What happened to July?

We're in the middle of August and I'm trying to figure out what happened to July.  You know the old saying "Time flies when you're having fun."  Well, I've had a wonderful summer so far and it seems like it was just last week we were shoveling snow.  I think they should change that old saying to "Time flies when you get old."
We had lots of company (family) this summer.  I had a houseful of sisters-in-law and it was great.  Word of warning........don't try out new recipes on company!!!!  My friend makes this awesome potato salad and she gave me the recipe.  When it came time to make this awesome dish I had three extra cooks in the kitchen.  It was fun and we laughed a lot but the potato salad most assuredly was not awesome.

Anyway, I am getting some sewing done this summer.  Not as much as I'd like but my granddaughter is cute as a button in the sundress, panty and bonnet I made for her.  Bought a new sewing machine.  A Brother SE400 Embroidery/Sewing machine.  It is awesome and well beyond my expectations.  Look for more embroidery in future garments.  I just love how easy it is to operate.  My Viking has been semi-retired.  The Viking stood the test of time but not technology.  Anyone out there used a Brother SE400?  Do you have any tips/tricks to pass along?  If you have a moment, please take the poll to the right.

Thanks for your help.  Catch ya later.
Grandmabenny

IF ANYONE MISSES ME

I have been laid up for several days now. I have to do everything in short bursts. I have trouble getting up when I manage to sit down. Will visit the chiropractor when my SS comes in. Until then I either stand or lay down most of the time. I would stand all the time if I could. No pain when standing or walking. Enough on that.
I managed to make this Feliz dress for my Etsy shop. I just love the material. It's "Possibilities" and it is so cute. I am planning another Feliz with the other two coordinating fabrics in this selection. I use yards and yards of ruffles because all the little girls I know just love to twirl.
I have been prewashing all my fabrics lately to eliminate some of the shrinkage before the garment is made.
Here's the Feliz:

Later,
Grandmabenny

PICNIK

The most recent photos posted in my Etsy shop were an experiment with Picnik, a photo editing software.  It has lots of options for free and for a price you can upgrade for more options.  I would be interested to hear your opinion of these new photos.  Is it an improvement?  I tend to over think everything and have edited and re-edited my photos.  Also, which do you like better, the framed photos or the matte photos?  Here are a couple of examples or you can look at my shop at WWW.grandmabenny.etsy.com 

 

LIFE'S A PICNIC?

JUST LISTED

How do you like this one? 

Two New Garments

Two new garments for my shop.  Really enjoyed making the hat.  Can't wait to try it on a 6-month-old youngster.  If you love to sew, you'll love making hats and bonnets.

The dress is a size 5 and it's a very popular style right now.  It is time consuming if you are particular about gathering.  I think I am obsessive and no matter how long I spend shifting the gathers back and forth trying for that perfect evenly distributed look, I just never quite make perfection.  Oh well, at least you know it's a hand-made garment.

(Yes, I know I need a new background.  It's on my "to do list")

By the way, I couldn't imbed this week's DIY Dish webisode but you can get it by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page.  It's really a good one!!

Also, if it's not too much trouble, click on your choice below this post (or any of my posts so far) to let me know if I am on the right track with this blog.

KRIS AND KIM HAVE DONE IT AGAIN!

MORE FUN WITH KRIS AND KIM

Another episode

Win It Wednesday: The Handmade Marketplace by Kari Chapin

Win It Wednesday: The Handmade Marketplace by Kari Chapin

Sneak Preview

I've sewn for years but, believe it or not, I had never done hand pleating.  This cute little size 3 frock, "Annikka's Dress," is an Olabelhe pattern designed by Dawn Hansen. It has hand pleated sleeves and the layered skirt is hand pleated to the bodice. 

I must admit that as I began pleating the skirt onto the bodice, my frustration meter went all the way into the red and I took several "breaks" to keep from having a mental breakdown.  After a couple of trial and error sessions, I finally got a rhythm going and it was actually quite satisfying to see the pleats fall into place.

I love how versatile this pattern is.  For instance, I shortened the sleeves for summer wear.  The pattern called for long sleeves pleated into a cuff.  Lots of room to trim at the waist and hemlines.  I think the only thing I would change about the pattern is the seam allowance.  If I make this one again, I'll add another 1/4" to  3/8" because.....well, I guess I'm used to a 5/8" seam allowance.  The 1/4" felt awkward to me.  Call me crazy!  The fabric is "yui kokeshi" from The Alexander Henry Fabrics collection.  Isn't it cute?

I am currently cutting out  a McCall's pattern that I couldn't resist.  It's an infants' top, panties and hat and this fabric virtually screamed at me, "I would be adorable in that!"

The top and panty will be floral and the hat pink with floral trim.  Don't you just love it?  I'll post both of these garments in my Etsy shop this week.

Well, I had lots to say today as I may not have time again until next weekend to visit with you again.  Loads of sewing to do this week and house cleaning and baby proofing to do before my daughter and my precious grandbaby come for a visit on the 19th.
Let me know what you think.  I am a really good listener.  Also haven't heard any comments about the fashion show.  Where are you?
Later,
Grandmabenny

Another Episode With Kris and Kim

If you didn't see episode 4 of Kris and Kim on DIYDish you missed "creating a birdie-themed birthday party for a little 'tweet'heart."  Watch today and they’ll introduce you to the fantastic new CRICUT CAKE machine, and did I mention they’re…giving a machine away, as well? YES, you read that right! They  have a brand new giveaway, courtesy of  episode 4 sponsor, ProvoCraft. Watch now....

and don't miss the second helping:

DIY Dish and my latest projects

If you aren't following the twins on DIY Dish each week, you are missing a good time and some very unique decorating ideas.  Episode 3 was embroidered place cards and burlap napkin rings.  I didn't think burlap could be so cute. Click on the link at the bottom of this page to view all three episodes and get ready for number 4!
I know I am late this week but I have been "sew" busy and having a wonderful time making really cute stuff.  I have to show you.  I've added slacks and a cute little skirt to the size 2 His and Her blazers already listed in my shop.

