It feels so good to return to the ‘On the Cutting Table’ post series. For the past seven months I really haven’t been able to show you much of anything that was really on my cutting table since it’s highly top secret. You may not have noticed or cared, but I did. I love sharing with you guys and it was so hard keeping project after project from you. And while those projects are still under wraps until my book releases in October…….on the upside the book manuscript is completed and turned in and now we can return to our regularly scheduled program here!
I have a huge stash of vintage hankies so I have some plans to actually use them this year. Also, there are some pieces in my wardrobe that need updating. I still like them and they fit, but they need something new. Pictured above is a little denim jacket I got a couple years ago from Target. It fits really cute, but I’m kind of tired of the all denim look of it. I have it sitting on the cutting table and I’m trying to get a little creative with it. We’ll see what I come up with……as of now……..nothing. But I’m still thinking about it.
I’ve got the hand embroidery bug again. It bites me every so often. So these pretties will be making an appearance here on the blog soon.
This is probably my most favorite thing that arrived this week. It’s the Colette Pattern called ‘Ginger‘ and it’s an adult sewing pattern for me! I rarely sew for myself and if I do it’s generally a refashion or something I can easily draft. But this year I am bound and determined to give adult garment sewing a try. I have heard great things about Colette Patterns. I purchased the paper copy of the pattern, but it’s also available for digital download as well.
I selected this pattern because I felt like it was a good place to start. It is a beginner pattern and while I can do somewhat advanced skills on children’s clothing, I thought this was a good place to start in the adult garment world. (And as I write this I have ‘Do Re Mi’, the song from Sound of Music song in my head……’Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start’…..if you have no idea what I am taking about, just forget I ever mentioned it).
Also, I feel like my body is pretty tricky to fit especially in the bust area. Anyone else ever have that problem? I generally wear a size six in commercial clothing, but without getting too detailed, I am well-endowed in the bust department. So, I thought I would try a skirt first and avoid being turned off sewing for myself with a dress that ends up not fitting. But a dress is definitely next on my list (assuming the skirt goes well).
I’ll keep you updated on the progress. Or if any of you are interested, maybe we could do a little ‘sew along’. Just an idea….
New fabric arrived this week! I have had my eye on ‘Splendor 1920‘ by Bari J. for Art Gallery Fabrics since they previewed the line several quilt markets ago. I love everything about it. The romance, the femininity, the vintage touch……..this line makes me very excited!
I don’t think I’ve mentioned it here on the blog yet, but in a few weeks I will be heading to Salt Lake City to attend the Alt Design Summit. This year I will be traveling a lot for The Cottage Mama (and I mean a lot). It’s been so long since I have been able to travel on my own because for the last five years I was either pregnant or nursing one of my three kids.
Alt Design Summit is a design blogging conference and I am thrilled to have a ticket. The tickets were sold out in less than an hour…..yeah, apparently it’s that amazing of a conference. I will be strictly attending this conference as a blogger. The other conferences and events planned for this year are ones where I will be teaching or speaking. And this conference will be a little different for me since I don’t exactly consider myself a design blogger, but I am a designer of sorts…..so I hope I fit in ok. I always think it’s good to get out of your comfort zone and push yourself into new and exciting situations no matter how intimidating they might be.
The classes, speakers and list of attendees are pretty darn spectacular and I have heard that the fashion at this event is out of this world. I am super excited about this because I feel like I can finally pull out some of my heels again and get out of mommy mode a little bit this year. Mama’s bringing her fashion back!
I treated myself to a new pair of heels for the conference and other events I will be attending this year. Aren’t they cute? They are patent leather cork wedges. I had been looking at these for several months and finally decided they needed to become part of my wardrobe. I love the big cork bow on the toe and they have a little vintage feel to me. Plus they are pretty neutral and will go with lots of other pieces I own.
And that fabric that I purchased is going to be used to sew a few things for me to wear at Alt Design Summit. Fun, right? I think so. I’ll have to show you what I come up with once I figure out exactly what I will be making. It’s a few weeks away, so I better get on that.
