My new obsession....

Up cycled sweater coats are my new passion. I don't know what about them I love so much but I need one. I see them on etsy.com and they look so damn beautiful. But the ones I want are either tooooo expensive or not available.
So what does that mean? I might have to make one, two or a thousand of them. But where do I start? All they are is a bunch of sweater cut up then re sewn together to make a beautiful coat/sweater. But as an amateur sewer this looks real complicated and scary. I don't know but it doesn't hurt to try....(evil grin). Now I just have to get a serger and hope for the best.

Moving on.....hoping for better.

This has been a weird month for me...

1) I realize dating right after a break up is very discouraging.

2) There is something to be said about online dating...it's frustrating, people are extremely particular, you become one of those people ( I mean you become very snobbish.)

3) You can't heal wounds by replacing them with other things.

4) I am not patient at all.

I seem to be on a rush but where too... I have no idea. I just want something to happen but I am not sure what? I don't want children (not right now)and I certainly don't want to be in a long term relationship that I am not ready for, but I am looking. So what is really going on?

My projects are all held up because I am dating, going to school and trying to be more social which I found out the hard way takes money and time! But it's better being home wishing things would change....right?

Oh another thing I HATE SCHOOL!!!! But that's just part of the deal if I want a degree and do something with myself. Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of becoming a behavioral psychologist, it's the nonsense courses is what is bugging me.

Anyway I should be getting done with the dress and to help me through this weird time in my life I am doing more shoe shopping.

The black and red I already brought and the pretty in pink is one I will be getting. I LOVE SHOES!!!!!

Don't worry I will be making outfits soon.

Almost there!!!!

I wanted to post an update on my dress but as usual other projects took priority like school. So I am forced to hold out until I am completely done with the dress. I am done with the tears and hemming, now it's the zippers and a few finishing touches.

Moving on as of late I have been on a pink phase...everything in the hue of pink to fuchsia has got my attention. the only problem is I only brought shoes in those hues I don't own any garment that has ANY of these colors. Oh well another excuse to shop.

These shoes are not anything special but they are beautiful...I got one from Bakers and the other was from J.C. Penny's. I don't usually where heals but these are definitely the exception.

Well that's it for now hopefully I will be done with the dress real soon, until then ...Goodnight.

A.S.

Are we obsessed with being happy?

The other day I came to a conclusion that as a society we are addicted to the idea of being "HAPPY" (forgive me I don't have a degree in sociology), but it seems to be a trend that either hasn't been truly studied or understood.
Everyone seem to strive to be happy but forget that there is an effort that has to be made in order to stay or be in that state of mind. It's a conscious decision to develop another attitude and perception, in order to get to a better place. Notice I didn't state happy, but better. Happiness is important but for me Joy is much better. Why? What's the difference....for me personally happiness is an emotion that happens in the moment, Joy is an experience, a memory, a moment that seem to last a lifetime. I am not sure if I make complete sense. But I think as humans we have a tendency to think very superficially... and a life without thought is an existence with no promise.
Happiness is a great thing and at a moment make us feel exhilarated, vibrant and alive, but like every other emotion it's fleeting. But something that is more vital, important and meaningful too me is living a life and being content. Looking to what I have and being satisfied and fulfilled. Not looking outside of myself to be "happy" but looking inside and seeking for that inner peace.
This is just the surface of my point hopefully I get to finish my thought some other time.
A.S.

Update!!!

So here is the dress that I am working on....she is beautiful in theory but ... I am beginning to think too much pink. I have two tears left so not bad.... but the gatherings is a bit frustrating. Sorry about the fuzzy pic but that's all I got for right now.

That's it for now.

A.S.

There is no bigger truth in....

this statement.... It all starts with you. As of lately I have not been totally dedicated to sewing and in thinking I can start a group...it would reignite my interest. But the truth of the matter is this, sewing happens in time, it happens with constant practice, frustration, commitment, mistakes and a sense of dedication. I love to see the end result of a garment construction...but do I hate the work that it takes too make it happen. So why don't I shop for RTW clothing or have it made. I don't know it isn't the same... because after it all said and done... I DID IT!
I have not given up on the idea of starting a group because there is one meeting at the end of the month. (Which is awesome) But I now realize I have to make things happen on my own. That means get the freaking machine of the shelf, dust it off and start getting reacquainted with the whole sewing world. There is really no excuse, and I am not making one.
Okay now that is done. I have a question do you sew to relieve stress or cannot be bothered when situation is getting rough? I always thought that depending on the situation sewing can either be a life saver or a hindrance. What is your take on this?

