tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92803792024-03-06T22:28:12.235-08:00CouturesmithConnie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874305685184268544noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9280379.post-24176002407724682272008-04-06T16:18:00.000-07:002008-04-06T16:22:31.648-07:00<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;">I'VE MOVED!!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"></span> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="http://couturesmith.com/"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#cc0000;">http://couturesmith.com/</span></a></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Please come and visit...</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874305685184268544noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9280379.post-81592670312153756252008-01-16T18:47:00.000-08:002008-01-16T18:52:39.144-08:00On to the Next...for real!For Christmas, Erica (that would be the #1 daughter of "The Fashion Critics X 5", gave me my very own website.<br /><br />So from now on, set your dial to<br /><br /><a href="http://couturesmith.com/"><span style="font-size:180%;">Couturesmith</span></a><br /><br />or <a href="http://www.couturesmith.com/"><span style="font-size:180%;">www.couturesmith.com</span></a><br /><br />for any further posts.<br /><br />Please feel free to add me to your blogroll! <br /><br />It is not too "pretty" (hey doesn't Iman say "fashion isn't always "<em>pretty</em>"!!!! but give me a chance - remember I just started a new job!Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874305685184268544noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9280379.post-69813157443505057812008-01-13T19:16:00.000-08:002008-01-13T20:06:49.157-08:00Overdosing on Project Catwalk!It was a glorious sewing day today! I was expecting Daughter #2's boyfriends parents to come for a visit- but noone showed. Or if they did, I was in too much of a zone to notice them!<br /><div><div> </div><div>I found Project Catwalk on Youtube. I embarked on a marathon viewing/sewing session and got so much done! I really, really hated Project Catwalk though! In general the designers were, um um not good at all! I am watching to the bitter end though!</div><div> </div><div>I finally finished the rejected New Years dress. I will wear it to my parents 50th Wedding anniversary party this week instead. No pics on me - you will have to settle for my dressform supermodel.</div><div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/R4rc4K3MDnI/AAAAAAAABL4/m2XWoOVBsRw/s1600-h/Gatineaus+017.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155175581025570418" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/R4rc4K3MDnI/AAAAAAAABL4/m2XWoOVBsRw/s320/Gatineaus+017.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I also started on Laurens new coat. I am making it in a grey tweed wool that I got from Metro Textile in NYC. I am using Burda 7878. <img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 230px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="276" alt="" src="http://images2.burdafashion.com/images/repos/1/000/001/580/000001580661" border="0" />I don't really use Burda patterns often, although I am a BWOF fan. When I read these instructions through- after cutting out the fabric, I found out that there were instruction sheets missing. A trip to the fabric store was to no avail, as the only copy they had left included the same instructions. I have left a message with Burdamode and hopefully they can remedy my problem. I know you are all saying "Connie you do not need the instructions", but still I would like them to know about the problem.</div><div> </div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>It is constructing itself very well andvery quickly, although it looks a titch BORING to me. Lauren requested a double breasted coat and this one, while it has cute lines, does not really avail itself to much in the way of embellishment.</div><div> </div><div>Lauren darling if you read this- what do you think of something like this to pretty it up?</div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/R4rfAa3MDoI/AAAAAAAABMA/yDFZy9pkpWs/s1600-h/blackflowerappliquevd4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5155177921782746754" style="CURSOR: hand" height="148" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/R4rfAa3MDoI/AAAAAAAABMA/yDFZy9pkpWs/s320/blackflowerappliquevd4.jpg" width="210" border="0" /></a>Some sort of deconstructed look involving black wool, net or chiffon and beads? I was also thinking of handstitch outlining some of the seams in black.</div><div>Let me know!<br /><br /></div><div>Oh yes - I just finished watching the runway episode of Season 2 of Catwalk. They have vindicated themselves - Wayne's runway was "brilliant"!</div></div>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874305685184268544noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9280379.post-80746552106664894142008-01-10T16:05:00.000-08:002008-01-10T16:22:53.486-08:00Is this YOU?'Cause it is me to a tee!<br /><div></div><br /><div>I have a lot of interests outside of sewing. I ski, I cycle and I play golf. All of those I do regularly. Other activities such as curling, hiking, and cross country skiing, I do occassionally.</div><div></div><br /><div>Let's take last month for instance. We were invited to a fundraising curling bonspeil. So do I read up on curling, the correct stretches, the techniques etc..?</div><div></div><br /><div>NOPE</div><div></div><br /><div>I research what one wears while curling and proceed to make an outfit!</div><div></div><br /><div>How about <strong>cycling</strong>? I try to do 15K 3 times a week during "Ontario Cycle Wimp Season" That would be May to October for us cold wimps.</div><div></div><br /><div>I have 6 cycling patterns, including shorts, shirts, jackets, and panniers, but have yet to design the "perfect outfit". Hence I cycle in 10 year old Dragon Boat racing shorts and an old tee.</div><div></div><br /><div><strong>Golf</strong> - same story - Lots of ideas - just no just the right attire. Have you ever PURCHASED golf wear? You can spend an entire salary on a skirt! I am crazy not to develop a golf line of women's wear considering I am part owner of a course for goodness sakes!</div><br /><div></div><div><strong>Skiing</strong>- I am a Ski Patrol (hoping by the way to Patrol at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver)</div><div>What do I wear under my jacket and pants? The rattiest old fleece in all of Thorndale! Either that or handme downs from the girls and their racing/instructing wardrobe.</div><br /><div>Okay I admit that I did make a great pair of ski pants and gloves, but even THEY need replacing after 8 years of hard wear.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So tell me - does THIS cartoon describe YOU to a tee?</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5154007538899619410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_5Tzd4juu9_rNVs6zZkWocRproWwR0DvTfMHA0YCfrUl_4VyVNgXfRF3ZquH5Dafaer-if-CWf4fFSq2dpEAMkkL58inhghlRsfm1RGeWUZTU90iJhH7SeUWP6V51Hw1Vcft/s320/sewing2.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874305685184268544noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9280379.post-46902091376549806972008-01-04T07:46:00.000-08:002008-01-04T08:39:20.345-08:00Did you sew when the kids were little?<div>I get asked this question often. Either that question or "how long have you been sewing" are questions people ask when they notice something I am wearing.<br /><div><div>So to answer those- </div><br /><div>Yes I sewed a lot when the girls were little. I came across this photo yesterday for example.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarYoPFPbsZ-P8DhSHvtkTGK-1v8yKtlKYJfAHGChw5Hwai1Fou6GW0yI7SWfEQLooDMOPIHZk_uINTP2UZ5AO2NXLmfPpmD5GFuW2JjY3ACj-h1XSO6U9AqwZ7oTcPn_uKYrw/s1600-h/bontjegirls510.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151657109456948722" style="CURSOR: hand" height="335" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiarYoPFPbsZ-P8DhSHvtkTGK-1v8yKtlKYJfAHGChw5Hwai1Fou6GW0yI7SWfEQLooDMOPIHZk_uINTP2UZ5AO2NXLmfPpmD5GFuW2JjY3ACj-h1XSO6U9AqwZ7oTcPn_uKYrw/s320/bontjegirls510.jpg" width="347" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>My mother and father in law were celebrating an anniversary and the entire family was getting together for family photos. (Mike has 3 sisters who live locally and 2 brothers and their families who live in Alberta)</div><br /><div>So, very pregnant with baby number 5, and with the assistance of Mike's sister, I seem to recall, I decided to make new outfits for them all. Baby Lauren was only a few weeks old in this photo, Erica 6, Micaela 5, Kate almost 4(it was close to her birthday), and Leah was 2 1/2. Yes I was nuts. I was also only 29!</div><div></div><br /><div>I made dresses or outfits for them every Easter and Christmas. Here is a "what were you thinking?!" Christmas photo. