Vogue 8379

I wore my Vogue 8379 wrap dress to church yesterday, and got quite a few compliments! I'm quite happy with how it looks, and don't feel as bumblbee-ish as I thought I might. I'm going to love it with my black boots.

You can read my full review here. Pretty much the only change I made to the pattern was to do a FBA. This dress was quite easy to make, and everything matched up well. The neckline lays nice and flat, and doesn't gap a bit (I tried getting a photo). I will definitely be making at least one more of these. You should too!

The Craft Meme

I got tagged by bfmomma, so here goes:

Four choices--list crafts that you are familiar with, in the categories you'd choose:

1. Love it! This is my thing.
sewing (duh! ~G~), knitting, quilting, baking/cooking

2. I do or have dabbled in it.
hand embroidery, origami, cross stitch, smocking, music (harp and viola, though not for years), photography, drawing/painting, scrapbooking (though see #4), stained glass work, calligraphy, lace-making.

3. I'll give it a try.
crochet, card making, dyeing, mosaics, soap-making (i did it once with a friend, would like to do it again), jewelry making, beading, basket weaving, glass blowing (wouldn't that be cool?!), spinning.

4. I've got absolutely no interest.
machine embroidery, scrapbooking (tried it, not my thing), pottery, weaving, woodworking, book-binding, collage, felting.

I would like to know more about Carolyn, Stacy (I swear she does everything), Beki, and Lisa.

Well Children

Since Calvin's and Connor's birthdays are only 2 weeks apart, I always schedule their well-child checkups at the same time.

Here are the details:

Calvin ~
almost 8 years old (next week!)
51.8 lbs (25th percentile)
47.5" tall (10th percentile)
86/50 blood pressure (first time, he thought it was funny)
clean bill of health. :)

Connor ~
3 years old!
33.9 lbs (75th percentile)
39" tall (50th percentile)
clean bill of health.

"I two. No, fee."

Wednesday was Connor's third birthday! Since we were in Chicago then, we celebrated with cake last night.

Connor loves Thomas the Tank Engine, and said he wanted an "Emily" cake (Emily is one of his favorite characters). I made a triple layered chocolate cake which I frosted with a butter frosting and put Emily (and Salty) on top. Voila! An Emily cake! ;)

He got a few Thomas toys, and played with this Duplo set all evening. Wednesday night we told him his birth story and looked at pictures from when he was born. That was a lot of fun.

More Flowers

I've been spending a lot of time in the garden again. We've harvested some tomatoes and our peppers (sweet bell, serrano, and habanero) look good and healthy. Here's some of what is blooming right now:

Gladiolus (gladioli?) are my favorite flowers (these are in a vase on the kitchen table). I've always treated them as annuals, and thrown them away in the fall, but these are so pretty I'm going to try and save them for next year.

Again, I've never saved dahlias either, but I'm going to try and save these too -- they are so pretty! This particular plant is just covered in blooms.

I bought and planted 2 hydrangeas this year. I can't remember if this is the bush with the large or small blossoms (I meant to get 2 of the same bush, but messed up). I'll be moving this one in the fall, it's getting more sun than I thought it would, and looks a bit burnt.

I think these are called Ozark Sundrops. They are so cheery. :)

I have so many ideas/plans percolating in my head, regarding the yard. Those of you reading this that garden, how do you keep track of what you want to do? I'm thinking of getting a little notebook, maybe a pocket calendar, and writing down my ideas, along with noting plants I want to move or divide, and when. I should probably sketch out the landscaping that I've done so far as well, and label the plants on the sketch. What do you do?

State Fair

We spent Saturday at the State Fair. Normally we go on a Friday, but Calvin had gymnastics day camp all last week. I thought it would be really crowded, but it wasn't! We had a great time, and were there 8:30 - 4:00!

I found out I placed fourth with my strawberry jam! That's my jar on the right, with the white ring. My combined fruit jam (peach-strawberry) didn't place at all. (I also don't live in Fox Point. They get it wrong every year, and I tell them to correct it every year. They said it has something to do with their computer system and my zip code)

As I wrote earlier, my two-piece sport outfit placed first. I took pictures of all my entries, but I don't think I've ever posted a photo of this complete outfit on the blog.

We ran into my friend Luther and his family while waiting in line for baked potatoes.

Caleb and Calvin took a turn on the big slide.

One of my favorite places is the Birthing Barn. We petted a 2 week old baby goat named Jerry, saw lamb triplets, a week old Holstein cow, chicks and ducklings, and these piglets. They are 3 days old.

We also watched a cool BMX/skateboarding show, had cream puffs, played in the DNR area, and bought a food chopper thing that makes great salsa. All in all, a great day at the fair!

Pay It Forward

I got this from Lori. I think it's really cool, especially since I try to live a life of PIF.

