Time for a tune up

I hate posts without pictures, so I had to add this one. This is my assistant and myself posing in someone's front yard which was full of blue bonnets. That's the state flower for Texas and we have tons of them right now. That picture also added fuel to the fire of my argument that throwing wildflower seeds in our new front lawn then not having to mow or worry about landscaping until summer is a completely legit way of dealing with the new house. We are set to move in next weekend. I know what you are thinking...

Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,

Creeps in this petty pace from day to day

To the last syllable of recorded time,

And all our yesterdays have lighted fools

The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle!

Yes, I just busted out some Shakespeare on you. This is the speech from Macbeth I like to give when I want to do something and it keeps getting put off. Yes, I actually do that. Yes, it usually ends in dramatic eye rolling from Mr. Thinks He Can. Wait, where am I going with this?

OK, so I kept putting off packing because I was jacking around with projects as a form of procrastination. I knew my sewing room in the new house was ready, so I should be moving it. Now, as a really bad example of someone who likes to act like they know their way around a sewing machine I've been meaning to get that sucker tuned up for about a year and a half. That's right. The Singer is at a shop being tuned up, finally, and I am slowly but surely packing things up because in doing so I have tied my hands from doing any projects. So, at the end of the week I am moving. On Monday at the latest I will get my machine back all tuned up and will commence living in the new house. It is a win, win for everyone!

By the way, yes, I still have a serger, but I have moved my fabric stash to keep the temptation from getting the best of me. Now I am off to read all your blogs from this weekend pack! Oh, who am I kidding!

My first Laurel!

I would call it a success! I didn't mean to sew the whole thing though... I was going to wait for Holly. Then, this morning I thought I would cut out the fabric. This was going to be a dress, but the way the fabric fell, it would have made the bodice look weird. I didn't have enough paper to trace the shirt pieces, so I cut it at the shorten or lengthen here line. I then used a 2" hem. I was more concerned about how the bodice would fit anyway. I have lost a little weight and figured I would be in a smaller size. My hips are still way smaller than anything else. I cut a 14 all the way, but my hips are actually a size 10 measurement. Go figure. Enough about me!

The fabric is a border print I got dirt cheap and have a ton of. It is a very light weight cotton. The shirt fit like a glove with no adjustments. I don't even have to move darts!

The back matches up in its own special way I am just fine wearing it as is. 

Pretty guts! So here is what happened. I thought I would just cut the fabric. Then I thought I would go ahead and mark the darts. Then I thought the yellow chalk was really light, so if I didn't sew the darts the markings would fade. Then I thought, I'd just baste it all together and check the fit. Holly wouldn't want to sit through all the drama if it didn't fit right.

Then I put it over my head. And it went on, without a zipper. Then I got all excited because it fit perfect, so I texted Holly some crazy bad pictures from my bathroom mirror. Then I finished all the edges to make sure they would stay since they were just basted. Then, I saw this green bias tape staring up from my estates sale finds. Finally the Mortal Combat theme started playing my head and "Finish It!" flashed in front of my eyes, and I did the whole thing. I'm glad I did, this took about two hours from cutting to manic sewing. 

I didn't do anything fancy here. No hand stitching the bias down. I sewed through the whole thing on my machine and serged the raw edges. I'm really pleased with the fit. I wasn't sure this style would look right on me, but I think it is pretty flattering. As for those Colette directions I love so much. I read them last night and didn't refer to them at all while sewing the dress. That goes to show how thorough they are! Man it was nice to sew something today - especially something I love and can imagine a whole gang of!

Fun with Google Key words

This was too funny not to share! I think I found my super power in my Google Keywords. Someone found me when they typed in 'can't button pants girl'. I like it. Now I have an alter ego, what is my theme song...

Meant to be?

I saw Colette's Laurel when it was released and immediately bought it. I love how simple it is. I also go gaga over the written directions which are fantastic. Holly and I have been looking for a new project, so we called it. Then the contest was announced. Then it became serious! (Do we expect to win? Not so much. But it will make it even more fun!)

I ordered my pattern from Pink Chalk Fabrics. They are generally cheaper with their free shipping, not to mention  super speedy. You know I'm too cheap to cut this pattern, so I went to trace it. The picture above is exactly what I had left on the roll. How crazy is that? Yeah, I had to skip the sleeve, but this is Houston, and we have about 2 weeks of sleeve weather left until we all start dressing like we are washing our cars in the driveway except for all the time and in public. I was going to make it without sleeves anyway! I'm so excited! Now I just need to pack... oh yeah. That. :-(

sewexhausted wins!

Congratulations! And thank you everyone for the awesome comments. The official drawing was asking Mr. to pick a number between 1 and 10. He chose 9. Sewexhausted was the 9th comment. I can't wait to see what you make!

Contact me with your shipping address please!

stacie at staciethinksshecan.com

Don't forget to win

I guess this Google Reader thing stole my two year bloggiversary thunder. So far I'm trying Feedly and BlogLovin. Have you guys found anything good?

Don't forget to enter to win the giveaway. You can see what's for grabs here.

Two year Bloggiversary giveaway

I can't believe it has been two years. I have come a long way and have really enjoyed being a part of the community. I was packing for my upcoming move and realized I am very rich in estate sale and vintage finds, who better to appreciate that than all of you? So, for my two year bloggiversary I am doing a giveaway of a few things that I think reflect the upcoming Spring for all of us in the Northern Hemisphere. All you guys down South I hope will appreciate them to. To enter please leave me a comment. I tried to think of a cool comment theme, but I have nothing. Just leave me a comment, hopefully a positive one, and you will be entered to win. I will pull a winner March 18 - my actual bloggiversary. Now on to the prizes!



Not vintage, but way Springy. 2 yards of an eyelet that I can't recall where I got it. It feels very light to the touch and has a seer sucker texture to it.

 

Vintage pattern #1. I don't know much about vintage patterns, but wearing vintage makes me feel campy. I love the scalloped button placket on this one.

 

Is this awesome for Spring or what? It is a size 14 sundress with a cute little capelet. I love it! It is way small for me, and I don't know that I would ever make it.  I'd like to see one of you guys make it though!

 

And vintage pattern #3, aren't the heart pockets and sweetheart neckline to die for? I love it, but I would feel super weird wearing this out and about. I just can't rock the vintage like you guys can! Trust me I'm jealous.

Some estate sale belt kits and tracing paper.

Some Spring-themed laces, ric-rac and piping.

Covered button kits and green elastic.

A zipper and various notions.

**Disclaimer, I don't know much about most of this stuff. It was either estate sale finds or given to me. I can't vouch for the quality of anything as it is mostly very old. That being said, it all looks to be kept in good condition. Anyone can enter. Good luck!!!!