End of the year

As I look back at the last year what a crazy year of change it has been. So many things that I didn't have plans at the start of the year getting married moving all of it, makes me look forward to what this next year has in hand for us! Not just for me with what new things with work but for my husband and myself both. After all it was a big year for him to getting a new job that he loves and the wedding. I hope that everyone is not only enjoying this New Years but also staying safe. It is funny to think about my past New Years of going to clubs to now where I'm more then happy to not be doing anything other then cooking and enjoying some nice wine and staying home with Michael. 

Flat backing underlining

Flatback and underlining are the same thing, it really just has to do with what you prefer to call it. The purpose is to add weight and sometimes opaqueness to a lightweight fashion fabric, as well as giving that other place to put in stitches they do not show onto your fashion fabric when doing hems and  tacking down facings.

Misschastains.etsy.com

Un kind people

So I had some one comment on one of my videos that it was ugliness. Now for those that done know what that word means it's unpleasant or repulsive, now every one has the right to think what they what however that's a very mean thing to say to something that is being done to just help. The videos I do are done to help others to not only enjoy sewing more but also to take thier sewing to a higher Quality, no they aren't always the best videos, I'm do thing them myself trying to just get the info in them. I'm not a film maker I'm new at making videos I'm still learning what works in making them and what doesn't. But to say something so hurtful and mean as to say that they are ugliness is wrong, if you don't like it don't watch it that's fine, there is no reason to be mean! 

Stockings

With a few days to go I finished my stocking! I have had his done for a few weeks but for some reason even thur my stocking is way smaller then his it took me longer to finish it. But it's nice to have them done in time for our first Christmas as a married couple I think it's nice to be able to have them for this that its a good way to start things off. 

Misschastains.etsy.com 

Wedding tree

Well it only took me 3 mos but I found a frame for our wedding guessed book tree. I truly love it this guessed book it's great to see the finger prints of everyone that was there on that great day! Now I get to see it on my wall everyday! I had been looking for a frame but didn't want to spend $35 on one but to day I found this great frame for 70% off what a great deal!

The dr

So as I wait to see the dr, I look around and everyone is on their phones even me. What did we use to do before the smart phone? Ok so the only person not on the phone is my husband his reading a book. I think I should start caring a book with me I use to and I read so much more then I do now because I just don't have one with me. It's funny because I give books as gifts but I no longer have one with me all the time. I know we are a few weeks away from the new year but I think this is what I'm going to work on in the new year reading more books! 

How to make a circle skirt or tree skirt

So with Christmas just around the corner you may want to make a new tree skirt either for yourself or is a gift. Or you may also want to make a new holiday skirt or skirts that would fit a doll. The basic information for making a circle skirt is the same no matter what you're going to use it for so that's what I'm showing you in this video is how to make the circle skirt, that I made a few weeks ago and showed as well as the tree skirt or a skirt for your doll or your daughters doll.

Circle skirt for your doll

Full circle skirt for yourself or someone else

Tree skirt

So all three of these are made with the basic same information that is shown in the video hope that it helps you and enjoy it.

part one video

part one continued

part two

misschastains.etsy.com

Finally working

So the Pilates job that I was going to be working at didn't really seem to fit and work for me. After all I have to say it's a little disappointing but it just wasn't really the right fit for me, somethings were going on with it that I didn't feel completely comfortable with and after all I can't really commit myself to something that I don't feel is the right fit. So I've gone back to retail which interestingly, I do love working in retail and personal service and helping people find clothes and things that fit them. Maybe it's because I just really do love doing anything involved with fashion and helping women feel good about them selfs.
But other than that it is really good for me to be able to be out and meet new people here, but having grown up in Southern California where people are very open and in many ways less judgmental this is a very difficult place for me. I am finding this to be a great challenge for me because I'm not a very cookie-cutter kind of person. So to really express myself and be me, I think is going to take a lot of work for me to find the right group of people and I'm really hoping that overtime that I will. I think that's why am really hoping that I can get some things with my Etsy and my own ideas going so that I don't have to worry so much about being a certain way so I can just be me then. I hate playing that game were you just are what other people think you should be, It's hard I am new at work I don't want to tell people you know I think that you're totally off your rocker but at the same time I kind of think it in some respects its just going to take time.


Misschastains.etsy.com


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Ice Gators game

We enjoyed a great hockey game today with our local team. What a game they were down 2-0 at the end of the first, with not much hope of the Ice Gators doing any thing as a team and being able to play well. But some how when they were down 3-1 with 8 mins to go in the 3rd the Gators really pulled one out and tied it up, and then made a great goal in OT to win. Truly a great game after they started playing together as a team, and there is something about a small town with any team the Energy that the fans have is like nothing else. Truly enjoyable game and the company of my husbands boss and his wife was fun as well, really nice down to earth people, wrapping up the with top of the line food!

