Friday, December 5, 2008

Sewing Projects

Okay, I've finally taken pictures of (almost) everything, so I can share what I've been working on.

We have a LOT of flying ahead of us, and with the recent airline cutbacks we've heard about, we thought we better come prepared with our own comforts. So I made some neck pillows for my children....
They're both made from a cozy flannel, so they'll be really comfy to sleep on. I was going to make one for myself as well, but first I thought I would do a little research on it. I went looking at all the other neck pillows on the market to see if I could steal copy any of the neat features on them. Instead, I ended up falling in love with one I found, but that I couldn't easily duplicate. You see, I have never been able to get comfortable on an airplane. Ordinary neck pillows don't cut it for me either, so I was so excited to see this product, and decided that it would be worth the money....
(No, this is not me, just the advertisement for the product.) This whole pillow is inflatable, so it won't take up much space in my bag, and it's really comfortable! I tried it out as soon as it arrived, and I'm sure I will be able to sleep with this. I'm excited about that!

I ordered some corduroy to make a couple of skirts for my daughter and I, thinking that a nice corduroy skirt would help to keep us warm where we're moving. Unfortunately, when the fabric arrived last week I was disappointed to find that it's extremely thin; thinner than most cotton calicoes! But, it's still pretty, and it was here, so I went ahead and made the skirts. I only have a picture of my daughter in hers, but just imagine a larger version on myself....
I also made my daughter a couple of cozy flannel nightgowns. One is white with little purple flowers, and she likes that one a lot, but this kitty one is her favorite....
I also finished my rain skirt. Again, I was disappointed by the fabric I received. It was much flimsier than I had anticipated. (Note to self: don't buy any more fabric from Joann.com) But, it is waterproof (I tested it), and it will get the job done, so I really can't complain. When I got it out of its pouch to pose for the picture, I did notice that it wrinkles pretty badly. But, I suppose walking through the rain will take care of that!....
One good thing about this fabric is how little space it takes up when folded. Check out the difference between my pouch and my daughter's....
I also made a jumper dress for myself, but you won't be seeing pictures of that. I had it all completed, except for the buttons. I tried it on and brought a couple of button choices out to my husband for auditions. He took one look at the dress and said, "You're not going to wear that are you?" Okay, hint taken. One thing I love about my husband is his honesty. He will always tell me exactly what he thinks. Sometimes the truth hurts, but I'm glad to have his honest opinion. My friend Rachael is happy about it though... the dress is being sent to her!

And that is the end of sewing "show-and-tell" for a while. I finished my final project and packed up my sewing room. The sewing machine and serger are in their boxes; thread, scissor, and ruler racks are off the wall; tools and notions are put away. What a strange feeling.

3 comments:

HOPE said...

Oh how you are going to miss your friend Ms. Serger and Mrs. Sewing Machine! ;)

Great projects! Wow..I guess I'll be purchasing that travel pillow also! Glad you found it!

Well..yep..honest husbands are nice to have! Atleast we know we don't look bad in public..with them!

Hugs..
HOPE

Crissy said...

My hubby can't sleep on planes either. He just flew nonstop to Japan (14 hrs) and couldn't sleep a wink. I'll have to show him that pillow.
Where did you learn to sew? I have a machine and have tinkered around and made 1 flannel night gown, hemmed a bunch of things, and made a few pillows, but thats about the extent of my sewing know-how.

Pam--in America said...

Crissy-- I taught myself how to sew. My brother-in-law gave me a sewing machine as a wedding gift and I started tinkering around. It has taken many years of trial and ERROR, but I've learned a LOT along the way. My advice: get a couple of good reference books, such as "Reader's Digest, Complete Guide to Sewing", and practice, practice, practice. Don't be afraid to try something new, but you might want to experiment with cheap fabric at first so you don't waste a lot of money. And have FUN!