Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Ok, I remade the dress....

I forgot to say in the last post that the pattern is wonderful. For most of you I just know it would go together in an hour..For me? I just get challenged because my mind races ahead of the pattern. Now I understand why I flunked out of Home EC sewing. All I made was a wrap skirt for God's sake. Pathetic I know. Just wanted Peekaboo Patterns to know that I am really grateful to have won them and it is challenging me.
So I pulled out some fabric scraps and re cut the pattern using the 18 month size and by gosh it worked. I did change a few things construction wise, but I even got the ruffles on the right side! Woohoo....I decided not to use Easter fabric (I did have some) because Ava could wear it more...I am guessing she will need a t shirt under it for the next few months...














Here is the bodice....I had some pretty soft tulle so I dressed up the bib a bit and this time I left the armholes unadorned.













Here is the whole dress..The wind is blowing a piece over but I left it that way because that is the back of the dress and I used a different fabric. This time I am very happy with it. It turned out very clean and is sewn nicely.
A neighbor who I barely know the other day asked me if I sew...She is a police officer. I said yeah, that I love too and she asked me if I could use a serger....She brought me over a brand new one...For free. Her mother passed and had never used it. She doesnt sew. During the time my stuff was in the garage she noticed my sewing machines. I am trying to overcome my fear and use it. I had it going the other night and was doing pretty good. I want to make reproduction vintage clothes so it was like a miracle falling out of the sky!


After playing with the serger, I finished the March table runner...Again I used scraps and did the simplest runner ever. Someone who has never quilted could make this I promise. You sew the strips onto the batting (for me an old towel) and backing fabric and it is quilted as you go...I played with stitches and just had fun...












After you are all done you just trim it up and bind it....I make my own binding but they even sell it all made up at the fabric stores...This runner was one hour from start to finish.












It really is the easiest and if anyone would like directions, I would be happy to share. I had some super thin ravelly yellow gingham and I ruffled it and made a giant flower. I like it a lot and it looks like March on the Oregon Coast to me...the daffodils poking up and adoring the sunshine. Now here, in Utah, as I was sewing on the binding I looked out the window and it was snowing....but I could smell Spring waiting behind the snow. We havent had much of a winter so I really cant complain.

I have been all excited for you all to see the wreath and runner project together month by month.... I had no idea if they would even match because I did them at different times.

Ok, so going backwards, Here is March.


















February:


















And January:














I knew that I wasnt going to be able to do a lot of swaps because of finances and I just wanted to give myself a challenge to keep me creating so the Wreath and Runner every month is my way of staying in the creative mode. All of these things cost very little. I don't think there is anything that cost over ten dollars. Most of it wayyyyy less.
Creativity as an outlet has become so important to me lately, It literally at times keeps me living. I am suffering really bad from PTSD and depression. It is a hard thing to share on a blog but maybe it will help someone else. I am on a bunch of medication (me, who hates to even take a baby aspirin) and still every aspect of my life has suffered. Work is almost impossible and I have a 9.50 an hour job. they want to fire me but are afraid because I have a documented medical condition. Some days thinking about washing my hair sends me into a panic and I go back to bed. So add that into the equation when talking about getting myself to work. I am afraid to answer my phone, when I hear a siren I have to call every member of my family and then go hide for a while. It is a terrible way to live. I feel good in my sewing room though, so as long as I have this and it still makes me feel something I know I will be ok.

My dad is in the hospital again. He was in the same hospital in Portland in February and my kids paid for me to fly home. He is having heart issues again and they are waiting to do surgery and I am a wreck. In fact, no work today. I am just shaking every time I think of dad. I could use your prayers guys...For strength and for Peace...I have lost my strong..Cant believe I ever had it. I so look forward to your comments on the stuff I make and sometimes it really keeps me going. Thanks so much for your friendship and support!!!!!!!! xoxox melinda

16 comments:

Jody said...

Ava's dress is SO cute--and yes, I do recognize the fabric (singing Mama Mia :0) ) And you are so brave--I wouldn't touch a serger with a 10 foot pole unless under close supervision! I am praying for you and your dad.

roc said...

love that you made another beautiful dress. love your table runners, too. you sew so wonderfully melinda. i am very saddened to hear you are suffering so. i will definitely add you to my prayer list. if you need to talk i'm here to listen. god bless you and i hope you feel well soon.

