Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Close Encounters......


I met these nice fellows while out in the back yard this evening with the dogs. They were just hanging out on the fence. Really nice fellows, they didn't say much but very cheery guys!
I wonder what planet they come from.......


Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Burda 5/2009 131 and 132 - Part 1

The May issue of Burda World of Fashion has loads of pretty summer dresses. One that caught my eye, is 131 and 132 which are really the same pattern - just one is knee length and the other is a maxi dress, made longer by adding a tier to the skirt . The V-neck will help draw the eye up and the empire waist camouflages a thick waist and large hips (all of which I have).
It's a pity they are not using a true plus size model for the photos. In the photo for 131 you can't tell anything about the dress other than the cool print fabric used. The photo of 132 shows the empire waist and a little of the V-neck. I looove the fabric used for 132. If you go to the burda website they have these pictures for a limited time here: 131 and 132
Burda's descriptions
131 - As hot as a summer night! The African-style ethnic print attracts attention as do the adjustable empire line and imitation leather straps on the shoulders.
132 - This slightly flaring full-length dress achieves maximum effect. The airy printed crêpe chiffon swirls around your figure while the adjustable empire seam accentuates a deep neckline.
The straps are sewn on the top after it has been constructed, and the dress is fully lined which you could skip lining the skirt if you wanted. With the side zipper and drawstring empire waist it looks oh so comfy! 131 is made with leather or faux leather straps, and the straps are wide enough to hide the bra straps. (yes I am weird, I absolutely hate to see a bra peeking though or any sign of undergarments, call me old fashioned) I have traced the pattern for 131, and need to do up a test, but I am still looking for some fabric (going fabric shopping on payday) to use for the finished dress. Living in Florida I see the need for a few of these dresses for hot summer days.
When looking at the line drawings they look kinda 'blah', but with the right fabric choice these could be 'WOW' dresses for summer and throw on a cardigan and boots you could get into fall, and if your adventurous wear a turtle neck under with a blazer in the winter.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mothers Day Banana Pudding (sugar free)

I did not get to visit my family for mother's day so I did the comfort food cookin' .


Banana Pudding (sugar free, but you will never know!)


Very easy!!!

I used


2 pks- dream whip made per the directions (1 cup milk for 2 packs & vanilla extract, whipped till stiff peaks form), then chilled while mixing the pudding.


2 lg boxes of sugar free vanilla pudding

5 cups of milk, I used 2%

2 cups sour cream

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 boxes of Sugar Free Vanilla Wafers

5 bananas

Mix the 5 cups of milk, 2 cups of sour cream and 1 tsp vanilla extract with the 2 packs of vanilla pudding mixing on low untill blended well. Fold in half of the Dream whip (pre made as stated above).

Now its time to start layering. Vanilla Wafers, pudding, the bananas, and so on until you have used all of the pudding. Then top the whole thing with the other half of the Dream Whip and crushed vanilla wafers.

Yummmm!!!

PS: I love you & Happy Mother's Day Grandmother, Mom, and Aunt Wanda - we will be coming to visit very soon!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Fat Rant Video

You have got to see this video!!! Joy Nash - you just sent me a wake up call!!!

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Adrienne asked "A few questions for all who sew"

Do you think clothes are made better if you don't take shortcuts??
I agree with Adrienne on this one – it really depends on what that shortcut is. Some shortcuts are good and others – like when I skip doing a fitting it’s never a good thing.

What kind of shortcuts do you take when sewing if any?
I have to think about this one.

Does making BWOF instead of something from the Big 4 make you a better sewer?
Not always, sometimes the Big 4 screw up their instructions and BWOF instructions are sometimes vague.

Are your projects perfect? What will make you rip out and start again??
No, I am human, there are always errors but I learn from them. If the item can be saved by frog stitchin’ then I am 9 times out of ten going to do it over again.

What are you best at when it comes to sewing?
Piecing quilt blocks, the perfectionist in me has to get the points perfect.

What is your weak point?
Fitting!!! I have the hardest time with new patterns and making alterations. It’s a learning process.

How many times will you make a TNT?
If it’s in style fits great and not too much like a fad usually 4 or 5 times. Changing the fabric choice and adding different details helps to make the item not to repetitive.

What tips do you have for making jeans?! I'm about to make the Jalie pattern. SOON lol.
Hey girl - I need some tips too!!! lol

Do you use the blind hem feature on your machine!? I can't get mine to work right. User error probably.
Same here ;0)

Is there a such thing as too much stash!?!?
hummmmm, I would hope not

What has been the worse thing you have done while sewing something? Could you save your project?
Cut and sewed a dress with out checking the size chart and not trying it on as I sewed it all the way till it was finished and then I found out it was two sizes to small. Could not fix it but it is still hanging in my closet, it is really a pretty dress, but too small. The lesson learned was always check size and do a test for fit before using the good fabric.

When you mess up a project, do you feel bad or do you just move on?
Sewing is one of those things, the more you sew the more you will learn – practice practice – sew sew sew!!

How many patterns do you have!?!?
I don’t really know. It’s sad I have so many; you could say I collect patterns, lol

What is your sewing process!?
I usually sew when I need an item, like right now summer is coming and I need shorts so I will sew a few pairs of shorts. Other times I find fabric and it tells me what it wants to be and then there are times when I see a pattern and just have to make it.

Is there wrong with being inspired by celebs??
Not at all!!

Do you offer advice on other people’s projects??
Sometimes and only if asked.

Do you accept advice/ constructive criticism on your projects??
Yes, love it, again its part of the learning process

Do you think it makes you a better sewer???
YES!!!
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