Happy New Year! What I Wore and New FO...a Knit

I am so sorry for the long pause in blogging. This community has meant so much to me that when I step away, I feel like I'm actually betraying a friend. With that being said, I have been going through a major change in my life....my boss of 6 1/2 years sold the company that I worked for right before Thanksgiving. There has been a lot of transition with that change, mostly good, but still change none-the-less.  With this major adjustment, I just didn't have it in me to blog. There are several items from 2012 that I never even managed to photograph, including the fabulous Tasia's Cordova Jacket. I'm actually almost finished my SECOND version and have blogged about zero of it! Major fail [sigh].

Well on a positive note, I have had some knitting mojo of old return. I managed to complete (blocking include) a cute hooded cardi for my little one after seeing Hilary's gorgeous "grandpa" version. This was a quick knit that I mostly did during my Saturday knitting meet-up at Panera Bread on Balboa.

I have also started Miette for myself. A cute cropped cardigan on Ravelry. It's a free pattern and will use up my remaining Cascade Rustic yarn that I used on Nilah's cardi.

As to not forget my past projects, I took pictures of what I wore yesterday to work. The Tomato top was knit in December 2007/January 2008 and the Butterick 4995 Side Button Pants were sewn up December 2009. It was a perfect, easy outfit to wear for a casual work meeting with the new Sales & Marketing Director. Go me!

That's it for now. In other news, I am working out with a trainer as I prepare for a half-marathon and the Tough Mudder mud run. I have a ways to go, but am starting off with a bang. I am also going natural hair wise (meaning I will not chemically relax/straighten my hair anymore). I am 7-months post relaxer and will transition for another 17 months before chopping off the relaxed ends. I may start documenting that process also, but have not decided yet. Either way, please stay tuned.....

A Thin Line Between Sew & Hate

I have completed the ETAC challenge and will try to post pictures. Unfortunately my friend's camera wasn't working too well and I didn't bring mine, so I have to reshoot all of the items I made. That aside, sewing as not been my friend these days. I seem to have sewer's block or something. Very little is working out and I am not motivated to finish projects that I start. At least I was able to whip up a quick dress using Pattern Runway's Kimono Dress for Latrice's birthday dinner. She was making the same dress so I decided for us to be pattern twins. (Yes, I am a dork, but proud of it).

I just purchased some new notions, a fabulous fit system to add to my next mannequin, and some new Vogue patterns during their recent sale. I even managed to get in a few of the new patterns, although there wasn't too many that I felt I really HAD to buy. Hopefully my sewing slump will come to an end....

Edited to add: The fabric was purchased at the National City Swap Meet for $2.00/yard. Score!

What the heck are you up to...?

I can't believe it's been over a month since my last post. This is soooo unlike me. I am sitting here trying to remember all that I have done in a month. Unfortunately, it's too much to recount. I'll just say that after going to my 20-year high school reunion I have continued to try to work out, run after my little one, while still sewing. I have a lot of muslins that I have made for my etac conference. I'll show you one pair of paints that I have made along with a pair of leggings. The leggings and pants are Silhouette patterns. My friend Latrice helped me cut out patterns and muslin fabric as well as make runs out to yardage town for supplies. It has been a productive yet frustrating time.

In more fun news, my Sister visited me for her 40th birthday. We had such a blast. We ate, drank, shopped, worked out, did karaoke, danced, and just had an awesome time. I made her two maxi dresses (McCall's 6559), one that I doubt she will ever get around to sharing a pic with me. At least I know that she has been wearing them both and enjoying them (including receiving a ton of compliments).

I'll stop rambling. I can't remember if I mentioned that I'm taking a dress making class and pants making class which has me pretty busy. I know I'm in for a long semester but feel like it will really help my skills. Next up? More ETAC sewing contest work and my school projects. After that, I hope I'll get some time for fun sewing, including a yellow pair Clovers. Here's to hoping....

FO New Look 6856 - Cherry Red Pants

So I have made these pants in multiple colors. The thing is, my Mom loved them and so I gave them to her. This is now my first pair to keep. The cherry red color is beautiful and fun, while the gauzy fabric is perfect for the crazy 90 degree weather we've been having in San Diego. This is a 45-1 hr project so it's instant gratification for sure.

While this isn't a huge complaint, I have found that I have very little to wear these days. I have lost additional inches over top of my recent weight loss. I am going to have to go through my closet and make a few trips to Salvation Army, since most of my items are now too big to get away with wearing. Now I need to carve out some time to bulk up my wardrobe in both work and weekend appropriate looks for this weather, while I also work on my eTAC sewing challenge that's happening in October. Time to get moving....or at least tracing. LOL

20-year High School Reunion Dress - McCall's 6460

So two of the dresses that I attempted to make did not work out for my reunion. I ended up making McCall's 6460 and it was a winner! I was planning on making this dress for my cruise last February, but ran out of time. So, when I was feeling the pressure to make my dress the night before my trip, I did a quick check on Pattern Review. All but one review was positive, but Carolyn was the one that considered it to be mediocre. She is a sewing genius, so I was immediately nervous, until I went back to her post. Her dress looked AMAZING on her, even if she didn't like it, so I went ahead and made it. Well, it was a good decision, since I really love the end result. I do think that the other reviewers are correct in that the fabric choices are what can make or break this dress. Thankfully, I picked well as I already had the fabric from my cruise fabric for the pattern.

All-in-all, it was a fun night and I felt comfortable and pretty at the same time. I made the dress in a size 10 and omitted the back zipper, since I was able to slide it off over my head. I may try this again down the road as a color-blocked shirt....Up next, outfits for the ETAC contest. The five fabrics came in, so now the planning starts.