One Year Challenge

A few days ago a comment was left on an Instagram post about my shoe collection. What struck me as I read the comment was that when I was growing up, I never had more than 1 pair of shoes. At one point all the girls were getting these gorgeous patent leather shoes that were cut low into the toe area. I so wanted a pair. When my cousin who is quite a bit older than me came out dressed for her prom, she took my breath away. The dress was so pretty, but what I focused on was the shoes. They had the sweetest cutouts on the sides. Years later, I told my cousin how I loved every detail of her prom outfit, but the shoes!!!, and I went on to describe them. She was shocked as she had forgotten the details. I dreamed that I would one day have lovely shoes. When I read that comment, a dream that I had forgotten about came back to me, and I realized that the dream came true. 

I'm still behind with catching up on my 1 Year Challenge here on the blog, but I'm working on it :)

 August 3rd...

I made this outfit last year. It was part of a challenge that Becky of Trial Balloons and I did. I used antique kimono pieces to create the top. It's a favorite for sure! I used the free Chelsea Linen Raglan Tee pattern from fabrics-store.com for the top. The pants were made with the free pajama pant pattern from Martha Stewart.   

In the video you'll see that I added pockets to the back of the pants.

I somehow managed to delete the video I did for this outfit. The pants are from Paprika Patterns. The tee is from Pattern Union and it's the Molly Tee that I have made many, many times :) The tee really offers itself to using scraps as I did with the flower print on the back.

The next day I was out flying. I found myself in Superior, WI of all places. I can now say that I have seen Lake Superior. They had this enormous float plane on display. Of course I HAD to take a picture!!! I'm wearing the self-drafted pants that I had worn a week or so before. 

                  

Just to give you an idea of how enormous this plane really is. What a thrill it would be to climb into something like this and be behind the controls!!! 

This dress is from Islander Sewing. I used the Easy V Express Top to create the dress.  

It's a swishy, fun dress to wear :) 

Next up is a piece that I did for a Fabulous Free Pattern Friday post. The fabric is from Africa and it comes printed in a large rectangle. To create the top, I cut out the center medallion, and then sewed up the sides leaving openings for my arms, and added an elastic at the waist. Soooo simple!

Another piece I did for a Fabulous Free Pattern Friday post. I called it a Skulotte as it's really a cross between a skirt and a culotte. I paired it with a top I made using an out of print Vogue pattern, and a sash I made to go with a different skirt. 

The next day was Sunday, and it was hot, so we got out on the boat. I did this swimsuit for a Sew News article and sew along. It's the Soma Swimsuit from Papercut Patterns.

I paired it with a cover up I made for a Fabulous Free Pattern Friday post. 

This dress began life like....... 

This! I bought it at a resale shop because I really liked the fabric. But, it was not something I would wear as it was. So, I turned it upside down, cut the ruffle off, and opened the sides. Now I love it!!!

Yet again, a piece I did for a Fabulous Free Pattern Friday post. I called it the Magic Rectangle Dress as it's just 2 long rectangles.

The magic is in the 5 rows of  shirring that give fit over the bust.  

So, that will do it for my little dog and pony show ;)

I'm so grateful to be reminded of something that was so dear to my heart as a child. I think that all too often we can get caught up in our day to day living, and we just overlook dreams that have come to pass in our lives. Yes, a reminder is a gift too.

Rhonda

Monday Morning Inspiration/Put a Stripe In It!

Simple joys, simple gifts.

Last Saturday marked 9 weeks since little Mr. Berkley came to live with us. What a joy he has been. I don't think I've stopped smiling in the last 9 weeks! He has brought so much joy into our home, and without doing anything more than just being himself. 

This morning as I drank my tea, I sat and enjoyed watching he and Gracie race from 1 end of the house to the other. One chased the other, and when they came to the wall, they turned and the other was in the lead. Hilarious! Then they would stop, breathe heavily for a moment, and then off they would go again. Berkley has brought Gracie back to life, warmed my heart, and put a smile back on my face. I'll never know, but I think it's his way of simply saying thank you. 

I call this picture, "Before and After Rhonda" :)
On the left is the picture I saw on the internet prior to adopting Berkley. He's dirty, and now that I know him, I can see that he is afraid. On the right...pure joy!

It's interesting how athletic wear has permeated every aspect of today's fashion. It's no longer relegated to just the gym, you see athletic inspired details in pants, tops, dresses, jackets, and coats. An athletic stripe is a perfect detail to add interest and elongate the body.
         
