Sweet 16

Today is September 20th, 2011.   It is also sweet because after a 3 month hiatus of my blog, I felt that today would be just the inspiration to write a blog post, finally… I have  projects and pictures that are awaiting modeling on my blog….
September 16th has a lot of significance for me, especially.  It is my late grandmother’s birthday.  Mom, as we all called her. Mom was the grandmother we all want to have and want to be in the future.  I was very fortunate to have her in my life.  Not to sound like such a cliché, but she left a deep stamp on me. 
I adore this picture of my Grandmother and Grandfather.  Mom has the most beautiful, warm smile.

I spent LOTS of time with my grandmother.  Mom is the reason I LOVE to cook and bake.  Mom was always making something and most of the time, from scratch.  I can envision her in my mind in her simplistic kitchen cooking fantastic creations.  Her homemade pizza was amazing.  Italian cookies around the holidays, cakes, and pasta sauce simmering on the stove, are but just a few of her wonderful recipes.
This is Mom and I posing for her birthday with a cake I baked her!  Isn’t the writing just awful…But Mom-style, she loved it!

I remember when I was about 12 years old I had a cream puff over a friend’s house at a birthday party.  I asked Mom if we could make them.  She looked at me so lovingly and said she needed a recipe and didn’t have one.  She promised she would obtain one.  In those days, we did not have the internet to search for a recipe.  A couple of weeks later she told me to come by.  Mom had a recipe for cream puffs and all the ingredients so we could bake them!!  We did bake them and they were delicious.  We baked often, but this was extra-special because it was a dessert I wanted to bake.  Mom always did special things to make me happy.  I always knew that when I was with her there would be lots of hugs and laughs.  And there was….


Mom worked in the Garment District in New York City, sewing, in the 1930’s. She talked about her sewing.   Mom had a beautiful Singer sewing machine at her house that I watched her repair clothing.  It was shiny and black and encased in a fancy piece of furniture.   I asked her a couple of times if I could try sewing but the typical, protective, Italian grandmother she was mentioned she was too afraid my fingers would go through the needle and hurt me!  Therefore, she never taught me to sew…
When Mom passed away in 1992 and my family were going through her things, her sewing machine sat there collecting dust.   My mother mentioned donating her sewing machine and I just could not let that happen.  I had the sewing machine and a few supplies sent UPS to my home in Arizona.  I opened up the box it came in not knowing even how to thread a sewing machine.  Really.  
This is Mom’s sewing machine that she loved so much.  It is in excellent working condition and nothing goes through layers of fabric like this machine!  The reason I sew today.

A neighbor showed me how to thread this sewing machine and told me I could hem pants, make curtains, and such just by measuring and a straight-stitch on the sewing machine.  Hmmmm, really……  I did just that and each little project I just challenged myself.  One day I got real brave and wanted to make myself a skirt.  I found a pattern that had 2 pieces and a elastic waist.  I can do that…… I just kept trying and reading those directions for the pattern over and over…  I can do this! 
Joann’s opened up nearby my home and I took a sewing class to make an apron!  Wow!  Everyone I knew received an apron… This was all just the beginning of how I kept challenging myself.  If I can make an apron, I can make……
I then thought I would like a serger so my projects would look more professional!  I bought myself a Brother Serger and came home, opened the box and literally cried, thinking how naïve I was.  I cannot work a serger! You see, I am a Type A personality needing instant perfection.   I placed it back in the box so I could return it.  Something told me to just keep trying it.  I did…. and the serger worked great.  I was in LOVE! 
I then saw a Brother 4x4 embroidery machine and thought, WOW, just think of all the wonderful things I could customize!  Embroidery machine here I come.  At that point, my husband built me a sewing area in my laundry room.  Upper cabinets and a countertop to place all my machines on.  Lots of room for storing fabrics and notions.  Now I could just sit down and start sewing and not having to set up machines and such..
I amazed myself as well as my family with all the things I could sew.  How could I sew with such tenacity and skill not ever touching a sewing machine?  Humbly, I say, with very little instruction have I reached the point to where I am now..(I still have lots of things I want to learn how to do)
I honestly feel Mom is with me watching over me in so many ways, including sewing.  Mom sits on my shoulder and guides me and my sewing machines and honestly, without many mistakes… Mom’s sewing machine is like my magic hat!
I always knew that my grandmother was special.  She has given me SO much in my life and still is.  There is no doubt that one day she will be the first person I see, guiding me once again, hugging me and saying “Joanne” in that Italian accent she has.
If only I could I would make her a special dinner tonight.  Chicken Francese and pasta with homemade sauce.  Italian bread, Amaretto,(she loved) taralli, and gembelli(italian cookies)
As you can see, today is sweet and bittersweet at the same time!  I feel I have been so blessed.  I miss her SO much.

Happy Birthday Mom! 

Aloha!

