Monthly Archive for September, 2007

Favorites – Sophie Digard

I’ve been trying to find out more about the bed linens in Nanny McPhee.  (I think the overall art direction of the movie is quite spectacular…candy for the eyes in my book.)  So every once in a while I google, lots of good articles to read but don’t really come up with anything telling me about those beds!

I did get my most recent issue of Selvedge, and noticed the amazing crocheted scarves and necklaces by Sophie Digard.  Beautiful little gems of scarves, crocheted with really amazing color combinations, and they really remind me of those precious blankets on the kids’ beds in Nanny Mcphee.

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Below scarves available at Ped Shoes

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More scarf images on Flickr.

Her necklaces are really, really precious.  I love these little star flowers.

Jeans, Jeans and Jeans, oh to have a pair of Perfect Jeans

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I am so in search of the perfect pair of jeans. It’s been over 2 years since the birth of Iz, and well, I just can’t wear those lo-rise thingys. For really 2 reasons.

First – My middle hangs out over the waist band. I hate that. I hate it so much it makes my skin crawl. If I could join the gym, I would, but there isn’t one close by. I’m working on that middle, but in the mean time, I’d like to feel good about my bod, so I’d like a pair of jeans that don’t cut into me, yet support my mama middle belly.

Second – I bend over, squat, get on the floor what seems like every minute of my day. I don’t need people looking at my underwear, butt..ahem, or down my pants. Plus, my underwear just isn’t that fabulous these days (maybe that will change this Christmas dear husband..hint hint).

So, you see, I need a pair of jeans that fits me PERFECTLY. But perfect is a tough thing to come by. I’ve tried on so many pairs of jeans, inexpensive, moderate, better, bridge. I can’t really afford anything above inexpensive these days (and Old Navy seems to be catering to the lo-rise fan club), so I’m stuck. But not really anymore. I decided to do something about it. I’m going to make a pair of jeans that actually fit and look good. And, I’m going to do it with a few other stitchers…

Perfect Jeans

I’ve been doing a bunch of research. I found this old article in Glamour Magazine. Click here to see pictures from the article.

Of course, after trying on all these jeans, I can tell you what I want in my jeans:

I want them to fit, my butt, waist, thighs and look flattering, make me taller and slimmer looking.

I want them to be comfortable, yet provide a bit of tummy control.

I want cool pockets on the back, placed just so, so my butt looks smaller than it is.

Here are some other info links:

Susannah and Trinny on Oprah – They are my FAVE!

2007 Jeans Guide at StyleBakery.com

Tyra Banks Show

WikiHow.com

NZGirl.com

True Jeans via Erica B’s- DIY Style!

Zafu.com

Denimology

Click for more information on the class at LuckyStitches.

Late Night Link Love

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Whimsy Jars at One Good Bumble Bee

Nesting Doll Show at the Wurst Gallery. You can order blank dolls so you can make your own.

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This Velvet top and Hudson jeans at Penelope t. ( I can’t wait for their on-line shop to go live)

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Fresh Lemon Wipes at Flight001

Chocolate Covered Tortilla Chips

Up Next…T-shirt and coat

Goodies in the Mail!

I ordered these from SewingPatterns.com the other day.

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After reading this pattern review on SewingPatternReview, I decided I must try this coat. Looks like it is pretty versatile, good for spring, good for fall and winter. I’m thinking a faux persian lambs velvet in a hot color (umm, like GARNET!) with a contrast lining. And, because I live in New England, I want to use Thinsulate.

Then for my T-shirt class, I thought I’d try the t-shirt pattern from Jalie. I’ve read many a blog on stitchers working with Jalie patterns, and I’m pretty excited to try it. I have a favorite t-shirt, I love the neck drop and length, so I’ll be adjusting the pattern to match that T. I do love that the pattern is all sizes, so I’ll be tracing my pattern to pattern paper, so I can use the pattern again for my daughter (when she’s a bit older). Plus it’s a nice heavy paper, much less delicate than the normal tissue paper. I’ve got a few lightweight jerseys to try for this pattern, but I really want to find a cozy wool jersey. Can anybody share a good place on-line for light weight wool jersey? I might try this one. Or this. Perhaps this one.

