Aug. 18, 2007 - Moving Day

Moving is one of those bittersweet times in life. You're looking forward to the future and yet hate to give up the past. We're moving our blog today but will continue to visit our old friends here at homescoolbloogger. Please feel free to visit us at our new home anytime. Our new address is here.

Patti

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Aug. 10, 2007 - Oriential Influence - Part 2

It is so exciting to finally be ready to start sewing on dresses for me!!

The first thing I did was set up my dressmaker's mannequin according to my measurements so I would not have to try the dress on as I worked on it.  Then I was ready to sew.

I sewed the princess and shoulder seams and fitted it on the mannequin before I serged the seams-just in case I had to make adjustments.

I pinned the side seams and everything looked good.  This design calls for the front and back facings to be attached before the side seams are sewn but I wanted to make sure the dress would fit before I started attaching the facings.

I inserted a zipper in the back and then I sewed the side seams.  The dress is all finished except for the hem.

I wanted a modest tea length dress so I made the appropriate hem using my sewing machine, (it  does a blind hem so I don't have to do it by hand), very nice!!

The jacket was pretty easy and the only detail I added was the loop in the front for closing the button-I liked that better than a buttonhole on this fabric. 

And here is the finished product.  If you like this style I am offering it in my store with your choice of fabrics. Check it out here.  

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Aug. 9, 2007 - Resins, Resins and More Resins

Look what I picked up from the post office today. 

These are called resins and they are used to decorate hairbows, purses or scrapbook pages.  I will use these for hairbows.

I found this great assortment on ebay at this site.  http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZluvpansys62

I paid about 10 cents each for 100 resins, and this is a great price. 

Once the hairbow is made I try to add a resin to the center to make it a little fancier.  Very often it is the resin that sells the bow.  As you can see from the photo resins come in all shapes and sizes. 

The real trick is getting them attached so they don't fall off.  I have found that using either E6000 or Gem Tac (glues available at any craft shop), and securing them with my hubby's woodworking clamps, to hold the resins on the bow overnight, works very well.

Now I can't wait to start making hairbows.

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Aug. 8, 2007 - Oriental Influence

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Aug. 7, 2007 - Quality Control

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Aug. 6, 2007 - Busy - Busy - Busy!

Summertime is traditionally slow for my eBay store so I generally let the inventory run down to save me money on listing fees.  Since it is time for back-to-school, Fall and soon Christmas I decided it was time to start filling the "shelves" again.

I spent all day getting things listed in the store and even more lined up to be put there in the not to distant future.  Lots of hairbows, crocheted socks, new outfits and even a few Children's Place and J.Khaki items.  So if you get a chance visit my store (here) and check out all the new items. Oh, and come back often because at least 1 new item is listed every day.

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Aug. 5, 2007 - My Studio

This is is the "official" entrance of my studio - my hubby disagrees; he says the WHOLE house is my studio. I don't know where he gets such an idea, it couldn't be because I sometimes use the dining room table for pattern layout? It couldn't be because a corner of the garage is set-up as a photo studio (complete with an endless background), could it? I doubt seriously that it's because I use the guestroom as a warehouse for my completed goods inventory? or Because I take over the living room when making hairbows?  I don't know where these men come up with some of the ideas they get .

Anyway, once you step into the studio you will notice on the left wall my files and main sewing area. I have 4 file cabinets that hold office supplies, patterns, financial records and the other misc. "stuff" you need to run a business. I like the 2-drawer cabinets because the top can double as a workspace.

Along the same wall is my main sewing area which holds my machines, thread, lighting and the all important television to provide background "noise". (I don't really watch it, but I like the company).

Along the back wall is where I keep my laptop - since most of my business is via e-commerce, it is the backbone of Patti's Originals (after Hurricane Katrina we purchased a laptop since we discovered how difficult an e-business can be to run when you don't have a computer).

On the right wall we find my material storage areas. I have a large double-door closet which has been converted for fabric storage. (This doesn't count the fabrics I have stored in plastic boxes under the desk, tucked in corners, etc.)

And finally, along the same wall, my notions storage bins. These are so handy I would like to have more of them. If I were to buy more I can just hear my dh acusing me of taking over the house, again - so for now I'll make due.

And this is where I spend my days!! 

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Aug. 4, 2007 - The "Lydia" Bracelet

Our eldest granddaughter is always complaining she can’t find merchandise with her name on it. We’re going to rectify that situation with a custom bracelet. My husband, the jewelry designer in our family, purchased some 925 silver block letters to spell L-Y-D-I-A and some Swarovski crystals in her favorite color - purple.

Here’s a photo showing the “raw materials” of the “Lydia” bracelet.

Silver graded 925 is considered “sterling silver” and is the correct grade for both strength and beauty. The Swarovski crystals are a high grade lead crystal glass - they are precision cut for maximum light reflection.

Here’s a photo showing the finished bracelet. Now we just need to keep it a secret until her birthday - ya, fat chance.