I recently came across this picture and fell in love! I love the little flounce on the back of the top, the stripe that curves across the back and then radiates into the stripe on the pant. The only change I would make would be to eliminate the stripe around the bottom of the pant. 

Another soft, flowy top with a athlesure inspired pant. 

The stripe that runs down the pant leg is repeated simply in the band on the sleeve. 

This ensemble is from Addias.  

I love how the stripe curves across the back of the jacket and then elongates the body by bringing the eye down to the stripe in the pant.

This piece is just so lovely. The soft ruffle that is sewn into the stripe on the blouse and then brought into the pant. 

This piece makes me long for a cool day. The stripe runs down the sleeve and then down into the pant. Love the play on color blocking too.

Love the echo of the stripe in the duster, and then in the pant.

Here the stripe has been added to a dress. Although it's a rather wide stripe, it blends in so beautifully with the plaid in the main fabric. 

There are so many aspects of our lives that on the surface can seem simple, watching dogs run, a cup of tea on a cool rainy day, or even an outfit that makes us feel great each and every time we slip into it. 
May you find a simple joy, a simple gift in your day :)

Rhonda

Monday Morning Inspiration/Not Your Grandmother's Tailored Jackets

Sometimes I feel as though my life is an I Love Lucy sitcom ;) 

So, here's what happened... 

I was home alone for the night, and feeling a little lonely, and it occurred to me that I could lock the door between my dressing room and my bedroom. The only entrance into my bedroom is through the dressing room. The lock that is on the door is a skeleton lock, after all the house was built in 1924. I had thought, "What a great idea! I will lock the door and sleep peacefully through the night." Not!!! I locked the door, and the lock jammed! I could not get the door open. I tried and tried, but no luck. I was trapped!!! I didn't sleep the rest of the night as I thinking about how I could get myself out. Finally, I remembered the attic window. Originally, this was the only way into the attic. Since we have had the house, we added a pull down staircase. 

I waited until the next morning, and devised a plan. At first I thought I could just climb up on my headboard as it is rather high, and attached to the wall. But, it was just a little too far for me to hoist myself up into the window. So, I decided to move my bed and then pull the armoire over. I then put a chair on top of the armoire. The problem then was to get myself up on the armoire. I then took another chair and put it on the bed. But, before I climbed up, I realized that the armoire wasn't as secure as it should be, so I moved my bedside table in back of the armoire to keep it from tilting over once I climbed up. Success!!! I was able to climb up and through the window. 

At this point, I'm thinking that the hard part was over. Well, no. Letting the staircase down was another problem that needed to be solved. I couldn't just let the stairs crash to the floor. I had some yarn in the attic, so I pulled off a long length and devised a pulley of sorts that allowed me to let the stairs down gently. Once the stairs were down, and I was on the other side, what a relief. There's more to the story, but enough for now. I took a picture to show my husband. He could not believe it. In the end, he was just grateful that I didn't fall and kill myself. Hey, we do what we need to do :)

I thought you might enjoy the picture of my stacked up furniture :) 

Last Saturday was the first meeting for the Haute Couture Club of Chicago after our summer hiatus. We had such a great meeting. Gregg Fishman of Fishman's Fabrics in Chicago was our guest speaker. He always brings a number of fabulous fabrics for us to purchase if we would like. I bought 2 pieces, a fabulous silk, and a lovely piece of autumn yellow wool. Years ago, I had a jacket made out of a piece of wool in this color and I literally wore it out. I wore it with everything, skirts, jeans, dresses. It was like the perfect piece. So, I was quite happy when I saw this piece in his pile of goodies. Now I am thinking of how I want to make this jacket. Since I'm looking for myself, I thought I would share some of what I found.

I really love this jacket. It's structured and yet soft, and I really like the elongated lapel. 

This jacket is so stunning. I love the pop of color. And I also like the asymmetrical aspect of the collar.

This is a fabulous idea for a plaid. It's structured, it's soft, it has a play on the plaid, and I love the fringed edging. 

This is a great design. The collar is a true lapel collar, but it radiates out of the princess line seam. I rather like the odd little pocket on the seam, too! 

Another play on structured and soft. The lapel that kinda becomes a ruffle, and then the tie belt. Such fun!

This is a basic tailored jacket with a little extra ease that is then pulled in with the side belts. Really pretty.

Rather than having buttons, a side belt. 

The next 2 jackets are all out WOW!!! 

Talk about catch your eye! The braided...I'm not sure what to call them...I think are fabulous!  