T-shirt Class info at LuckyStitches:

Skill Level – Advanced Beginner (must know how to sew)
$125

Saturday Oct 13, 20 2PM-5PM

Working from a commercial pattern, we’ll fit and stitch up your best fitting t-shirt yet! All of this while learning / practicing how to sew a knit! FUN! Seriously, you’ll be surprised at how simple it is to work with knits. For fun – since it’s winter, pick a wool jersey to make your t-shirt, nice an cozy!)

Supplies Needed: Your Sewing Machine, Your Sewing Kit, a commercial pattern, fabric and notions as noted on your pattern envelope. Pattern Paper will be available during class.

Win a LuckyStitches $150 Certificate

Click on over to BostonMams.com for details and how to enter.  You must email BostonMamas by midnight (EST) tonight!  Good Luck! hope to be stitching with you soon! Certificate is for $150 towards classes (which are held in Haydenville, MA)

LuckyStitches!!xxoo

z

Download a Dress


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The Victoria & Albert Museum exhibit, The Golden Age of Couture, Paris and London, 1947-1957 opened yesterday. (Makes you just want to jet off to London, doesn’t it?)

The exhibit looks spectacular, with wonderful selections from innovative designers.

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There are more reasons I love the exhibition. Open Source Sewing! You can download the pattern for the couture dress below and MAKE YOUR OWN couture inspired dress. Can it be any more fun than that?

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It does get a bit more fun…you can enter the Design a Shoe Contest, which will be judged by Professor Jimmy Choo. And you can always pick up the book for the exhibit.

via Gorgeous Things

While you’re visiting V&A (whether on-line or in person), be sure to check out New York Fashion Now.

More Found Things…

fashion photos

You can see more here


Spark…

I have always collected pictures that inspire me. I used to keep them in blank books, but now they spend some time on my boards, or into folders and 3-ring binders. I’ve always referred to them as my “Spark” books, because I would constantly refer to them when thinking about projects. I still do.

I was looking for something yesterday, and I found some old Spark Books. I still have the ones I created in high school and college. It’s been a while since I’ve pasted up a blank book with tear sheets, now they are in binders or folders, but I still have them.

Here are a few shots:

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You can find more pictures here.

Sewing Machines at School

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I don’t think you need me to say it, but I will in case you weren’t sure how I feel, kids can learn to use the sewing machine early.  4 or 5.  Yep.  It’s true!   Michelle received a sewing machine for her classroom.  Check out what this little seamster has already made and read about what her other kids are making.

You can totally get your little one up and sewing.  Check out One Hour Craft for some Sewing Lessons for your kids (there are 3 total). (or come for a lesson at LuckyStitches)

There is no need to purchase a “kids” sewing machine, they can learn on yours, or grandmas.  Start with paper or felt so the kids can see what the needle does when they wind the flywheel or step on the pedal.  Make something fun and simple.  It’s fun and…in case you weren’t sure, sewing helps your kids practice eye/hand coordination, patternmaking, math, color theory….learning as it should happen…while playing.

LuckyStitches – New web site and classes! FINALLY!

Whew. Sure did take a while, but the new LuckyStitches web site is alive and well, filled with great classes for October, November and December. I am so excited about this season:

  • Wednesday Night Sew-cials
  • Drop-In & SEW!!!
  • Sewing Patterns 101
  • Hem Your Own
  • Print with Freezer Paper
  • Morning Stitch Sessions
  • Sewing Machine 101 (Intensive)
  • Zippers 101
  • T-shirt Class
  • Sew with ME!!!
  • Learn to Applique!
  • Make a Pair of Jeans that Fit!
  • Doll Quilt
  • Costume Night (a LuckyStitches and Art Star Event)
  • Costume Emergency (a LuckyStitches and Art Star Event)
  • Pajama Party!
  • Make a Sweater Scarf
  • Christmas Tree Skirt
  • Holiday Ornament Series (a LuckyStitches and Art Star Event)

There will be more info to follow. I hope you can all visit!

xoZ