More Morphed T-Shirt Pictures and a Very Productive Weekend

It appears I'm sewing and posting like crazy. Probably to make up for lost time in October. It feels absolutely wonderful to be sewing again. I'm in the mood to re-design t-shirts. I had a pile of them sitting in my sewing room waiting for action. Now, they are done and as a result I'm also getting back a bit of sewing space.

In my previous re-design t-shirt post, I had forgotten to show what the Men's XL t-shirts look like on me. Well, I remembered to take some "before" pictures. First up, is a really cool VA Tech t-shirt (okay...the backside logo is really neat).


As you can see, it makes a great nightshirt, except, I'm not a nightshirt kind of person. So, this one got a re-design...


...into something that looks like this.



I bought this "Wild by Nature" t-shirt when I was in Seattle. Funny, I bought the same size for my DH...XL.


Now, it fits me to a "T".


I was recently asked a really good question...why don't I just buy a Men's size Medium? Well, I could, but a Medium would be too narrow in the hips for me. The XLarge size gives me some room to place my pattern pieces. A Large size would be cutting it too close. Plus I have to allow for shrinkage in the washer/dryer.

So, this takes less than an hour to re-design a t-shirt...from cutting it apart to sewing the bottom hem.

NL6856 Muslin...Not Too Crazy About It

It's been raining all morning and all day. Great opportunity to do some sewing. No running around or shopping today, just blissful peace in my sewing room and the hum of my SM. Oh, and of course Christmas tunes are playing in the background.




Here's my NL muslin knit top on SusieQ. This NL knit looks better on her than on me. I'm not too crazy about the neckline treatment as it appears to stand up along the edges and more noticeably around the shoulders and back areas. I still need to hem the sleeves and the bottom. Maybe it will look different once I finish the garment.

Maybe there's a reason why NL did not include a picture of a real live model wearing the clothes on the pattern envelope.


I'm off to finish two more t-shirts (morphing from Men's XL to KS size M).

I'll try to post more pictures later today.



** Update **



Here's a picture of the finished New Look knit top. What do you think?

Another Gift in the Works...Knitting

My goal this year is to make one "handmade" item for each of my family members for Christmas. I am knitting a scarf for my DH. I am using two yarns: Patons Divine (brown) and Colorado Native Yarns in 100% alpaca (brown/black). I love this combination of yarns and it's soooooo soft. I also love using bamboo knitting needles. Since I'm still learning to knit, I found the bamboo needles are easier for me hold and don't slip out of my hands. The needles I'm using are Clover Takumi size 11 (8mm).

I love this kind of hobby as I keep my hands busy when I'm away from my SM or when I'm sitting in front of the TV. I'm almost done knitting this scarf. I can't wait to get to get back to my sewing projects later today.

Playing Tourist for a Few Hours

I took my DB#2 to the Air & Space Museum in Chantilly, VA. We spent over 3 hours here. This was my 2nd trip to the museum and there was much more to see as they had finished the "Space Hangar" which included the Space Shuttle Enterprise. I let DB#2 linger around all the airplane engines displayed...as for me..."if you've seen one, you've seen enough".

Here's some pictures I took of our adventure:



The planes were everywhere:


Yellow ones:


My favorite shuttle picture...a winner:


The backside of the shuttle with DB#2 underneath:


One of 4 flight simulators:


Two simulators that actually roll and bump:




More planes:












And I couldn't get enough pictures of the space shuttle:


We were sooooo engrossed in all the planes, that we forgot to take a trip up to the tower. Next time.

So, if you are in or near the DC/Northern Virginia area...I highly recommend visiting this museum. It's less than a mile south of Dulles International Airport off of Rt 28 in Chantilly, VA. There's an entrance fee of $12/car. A real bargain if you can more than 4 people in your car.

Re-Designing Men's XL T-Shirt to Fit Me

I was definitely in the mood to sew today. I have been collecting Men's XL t-shirts in the hopes of being able to re-design/cut down to fit me.





So, I took one of my DH's discarded t-shirts and morphed it into a Kwik Sew 2900 t-shirt...View C. My version came out shorter.

Here's the steps I took:

1) I cut up the sides of the t-shirt:



2) I carefully cut around the sleeve and sleeve cap seams
3) I left the ribbed neckline alone and the existing shoulder seams
4) I folded the t-shirt lengthwise, matching the shoulders and neckline and bottom hems.

5) I took my KS pattern pieces front and back and placed the pattern pieces on the fold of the t-shirt:


6) I carefully cut out the front and back. Notice the ribbed knit neckline and shoulder seams are still intact:



7) For the sleeves, I placed the KS sleeve pattern over each sleeve and cut the new piece out:


Here's a picture of the before (top sleeve) and after (bottom) for the sleeve. Notice the nicer sleeve cap of the bottom sleeve and the sleeve hem is still intact:


8) I serged the new sleeves flat into the new t-shirt
9) I serged the sides of the new t-shirt from the underarm of the sleeve to the side for the left side and the right side.
10) Hem the new t-shirt.

