Sooo...I'm still here.  Haven't given up sewing, or blogging.  In fact, I made 2 dresses, and 2 comic-con costumes since posted last.  I'm pretty pleased with myself.

Before I get into my sewing, a quick note to those (albeit few) amazing, supportive people who commented on my  returning post.  Thank you, Thank you, thank you.  It really does mean a lot to me to hear words of support.  I have been though a lot, but I am so grateful that I am healthy, and that I have taken steps to stay that way!

First of all I finished the turquoise and pink dress that I was talking about in my last post.  As I mentioned, I used Simplicity 2444.

To improve the fit, I first tried on the last dress I made with that pattern and reassessed.  Then using my favourite "pinch here and take out there" method made some alterations to the pattern.    The skirt on this pattern is crazy huge (in width) and I just didn't have enough fabric to do it.  I adjusted the pattern piece to be the same width at the waist of the skirt, but much narrower at the bottom, so that it would fit across the width of the fabric.  I pleated the skirt as a the pattern intended.  As there was so little fabric (only 2 yards) I had to run out and buy a matching solid turquoise cotton for the facings and pockets.  I drafted an all in one facing for the arm and neck holes and inserted a hand-stitched lapped zipper in the back.

Am thinking I need turquoise shoes

I'm pleased with the dress.  The fit is pretty good, and the colour reminds me of spring (Yesterday was the first day of spring, but we are expecting snow tonight......sometimes I hate Toronto)

By the way, I got a new camera (yay!) but I'm still not happy with these pictures.  I think I will redo them outside once the sun comes out (if it comes out...)  Pretty new red camera!  I just have to learn to use it properly!

Next sewing projects were for Toronto ComicCon!  we decided rather last minute to go.  It's amazing with a family full of science fiction and comic nerds we had never been to a comic convention.  I, of course (being a sewer) was excited at the prospect of making some cosplay outfits.  The kids were excited to wear them.  After much discussion, the kids decided on Finn and Princess Bubblegum from the cartoon Adventure Time 

This was a perfect choice as the kids could have coordinated outfits, while the boy got to carry a sword, and the girl got  to wear a pink dress and wig.  For My son's Finn costume, I made the white hat and green backpack out of fleece.  For my daughters Princess Bubblegum costume, I made the dress out of pink and purple broadcloth and I made the wig and crown out of fleece.  They looked adorable and were very popular at the event.

Now I couldn't let an event like this go by without sewing something for myself right?  My kids wanted me to be matching with them and pick and Adventure Time character to dress as, but I had something different in mind.  I was still thinking of the novelty print dress I wanted to make for the Dolly Clackett contest.  I figured this would be the perfect opportunity, if I could get my hands on some suitable fabric.  Problem was that it was 3 days before the day we were going to comic con, and I did not know where to get comic-themed fabric in Toronto on short notice.  Fabricland had none (no surprise) and I did not have the time to go downtown.  Then with two days to spare, completely unexpectedly I found perfect fabric at Walmart, of all places!  Who knew!  I didn't even know Walmart still had fabric, but they had lots of quilt fabric in comic prints!  Of course these were all in precut pieces, either fat quarters, 1 yard or 3 yard cuts.  The three yard cuts would have been perfect, but I didn't like the prints.  There were 2 prints I liked, both were in 1 yard cuts.  I found the fabric right before my daughter started throwing up in the mall and we had to leave (don't ask).  It was fate.

Awesome, right?  There was only 1 yard of the pink one, but 2 of the blue.  I bought them all (2 yards of the blue, and 1 of the pink).  I was very pleased.  How perfect are these fabrics for me!  I love Wonder Woman!!!!

I used the blue one, and made a dress in 2 evenings.  I used simplicity 2444 again, with pretty much the same construction as the turquoise and pink dress.  I used black cotton for the facings and pockets.  Because I didn't want a curved hem (due to the straight lines in the print) the skirt is just 2 pleated rectangles which are the width of the fabric.  Since I was working with 2 separate 1 yard cuts, I had no choice but to have a seam across the width of the skirt.  Without planning it, I managed not to cut through any of the faces along the seam so it is barely noticeable.  Also, without planning it, I centred Wonder Woman in her signature pose across my chest.  It doesn't get any better than that...

This is the the back of the dress.  You can just see the horizontal seam right above Supergirl's head on the skirt

I think I got more attention than my kids at the ComicCon.  My son figured at least 30 people complemented me on my dress.  The attention went straight to my head.