Michael and me after the Ice Gators won 4-3 in OT

Ice Gators enjoying their win 

Misschastains.etsy.com

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Different ways to wrap gifts

So they're all kinds of different things you can do other than purchasing wrapping paper that you're just going to throw away. Over the years I have recycled paper grocery bags using the inside part of the bag that has no logos on it for the outside stampede and dry am so forth using ribbon you can also use plain brown paper. Newspaper is also something else that I've done in years past it's kind of really fine especially if you get the paper on a regular basis you just save it using comics for kids can always be cute too. This time for my mom what I'm doing is I am wrapping her gifts in fabric with ribbon, Now I'm using more ribbon that I might normally and more fabric because this way she get the gift of the fabric that she can use with something as well so if you're wrapping gifts for someone that so is your craft that may be a great thing to because they won't throw it away it will be continued to be used. Misschastains.etsy.com

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Christmas stocking

I have been working on a Christmas stocking for Michael, it took me a bit longer then you may have thought. Not becuase it hard to do but becuase I have only been working on it here and there inbetween other projects. But it's done weeks before Christmas, now to just one done for me. But first I'm going to go a bag made for my mom.

If you have ever thought of putting together the felt stockings you should,not only are they a lot of fun to make but they are a great gift and a great thing to have for years to come. 

tote bags have come to the shop

the newest to go in to my etsy shop are some great cotton tote bags/ shopping bags

this one is an ASU bag that has a wine pocket, I saw that  my shopping bags didn't have a pocket for the wine bottle and that it really could us one so I came up with this pattern to hold it, along with all my other food.

the other bag I came up with is this snow white bag with an inside pocket to hole the things you don't want to fall to the bottom like your phone or tablet. Also out of cotton

you can find them both and much more at misschastains.etsy.com

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First thanksgiving

Now this is the first time that my husband and I have spent this holiday together, it's just our first one as husband and wife. It was a very nice day now becuase we now live where we don't have family and it's just the two of us no I didn't cook a thanksgiving dinner. We enjoyed a day of doing a whole lot of nothing for most of it then some class work for me I'm taking a photograph class and I thought that being that I need to do some portraits today would be a good day to do some of us, then we had Chinese food. Yes he watched football not my thing so I did some draping work on a new skirt for me, so all in all it was a great day. I have a lot to be thankful for and I think it's great to enjoy it sometimes, far to much with the holidays people are so worried about what stuff they can get they forget to stop and be thankful for what really matters in life. I myself feel that's it's sickening that store open up on the holidays so people can shop. I don't shop Black Friday and don't ever plan to, it's way to busy and everyone seams to have forgotten what the holiday means that they are shopping for or that the day before we were just having a day of thanks. So if you are shopping tonight or tomorrow try and be kind to the people work and to the other people that are shopping,after all it's just stuff!

Here is one of the photos from today of me and my husband 

Back to draping my skirt, well really sewing now the drap is all done 

Yes I drap in my fashion fabric

misschastains.etsy.com

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Sleepless night

There is nothing as un easy as not being able to sleep. I try to go to bed and sleep but my mind gets going when I should be able. so I try to sleep and I hear my husband snoring away as design ideas run thur  my mind guess that's a good time to just get out of bed and work. So many ideas the men's shirt pattern that's going to be in the shop soon or the doll line manybe a bit of both. Just keep an eye on the shop misschastains.etsy.com for the new things to come. The first thing for the line that fits 18inch dolls is going to be an early 19th century corset. The pattern is all drafted and ready to start sewing.
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First dinner party

So last night I hosted my first dinner party with my husband. I have to say it was a good night nothing to fancy just a nice little thing. It was great I was able to use my China that was my grandmothers, along with some of the serving appetizer trays as well. I know for a lot of people it seams crazy but I love it when I get to host in that full 1950's way, I really enjoy it. I should have gotten a photo of everyone but it's all the telling of story's and getting to know eachother. I didn't even think about it however I did get a few photos of things before people came over when the food was cooking.

My wine glasses from the dollar store look great with my China, that's something else I love to do is pare old things with new things, but you know you don't have to spend a whole lot to have some nice things you just need to take the time to look. I was lucky to get my China after my grandmother passed away. But if you don't and your like me and aren't able to spend the high price of China you should look at places like goodwill you can find some nice things and not pay like crazy. 

The finished blouse and skirt

so here they are all finished, the skirt I knew how it would come out I have made it before and will make more of them. The fit of it is great on only does it look good but it feels good, even when I wear it all day. But then the blouse this is a pattern that i hadn't made before and as nice as it is, I found that like with a lot of patterns, the drawing is not the same as the finished blouse. If you look at the drawing on the pattern the neckline is much more open then how it really came out even with flowing the pattern to a T, but that's how it happens some times. But it still came out will and is a nice fall look.

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Cry for peace and compassion in our world

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Puting the zipper in

 So there are many kinds of zippers that you me use a metal a plastic invisible or not invisible zipper. They each have their own unique ways of going in in this video I mostly talk to you about how to put in an invisible zipper which is what I am using however the basic fundamentals are the same whether it be an invisible or not invisible plastic or metal zipper.