Since the typical RTW logo t-shirts have very little stretch, I ended up tracing a Medium in this KS pattern. I shortened the pattern length at the bottom by 2 inches. I usually use a size Small when the knit fabric has quite a bit of stretch.

Here I am modeling my new RTW t-shirt. Notice I have kept the vendor's logos (front and back) where they should be:



DH was quite impressed with the outcome and how quickly it was sewn. He asked me if I had taken a "before" picture of the XL t-shirt on me. Well, I forgot. I was caught up in my sewing mood that I forgot. DH has offered to dig up another XL t-shirt from the same vendor, but in a different color. I will be back to post what the before t-shirt looked like on me so you can get an idea of the difference in size.

I'm off to cut up some more XL t-shirts, including one from my recent trip to Seattle.

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's a quiet morning and I'm getting ready to make some hot chocolate and head into my sewing room. I need to start on my New Look knit top and also figure out which cardigan pattern to use for my numerous cardigan knits I've recently collected.

This afternoon's meal will consist of cornish game hens and sword fish and the typical side dishes of sweet potatoes, green beans, mash potatoes, and cranberries. For dessert, it's plain and simple: a variety of Cheesecake Factory cheesecakes. Yummy.

I hope each and everyone of my my fellow US sewists have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I also hope that you get a chance to do some sewing during our long weekend.

I will try to post some pictures of today's activities. So, check back later.




** Updated to include pictures: **

Cornish Game Hens:


Swordfish:


Simple Buffet Menu:


My Plate:


Cheese Cake Factory dessert:

Off My Fabric Diet for an Hour

This is what happens when I have to pick my DB#2 up at the airport...I automatically stop at G-Streets on the way. I found 2 nice sweater herringbone-type knits (left and right) that I plan on making cardigans from. I found a nice soft dark denim remnant for pants or a long skirt. The bright floral/paisley print will be used to line some future jackets. So, now I have added 10 more yards of fabric to my stash. I have to say this will be my last purchase for the year and into the first quarter of next year. We'll see how long I stay on my next fabric diet.

Gift #2-Completed & Other Things

My gift #2 is completed.  As I mentioned before, I can't say what it is other than I used the VA Tech fabric and it turned out nicely.  I do know that a certain someone (DB#1) has been visiting my blog.  So, I can't include any pictures until Christmas time.  Now, I can finally put away that bright orange thread.  I can also cross off Gift #2 from my project list (right side).  

I am back to my normal healthy self and accomplishing a lot on my "to do" list from this past weekend.  I've been in a cleaning mood and trying to get in some sewing time here and there.  Now, that the two gifts are completed, I can now focus on sewing for myself.  

I don't know if I'll get any sewing time in before Thanksgiving.  My DB#2 is arriving tomorrow and I know we'll be busy catching up and sight seeing in DC, etc.  I hope to sneak in an hour of sewing at night.  

I'll be back....

Weekend Projects & Seeing Orange

I am getting some sewing time this weekend. First, I'm seeing orange as in orange thread and fabric. I'm working on a Xmas gift for my DB who is an alumni of VA Tech. Still can't say what I'm working on, but there's a lot of orange. I can't wait to switch to sewing with burgundy thread soon.

On my cutting board, is New Look 6856. I'm working on the v-neck knit top, view B in the following picture. I have an olive and black geometric knit print from Gorgeous Fabrics that I pulled from my stash. I plan on using a plain black knit, also from my stash, to use for the v-neck binding. I have traced off a size small with a 33" finished bust. The knit I'm using has a lot of stretch and should work fine for this top.



I will be splitting my time between cleaning up the house for the upcoming holiday, sewing, going through my closet to purge clothes & shoes that I no longer wear, and spending some time with my Mac.

On the sewing education front, my local Hancock is no longer offering sewing classes. What does that mean? I have more time for sewing. I hope to start teaching again early next year either through private lessons or submitting my resume to another local fabric store...G's. We'll see.

Tote Bag Completed

It's done!


This bag is from my TNT Kwik Sew 2036 pattern. It was quick to sew up as I did not add my typical lining and I omitted the inside zippered pocket. Looks like I will have to make one for myself. This was from a 1-3/4 yard home dec remnant...enough to make two bags.

I created a stiff insert to give the bag a flat bottom. I measured inside of the bottom of the bag. The measurement came out to about 13-1/2" x 5-1/2". I used Darice stiff plastic canvas (perforated) from Joann's and cut to size. I covered it in a plain lightweight home dec fabric in a light color...it will be easy to find things at the bottom of the bag.


I am happy to be modeling the finished bag. I love the fabric design as well as the durability. I hope my SIL will enjoy the bag.

This will be a great bag to carry some books, magazines, a sweater, a bottle of water, etc. Times when you need to throw things into the bag and go.

Spending Quality Time with My Left Side of My Brain

I have been spending a lot of time with the left side of my brain. I've gone Mac. As in Apple Mac. When I'm not sewing, I'm on my Mac...learning neat things about the OS and playing around with the included applications. Spending my quality time with my left and right brain.


