Patriotic Plaid and New Vintage Patterns

Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to actually use Joann's coupons? I stopped by to look for a couple of things yesterday, purse bursting full of coupons I'd accumulated recently, but the coupons were all for a discount off a full-priced item, and everything I looked at was on sale!

I did find this very cute red, white and blue gingham-ish plaid cotton shirting for only $4.99 a yard. I'm a sucker for red and navy color combinations. Unfortunately, they only had a smidge over a yard left. My plan is to use it for the collar of a blouse. Butterick 7731 is the closest I have in my pattern stash to what I have in mind. However, I'm thinking short kimono sleeves and a seamless collar. Perhaps Simplicity 4530? I've had it in my favorites on etsy for awhile.

I've also picked up some new(to me)vintage patterns recently. The Simplicity 2163 is one I'd been searching for, but under a different number! I just stumbled upon a listing for it on ebay a couple of weeks ago, and in my size! Those pattern companies really didn't make it easy with changing and reusing numbers. Simplicity 6832 is a bit more current than I usually buy, but who could resist heart shaped pockets on a playsuit!?

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The Exceedingly Bad Blogger

That's me! I've decided to give blogging another go and try to be better this time. My son is older, and I'm able to do more sewing nowadays without him getting into everything! Was really not feeling my blog name, so that's changed. I'm feeling really indecisive about names and have changed it several times in the last few days, but I think I'll probably stick with this. It's really hard to find a good name that hasn't been taken, and most of the taken ones were never even used, which is even more frustrating! Anyway, more interesting things soon... xoxo, jen

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More Up on Etsy!

I know I've been kind of MIA lately!  Sorry about that!  I've been hard at work, but will try to be a better blogger.  I've just popped in for a moment to let you know I've put more things up on etsy!  Hope you like!

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Finally Getting Some New Things Up on Etsy!

Mama needs new 3D software!  A program I've been lusting over is going up in price by $100 in September,  so I'm wanting to get the funds together to buy it before that happens!  Thus, I was motivated to finally put more up on Etsy.

These are all pieces that I've had for years and absolutely love, but are just not terribly practical for life with a toddler... Hopefully, they'll go to a loving home.

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I Feel a new Collection Coming On...

I realized this morning that we have the beginnings of a new collection.  As if we need something else to collect!  Afraid it's my fault.  I seem to have developed an liking for 50's/60's low-brow homemade art.  Specifically, paint by numbers and gravel art.  It began with these paint by number pieces a few weeks ago.

Paint by Numbers by Freda Davis

Yesterday, I spotted this gravel art cornucopia that I just had to have for the breakfast room!  I think my stepson, who was out shopping with us, thinks my taste may be lacking.... *lol*

Am I crazy?  I think they're rather fabulous.  Once we got the cornucopia home, the hubby agreed that it's perfect in the breakfast room. Stepson still seems to have doubts... :D

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Finished Overalls!

Here they are... finally!  I used the yellow creme brulee buttons.  Overall, I'm pretty happy with them.  They are a tad big, but it's not too noticeable when I have a blouse on.  I'll probably make them again, but in a less drapey fabric next time.  Last time I made them, I used a cotton linen look fabric, and that was perfect.  The darts originally came out really pointy, so I went back and pulled them out and restitched them, being good and tieing the ends off instead of back stitching the second time!  I also extended them by about 3/8" and turned my needle about a 1/2" before the end of the dart to create more of a curve.  Hope that makes sense. :)  The only other fitting change I made was lengthening the rise by a 1/2".

The blouse I'm wearing is one I made years ago and has gotten a lot of wear.   It's DuBarry 2471B, and you can find a reproduction of at it at Past Patterns.  I may have to reorder one myself, as I seem to have lost the pattern, and I love this blouse!

Simplicity 3322

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Got My Spoonflower Swatch Today!

My Spoonflower swatch came in the mail today!  Whoo hoo!!  I'm very happy with how it turned out.  The red shifted to be a bit more orangey in printing, but I decided I actually liked it better this way.  Here's a snapshot of it.

 Yay for Spoonflower!

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