The Wednesday Showcase

Happy Wednesday Everyone!!! I think I say that just about every week :) It's a gorgeous day here in Chicago, not as warm as it was over the weekend, but a bright blue sky, so what's not to make one happy?!!!
For the Wednesday Showcase, I typically showcase lesser known blogs, but today I thought I would showcase and give a shout out to 2 blogs that are more on the power house side. Both started following my humble little site not so long ago, so I thought a shout out would be in order and who knows, you may not know them, we can't know everybody, so they just might be new to you.

First up is Carolyn from http://sewingfantaticdiary.blogspot.com/ Her blog is named appropriately as she really does love to sew. She also loves fashion and taking chances. Check out this inspiration photo.

And now her very fashion forward creation.

Carolyn works in an office setting. so she makes lots of dresses, skirts and cardigans. Yes, that's cardigan sweaters and she does one incredible job.  You must check out her posts on her cardigan sweaters. They are truly an inspiration.

She also enjoys adding interesting details to her garments. 

 Carolyn loves her grandbabies.

and her shoes!!! She has an incredible shoe wardrobe :)

In the off chance that you haven't checked out Carolyn's blog, please do so. You'll find lots of fitting advice (Carolyn shares a wealth of information) and a woman who just loves to sew and wear pretty clothes.  

Our second power house of the day is Oonaballoona of http://www.oonaballoona.com/ She's so much fun, and like Carolyn, loves beautiful clothes. Oona also loves taking on a challenge and fabulous pictures.

Check out this "don't mess with me" vest. Great pattern. It's Burda! 

As I said, she has such fun with her pictures.

Check out this dress, demur and proper from the front,

and a little surprise in the back!! Oona does like surprises!

 Here's a capsule of some of the fun pieces she did in 2014.

Oona is part of the Mood Sewing Network. She's competed on Project Sewn and she was one of Burda's top 50 bloggers. So like I said, in the off chance that you have not bumped into Oona in the past, be sure to pop over to her blog as you'll be in for a treat.

Another Wednesday Showcase post comes to an end. I'm off to work on some fun projects and I hope you are as well.
Have a wonderful day!!!
Rhonda

Monday Morning Inspiration

Like so many of you, I save a lot of pictures for inspiration. If you want to create beautiful things, it's important to look at everything you can get your hands on as you never know what will spark a little creativity. The first picture is one that I found last week and labeled it, "I Love This!!" I put it in Google images and tried to find its origination, but with no luck. I would love to see the finished garment, so if someone is a little better than I am about finding things, please let me know and I'll post the finished pictures. But for now, isn't this beautiful?!!! Be sure to take a minute or so and really look at the piece as the seam lines are so very interesting.


A few weeks back, I did an inspiration post on buttonholes. I found this picture a little later, but I thought you would enjoy it nonetheless. Again, take a close look as the little bias pieces around the buttons as they are finished with thread arrows.

 What a gorgeous idea for a coat lining.

 Take a look at this sleeve.

 And this one. I don't know that I would ever do it, but it is interesting.

This sleeve I will be doing. It is just so pretty and delicate.

This coat is actually from the late 1800's. I would wear this today in a heartbeat, although I think I would prefer not to have the crocheted twists at the hem.

I missed posting this dress when I did the 1960's post, but what a fun little dress! Not for everyone, but still fun.

For those who enjoy repurposing, check out this top. It looks like 3 different sweaters were used to create this piece.

 I love the lines of this skirt. What a fun stripe project this would be.

Vintage garments and patterns are always a great source of inspiration. Look closely at this piece. The top actually wraps around to the back closure. Beautifully done.

Now, for one of the most disgusting things I've seen in a while...oh my goodness what was this designer thinking???? Sorry about that. I didn't mean to make you spit out your morning coffee ;) But then again, even bad design can spark an idea....maybe. 

Have a wonderful, inspiration filled week!
Rhonda

Sunday Night Reflections

We need to say our plans, our dreams, out loud so that someone else can hear them, then help us to be accountable and take what's so far unreal and turn it into something  real.