This jacket is so, so lovely. Such an amazing design. 

I am so very happy that structure jackets are coming back into vogue. I absolutely love being able to throw a jacket on with whatever I am wearing.

Have a fabulous week, and remember, there's usually a solution to just about any problem. ;)
 Rhonda

The Wednesday Showcase

Today will mark the end of a very special time of my life. For the past 6 years, I have been the president of the American Opera Society of Chicago. I remember running up the stairs to my very first board meeting as president. As my shoes hit each stair, the thoughts in my head seemed to get louder and louder telling me that this was far more than I was capable of. But I continued to climb and head toward my fear. 

In the over 90 year history of the organization, I am the first to serve for 6 years. There have been wonderful moments, and events have happened to cause me to lose sleep, many nights sleep at that. But, I persevered. I learned to gracefully deal with some very strong women, and I learned when it was best to just be quiet. I have learned that it is important to run towards what scares you because in the end, not only will you be stronger and wiser, but you will also learn that you are capable of so more than you could imagine when you began.  

For today's Wednesday Showcase, I would like to introduce you to someone new, and reintroduce you to a couple of fabulous ladies that we met some time ago.

First, our new introduction is Annette from a Sewful Life. What a fun and lovely lady! She believes in the power of making, the joy it brings us and the restorative power it can have in our lives. Annette began sewing at the age of 3, and could not imagine her life without this wonderful creative outlet.

As I scrolled through her blog, I especially liked how she plans out her projects. She purchased a Curvy Sketchbook from Cashmerette and she actually uses it!!!

Absolutely love the shark teeth picture!!! Annette went to Hawaii and took along her easy to wear Me Made Wardrobe.

Look who this is with Annette...Rhonda Pierce!!! Annette lives near Seattle so it's easy for her to get to the expo in Puyallup. She and Rhonda modeled the hats for one of the many fashion shows that you will find there.

Annette is helping to lead a sew and serve group at her church. They make baby blankets for a local mission center. You can read all about what they are doing and find more opportunities on her post HERE.

Annette is very new to the blogging world, she just began this past March, so be sure to pop over and give her a very warm welcome!

There's a very talented lady who sews beautifully and lives in France. Her name is Jacqueline and sadly, she no longer blogs. But, I just had to share one of her newest makes. She made this raincoat out of a plastic tablecloth. So cute and what a fun idea! 

Jacqueline is part of a great group of ladies on Facebook, La Couture & Ses Blogs. You might like to check them out :)

I showcased Pauline of Sew You Think You Can Knock Off some time ago. She loves to recreate designer garments, and does so beautifully. She also loves stripes.

On Monday, I posted this picture of a beautifully mitered striped dress,

Here's Pauline's real life version. Simply fabulous!!! You can read her post HERE.

Another fun stripe make.

Love the use of the vertical and horizontal stripes.

You will also find Pauline on Instagram. Be sure to check her out as I know you'll be inspired!

Have a wonderful day!
Rhonda 

Sewbussted's Material Witness Episode 2/The Fabric Nook

I just could not be more excited!!! The second episode of Sewbussted's Material Witness is up and it was so much fun to do. I think...I hope...you'll enjoy it as much as I enjoyed putting it together.

In the preliminary video, I shared that I wanted to combine flying and interviews. I did not fly to this location. Granby, Colorado is nestled in the Rocky Mountains. I have had a little mountain flying instruction, but only a little. Flying in the mountains, especially the Rocky Mountains, is quite different from flying at lower altitudes in a small airplane. 

The Fabric Nook is owned by a lovely lady, Tina Holley. In my opinion, her store is truly the gem of not only the town, but the entire county.   

The store has a very interesting history, which you'll hear in the video, and I think you'll enjoy meeting a sewist with a rich history all her own. 



What I love most about Tina's story is that she stepped out, and took a chance at her dream. Once she made that step, she has not looked back, and her excitement is contagious!  

We mentioned the original wood floors. As you walk through the store, you can't help but feel the history.

The Fabric Nook is the ONLY place where you can find a zipper in the entire county.

We also mentioned that Tina participated in the Row By Row Quilting Experience. Below is a picture of "Through The Aspen." A few kits are still available and if by chance you would like to order one, you can find the Fabric Nook HERE. Just scroll down and you'll find the kit! 

Thanks so much for stopping by. With each video, I've learned a little more. I'm excited for the next!!!

If you ever find yourself in Colorado, by all means, stop by and see Tina. She'll be so happy to meet you, and she'll make you feel right at home :)