Worst blogger in the world…

That’s me. Sorry it has been so long since my last post (Christmas!), but as always, I’ve been busy with sewing and regular life. I’ve completed a couple of new projects, and have a dozen or so on the “To Do” list. I finished a brand new dress to wear for the holidays from Simplicity 3535 “Project Runway” pattern. The pattern was fairly easy to follow, considering all of the possible alterations/changes one could do to it. The photo makes it look slightly “Little Home on the Prarie”, but I assure you, it is a very modern, chic dress.

I’ve also recently finished a reconstruction…remember this dress?

This dress was made years ago, and incidentally was never finished. It is made from some delicious vintage fabric that I could not possibly give up, so I used a new McCall’s pattern to make this stylish top:

The collar is made in chartreuse green silk duipioni that matches the green leaves in the fabric perfectly. As you can tell from the quality of these photos, I still need a digital camera. Any suggestions?

As part of my New Year’s resolutions, I have finally cleaned and organized my sewing room. I bought an inexpensive bookcase and organized my fabric stash like this:

That’s just yards of fabric that I washed, ironed and measured, and then rolled on to a piece of cardboard and secured with quilting pins. Very simple, and it keeps my fabrics organized and accessible. I also keep track of my inventory by pinning a small piece of paper to the front of each mini-bolt with the amount of fabric as well as the fiber content.

I keep my patterns in little plastic shoe boxes that I purchased at Target for $1.99. I also keep larger patterns or “patterns in progress” (those patterns that I have already cut, but have not yet assembled) in large zip-lock bags so that the contents are easily seen. I also made custom tins for notions, needles, and thread. Having a clean and tidy area to work is the best thing for creativity. This new system is very inspiring, I must say.

I will post again soon, as I have several new projects in the works, a new knitted sweater (so close to being done!), new links and a new tutorial in the works for you!