The Wednesday Showcase

Before my grandmother died, she wanted to get her will in order and asked if I would like to have her sewing machine. Some of my earliest memories are of sitting under her treadle sewing machine and pushing on the foot pad. It would go, and go, and go, and I would laugh, and laugh, and laugh. Obviously, it didn't take much to entertain me ;) It now sits in a guest bedroom. At the moment it is unusable as it needs a new belt. But I think I have found just the person to inspire me to get it running again....meet Lyric of Sew Lyrically Vintage. Lyric is on quite a journey. She's making her clothes and using primarily this antique hand crank Singer sewing machine. Amazing!!!

Now hold on to your seats as you are going to be blown away with what she creates, like this sweet vintage inspired dress.

She has made a number of Sewaholic Minoru jackets. The one below has a quilted lining and she even made a matching bag! 

Here are the others. Love the fun linings.

Lyric helped a friend learn to sew. She had planned to make the caddy as a gift to celebrate her endeavor and then realized that she could make her own and it would make a great sewing lesson. This would make a great gift...or sewing lesson for anyone who sews or is learning to sew. You can find the instructions for the caddy HERE.

Be sure to check out Lyric's blog. Just a warning, she may have you looking at the non-electrical sewing machine ancestors with a wistful eye!!! 

Next up is gMarie of gMarie Sews. Her name is a combination of her first and middle names. She said that her husband even had her name engraved on champagne flutes. I think he is smitten ;)  

If you have not met gMarie, I think you are going to love getting to know her. She has such a beautiful spirit and she is so very creative. Not only does she sew, she also loves to knit.

This is a girl after my own heart as she loves to make and wear dresses.

Since I am in the process(very long process I might add)of cleaning up my sewing studio, I just had to show you gMarie's lovely space. Talk about magazine ready!

As I scrolled through her blog, look who I found!!! Why is Carolyn of Diary of a Sewing Fanatic! Sewing friends are the best and we do tend to get around :) 

If you aren't able to get out to Seattle to meet gMarie in person, then pop over to her blog and say hello!

Before I go, just a few quick things to share. I talked to a friend of mine a few days ago, a catch up call as we have not talked in a while. Before we said goodbye, she said, "oh, I have to tell you!!! I LOVE the Barb pant pattern." She was so happy with the fit. If you haven't downloaded the pattern, be sure and do so as I don't know how long it will continue to be available for free.  

And finally, I received a message from Angela of My Little Sewing Dreams. She made up  a number of the little owls from THIS post and loved them. She said that they are a great way to use up scraps and make a fun little unexpected gift too!

  

Isn't it wonderful that we can share and enrich each other's lives? :)

Happy Wednesday!

Rhonda

A Tuesday Morning Hello

A bright and cheery HELLO!!! from Chicago. After some rather ugly weather yesterday, we are having a very glorious day today. Sadly, some areas south of Chicago were devastated by tornadoes. Thankfully, it looks like no one was killed.
So I thought I would just do a quick check-in. I had planned to do a Monday Morning Inspiration post yesterday, but my day was a little too full, so I decided to just hold on to it until next week.
A few weeks ago I shared that I had put together my own little reading list for the summer. I started with a delightful book, The Gospel According To Chanel. I really enjoyed the book. The book is about Chanel and her life, how she became the icon that we all know her to be, but the author also talks about her own personal quest for a Chanel jacket. Not a Lagerfeld Chanel jacket, but a real Chanel jacket. I really don't think I am spoiling the story by telling you that she ends up buying real Chanel fabric and making a jacket. My only disappointment was that I wished she had talked a little more about the process of making her jacket. But all in all, the book is delightful, easy to read, and if you are at all interested in Chanel, I think it's worth the time spent.
The next book I read was recommended by a friend. She told me about the book a few years ago, I listened, but made no attempt to read the book. She again told me about the book this past January and wrote down the title. So when I was putting together the books that I thought I might like to read over the summer, I decided to look and see if our public library had it in their collection. They did, and oh my goodness. she was right, it's a wonderful book. I began reading it one afternoon, picked it up the next afternoon and finished it! It was that good and I just had to know the entire story! The book is entitled, Same Kind of  Different As Me.