Wow!  I feel as if the last few weeks I have been preparing and packing for our vacation!  We will be gone for 11 days and you would think with the amount of preparing, we would be gone for a month….  Whew… The anticipation (and slight anxiety) kills me.  I seem to overanalyze and overpack so as not to forget a thing.  Not a thing… 

Sierra has been SO uber-excited(is that a word?) with her countdowns, things she wants to do, the plane ride activities, etc. and even her PJ’s need to have the correct theme!

Sierra picked out the fabric from my stash and I used a pants pattern and shortened the length to make PJ shorts.  The applique is also from my “stash” from a few years ago, so I do not remember where it is from.  Sorry-brain freeze.  I added cap sleeves from a RTW shirt.  PJ’s done!

Sierra can be fashionable and fun in her new PJ’s overlooking sunsets and lots of ocean  It always pleases me to sew things for my family when it is something they are looking for.  This theme is close to my heart.

Aloha all and Mahalo for reading my post!  I will have to share some pictures on my return. (if I decide to come back)

 

 

A Fast Sew!

I think that is the name of the game these days, my mantra, so to speak!  Fast sewing.  Summer time is here and it seems as if sewing goes on the back burner.  Not my ideal, comfort-zone, don’t like, not fair, I miss my fabric, etc…. Okay, now that my rant is over(at least for today) here are some quick projects for my nephew and niece.

On Easter Sunday, my family was over his house spending Easter together, and Michael was reading and reading all the new books he received.   Hmmmmm, reminds me of my 2 daughters(and myself).  We are a bunch of bookworms for sure!  Well, that is the inspiration for this tote bag for him.  My sister frequents the library  and the bookstore with the kids LOTS during the summer.  As do my 2 DD’s and myself!  Perfect for him to carry his new treasures in!  I also placed a fun little activity book in there and some new crayons.

But of course, for Miss Kate, something pink or a dress created from my sewing room has to be…

I think I accomplished both!

Just as these are fast sews, this is a fast blog post, too!  Enjoy your holiday BBQ’s this weekend.  I plan on that….Now off to the kitchen to cook up some holiday treats!  

Animal Print Tank Top Makeover Tutorial

It’s official.  Summer Break is here. Now.  I know…..  We have cleaned out our closets to make room for the summer clothes we will be shopping for!  Aaaaaaaah, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  Love shopping.  In cleaning out our closets, this shirt was tossed in the donate pile.  I yanked it out SO fast as I just love animal prints.  It would make a great tank top-matches our current weather!

I cut the top just under the sleeves!  Of course, saving the cut pieces of sleeves.

I hemmed the top part that I cut.  I love the fact that the bottom is already hemmed.  Great quickie makeover!

The cut sleeves now become your straps!  This is definitely to your liking.  I like a thicker strap so it covers those pesky bra straps.  Yep, one of my pet peeves…. I measured how long I needed my straps to be.  I put on the shirt/tank part and measure from the top of the tank, over my shoulder, and reaching the top part of the back of the tank.  Easy peasy….  I came up with 16 inches and cut my fabric strips at 18 inches giving me seams allowances and sewing it to the tank itself.  I had just that measurement….

I cut 4 inches wide by 18 inches long.  I folded the strip in half(so it is 2 inches wide) and ironed it.  Open up the strip and lay it flat.   Then I took the raw seams and turned them towards my ironed lineby a scant 1/4 to 1/2 inch and ironed that.  I then folded my strip along the original ironed line ensuring that all raw edges are encased inside.  I then sewed all sides again making sure raw edges are inside!  Repeat for other strap!

Try on your tank again and place your sewn straps where you like them.  Pin in place front and back.  (you might need a friend to help pin the back)  After carefully removing your pinned tank, sew them in place-front and back!!

You are DONE!!

I still had some scraps leftover and just eyeballed it and cut out some flower shapes, added a button, and hand sewed it to my new tank top!

This particuliar shirt is made of a knit fabric.  Sewing with knits is super easy-ONLY if you use a knit needle.  It makes all the difference in the world.  This is such a super easy and fast makeover.  I LOVE these projects because of that and also for the fact that I can repurpose fabric that I just love but may not LOVE the style of the shirt! 

I am sure you have some long sleeved shirts that you can makeover as well.  Anyhow, who wants to wear a long sleeve shirt.  I am happiest in my tank top and my flip-flops.  It’s a good day….

Desk Set Accessories

It must be Spring because I have been doing lots of organizing and updating!  Summer break starts in just a few weeks(can you believe it) and this time of year lends the surge or “last chance” feeling I have been having!

When I saw this post for desk accessories, I knew I had found the answer to my unorganized, needs something, help, boring desk area in my kitchen.  It is by far, the catch-all area of my kitchen.  Until now…

My before picture shows all those pesky, ugly plugs and electrical wires that I loathe.  Big time.  I am very fortunate to have a desk area in my kitchen, but I have not showcased it properly.  Until now….

Ta-da!  Ta-da!  The big reveal…..

All the fun accessories, too!!!

My DH notched out the back of this shadow box so those pesky wires could be somewhat hidden and all the outlets would be hidden.  This also made for a flat-to-the-wall appearance.  My idea, of course!  The shadow box is extra-deep, 3 inches, and was purchased at Michael’s.  My DH’s concern was “how to we affix it to the ceramic tile”?  3M sells tape that adheres pictures to the wall without damaging it.  Perfect!

