Online shopping

Last week, I received these fat quarters from Hawthorne Threads:

I am very happy with the service and fast shipping from Hawthorne. It's always exciting to receive goodies in the mail. These are going to be a baby quilt for Shirley. Incidentally, I have quilted Alice's baby quilt. I am only waiting for the baby to come in October - if it's a girl, I will use a seriously girly color (think hot pink) for the binding as the quilt is looking a bit boyish right now.

And I got the Kona color card in the mail today! I ordered it from North Country Quilt since it's out of stock from Pink Chalk Fabrics. It took quite some time for it to be shipped and I was waiting very anxiously for a while. Now that it's here I am sooo happy I got it. It will make matching color a lot easier. And the biggest benefit - I can order Kona solid online since the selections of solid cotton from local fabric stores are very limited, not to mention expensive. It's a good day!

This one is for the beach!

The few of you who followed me are probably tired of seeing the same summer top made so many times, but I made it again, partly because I have no time to trace another pattern, but mostly because this style is so comfortable that it's all I wear now. This time, I used a cotton voile from my stash. It is so light and airy it feels like I am not wearing anything. I considered lengthening it to make a dress, but then I don't usually wear dresses so a top will get much more used.

We are leaving for Kelowna this weekend, and the forecast is sunny and 35C. I am going to bring all my summer tops! Yes, I am the type who will buy the same style of clothing in different colors from store. Happy Summer!

Another summer top

The first one was so comfortable, I found myself reaching for it in the morning all the time. When I started a load of laundry just so I can wear it the next day, I know it's time to make another one. This time, I made the back narrorier, and added pockets!

It's perfect for a hot summer day like what we had last weekend. I will probably make more. But first, I need to find the right fabric - something with a better drape.

My quest for the perfect summer top

I am attempting to make a perfect summer top. I started from Stylish Dress Book 2 Dress "C", which I made a while ago but gathered around the neck too much.

Here are a few things I look for in a perfect summer top:

• No too low cut but still breezy enough for a hot sunny day. I raised the neckline by an inch so that I can bend down to pick up Ben without worry about exposing more than I should. It turned out perfect and is super comfortable.
• Allow me to throw a cardigan on without bunching or lumpiness. This is why I fore go the tie and simply sew in the straps. This is also why I choose a sleeveless top to start with.
• The bra straps from my favorite lululemon bras won't show. Or at least it won't be the first thing you notice.  So I made the back narrower hoping the straps will be just over the bra straps. Am I crazy to be so particular about this? Anyway, this is only simi successful - the front is not bad but the bra straps are still showing on the back, although I don't think it is too ugly. What do you think?

A few other changes: I took in about an inch from each side and make the armholes about 1/2" smaller. I also shortened the bottom pieces so the ruffles are not too puffy. Next time, I will make it a bit longer and add side pockets.


I had so much fun making bias tape since I discovered this technique, I will be sewing more projects that uses bias tapes.

Another snowy day and a completed project

It snowed all night last night again.

The good thing is, it gives me an excuse to stay in the house and do some sewing. I finally get to finish dress 'C' from Stylish Dress Book 2.
 

I actually sewed this a long while ago before all the gardening activities. This is supposed to be a muslin to see how it fit. The fabric is a $2 find from Value Village. It turned out kinda cute so I wanted to add pockets to it.  As the weather got warmer, I started working in the garden and never had a chance to sit down in front of the sewing machine until today.

I made a few modifications: I gathered the front instead of the pintucks as I saw here. I also lengthened the body to get rid of the ruffles at the bottom. And, of course, the pockets.

It's too cute to fit my age and style, but it's a fun project to do. It also give me a chance to practise sewing bias tapes and pockets. I will probably make it again with another fabric.