Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Day Ramblings. . .

I haven't blogged since Halloween!!!!

Well it's Thanksgiving already!  Everyone have a happy holiday and start preparing for X-mas.  Don't let the holiday season stress you out!  I'm not going to that's for sure. Going to be with family today and do a little sewing this morning along with laundry, cleaning, dishes the norm.  No Stress!!

I have been sewing and can't wait to let you in on some great easy finds.  I also took a trip to Khol's and brought a dress!  I was mortified by the quality of items and the prices were obscene.  I need to get out more. (LOL!)  Any way give thanks everyday but eat your ass off today. It's allowed. 

Have a safe and wonderful holiday and thanks for reading.

Talk Soon Carol

My Halloween Costume!

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to post my Halloween costume for those of you who made a costume and had a great Halloween!

I used Simplicity 2324 with a few alterations (A-lined the dress bottom to accommodate the letters and shortened front/back by 3 inches). I also fully lined the dress to keep it cool so I wouldn't burn up while dancing.  The dress fabric is a shiny white pleather.  This costume came to me as I was trying to think of something original. Through all the Internet surfing I came across a "Twister" costume and knocked it off!  I was originally thinking of Scrabble but the fabric was to much and I didn't have enough time to get the fabric and make my costume.  So when "Twister" came to mind, I Googled it and WALA - a costume popped up!  Again, I didn't have the time to order so I just made it.  My cost was $13 for all materials and it took me about 5 hours to make!!  Let me know what you think! 

The "Twister" was done free hand on red felt at 1:30 in the morning! The felt circles template was made from a CD. Everything is stitched on "ALL THE WAY AROUND!"

Back closure with a ribbon.  I didn't feel like putting in a zipper.  Note the sequin on the collar.



Here is my hat - the spinner actually works.  It's on with a jean rivet! LOL!



All in all. . .

I didn't win the contest (the "sexy" store brought did") but - I was asked to pose for plenty pictures, absorbed many complements and had a great time!

Maybe next year I'll be a "sexy" whatever and buy my costume from the store! Naaaaaaaaaaa!

Talk Soon Carol

Rambling on!

It's the Saturday before Halloween!

Happy Hallowen!

• I made two Cowl Neck scarves! (Very nice and drapey!)
• I made some panne velvet leggings because I saw a lady with some on and I really liked them.
• I made my Halloween costume and I'm excited about wearing it.  It's really nice! (Will blog about that later if I win any contests. LOL!) Gogo boots are over priced.
• Chicken again - smells good today. (Lol!)
• My son is growing up and hearing me.  He got all A's and one B on his report card. I had to buy him something.
• I stayed up all night making my Halloween costume.  (Yawn)
• Got my hair done today and I like it.
• Watched Project Runway and analyzed the outcome.  I agree but I felt Victor should have won. My money was on Josh tho.
• Still have Grey's Anatomy and 4 episodes of Sex and the City to watch - I'm late. I didn't have HBO when it was on.
• My husband made Chili for my department at work - they enjoyed the food.  It was good. He's thoughtful - sometimes. (cheese!)
• I figured out which shoes to wear tonight. I figure, since I have so many pair I guess it would be stupid to buy more.  I'll feel differently next payday.
• Did some laundry.  I hate laundry, but I like clean clothes.
• I guess this will be the week I start using the tread mill and stop looking at it.
• How and when did I get so busy?!

I need a nap - I'm rambling but before I go here's my favorite comic strip for this time of year:
FYI -it's a little Racy so you're forewarned.

Talk Soon Carol

I made a decision!

TNT Pattern - Sweatsuit Alternative

Per Tim Gunn, you are not supposed to be seen out in public wearing sweats! HA!  Finally, I found my personal answer to the sweatsuit.  In a previous post (Ramblings, I think) I needed to make an outfit for a family party.  Well Vogue 1197 was my final decision.  This pattern went together super fast and that's what I needed.  I had in my stash some white velour and the print was sweatshirt fabric. Both I purchased about 6 months ago from Vogue Fabrics.  Originally, I wanted an all white outfit but I ran out of fabric. I found the print in a frantic stash rant at 1 AM. The velour was so thick - glad that's gone and I have just a little more room in my fabric closet. LOL!

The cowl is drafted in two sizes.  I chose the small one.  I can't imagine how messy the big one probably is!  Anyway, the raglan sleeves have rouching to the elbow, the pants have an elastic waist and are an inseam only deal (like pj pants).  I also put the slit at the bottom of the pants and finished all seams with a double needle (cause I don't have a coverstitch machine - YET!)

Small Cowl Neck

Sleeve rouching

Slit at pants bottom

and of course - The Shoes!

I must admit I only have three Sandra Betzina patterns and one was a total "Wadder" but I have to give her her props on this one!  Well written, fast, easy and looks great! Maybe I'll give the "wadder" another go.  (We'll see.)  I love this outfit!! I will be making this one at least two more times. Count on it!

Talk Soon Carol

Winter is coming!!

A Cardinal!!

Look what I had the pleasure of spotting on this past Saturday afternoon!  He stopped (on his way south) to eat some berries from our Juniper bush!!!  WOW!!!  I called my son on the phone (from the driveway) and he got the camera and took pics.  Right outside my office window!

Talk Soon Carol

I Can't believe I did it again!!!

Missed Tim Gunn!!!

My friend got to meet Tim Gunn Saturday!!! He was here at a local mall for Liz Claiborne.  I was invited but had to pass. What the hell was I thinking?!
It sunk in after she text me this picture! :-(

Anyhoooooo (HUGE Sigh). . . Here she is with the man of many words!  That's ok, I'll get my picture one day!  I'll make it work! Bet That!

WTG Kathy!!!

Talk Soon Carol

A Fleece Moment!

Fleece!!

My friend and I were at JoAnn Fabrics on Friday and she hammered me about a fleece poncho I made about 3 years ago.  It's pilled and discussting old, but clean. :-)


It's Dead!!

Anywhooo, as I was standing in front of  Polar Fleece for $3.99 per yard. She said (aloud) GET OVER THAT PONCHO! BUY SOME DAMN FLEECE AND MAKE A NEW ONE - PLEASE! Nothing like friends, huh?! She then proceeded to point to out a nice print as I stood in front of it, not noticing but laughing my ass off! 

OK! She was right so here is my new fall  "running around" coat.

OOP Vogue 8562

I did view B and size 18.  This is a quick and easy pattern.  It's fully lined coat with flannel back satin for a little extra warmth. I added a jacket stay and muslin in the front shoulder area to eliminate stretching over time. I also put a button at the top of the neck instead of a coat snap, which I used as closures on the rest of the jacket.  I made this jacket about two years ago to match a dress and remembered how fast it was so Saturday night I whipped it out and got to wear it today!



Jacket Front



Full Lining

Jacket Back

Here in Chicago "Fall" lasts about a month if we're lucky, so it's actually going to be good weather to wear this coat.  I made a hat and purchased some $1 stretch gloves to match to carry me to the first frost. The whole ensamble cost me $11! (LOL!  I love those cheap gloves!)

It's so soft!!

Talk Soon Carol