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Putting in the sleeve and neck facing so I like to do something a little different than the way the pattern towels on how to put in the sleeve so in this video I talked about and shown how to do that and when versus the traditional method that the pattern he discusses. Either one is fine it is just a personal preference on this and what you find to be easier for yourself and the fabric you're working with.

So I like to do something a little different than the way the pattern towels on how to put in the sleep so in this video I talked about and shown how to do that and when versus the traditional method that the pattern he discusses. Either one is fine it is just a personal preference on this and what you find to be easier for yourself and the fabric you're working with.

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Making woven bias tape strips

 In this video I'm going to talk about how to make your own bias strip bindings you use them for finishes you can use them for seam finishes of all kinds, as well as on edges, they make a nice little add onto things. You can also use them if you make them small very thin for appliqué decorations as well. Really the uses her and Lister just restricted to your own creativity they are something that you want to make sure is cut on the bias one doing it in a woven that way you get the stretch to go around curves without it puckering.

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Rain filled day

It's a nother rain filled Saturday here in Louisiana, I do love the rain but that maybe becaus I get to stay inside. Looks like I'll be spending my day sewing on my blouse. Then I'll be starting my new line of doll clothes, that's right in a few weeks I'll have a new line of historical inspired clothing for 18 inch dolls. I decided to do this because when I was a girl I loved The historical stories as well as making historical close for myself and for my dolls however it would've been great if I could've just gotten them as well as some that I had never even thought up. In this line there will be everything to create the historical look, historically accurate from the appropriate undergarments to your outerwear. This Linal range from everything in time from Renaissance through mid 50s. So keep an eye out if you're looking for particular time, Leave me a comment and let me know what you're looking for and keep an eye out in my Etsy shop at Misschastains.etsy.com

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The next steps for the blouse

So in this video I talk about the pleats and how to put those in, as well as seem finishes seem finishes are always an important thing to think about. Just like with the skirt I am not using the surgery for the same finishes on this I am doing hand finishes so for this one I have chosen to do the folding in the seam and then I will handstitch a slip stitch picking up does that one thread of the blouse to Tackett into place to make it very flat  appearance.

 This video take shoe right up to putting the neck binding and facing and keep in mind that when you stitch on your neck facing to your blouse you were using a 3/8 of an inch seam allowance not a 5/8 of an inch all other seams are a 5/8 of an inch seam allowance. You will also not be stitching the right pleaded part of the blouse to the facing it will be being tucked in in a manner I will discuss in the next video.  As always hope that your enjoying your sewing!

Vintage blouse pattern layout

This video will discuss and show the layout of this pattern

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Paper pattern fitting

So it's a good idea to do this before you start selling a pattern that has some difficult options to it as this one does as well as if you are completely sure of the size. It will let you know where you may need to increase and a size or decrease a size.

The skirt hem

There are a few ways that you can put in your hem. I'm going to be doing my hem using lace hem tape. Now this isn't really vingate however I really love doing hems this way. What's nice about it is that when you iron it the lace hem tape does  shrink up a bit. Much in the same way that doing a running stitch in it to pull it up would do.

 When putting in the hem tape I like to put it about a half inch from the raw edge of the skirt then after that is stitched on to the right side of the skirt I will turn the skirt inside out and  Measure up the rest of the hem that I want to put in, then using that seam hand stitching that we used in the waist I'll stitch the hem tape to the skirt and its done.

Stitch lace hem tape 1/2inch from raw edge, on the right side of the skirt fabric.

Cut  excess fabric, if it ravels then use  pinking shears

Then turn lace hem tape to inside of skirt, Measure from the turned up edge of skirt to lace hem tape edge 1 inch

The hand stitch the lace hem tape to skirt

Then iron and skirt is done! Ready to wear and show off!

If you don't want to use hem tape of if its something you can't get here are the  directions of other way of putting in the hem.

1) mark hem

If you have someone that can help you do this when you ae wearing the skirt it is best

2) take off skirt if you were wearing it first, then turn hem up .

3) put in hand basting stitches about 1/8 inch from the folded edge, then careful press hemline

4) measure hem width from the pressed edge, to about a 1 1/2 inches mark all the way around the skirt, then trim so that it's even.

5) machine-bast close to that cut edge, pin hem back up

6) pulling the machine basting ease in fullness, adjust the fullness evenly

7)  finish the edge, you can use pinking shears, if your fabric ravels a lot, or you may want to hand-overcast, or use a small machine zigzagging right on cut edge

8) re-pin and press hem, then using the hand sewing that we used on the waist to stitch in hem, then after hem is all stitched in cut the hand-basting and pull it out, do one last press of the whole skirt.

9) wear and enjoy!!

A hard day 😒

 I got up with a lot a pain and stiffness, it makes for a hard day that's for sure. When all I feel like doing is going back to bed. I have so much that I want and need to do, but when everything hurts it's hard to get moving. I'm lucky that my husband for now is understanding but I do worry that at some point it's going to be to much for him to deal with. When the good days are here they are good but then the weather changes or I over do it on a good day and that's when the bad days come. If only the hot water would last forever that's just about the only thing that feels, being that I don't have my other option. So for now I do want I can do some hot mint tea for pain, heat pads and hot showers, and as crazy as it may sound getting up and doing some movement it does help as long as I'm moving its the after that's not so great. But I know I can't spend my life living in bed becuase that's not truely living. So even when I'm having a hard day I make myself do something even if it's as little as walking to get the mail. 