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuTr1PuCUn6WM43ps2qHVD54Hfnp4mJXpTaGQSZoedQL4VtWJflT240yuHhLwspfDY7XWoN-xEmf8alo4tOPTURautJxXTXx8r6fZAhWqodSWIBytrY_VoNrI5uXkM9ywdpUj/s1600-h/bontjegirls466.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151653574698864098" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOuTr1PuCUn6WM43ps2qHVD54Hfnp4mJXpTaGQSZoedQL4VtWJflT240yuHhLwspfDY7XWoN-xEmf8alo4tOPTURautJxXTXx8r6fZAhWqodSWIBytrY_VoNrI5uXkM9ywdpUj/s320/bontjegirls466.jpg" border="0" /></a>They remember me saying " don't look at me, look at the doorway"! I loved that overalls that little Lauren was wearing. I used pink flannel for the lining and contrast and it was really cute as well as warm. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>And the beauties now! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSeeqe16Y6OA9Sly70e-toki4QyYqfvBCB-KR1JmtEW5dRLvA398x9znbMAsQQ-Ou2Omrz-s-X19a5DaWqD8G2jJH_mZmfCPq03PAA940N7FEJmDOpIL7-xozgqA6mnkYnk9J/s1600-h/bontjegirls508.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5151658548270992898" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSeeqe16Y6OA9Sly70e-toki4QyYqfvBCB-KR1JmtEW5dRLvA398x9znbMAsQQ-Ou2Omrz-s-X19a5DaWqD8G2jJH_mZmfCPq03PAA940N7FEJmDOpIL7-xozgqA6mnkYnk9J/s320/bontjegirls508.jpg" border="0" /></a>We used this shot for Mike's advertising campaign when he was running for council, with the caption "We're not on the fence, we're voting BONTJE" He won, but I am hoping for his platform, not for the good looks that run in the family!</div></div></div>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874305685184268544noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9280379.post-4819614285271580112008-01-03T05:51:00.000-08:002008-01-03T06:32:05.547-08:00So WHAT did I end up wearing for New Years??<div><div><div><div><div>Ah you want to know do you? Actually I should tell you what we did first! Usually we do one of two things- go to the local town dance, where we know pretty well everyone and dance up a storm, or go to a house party with some very close and dear friends. This year we decided to mix it up a bit- friends of ours invited us out to dinner at a well known, small (holds 32 customers) restaurant run by two hilarious gay guys. We always meet the most interesting people when we eat there! You end up talking to almost everyone in the place just because the place is so small and intimate feeling. The owners play up the alternative card in a very clever manner- the "girl" in the hidious dress behind the bar is really a guy, they have posted every letter and card they have ever recieved on the wall on the way to the bathroom, the drinks they offer have embarrassingly funny names- you get the idea. Most people in the area know of the restaurant, including my 82 year old mother in law!</div><div></div><br /><div>Yes Connie, but did you end up wearing the dress you were working on?</div><br /><div>Sorry readers, but no I did not- hanging my head in shame as I was galloping so happily on my high horse of going beyond the "glitsy" New Years Eve dress trend.</div><div></div><br /><div>I ended up loving the dress- it fits well and looks good. The "Fashion Critics Times Five" (or the ones who were home anyways) decreed that the dress was cute and all, but infinately more "going to a meeting" or church worthy than attending a soiree for New Years. <em>"sigh" I promise photos and a review soon.</em><br /></div><div><a href="http://img.sewingtoday.com/cat/40000/itm_img/M5425.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://img.sewingtoday.com/cat/40000/itm_img/M5425.jpg" border="0" /></a>Back to the drawing board it was. I found some black sheer fabric with beading in the stash. It needed a simple design so I chose McCalls 5425. It was in the stash and was quick and easy.</div><div></div><br /><div>I lined the dress with bright teal and made the scarf/tie from some black chiffon. </div><br /><div>I did not want to ruin even more needles by doing a rolled hem on the hem, so (whispering here) I used fusible stuff!! It worked, but is not, not up to Couturesmith standards!</div><div></div><br /><div>Here is what it looked like! <a href="http://lh3.google.com/connie.bontje/R3zuiq3MDWI/AAAAAAAABHs/MQTss0uKKY0/christmas2007%20029.jpg?imgmax=512"><img style="WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 220px" height="373" alt="" src="http://lh3.google.com/connie.bontje/R3zuiq3MDWI/AAAAAAAABHs/MQTss0uKKY0/christmas2007%20029.jpg?imgmax=512" border="0" /></a>I was so excited about my hair. I hate doing my hair because I really suck at it. French braids for the kids easy. Making my hair look presentable - not so good. I have been channeling Debra Messing lately though after watching reruns of Will and Grace on DVD while sewing. I love her hairdo's and tried pinning mine up a la messy organized Grace. It actually worked!<a href="http://lh4.google.com/connie.bontje/R3zu963MDdI/AAAAAAAABIo/9zFPrwMWCZo/christmas2007%20039.jpg?imgmax=512"><img style="WIDTH: 186px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 353px" height="569" alt="" src="http://lh4.google.com/connie.bontje/R3zu963MDdI/AAAAAAAABIo/9zFPrwMWCZo/christmas2007%20039.jpg?imgmax=512" border="0" /></a> This is me mugging for the camera and totally eclipsing Mike! This one is better of Mike in all his splendor. <a href="http://lh6.google.com/connie.bontje/R3zu0a3MDbI/AAAAAAAABIU/wAf2STftW4I/christmas2007%20037.jpg?imgmax=512"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://lh6.google.com/connie.bontje/R3zu0a3MDbI/AAAAAAAABIU/wAf2STftW4I/christmas2007%20037.jpg?imgmax=512" border="0" /></a>We had an awesome time, met some fun and interesting people and were back to work- yes work on New Years Day!- by 9 am. </div><br /><div>Happy New Years Everyone. Now time for Resolutions!</div><div> </div><div>Oh here is a heads up as to what is going on in the Bontje house soon- a NEW website all my own courtesy of Erica. As soon as we can get together - and honey that should be soon you new graduate you!- it will be ready for all to see. Second is my new job which begins next week. I am very excited about it. By the way it is in addition to not replacing my current job so I am a bit worried about sewing and blogging time!</div><div> </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874305685184268544noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9280379.post-42573378653846344052007-12-27T19:21:00.000-08:002007-12-27T19:59:18.701-08:00Dressing for New Years EveFor New Years this year I decided that I don't want to be sparkly or glittery. I want to be classic and understated (riigghhtt Connie!) <div><div><br /><div>With that in mind I am in the middle of this Christine Jonson wrap dress.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148862829503974674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 177px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="212" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/R3Rvdq3MDRI/AAAAAAAABGk/REkCvoCUnNU/s400/wrap+dress.jpg" width="212" border="0" /> Yes I have finally admitted to myself that a REAL VonFurstenberg wrap will not be gracing my pattern stash in the near future. $150.00 (ebay) for a pattern is more than I am willing to spend! I can live with that! There have been times that my bid finger has been itching to hit the button though! But keep looking for me Louie!</div><br /><div>So here it is so far. Recognize the fabric?<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148867463773687106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/R3Rzra3MDUI/AAAAAAAABHA/GLbeBynkLZc/s320/christmas2007+021.jpg" border="0" />I added a collar. It was not originally a pattern piece, but the company sent a pattern addition to me last year and I like the look of it. I know, I know- a collar is basically a rectangle. But they WERE nice enough as to go through the trouble of mailing the addition to everyone who bought the pattern. It was the least I could to to try it out.</div><br /><div>I think I want to add cuffs to the sleeves. Not the cuffs that are included in the pattern. By the way the sleeves are 3/4 length.</div><br /><div>I am in the middle of deciding how I should treat the bodice attaching to the skirt. The skirt is a bit heavy feeling, and I think some twill tape or something like that is neccessary to help stabilize it.</div><div>Any suggestions?</div><br /><div>Have you ever made a wrap dress? If so, which one, and did you like it? Did it compare favourably to the Von Furstenberg classic?</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>On a similar note, I fell in love with this Von Furstenberg dress at Holt Renfrew Last Chance. Even at the clearance price I couldn't justify it- and it WAS a size O, so it would fit my right leg perfectly!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/R3RwS63MDTI/AAAAAAAABG0/y5Ciuaw9k4g/s1600-h/vonfurstenberg+dress!.