So, here's my baby. My Mac Mini. It's tiny. The system is only 6.5"x6.5"x2". It's fast and simple for what I need to accomplish. I'm using it mostly for graphics work (photos, artwork, web, etc). I'm thankful my old Wacom drawing tablet works with my Mac. I am also running a beta version of Libronix for Mac (Bible software) for DH to use. So far, I've been using it 100%, but I will have to share it with DH once he gets up to speed on how to use this system.


I will still have to keep my Windows system for my various embroidery software and a few web applications.

So, I have it done it. I have made a move over to Mac. I tried it and I really love it!

Does That Look Like a Seam?

I am finally back into my sewing groove. Okay, it's only two seams and some topstitching around the top of the bag. It's progress. Here's a picture of the inside of the tote bag. I just love this fabric...inside and out. All I need to do is sew the straps and then attach them to the bag. I'll give the bag a good press and then pre-wrap it for my SIL.

Would you believe it took me a few minutes to get re-acquainted with my SM? It's been over 6 weeks since I've last touched it. I even had to dust around it. It didn't take me long to before I fell back into the groove. I'm loving it!

A Step in the Right Direction...

I have posted this fabric before. I wanted to share with you the inside (edge folded down). It's a mid-weight home decorating fabric from Hancock's remnant table. I'm making this into a tote bag for an Xmas gift for my SIL. I was going to line it, but decided against it as I want to show off the interior.

This morning I managed to cut out the two pieces for this tote bag. A step in the right direction to get my sewing mojo back.

Here's a VA Tech fabric I found also at Hancock's. This will be made up into another gift. I can't say what the final product will be, as a certain someone might be reading this post. I also managed to cut into this fabric.

I can now move around in my sewing room. I was able to remove a lot of clutter and re-organize my stash (notions & fabrics).

The other day, DH was listening to me complain about being behind in my sewing projects. He reminded me that "sewing" was suppose to be an enjoyable experience for me and not to get bent out of shape. Well...he's absolutely right.

I have taken a step in the right direction. I'm ready to sew again.

Mid-week Updates (and My Wedding Gown)

I wanted to first say thanks to those who sent my DH and I...congrats and happy wishes on our anniversary. We celebrated our 24th at an Italian restaurant we haven't been to before in Old Town. It turned out to be a wonderful cozy place with great food. It was nice to spend a quiet evening together.

I finally got rid of my bronchitis. Yeah!!!! I feel like a new person. Lesson learned. Go see the doctor ASAP...even though I "think" I'm getting better.

I've been "on the go" for the last few weeks. For three nights each week (over several weeks), I've been taking my camera to church and attending a Revelation seminar. I enjoy taking pictures. I never know when a picture opportunity arises...the Kodak moment. And of course, I am enjoying the seminar as well. Plus, DH is giving the lecture on Sat nights and since I'm his IT person, I get to setup his laptop & gadgets. I also show the pictures I have taken before his lecture starts. I really enjoy watching people's expression when they see their pictures up on the screen.

I'm still working on my crochet bag. I usually spend time with my yarns during football season. So, this is a seasonal hobby for me. I have included two pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Here's the front panel of my crochet bag. I love black/gray and white colors, but I have to admit it's been hard to see the black/gray yarn especially during the evening. Since I'm not spending hours crocheting but 10 minutes here and there...I tend to lose track of how many rows were completed. So counting the rows at night is not fun.


Here's the back panel, still in process. Okay, I need to count the rows today in daylight...so I can start incorporating the 2nd color yarn.






I hope to cut into some fabric before the end of this week. I'm starting to make some progress on organizing my sewing space. I can actually see a good portion of my rug now.

Before I end this post, I wanted to share with my sewing buddies my wedding gown from 24 years ago. Back then, I didn't like to sew. All this handiwork was done by my mother. Yes, all the handsewing of the Alecon lace, yards of it, handsewn by my mother. I can't remember all the pattern pieces, but I do recall selecting the sleeve pattern from a wedding pattern manufacturer from the mid-west. The skirt was from another pattern as well as the bodice from yet another pattern. The fabric, lace, and veil were all purchased at G-Street Fabrics in Rockville.

I remembered having to help with the placement of the lace as we had to use every single bit of it. The bodice front and back was covered with the lace. There was lace on the bottom of my sleeve. The lace was also incorporated into the front skirt creating a simple pattern going up the middle of the skirt and also lace was scattered in the back. The scallop of the lace was used around the bottom edge of the gown. The veil and the flowers were also handmade. My mother had made my gown a year before the wedding. So, you can imagine...no weight gain was allowed until the wedding day.

Happy 24th!

I dedicate this post to my DH of 24 years.

"I am so in love with you. For many reasons. We have shared so many experiences and gone through many of life's ups and downs. If we have grown in different directions momentarily, we have always managed to get back on course and continue growing in the same direction. I believe it has been God watching over us.

I am so thankful for our conversations, the laughter, the jokes, the silliness, our weekly date nights, our cool vacation get-a-ways, our friends, and our families.

Thank you for putting up with my my moodiness, all my hobbies and gadgets, my piles of stuff, my sometimes weird cooking results or lack of cooking on some days, and well...just letting me be myself.

You are my life. Thank you."


1 John 4:17 - Herein is our love made perfect...