possibilities

Well, Juliet's in the shop getting a tune-up, since I figured as I was moving, I wouldn't be sewing for a little while.
Of course, now I really really want to. But I don't have much longer to wait. She should be done by next week--and by then I should have my new sewing room in tolerable order.

And when I do...



Let's just say that this is a distinct possibility. Not for myself, but for another tallish gal at work who is just as fed up with how store-bought dresses fit as I am.
Oh, this will be fun! I want to fabric-shop for it right now!
Insert massive gleeful chuckle here.

wedding dress curtains

So...last Thursday I became the proud owner of my first house! Life is somewhat crazy and the sewing adventures will have to take the backseat for a little while...at least until I've unpacked in my new sewing room. (Which might become orange, if all goes well!)

However, my new house did sport these absolutely lovely layers of lacy curtains, circa 1968, and they just beg to be turned into something with high levels of awesomeness. I was wracking my creative brain, and then it hit me--there's enough curtain in the living room alone to make a wedding dress! A lovely, lacy, and slightly polyester gown of elegance and high style.


Or at least it would be lacy and polyester. Should I go for it? I have always enjoyed The Sound of Music. Here's my chance to give Maria a shout-out.

the apron parade, part 3

Kristin's not quite sure about that spoon, but her apron sure looks fabulous!
Let's put that spoon in a safer place...

Kristin is one of the lucky few who has received not one but TWO aprons. I recommend wearing both at once for a hard-core fashion statement.

the apron parade, part 2

Lizzie posing so wonderfully in her half-apron (ask her about the other half sometime) with Gladys, who is wearing the apron soon to be given to...another Liz!

And here's the other side of it. I'm getting addicted to reversibles. Though my favorite part is definitely the yellow ruffle.

the apron parade, part 1

A few years ago, I began making aprons as wedding gifts for most of my friends. A few gals married before I began, and I've given a few aprons for other reasons, but they are mostly wedding aprons. I started counting how many I have given away--and quickly came up with over a dozen names! I quite quickly decided that I needed a picture of each apron in action, and have sent out an all-call to everyone in possession of a Spools Custom apron. Here are the first three:

No one pulls off a ruffle like Lins.


Carol shows her apron in some serious kitchen action. Slice, girl, slice!


Kelly proudly displays one side of her reversible apron.

the mommy dress

I generally love my projects--hence that fact that sewing is one of my best hobbies. But every once in a while I get to do something that's extra-special awesome. And this is one of them. I think every new mommy needs one of these. Note the nursing-friendly buttons, the high waist, the tie-belt that can be tightened or loosened depending on the day, and especially the way the inverted box-pleats help the A-line skirt just fall away from the body in a very cute shape. It doesn't matter if you haven't quite lost the baby weight, ladies--in this dress, no one can tell. And it will still fit as you shrink your way back towards your pre-baby weight.

Happy mommy. Oh, yes, happy mommy indeed.

the anatomy of a dress...umm...tunic

I must say, I was quite proud of this project. Note the neatness of the neckline and bust gathers. Gladys was great in helping me tighten the back before placing the zipper.
However, when I finally tried it on myself, I was chagrined to discover that the inherently static-loving fabric and the narrow cut of the skirt meant that it pretty much looked like death from the hips on down. Solution? Ditch the skirt. And voila! A tunic was born.