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148863744332008754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/R3RwS63MDTI/AAAAAAAABG0/y5Ciuaw9k4g/s320/vonfurstenberg+dress!.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div></div></div>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874305685184268544noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9280379.post-80598371315310647462007-12-23T19:16:00.000-08:002007-12-23T19:29:57.850-08:00Merry ChristmasI received this from a friend and would like to share it with you. <br /><br /><em>Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas. My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant." I did not have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise. So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a seat on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song. Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was surprised and delighted by the title. Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love." The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W". The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W". Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood - the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear: "CHRISTWAS LOVE" </em><br /><br />May your Christmas be filled with Love, Laughter, Family and Friends.<br /><div>Love to all,</div><br /><div>Connie<img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh4.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R2RkB63MDCI/AAAAAAAABEE/DDA3uQGlRmE/Sewing%20and%20mom%20134.jpg?imgmax=640" border="0" /></div>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874305685184268544noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9280379.post-15075584176656115362007-12-22T14:26:00.000-08:002007-12-22T15:26:40.487-08:00It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!What a week- I found out the hard way this week that I am allergic to Amoxillin! Suffice it to say that my face looked like a chipmunk and my lips looked like I was addicted to collagen injections ! I am feeling like a normal human being now although for a few days I actually spent most of my time in bed- getting nothing accomplished! <div><div><div><div><div><br /><br /><div>I decided that I want to make aprons for my sisters, sisters in law and both moms. That means 8 more aprons to be done by Monday. Yes I am nuts! Luckily I have all the fabric I need, and there are lots of hours in a day.</div><br /><div>Newly married Katelyn came over today for some sewing help. The entrance to her basement has no door and is right at her entrance. Her two new grandmothers are coming over for a visit tomorrow and she wants it to look "nice". <a href="http://lh4.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R22Utq3MDKI/AAAAAAAABFo/Wbc3BBm8NTk/Sewing%20and%20mom%20161.jpg?imgmax=576"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://lh4.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R22Utq3MDKI/AAAAAAAABFo/Wbc3BBm8NTk/Sewing%20and%20mom%20161.jpg?imgmax=576" border="0" /></a>We (I only helped with measuring and pinning. She did all the sewing! ) got the panel done in record time. The grommets had us fretting for a few minutes as we could not get them to "lock" with just hand pressure and a hammer was not doing the job either. <a href="http://lh4.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R22VYq3MDPI/AAAAAAAABGQ/hNImt19mmGI/Sewing%20and%20mom%20167.jpg?imgmax=720"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://lh4.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R22VYq3MDPI/AAAAAAAABGQ/hNImt19mmGI/Sewing%20and%20mom%20167.jpg?imgmax=720" border="0" /></a><a href="http://lh6.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R22VEK3MDNI/AAAAAAAABGA/Iw8SC-oNp4Q/Sewing%20and%20mom%20163.jpg?imgmax=720"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://lh6.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R22VEK3MDNI/AAAAAAAABGA/Iw8SC-oNp4Q/Sewing%20and%20mom%20163.jpg?imgmax=720" border="0" /></a>We grabbed an old hardcover book, centred everything and gave the book a good hard <em>whack.</em> That did the trick.<a href="http://lh6.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R22VLK3MDOI/AAAAAAAABGI/S5QA63pWPbQ/Sewing%20and%20mom%20165.jpg?imgmax=720"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://lh6.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R22VLK3MDOI/AAAAAAAABGI/S5QA63pWPbQ/Sewing%20and%20mom%20165.jpg?imgmax=720" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div>Oh yes -I have some news! Good news! I got another job. Now most of you who read this do not know much about my non-sewing life. I <em>do</em> have a job- I am a farmer. Buuutt if I am not super, over busy I get bored, so I am always on the lookout for something that sounds interesting. The new job - and yes I still get to keep my old job too- involves doing insurance adjusting for a government agricultural agency. It should not be fullfull time - that means at times it will be full time and other times not so busy. I am looking forward to starting in two weeks! As Kate would say <em>"Yay Me!"</em></div><div></div><div>Some Christmas photos to share....<a href="http://lh3.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R2Rjjq3MC2I/AAAAAAAABCg/Oglb5XOK-Dg/s144/Sewing%20and%20mom%20121.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 131px; CURSOR: hand" height="121" alt="" src="http://lh3.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R2Rjjq3MC2I/AAAAAAAABCg/Oglb5XOK-Dg/s144/Sewing%20and%20mom%20121.jpg" border="0" /></a>.an angel..<a href="http://lh3.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R2Rjhq3MC1I/AAAAAAAABCY/t_J3i-vUVFw/s144/Sewing%20and%20mom%20119.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 101px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 182px" height="241" alt="" src="http://lh3.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R2Rjhq3MC1I/AAAAAAAABCY/t_J3i-vUVFw/s144/Sewing%20and%20mom%20119.jpg" border="0" /></a>the last christmas ornament the girls ever gave to my grandmother...<a href="http://lh3.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R2Rjpq3MC4I/AAAAAAAABCw/yBgMpGJ2gUU/s144/Sewing%20and%20mom%20124.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 142px; CURSOR: hand" height="94" alt="" src="http://lh3.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R2Rjpq3MC4I/AAAAAAAABCw/yBgMpGJ2gUU/s144/Sewing%20and%20mom%20124.jpg" border="0" /></a>this ornament made by my mother<a href="http://lh5.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R2RjWK3MCwI/AAAAAAAABBw/FoN5ZSkfVIQ/Sewing%20and%20mom%20113.jpg?imgmax=512"><img style="WIDTH: 133px; CURSOR: hand" height="203" alt="" src="http://lh5.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R2RjWK3MCwI/AAAAAAAABBw/FoN5ZSkfVIQ/Sewing%20and%20mom%20113.jpg?imgmax=512" border="0" /></a>Herman the cat<a href="http://lh6.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R2Rjfa3MC0I/AAAAAAAABCQ/aT2Oif_WxoM/s144/Sewing%20and%20mom%20116.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 135px; CURSOR: hand" height="86" alt="" src="http://lh6.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R2Rjfa3MC0I/AAAAAAAABCQ/aT2Oif_WxoM/s144/Sewing%20and%20mom%20116.jpg" border="0" /></a>a paperpieced nativity scene that I - appropriately finished while on a tour of Israel, the girls stockings made years ago and a Santa that my mom made many years ago. Treasures all</div></div></div></div></div></div>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874305685184268544noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9280379.post-8201920758050950802007-12-16T14:53:00.000-08:002007-12-16T18:10:41.805-08:00Are you all CrAzY?<a href="http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:NtRoB_IQ92xarM:http://www.skircr.com/images/csps.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 177px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 191px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="335" alt="" src="http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:NtRoB_IQ92xarM:http://www.skircr.com/images/csps.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><br /><div>People, there was a snowstorm today. To quote Environment Canada, "a Crippling Snowstorm"!</div><br /><br /><div></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/R2Wtjq3MDDI/AAAAAAAABEU/vZiD3g9mdEc/s1600-h/snowstorm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5144708977653451826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/R2Wtjq3MDDI/AAAAAAAABEU/vZiD3g9mdEc/s320/snowstorm.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>So what do you do? I mean, the kids are driving you crazy, and you want to relax, so you drop the darlings off at the local ski hill. Yes, I know, you can't get to church, but the ski hill- yes-sir-ee!