It's a true story. There's so much more to the story than what you see on the cover. You will not look at a homeless person in the same manner once you read the book. The story is about struggle, faith and compassion. I HIGHLY recommend the book.
There are 5 more books on my reading list. As I said a few weeks ago, it's a rather motley group of books, but they all appealed to me.

First up, The Dressmaker. A fictional story about a seamstress who boards the Titanic. Now it's no secret about the fact that the Titanic sank, so I'm anxious to find out if she was one of the lucky few who made it off of the ship and if so, what happened to her life.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up has been a huge success for the author. I'll let you know what I think once I get through it. I have been doing quite a bit of cleaning and clearing out, so I think that's one of the reasons that the book appealed to me. True confessions, I actually donated 2 large bags of shoes!!! I should probably be a little embarrassed, I'm not :), but I am very happy to have taken such a step.
Wild, From Lost To Found on the Pacific Coast Trail was recently made into a movie. I did see the movie and yes there are some rather explicit scenes. I felt that the story could have been told without the scenes being so explicit, but the story did intrigue me, so much so that I wanted to read the book. I think that the book will be a richer experience than the movie was. So we'll see.
The last 2 books were gifts. My husband bought the book The Wright Brothers for me. It has received great reviews and I am quite anxious to read it as I know that it will appeal to my other great passion, flying. The last book, The Gentle Art of Blessing, was given to me by a friend. It just appeared in the mail one day. She sent me a note and said that she thought I would enjoy the book because she feels that I am a blessing to so many. Could one ever receive a lovelier compliment?!!!
I've include links to Amazon for all of the books just in case you might like to read a little more about any of the books, or order one for yourself. If you have a public library near you, try them first. You never know what you might find there!
About 5 years ago, I attended a wonderful retreat called a Knitting and Yoga Adventure. The retreat is held on a very small island off the coast of Maine called Monhegan Island. The island is very remote and very enchanting. On September 13th, I'll board a plane for Portland, Maine and be on my way once again. I can't wait!!! If you would like a little glimpse into what the retreat is like, I've included a video below. Each day there is a morning hike, followed by a morning yoga session. In the afternoon there is a knitting session followed by a restorative yoga session. A massage therapist is along on the trip and everyone gets at least 1 massage during the week. The inn where we stay is so comfortable and the chef is incredible. The evenings are spent doing as you please. Many gather in the sitting room to knit and talk. It's a very stress free experience, participate in what you would like, and do whatever you would like.



Since I know I will be doing a good bit of hiking on the trip, I need to get a few things ready. I really need some cargo pants, so I started looking for a pattern and found Simplicity 3880. The pattern was for sale on Ebay, so I'll have to wait for it to arrive, but I have plenty of time.

I really need a good jacket with a hood for hiking, so I'm going to make the Minoru Jacket from Sewaholic. Should be perfect for damp Maine mornings.

Before I go, I would just like to thank a number of you who have sent emails and notes telling me how much you enjoy the blog. I so appreciate you kindness as well as your concern. Sometimes things break us for a reason. But breaks heal and the time spent healing can give us an insight into something new and exciting. As I wrote in this week's Sunday Night Reflections, here's to always refilling the glass!
Rhonda

The Sewaholic Robson Trench Coat Sew Along/Week 4

The final week of the sew along! The new post is up on the Sew News blog and you can find it HERE.
As you can see, my coat is not quite finished. I still need to add the buttons, buttonholes and the belt. But I am so very pleased with how it has turned out. The black cotton velvet accents the fabric perfectly. Even my husband has commented on what a great coat it is.

The buttons have been ordered, but I'm not quite sure if I want a belt with a buckle or a tie belt. Once I get the buttons on, I'll decide.