Pay It Forward meme

I will send a handmade gift* to the first three people who leave a comment requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don't know what that gift will be yet, but you will receive it within 365 days. The only thing you have to do in return is "pay it forward" by making a similar agreement on your journal.

My handmade specialties are sewing (clothes or bags/totes), quilting, and some knitting.

*The "gift" you send doesn't have to be handmade--choose your specs when you post it on your blog.

If you want to join, leave a comment with your email addy (so I can reply -- spell out the email if you don't want it harvested), and we'll hash out details.

Brown/Aqua Skirt

I finished the second skirt in my Spring Line (yeah, I know it's July) this weekend. I used New Look 6596 again, this time adding a ruffle on the bottom. The fabrics are leftover from this bag, and I had only 8.5 usable inches left of the stripe! I cut 3 2.5" strips, stitched them together and hemmed one edge. Then I put 2 rows of gathering stitches on the other edge (I use a medium length stitch, about 3.0). I divided the strip and my skirt into eighths and pulled the gathers to fit. The skirt is lined in aqua.

Harry Potter

Friday night Caleb, Calvin, and I went to a Borders near us to get the final book. I hadn't planned on going (thinking to go on Saturday instead), but they wanted to go to the party. It was fun! We saw lots of people in costumes (there was a guy fantastically dressed as Mad Eye Moody. He should have won the costume contest, but Bellatrix Lestrange did instead). It was really crowded, but we got home at 12:45 am tired and happy with 2 copies of Book 7.

I've decided I'm re-reading the whole series before starting the last book. I hope it won't be too hard to stay away from any spoilers, and I should be able to blow through at least the first few books pretty quickly (I'm almost done with Book 1, started last night). Caleb is still finishing up Book 6.

We also went to see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix last night. It was wonderful, though Caleb did comment on how much of the book had been cut (he just finished reading it last week).

Results

I went to State Fair judging today, after my dentist appointment. Judging started at 10:00 this morning, and I got there around 10:30. I missed watching 2 of my entries get judged, but found out results from some of the ladies there.

Class 3 -- fabric baptismal outfit: my nephew's christening gown. First place! I missed watching this one, so I don't know what the judge said about it. (darnit! I really wanted to know what they thought)

Class 31 -- one piece garment of stretch fabric: Vogue 8379, pictured in the post below. First place! They judged this one after lunch, and I came back late, so I missed watching this one too. However, one of the ladies said that the judge loved it and had nothing but praise for it.

Class 33 -- serged item of clothing, using serging as main construction method: Jalie 2449. First place! Finally I got to watch judging, and the judge liked how I used a twin needle for hemming, and that my serging was even on the spandex fabric. Someone else had entered a Jalie 2449 too.

Class 40 -- woman's two piece sport outfit: (this skirt, and this top. First place! The judge (different one) liked the twin needle hemming, my even gathers and band, and the hong kong finish on the skirt waistband.

Class 54 -- purse: I decided to enter the In Town drawstring bag I made in February (second from the left in this post). Third place! The judge thought it was cute, thought it could be reversed, and her only criticism was that it could be a bit fussy to open and close.

I am glad I went to watch. The judges were very strict on finishing, and repeatedly talked about using correct needle size for your fabric. They also always checked to see if collar edges matched exactly, if center fronts were equal, and if pockets were equal. The judges explained really well why they placed each garment as they did, and also gave tips for improving. It was also really long, and after lunch they started judging the classes out of order, which got a bunch of people mad. It was also a bit sad to see so few entries in most of the categories. Four places are awarded in each class, and rarely were there more than even three entries (except for purses -- there were eight entered).

I drop off 2 jars of jam on the 28th, but I won't stay for judging. I'll have to wait until we go to the fair to find out how those do.

Entries Finished!

I finished the wrap dress. Hopefully it'll place. All my entries are done, clean, and pressed, and I'm about to leave to drop them off. Judging is Friday, and I hope to go watch after my dentist appointment.

I think this dress looks a bit bumblebee-ish. We'll see how I like it once I actually wear it a bit. I love the pattern, and will write a review and more details once I get it back. (fabric is from Canvasbacks)

Out of Town Visitors

My mother-in-law and step-FIL came to visit last Tuesday, and we have been busy!

We attended an orchestra concert.

We had two birthdays to celebrate (my MIL's and Beth's).
We played croquet.

We went to the Boerner Botanical Gardens.

We worked on our sun room.

We had a wonderful visit.

Now to get cracking on my sewing -- State Fair entries are due tomorrow, and I'm halfway through Vogue 8379! Hopefully I'll get it done and give everything else a final press tomorrow morning.