</div><br /><div>Do me and the other adults who give freely of their time so you can get your shopping/sleeping done wouldya? Teach them basic manners ie: not line cutting, staying out of out of bound areas and thowing out their garbage? Tell them to leave the little kids alone and respect their elders.</div><div>Members of the Canadian Ski Patrol (including me and My Mike) thank you.</div><div><em>Sorry for the rant - it was a tough afternoon!</em></div></div>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874305685184268544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9280379.post-51911738412469887192007-12-15T15:27:00.000-08:002007-12-15T16:07:32.172-08:00Christmas Aprons<a href="http://lh4.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R2RjK63MCqI/AAAAAAAABBE/-PmbEK-t6r0/Sewing%20and%20mom%20136.jpg?imgmax=512"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://lh4.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R2RjK63MCqI/AAAAAAAABBE/-PmbEK-t6r0/Sewing%20and%20mom%20136.jpg?imgmax=512" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div>Christmas is approaching way, way too quickly! I just realized this afternoon that I have yet to get a package together for my sister and her family in Alberta! We don't exchange gifts, but I like to send a little something out to her. The rest of the family all live within 40 minutes of each other, Jeremy's family is in Wales, and she does get a little lonely at Christmas time. At least that is what I tell myself- I know I would!</div><br /><br /><div>What a better night than tonights stormy one to get her apron drafted, sewn and reviewed!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>You all remember the fabric-</div><br /><div><a href="http://lh5.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R2RisK3MCfI/AAAAAAAAA_s/d_fhRiMgOTE/Sewing%20and%20mom%20101.jpg?imgmax=720"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://lh5.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R2RisK3MCfI/AAAAAAAAA_s/d_fhRiMgOTE/Sewing%20and%20mom%20101.jpg?imgmax=720" border="0" /></a>(Hey wow - Blogger has changed! I can see the photo in draft view-how cool is that!)</div><br /><div>Next was the "opportunity" to draft my own pattern as-</div><br /><div>a) I do not have the perfect pattern at home</div><div>b) the perfect pattern is a McCalls that goes on sale NEXT week</div><div>c) I lost the Ebay bid on the set of 4 vintage apron patterns that I Really Wanted</div><div>d) It is too stormy to get out to Fabricland</div><br /><div></div><div>So - after searching online for "free" "apron" "pattern" for a really, really long time, I decided to draft my own.</div><div></div><br /><div>Here is what I came up with- I took a rectangle of fabric 18" X 32. I wanted a few gathers at the hip line, so I softly gathered a 4 inch section that was 4 inches from the centre. (on the top edge of course!)</div><div></div><div>Hemmed the bottom. </div><div></div><div>Sewed on the waistband, basically a 3" X 29 inch contrasting fabric, adjusting the gathers to fit.</div><div>Narrow hemmed the side seams.</div><div></div><br /><div>Made two ties about 3 inches wide and 36 inches long. Narrow hemmed 3 sides.</div><div></div><div>I like the look of a pleated tie, so I made a pleat where I was going to attach it to the waistband.</div><div>Then I sewed the ties on. On the photo I crossed them to the front and tied them there. </div><div></div><br /><div>I found this pocked on my searches. I cannot take credit for the original design, but I did tweak it to my needs. ie made it bigger and the tie ends fatter. Here is the website where it can be found <a href="http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/replicarter/pocketpattern3.jpg">POCKETPDF</a></div><a href="http://lh3.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R2RjIq3MCpI/AAAAAAAABA8/4slG1OGBKdM/Sewing%20and%20mom%20117.jpg?imgmax=512"><img style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://lh3.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R2RjIq3MCpI/AAAAAAAABA8/4slG1OGBKdM/Sewing%20and%20mom%20117.jpg?imgmax=512" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>Voila la apron for my little sister- well she is over 40 but she is still younger than me!</div><br /><div></div><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh3.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R2RjFq3MCoI/AAAAAAAABA0/nY-sDEEs33Q/Sewing%20and%20mom%20135.jpg?imgmax=512" border="0" /> </div></div></div></div><br />Merry Christmas Lisa!Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874305685184268544noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9280379.post-5274286282044727132007-12-12T11:17:00.000-08:002007-12-14T11:13:13.501-08:00I don't usually post reviews here, but in order to make the people who are not PatternReview readers happy, I will start.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Christine Johnson 426. Princess Seamed Shirred Top<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://lh6.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R2ApQXrEEWI/AAAAAAAAA-U/ST-XUOygb-c/Sewing%20and%20mom%20068.jpg?imgmax=720"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://lh6.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R2ApQXrEEWI/AAAAAAAAA-U/ST-XUOygb-c/Sewing%20and%20mom%20068.jpg?imgmax=720" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div>In advance- sorry for any lack of continuity in this review. I began this review when I made the first(brown top). It has been languishing in draft form until I made two more and decided that I really needed to get this finished.<br /><br />There are no photos of the #1 top - the brown one. It is nice - Really! If you do not yet have this pattern - stop here and order it NOW! I know there are a myriad of reviews for this top, but wanted to add my 2cents (Canadian).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern Description:</span> Close-fitting, pullover, wrap top with gathered waistline detail and sleeve variations<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pattern Sizing:</span> XS to XL. I made a Small and tapered to Medium at the hip.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? </span>OMgoodness - yes! I actually hugged myself I loved it so much!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Were the instructions easy to follow?</span> Easy as pie! I actually used them as I wanted to know if they made sense. They did!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?</span> I love that it fit me right out of the envelope. The neckline hugs just as it should and is low but not too low.<br />I can see that a few more situps are in order - get thyself to the gym more often Connie- but I think a medium would have ended up too large in the bust area. A note to the very tiny people here- I am not a small boned person and I used a small- I think even the XS may be too large for my daughters who wear a RTW 4. I have the feeling that I am going to find out though!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Fabric Used:</span> I've made this top 3 times now.<br /><strong>#1</strong> was a luscious thin chocolate brown knit that I either got from EOS or Wazoodle. I think it was EOS. I wish my fabric stash was organized! (in fact I really should just make that a priority as I just discovered that I have 2 identical green linen pieces of fabric - both purchased recently for pants- I do not remember buying EITHER!)<br /><strong>#2</strong> was a cool geometric print from EOS<br /><strong>#3 </strong>a lovely graphic knit from Metro Textiles in NYC. This must be my personal best in the "NYC purchase to garment" category! I have Christine Jonsons wrap dress cut out in this fabric already as well!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">#1</span> In order to make the neckline a bit more interesting, I added some elastic with a very pretty picot edge. As well as looking "pretty" it helped to keep the neckline tight. I turned the neck edge under and hand basted (I do like hand basting) then topstitched the elastic on with 2 rows of stitching. I am embarrassed to say that I looked at my new coverstitch machine while I used my sewing machine to sew the elastic on- I am still not as confident with it as I should be mainly because I would rather sew than practice - bad Connie - practice makes perfect. I make the excuse that I wanted to get something actually SEWN, as there has not been much time for that lately.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Two New Tops<br /><br /></span></div><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">#2</span> was made straight from the pattern with no alterations. </span><br /><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">#3</span> I trimmed the neck edge with some black very very narrow fold over elastic. I got this last year in NYC at MJ Trims (I think!) I serged the edge first, then hand basted both sides on individually. Very finickity but well worth it in the end. Oh I almost forgot to mention that I coverstitched this baby - Yeah finally made friends with the machine! Looking closer I can see that my grain line was off a bit- I was pretty careful so I may check the grain line on the pattern piece next time.