Pilates with the husband

I had my husband do his first Pilates session today, his a great sport that's for sure. I know it was hard for him but he just kept going  for the whole time. I know that as he does it more it will get easier  but I love that his willing to do this for me ! But truthly I do know that it's going to help him. 

Third day of training oh so tired

So it took today three but with some weeding out of people as there always is. Come to really like the people that will be my coworkers and they can even may have made a real friend with one of them. Which is really nice being that I don't have any friends here. That man all day doing workouts I am so dead tired, I kind of forgot just how tiring this can be. But after this week I'm not going to be doing eight hours of the day. Even with teaching I'm not going to be physically doing the work out for every muscle group all day every day just a few more days then my test and I'm halfway there after all after my written test I still have my practicum teaching exam here we go. What kind of sucks about this schedule of this week is how little time I'm actually seen my husband, I'm up and off to do training before he goes to work and then by the time he comes home I'm ready to just go right to sleep, but it's the way it goes and it's only a week it's not that big of a deal.

Sorry I'm not going to be getting to doing that skirt hem this week not till Saturday so videos and information on how to put in that him if you're still waiting for it will be up Saturday most likely in the afternoon. However if you're planning to then follow along and make the top, this gives you some time to go ahead and wash and iron your fabric. As well as cut out your patter pieces, the concepts for cutting out and adjusting your pattern to your side are the same, as they were for the skirt. 

Thoughts on my first day

I had my first day of training for my new job as a Pilates teaching, it didn't really go as I had hoped. I mean everyone seems nice but I do feel like the odd ball out. As we were doing the get to know every one I felt very judged, not only am I the only one not from here, but as crazy as it is becuase right now iam very tiny I'm still the big girl In the room, then to top it off I'm also the only one that doesn't have kids, as well as I know that becuase I look very young that doesn't help. I had hoped that this is would be a group of women that I could get close to but being that my believes are so far from all of theirs. In truth I do feel that if I hadn't paid to take the final test I wouldn't be going back today, but this is one of these things in life that you have to do. Till my etsy is doing more I'll do this part time. 

Vintage skirt Step 6 Side seam closure

Seam finishes

 So this video is going to show you  different seam finishes to use

Hand stitching techniques

 If you're not sure about how to do handstitching for stitching your waistband or your Hemit this is going to help you will take you through on what you need to know

Vintage top to match the vintage skirt

So after all you my want to have a full outfit together so the next thing that you can follow along with me making. Is a vintage top now yes this is a vintage 50s top however because the skirt is a late 40s it is something that someone would've had in their wardrobe and these two would've gone together. Now this pattern may look like there's only three options however there is a fourth if you think about it and that would be the wide neck with the three-quarter length sleeves. That's not what I'm going to be doing this time I'm going to do the letter C which is the wide neck with the short sleeves however next time I think we might do the fourth unseen option. That's always something to keep in mind with patterns you can usually alter them and create something that isn't there something that wasn't done before, use the pieces that you have available to make something a little bit more you even. 

Now the same things apply to making this pattern as for the skirt you want to do your measurements, so you can pick the right size. Now this pattern is produced by simplicity, as were the skirt pattern was produced by Vogue so the measurements could be different and after all we are now dealing with the upper body not our lower so we do want to re-measure to see what size we fall into. Don't forget that you're finished Garment will be different then your measurements because of design and wearing ease. It's important to make sure that you have the right ease so that you're able to move when you wear your garment. You also want to make sure that you're not just using a fabric that you like but something that will work with the pattern design as well. I'm going to be using a lightweight cotton making this top a little less formal. I'll be using a fabric that coordinates nicely and color to make a full outfit with my skirt. 

Not only will this light weight cotton give a nice flow to the front plates, the but brown tones in it and the cream colored background will go nicely with the brown colored suiting fabric that I used for the skirt.

So this tops going to have a few details in it, set in sleeves, a 14inch side zipper and 2 1/2 inch buttons at the neck. Don't worry about having your zipper and buttons just yet they will come a little later in this project. Keep in mind if you have a top that you don't wear anymore or you find a top at a thrift store that you like the buttons on and it's a good price sometimes that's a better way to get them than brand-new ones same with zippers. You can usually take them out and reuse them. something I've done for years you can either do this with metal or plastic zippers, however metal does work better for repurposing then the plastic ones. Now if you're somewhere where you have a Goodwill that's a great place to find interesting buttons as well as fabric. Over the years I have found lots of fabric, just take your tape measure so you know how much you're getting. It may also be a good idea to figure out how much fabric and what kind for any particular pattern that you'd like and have that note with you so when you find it you can see if it matches.