So that's what I have been working on...  I think I am going to enter both dresses in the Dolly Clakett contest, but I may wait a bit to get better pictures outside.
Next up - More spring dresses.   I'm tired of winter - I will sew Spring into existence!

Dolly Clacket Dress planning....

One of the reasons I decided to get back into sewing, and blogging right now is that I was loving all the novelty print dresses seen around the web.  See how pretty?  I had always avoided sewing adult clothing with quilting cotton because of the drape issues, (and a bit of snobbery) despite loving so many of the amazing prints. But when I saw all these talented sewers making beautiful dresses with quilting cotton, I decided that life is too short for fabric snobbery.

When I visited one of my favourite blogs for quilting cotton dresses Rhinestones and Telephones I saw that she was having a contest in honour of another blogger: The Sew Dolly Clacket contest.  Perfect.

First step, pick a pattern. One of the recommended patterns was Simplicity 2444, which I had in my stash.

I have actually used the pattern before.  Recently actually.  I made a blue lace dress for a dear friends wedding.  This was only a few weeks after my last surgery so was on painkillers while sewing, and I don't  remember what kind of fitting alterations I made.  I know that I graded the pattern from a 12 to a 10 (I'm not sure why I had purchased the bigger pattern). I tried on the blue dress again, and while the fit was good, I wanted it better.  I pinched and tucked here and there, transferred the changes to the pattern and figured was good to go.  Right before I started cutting out my fabric, I thought, hey maybe I should make a muslin?  Hot damn I'm glad I did.

It's a PERFECT fit.  Like a second skin.  Which is great, unless you are fond of breathing.  Or eating.

I don't think I've ever made a muslin that fits so well.  Look how it fits in the bust area and no bunching in the back. I took over 2 inches out of the middle of the back.  I have a very short back, apparently.  And a long waist, I added an inch at the bottom.  And look, no SBA needed (small benefit of my recent surgeries... The girls are slightly larger now)

Sorry for the horrible pictures.  And yes, my muslin is two different fabrics.  I ran out of scraps.  And don't you think this pattern would look fabulous with vertical stripes?  the double darts in the front on the muslin look so cool!

Of course, I will add a few inches of ease to the pattern before cutting out the fabric so I will be able to move.  And as for fabric, I have many ideas. When looking at the The Dolly Clacket handmade wardrobe I saw so many amazing fabrics, many of which I had been eyeing for sometime.  But I really didn't want to just copy one of her dresses, I wanted it to be more of an inspiration.  I decided for now to use this teal and pink floral quilting cotton that had been in my stash forever. I really mean forever.  I have another reason for using this fabric too, more on that later.

If this works well I think I will pick up another fabric, something with even more novelty factor than this floral and make another one with the same pattern.

So that's where I'm at so far. I will try to cut into the fabric tonight and get thins thing done within the week (I have an event I need it for).

I'm so excited to get back into blogging again. I have some challenges though, both my camera and computer died last year.  Will have to make do with cell phone pics for now and will use my iPad for blogging. Sorry the quality won't be great until I get all this sorted out.

Stay tuned...

Truly Alive. Different, but Fantastic...

So it's been over 2 years since I have blogged. I'm not sure any of my old followers are still around.  I'm not sure if if anyone will read this.   But I'm still here, in my little corner of Toronto, with my happy, crazy little family, trying to make the best of what I have been given. There are several reasons why I have decided to resurrect my blog. In no particular order:

1. I have the time. I'm not working (again) and my kids are in school full time, so I want to revisit my creative pursuits.
2. I made a New Years resolution to write more. Doesn't matter what I'm writing, as long as I keep writing.  Compiling my thoughts on paper (or screen) will help me with my increasingly foggy mind (more on that later).   I've been finding it harder to communicate lately and have been successfully combating my absent-mindedness by learning new skills. I think regular writing will help me. 
3. I have become inspired, by me!  I re-read my last few posts and was struck at how well I was coping with what was one of the most difficult times of my life. When I think back to that part of my life, all I remember is that I was an emotional mess, and I was coping in less than healthy ways.   But when I read what I wrote the, I was actually doing fine!  I was optimistic, and I was strong. It's funny how memories can warp over time. I think blogging (and sewing) was helping, so I wanna get back into it.