<p><br /><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 176px; height: 267px;" src="http://lh6.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R2ApWXrEEYI/AAAAAAAAA-k/CTd4kYNYgO0/Sewing%20and%20mom%20096.jpg?imgmax=512" alt="" align="left" border="0" /><br /></p></span><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 288px;" src="http://lh6.google.co.uk/connie.bontje/R2ApMXrEETI/AAAAAAAAA94/XMs7lwNrFI4/Sewing%20and%20mom%20064.jpg?imgmax=512" alt="" align="right" border="0" /><p><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?</span> <span>Oh yes! I love, love, love this pattern! Easy and looks good too!<br />It took about 2 hours from start to finish. Did I mention that I think this pattern is wonderful?</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Conclusion:</span> Fast, <span>easy to put together and looks fantastic on so many body types! This was just the pattern I needed to shoot me out of my sewing slump!</span></p>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874305685184268544noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9280379.post-49715627204633763642007-12-08T07:43:00.000-08:002007-12-12T12:01:09.655-08:00My "New" FriendI made a new friend today. More specifically, I made up with an old one! My Pfaff Coverstitch 4852! I have been on "hello, how are you?" superficial, kind of rocky terms with her since she came into my life -oh my gosh- almost 3 years ago! She was not tooo horribly an expensive friend at first. I brought her home for $900. Outfitting her with jewellery was more costly- and even more so when I realized that I had no idea how these accessories actually worked! <br />So she sat there. Decorative but not horribly funtional. I did make Mike a nice pair of boxers. They only cost $1000.00 if you figure it our using dollar cost averaging! Then I roll hemmed a dress. Okay the underwear then only cost $500.00!<br />I roll hemmed 20 6 feet long table runners for the wedding. Boxer cost - $250.00<br /><br />"<em>Darn it all</em>" I said to myself this morning. Actually I said "damm", but..well you know! "<em>I am going to conquer this thing today</em>!" I am mechanically inclined. I drive and can fix(well sometimes!) a combine for goddness sakes! This little glorified sewing machine was NOT going to continue its life in this house as a drape horse for fabric any longer!<br /><br /><br />So I reintroduced myself politely. I read a few blogs and some PatternReview threads on coverstitch machines. Since this lady was going to have dedicated Coverstitch usage, I read the manual. Cover to cover. Three times. All I got for my troubles was a snarly mess. So I started over URGGHH<br />The second best advice I read said that one should thread using different colours to properly analyze the problem. Well Eureka! I was always assuming that the bottom looper was the culprit, when actually the left needle path was not threaded perfectly! I had not "flossed" the thread in the tension disc.<br />Then it ws accessory time. I had the "M" foot and the hemmer guide. I found this great website from the UK that has a myriad of videos pertaining to Pfaff feet and other accessories. That made it a cinch!<br /><a href="http://www.sewingmachine-sales.co.uk/sewing_machine_info/video/20/hemmer-guide-h-2.html">Hemmer Guide</a><br /><br />Ahhhh now we are friends. Soon to be best of friends I am sure!Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874305685184268544noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9280379.post-20747558583137746962007-12-07T07:39:00.000-08:002007-12-07T18:32:27.589-08:00I should be sewing!And I am! I'm working slowly on my SWAP- I will do an update on it soon! I am in the midst of a blasted silk charmeuse blouse that is bugging the heck out of me. I finished that BWOF dress-finally got the kinks out of my system. I have a myriad of almost but not quite finished projects that I do not want to blog about till I get - further... and photos taken...and happier about...<br />But what? I keep on getting sidetracked and start new projects that are "so cute" and "oh I need to make that"<br />Frinstance? Our Santa Clause Parade is the 14th of December and I "offered" to make Elf costumes for 2 of the Council members...<br />Lauren wants a coat...so I decided I need one too...<br />A friend is having a Christmas party on Saturday and I wanted to craft up some ornaments as a hostess gift for her...<br />And all of the blogs that I have been reading lately have been going on and on about the most adorable aprons...Connie you don't wear aprons! Yes, but I WOULD if I had those cute aprons...I might even be tempted to make all of those delicious holiday cookies and squares and pies....<br />Aprons like these...<br><a href="http://www.hostesswiththemostess.com/fckmedia/image/aprons_4.jpg"><img src="http://www.hostesswiththemostess.com/fckmedia/image/aprons_4.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><p><br />So what's a girl to do? Finger shop and wait by the mailbox for these fabrics...<p><a href="http://www.tonicliving.com/items/kleo_sage.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.tonicliving.com/items/kleo_sage.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.tonicliving.com/items/disco_dot_blue.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.tonicliving.com/items/disco_dot_blue.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.tonicliving.com/items/C1684_Cocoa.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.tonicliving.com/items/C1684_Cocoa.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.tonicliving.com/items/dumb_dot_aqua.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.tonicliving.com/items/dumb_dot_aqua.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></p><p><br />Maybe I should sew whilst I am waiting for that Tonic Living order. Or I will be naked under those aprons! And it is cold out beside that mailbox!<br />Check out my newest fav CD- <a href="http://www.annemurrayduets.com/canada/">Ann Murray and friends</a>- I love Ann!</p>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874305685184268544noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9280379.post-16242913634368957352007-11-26T18:18:00.001-08:002007-11-26T18:53:33.703-08:00Instant gratification<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopmSHWWLwKyUnhZXxYZnRd1NhJQpl1nR93YEfsYSOqTVIkV08d5no3TIg9iS1a_XoWyACqnDdQCU7IgDnYvsnGC63BcOwXRX7g3CyGPAkxEMSk-vZWZUgPMy_dcpJhBN1IA4f/s1600-h/DSC_0755.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopmSHWWLwKyUnhZXxYZnRd1NhJQpl1nR93YEfsYSOqTVIkV08d5no3TIg9iS1a_XoWyACqnDdQCU7IgDnYvsnGC63BcOwXRX7g3CyGPAkxEMSk-vZWZUgPMy_dcpJhBN1IA4f/s320/DSC_0755.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137347511007953474" /></a><br />It's a snowy, blustery night. My plans for the evening (practice with my singing partner) were cancelled, "My Mike" is in Alberta celebrating his brother's 50th birthday (Mike brought his mother - isn't he sweet!), and I do not feel motivated to work on my sewing projects.<br />Sooo I took a visit to some of my favourite sewing blogs, and saw that <a href="http://missceliespants.blogspot.com/">Cidell</a> made some uber cute mittenettes. I had admired them when I saw her in New York City, and re-admired them on her blog. "What the heck" I thought. <br />An hour later I had three pairs!<br />Two grey pairs with some beading I had laying around. I used the sleeves and the body as well to get two pairs. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/R0uGVKldwiI/AAAAAAAAA8c/Sr25j8xQB1Y/s1600-h/DSC_0753.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/R0uGVKldwiI/AAAAAAAAA8c/Sr25j8xQB1Y/s320/DSC_0753.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137347498123051554" /></a><br /> And some striped ones. I unravelled some wool to make some freeform flowers. <br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiub9tFD8fO0aNr3mr_VWfzVTVat_2OA00VdT9c91hvF1QwaLgErGGti38cqMrx1dB6Gk5vYoeg8xEz5-7hbE_3Ztdh79vVMFkUnWOgF7i2D9ybud5KE4pmdKWc0mBfrNwfKnEQ/s1600-h/DSC_0754.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiub9tFD8fO0aNr3mr_VWfzVTVat_2OA00VdT9c91hvF1QwaLgErGGti38cqMrx1dB6Gk5vYoeg8xEz5-7hbE_3Ztdh79vVMFkUnWOgF7i2D9ybud5KE4pmdKWc0mBfrNwfKnEQ/s320/DSC_0754.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137347506712986162" /></a><br /><br />Thanks Cidell!!<br /><br />Bontje ladies- Claim away, the fight is on! ... Erica I could make brown ones to match your coat...Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874305685184268544noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9280379.post-24900120234905598462007-11-21T07:16:00.001-08:002007-11-21T10:15:38.987-08:00Is seaweed beneficial?Erica - you may well skip reading this post. You and I will butt heads over this one!