Vintage skirt step by five the waistband

 It's great to see that you're still there with me so your next step will be to stitch your waistband preparing it to attach to your skirt. In the steps you'll be doing understood she using interfacing and then handstitching the videos on this are going to show the stitching of the waistband and under stitching.  Don't worry if you're not sure about the handstitching techniques for the waistband video for that will be coming shortly.

 Step one in preparing your waistband

 Step two of waistband attaching the waistband to the skirt

Under sticthing

Vintage skirt pattern part 4 putting in kickplate

 So if you've been following along the next step is to put in your kickplate now if you want to do something with a pop of color in it to match a top then you would want to back that lighter weight fabric with the same fabric as your story you don't have to you can always try that on your next skirt so here are the ways to put in your kick plate.

This first video is how to paint your kickplate it's important that you have it handy right before you sew!

 Stitching in your kickplate  and stitch in your side seams

Part three vintage skirt pattern

 Hope that everyone has been able to follow along, however I thought that it might be a little easier with some videos so I'll be listing them in order of the things you should be doing.  The first ones are going to be how to stitch in darts and iron darts. Happy sewing

 How to stitch in darts 

 How to iron darts  and the importance of ironing

Fibromyalgia pain 😁

Something I was really worried about with moving was my fibromyalgia. Because having on from California to Arizona where there are medical massage now to state that I don't have those same laws available to me I don't not the same medicines and same treatment for my fibromyalgia. The past few days I've been feeling it more and more the first month wasn't bad, but now I'm back to having that horrible pain. My options are so limited now basically go back to traditional pharmaceuticals the problem with that is that what they prescribed really  make you feel just wasted and sluggish. Not really an option I want, it's not a way to live a life and I have a life to live. I do know that stress makes the fibromyalgia worse as it does with all things that cause pain even good stress. And was studying for my certification my other classes and well with everything I definitely do have a lot of stress going on. My hope is that when things kind of settle down a bit and I've passed this certification classes are done but I'll be going to feel better again. After all the options that I had before our options for me right now not until the laws of this country change to give me the opportunity and the right to choose my own medication. 

A nice Sunday

I really love Sunday's it's always nice to just be out with nothing that I really need to do with Michael. I was great weather just to be out enjoying the day. The day was great till I w doing dishes and I some how cut my finger washing a spoon of all things a spoon really now. It was a not so great ending to a very nice day, of helping Michael pick out new eye glasses. But something I don't understand is why it's been so hard for me to find stockings in the store being that I'm almost done with the one for him I thought it would be nice to make one for my self but after going to every fabric and craft store in town and not being able to even find one in store it seams I'll have to look on line for mine. 

The name change question??

It's really crazy to me how here we are in 2015 coming up on 2016 and people still believe that a woman has to give up her identity when she gets married. I realize that a lot of people feel that there's a great tradition in changing your name. However I don't think that most people understand where this concept of changing your name even came from, it comes from a woman being owned and seen as property by the man that she marries or was sold to buy the male members of her family. In fact it's not even a common thing in all cultures for women to change thier name in many cultures women don't  in Korean culture women don't necessary change their name. 

The work I've done I'm known under my name so why would I suddenly now become someone else I believe it's good to have a connection to your spouse however I don't feel like they complete me, I was a complete person before I met my husband before we were married. So why change my identity now in Western culture we don't ask Men to change their name and give up their identity when they get married. So why do we still Believe that a woman should? My husband and I did discuss combining our names, and both of us then change your name however when we discussed it we realize that both of us are known in her own fields with our names and so we didn't want to change them at this point in our careers. The truth is that I've done all of my costume work under my "maiden name "but that's still part of my identity and that is my chosen career failed yes I do other things to earn an additional living but my field is still in costuming so why would I change the name that everyone has known me under? Then there are the people that bring up the question about what if we have kids what name will we give them? What I have to say to that is not every married couple has children for one, for two that's something that we will decide if we do have children. But in truth most likely if we have our own children it would be his name, that we would give but truthfully who knows. 

It also amazes me how this has never been an issue for my husband that I change my name but it really seems to be an issue for all of the women I've met and known. I say mad because when I moved my husband had moved before me have the apartment lease and we just added me they gave me the strangest look when I added myself with my "maiden name "when I get deliveries with that name they give me the look of shock like are you really married. That's something I don't understand what happened to the feminist view that I am a complete person on my own. I love my husband but he doesn't complete me, and I don't complete him. We both feel that we make each other better but that we were complete before, and I think that has a lot to do with why I feel this way.

Starting those Christmas crafts now

With the barometer pressure change my back is really killing me today so I'm just kind of taking it easy not doing a whole lot. Admittedly there is a ton I need to do studying for midterms and for training exams, finishing that skirt, but for right now I'm just taking it easy. So I'm working on a Christmas stocking for Michael I forgot how much fun they are to do, and how easy they just take time becuase of all the little pieces that are involved it's just more time-consuming. That's why even though it's October if you're thinking about doing these for Christmas you really should be doing them now that way you can just work on them and have them done they do take some time they don't take a whole lot of sewing skills mostly some slip stitching some of them do have some embroidery but nothing very difficult you just have to follow the directions and be patient with yourself. The end result is really worth it when you can see that you've done all this work and your love ones enjoy it and they had it for years to come I can't wait to have this one done. If you're afraid of how much work it is how much sewing and you're not up to that then when you choose one just take your time pick one that doesn't have as much detail they come in all skill levels so don't be afraid of it the holiday crafts are always the best!