The written post is much more detailed than the video. In the post I talk about the sleeves and adding the sleeve tabs, the facings, belt loops and the buttonhole placement. In the video, I show you how to tie a perfect bow. I run into people all the time who tell me that they have a difficult time tying bows, so I thought you might like to learn how I tie my bows.
If you would like to take a look at the video, I've added it below.



For those of you who are saving the project for a later date, the videos have been attached to all 4 weeks. Here are links to;
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3 
Week 4
I did 2 extra posts on;
Pockets 
Sleeves

I hope you'll give the trench coat a try. It's a great pattern and I think you'll enjoy having the coat in your wardrobe.

The Sewaholic Robson Trench Sew Along

The next post for the Sewaholic Robson Trench Coat is up on the Sew News blog. It was posted rather late this afternoon and sadly, the video did not get attached. Hopefully, I will be able to get them to attach the video this upcoming Monday.
In this post I talk about a little different treatment of the shoulder seams than what is stated in the pattern. In the picture below, you see that I have sewn the seams on the outside of the coat. When you read the post, you'll see that it makes all the sense in the world to do this.

I also talk about the collar. When you lay the under collar over the top collar, you'll see that the top collar is larger. This is not a mistake and the top collar should not be cut down to match the under collar. I explain more about the collar in the post.

We talk about sewing the flaps and properly placing them on the coat, attaching the collar and sewing the shoulder tabs. I'm really pleased with how my coat is turning out. Can't wait to wear it!

You can find the post HERE. Again, my apologies for the missing video, but we should be able to have it up on Monday.

The Sewaholic Robson Trench Sew Along/The Pockets

I've done a special post for the Sewaholic Robson Trench Sew Along on attaching the pockets. This is a traditional trench coat pocket with a flap and inseam pockets. The primary trick in getting the pockets to look perfect is precise marking. There are notches and seam allowances that should be marked. You can see both marked in white below.

The pocket is finished prior to finishing the seam.

 In the end, it all goes together beautifully.

My favorite detail with the pocket is the bit of binding that is used to secure the pocket and keep it in place. Just a fabulous detail!

You can find the post HERE. Hopefully between the written pattern instructions and my instructions you'll be able to sail through the process of attaching your pockets.
Good Luck!

Sewaholic Robson Coat Sew Along

How's your Robson coat coming along? The post on working with princess line seams is up on the Sew News blog and you can find it HERE. The post also talks about binding the seams and top stitching. The video was initially attached to the post I did on altering the sleeve, so in the off chance that you haven't see the video, I've attached it below.

On Wednesday of this week, I will be doing a post on constructing the pockets and on Friday, we'll work on the collar, flaps and tabs. By then you'll be well on your way to completing the coat.
If you are interested, there is a Flickr group and you can find it HERE.
Until our next post,
Sew On!!!

The Sewaholic Robson Coat Sew Along Week 2

The first of 2 posts for this week's sew along is up on the Sew News blog. One issue I found that I felt might cause a problem for some, was the sleeve. Take a look at the first picture of my finished coat and you will see that the sleeve sits very flat across the cap. This could cause a tight fir across the top of the arm and make the coat pull and be uncomfortable.

In the picture below, you see the altered sleeve. Please forgive me, it's not perfectly set into the armhole, but you can see that the sleeve cap is no longer flat.

Altering the sleeve cap for more fullness is quite easy to do. I have done a detailed post which you can find on the Sew News blog HERE.
In the meantime, if you would like to watch the video episode for this week, I've attached the video below.

There will be a second post this week that will cover princess line seams, attaching the bias tape and top stitching. As soon as it's up, I'll let you know.
Next week I will do a detailed post on constructing the pocket.

Be sure to check out the Sew News blog as they have started their annual 12 Days of Christmas Give Aways. Over the next 12 days, a new item will be given away everyday. Why not try and win your own Christmas present?!!!

