Earrings for Joy

My sister, Joy, was kind enough to send me a bracelet because it matched a necklace she was wearing that I admired. When she discovered it wasn't a necklace, she bought my that, too! So, I think she deserves a treat. Although the necklace has smooth silver beads, I think these earrings will look great with it. I liked the earrings so much, I made myself a matching pair!

The pattern is an Anna original; she made me a pair in green.

Ruffled Blouse

I love this blouse! It took me awhile to get past the ruffle down the front placket (the directions were none too clear); after that, it was a breeze. I was almost done last weekend and would have finished it 3 days ago if I hadn't come down with the flu. The pattern is Simplicity 4077. It's one I already owned and have used before (another view) and have my fabric for the next version (no ruffle). I did leave out the darts in the back and front but can add those if I ever lose the added weight. The material is like silky cotton; I'm sure it's polyester. The buttons are from Jonnie's stash.











I included a close-up of the print. I thought of Anna when I bought it; it seems like something she would choose.

Summer Projects

New Look 6872 (and pockets from Simplicity 2758)
Fabric from Karen Pavelka

I got this cute fabric from one of my instructors, also a sewing enthusiast. I got it last December, and I've been trying to decide what to make with it ever since, because if Karen gave me the fabric, I knew I'd have to do something good with it.

The back is a little puffy, but that's ok, it makes it look like I have a butt.

I used this BurdaStyle tutorial to learn how to make an exposed zipper. It takes a lot more effort than a regular one, but is totally worth the time.

And added some cute pockets from another pattern.

Yay!

Then I put together this book for someone special.

I sewed the design on the front. I want to experiment with making books out of fabric next, we'll see how that goes.