Sewing review - Simplicity 3751

Continuing the trend of sewing from stash, I made Simplicity 3751 from a piece of fabric that's been sitting in my stash for over a year. (I have a bad habit of buying remnants at fabric stores, attracted by their deeply discounted prices, and ending up with not enough fabric to make what I want. This shirt for example - I wanted sleeves, and didn't have enough fabric to make it work.)

I was fairly conflicted about this shirt before making it - it is fairly shapeless, which can either look easy and relaxed, or just shapeless. I've decided my top looks easy and relaxed, but I'd be avoiding it if I put on a few pounds - it can easily tip over into 'pregnant lady look'...

But I think I like it.



This picture shows how I'll likely be wearing it in fall. With a cardigan and jeans - easy-peasy weekend dressing.

Pattern mods - I started with a size 12 pattern, since for some reason, I'd bought a size 12-14-16-18 vs. something smaller. I'm a size 10 top in most big 4 patterns, so I knew I'd have some adjusting to do. To make it smaller, I (unscientifically took off 1" off the center seam - so, 4 inches off the entire top. And its still too wide - wow. I'd have been swimming in the 12.

Also, I took 2 inches off the length - my usual petite sizing. Also, I didn't really read the instructions, this is not a complicated shirt to make.

So, I think I finally have a sewing story that is successful, even if it is a mild success. Woo hoo!

End notes - I spent the day at my parents, much of it spent at my mom's sewing machine. She snapped this picture of me, hard at work.



I was making this quilt top, which, once finished, my mom is going to give to a friend of hers who had a new baby. (Well, actually, the baby's 6 months old. What can I say? I'm behind.) I'm quite pleased about sewing opportunities like this - it gives me a chance to sew down some stash, which means, I have room to buy more fabric. :)



Oh, and that fabric diet I put myself on? Still on it, if only because I haven't stepped into a fabric store since July, I think. November is looking very do-able.

I'm feeling a bit jinxed...

That Butterick dress? Well, its going to the back of the sewing closet. (Where wadders live.) Why? See below picture - and notice the serious bunching at waist. (Especially on the side where the zipper is attached, that's pretty yuck.) Big 4 patterns have been running large at size 12, so I bravely cut a 10. Yeah, I'm not a 10. Also, I can't sew a bias skirt or attach a zipper to one without causing serious stretching out of shape (note to self, stabilize next time.) Plus, I don't like the fabric (ah well, it was cheap.)



I might finish this if I lose 10 pounds and inches off my hip (also known as, when pigs fly.)

What else is jinxed? Hmm. Roll call - my TV died, my camera cable died, my computer is threatening to... Excuse me, I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself. It'll pass. My life is good.

Also, woo hoo to me!

I got a blog award! Kristy nominated me for a couple, actually, which is perfectly awesome! She makes the most amazing clothes - and looks really polished and professional in all of them. I'm very honored to be picked by her!





So the rules for these awards are:

1. Select 6 bloggers to whom you would like to give this award
I'm going to break the first rule! I read and enjoy entirely too many blogs to be able to narrow it down to 6. But, thank you, everyone who blogs. You are all such an inspiration, and sewing motivation.

2. Put the award on your blog and indicate who gave it to you by identifying her/his blog - okay!

3. Paste these rules on your blog - okay!

4. Write 6 of your most important values and 6 negative points you condemn.

Ah, we have an election round the corner (both in Canada and the US) so, important values/beliefs that's on my mind - personal choice, freedom of speech, separation of church and state. Other things - I like honesty, politeness to waiters and not taking yourself too seriously.

Things I'm not a fan of: People telling me what to do, small-mindedness, waste, lack of curiosity, especially about the world... maybe just those 4? There's a lot more that irritates me, but those are the biggies, atleast for the moment.

5. Inform the 6 recipients by leaving a comment on their blog - see 1, above!

Why I haven't been posting...

I've been cooking

Indian-style tomato gravy, used for curries. I'm going to freeze this batch, and then pull it out as needed when I'm being lazy (most weekdays.)



How to make? Heat oil, add cumin seeds, chopped onion, garlic and grated ginger, saute till it turns brown. Add chili powder, 1/2 tsp turmeric and salt and any other dry masala (I used 2-3 tsp of Shan's meat and curry masala) , fry for 1 minute . Add chopped tomatoes. Simmer, about 30 minutes.

I've been preserving and freezing

Ontario cauliflowers were on sale here a week ago (for 99c a head), so I bought a bunch of them, and froze. Again, this is excellent for weekday meals. Instructions here.



Also, did the same for green peppers.



I also made dill pickles, but those are at my parents, where they are sealing. I'm a bit nervous about these, but we'll see!

I've been making a zillion bags

For my nephew's birthday. My cousin is going to put the kids' giveaway stuff in these bags. (18 bags... an excellent opportunity to sew down the stash!)



I've been listening to amazing music!

I saw Delerium and Vieux Farka Toure in concert last week. Social life overload! The Vieux Farka Toure concert, in particular, just blew me away. (Also, umm, how should I put it? The boy's remarkably easy on the eye. What a hottie!)

Here's a YouTube video of my favorite song on his debut album.

But the most important reason?

I've had a new addition to the household



Awwwwwww - what a cutie! She's my foster cat (I've never owned a pet before, so I thought this would be the responsible thing to do.) Cleaning out the litter box is not, by any means, my favorite chore, but she's so much fun! Such a sweetie... Her official name, according to the foster people, is Star. I decided that Star's a pretty boring name, so I've renamed her - her new, better name is Biscuit.

I do have a current sewing project.



I'm making Butterick 5212. Its slow going, for all the above reasons... Plus, I need to go get a zipper. I honestly am not sure why I'm making this, I need fall clothes far more than another dress. However, I only have a few hours of work left on it, so maybe the next thing will actually be useful.