Lindsay Wilkes is the owner and designer behind The Cottage Mama. She creates timeless, vintage inspired sewing patterns for children’s clothes. She is also a fabric designer for Riley Black Designers / Penny Rose Fabrics, author of the book ‘Sew Classic Clothes for Girls’ and can be seen teaching nationwide and online in her video series ‘Lessons with Lindsay’ sponsored by Baby Lock Sewing and Embroidery machines.
It’s vintage hankie day! Right now I’m cutting a little 12 mos. size jacket to embellish with vintage hankies from our beloved Grandmuvver, lace from this baby’s mama’s wedding gown, and embroidered pieces from the flower girls’ dresses. I can’t wait to see what you do with yours.
Shirley
Must be something in the air, Shirley. That jacket sounds absolutely adorable!! I bet it’s going to be a little work of art. SO special. Have a great weekend, Lindsay
Well, I have a couple quilts that need finished up (3 to be exact) but 2 are too big for me to quilt here at home. I have some cotton to decide what to do with (I’m thinking an art smock for the store http://www.craftedbymama.etsy.com) but on the cutting table in my mind….more knit fabric to make the girls some new pajamas since they are getting sooo big (from the book “Growing Up Sew Liberated” by Meg McElwee).
Congrats on the book being sent off!!
Thanks so much! It’s definitely been a relief having that manuscript off my plate (at least for now). Wow……three quilts to finish up…..you are amazing! I don’t have that book, but I checked it out from the library and it is such a great one. Have fun!
oooooh I love the vintage! I have a cute little preppy inspired girls dress on the cutting table, I can’t wait to see how it turns out!
Shelly from So Tweet Fabrics http://www.facebook.com/sotweetfabrics
Just became a fan of yours on Facebook 🙂
A sew-along? Yes, please!
That would be fun, right? Hmm……something to think about. Or maybe I will make one first and then do a second one for a sew along……just in case the first round doesn’t turn out quite right. We’ll see, but it was great to hear from you!
I cant wait to see what you do to the jacket! and I have been missing the post of what you are up to! Also I would love to see what you do with the embroidery thread!
Thanks, Sarah! I don’t know if the ‘in the process’ posts are boring for people, but I always like little look into other peoples studios, so I thought you guys might too. Yes, I have somethings up my sleeve for that embroidery thread :). Have a great day, Lindsay
Oh I have sooo many projects running through my head…just need time 🙂 I bought a pair of Live and Luca red flats when they had their 50% sale….hoping they fit since my feet grew with being pregnant with Grace (hoping I didn’t order too big!) Love the top fabric….so fun!
I’m going to Alt too!!! We MUST find each other!!
Eeeeeek! Just emailed you. SO excited!!!
I really like the idea of a sew along. I have been wanting to make my self a skirt, but I find it difficult to find a pattern/material that will look good my plus sized self.
I am very curious what you are going to do with that jacket. It is really cute. I am cutting a fleece jacket for my mom and hope to have that sewn up soon. She bought the fabric and pattern but just can’t see well enough to sew anymore so I am going to make it for her. I have always wanted to try the Colette patterns so am curious to see how your skirt turns out. Please share.
Holy heels batman! WHERE. DID. YOU. GET. THOSE. SHOES!!!!!!!!!
Yeah, I feel the same way about these shoes. They are from Joyfolie. They don’t carry a ton of women’s shoes, but they have about six different ones right now. They also carry the cutest kids shoes EVER!!
Found them! Thanks for the info. I’m salivating. They’re all adorable!!
Big and exciting new! Love everything you shared. Can’t wait to see what you sew!
Oh fun! Can’t wait to see what you make for yourself – and I LOVE those shoes!
Those Shoes are FANTASTIC! It is so much fun to get out of mommy-mode once in a while and play dress-up! I drool regularly over Joyfolies beauties! So excited to see your skirt! I have a few things I would like to try for myself this year as well…on my cutting table right now are hats! A local children’s boutique expressed intrest, so I am filling orders!
Sounds like you have some exciting things planned! And I LOVE those shoes. Where ever did you find them?
Amber…..they are from Joyfolie 🙂 Have a great day! Lindsay