Even if you don't think you've done a great job on it know that the loved ones that you give it to will love and cherish it because you took that time, and you thought about them to give them something a part of yourself. After all when you give a gift that is handmade you're giving a piece of yourself you're loving your time and in this crazy world of expensive thing your love and your time is really what means more.

Following along with making a vintage skirt pattern part two

So if your phone along you've cut out your pattern pieces and you're ready now to place them on your fabric. That is hopefully you have washed and ironed it know when laying out your fabric you want to have your right sides fold it together so that you have a wrong side out so you can mark if you're using a marking pen on the wrong side. However I'm also going to be showing you the Tailor tack method which is what I prefer for doing markings. If you're not familiar with this method please refer to my previous blog and watch the video it's a very easy method to do and you'll fall in love with it I'm sure. Also when laying out your fabric you want to make sure that it's smooth and flat no buns and wrinkles and that your raw edges match your salvage to your salvage that way you will stay I'm sure great. If you're not someone that it is comfortable just eyeballing your grain then you want to use your tape measure or hem gauge as is also shown in the photo, to check your straight up green you do this by checking the center and the ends of the grain markets that is on your pattern peace. It's very important to check your street of grain as well as lay out all your pattern pieces before you start cutting. So you'll see that even with pieces that don't require two to be taught where my fabric is in double thickness it is I have laid it out so that I know I have enough fabric and that it's going to all be in the same direction that way if you were using a one directional fabric you don't end up with one piece going one way and another going an opposite. Also I like to do what I can to save fabric so that I can use the fabric for later craft projects or even to make something else. So pieces they have a curve or that required to be placed on a folder. As long as they're in the same direction you can turn your pattern pieces facedown so that you actually can work with it a little bit easier and it allows you to manipulate how you place the pattern pieces to save as much fabric as possible. 

I know a lot of people like to lay out one piece and cut it out they feel it goes faster, however placement is so important to the overall proper fit of your finished garment that you really want to take the time to measure. To make sure it's all laid out properly and that it has the look that you would want, if you're working with something that is a pattern you want to make sure that the pattern on the fabric is placed where you might want it on a finish the garment. After all if you don't like your finished garment you're not going to wear it so take your time when making your garments there's no point in making them if you're not going to wear them.

Measuring your greenline

Measure at multiple points Stanback take a look remeasure it's like with all things measure twice cut once a very important thing to keep in mind especially if you're working with Ace limited supply of fabric or inexpensive fabric

If you see here he's 19 is turned with the back of it up so that I could save as much fabric as possible, don't feel afraid to do this it's completely fine as long as your pieces are still going in the same direction as all your other pattern pieces

So you see here that I have pieces 17,20, and 21, just pinned in place with one pen to mark out how much space they'll take up they only required to cut one. So if I were to cut two I would be losing fabric that I could later use something else so what I'll do is cut out the pieces that require two and leave these ones to hold where their places then remove the second layer of fabric and only cut one of each piece

So once I cut out the other pieces and I was left with the pattern pieces that only required to cut one I readjusted them again to save more fabric still keeping them on grain and measuring always measure remember measure twice cut once

So once you've cut out all your pieces you then do your markings never take your pattern pieces off your cut fabric with out putting your markings on your fabric first!! You will never remember what pattern piece it is or what your markings needed to be so it's like measuring before you cut make sure all your markings are on. When this fabric it's one it's very difficult to see a marking pen on so this is where Tailor tacks come in handy. You match them the same way that you would using a marking pen when you match for your darts or for your pieces you're just matching the thread instead of a pen or pencil mark. Stay tuned next will start stitching!! As always happy sewing!! 

How to do tailor tacks

Tailor tacks are A useful tool when working with a fabric that is hard to mark. Be it becuase marking pens don't show up or that you don't want to run the risk of stating your fabric. They can be a hard thing to understand, if you have never seen them done or every used them. So here is a video showing you how to do them. I hope that this helps with improving your sewing skills.

