Random Projects...

I've been working on random stuff over the last week, nothing special in particular, just a bunch of little projects that kept me busy everyday!  Thought you might like to see what's been keeping me occupied...

Those near-100 degree days last weeks found us swimming early or late, and hiding out inside, enjoying the a/c during the hottest times.  We found this really cool tie-dye kit at the local art store, and had never done it before, so we gave it a shot.  It came with an instructional DVD which was invaluable to learn all the different ways to fold/bind/band/wrap the shirts to get a particular design.  We tried a bulls-eye, a scrunch, stripes, and a spiral.  They all turned out great (I'm wore my striped tank out to dinner tonite with my denim skirt), and we'll definitely be doing it again!  Here are some pics of our results:

Sunday was "Pajama Day", and found me making pj's for myself, my daughter, and my son.  I used New Look 6980 for my nightgown, which was very simple, requiring only elastic in 2 places and is very comfortable.  I specifically wanted a design with a band at (or above) the waist to act like a shelf bra.  I used some poly silk print from Joann's since it needed to be machine washable.  I plan on doing more of these, they are fast and easy, and give great results.  I will go into greater detail next time I make another one.  Little Miss Princess also got a pj set that day, but I screwed up.  Instead of using regular bias tape to finish the neckline, I used a strip of the knit itself, but the neckline ended up getting all stretched out.  I've promised her another version, using the right notions!  Little Man got a pair of cotton boxers to sleep in, but they just need an elastic waistband before I can call that one "done"!

Someone out there in blogland has been reorganizing their sewing room, which lit a fire under my butt, and I dove in there yesterday and finished this morning.  Mind you, we have a lot of outgrown toys and items to get rid of still, but at least we regained some floor space and I've found my sewing table again. 

Above you can see the White Rotary (in her cabinet) and a really great wooden step and platform.  DH had that made for me so I don't have to lay on the floor to pin or hem pants or a gown. A little cumbersome, but a great benefit!

Below you'll see a giant, well lit workspace... our pool table!  It never gets played on and ends up covered in all my sewing projects.  (Pardon the clutter, I'm still working on finding a home for everything!)

We were tossing around the idea of selling the pool table, but realized that for what we'll get for it, we'll probably spend more on a sewing table for me.  So I've come up with a way to safely protect it (keywords: foam by the roll), make it counter height (some boards laid across it, on top of the foam, to support a hard flat surface), and make it smooth enough to never snag a fabric (anyone out there ever glue down a sheet of formica or laminate?).  Ideally, it would also be great if I did it in 2 pieces, that way if the urge to shoot a game of pool should strike, we can easily move 2 pieces of plywood, rather than 1 gigantic piece.  The wheels are really turning in my head on this idea, but I am hesitant to move forward too quickly, as I don't want to damage the slate or the table.  I'll keep you posted on this one...

Yesterday I had coffee with BeeBee, another sewing blogger that I've only ever known through the internet.  What sweet lady!  It's so nice to be able to put a face to a name and chat about sewing and fabric!  She's in town for a few more weeks, so we might make a trip down to Haberman's together. I'm usually left to my own when fabric shopping, so having a sewing friend to fondle the fabrics with me sounds like fun!

So, the 2 next projects on the list are a pair of simple valances (for a friend whom I owe a gigantic favor to) and to start my entry for the "Natural Fibers" contest at PR.  I've got the pattern and all my supplies, and am so excited to get to work on it.  Hmmm... should I leak some details, or keep it Top Secret?  How about a hint?  Of the categories to choose from (linen, cotton, wool, silk), I'm making mine in silk.  I'll reveal another clue next time...