FO: Friedlander Josephine

You might already know that I am awful at documenting my finished garments.

This Josephine blouse is my third, but I haven't shared the first two here. After seeing Jeni's first Josephine, I felt inspired to try the pattern. All three of mine are sleeveless, and so wearable. I got a chance to use the new Friedlander Lawn for this one (and I have a pair of City Gym Shorts waiting to be sewn from of the leftovers!).

Photo credit Carolyn Friedlander

I actually have a shot of me wearing it (at quilt market), alongside my pal Jemellia in matching fabric! We joked that the only time it's cool to wear the same fabric is when you're among crafters and sewists!

One of my goals for next year is to be better about getting photos of my finished garments (or more specifically, of me wearing them!).

FO: Emma's Garden Datura

You wouldn't know (because there is little photographic evidence), but this is my third Datura blouse.
It took Patty asking me to make one from her new Emma's Garden fabric line (for Michael Miller) to get some pictures. There's no good excuse, because the pattern is lovely and wearable. But truth be told, this version may be my favorite.

I love the colors Patty used in this line, and I had trouble choosing two prints that I loved best. I thought Patty's bold colors and graphic elements would work well for garments, and Hilary made this beautiful dress for the tour as well.

So, a few thoughts on the Datura:
On all three versions I've made, I sewed up the back button panel, so that it's just a decorative element.

But I do love the buttons, from my grandmother's stash!
I didn't do a collar on this one, and it's such a a nice, simple look.

I also LOVE this ribbon I found in my grandmother's stash, which I used to finish the hem.

If you'd like to make your own Datura blouse, or something similar, Patty is sharing a little free fabric today!

You can win 2 yards of your favorite prints (two one-yard cuts, or one two-yard cut)!

Just leave a comment (only one!), and tell us your favorite ice cream flavor.
You can also tell us which print (or prints) you would pick! The link to the prints is here.
As always, if you are a no-reply commenter, please leave an email address for me to contact you! I'll pick a winner on Tuesday!

I'm near the end of the blog tour, but you should check out the other posts! You can still enter giveaways on some of them!

8/7 - Michael Miller's website  www.makingitfun.blogspot.com

8/8 - Hilary - youngtexanmama

8/9 - Karri - karriofberries

8/10 - Felice - sewscatterbrained

8/11 - Sally - sallysangelworks

8/12 - Liz - www.fatchickquilts

8/13 - Julia - starsandsunshine

8/14 - Jacey - jaceycraft.blogspot

8/15 - Sophie of C'est LaVie - lescrapdesoph

8/16 - Pam - pamquiltaholic

8/17 - Patty  beckandlundy

Thank you again, Patty, for inviting me to be a part of your party!

Comments are now closed.

FO: Maya Blouse

Remember this? I shared it last week, with the promise of some modeled shots.

I was tempted to do more jumping shots, but not this time (but it will happen again, because it was fun).

Instead, you get a goofy smile.
My sister always gets the best of me.

Again, this is New Look pattern 6010, in Leah Duncan's Maya fabric.

I highly recommend this pattern, and intend to make a couple of others (although short sleeves might be best for Houston climate).

I haven't shared this here yet, but I purchased a new sewing machine at Quiltcon. It's the Janome 8900QCP, and they were selling classroom units for a steal. So, I did (thanks to my sweet husband).

The new machine is 99% of the reason I can now successfully sew buttonholes.

I don't know what my problem was on the old machine, but a buttonhole was never successfully produced.

Now, I don't have to avoid them!

I'm pleased with this blouse, and even wore it this weekend to my grandmother's 88th birthday celebration.

When asked how old she felt, she replied, "I feel like a question mark."
She's still got spunk.

This week

I intended to be back here sooner, but it's been a fun week with some big accomplishments. I hope you have experienced the same!
First up, I am starting to exercise again. It's been AGES. ages. Too long and I've felt so lazy and complacent.

I hope I can keep it up this time. I'm just running/walking (mostly walking, but that's okay), with a little pilates (dvd) thrown in for good measure. I'm writing it here to add an extra layer of guilt!

I've been on a garment sewing kick, and finished a second version of this top. It's New Look pattern #0134, and I used a pinstripe linen this time.

I also finished New Look #6010 in a favorite Maya print (by Leah Duncan).

I intend to share modeled shots of both shirts soon. I am especially pleased with the Maya top. I'll share more details on both shirts when I post the modeled shots.

I have also been quilting away on my Marcelle Medallion. The quilting is now finished, but you can see a sneak peek above. I'm so SO in love with this quilt. Binding is almost finished, so I hope to be able to share the finish next week!

So, that's my week in a nutshell.

What about you?

Thursday

Thanks for all of your nice comments on my quilts this week. It feels fancy to share two quilts in one week! I'll have another to share (this one) as soon as pictures are taken.

Today, I am finishing up a new garment, from New Look pattern 0134. I picked up this purple plaid last year sometime from Hart's Fabric. All I lack is the hem and snaps (instead of buttons!). There are already plans for a second one, because the fit is nice.

Then, I'm hoping to finish up my Madrona Road challenge for the Modern Quilt Guild. I'm making a baby quilt; the top is done!

And I hope to get back to my true love, x & + blocks. I'm sure you've heard about the informal -along that Katy and Brenda put together, right?

Speaking of Brenda, Pink Castle is having a sale on all precuts and bundles, using BUNDLE25.

My pile of unfinished projects never seems to get smaller, although I have been sewing away!
But Olias does need a place to sleep, so no complaints here.

FO: Painted Portrait Blouse

I finally got a chance to upload the photos my sister took of the painted portrait blouse! As you may remember, my pal Amanda and I made these together when she visited last month.

Using my favorite Indie print, purchased from Stash Fabric, I think this is the first sewn garment that I have felt truly confident about.

Amanda and I struggled with some of the process, but we persevered, and I'm so glad we did!

My sister took these photos of me at my grandparents' farm.

This place feels like home.

Jill and I can't help it. We just get.silly together. So, here's some jumping photos for your viewing pleasure. Or laughter. You pick.

Tuesday

Whirlwind week is in progress! Amanda left Sunday, and later that day, my sister and I left to visit our grandparents. We just got back, and I have a quick break before the next craziness begins!

I wanted to share a couple of fun things from Amanda's visit. We had the BEST time! We managed to get some sewing done, did a little shopping, and ate. And laughed. And ate. And played Mario Kart. Our main project was the Painted Portrait Blouse. I am really glad we worked on these together. There were times when one of us would get frustrated or confused. It was good to have each other for company and confirmation. We both managed to get our tops done. I'll be sharing mine soon! I managed to ask my sweet sister for a few FO shots in the country.

In the meantime, here's my finished yoke and a funny face.

I'll be back soon with a new Wiksten tank, my Painted Portrait Blouse, and a tree skirt tutorial (on Thursday) for the Holiday Craft bash!