Sew Serendipity Jacket

For my birthday, my mom gave me the book, Sew Serendipity. The book is great. If gives garment sewing techniques in the beginning. It has a basic jacket, skirt, and dress/tunic pattern and then it shows how to alter each one with other details to personalize it. The directions are clear and easy to follow and there are a lot of pictures. I was also pleased that I didn't have to do any alterations to the pattern to make it fit, which is a first for me. I chose to make the jacket because I had never sewn one before. I didn't know what kind of fabric I would buy, so I just went fabric shopping until I found something I liked. I found a great wool blend that was black and purple.

I also found these great buttons that I thought went well with the design of the jacket.

Since I hadn't done a lining before and the pattern did not include directions for one, I hadn't planned on lining it. When I completed the jacket, I realized that I wouldn't be 100% happy with it without a lining.

I went back to Hancock Fabrics and found this terrific purple that was the perfect match for the jacket. I am so happy with the finished product and it fits great too, but I don't have a photographer here that can photograph me wearing it.

Now if only it would be cold enough to wear it...

Ryan is 4!

Ryan turned 4 on Friday. I can hardly believe it. He is growing up so fast. He absolutely loved the bike that we gave him. He just looked and giggled when he saw it. It took him a couple of minutes before he even touched it. He absolutely fell in love with his bike after his first ride. He especially loves getting up to speed and them slamming on his brakes to see how long of a black mark he can leave behind with his tires.

His party was also great. He had decided shortly after his 3rd birthday that he would be having a tractor party. At first, he wanted to have it out on Pa's farm so he could play on all the tractors for his party, but as his actual birthday drew closer, he decided that he would like to have it at Grandma Debbie's. He also thought Disneyland would be a good venue, but we nixed that, much to his disappointment. I also let him take cookies to preschool on Friday, which he loved.

Enjoy the video of Ryan and Madelyn blowing out the candles on his tractor cake.

I can't wait to see how Ryan grows and learns this year. Every year is so special.

New Purse from Old Things

I was feeling like I needed a project, but I didn't want to spend any money. I went through my fabric stash and found a gorgeous piece of upholstery fabric that my mom bought for me a while ago. I also found a burnt orange piece of fabric that was a nice compliment to the upholstery fabric. I had leftover pieces of fake leather, interfacings, and purse hardware. I decided that my project should be a purse. This whole week, I thought about what the purse should look like. Well, last Christmas, I splurged and bought a purse (in navy, not the color pictured) and I LOVE this purse. I have not carried a different purse since I bought it. Knowing me and my love of purses, I haven't EVER gone this long without switching purses. I decided that I was going to copy that purse pattern.

It was really simple. It is just three rectangles, with the two sewn together to make the front, and one whole rectangle for the back. I added a couple pockets, some hardware, buttons, and embellishments and this purse is the result! I'm pleased with it.

Now if only the weather would cooperate and cool off so my fall wardrobe could be worn with this handbag.