For those who remember me, or have gone back to read my previous entries,  here's how I have been since my last few posts.  I found out I had a BRCA 1 mutation in 2011 when I was 34 years old. This the the "Angelina Jolie" gene which carries an extremely high risk of breast and ovarian cancer. 

In 2012 at the age of 35 I had a prophylactic salpingo-oopherectomy (removal of ovaries and
Fallopian tubes).  As a result, I am now menopausal.  My symptoms include hot flashes, and the above mentioned foggy brain.  I also have to worry about bone loss and heart health.

A year later at the age of 36, I had a prophylactic double mastectomy with immediate direct to implant reconstruction. This means my old breasts were completely carved out and replaced with silicone implants. It was a brutal surgery, but it went well and I'm happy with my results. My new shape is different, but that's okay.   I'm so relived to know I have lowered my risk.

I have been very open about my journey. In fact, today I was in a national newspaper (the globe and mail) to talk about my experience. Here is the link:  Globe Article.  I have participated in and facilitated support groups for others who are in the same situation, and I have made many amazingly supportive new friends.

And along with all that, I have still been making stuff.

Still sewing, although not as much.
A bit of knitting and crochet here and there.
We renovated our kitchen.
We bought a boat  (anyone dreaming of Nautical theme sewing?).
We've been ice fishing many times this winter.
I've started a pottery class and am learning to throw a decent bowl..
I have a new obsession: my new ukulele.  I am loving learning an instrument, and going to the Scarborough Uke Jam is my favourite part of the week.

So it's been a busy, amazing, difficult, life changing and crazy 2 years, but I'm still here.  I'm different, but fantastic.  I will post again in a few days with some pictures of the creations I have made recently, and with some plans for what comes next.  Stay tuned...

SHE'S ALIVE!!!!

Wow it has been a month since I last posted...

Do I have any good excuse?  well, I have been busy.  Rest assured though, other than a nasty back-to-school cold, we are all fine and settling into some new routines.  These new routines do not leave a whole lot of free time.  Here is what has been going on...

First - I went to Mexico and had a lovely time.  Lots of food and drink, tonnes of relaxation and an all around great week.  I left the kids with my parents and they had a great week too.

I can't get over how utterly ridiculous this picture is.

Immediately after returning from Mexico, the kids started school, and I started my practicum placement for my Master's degree.  The boy is now in Grade 3, and the little girl has started Junior Kindergarten.  For my practicum, I am helping to facilitate a group for high-risk youth in a local high school.  Working with troubled youth can be crazy, fast paced, stressful, loud, scary but most of all, tonnes of fun.  I am having a great time.  Many of these kids have problems that I can't even imagine coping with at such a young age, and I am so inspired by them.  We'll see how the rest of the year goes, but after two weeks, i can't get over how lucky I am to have secured this placement.

So this is supposed be a sewing blog, but I have done very little sewing this month.  In fact, I only made one thing....

A birthday dress for my girl!  This dress was made using the instructions from the Libby top sew-a-long on the Craftiness is not Optional Blog.  I lengthened it to a dress and added a waist tie.  The fabric choice was inspired by last week's theme on the sew weekly, A Fall Palette.  I started out making this fabric into a dress for myself, but the fabric (from my stash) was a rather stiff quilting cotton, and i didn't think i would wear it.  Plus, my girl's birthday is next week and she needed a new dress for it.

She looks sad in the pictures because she really doesn't like the dress.  She told me that she likes dresses that are purple and orange (her favorite colours) and that twirl.  Oh well.  I love the dress.  it's super cute.  I think I will make another one, maybe in purple and orange so we don't have to have a fight when i want her to wear it.

That's all for now...

Life is a roller coaster

I know this is supposed to be a sewing blog - but i am not going to talk about sewing today.


sometimes there are ups, and sometimes there are downs.  often the ups and downs manage to happen simultaneously.  Yesterday was a very tough day for me.  A prominent Canadian Politician, Jack Layton, who i admired and respected very much, died of cancer.  He was the the leader of the official opposition here, and ran such an amazing campaign last election, as a complete underdog.  I have always been a big fan of Jack's and his death rattled me a great deal.  He was such a presence in Canadian Politics and in Toronto for so long, he will be greatly, greatly missed.