Follow along with me sewing vintage a pattern

So between studying and some more studying I'm trying to update my wardrobe. I know a lot of people wouldn't consider vintage clothing updating but I happen to love the vintage luck and going out in purchasing vintage clothing can be very expensive as well as very difficult to find quality that sticks so I like to use vintage patterns orreprints of vintage patterns, many companies Vogue, Butterick, and Simplicity have done reprints of their vintage patterns from many decades to suit whatever your style maybe. For myself I tend to like the mid to late 40s through the 50s looks but the advice I'm going to share works for all patterns of any eras. As most of you may know and have realized find patterns can be very expensive so you don't necessarily want to do things like cut your exact size, now this brings up finding out what your size is. You need to measure yourself before purchasing your patterns keep in mind all companies are slightly different but if you have a general idea of your measurements when you purchased patterns you'll know what to get. You'll find the guideline measurements on the envelope somewhere I've shown a photo of the one I'm using, keep in mind that pattern sizes are not the same as you're ready to wear size they are more true to sizing ready to wear garments are done with vanity sizing so don't be surprised when your pattern size is larger than your garment ready to wear side. For myself my ready-to-wear is anywhere from a 6 to 8 however my pattern size usually a 12 to 14. Pattern sizing is going to go off of your best at largest point your waist and your hip. Now depending on the way you want your garment to fit you, before you cut out your size you want to see what the leucine is and how much give the final garment will have this is usually found on the pattern piece you can see this in photos as well. This brings up another point patterns of modern printing are usually sized anywhere from 3 to 5 sizes in an envelope. Now if you're like me your size can change but you still want to be able to make this pattern later and not spend the money to buy a new one so how do you do this? That's The next step that I'll be showing you once you figured out your sizing what you want to do is cut out your pieces at the largest size iron them trim up all excess around the pattern piece. Then as you see in the photos you went to your size and flod to your size, now you may also if you're doing a dress find that you need one size for your bust one size for your help or sometimes a combination of three sizes will go over that at a later date right now we are working with a single size. So once you've chosen your fabric, next is you've watched your fabric, you've ironed your fabric, then you cut out your pattern and folded the pattern piece to your size so that you can use it at a later date you may want to make it for someone else or your size may change you may want to share your pattern with a friend as well this is how you do that. Your next step will be to pin your pieces on your fabric and I'll be talking about that next but for now go ahead and get caught up to where we need to be I'm going to go back to studying and my next break I'll see you. The photos below will be here to help you. I'll be putting them in order of what you need first if you want to follow along with this exact pattern the pattern I am using is a vote original from 1944 it is V2885 I am making just a skirt at this time, then you'll see the size chart, then I'll show you how to clip to your size and fold your pattern Pete's so you may use it at a later date.

Pattern and fabric now it's important to choose the fabric that matches what your pattern says it is made for otherwise it will not fit right if you're using a pattern that was drafted for a woven then you need to use a woven not a stretch as I am here this pattern is made for a woven not a stretch so I am using a woven suiting fabric suitable from the description of fabric on the back of your envelope

Size chart for this pattern, this is the common sizing for most of Vogue patterns, 

Clipping your pattern peace and folding it after you've cut them out is what comes next, well after you ironed your pieces that is if your pieces are wrinkled the sizing will be off it is important to iron your fabric and pattern pieces.

After you clip your pieces you want to clip them where you have a curve or an indent so that you can have a smooth line when you fold it.

Know when you're folding you also want to then iron to make it a smooth flat line, it should end up looking something like this

Once you've done this you'll be ready for the next step and I'll see you then

Sewing books and studying

In between math and anatomy studying I'm trying to do some sowing as well as still putting things up on my Etsy so always keep a lookout. Today I added some great vintage sewing instructional books to my Etsy if you're new at sewing or even been at it for years, instructional books are always a great tool to have. You can always improve skills if you need some help with doing hands or face seems you should take a look at my Etsy misschastains.etsy.com, often times people look at older books and think that the information is outdated however like with most things the basic information doesn't change how to do it him how to do face scenes how to put in a sleeve all of these things are the same so why spend a ton on the books when you can get great books that were done before. Maybe our grandmothers and great-grandmothers had something going after all I know mine always had the cute clothes that I love the vintage looks so why not look at the vintage books. If there's something selling why is that you're having an issue with or crocheting let me know I might be able to help after all there's always someone that can help you with something you just have to not be afraid to ask. Some of the vintage techniques that I added into the dress I just finished was a completely hand-picked zipper something that isn't very often done anymore but it's a great way to add a completely smooth line. 

Sewing vintage

A few years ago I made some Christmas stockings for a friends kids, and in return she gave me this really great vintage Singer featherweight sewing machine. I would have done the for nothing but being that she doesn't sew she thought I would like this and she was right I do. Till this last month I hadn't used it just because I have always had my newer machine set up, but with this move I had the featherweight close at hand. So when I wanted to start making some new things I pulled it out put a me needle in it and started sewing. I have to say I love sewing with it its so easy to use. I can't believe how long it took me to make this dress not because it was hard or because of the machine but I just was busy doing other things. Like unpacking and having my new in-laws in town, so a month yes a month later I hav finished this great vintage style dress made using the vintage machine. I love the at it came out its so comfy, and I loved how easy it was to put my featherweight up to sew and put away when I needed my dining table back. I'm thinking that I'm going to be using it a lot more! 