  Also, a bow tie that would be perfect with the little boy's blazer/slacks.

Actually I used the same fabric that the slacks are made from.
In addition, oh so cute sundress and diaper cover.  I reworked the straps of another pattern to make a strap that is easy to open and close and won't come undone while on baby!  It's sort of a modified "knot" look???  What do you think.

 

 To check out all the new items in my shop  

www.grandmabenny.etsy.com

Later,
Grandmabenny

DIY DISH

Creativity is indeed being served at DIY Dish (including second helpings.)  Kim and Kris are delightful and do a great job.  In an easy to understand manner, they have taught us to make cup cake pin cushions in the first episode and the decorative pins to ice the cake in the second.  I enjoy watching them and I can tell they thoroughly enjoy what they are doing.  As an added bonus this week they included Easter egg decorating to enjoy with the kids in your life.  Can't wait for next weeks episode.
Be sure to go to their site and register for the Jenome machines. Just click on the link at the bottom of the page.  The contest ends in one week.  I know I have my fingers crossed!
Later,
Grandmabenny

DIAPER COVERS AND FASHION SHOW

It's a lot cooler today. I'd say I wish it was May and warm but I'm too old to be wishing my life away. It's funny how when you're young you can wish away time without thinking you're wishing your life away.

For the past week I have been making adorable little Diaper Covers. I found this cute pattern at the "Tie Dye Diva Designs & Monkeysbug Tees" I fell in love with this one because of the style. They look so cute on the little ones. I did make a change because of my preference. The pattern calls for laying the bias tape over the pressed up leg opening. I prefer to fold out one side of the bias tape and stitch it to the right side of the garment, clip the curves, trim the leg opening and then press to the inside and stitch closed leaving about an inch to an inch and 1/2 opening to insert the elastic. This is the way I learned to apply bias and I think it makes a cleaner looking finish.

I am in the planning stages of a style show which, if all goes well, will be held in July in Saxonburg, PA. My sister, the photographer, is researching and making the contacts. We hope to have several little models from newborn to 6 years old. We are currently looking for models in the Saxonburg area. There will be discounts on clothing and photo shoots for participating. If you have little ones in this age range and would like to participate, please email me at benjamin4189@adelphia.net and I will put you in touch with the program coordinator. Be sure your subject line says "Fashion Show"

I will keep you informed as the plans progress.

Later,
Grandma Benny

GIVE AWAY AT YCMT

To celebrate the launch of a new show, YCMT has teamed up with Janome to give away 2 machines! Two great prizes to win. One is the Janome 350e EMBROIDERY machine and a the second is the Janome DC4030 SEWING machine!

Check out DIY DISH and get details by clicking on the button at the bottom of this page.

No matter how old you are or how accomplished, you can still learn something new. I entered the contest and I plan to watch all the videos.

Let me hear your comments as the DIY videos progress. I am really looking forward to it.
Later,

SHE'S B-A-A-CK

We moved in finally and I promptly fell on my knee.  I won't go into detail but suffice to say the shower tub is about a half a foot higher than the normal tub.  Not exactly a garden tub but none-the-less,  when I stepped out, the floor wasn't where I expected it to be.  I looked at my leg and I had a huge hematoma.  I thought it was my leg bone.  My first thought was, "Why doesn't this hurt more?"  I quickly determined that nothing was broken so I dressed and went downstairs to continue unpacking.  First order of business was to organize my sewing room as I had a huge order to complete and I was on a deadline.  I was making good progress going at a good clip when I grabbed a shelf that I thought was empty and began scooting it across the room.  You guessed it.  The bottom shelf had two small but heavy plastic boxes on it and they dislodged as I scooted the shelf and landed on the foot of the leg that I had damaged earlier.  Now, not only did I have a swollen knee, my foot doubled in size and I think I must have fractured one of those tiny bones because it hurt like a son-of-a-gun.  Needless to say, I didn't do much stair climbing for quite a while.
I did finish my order and shipped it just in time.  This same customer sent a piece of German cloth and I made two vests and clip-on bow ties for her boys.  I love making the bow ties.  It takes so little fabric that you can virtually make bow ties out of any fabric you have laying around.  There is very little sewing involved.  The secret is in the final step when you hand stitch the band.  It is very important to catch in the bow fabric to keep the band securely in place.  The best way to learn to make one is take one apart.  However, I will post directions and photos in the very near future if any of you are interested.
We had an interesting Christmas.  We went to my sis-in-laws in Florida.  This was her first Christmas without her dear husband who died of cancer last year.  And, wouldn't you know it, the night time temperature was in the 40's most of the week.  It was spring like in the daytime so that was pleasant.  I spent a couple of days making a vest for her out of her husbands neckties.  It was real cute and she was pleased to have it to remember the good times.  I am including a picture of a necktie vest that gave me the idea and a link to the directions if you want to tackle this one.  If I had it to do over, I probably wouldn't have tried a fitted pattern.  The vest in the picture is probably the best way to go.  Mine ended up looking "patchworky"  Cute, but didn't look a thing like this picture.

If you try it, please send pics and let me know how it went.  How to make a vest from old neckties

I am currently recovering my dining room chairs that we purchased at a second-hand store.  I am learning how to use an electric staple gun. OMG! can you say "machine gun?"  I'll post pics if I don't kill myself or my hubby in the meantime.  I must say it seems like it will be much easier when I learn how to control it.
That's enough for now.
Later