A few days ago, a friend of mine in Petaluma, California, Babs Kavanaugh invited me to her house to do some shibori dyeing. I owned a giant linen tablecloth that despite many attempts would not release coffee stain. I decided that this would be the perfect canvas. The dying process was a lot of fun and relatively easy if you have a large space set up where you can make a mess. Attached you will find some of the steps in addition to what I made from the tablecloth. The pattern is an unlined version of a discontinued pattern Vogue 1243 that I designed about 15 years ago. I am now encouraging Vogue to add it in with one of my new patterns so that you could have the pattern of this simple and wonderful design.
My recent love affair is with a pattern of mine, Vogue 1630. This blouse is not oversized but just the right length and width to hide a tummy. I have now made 3 of them: the polka dot on the pattern cover, a black linen version and a white linen version. I now have one cut out in silk charmeuse. The pants in the pattern work well in a stretch woven or a double knit. The pant pattern has an optional diagonal dart in the back to take out the baggy seat. I also made my full circle skirt in black eyelet. I never seem to tire of sewing, even though I am not going anywhere. I have enjoyed this hobby my whole life.
Lately I have been doing a lot more reading than TV watching. I loved THE WINEMAKER'S WIFE, by Kristi Harmel. I am
excited to find a new author who can thoroughly engage me in a story. I am just finishing up THE HYPNOTIST, by Lars Kepler. This is a murder mystery but very very well written.
Thank you for your occasional feedback. It makes me feel less alone during this time.
Although I love cookbooks, during this shutdown, I realize that I do not need 20 of anything. I wrote this cookbook because, I thought what you might like right now are 50 recipes that are easy, foolproof and wow-worthy. These are not so so recipes, the results are fantastic or I would not still be making them. This recipe book might also make perfect birthday or Christmas gifts.
Watch 2 classic online tutorials that continue to be useful today!
Episode 228: Band and Yoke Dress (Vogue 1530)
Vogue 1530 is sooo flattering. It must be made in a stretch fabric. Sandra made one in Scuba, Ponte' and stretch leather and she loves them all. Sandra got the wild idea she could make it in a woven if she added a back zipper. Not a good idea! It works fine as a blouse if a bit tight but works so much better in something with stretch. While this dress looks hard, it is not. Watch this show for time saving tips and step by step instruction.
You can avoid a lot of disappointments in fitting if you know where to measure the pattern before cutting. It does not take long and eliminates guesswork and and disappointments.