Lots of Gardening

This is why there has been no sewing going on -- we've been working on the yard! Last Friday (the 29th) we had 6 yards of shredded hardwood mulch and an Autumn Blaze maple tree delivered. We then spent the weekend planting, weeding, and laying mulch. This is what the backyard along our neighbor's fence used to look like (this was taken 4 years ago):

This is what it looks like now:
Most of the plants have come from friends and my mom thinning out their gardens. I somehow also managed to get it so that it's been pretty much blooming since April/May. :) That was a nice accident.
I took some close ups of the flowers blooming right now:




We also have some milkweed and have been having fun checking on the caterpillars:

Now I'll be focusing on the other side of the yard.

Happy Fourth

We had a nice Fourth of July holiday, only now I'm all mixed up and keep thinking that today is Saturday. :)

Peter and Julie came up on the third, and we had planned to ride bikes downtown to watch the Big Bang fireworks, but it rained. We stayed home and played Trivial Pursuit instead.

Yesterday morning we walked up to Klode Park and watched the Whitefish Bay Fourth of July Parade. It was fun, and quite the parade! I'd never watched it before, and it closed with a bagpipe band (is that what you call a bunch of bagpipers? a band? corps? I have no idea).

Connor slept through the first part, even through all the sirens from the fire trucks and police cars.

We decided that Calvin would be really good at cheerleading. He has the strength and the balance.

Later on in the afternoon we went over to Luther's house to celebrate his daughter's first birthday. David drew a lion on the sidewalk for Connor.

Luther's father-in-law built this AWESOME tricycle for Elijah (Luther's son). It rocks! Connor loved it. Calvin and Elijah also played on it a lot, giving each other rides.

Little Pablo had fun too, and I had fun playing with him.

Last night we walked down to the beach and watched the fireworks. A nice ending to a nice holiday.

My mother-in-law comes to visit on Tuesday. Summer is so busy and goes by too fast!

Fiesta

Yesterday was my 37th birthday! Yay! We had some friends over for a party.

David shows Stu his mad grilling skillz.

We had mexican: fajitas, beans and rice, salsa, margaritas. Connor fell asleep while eating.

Look Beth, you made it on the blog! ;)

I got cocky and was teasing Caleb that he forgot to pie me. Unfortunately, my MOTHER remedied that error and got me!

Summer Camping

We had our annual group camping trip on Monday. It was wonderful. We camp in the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine Forest. Tuesday we spend the day at the beach in Elkhart Lake. Wednesday we go on a group hike before heading home. This year it was really hot and we didn't get rained out. This is the best group of families to go with, and the kids are fantastic. We had 21 kids this year, and all get along really well.






I'm already revising my camping checklist and looking forward to next year.

State Fair Registration

Today is the deadline for me to send in my State Fair entry form. They moved the date up a few weeks, and thankfully I remembered yesterday, or I'd be SOL! I printed off the forms and last night I figured out what I plan to enter.

Division 100:
Class 3 -- fabric baptismal outfit (my nephew's christening gown)
Class 31 -- one piece garment of stretch fabric (this will be Vogue 8379, yet to be made)
Class 33 -- serged item of clothing, using serging as main construction method (my Jalie 2449, why not?)
Class 40 -- woman's two piece sport outfit (this skirt, and this top)
Class 54 -- purse (an Amy Butler purse that is cut out but not sewn yet)

Division 206:
Class 620 -- combined fruit jam (peach-strawberry that I just put up this morning)
Class 624 -- strawberry jam (to be put up this afternoon or tomorrow)

They raised the entry fees (again!). Eight bucks for the first 5 items, four dollars for each additional 5 items. I have most everything made already, all that is needed is to make the knit dress and finish the purse. I toyed with doing a bathrobe too, but normally I don't like deadlines, so having to finish two items is enough. The actual garments are due July 18, with judging on July 20. I hope to actually go to judging this year (I say that every year, but it might actually work out this time).

Off to get this envelope in the mail so it can be postmarked today!

Strawberry Time

I know I've been lax in posting. School is out and we've been busy this week! I hope to get back in the sewing room soon, but right now, the garden has been calling.

Anyway, it's strawberry season, and we went picking at Barthel's today:
My mom shows Connor how to pick strawberries. (as an aside -- I made that sundress for myself over 17 years ago. It's held up really well. Good quality fabric -- rayon in this case -- is worth every penny)

We all had to sample the strawberries as we picked. :) I think I took home about 17 pounds of berries. We also picked sugar snap peas, and I bought some balloon flowers, hollyhocks, and a roma tomato. On the way home we stopped for some custard at Culver's. Yum yum!

Later this afternoon we brought some berries, peas, and food to my brother's friends, Dan and Kelly. They had a little boy on the 5th (who has a most excellent name). I got to sit and hold little Connor, which was such a treat (thanks guys!). I just LOVE newborns.

I hope to get some jam put up on Monday afternoon. Maybe some sewing after that.

First Birthday!

My nephew is ONE! Where has that time gone?!?

One year ago:


Yesterday:


Happy Birthday Cuzzy! We are looking forward to many more fun parties. Lots more pictures can be seen here.