Updated Necktie Skirt

 After a decade of making necktie skirts, I thought it was time for an update.

 The new style is longer, has an exposed zipper in the back and black bias tape for a waistband.  It is actually quicker to make than my old style - Yay!

(Thanks to Kaitlin for modeling!)

Check out Kaitlin modeling for me in 2004!

Vintage Bag

I love books and magazines and I purchase plenty - especially sewing and decorating titles, but I rarely make any of the projects.

In fact, I recently challenged myself to recall even ONE project ever made from any of the hundreds of titles in my library and I couldn't identify a single one.

I do plenty of sewing of course. I just seem to prefer making "my own designs." I always have. So, why do I need all of these books and magazines?



A couple of months ago I told myself that I would make something from the next magazine I purchased. Otherwise, I wouldn't buy it. So, when I saw this title at my local Barnes & Noble I decided to try to purse on the cover. Isn't it cute?

I drafted the patterns and marked and cut out the fabrics carefully. It was a little tricky because the instructions are metric.

This was a good exercise for me.

After the project was done I thought, "Okay, there I've done it. A completed project from a magazine." It turned out pretty much like the design on the cover. Although it is nice, it doesn't really look like "me."

So I hung it on a drawer knob and forgot about it.

Later Kaitlin was over and she spotted it from the hall. MOM!!!! This is AMAZING!!!! Go figure. So now my precious daughter has a new bag.

I also concluded that there is nothing wrong with reading these books and magazines just for fun. My mom enjoyed reading cookbooks. Same thing, right?

I love a happy ending.

Merry Christmas to all...

...and to all a good night.

Kaitlin and I made this wreath today from vintage ornaments!

Kaitlin is the Scottsdale Republic's "Teacher of the Week!"

Thank you Mrs. Brophy!

What Are We Making?

What are we making? Something from red felt and white beads....

...jingle bells, green felt hats, gold tinsel...

Jingle Bell Elf Ornaments! Kaitlin and I made twenty of these for gifts this year.