It did't help me that yesterday I also had an appointment with the gynecologist to talk about my first surgery - the removal of my ovaries and Fallopian tubes.  My risk of ovarian cancer is less than my risk of breast cancer, however, ovarian cancer is a particularly deadly cancer, and it is virtually impossible to detect early.  Surgery is recommended.  It is a pretty easy day surgery, done laproscopically, but it will push me into premature menopause.  The main concern for me, is that due to my personal prior medical history, i may not be able to have any hormone replacement therapy.  I have a history of PE which i won't get into now, but it means that it is inadvisable for me to take estrogen.  I am going to see another hematologist to get a second opinion, but i am going ahead with the surgery with the assumption that I will not have any relief from the menopausal symptoms by hormone replacement.  I will have to look into other ways to ease symptoms, such as other drugs, or lifestyle changes.  It's going to be hard, but i just have to keep reminding myself that i am doing this because I DON'T WANT CANCER.

Among all these downs, there are some ups happening too.  I was finally able to secure a counselling placement, so i will be starting a new position in September.  After so long being a stay-at-home mom, it's going to be a challenge to have to leave the house again, but i am so excited about this opportunity.  i am going to be working in a high school with high risk youth, which is exactly what i wanted to do.

Along with this good news, there is the challenge of trying to get childcare sorted out this week.  I am interviewing nannies this week.  Next week I am off on vacation (hurray - Mexico!!) and the day after we return is back to school for both me and the kids.

So much excitement - and change.  the stress is definitely affecting me.  I will plow through.  I will be optimistic.

I am going to end with a statement form Jack Layton's final letter for Canadians:

“	My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world.	”

Cherry Sun-Dress

Hello!!!

So just a short and quick post about my most recent sewing creation...

The theme on the sew weekly this week was to sew something inspired by one of the creations made by the sew weekly contributors.  I was immediately drawn to this dress by Adey.  The light blue floral print, the buttons down the front, the piping, the princess seams...I loved it all.  So sweet and a bit demure.   I went to the fabric store to try and find a nice blue floral, and, nada.  none at all.  (I am so tired of Fabricland).  They had this light blue cherry print, with orange and red cherries, on clearance for $2/m.  I had seen this print at the store previously (and even bought the green version for my girl) but had not thought of it for myself because it was a cotton/poly blend (ick!) and a cherry print is a tad cliche these days...  But now, for $2/m I figured, why not.  I love the combination of light blue and red, and the price was right.  I bought 3 meters.  

For the dress, I made MAJOR chaanges to the design.   I used a basic sweetheart strapless bodice, and  added piping to the top of the bodice instead of the princess seams, I added a button band (with more piping) and made a sundress style bosice with wide straps and no sleeves.  I tried something new and shirred the back panel (after widening it a lot) for a nice close, yet comfortable fit.  The skirt is a large rectangle, gathered.  The major difference between mine and Adey's dress is that i used bold colours, red piping and orange buttons.  Not a demure, sweet dress anymore.  Actually, it looks nothing like my inspiration, but I love it anyway!! I was complimented by strangers while wearing it yesterday, so i know it was a success 
Click on any picture to see it bigger to see more detail, and son't mind the annoyed face in some of the pictures...husband was annoying me.

The bodice was pretty easy to put together, despite the shirring and the piping.  I used this tutorial of Gertie's to figure out the shirring (although i did not shirr the whole back, just a center panel).  I made the piping with some scrap red cotton and some 1/8" cord.  I did not add any other closures except for the buttons in the front, i can just squeeze it over my head.  It is extremely comfortable on.  The shirred panel is my new favorite - i can have a nice fitted look with still being as comfortable as a knit dress.

some more close-ups...

All in all, a success!!!

Birthday Dress!!

So here is the dress that I made for my birthday.  The pattern is Butterick 4443 (this is now the thrid time I have used this pattern, first was the Chuck Dress and second was the Perfect Summer Dress).  This time I made a scooped neck, added the sleeves from macaron.  The skirt is a giant rectangle, which is box pleated.  I added a waistband, so i would not feel compelled to wear a belt.  There are inseam pockets and the hem is just below knee-length.

The fabric was labeled cotton voile at Fabricland, but it is not as smooth as other voiles i have used.  It is a very lightweight cotton.  The bodice is lined, but not the skirt.  I wear it with a slip.

Butterick 4443

Pictures of the finished dress:

Here is a close up to see the waistband and pleats.  With this busy fabric, it's a little hard to tell.  the print is an abstract-y floral.

click to enlarge

Cute, right?  and pretty comfortable to sit out on the backyard all day eating and drinking, and enjoying.  I love that my birthday is in the summer.

ciao for now!