Serendipity Tailored Coat

About 5 years ago I purchased a scarf that I've never worn. It clashes with everything I own.

On one of my usual quick trips through the discount section I spied with my little eye...

Fashion fabric and lining. If I hadn't seen them right next to each other I would have missed it.

A five year old scarf was not in the fore front of my mind.

I'd soon be sewing a tailored coat!.

Working with a self drafted pattern I came up with a simple classic looking coat.

Incorporated are a few special details.

I found that the selvedge was quite decorative and nicely off set the dots on the main fabric. 

I trimmed the bodice's princess lines just by sewing it into the seams. 

I wanted to add a bit of edge and I came up with the concept of coat jewelry.
There is a mix of chain styles that fall below the collar at the back as well as some dangley drops that hang down in the front. All the bits and pieces for this were purchased at the jewelry section of a craft store and were easy to put together with a pair of pointy pliers. It's all stitched on by hand
It's a small reference to the steam punk trend that makes the coat more interesting.

 With it's fancy lining and extra touches, I think it's a coat that any scarf would be happy to date.

I've made use of selvedges for quite a few decorative applications.
Have you ever sewn selvedges for decorative  trim? 

A Vintage Moment

About a year ago I bought  a half dozen vintage silver spoons only because I found them beautiful.

So little for such pleasure from opening a  drawer and seeing them gleam like smiles.

I love it when things are accidentally beautiful.

Then I had a vision. Much of what I do in life starts that way.

I do love vintage silverware and dishes. All girly and romantic looking.

.No more cutlery drawer for me. It's a silverware drawer now. La-dee-da : )

Things have gotten out of hand. Oh my! The silverware drawer is too small.
Left over silverware  is much nicer than some leftovers others I've had.

A dreamy day of wondering through shops and oh well, you know how it goes!
 My way of taking a mini holiday is to visit places just to look. Sometimes the displays or products take my breath away. I learned long ago just to enjoy them, however today I found myself truly gripped by madness.

Now there's a few too many pink inspired plates.

I'm well on my way to a setting a table in that most beautiful and rare Snowflake pattern I've always lusted after. It's a magical pattern, for almost all who dine can find one place perfectly suited to them.

 It's simply because no two pieces are alike.

I have a wonderful plan for a few of the left overs. You  however will have to wait and see.

Do any of your mini holidays turn into collections?

Summer Travel Dress

I've made a go anywhere dress. 

It's turned out just as I imagined it would, that's alway nice.

A self drafted pattern with the skirt based on MacPhee Workshop Salsa skirt.

My dress has twelve spiral skirt sections.

After some samples I decided I liked the look of the serging .....

so all the sections have the serging on the out side. 

The neck as well as the armhole are serged as well.

With a change of shoes and a shrug it will easily go from the beach to the dinning room!

A new and deep respect has been gained for those fashion magazines.

I see the much practice is needed to photograph garments. It's harder then it looks. 20 photos and this is the best one. :  p  I'm sure it will get better as it goes along.
Any tips out there?

Emma Project Jacket & Sun Top

Here's how to finish up Emma's jacket.

Iron up the sleeve ends and sew

Add buttons and button holes.

 In all honesty I haven't done the buttons or button holes yet.

I like to save up a bunch of them to do all at once.

                                      

There, almost done. I'm not sure which side I like best. What do you think?

I'm hoping that when I get more garments done that someone agrees to 

a photo shoot to show them all off..

I also started and finished another Emma project:

A sun top with a square hankie skirt.

As usual I started with a girls block and went from there.

The front and back were joined at the shoulders and the back has a deep v.

I always make little dress bodices double and turn them so there's no need for facings. I find it so much tidier and besides it all stays in place in the laundry so I can choose to iron or not. (mostly not!)

Note: The dark round things are pebbles and rocks that I always seam to be carting home in my pockets.

I wash them and keep and stashed them all over the house. The flattish ones make great pattern weights.

Maybe someday I'll devote a whole post to my rock habit.

The skirt is square with a circle in the middle for the waist that

is drafted to the bodice waist measurement with the seam allowance added.

I added a sewn in sash that ties at the back with a nice big bow.

Oh my! It is cute. I love designing girls clothes. Hmm .. little woven capris or leggings I wonder. 

 It makes me so happy.

What do you make that gives you joyful giggles?

Happy Spring, 

The sun is at last giving kisses promising  green growth soon.

Tied Up Sandwich Loaf

I made this for dinner and thought it would be fun to share.

What you see is a nice crisp loaf of bread, some cheese and veggies, 

as well as some left over pork loin roast. I think this would work with 

any similar ingredients. Preheat the oven to 375.

First I cut up the veggies and sprayed them with olive oil.

Then I added some of my favorite french herb mixture.

Use your favorite herbs. Into the oven at 375 until they are 

nicely roasted and a little caramelized around the edges.

Mean while slice open the loaf and put it over 3 or 4 pieces of  cooking twine.

You could add mayo, butter or mustard even all three if you want.

Next time I'll try it with a spalsh of hot sauce.

Grate enough cheese to cover half the loaf and set aside.

When the roasted Veggies are done layer them onto the meat and add the cheese. 

Yum don't you think it's starting to look tasty?

This would be just as good vegetarian style..no meat!

Put the lid on making sure everything is tucked in. I really sort of squished it together.

Tie up the strings and pop into the oven yes right on the rack, no pan.

That way the bread will keep the crisp crust the baker worked so hard to achieve.

I left mine in for 30 minutes at the 375 but the cheese wasn't quite melted yet.

 Next time longer or a hotter oven.

It was a big hit just the same.

Maybe it could be put in the fridge and heated later. Ready to heat and eat after a hike. Mmm

Come to think of it it would be good cold on a picnic too, why not.

If you try it let me know how it goes.