<br />Lululemon® is a yoga inspired athletic apparel company. It is a Canadian company, however I see that it is available in some American cities, as well as in Sydney, Australia. <br />Around here you are not considered "dressed" for any excercise class, walking your dog, hanging around the house, reading the newspaper (I think you get it), unless you are wearing Lululemon®! Our children were counting down the hours until a store opened in London, Ontario. My niece visited the store twice-or was it three times?-the day it opened. I will admit to owning one workout top that has the Lululemon label. Hey, I wanted to see how it was constructed!<br />You can understand the following. Young people (and not so young people) want to jump on the latest bandwagon. Want to be in the it crowd. Want to be seen wearing overpriced, under designed clothing made of the "newest and most innovative" fabrics. Unfortunately too many people blindly follow "labels" often never thinking about questionable claims.<br />The Lululemon® label is fresh, although the designs to my mind are boring, boring. Their biggest hype lately has been the exciting offerings of fabric. Yes they have hemp and bamboo, but the newest claim is SEAWEED. <br />Here is what a hangtag proclaims... <em>24 per cent seaweed content, reduces stress and provides anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hydrating and detoxifying benefits.</em><br />Apparently when you wear it and work out, the beneficial seaweed is absorbed by your skin providing those exciting benefits. So what happens when you wash it? In my mind, those benefits would be washed away after a couple of trips through the washer!<br />Apparently I was not the only one to think that. Here is an article that was in our local paper this morning<br /><strong><br /><br />Lululemon prompts probe<br /><br />Wed, November 21, 2007<br /><br />By CP</strong><br /><br /><br /><em>TORONTO -- The federal Competition Bureau is examining the entire industry of eco-friendly materials and how they are promoted. <br /><br />The probe was announced following a controversy at Lululemon Athletica Inc. that pounded its stock. <br /><br />The yoga wear retailer was forced to drop its seaweed-related health benefit claims from its VitaSea line of clothing. <br /><br />Late last Friday, the federal agency revealed Lululemon had agreed to remove the tags with the claims or cover them with a sticker until it could produce scientific evidence to back the assertions. <br /><br />Bureau spokesperson Larry Bryenton says the Competition Bureau now is focusing on all firms that make health, therapeutic or environmental claims about sustainable fibres such as bamboo and soybeans. <br /><br />"We'll certainly keep a careful eye on where the industry is going," Bryenton said in an interview. "It's certainly something that's caught the bureau's attention . . . Lululemon happened to be a situation where they made unsubstantiated claims that happened to relate to one of these new types of products out there." <br /><br />Robert Meers, chief executive officer of Lululemon, said in an interview he doesn't plan to re-institute the seaweed-fabric health claims. "I don't think they add anything." <br /><br />Bryenton said the bureau is satisfied Lululemon has removed the labels on its VitaSea shirts, which cost up to $69 for a long-sleeved men's top. <br /><br />The tags said the clothing, with 24 per cent seaweed content, reduces stress and provides anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hydrating and detoxifying benefits. </em><br /><br />Think about it before you purchase any product that touts almost mystical beautifying properties already wouldya!<br />As a footnote- the accompanying photo featured the "Pose" tank, <br /> <a href="http://www.lululemon.com/products/_images/products/big/828.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://www.lululemon.com/products/_images/products/big/828.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /> which looks eerily like this BWOF tank right down to the crossover back!Now for some seaweed fabric!<br /><br /><a href="http://images.burdafashion.com/images/repos/1/000/001/614/000001614808"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://images.burdafashion.com/images/repos/1/000/001/614/000001614808" border="0" alt="" /></a>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874305685184268544noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9280379.post-51500320292084057952007-11-19T12:40:00.000-08:002007-11-19T13:07:01.185-08:00Oh the frustration of it all!I wanted a nice quick and easy project for the weekend. Enter Burda WOF 10/07 and the cute jumper dress.<a href="http://images2.burdafashion.com/images/repos/1/000/001/602/000001602957"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://images2.burdafashion.com/images/repos/1/000/001/602/000001602957" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /> At least I thought it would be quick!<br />It was the age old story of more hurry, less speed- or is that less speed more hurry- it should have been less of both I am afraid!<br />I had the pattern (albiet in Spanish. I know 3 words in Spanish- none of them are used in pattern directions!)<br />I had the fabric- striped stretch suiting from Paron's in NYC.<br />I had the vision - Jaeng wore the dress in NYC<br />I had the time.<br />I also had the "connie you are an idiot" bang myself on top of my head experiences that only a rank amateur should have!<br /><br />This is what happened. I cut out the fabric...with the stripes going the wrong way....twice! Which left me no fabric for a belt. Micaela - there will be no belt unless it is black.<br /><br />I did a good job on the bodice- the understitching is perfect. I used self fabric for the lining. Yay me<br /><br />I put the sleeves on backwards - only once though!<br /><br />I sewed the back lining on backwards - and left the stupid thing that way!<br /><br />I sewed the bodice AND the facing to the skirt instead of only the bodice then hand stitching the lining on. And I did not notice that until I double stitched, and also sewed some grosgrain on for stability as the skirt is heavier than I thought it would be. I would not have done that when I was 12!<br /><br />Then - to add insult to injury...<br /><br />I looked at it this afternnon and DDUUHH I sewed both the sleeves AND the skirt to the WRONG side of the bodice- and now of course the understiching is glaring me in the face on the (now) right side of the bodice! It is too late in the game to rip it apart so the only fix is to take out the understitching and hope it will roll to the (now) inside. I won't be able to undertitch that - I may have to topstitch.<br /><br />Sometimes I wonder why I sew!<br /><br />Almost forgot a <em></em>Vintage pic<em></em><br />Mike and I on our wedding day over 26 years ago (yes I made the dress)<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/R0H6xKldwgI/AAAAAAAAA7M/hO-XUlP88Hc/s1600-h/bontjegirls056.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/R0H6xKldwgI/AAAAAAAAA7M/hO-XUlP88Hc/s320/bontjegirls056.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5134660772741104130" /></a>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874305685184268544noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9280379.post-11952268860181053142007-11-15T09:58:00.000-08:002007-11-15T10:25:08.471-08:00Work ClothesDoes what you wear to work say anything about you as a person? I sure as heck hope not, although I am afraid it does! <br />When I work, I get dirty..and smelly..<br />Over the years I have gotten in the really bad habit of wearing the oldest things I have to work. Old sweatshirts that the kids have discarded, old pants that have definately seen better days, or are too short or too big. In the summer I have been known to hack off old sweatpants to shorts levels.<br />I work at home, and I always wear coveralls in the barn. We do however have an increasing amount of people- salespeople, friends, repair crews- who come around. They always seem to appear when I am outside=looking less than stellar.<br />They don't make a lot of work pants for a womens figure. Lauren (18) looked for a loonngg time last spring looking for work pants that fit nicely. She found exactly one pair, and that one was a men's pant. One of her biggest beefs was that there is very little availability for a nice fitting "fashionforward" work pant. <br />Is that counterindicated? fashion forward and work? I should hope not!<br />She also notice that in the "Dickies" line the marketing label for the mens pants showed a rugged guy type man, the womens marketing hang tag featured a stick thin wonan holding up a wine glass. Now what is with that?<br />All this does have a point!