Brown on black on black!

So, I ran out of black thread. And couldn't make it to the store... So yeah, I totally switched to top-stitching with dark brown thread. And I like it! Somewhere Bob Ross is smiling and saying, "Happy accidents!"

Mystery Pattern

My mom was helping my grandma go through her pattern stash a few weeks ago, and Grandma thought I'd like this one.  I can't find a copyright date on it, but the instructions include an email address and website, so it's since the mid- 90's.
Anyway, I was looking at the garment measurements. The pants have a leg width of 24 inches! I assume that's across the cuff? Maybe disco made a comeback in the 90's...  I'm loving that jacket, though. Thanks, Grandma!

Black on Black on Black

So I saw a post the other week (maybe on Closet Case Files?  That sounds right, but I can't remember...) asking why we as sewing bloggers don't show more Works In Progress pictures, and I thought it was an interesting question.  I love seeing WIPs-- it helps me learn, and it helps me not feel so lame when I see other people doing something just as crazy as I do sometimes:)  Also, I have a serious lack of Works Done pictures!  Maybe this will help me find a way to get more finished project pics.

Anyways, these are going to be a copy of one of my favorite RTW pants from White House Black Market.  I've been wanting a good pair of not-jeans, and the impending season change made me want to go black. The fabric is a cotton sateen that I bought from Pacific Fabrics this spring.  I love how sateen handles!  It's kinda lightweight for fall, but I'm Alaskan.  I'll deal:)

For the top-stitching, I'm going black.  It's unusual on a jeans-style pant to go tone-on-tone, but I saw a picture of some GORGEOUS green pants with an ever-so-slightly darker green embroidering job on the pockets (it was forever ago and I can't remember where it was or I'd link), and I've loved the subtlety of the effect ever since.  Plus, I was feeling too lazy to switch machines!

Also on deck:
More of the one T-shirt to rule them all!  Vogue 8536 is my favorite t-shirt pattern EVER.  And it fits me straight out of the envelope-- I don't even have to lengthen it (gasp).  And it comes with three different necklines and three different sleeves and aaaaaaaah.  It's such a relaxing sew.

McCall's 6800!!  I'm so excited to try this beastie.  I bought the most beautiful purple wool coating from Mood, and it gets back from the cleaners for preshrinking tomorrow.  I'm slightly concerned about putting that much fabric around my hips, but that's what a muslin is for, right?

Thursday, Thursday, Thursday!

Hi all!  I promise this blog will get up and going once summer vacation is over-- my little guys get most of my downtime during the summer.  BUT, I saw that Amy had mentioned my Thursday morning get-togethers for sewing, so I thought I'd put details up.

I host a sewing club at my home every Thursday morning, and all are welcome!  It's free (which seems obvious to me, but I've had people ask, so there you go).  Sewing Club is strictly BYOP (bring your own project), or bring no project-- I have one friend who just comes to chat (hi Kim!).  And kids are welcome, with two caveats:
A) My house is only kid-proofed to the level of a five year old (my youngest), so if you're bringing any people littler than that, you may have to keep a bit of a closer eye on them.  That said, I've had 2 year olds running around here in happy abandon; my house isn't a death trap, it's just home to two little boys who love Legos, a seamstress who loses pins, and a man who loves tech and big speakers.
B) If they want to play with my kids' toys, they are more than welcome to, on the condition that they help clean it up!  Otherwise, MY kids' whining becomes truly epic.  And operatic.  And... several other adjectives.  You get the picture :)

Anyway, the festivities begin at 10:00-ish every Thursday morning.  Feel free to email me for an address and/or directions, and I hope to see some of you!