Jeans - and making them fit!

I finally bit the bullet and bought myself some new jeans (new new - from a real shop - with a real price-tag - and with real money!!). They 'almost' fit me. Length was too long, waist was too big at the back. Gotta love Big W jeans - they have a great range, and they cost under $30.

Came home and did some research on the 'net and found this fantastic tutorial. Took a few minutes to actually process the information, but once I had - it made perfect sense.

So, this morning, took them up - and they are perfect! Basically, it's a tuck on the inside of the jeans, but the stitching is so very close to the original top-stitching, that you can barely tell! I ironed the tuck up into the leg, and used a little fusible webbing to hold it flat on the centre front & back. Just for my own peace of mind.

With the waist size, I make a slit in the inside of the waistband near the sideseams and thread elastic through until it gathers to fit. I handstitch this closed and you can hardly tell I've ripped!

Here's the back view - the elastic isn't that noticeable once they are on because they fit so well, and I wear my shirts over!

Now it's time to get out of my jarmies and into the morning!
Smiles, Mrs R

Tenebrae

Last night, my church held a Tenebrae (or Service of Shadows). Here’s an explanation of what happens:

The service of worship is taken from an early Christian service called Tenebrae. The name Tenebrae is the Latin word for "darkness" or "shadows." Tonight we will experience only a small portion of Christ’s pain and suffering the day of His crucifixion. One of the most conspicuous features of the service is the gradual extinguishing of candles until only a single candle, considered a symbol of our Lord, remains. As it gets darker and darker we can reflect on the great emotional and physical pain that was very real for Jesus that evening. Toward the end of the service, the Christ candle is hidden, typifying the apparent victory of the forces of evil over good. At the very end, a loud noise is made, symbolizing the earthquake at the time of his death (Matthew 27) and his resurrection (Matthew 28:2). At the moment of the earthquake, the temple veil was torn apart, making the Holy of Holies exposed to public view. This is understood to represent God's change toward us with direct access to him, no longer requiring the ceremonial acts of the priests for our forgiveness of sin. The hidden candle is then restored to its place, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. By this single light we all depart this service in silence.

I found it very powerful and moving ...

Mrs R

Romper Stomper

Look what I bought yesterday - aren't they just gorgeous! Always wanted a pair of Dr Martens! OK, maybe more quirky than gorgeous, but still, they'll be great with jeans. Because they are fabric, might need to scotch guard them first.

Don't see shoes like this every day!

Close-up of the fabric/colour/stitching.

Mrs R ...

Funky Shirt for Wednesday!

Here's me on the way to work today. I finished the shirt last night. Am pretty impressed with it, lots of room for movement, it all went together well. If I wanted more waist definition, I could take in the seams, but I like the feel of the fit, and I figured that as I was clean, neat and presentable, no-one will complain!

Have another blouse nearly finished - hem, sleeve hem & button/button holes go ... wonder if I'll manage it tonight ... hmmmm ... there's a challenge.

Am going to spend the day with my parents on Friday, and I think Mum & I are going fabric shopping - mum needs to make some trousers, I'm going along for the ride, plus, am going to 'see what I can see'. Now that I've got back into the mode of sewing for myself, might as well keep going!

On the way home today, I bought myself a pair of tapestry Doc Martin lace-up high tops. Will post a photo of them tomorrow ... they are really something to admire - I've never seen the like of them. They say "authentic" and Made In England, but I haven't found any pictures on the Net anything like them.

Mrs R

Hairstyles & Buttons

Well, after much saving, LMS got her hair 'done'. It's been dyed a dark dark brown (almost black) with blonde foils, and had it heavily layered. She looks quite different, and far more 'teenage'.

My blouse is just about finished. Went to the fabric shop on way home, couldn’t find a single piece of fabric to buy, although I did find a pattern I liked. Something to think on. Problem is that it is designed to use soft floaty fabric, and I don’t do see-through (at all). Might have to bite the bullet and try Spotlight again. Main reason for going was to buy buttons, but their range was less than impressive.

Sat on couch and went through my button collection and after about ½ hour of sifting through, found 5 buttons that (nearly) match. They’re close enough to get away with, and I don’t think they’ll be bad enough to trigger off any visits from the Button Police! So, can do buttonholes today and hang blouse in the wardrobe!

Well, off to get the day started.

Smiles, Mrs R

Swaps and toiles!

I participated in the Sew Mama Sew fat quarter swap, and have received 2 thus far ... they're both really pretty, and I'm looking forward to using them.

Went to the fabric shop on Friday and bought fabric for a skirt & a blouse. Haven't sewn for myself (successfully) for a long time ... hoping to break the drought.

This is the skirt - from a 1970's Enid Gilchrist pattern. I altered the panel slightly to give it a bit more 'flare'. It's nice, easy to wear and very work suitable.

The blouse fabric is linen/poly (more linen than poly) and I'm looking forward to making it up, just don't enjoy the cutting out part! Decided not to risk it, and made a toile in an old sheet first. Am very glad that I did, as I had to alter the sleeve to fit my arms. Need to tweak it a little on the shoulder and shorten the length. Other than that, a surprisingly easy make!

Check out that dreadful posture!! Oh, spot the neck scar - impressive isn't it!! It's healing, but still very red.

Mrs R

Card making & Paper Dollies

Some time ago, I bought this fantastic book/kit called Paper Fashions by Klutz. My niece (waves to Bethany) had it and her creations were so wonderful, I was hooked!! Anyways, after much hunting and searching, LMS & I got our own copy.

Been at a bit of a loose end, so got out the book, and started tracing and cutting. Is rather therapeutic (and addictive) ... so, here are the results!

Photos aren't wonderful, and colours didn't come out 'quite' right, but trust me, they're cute!

Mrs R