Back Where I Belong!

I don't think I've ever gone more than a week without blogging before, but an exceptionally busy 2 weeks at work (ie: colleagues in town from London, an over-scheduled trip to Toronto, and end of fiscal year work) plus social commitments have not only kept me out of Blogger, but also without much to say!

However, I did make a start on my pants last weekend. The fabric is cut and I am basically working on the front of the pants. The pockets are sewn/attached and I am about to install the zipper.

I'm really thrilled with how well the pinstripes lined up between the pants front and the pocket facing.

The other side came out just as well.

I am actually really tickled with the pockets. I used a fun leopard print fabric for the pocketing.


This weekend I hope to get the pants mostly done. Next up: install the zipper and sew the back darts.

Back Where She Belongs!

Finally! Family has flown, the Craft Lounge is back in one piece, and I can get back to sewing. Hurray!

Good things by mail!

While the family visit mayhem continues, I am receiving good things by mail. I did, in the end, find a way to justify buying all of the lingerie patterns that I wanted (hello, summer sales!). Honestly, I have to give mad props to PatternReview. I ordered the KwikSew and Jalie patterns from them. Not only did I receive 20% off for subscribing to their Tracings e-newsletter PLUS free shipping, but the patterns shipped within 24 hours and arrived super fast. It really was one of the best on-line pattern shopping experiences that I've had.

I've already read through each pattern. I have to say, Kwik Sew really has cornered the market on clear and simple instructions. Jalie, too. I'm thinking of starting with the basic cami from this KS pattern.
It is bias cut with facings, made for wovens, and, well, it seems incredibly simple. However, this project will not happen until after I've completed some pants and the knit tops that are currently in limbo! Sigh... so many projects and so little time!

Permanent Vacation

I've been trying to flex my creativity outside of the Craft Lounge, since there is still family around and my sewing machine is in a box. (Big sigh.)

This weekend my family threw a retirement party for my dad. I was in charge of the favors, with help from my sister, Poly.

Bowl not included

"Permanent Vacation" was the theme of the party. So, for each favor, we created a miniature beach with sand, shells, a cocktail parasol and fishy confetti. We added in a mini bottle of vodka and tied the whole thing up in a clear bag with a recipe for a SeaBreeze.

Here's how they looked all done up:


The party was a blast and, well, you've never seen a happier retiree than my dad.

Dear Climate Change Deniers,

Have you stepped outside today? Yeah. I didn't think so.

Although an alternate theory - shouted at me by a rather crazed looking individual this morning on my way to the office - is that the end is nigh. Somehow, I'm unbothered by this idea: right now, hell is sure to be cooler than the streets of NYC.

Stay cool and hydrated, folks!

Fashion + Public Art

Has anyone else see the Sidewalk Catwalk public art exhibit on Broadway between 35th and 42nd Streets?

One of the student entries (FIT I think)

The basic idea is that 30 NY designers, plus 2 students entries from Parsons and FIT, dressed mannequins in building materials to strut their way down Broadway through the Fashion District. They are all located on the pedestrian median that runs from Times Square to Herald Square. The mannequins will be on display until Labor Day weekend begins.

In general, I liked the ones that were less like dresses and more statement-ish. Also, I thought some of my favorites were from designers who I wouldn't necessarily choose for myself fashion-wise. Here are a few highlights.

Kenneth Cole's pithy mannequin

Diane Von Furstenberg's leopard print mannequin

(Magenta - underneath it all, I'm pretty sure this is what you look like.)


Elie Tahari's art deco number - very "Metropolis"

Happy 4th of July, everyone! Hope you have a great weekend!

Tommy Hilfiger - I thought this was one of the best.
(um, yes - you can see the mannequin's bum from the back side.)