We need to say what we want because that's the first step in recognizing that it's possible. 

Whatever you want, 

or need, 

or are trying to do 

IS possible. 

Saying it is just the first step in allowing it to become real. 

             

                                                                                                               Elise Blaha Cripe

Eating For Your Future/Sesame Ginger Quinoa Salad

Happy Sunday Everyone!!! Hope your day is off to a great start :) I spent yesterday teaching a class on making fascinators. I worked so hard, but I had such a wonderful day. As soon as I get some pictures, I'll have to share the beautiful work that everyone did. They really created some exceptional pieces.

Last Christmas, I treated myself to this little gizmo. It's actually the cheapest model that they carry, but what a lot of fun it has been!! This one basically tracks the steps I take throughout the day. At this point in my day, I have already gone for my morning walk, so it's registering a little over 9000 steps. If you need a little motivation to get moving, you might want to look into a Fit Bit. It comes with a little plug in for your computer, so you can keep track of what your doing. There are models that do a whole lot more than the one I have, but this model is fun and very motivating. so check it out :)

Now for a little good and healthy eating motivation. Doesn't this look incredibly good?!!!! Well it is!

I think it was last week that I told you about a site called Pop Sugar. It's a great site and I have had a lot of fun looking around and discovering some really great recipes. The base of the salad is quinoa which is a gluten free grain that is also a complete protein, so a winner all the way around. You can find the original recipe HERE along with all the nutritional information.

Sesame Ginger Ginger Quinoa Salad

INGREDIENTS

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups shelled frozen edamame
3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
1/2 yellow pepper, diced
1/2 red pepper, diced
1 cup red cabbage, chopped
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 teaspoons fresh ginger, finely minced
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

DIRECTIONS

1. Place the quinoa, water, and salt in a covered pot. Heat on high until it boils, lower the heat to low, and cook for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is soft and the water absorbed.
2. Pour the quinoa into a medium-sized bowl, and mix in the frozen edamame, carrots, peppers, and cabbage.
3. In a small bowl, make the dressing by mixing the sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced ginger, and sesame seeds.
4. Pour the dressing over the quinoa and veggies, and mix thoroughly. Enjoy immediately, or store in a covered container for later.

*Changes;

I added a clove of chopped garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to my salad dressing, and I added a little extra ginger. I like ginger :)

This is a recipe that is best made up the night before as the ingredients will be enhanced  over time. By all means, give it a try, not only is it good for a light dinner, but you will enjoy it for your lunch. Serve it on a bed of greens and your eyes and stomach will both be happy!!!

The Finished Kantha Quilt

My Kantha Quilt jacket is finished and just in time for the beautiful weather we are having in Chicago. I am so pleased with the jacket, In my last post about the jacket, I said that I might want to trim down the collar. I wore the jacket a few days ago when I met up with some friends. Both of them loved the collar and felt that I should leave it alone. So what do you think? 

My husband and I were out early this morning and had a little fun with the pictures. The pictures were actually taken in an alley!! This is the garage door for the Lill Street Art Art Center. We are really quite fortunate here in Chicago as we have some very interesting art pieces like this that are available to see just as you drive by. Over the summer I hope to make a little more use of some of these in my pictures. 

I added pockets to the jacket, but wasn't able to match the pattern as I had already cut the remainder of my fabric for another project. I decided that since the pattern is quite busy and the binding does serve as a break, then it's not so noticeable that I didn't match the pattern. At least that is what I'm telling myself ;) The jacket is great unbelted.

Here's a view of the back. 

 Now belted.

So weigh in on the collar and let me know what you think. For the time being, I plan to wear it as is and then make a decision. But, it will be interesting to hear what you think as well.
If by chance you missed the info on the pattern, it's a free pattern from Sew News and you can find it HERE. I'm planning to use the pattern one more time for another piece that I think you'll find interesting. So download the pattern before it's gone. I really is a great pattern and it's quite versatile as well.

