comment from you again!
I agree, it is inspiring to see the sewing projects that others have going! I always come away thinking "I should really try that sometime" but I never get around to it. It usually ispires me to work on the sewing projects that I have on hand. And goodness, I've had quite the hankering to sew here lately!
I've heard allot about Marmee's skirt pattern and have often wondered what it's like. I have really admired the tucks along the hem of the skirt... they add such a simple yet 'dressed up' touch. I'll definately keep this skirt in mind... as it has been all along! :o)
Thank you again for your comment!
~Ashley
Welcome to my blog Anonymous!!! Have you and your sisters been able to do any sewing lately? Don't you just enjoy picking out the fabric and then putting something together that you will immensely enjoy wearing??!! That's half the fun in sewing!
The skirt you mentioned looks really nice! The 'layers' make the skirt seem fuller and almost whispy looking! Thank you for pointing it out!
~Ashley
Ohhhh yes, it's been a most profitable time spent in the sewing room, Sarah, and I must say that it was very well enjoyed! It can get tedious (I've been working on mending which required me to pick allot of stitching out) but it's worth it once it's finally done! Very satisfying!
Thank you for your comment Sarah! :o)
~Ashley
How good it was to hear again from you Ashley S!!!!
I've most certainly been working on that 'pile in a corner' here this week!! Accckkkk!!! Mending... at least I now know what NOT to do the next time I make those items. Actually, I'm finding that taking the stuff apart helps me to understand HOW to put the pattern together RIGHT. :o)But yes, it's wonderful to have some of the more pressing items crossed off my list!
Have a great evening!
~Ashley
Thank you for your inspiration, Ashey. It's so fun to see another young lady who appreciates sewing.
Yes, we have been sewing quite a bit lately. God bless you.
Post a Comment