<br />I came across a video about nursing scrubs that echoes the same theme. You can view it here. I believe it is the middle video on the right hand side <a href="http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1185143610/bclid1184493148/bctid1201989916">"Scrubs for Scrubs"</a> Madame Erica, if you can figure out if I can save the video clip to my comupter then I can post just the video here.<br /><br />So the point is, I don't want heavy clothes for work. Wouldn't it make sense for me to make "work scrubs" for myself? Using the right fabric, and styling I can see this making sense to me.<br /><br />I am going to start posting "vintage shots" of me and mine.<br />Here is one of my parents when they were dating- over 50 years ago!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjde2aBj55ZpYxqaDMCXb3cZTymNpDbCDv_EOmRRn6rgyjBerVMFNkzs9l5jLgMOH40dNOjWCRnLSxdoso8wXOnqTS-KzHGy2bTmk8u_9qsfypMOMn73c5Tx_5-QFIus3X0PQmT/s1600-h/bontjegirls065.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjde2aBj55ZpYxqaDMCXb3cZTymNpDbCDv_EOmRRn6rgyjBerVMFNkzs9l5jLgMOH40dNOjWCRnLSxdoso8wXOnqTS-KzHGy2bTmk8u_9qsfypMOMn73c5Tx_5-QFIus3X0PQmT/s320/bontjegirls065.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5133134762270900050" /></a>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874305685184268544noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9280379.post-28232686136202145062007-11-13T20:11:00.000-08:002007-11-14T04:46:56.201-08:00Wedding Photo'sThought I should add some<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7ImcY0kfPXtWQLUfob9TNdAfHZ-yIoBsXD6qCU_xglG3Zz2W7TiCvpwdIiIkNoR_rpznV6JihotPbSxbP3LyO-Yg4cVxDASokxqJDku0J4356aHaCdtolmRYmQ1Vcty9B0uw/s1600-h/wedding+183.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7ImcY0kfPXtWQLUfob9TNdAfHZ-yIoBsXD6qCU_xglG3Zz2W7TiCvpwdIiIkNoR_rpznV6JihotPbSxbP3LyO-Yg4cVxDASokxqJDku0J4356aHaCdtolmRYmQ1Vcty9B0uw/s320/wedding+183.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132551459701504130" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2ER5pifZ12QWGwvPiAa01kQgbKB75XW51-DmySqoERyJv8_Gc58NBPQBu_F5Os5Rai4h9d4M34Lf1k3eqihAClWf6KAJSTHo0Y4Lr3JCBn0uSA7hPXtFYdJbCCOVidly8Yma/s1600-h/wedding+350.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic2ER5pifZ12QWGwvPiAa01kQgbKB75XW51-DmySqoERyJv8_Gc58NBPQBu_F5Os5Rai4h9d4M34Lf1k3eqihAClWf6KAJSTHo0Y4Lr3JCBn0uSA7hPXtFYdJbCCOVidly8Yma/s320/wedding+350.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132551476881373330" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/Rzp8YfLruKI/AAAAAAAAAvw/Yk6nl1C-S3A/s1600-h/wedding+156.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/Rzp8YfLruKI/AAAAAAAAAvw/Yk6nl1C-S3A/s320/wedding+156.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5132551485471307938" /></a><br /> <a href="http://lh6.google.com/connie.bontje/Rzpf0BgnQgI/AAAAAAAAAuo/YfUxeV8kFfk/wedding%20208.jpg?"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://lh6.google.com/connie.bontje/Rzpf0BgnQgI/AAAAAAAAAuo/YfUxeV8kFfk/wedding%20208.jpg?" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://lh6.google.com/connie.bontje/Rzpf3BgnQiI/AAAAAAAAAu4/RyYYoXhrYew/wedding%20260.jpg?imgmax=512"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://lh6.google.com/connie.bontje/Rzpf3BgnQiI/AAAAAAAAAu4/RyYYoXhrYew/wedding%20260.jpg?imgmax=512" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://lh6.google.com/connie.bontje/Rzpf4BgnQkI/AAAAAAAAAvI/MHLPZ22cMbo/IMG_5751%2Bcopy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://lh6.google.com/connie.bontje/Rzpf4BgnQkI/AAAAAAAAAvI/MHLPZ22cMbo/IMG_5751%2Bcopy.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874305685184268544noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9280379.post-53663184114224216772007-11-11T20:07:00.000-08:002007-11-11T20:14:01.351-08:00Pattern Review and Pattern ReviewsJust came home from an absolutely wonderful couple of days in NYC with some very special friends. No Mike not Virtual Friends- real friends! Too tired right now to share anything, but I was reminded - not so very gently!- that none of the clothes I was wearing had been reviewed. Yes I am lax.<br />So here is a list of the reviews I promise to post on Pattern Review and here in the next week- or as soon as the desktop computer monitor gets replaced...<br /><br />1. The only pants pattern that I use - Vogue something or other<br />2. A jacket that is either Vogue or MC Calls<br />3. The fabulous vintage dress<br />4. MOB dress<br />5. Wedding dress #1<br />6. Linen Dress and Jacket- Vogue<br /><br />I cross my heart, stick a finger in my eye promise that I will get them up - I even wrote most of them on the 12 hour train ride!!Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874305685184268544noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9280379.post-133947632593732072007-11-05T11:33:00.000-08:002007-11-05T11:49:15.427-08:00Jacket..Lauren and I saw a great jacket at a wedding last weekend. I keep a notepad in my purse especially for design moments like that!! Today I saw this Butterick pattern on EricaB's site and had a - "That's it" moment!<br /><a href="http://img.sewingtoday.com/cat/10000/itm_img/B5145.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://img.sewingtoday.com/cat/10000/itm_img/B5145.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Take this jacket, cut the sleeve off above the elbow, add a 1" band (embellished) and the bell shaped sleeve from this McCall's Blouse, and do it up in a metallic tweed. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/Ry9ycTlh5_I/AAAAAAAAAm4/zseXrWwpn74/s1600-h/blousecuff.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/Ry9ycTlh5_I/AAAAAAAAAm4/zseXrWwpn74/s200/blousecuff.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129444331217872882" /></a><br />I will look for the right fabric in New York this week!<br /><br />Just so you know - I love making jackets! I hate hate making blouses! I am half done the silk blouse and have to drag myself to work on it. It looks good, and is going together fine. I don't know what it is about it that makes me hate the blouse process- a jacket is exactly the same. More finickity if you think about interfacing, lining and all that. But I still hate blouses!Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874305685184268544noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9280379.post-82231388416130853162007-10-31T10:51:00.000-07:002007-10-31T14:24:54.091-07:00Blouse timeI am trying to get a start on the SWAP - without getting the entire concept down in black and white yet.<br />I have a wonderful piece of Silk Charmeuse that I bought at Rosen and Chaddick in New York City last year. It is a geometric abstract pattern, in shades of ivory, brown and lime green. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgEnHGRtI01PWczlzs_Iy1c4tBVQ9huF_RA2WM3xr84RuW9phdSQxo_QGoTDkGG0tOpiIy5ETmUVmYXrFwb2ODVr7fj1Jij-N5AVQrmIj5L6cadZqe8XX-fwqith1NPnY-Pc5/s1600-h/wedding+105.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgEnHGRtI01PWczlzs_Iy1c4tBVQ9huF_RA2WM3xr84RuW9phdSQxo_QGoTDkGG0tOpiIy5ETmUVmYXrFwb2ODVr7fj1Jij-N5AVQrmIj5L6cadZqe8XX-fwqith1NPnY-Pc5/s320/wedding+105.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127605243401594802" /></a><br /> I like lime green in small doses, and this one has just the right amount. It told me that it wants to become a blouse. Now it doesn't want to be stuffy, but it can't be too fun either! I also have leftover silk charmeuse in brown that I want to use for facings and such.<br />I looked at these four patterns. I have them in my stash so I am determined to use one of them. They are, in order of appearance, Butterick 4985<a href="http://img.sewingtoday.com/cat/10000/cat_img/B4985.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://img.sewingtoday.com/cat/10000/cat_img/B4985.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><a href="http://img.sewingtoday.com/cat/40000/cat_img/M5471.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://img.sewingtoday.com/cat/40000/cat_img/M5471.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>McCall's 5471<br /><a href="http://img.sewingtoday.com/cat/20000/itm_img/V7903.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://img.sewingtoday.com/cat/20000/itm_img/V7903.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Vogue 7903<br /><<a href="http://images.burdafashion.com/images/repos/1/000/001/483/000001483122"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://images.burdafashion.com/images/repos/1/000/001/483/000001483122" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />And style 105 from Burda 1/07<br /><br /><br /><br />I like the McCalls pattern, but it is most definitely not the pattern to use for this fabric. I must remind myself to get some crisp white to use for this design!<br /><br />I looked at the Vogue pattern next. While I really like this one too, I think that I want a front band. Yes I know that it would be easy to draft, but I wanted to look further.