How I spent National Sewing Month

Earlier this month I put together a few ideas for this year's National Sewing Month theme, Reuse, Remake, Restyle.

And what have I been doing all month?

In terms of quantity, not a whole lot. But in terms of quality, I'd have to say I've learned quite a bit.

Let me explain . . .

I wanted to reuse embroideries from a project I finished a couple of years ago (see my previous blog entry for details). I've managed to take all the pieces apart, but have yet to come up with an alternate use. And I won't get around to that before the end of September.

So this is yet another UFO . . .

On the other hand, most of my sewing time this month has been devoted to working on fitting the bodice for McCall's 5138. I'm working on this blouse as part of an online class offered by PatternReview - All About Set-in Sleeves and Armholes. As I have come to learn, getting a sleeve to fit correctly depends a lot on having a well-fitting bodice and armhole. Here's where I am on version #3 of my muslin:

Trust me, it fits me better than it fits my dress form, but I'm not ready to share those photos outside of the class just yet. I will try to remember to write about this project in detail later, but let me say right now that this class is wonderful and I have already learned a good deal about analyzing how the mockup fits and what needs to be changed to make it work on my body. I've finally reached the point where I can start to fit the sleeve, so am hoping to be able to report more progress very soon. And maybe a real, wearable blouse, not just a practice garment.

If you want to learn more about sewing garments that fit, I highly recommend the online classes at PatternReview. This is the second online class I have taken this year and I feel they are definitely worth every penny.

So that's how I've spent my National Sewing Month this year . . . how about you?

September is National Sewing Month

The theme for National Sewing Month 2009 is Reuse, Remake, Restyle. In keeping with that theme, I have a couple of projects I'd like to tackle this month, though I don't know if I'll enter the contest.

First, I've already begun breaking down this cover I made in 2006 for the embroidery arm carrying case for my sewing machine:

I really like the embroidered Sewing Ladies (embroidery designs from Loralie Designs), which form the pockets on the carrying case cover, but since I rarely take the embroidery arm anywhere, this cover has spent most of its life folded up in a drawer. That's a waste of pretty embroidery, in my opinion, so I decided to take it apart and put the pieces to better use.

I'm thinking that the individual embroideries might be used to decorate some sort of a storage basket in my sewing room . . . or they may end up on the cover of a laptop sleeve. We'll see.

Next, I need a carry-all of some sort for walking and taking the Pesties to the Bark Park. I've been using my Westie Sassy Bag. By the time I stuff it full of leashes, wipes, doggie bags, my wallet and cell phone, it's just too heavy on my shoulder. Plus there isn't room for a water bottle for me or the dogs. So I'd like to make a larger bag with an adjustable strap to go around my waist. I have a training treat bag from Outward Hound, but it isn't large enough for all my stuff, either. I don't want a fanny pack, so I'm still working on the exact design. I plan to reuse the pile of freebie nylon tote bags we've received from various charities overs the years for raw materials - zippers, handles, etc.

I've signed up for an online sewing class at PatternReview.com, All About Set-in Sleeves and Armholes, and I have a few unfinished items and new projects simmering in the planning stage, so I should be plenty busy sewing this month.