Training materials today

I picked up my training materials for my new job today! It's a little overwhelming having a lot of studying to do to make sure that I pass my certification tests, I'm not going to lie I'm very nervous. Because I have to pay for my testing I really need to make sure that I pass. I know I can do it as long as I spend the next 18 days studying, it's a lot of anatomy and terminology to learn along with the customized exercise routines. I started following my instructional DVD today and was able to do it all while my tired now, I have been spending the last few days working on getting back into having stamina. However if I didn't have the background in dance, Pilates, and martial arts to start with this would be so killer as it is I can feel that I have not been in that kind of shape, but I know that as long as I keep at it for the next two weeks by the time I get in to my weeklong intensive training I'll be good to go. I have to be I feel so much pressure with this to prove that I can, I don't want to put out money and then fail, I don't want my husband my mom my new in-laws to see me as a failure or for me to see myself that way so it's not even an option. In many way I already feel like a failure, I know that none of them none of my loved ones see me as that way but I need this to prove to myself that I'm not. 

Getting my mile time down!

So I'm trying to get back in shape, but that I'm really out of shape just not in great condition. After all there is a difference able to get down to 15 minute mile today and a walking I don't run not bad getting up getting back to my 12 minute hope to be back there soon. I haven't really been working out much and I discovered that the little cutesy sport bras that I have are not going to work I definitely need to go and get more of those high impact. I'm reminding all of you about this that no matter what your breast size you need that form support there has been research that shows that working out without that support can damage your breast to tissue and that damaged tissue can lead to cancer. So even if you think that you don't need that support you really do it will pay off for you in the long run. 

Here's to new things

I was talking to a friend today who is having some financial difficulties and its difficult for me because I want to be able to help her but I'm just not in that position so I did the next best thing and I talked to my mom. Because this friend is the closest thing to a sister that I have, so I gave the help I can have her talk to mom and that's all I can do. I know it doesn't sound like it's much help but sometimes been able to set people up with help that is outside yourself is the best hope you can get.

But even though this made me very sad and down today it's not going to kill the fabulous things that are going on in my life. So my mother-in-law wanted to come see my husband and I for my  father in law and her's 50th anniversary. It is crazy to think that two people can stay together for 50 years in no way what I said they're perfect but they do work and they are still hurry get together they have their quirks but it's so reassuring to see that people can make that kind of a commitment.  No pressure or anything for me are just your mother-in-law coming to visit after you've only been married a month. But it was a great visit with her and my father in law. I think that her been able to see our home and everything was a relief for her because my husband is an only child, so her seeing that things are going well made her feel good. Also while they were here I had a job interview that just was fantastic and then today right after we drop them at the airport I got the call offering me the job! It's great now not only for myself do I feel fabulous about being able to have a job again it's only been a month but I feel really lost with out it in many ways, but I know it also makes my in-laws feel good to know that I'm not just taking from thier son. Not that my husband would care if I go back to work or not it really is for myself on this in many ways, I feel that I need that security within myself even though I depend on who bravely I feel like I still need to be able to stand on my own. As exciting as this is I have a lot of anxiety nervousness about it I will be training to be a Pilates instructor. I've done a lot of dancing and martial art, Pilates and yoga, but never as the instructor always as the student so even though these are things I'm very comfortable and good at doing things I'm good at, I'm very nervous about being able to pass my certification and being an instructor. I just want to be able to be good at it, well and to pass my certification practical test because those I do have to pay for so I do feel a great pressure with this. Even with good things it still gives me a lot of anxiety and worry but I know that it's the good kind and once I start training an doing it I know I will feel better, but that anxiety feelings not really going to be all the way gone until I completely pass my certification.

Changes to my blog

So it's come to my attention that my blog is not really as representative of what's going on with me as when I first started it. It's not really right now as much of my text out as I would like and that's partly because I'm not doing as much art with all the changes going on in my life. Over the last year I have not only gotten married and moved away, but I've also been dealing with my mother's cancer diagnosis some concerns of relapse. But the biggest change overall is the being married and how that has changed my life in many ways not only was it a cross-country move right after the wedding but it's the melding of the two into one unit. Which is a very difficult thing because we come at things with very different views so as many things have changed and are changing daily I feel like my blog needs to represent this so I have decided to change the focus of my blog, into more of a daily representation of my life the good the bad what's going on and someone. Now I know that overall my husbands probably not going to be too thrilled with this but I need a place for me to express and I decided that the best place is going to be on my blog. No this doesn't mean that I am not going to continue to post and discuss things of text out arts because that's still a huge part of me that hasn't changed but it's also going to be about everything else that's going in my life. Including the disagreements that my husband and I have the fears of my life the struggles all of it I just feel like I need to be more open and this may be the best way. 

Two Schools, Two Policies: Developments in The Transgender Student Bathroom Battles

Two Schools, Two Policies: Developments in The Transgender Student Bathroom Battles



This upsets me so much, and it should upset and  outrage everyone who is against discrimination. With all of the horrible things that go on in this world all of the atrocities and all of the genocide why is it that we make an issue on how someone identifies themselves. They should be able to use whatever bathroom is the gender of what they identify with it if they live as a male they should be able to use the male restroom if they live as a female they should be able to use the female restroom.  Transgender's deserve the same dignity and rights as everyone else. By setting aside separate bathrooms for transgender's it is no different than going back to the black only and white only restrooms of the early 50s, we have come no further we have just found someone else to discriminate against and it is wrong .