waste not

I was cutting out a shirt for my Beloved when I realized that there was a good measure of fabric leftover.  I cut apart a shirt of his to make this pattern so I have never had definite lengths to purchase.  Then there is the bit of whether he wants long sleeves or short.  Every shirt is different!

In this case, there was enough leftover to make myself a short chemise.  I wear them under my dresses, especially when I am wearing leggings.  I just want the warmth.

Because this cotton is so fine, it has some slip to it.  I will probably be able to wear it with stockings as well.  The other crazy bit I like, is that because the cotton is so fine, it packs up very small.  It is a great chemise/slip to throw in a bag when I am traveling.  Like going to the beach with friends or off to camping.  Camping is why I put tags in all my clothes now.  An easy way to find the back in the dark or in a crowded tent!

I am still moving slowly but I hope I will be moving more quickly soon.  Now, if yarn would arrive.  I am waiting impatiently for yarn to try a new shawl pattern!

simple presents

I have a friend who is becoming a grandmother again.  I was invited to the baby shower but I am going camping that weekend.  I will also say that shower type parties of any kind are not really my thing.  

That does not mean that a gift was not created.  I had some leftover flannel from pajama making at Christmas.  Two pieces that were small boy toned.  I get very tired of the baby colors anyhow so these are a modern take and not very babyish but boy.

I just cut the fabric the same length as the width so I have a square.  In this case, it was about 45 inches.  I hem all the sides and a simple receiving blanket is created.  They are actually a touch bigger then what is easily purchased.  I find that they get used longer because they are great in car seats and strollers.  Koda Bear still uses some of his when we travel.  They are a perfect weight for sleeping in the car.

Just a simple gift.  Mailed off already because that is what life is like currently.  But I am finding that it is starting to become less wonky currently.  Hopefully, I just did not jinx myself!

time to put it in a box

I finished this dress yesterday.  It is just a simple A-line t-shirt dress.  I did use an embroidery stitch around all the hems which will allow for a bit more stretch.  I am going to mail it off to my best friend tomorrow.  In a box it goes.

I am making something similar for myself and will be working on those hems as well.  I put pockets in mine and I will have to see how well those work before I finish anything.  Maybe, I will also get some time just to sew.  That would be nice.

I liked how this picture turned out so I thought I would share it.  It is something that ended up on my Instagram account.  I needed to walk badly this morning but knew it would only happen if I got up early.  So I was out before the sun rose.  It made for a pretty picture.  I would say it was a quieter walk then usual but that is okay.  It made having to talk non-stop for three hours this morning much more bearable.

purple present

I make my best friend's Christmas presents.  Sometimes they do not get to her until June because she does not have an address to mail them to or that is the first time we connect but I make them.  I think this year she has an actual address.  But I will check before I mail anything.  Who knows where she will be?

She does not really spoil herself, so I do.  I thought some color was needed.  We both wear too much black and many earth tones.  She is notorious for whatever is on the clearance rack to be what she buys because just like me, she hates shopping.  The clearance rack may be online but it is clearance.

Working on films means she lives in hotel rooms and out of her car most of the time.  She does have a storage unit that has a large amount of yarn in it but sometimes I think that is all that is in there.  I have to make things I hope she loves.

I am actually making her a complete outfit.  The first bit is this slip.  I cut apart a nightgown I do not wear for the lace.  I had thrifted purple satin.  A slip for the dress I am making her.

It actually packs up very small so it will not take up too much room in her suitcase or car.  I am also sending leggings with the dress.  I bought a stash awhile back and I know these leggings will work under the dress.  Hopefully, when she finally receives everything, she will like it.

If you read my blog much, you may have noticed the Shop tab is gone.  I have disabled it because I cannot seem to keep up with it, my Etsy shop, and making things.  I decided it would be a good thing to simplify a bit.  

Even though the holidays are just over and that usually means I am back in this space a lot, I had a dear friend die yesterday.  I am feeling a bit lost and do not know what all the arrangements will be.  I also find my thoughts jumbled and words not coming easily or together easily.  Please bear with me.

It appears this year is going to be full of change.  

dress remake

I believe I blogged about this dress when I made it.  I had a changed a few things about it.  One, it was flannel which I really do not make dresses out of.  Two, long sleeves with cuffs.  Three, the original pattern dress length.  I found I really liked it but I only wore it when I felt ill.  A dress I just wished to wrap around me and be kept warm by. 

I loved the fabric.  So much so that even when I was making it I wished I had bought more.  Could I find it again?  Of course not!  But I did have about a yard left over that I kept.

So I cut the dress apart.  I had enough length in the skirt to make most of the dress.  I had enough in the scrap to add short sleeves and more length.  Then, the day before traveling I started sewing.  Because I wanted the dress for my parents.  Their house has a tendency to be on the chilly side.  It has a very open floor plan.

I finished it the morning of departure.  I packed it into my bag and off it went with me.  Through a few adventures getting to my parents and I changed into it on Christmas day.  I did not know I could drive from Mountain Home, Idaho to Prosser, Washington on one tank of gas with some leftover.  Driving through three states at between 30 and 45 miles per hour most of the time was quite an experience.  It was not even that bad just slow.

Back in my own home, it is the dress I am wearing it today.  I like how soft it is.  It is a comfort.  But it feels stylish in the sheath shape.  My one fear now is that I am going to wear it out and not be able to find similar fabric again.  That will be a sad moment but it will be what it will be.

I hope every one had a lovely holiday season.  I am just getting back into the swing of things.  I am not caught up at all but simple things are done.  The bed is made.  Tea is in the pot.  A morning walk was had.  I am curious to see what will be left of my garden after the below freezing nights.  The seed catalogs are here.  This could be a very bad thing!