<br /><br />The Butterick version is also out. Too much choppy, choppy for the fabric methinks. I love the sleeves though!<br /><br />I wandered though Pattern Review to see what blouse patterns had been sewn up lately. I found the Burda WOF during my search and really like it. It has a front band, has darts back and front, and a collar with a band. I am not sure about the yoke in the back, but I can always eliminate that. <br /><br />So Burda WOF it is. I will cut it out tonight, while waiting on the dozen or so trick or treaters we will see. <br />HAppy Halloween!<br />A parting shot of our girls on a Halloween night long ago..<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVp_vEbycyaIKFikBdUYEsQKAJbnwJPUUABHJ6yLYpTho6iPHfE4o12QkpYMGTgox1-PyYh4xeOtbTX7vGsgSkce0yncTZQXr2H_aUwwtAkV8DyiMd4CzVXR8mWvyajrwKVif-/s1600-h/bontjegirls468.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVp_vEbycyaIKFikBdUYEsQKAJbnwJPUUABHJ6yLYpTho6iPHfE4o12QkpYMGTgox1-PyYh4xeOtbTX7vGsgSkce0yncTZQXr2H_aUwwtAkV8DyiMd4CzVXR8mWvyajrwKVif-/s320/bontjegirls468.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5127612123939203010" /></a>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874305685184268544noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9280379.post-77906761338452241702007-10-28T19:47:00.000-07:002007-10-28T20:16:46.197-07:00Wedding Day!What a wonderful Wedding Weekend! I am wayyyy too tired to give you a complete rundown right now, but suffice to say I would not have changed a thing! Apart from the weather that is - darn sky was full of rain and wind all day!<br />A few teaser photos to appease you all!<br />I made Kate, Flowergirl Chloe and myself stoles in case it was cold - and it was. Here are Katelyn's and Chloe's<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xmd_DgCJCYD73rRwHEp10SxbTLad90meNUpK1pbjeDk2xq2sYIRdvCy3Uv8hHxnMxXvZEYXjxo2zFkRFQDoWnnkHz2zvt3NyYu-6bzLpAIOIfhvJIfwfMyVqIbYsBjFVk0_E/s1600-h/wedding+151.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5xmd_DgCJCYD73rRwHEp10SxbTLad90meNUpK1pbjeDk2xq2sYIRdvCy3Uv8hHxnMxXvZEYXjxo2zFkRFQDoWnnkHz2zvt3NyYu-6bzLpAIOIfhvJIfwfMyVqIbYsBjFVk0_E/s320/wedding+151.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126587563785709394" /></a><br />I decided that no bridesmaid is complete without a monogrammed handbag...<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/RyVMQTlh52I/AAAAAAAAAjw/nLcEKX6YNPc/s1600-h/wedding+171.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/RyVMQTlh52I/AAAAAAAAAjw/nLcEKX6YNPc/s320/wedding+171.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126587593850480482" /></a><br /><br />Kate!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34NHiyw1R8zGwrJkjxVOLBeKI0yWzmwiEl8T0Q61r7Z3btqWTRsPjhxRx7wuLJNYkhxcQoKaoX0TuIaTteDiElW3WChIxmtCnE7kmqMZgCAosxYyKd_YxIV1WD3Mks1q_inLW/s1600-h/wedding+208.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34NHiyw1R8zGwrJkjxVOLBeKI0yWzmwiEl8T0Q61r7Z3btqWTRsPjhxRx7wuLJNYkhxcQoKaoX0TuIaTteDiElW3WChIxmtCnE7kmqMZgCAosxYyKd_YxIV1WD3Mks1q_inLW/s320/wedding+208.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126591347651897234" /></a><br />and her girls<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/RyVOBjlh53I/AAAAAAAAAj8/UtwJSlLOCUc/s1600-h/wedding+177.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/RyVOBjlh53I/AAAAAAAAAj8/UtwJSlLOCUc/s320/wedding+177.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126589539470665586" /></a><br />With Scott<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/RyVOCjlh54I/AAAAAAAAAkE/O16UL691-Ao/s1600-h/wedding+247.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/RyVOCjlh54I/AAAAAAAAAkE/O16UL691-Ao/s320/wedding+247.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126589556650534786" /></a><br />Mike and I - so joyous!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/RyVPsDlh56I/AAAAAAAAAkU/uKELHo7XZmI/s1600-h/wedding+275.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/RyVPsDlh56I/AAAAAAAAAkU/uKELHo7XZmI/s320/wedding+275.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5126591369126733730" /></a><br /><br />Katelyn was gorgeous, the ceremony was beautiful, I got (mostly) through my speech without crying and the dance floor was PACKED all night. What else could you ask for!! <br />We had 70 guests for brunch today, and they were all still on a high from the festivities. Back to reality tomorrow though!Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874305685184268544noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9280379.post-65767990298698034322007-10-22T14:49:00.001-07:002007-10-22T14:54:12.528-07:00The next wedding dressI am in the process of slapping myself on the hand! One wedding is not over yet, and I am busy looking for ideas for the next dress! AND as Erica will be sure point out to me- the dress is not even my choice! <br /><br />But in case Erica wants to know MY favourites...here they are <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1rU8elrbESoq5kxUi07QbR9KPnKR5ckKkjRBzzTZUrtkt6G5QvlFAoqLpDy08A2o76aI0Xi6UjEvaFkTOLoCUHr-8p_4xqZGl38rP7885hdt6VfNuN6cquXEIZx0hB3UjpFa/s1600-h/Ericadress1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1rU8elrbESoq5kxUi07QbR9KPnKR5ckKkjRBzzTZUrtkt6G5QvlFAoqLpDy08A2o76aI0Xi6UjEvaFkTOLoCUHr-8p_4xqZGl38rP7885hdt6VfNuN6cquXEIZx0hB3UjpFa/s320/Ericadress1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124282439830459154" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-URoptjpdMwQBwgAB2_83t1gbnPDyQE7XoOcdkQMHtp8JvXdiK4tIZl-TxxAkJvxOL9dibpDbNfIXxzO9Ua-tSOqH4KnGXx0kjp0C9shknfWnFZruL1as7haVOV2AbUeew_8/s1600-h/ericadress2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-URoptjpdMwQBwgAB2_83t1gbnPDyQE7XoOcdkQMHtp8JvXdiK4tIZl-TxxAkJvxOL9dibpDbNfIXxzO9Ua-tSOqH4KnGXx0kjp0C9shknfWnFZruL1as7haVOV2AbUeew_8/s320/ericadress2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5124282439830459170" /></a><br /><br />I stayed up till 3:30 last night finishing up 5 handbags for bridesmaids -Yay me!Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874305685184268544noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9280379.post-66839192373627730692007-10-21T09:07:00.000-07:002007-10-21T09:46:46.044-07:00On To the NextI don't want to be a bore with wedding sewing details! However, lately, most of what I have been creating is wedding related. Most of that is out of the way, or at least the light at the end of the tunnel is visible(!) so I can now start to think about my next sewing projects. <br />I have to admit that I have never done a SWAP (Sewing With A Plan). The bulk of my sewing has been either A. <em>I WANT that</em>, as in a cool jacket or fabric I fall in love with, or B, <em>I NEED that</em>- a dress for a wedding for instance. Looking through my closet lately though, I realize that with a full closet -I don't have a THING to wear! With that in mind, priority number one after wedding is to put together a collection of clothing that go well together, and -and what? "Fashion forward" well yes. "cuting edge"? well yes. I can call it my "Fall Line"!!<br />One thing I do have to keep in the front of my mind is that my lifestyle, while busy is certainly not 5th Avenue, even though my taste runs that way! I will have to make sure there is a good mix. Another decision that I made is that most of the fabric must come from my stash. I have an embarassing amount of wonderful cuts that need to be seen made up into fabulishious outfits. There would be no harm in augmenting with New York City purchases in two weeks though!<br />I was toying with the idea of entering the <a href="http://www.timmelfabrics.com/swap.htm">Timmel Swap</a> but their timeline is not condusive to mine. If I get finished in time, I could always create a "Spring Line" for it!<br />So this is how far I am. Please don't let Katelyn know that I have been working on this instead of writing a Mother of the Bride speech, or finishing handbags or the bustle of the W. Dress!<br />I have changed my original grey and teal colour scheme with a brown, green and blue one. It's what I seem to have in my stash. No fabric swatches yet- give me time! You can see from the fabric description what they are and where they came from though.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/RxuCELrd0uI/AAAAAAAAAgg/Stgr6pBYzj8/s1600-h/bontjegirls548.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/RxuCELrd0uI/AAAAAAAAAgg/Stgr6pBYzj8/s400/bontjegirls548.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123832009430258402" /></a><br />And to end, here is a vintage photo of our beautiful bride to be!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/RxuCZLrd0vI/AAAAAAAAAgo/P5laWeKPAro/s1600-h/bontjegirls455.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cWLHSL3kZbI/RxuCZLrd0vI/AAAAAAAAAgo/P5laWeKPAro/s200/bontjegirls455.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5123832370207511282" /></a>Connie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874305685184268544noreply@blogger.com1