A little too AMBITIOUS!!!!

Hello everyone,
My name is Naomie and I am a professional stalker, and I need help. I have never known myself to be a crazed, hungry, overbearing individual until now. I have turned into a psycho stalker trying to get this whole sewing group thing together. What kind of person out of the blue start talking to random strangers in order to get inspiration to sew. Have I finally lost it? I mean I will walk around and try to analyze a person while looking at fabric...trying to see if this person would like to be committed into a sewing cult. I said it CULT, I think I am aiming to start a new religion with this whole thing. Don't be too surprised if you see me with scrap wood in my backyard trying to build a chapel. Where the holy sewing machine will have it's own alter. I have gone off the deep end people....WATCH OUT!!!! Sewer gone crazy!!!!!

Making your own iron board.

Last night I saw this awesome video on how to make a simple ironing board all it required was a staple gun, some polyester batting, more batting, a sheet of muslin and BOOM! Your own portable ironing board. I think it's on youtube, but don't quote me on it.
I was so surprised that making your own ironing board could be soooo easy, actually I didn't think it was possible. I am getting the creative itch, that's always good news.
How many of you out there made your own?

Do you believe in signs? (not sewing related)

Hey everyone,
I have to start by being honest with you, today isn't such a good day not because it wasn't a beautiful day, because it was. But my cat died last night, she got hit by a car and I was just so pissed. Believe in me this isn't the first pet we have lost as a matter of fact it could be the 9th or 10th animal we lost. I don't know what is exactly wrong with my house or the people in my area but it seems that my family specifically isn't allowed to have/or own any animal without a tragic ending. Now could this be because we are bad owners? or not meant to have animals?
Sometimes I wonder allot about my life...I know for a fact that I am not considered to be in a very bad scenario (because it could always get from bad too worse) but nothing good seems to happen. I sometimes wonder if it is because of my attitude/outlook on life that makes things seem so gloomy or is it because I live a life that is just filled with sorrow that inevitably made me see things in a negative light.
It's funny though because the other night I had a dream that I was going to have to let someone go. I literally was standing on a cliff holding a lifeless body and forced to make a decision on either letting myself linger in sorrow or let the body drop. When I woke up I cried allot because of all the emotions I felt. I couldn't understand why I had to make such a horrible decision but in the end I had to let go and turn away. Then last night I had to pick up my cat's lifeless body and let her go. Some how I wasn't so distraught as my neighbor who was just beside herself (she is a real cat lover). I think in a way God was preparing me for a huge loss. (I lied I did cry allot but in my room with my 4 month old nephew who was sleeping.)
He (G0d) allowed me too feel all these things before I had to deal with the reality of my lost. I loved my cat MYA. She was the sweetest cat I ever owned, but unfortunately she ended up with us. Now she is gone.
So am I to believe that my dream was a sign? Or is there such a thing? And if the dream was about lost then should I prepare for more?

Would it be weird if I ....

Was too actually try to find sewing friends in my neck of the woods...or is that a little juvenile. I mean I have seen many adds online on sites (that are not too reputable) asking for all kinds of "friends" but am I retarded if I were to put an add trying to make friends with similar interest...more importantly a strong interest in sewing.
Is that weird or what?
I think it would be more fun having someone (doing it with) ...wait hold on that didn't sound right....someone to participate in these friendly, clean activity would be another motivation for me to keep sewing on a regular basis. Please feel free to correct me if I am wrong.

My new therapy...and does space for sewing make a difference.

Since, It's been awhile since I have even looked at the muslin fit of my shirt....I figure why not use the blog for something just as useful. Life keeps happening so why not use this blog as my ranting space and occasionally talk about sewing.

The real reason I don't necessary keep up with my sewing is because I don't have space. I don't have a place I can walk into and just sew everything. My sewing tools are scattered across my room and it's a little distracting. Gathering things then put my stuff on an available table or space is sometimes a little much for me.

That's when it came to me...could having a sewing space make a difference in my progress? I think it will but first things first I need to move.