A Delightful Surprise

Just a quick post this morning. I want to give a shout out and a great big thank you to Tasia of Sewaholic Patterns as she featured my Robson Trench and the sew along on her blog yesterday. Thanks so much Tasia!!!!!

I was told that the Robson Trench Coat pattern is sold out in the Sew News shop, but you can always pop over to the Sewaholic shop and pick one up.
Now a little sneak peek at the fabric that I am using for my....third coat! I had to make one for the magazine and then another for the videos. Thankfully I really like the pattern and a friend does as well as she is the lucky recipient of my second coat. We don't live in the same city, so we won't look like twins!!!

There must be something about me, faces and this trench coat!!!! The fabric is actually a twill and the hair and faces are velvet. I think it will be rather fun! A little crazy, but fun ;)

One more thing before I go. This picture was posted on Facebook this morning.

Cute, and wouldn't it be perfect for a Christmas card sent to sewing friends?  I have tried to find the clip art with no luck. I would be happy to pay to use it. So if anyone knows the origination of the clip art, please let me know.

The Sewaholic Robson Trench Coat Sew Along Begins

At long last, the sew along begins!!!! My Botticelli Robson coat was made last fall, so this sew along really feels like a long time coming for me. My job today is to decide what fabric I will use for my sew along coat. Hmmmm, now that I think about it, I just may have something that will be lots of fun :) Why sew if it can't be fun, right???
My first post is up on the Sew News blog and you can find it here. There's just a small hitch though. The media department didn't have the video ready yesterday, so it has not been attached. As soon as the video is up, I will let you know. The first post is basically just an overview of the pattern, so there's still time to get your fabric and your pattern. And remember, there's a nice little contest for those who actually finish their Robson coat during the December sew along. You can find that information here.
My blog posts for this coat will be much more detailed than the videos. The pattern instructions are quite good, so I am hoping that between the printed instructions, the videos and my written posts, you'll be able to sail through creating a lovely coat of your own.
In the meantime, I have a current magazine available to give away, YEA!!! No fabric :(, just a magazine. But the magazine is lovely :)

If you would like a chance to win the magazine, just leave a message on this post. I will do the drawing on Saturday, December 6, 2014.
Happy Sewing!
Rhonda

Monday Morning Inspiration

The Sewaholic Robson Trench Coat sew along begins a week from today, so I thought a little trench coat inspiration might be in order. Whether you are sewing along with me this December or just think you might make a trench in the future, I think I found some ideas that will make your trench extra special.

I love the idea of just the front panels being a traditional trench and the rest of the coat done in wool.

 Or how about this for a fun idea?

The sleeves and collar are accented and rather than a traditional belt, maybe one with a little more of a military influence.

I thought this was super cute with the swingy peplum.

 Making the panels out of wool gives this little short version a very slender look.

A lovely ombre effect.

 This coat also has an ombre effect, but what I really like is the addition of the lace. So pretty.

How about some  non traditional fabric choices?

The coat below is not a trench, but I love the fabric and I especially like the idea of a stripe with a psychedelic applique.

Floral pattern, perfect for spring.

Or....if you dare...a see through version.

An all out feminine lace trench. 

Now this is over the top lace!!!

Love this fabric!

Trench designed by Jillian Lewis of Project Runway worn by Beyonce. It may not keep your dress dry in the rain, but you'll look great!!!

The Robson Trench is not lined, but during the sew along, I will talk about lining the coat. What about a faux fur lining?!!

 Or a super cute border print?

 Now this trench covers trim and lining. How special is this coat????

  A few other ideas for trimming.

  This coat is from Chanel, of course :)

 How about a little peekaboo touch?

 Or...you could forgo the traditional buttons and add a zipper.

 This is not a trench, but it gave me an idea. Chop the coat off at the hips and add a circular skirt.

  Maybe do some lacing details.

 And for a little ahhhhh :) We can't leave out our little best friend.

 So precious :)

Now you can make a trench for yourself and your little dog too!!!
Hope your week is off to a lovely start :)
Rhonda