Life can get in the way

Perhaps I am a bit slow but it seems that the best intentions are often thrown askew by life.  I was hoping to get more vintage sewing done this year; I really wanted to broaden my skill set.  Alas as of yet that has not happened.  Not that the year thus far has been a washout and I have managed to gain a few new skills - just not in the way I imagined.  In the past two months I have made one ladies dress jacket, altered three mens' jackets.  Altered a bridal gown and created a custom beaded and rhinestone sash.  sewed and sent out the first gymnastics leotard for my niece. Sculpted 2 table top jukeboxes and painted the set for the theatre company I work for.

In the next three weeks I need to alter another wedding gown and two bridesmaids dresses for the same wedding, sew a custom designed Halloween costume, creatively dress four actors as  historic authors - Edgar Allan Poe, Samuel Clemens, Agatha Christie and Laura Ingalls Wilder for a fundraiser for a local non-profit art group, dye 67 yards of fabric to make the drapery for my living and dining room windows, strip and refinish the hardwood floor in my art studio (just so I can get the cabinets out of the garage before it snows), add additional cross support to my two story porch - and I am sure there are at least another dozen things on that list but right now I am feeling exhausted just thinking about what is to come.        

Yikes!

Still haven't had any time to do recreational sewing...  I will be having family stay with me in early June - been spending lots of time getting things ready.  My NEW roof was leaking and damaged the ceiling in the guest room - needed to repair, basement had water in it - clean that up, kitchen drain clogged -  time to play plumber, garden needs prepping and plants to outside - whew lots of manual labor, lawnmower stopped running - going to the small engine shop..   I think that may be about it; Oh! how could I forget multiple projects for the theater company I work for and an emergency repair of a custom Elvis jumpsuit.    Calgon take me away ( well maybe not...  what would be here waiting for me when I got back?)  Hoping to get back to sewing soon.      

Time to get back to sewing

Happy to report that Grandma is back home from her hospital and rehabilitation stay.  This weekend I finished all the required projects for the theatre group ( three 70's styled pull over shirts, 2 gold records and an eight foot long business sign)  I also managed to complete the 2 commissioned giant rabbits for another client - at long last I can get back to some of my sewing.  I will pick up where I left off; my princess slip is still pinned on the dress form and the pleated flounce still is in pretty good shape.....    

Time forgotten

My fun sewing projects are on hold for the moment.  I managed to get the flounce pinned on the slip and there is sits on the dress form.

  Grandma is out of the hospital but has been moved to a nursing home for a bit of rehab.  I have  commisioned to make 2 giant rabbit cookies for a customer of mine;  the rabbit on the right is about 5 tall and the on on the left is a bit over 6 feet tall not too much to look at yet but the middle will be covered with plaster icing  and sprinkles then the entire rabbit will get a coat of glitter   

The theatre company that I work for has also come calling...  the order includes three 1970's styled men's shirts and painting the set.  Sooo much to do and not enough time to do it in.  I am hoping to get back to sewing soon. 

Everything is on hold

Well any sewing and frivolous pursuits have been temporarily put on hold.  My Grandmother is ill and is in the hospital, I have been spending my extra time with her there.  I am hoping for a speedy recovery and rapid return home. 

The designer in me

The designer in me has been speaking in a louder voice as of late.  The pattern originally called for eyelet lace and beading around the neckline.  I was unable to locate any eyelet that looked appropriate - time for a design change.  I opted to make create a row of chiffon puffing in a blush/champagne color in place of the beading as well as replacing the eyelet lace with the delicate edge of chantilly lace in the same blush color.  It seems to coordinate well with the ivory silk and if anyone was to wear the slip the skin color would further blend the puffing and chantilly with the silk.  I have also been tweaking the design around the arm scythe, again the pattern called for a wider lace in eyelet to go around.  I am going to opt for a soft gathered cap sleeve using the chiffon and chantilly border.  Another design upgrade I have been toying with is to line the lace insert with more of the chiffon bringing the second color throught the design and add a bit of modesty to the sheer lace I have used.                

Oooh so embarrassed

Looking at the pictures I posted this morning.  I forgot to pack away a few Christmas decorations, guess I need to get the ladder out and clean of the china hutch - suppose I could decorate for spring.