Help me understand....(not sewing related)

The other day I heard a commercial about antidepressants...which was normal occurrence in everyday living. Since we all are bombarded with commercials in our everyday life, but this commercial got my attention because it was talking about depression and sexual desire. It was basically a commercial that is focused on women who are on antidepressants but have low libido's. Which at some point aggravated me. Not because I heard this commercial a million times during the day...but what really messed with me is the fact that a condition like depression needs to some how be entangled with sexual desire. I don't know if you see where I am going with this.
And maybe I am too old school for my generation. But the last thing on my mind with severe depression is how active I am in my love life. I am trying to make it day to day, trying to function, live, breath which are things that becomes more like labor than natural. And I would be thinking about hanging from the chandeliers but ass naked? WTF!? Is going on with people!
As a person who is constantly on a battle field with depression I think the commercial isn't just insulting but ridicule what people like me go through in our down time.
But maybe I could be wrong...I could just be making something out of nothing. Or this condition has it's own audience and people who have overcome depression and need to feel that urge again. And maybe as a thirty something woman these things don't really affect me. But FOR GOD'S SAKE CAN WE FIGURE OUT WHAT'S GOING ON IN MY HEAD BEFORE WHAT GOES ON IN MY PANTIES! I know there is a guy behind this.
Oh yeah speaking of men, where are there clinics and pills and why aren't they doing research on their libido when taking anti-depressants!? What... it doesn't affect them either?
I am getting too old for this...I need my retirement check NOW!!!!

At it again part 2

So far I have made a muslin fit for the shirt... but I made a bo bo which isn't unusual in my case. I added 8 inches to the pattern without thinking. I forgot that I must measure myself first before I assume my size. So I had to take 4 inches off...which isn't bad...so now what's the problem. The front seems to be a little bigger than the back...so does this mean I have to readjust the pattern. I got scared but it hit me that my front may be a little more curvier than the back. But it still bothers me so I will put it on again and see what needs to be altered.

Yup...at it again.

I went to Jo-Anne's yesterday just to kill time and too see what was out there. Well needless to say I walked out with a couple of patterns a book and a gift for a friend....Damn! This happens all the time.
The reason I chose this pattern was because it offer sizes all the way up to 28W...which at the time I thought was AWESOME! Unfortunately I will still have to adjust the pattern because the bust wasn't created for women who are well endowed. So once again I must fight the pattern to form to my body...no problem it's getting easier as my projects progress.
The other thing that attracted me to this pattern was the shirt although I know this particular style has been around for a while now, I thought why not?! I thought it to be the go to shirt. It's sophisticated enough to hold it's own with a few accessories and I love the cuffs and exaggerated collar. It's the kind of shirt that will be universal and fit most occasions. Which is something I need desperately. I also love the fact that it has other options, like the red jumper. I think it's really cute. And the vest will be a good contribution to my wardrobe.
AND!!!! Let's not forget the pants and skirt pattern that also accompany the rest of the items. It's just great to have all these options in one packet...and for ten bucks not bad at all.

New Look 6774...it's getting there!

So here is the dress that I have been working on for the last couple of months....damn! I can't believe it took me a couple of months to actually get to this point but whatever. Anyway I hope to get two more dresses done by summer so I have some beautiful outfits too rock.

Sorry for the lousy pics but I don't have a camera anymore so this will have to do in the meantime. The instructions were okay but the fabric was a different story. I had such a hard time sewing it together...but I just can't remember exactly why? It's a stable fabric it doesn't slip and glide like silk, or bunch up like jersy. But the process was just too damn difficult and slow. I hated the experience but I am happy with the outcome.

Now the reason I didn't take close ups is because...IT"S HORRIBLE TO TAKE PICS WITH A LAPTOP.... I couldn't understand how to maneuver the damn thing to get a clear shot. Second it would be a little embarrassing, the zipper looks ridiculous the stitching is very sloppy. I mean really sloppy I am just thankful that most of the stitching is hid in. Third there is a section in the back of the dress that is gathered, and it's not suppose to be. So, I decided not to go there.

Anyway that is it for right now. Thanks for stopping by.

Hey Everyone,

Yeah I know it's been awhile but I don't think anyone noticed...LOL. Anyway I am working on a couple of summer dresses....yes I know I am real slow. But I am determined, and one of them is actually 90% done. Yay!!!
I am now re-working the second pattern I made some of the pieces way too big. So I have to do allot of re-adjustments.
There is so much going on right now I am amazed that I did get some of my sewing done. Funny thing about life when it rains it pours and I am just getting some kind of light through the clouds. So much drama, it's ridiculous....but life goes on and I be damned too let shitty situations get me down.
Anyway once I get a new camera I will start posting pics...as of right now I will have to rely on my computer cam.
But I will be posting soon and more often if things calm down on my side of the fence. Thanks to all who still read my post...your patience has been a real blessing.