Jo said...

Oh, the dress is totally darling, your little Ava is going to look so cute in it! and i am really loving your runner & wreath projects, especially this March one! love the happy and bright colours!!!

Mrs. Sew and Sew - Karen said...

Ava's dress is adorable. I love the runners and wreaths. You are so creative. I have always loved what you create. So sorry to hear about your dad. I am praying for you and your dad. My friend, you haven't lost your stong...you just misplaced it for a little while. That is easy to do when you are in the middle of such sadness. Believe me you have had your share of it the last year. When we need it the most we girls can always pull our strength up and carry awesome loads. Praying for you and thinking of you. Take care of yourself. Hugs, Karen

Hands Sew Full said...

Melinda, all your creations are just beautiful! You are so creative. I love that you "can't" (hah!) sew from a pattern! I can't sew without one! No one gets it all! I am sorry life is brutal for you right now but I agree with Karen, your "strong" isn't gone, it is just turned to the inside..... for now..... Something has to hold your stuffing in. Tough times don't last, tough people do. That is what my coffee mugs says and I just go with that! You are tough, and things just take time. I will keep praying for you and sending you cyber hugs:)

Maria said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE the beautiful dress you created for little Ava. She will look so pretty in it.
Sorry to hear odf your Dad's health issues but he will pull through.
I think the ladies are right and you have not lost your strong.
You are in my prayers and loads of Aussie Hugs for you.

Jane said...

I am so glad you didn't give up on the dress, this one has turned out really well. The March runner is perfect, has a very springlike feel.
Life might feel a little overwhelming at the moment, but you'll get through it bit by bit. Make sure you look after yourself

PeggyR said...

The dress is really cute. I don't make clothes. My mother use to. Norm coming home should be fine. His mind is good and so are bathroom issues. There are adult day care centers around here which is also good.

Shabby and Frills said...

I am sorry your dad is in the hospital. You really sell yourself short, Your are a Strong woman. Keep creating Your God given talents will help you heal. Come up Friday and spend the day we will see what we can create!!

Needled Mom said...

I wish there was an easy heal for you, but please know that I will be keeping you (and your dad) in my prayers.

The dress and the runner are both adorable.

Jeanne Turner McBrayer said...

Hi Melinda,

Love the dress...the first one, too! Your table runner and wreath projects are very inspiring. I could probably make about twenty runners just from the scraps on my floor under the machine!

Sorry to hear about your dad and also that you are hurting. I think you are a fearless artist with amazing creativity! Keep doing the things you love and life will be better. Congrats on the new serger!

Pam said...

Melinda, That new dress is so cute. I love the way you used different fabrics. I'm sure she will look adorable in that dress. I am amazed at your ability to use your stash and come up with those lovely wreaths and tablerunners.

I am so sorry to hear about your depression and PTSD. Please continue to take your meds. A member of my family also suffers from depression. We can tell when they aren't taking their meds or stop using the "tools" they learned in rehab. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep creating. I personally know that working in your studio can help one deal with life's dark places.

Love and prayers to you.

gin said...

hi melinda. i havent commented in a while, but i do check on your blog everyday to see what gorgeous stuff you have made. You have such a creative talent. So sorry about your dad again. Knowing you cant be with him every moment during his illness would make anyone of us a bit emotional. The little dress is gorgeous. What a blessed little girl to have you in her life,

Joanne Lendaro said...

AGAIN....your creativity just blows me away!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the table runners, and the dress is adorable. Congrats on the serger, I love having one!

Kay said...

What a cute dress. Don't worry about the pattern thing. A pattern is like a recipe--just a suggestion. And congrats on the new (free!!!!) serger. Years ago I asked for one for Christmas. It took three Christmases of asking before my husband actually bought me one. He said he couldn't see that I would use it that much. Just like a man!!! I use it almost everytime I sew, which is a lot. You will love it.

Yarni Gras! said...

the dress is wonderful as are the table runners...March is my favorite but since I love green, that is most likely the reason. keeping you in my prayers sweetie......