Developing Your Creative Dreams/Podcasts Are a Great Resource

Like most of us who sew and create, I spend a lot of time alone in my studio. As I work along, I always enjoy multi-tasking, and a great way to multi-task is.....to do the laundry!!!! What???? Now that's just a joke, although I usually do try and do a load or two of laundry while I'm working on a project. But a very good way to make great use of your time and to learn something new is to listen to podcasts. I have fallen in love with podcasts!! Podcasts are a great vehicle to use when you would like to learn a little something new as well as a great source of inspiration. All of the podcasts that I have listened to are by people who have had a desire to find their passion and then have just moved forward and made it happen. In their podcasts they offer tips and ideas that will help you along the way. So I thought I would share a few of the podcasts that I have found to be very inspirational.
www.howtheyblog.com
This podcast is by Kat Lee. Here you will gain lots of inspiration on how to blog. You'll find topics from "How To Be a Better  Writer," to "The Art and Power of Taking Action," and so many more.

Elsie Gets Crafty

Elsie shares valuable information, everything that someone with a small business needs to know, from legal issues, to building creative routines. She also blogs HERE. Take a few minutes and listen to her motivational speech on the power of making bold statements.

http://www.ohsopinteresting.com/

With this podcast you'll learn more about Pinterest than you could have ever imagined possible.  The podcasts are packed with great information.

http://improvephotography.com/

Would you like to take better pictures and improve the quality of your blog posts? I know I would! The website is packed with great information and blog posts. You can find the podcasts HERE. Each week, Jim Harmer, who calls himself a photography nerd, approaches the subject of photography in a very down to earth style that will help even the most novice take better pictures.

As we all know, inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere. A great sewing podcast is Thread Cult, the brain child of Christine who blogs at Daughter Fish.

Here you will find interviews with Susan Khalje, Alabama Chanin, Fashion in Harmony, and many more. You'll be inspired by those who have had a dream and acted on it.

For anyone who is thinking about building a business, podcasts  like these are valuable resources.
If by chance you are working on the Master Sewing and Design Professional Certificate Program, you will be asked to develop a business plan. Writing and using a business plan is a critical component of a successful business. In order to create a business plan, you must first know the direction in which you would like to go. Listening to what others have done and accomplished can be very instrumental in helping you move forward on your creative dreams.

The Wednesday Showcase

Happy Wednesday Everyone!!!
Wow have my spirits been soaring! It's sunny, it's warm(if you call 50 degrees warm, and I now do!!!), and I am now hearing the cardinals sing in the morning. Spring is on its way!
I have 2 lovely and very creative ladies to introduce you to today.
First up is Duckndam of http://www.duckndam.blogspot.com/ She loves to sew and she lives in San Francisco so she has access to fabulous fabric stores like Britex.
I just love when the creative process is shared with us. Take a look at her sketch book. Not only does she sketch out what she would like to do, but she includes fabric swatches too.

 She makes lots of cute tops,

 and makes great use of her scraps!

You know how you feel when everything just seems to work out perfectly? Well, this was one of those tops for her. She said that her smile looks smug, I think it looks like, I'm so happy!!!!

Be sure to check out Duckndam. I know you will enjoy getting to know her.

Next up is another west coast girl, Helena who lives in Seattle. You can find her at http://www.grayallday.com/ . She says that since it rains so much in Seattle, many of her days are gray, so she stays in and sews and in turn creates her own sunshine.
Helena won the 3rd round of the Pattern Review Sewing Bee with her remake of the Winter Street Dress. Such a great piece! Check out the asymmetrical hem flounce.

For those of you who do not know Helena, she has a great pattern to add to her creative endeavors, the Sandpoint Top. It's an very feminine and graceful top that really showcases the back. You can find the pattern HERE.

She's also working on another fun pattern, this fabulous pair of pants. Don't you just love the fabric?!!!

Helena also has a fun feature on her blog called Sew It Chic in a Week. You can read all about it and learn how to link up HERE.

So once again, 2 very talented, creative and busy ladies!!
Hope your week is going well and that there's a little sunshine in your day that makes you smile.
Happy Wednesday!
Rhonda