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Aug. 3, 2007 - Fashionably Feminine

A friend asked if I created designs for women as well as for children so I thought I take this opportunity to explain my future plans.

It is so difficult for women to find clothing that fits their measurements, looks good and is modest that I decided to branch out and begin offering custom made dresses in my store. 

Since I hate to shop for myself all of my clothing is very old and needs to be replaced, therefore, I decided I would make a prototype of the dresses I will offer and keep them for myself ;-).  I will use these dresses for photographs and then offer a selection of fabrics from which you can choose to have them custom made for you!

The following will be the 3 main dresses offered.

This is a ladies' tea-length jumper with a fully lined yoke and side pockets.  It has a back zipper for easy dressing and the skirt has a center seam in the front and back.  This jumper could be made from almost any fabric from denim, to calico, to knit, to eyelet.  I love the tapered sides and the free flowing skirt. (I'll leave off the appliques - I think there nice but detract from what I'm trying to achieve).

This is a tea-length dress with princess seams (very figure flattering) a back zipper and a coordinating jacket.  I cut this one out last night and selected a cotton fabric with a touch of the orient.  I will post photos as I continue construction.  My jacket will be made from the same fabric as the dress but I am going to look for a solid color that will match.  If I can find it I will make both jackets and have a very versatile outfit-1 dress and 2 jackets.

The last dress is another tea-length jumper but this one has very tapered sides, a tie in the back, princess seams (again figure flattering), and it buttons up the front.  This one can also be made out of almost any fabric, but I am thinking of twill!!  I might pair this with a jacket to make it a little dressier.

I am also going to make a skirt and blouse outfit but I am still working out the details on that so no photos yet!!

I promise to keep you updated with photos during construction and a link to the listings when they are completed.

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Aug. 2, 2007 - More on Modesty

It seems that more and more modesty is making the news.  A few weeks ago Good Morning America did a story on teen girls who are striving to dress more modestly.  This is not their parent's idea, but these young girls have a desire to rein in the current trend for teens to dress like the current pop idols.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/AmericanFamily/story?id=3397793&page=1

The thing that impressed me about this story was that these girls seemed to have captured the true meaning of modesty.  They were interested in dressing nicely, in clothing that was attractive and feminine, but equally as important, they were interested in maintaining modesty in their behavior.  This is indeed how modesty should be lived-from the heart.

What we believe is reflected in what we wear. If as women, we believe we're only sexual objects whose primary function is the satisfaction of society's fantasies - then it's easy to follow the dress code of Hollywood's starlets.

Ladies, let's not minimize ourselves and our abilities by forgetting that we are created in God's image - and because of this not only our dress, but our demeanor, should reflect our importance and worth.

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Aug. 1, 2007 - Fabric Shopping

Yesterday was a fun day.  I went shopping for fabric to use for ladies' clothing.  This was a real challenge and a lot of fun.

It was a challenge because it has been a long time since I have shopped for fabric to use for adult clothing.  I kept finding myself drifting to princesses, bright colors, characters or other fabric designed for children.  I had to keep telling myself, "This is not appropriate for adults."

I finally got used to looking at the fabric that was not designed for children and found some really nice prints. 

Look at this gorgeous oriental floral on a black background.  The flowers are outlined in gold.  I love this and think it will make a fantastic dress.

This brown with beige detailing is very versatile and the beige fabric with brown fish and crosses looks really cute with it.  I am not sure if I will make a skirt and blouse or dress and jacket but either will look nice.

Now, I have loved this fabric since I first laid eyes on it.  It has a very dark blue background with gorgeous white and light blue/grey flowers.  This fabric is just beautiful and will make a great dress or suit.

Music, music, music-wouldn't this make a fantastic outfit for a music teacher!!  Both fabrics are highlighted with gold specks and they look great together.

This purple piece has flowers in various shades of pink.  The purple is rich and vibrant and it also has golden highlights.  I am thinking of a dress with princess seams for this piece.

It should be even more fun deciding on a specific design for each of these fabrics so check my store where the finished products will be available soon.

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Jul. 31, 2007 - New Phone

Okay, I don't intend to make this blog a commercial - but I HAVE TO brag about my new phone.  I have been wanting to get a newer phone for awhile but hated to spend the money.   I really wanted needed a camera phone because quite often I need to photograph fabric and send the picture to a customer for their to approve.

With our vacation near, my hubby told me to buy the one I wanted (as long as it included a camera) so I didn't have to carry both a phone and a camera all over Houston.

I shopped around for the best bargain and it was still more than I wanted to spend, but I got a Motorola Razr V3.  The photos are a little grainy (as you can see from the Houston photos) but it is so much more convenient than carrying a cell phone AND a camera. 

I love all the features of the phone.  I know most of the world has had these features for a long time but my old phone was an antique that they gave away for free-so I really feel spoiled with this new one.

I can assign ring tones to different callers, it stores so many more numbers than I will ever need, it has hand's free calling, takes  photos and videos, can download games and ringtones and I am sure a lot more that I am not aware of.

