My Flirty Skirt

Today I finally got around to sewing my Flirty Skirt. I had purchased the directions a while ago...maybe in the early spring...and just now finally got around to making it. I LOVE how this skirt turned out! I will definitely be making more.

I pretty much followed the directions that were given with the pattern.  When I first purchased the pattern, I was a little disappointed when I realized that you need to have a skirt that you like the fit of to be able to use as your "pattern".  I don't have any skirts like that.  Then, I realized that I have a summer dress that I really like how the skirt portion fits, so I put that on, pinned near where I thought I would want the waist to fall, and used that for my model to cut from. 

I did end up cutting three strips from my t-shirt to be used for the ruffle.  I am not a fan of doing the baste,  then hand arrange the gathering...so I bought a gathering foot for my sewing machine.  It was the first time I used the foot, so I ended up with my fabric being a little more gathered that I thought it would be.  I do like the way it turned out, though.  Even my husband thought it turned out really cute. 

Now that I have made this skirt once, I will definitely be wanting to make more.  I think they will be great for just hanging around the house or running out to the grocery store.  The skirt looks a little dressier than yoga pants, while still having a lot of comfort.

Pillowcase Talk

All that I have managed to sew this week is a couple "vanilla" style pillowcases.  Just basic pillowcases...but when the fabric is jazzy enough, nothing else is needed.  I followed the pattern directions that I found on the One Million Pillowcase Challenge site.  Now that I've got the pillowcase making down to an easy science, I am planning to make some cases to donate, also.


This pillowcase is for my niece.  I wish I would have seen this fabric before I made her quilt, because I would have chosen this instead.  She loves cows and I just know she will be delighted when she sees this pillowcase.

This pillowcase, I made for myself.  A few weeks ago my LQS had a 20% off sale (!!!) so I purchased some pieces of fabric that I normally wouldn't have.  I didn't really have any plans/patterns in mind for most of the fabric, but I couldn't pass it up.  Honestly, I wish I could have a whole sheet set made out of these fabrics.  Don't mind the wrinkles, I just couldn't resist using the pillowcase once I had it completed last night. 

                       

The colors do not remotely match any sheets that I own, but I don't even care.  Of course, it also makes me want to paint our bedroom a white/cream color so that I can switch up all of my bedding as often as I want...but I don't think that the husband will go for that!  Although, my husband did request a set of pillowcases to take and use with his bedding at the fire department.

Taking Some Time....

Now that my mad rush to complete the second Paris Traveler's Bag is done (if you want to see the not so great photos of the second bag, just let me know), I have just been taking a little time for myself.  I really haven't DONE anything.  Mostly, I've been doing summer school and then taking a nice long nap after I eat my lunch.  I guess I just need to recharge my batteries. 

Tonight, I did put a few piece of fabric in the wash.  I want to make some pillowcases.  I don't know why, but I *heart* cute pillowcases.  So I plan to make a few to have on our bed here at home.  I did buy some cute fabric to make a pillowcase for my niece, too, but there is no rush on that one. 

I am hoping that once I recharge my batteries, I will be back in the crafty mood again.  I do have a class at the quilt shop for the next couple weekends, to learn all about the features of my new sewing machine.  Otherwise, I'm thinking I might actually knit something a take a little break from the sewing.

I hope that everyone is having a restful summer and I hope to have some inspiration soon which will lead to more frequent posting.

This Morning

This morning I was awake early and stepped outside. I have a couple of tomato plants in a pot that sit just outside my patio door. I couldn't believe the way the rain/dew was beaded up on the edge of the plant leaves.

                           

Please don't pay attention to the dog hair that you can see stuck to the plant!  We have dog hair everywhere.  Last year, I would brush the dog and leave clumps of hair outside that I would later see headed to a bird's nest!

Tea Rose Home Link Party

I am loving Sachiko's weekly link party! It is a great opportunity to see what others are making, get some inspiration and be able to show off something that you have made personally.

If you click on the button you will link back to Tea Rose Home and be able to go check out some of the other links!

A Graduation Gift

I'm too lazy to go back and look I can't remember if I mentioned the fact that my husband has two nieces that are graduating from high school this year.  I'm still a virtual late-comer to the family scene, so it is difficult for me to really think of them as "my" nieces.  Still, I find lots of joy in making and giving gifts to others, especially family. 

Only last week, I decided that I would attempt to make each niece a My Paris Traveler's Bag.  I wasn't really sure how long to expect that it would take to make each bag.  I bought fabric for one bag (for the niece that would graduate first) and decided that if all came out well, then she would get a travel bag...if not, I would have a travel bag. 

Luckily, it turned out well enough.  There were a couple things that went awry but I won't even mention what they were.  You wouldn't be able to see in the photos and I was able to make modifications that I feel seem like they were a part of the pattern.  Certainly, the niece will never notice.

The bag actually went together pretty quickly.  I took one evening and did the quilting of the fabric and then I started working on it on Friday night and finished it yesterday.  I think it is reasonable to assume that I can finish another one by Thursday night.

It was very bright and sunny outside when I took my photos and I am no photographer.  But, I'm glad I took them this morning because it has been raining this afternoon. 

Time to Stop and Smell the Flowers

Okay, so I didn't actually smell them, but I did take a photo:

                                     

I noticed several of my lilies blooming today and this particular plant had such beautiful coloring...creamy on the inside and a nice pink on the outside. 

Yesterday, I saw a BIG bumblebee in the back yard.  Now I know why. 

As an added bonus, today was the last day of school.  Actually, it was the last day I am contractually obligated to work for the school year.  I still have a few things to finish up (mileage reimbursement), but I can run in whenever I want in the next couple days to do those things.  I can even work from home if I so desire.

I actually plan on working summer school as an assistant, but that is only half days and I'm not the main person in charge.  I'm really just doing it for a small amount of extra money and to keep myself on some sort of schedule.