Virtual Retreat Aug thru Dec 2015 Info on first post

[Catherine S.]

Heather, loved your tops. I am sure you will do fine with the pj bottoms. They are easier then tops. Good luck.

[wendy w.]

Your tops are lovely, almost make me want to rush off and learn dressmaking

[wendy w.]

You are all too nice! thank you!

I'm glad to hear pants are easier than tops; I hope so! -- though notice I didn't do things with sleeves -- the kimono was just one rectangle, folded over, cut an upside down L shape out of each side (so you end up with a T shape, more or less), sew up those sides and over, and cut up the middle front. done. The shirt you will note is sleeveless. I know my limits, LOL!, and didn't want to try putting sleeves in.

I didn't get to start the pants yesterday, but will start today. I hope to be done by the weekend, because I need to then go buy fabric to do a Halloween costume for my middle son. If I manage these pants, and they fit well and all, then I will be brave enough to do his.

[wendy w.]

Heather, although the shirt is sleeveless, the arm holes look a good size on you (not too large or gaping), and also the v neckline is sitting very nicely too - frequently this type of neckline gets stretched in the making and gapes and sits away from the body. A good start to your clothing sewing career :cheer:

[wendy w.]

Rosemary, you could be a judge on "Britian's got Sewing Talent!" :woohoo:

[wendy w.]

Heather--your PJs are looking good so far! Enjoy and remember--you will be sleeping in them so they don't have to be perfect.

[wendy w.]

She won't Ritzy she's going to a party in them!

I went to Philadelphia on a quilting holiday and when we were out in Amish country we went to a pyjama party at a quilt shop. Luckily I had my kimono dressing gown with me I'd made of fat quarters of Japanese fabric. Fun I loved the way the local girls dressed up.

[Geneva C.]

Wendy,
I just got home from Philly! Did I miss you?

Geneva

[wendy w.]

No this was years ago

[wendy w.]

Rosemary, well, the shirt was 4 pieces -- back, then 2 front cross pieces, then the bottom front. So the "neckline" didn't need sewing, thank goodness! Just attach the shoulder on each side, and then attach the sides (front/back) to each other, and they crossed naturally But *thank you!!* for the kind words I am very pleased with how it turned out.

And yes, Ritzy, it will be slept in (and also worn at the PJ party -- we get to "walk the runway" and everything if we show up in PJs we made ourselves, LOL!) and DH said "maybe even wear for date night?" because the top isn't a typical PJ material. (well, I will leave the PJ pants for sleeping in not wearing out...). I'm not fussed at all about how they are coming, just happy they fit

The pants are already giving me fits, but my friend Joyce talked me through those issues (my pattern had conflicting information, which she corrected). Tomorrow will be unsew the pocket pieces from the front of the pants leg pieces, then flip everything around properly, then start over. But I have no out-of-the-house obligations, so should get pretty far on the pants. I hope. I'll update when I can.

I also need to fit in time to play with my just-arrived early birthday/Christmas gift from my Dad & stepmom; she is a quilter as well, and saw me mention a quilt I'd like to make for my son for graduation, full of HSTs and she decided I needed an AccuQuilt cutter. !!!!! My AccuQuilt Go! arrived today, much to my delight!!! (I'd thought probably the Baby, since they are so very pricey!) So of course I need to try it out as well......

[wendy w.]

Hi, I have been keeping up with what everyone is doing, great work everyone.
I am very slowly coming along on hand quilting my Dear Jane quilt at home, and hand quilting my Secret Garden wall hanging. when I go to my different quilting groups meetings.
I still having back troubles. Doing some physical therapy, and lots of heat on my back.

Margarita

[Marianne G.]

Heather, great tops!
Lotti; love your bear - could be my doppelganger when I do my stretches up agains the fridge although I don't wear a fur coat for my exercises (actually I don't wear fur; FULL STOP) :lol:
I never got very far in September being away and disrupted all the time although I ended the month with a sewing week-end with my daughters where I sewed up 2 t-shirts and 2 tunics (I had pre-cut all 4 during the month). I hope October will give me more sewing time. Just cut out fabric for 2 place mats but haven't got enough fabric for the binding so need to do a bit of shopping tomorrow when I go to a regional day where there are supposed to be vendors :woohoo:
Marianne

[Judith A.]

Lotti,
Thank you for posting the wonderful animal photos. They are great! I really enjoy them!

We have been having days and days of rain here in my part of Virginia. There are flash flood warnings today. Tomorrow they say we will have flooding. High winds are predicted tomorrow. The ground is so saturated already after days of nonstop rain that trees are expected to be uprooted when the winds come).
Everyone please be careful.

Judith

[Catherine S.]

Judith, praying you stay safe from the water and winds!

[Catherine S.]

Judy,
Stay safe, my friend.
I am in Charleston, SC area and I got an extra 24 pack of water yesterday, and cheeses, cold cuts, etc. flooding can create a lot more problems beyond the waters!
I'm hoping there's no power loss, cuz my machines like to sing above the thunder. Course, if there's lightning then I gotta unplug stuff!!
Praying for everyone to stay safe during weather situations
Luann