Happy Days

I hope that you had a wonderful Easter. We went up to Toronto to visit with family and friends over Spring Break. It was a much needed break as things have been super crazy around here. My friend and co-homeroom mom, Joanne, found this project on-line and I made up this sample of an adorable bunny for Little A's Spring Party craft project. So cute.

First, tomorrow is my birthday! Whee! I'm not fussy about my birthday but I won't complain when I get a cool box from the UPS guy. Look what I received from the folks at Aurifil. Now, they didn't send this specifically for my birthday but what timing!

I received this awesome case filled with thread! Alex, from Aurifil, allowed me to choose 40 spools of thread from their color card and the remaining 8 were threads of their choosing. The color card is fabulous. Nothing beats the Aurifil array of colors. Luscious and decadent color.

I love the case that came with the threads. I wanted to be like my little one and take the case to sleep with me!! [My little one has slept in his sled in my living room and in his snow suit in bed.]

Yummy and sexy! The greens may look the same but let me assure you that the changes are subtle and delicious! Am I tempting you yet? You need to run out and buy some of this thread for yourself. Why?

I must admit that I had a large thread collection before trying Aurifil threads. One day I bought some at the Lancaster quilt show and I fell in love. No more scant seams because the thread is fine [but strong!]. I tried to find some thread to match my "Inspiration" fabric line and couldn't find any colors from other brands at my local quilt shop. That's when I bought the Aurifil threads at Lancaster. 

Okay, so I am going on and on about this thread. Let the photos do the talking! Thank you, Alex and Aurifil!!  After I catch my breath, I'll have to show you some photographs of some fun places that I've been to lately.  xo, L

...and some more lessons about pattern sizing...

I have been sewing since 2003, so I tell myself that I should know better, and yet, I've been making a serious mistake for many years: buying the wrong size in patterns.

After carefully selecting my items seen in the previous post, I was inspired to look through all the patterns I have accumulated and marvel in their wonder.  Unfortunately, it turned into something like a bloodbath as I found myself throwing most of the patterns into a pile of  "Cannot Be Used."  Thankfully, I have a brilliant friend who is also a seamstress and can use patterns in the 10-12 range. 

I still find myself rather sad about buying patterns that I cannot use.  Some were actually very recent purchases, which makes it all the more frustrating.  I am turning this whole depressing situation into a learning experience.  I am being remarkably honest with myself.  Why did I need so many patterns for gypsy costumes?  Did I really plan on making that and heading out on the town?  Or why would I buy patterns for pencil skirts?  I know they are completely unflattering on me.  And how many Jane Austen dress patterns does a girl need before she actually makes one?  Yes, it is a good thing to have to examine what I own and part with them.  It did make me realize what I did want to re buy (when JoAnn's/Hancock has a $1 pattern sale again).  I would like to make myself some jackets - but not necessarily with ruffles.  I would like professional looking skirts and blouses, and I would like these to have a vintage feel.  I can buy patterns that reflect these wants and come in my size range.

I know that my pattern errors came from being too impatient and always wanting it now now now without pausing to see what I am actually getting.  Sometimes I feel this way about sewing.  I want to wear it now without putting a ton of work into it, and this is something that is slowly changing.  My PD was actually very time consuming, and I followed the pattern faithfully.  Unfortunately, the cut was not flattering on me, but the craftsmanship was really well done (if I do say so myself).  If I want to have quality, I need to put in the time.  I also need to take my time in choosing my projects. 

Overall lesson learned: Haste makes waste and a large scrap pile.