It is really funny to see the way different generations deal with technology. 

I got the phone and started reading the manual and delicately played with the buttons and settings.  My 13 year old granddaughter came to town the next day and I needed her to do figure out something on it while I was driving-a couple clicks and she had it all fixed.  I was shocked!  I would have had to stop the car, pull out the manual, look it up and then fix it.  Kids are so amazing!

Well, I love my new phone, and I love my sweetie for insisting I buy it!!

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Jul. 30, 2007 - More From Houston

One of our grandsons, Christian, wants to be an astronaut so the highlight of our trip was a visit to NASA.

All week we had told the kids that Friday we were doing something fun but it would be a surprise.  They were very excited when they realized where we were going!

The kids had so much fun and there was so much to do but I think the favorite spot for the little ones was the Martian Matrix.  It is a huge play area full climbing fun.  It is so big I could not get a photo of it, but the kids loved it.

My son has a friend who works for NASA and he gave us a, behind the scenes, tour of mission control.  Christian was very excited because he got to see where the mission specialists sit while working.

Everyone had so much fun and I recommend a visit to NASA when you are in the Houston area.

This is all 4 of our sweethearts-Lauren is 7, Caleb is 9, Lydia is 13, and Christian is 12.  We only get to see them a few times a year so spending our vacation together was a real treat.

Our last night in town and we wanted some good Texas bar-b-que so we headed to an old favorite of ours, Goode & Co.  The bar-b-que is great but you absolutely must save room for the pecan pie.

This is a photo of the kids and I inside the restaurant in front of a buffalo. 

We had a great time together but now I can't wait for some peace and quiet and my own bed!!

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Jul. 30, 2007 - Family Fun Times

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Jul. 25, 2007 - Back to School Angels

This is such a busy time for teachers as they get ready for school to start.
I created this outfit with a special teacher in mind, my daughter-in-law, Shannon.

I love this adorable fabric, covered with angels carrying their school bags.

The front of the skirt is gathered into the flat waistband and buttonhole elastic is used in the back to make the waist adjustable.

The bottom of the skirt has a full, deep ruffle.

The matching vest is fully lined with a contrasting red cotton.

I just love the way this outfit turned out and it will be so comfortable since it made completely out of cotton.
I think Shannon will be very pleased.

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Jul. 24, 2007 - Chopsticks

Have you ever come across one of those ideas which look sooooo good on paper, but are a disaster when executed. That's the story of my latest diet.

Hara hachi bu is Japanese and means "eat until 80% full" (don't they have a quaint way of saying don't pig-out?).  In America this is hard to do because we are so used to eating until we are full.  So we decided to try to eat Japanese style-using chopsticks.  The thinking was that we would eat more slowly so we would notice when we started getting full and be able to stop.  Now doesn't that sound like a good idea!

Well, we went out and bought some chopsticks and the first night we used them we had Chinese fried noodles and Chicken Chow Mein.  I never realized how small those fried noodles were before-but when I tried to pick them up with chopsticks they sure did seem tiny.  It took so long to eat our dinner (one noodle at a time) that I ended up frustrated but not full enough to stop before it was all gone.

Well, we tried again a couple nights later and my poor hubby could not get his to work at all, he finally gave up and used a fork.  I had gotten the hang of the chopsticks and did okay with them but still I did not stop before it was all gone.

The bottom line is chopsticks may slow your eating down but if you are determined to clean your plate, why bother!

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Jul. 23, 2007 - Tiers of Joy - Part 2

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Jul. 22, 2007 - Books-Part 1

How did we ever get soooo many books? I counted today and we have 12 bookcases, full of books! There’s hardly a wall in the house that doesn’t have a bookcase on it. That doesn’t even count the “piles” we’re currently reading. We have too many books (and bookcases), and we’re trying to break our book addition. We’ve started doing research on how others have dealt with this affliction and have already begun implementing some of what we’ve learned.

Our first step was to start categorizing books - the first major category are those books we haven’t read. Of this first category we’ve subdivided them into those we think we will read and those we’ve decided we won’t. It’s not much, but it’s a start. We’ll share more when, and if, we get the courage to take the next step - stay tuned.

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Jul. 21, 2007 - Tiers of Joy - Part 1

One of my best customers bought this multi-tiered dress last year and it looks so cute on her daughter that she wanted another one for this school year but she wanted to make a few changes.

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Jul. 20, 2007 - Time for Camp in Virginia

Dawn needed culottes for her daughter for church camp later this month.

Her daughter liked the soft denim and the stock culottes I offer.

She also wanted a skort made out of khaki.  This pattern is fitted a lot more than our standard culottes so I needed a few additional measurements.

I ironed the pattern before cutting so I could be sure to get accurate sizing.

There are darts in the front and back so I traced them before sewing.

It is important to taper darts so that you get a flat finish.

The waistband was handsewn and then topstitched on the top and bottom. 

This skort has a front and back panel and the shorts underneath, so it looks like a skirt from either side.

 The skort, culottes, my thank you note are on the way to camp.

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