I had this little lamp lying around the house.  I have always admired it, but just did not have a place for it.  It had a black lampshade and I just covered it with brown fabric and added some leftover trim I had to match my kitchen décor.  I used spray adhesive for both the brown fabric and the trim.  Love that spray adhesive!

Some different angles of my desk makeover. 

There are tutorials for the blotter, pen cup, and photo frames on this wonderful website.

http://sew4home.com/projects/fabric-art-a-accents/554-french-desk-set-blotter

It was the total inspiration-transformation because of these how-to’s.  I am so thrilled to have my kitchen desk area soooo prettttttty.   A big huge thanks to sew4home!   Visit and read some past posts and you will want to decorate your home…

Now, to write all those letters I have been putting off…. Oh, but Mother’s Day is just around the corner, too.  Well, at least I have a very inviting space to accomplish that

 

Headbands, Headbands, Oh, My!

Can you say addicting?  Yes, these In-the-hoop headband flowers are SO easy, fun, and a great way to use up your fabric stash.  Although, every scrap you find and made a garment out of, you may want a matching accessory like these.  You can use it for a headband, barrette, or just pin it on your blouse.  I have even thought of making a few of them in a coordinating fabrics and attach them to a purse.  Trust me-your inner girl will come screaming out at the first stitchout of these frayed flowers!  It’s Spring, so us girls are allowed to be oh-so girly!

Here are a few I have made and have been able to take pictures of without my girls stealing them!

Here is the link to where I purchased this great ITH project!

http://www.picklepiedesigns.com/items/frayed_flowers_in_the_hoop.aspx

BTW, Nicole from Coles Corner and Creations(button on my sidebar) “Thanks” for the CONSTANT posts of these ITH flowers.  Yours are awesome and I HAD TO HAVE them!  I just LOVE, LOVE them!!! 

 

Jogging Set Makeover Tutorial

I have had this outfit in my closet and even though it was a hanging-around kind of outfit, it was boring. Gray.  The top was also too short for my liking.   I thought about donating it.  Hey, I need room in my closet(don’t we all)

Boring Gray Jogging Set

I like that the pants are a capri-length but overall a big yawn.

I thought I might wear it if at least the shirt wasn’t SO short.  Okay.  My husband had a tshirt that no longer fit him.  I think it may have made its way in the dryer and shrunk!  Oh, I LOVE Kauai.  I can almost feel the ocean breeze right now.  Really.  I am crazy about this Hawaiian Island-it is by far my fav….  But, anyhow, I just needed some white knit fabric to elongate my short top. 

I cut the bottom off of the Kauai shirt and tossed the rest aside.  I just needed a couple of inches to make my shirt longer.  I came up with 6 inches including a seam allowance would work fine.  I used the very bottom of the Kauai shirt because it is already hemmed.  Win! Win!

 

The Kauai tshirt and my gray shirt were different widths, so I cut the Kauai tshirt so it would “fit” my gray shirt.  I cut it a little larger allowing for seam allowances on both sides.  Yes, I had to seam both sides and matched up the seams to each side of my gray shirt.  Use your pins-they are your friend when it comes to sewing knit fabrics!

Placing right sides together and making sure seams all line up, I serged all the way around the bottom of my gray shirt!

Okay, job done, right??  I added the length to my gray shirt.  Still boring.  But now the capri pants look like they don’t belong.  Sigh.  Sigh.

I looked at my scrap pile from the Kauai shirt and it appeared that the sleeves from this would fit perfectly along the bottom of these capri pants.  This is also already hemmed. 

Following the same steps as above, I pinned them to the bottom of my capris and serged.  Now, I am done!!?  Not…. still blah and boring…

Kauai’s ocean breeze was calling me.  How can I throw this knit fabric away engraved with my favorite island?

Are you thinking what I’m thinking?  What can I do with this piece of lovely Kauai scrap and somehow embellish my gray shirt?   I only wish I would have thought of this sooner.  Like the first step.  Live and learn….

I decided to attach it to my gray shirt front and back pieces to look like part of the shirt.

I cut my gray shirt just below the underarms.  I then had to size the Kauai fabric to fit the width of my gray shirt.  I seamed both front and back pieces of white knit fabric.

To center “Kauai” on the gray shirt, I first found the center on the “Kauai” fabric and placed a purple dot with my marking pen.  I then found the center on my gray shirt and placed a purple dot.  I matched up the dots and pinned!

I then attached the original piece that I had extended in Step 1.  Using the same directions!

I am done!  Really!  Here is my newly-fashioned Kauai Jogging suit!

The back view!

I do know that this makeover is not going to win any Project Runway awards, but I refashioned this outfit which I thought was ugly and boring into something not SO boring.  I am still not a gray person but I think it is much more appealing.   Just think of all the fun alternatives you can do with this tutorial.  Tshirts with fun sayings, concerts, places you visited, etc….

Now at least I can keep Kauai close to my heart.  It always is….