The Sexy Dress...

... as it came to be known. Named by a good friend because of it's nude lining and black lace. Well, and perhaps the body skimming fit might have had something to do with it. It is one of those dresses that seems to look great on everyone... of various shapes and sizes. This dress was actually loaned out for a number of years. Upon returning to California after my 5 year stint in New York City, it was returned to me. It looked as good as the day I bought it... sometime in 1999.

I, of course, brought it with me on my Honeymoon to Maui.

However, recently I felt the need to put it on once more. Before storing it away with most of my clothes that no longer fit because of the great weight gain that goes hand in hand with pregnancy. Here I am.... 24 weeks, and in the "Sexy Dress." I just couldn't help it.

57. Have Baby: March 27th 2011

Finally, a project... my own little science project.... that I can not procrastinate. She, the little "Texas Ranger," is due to arrive some time around March 27th 2011. While I can't wait for her arrival, I am also extremely grateful for the 9 months of getting used to the idea of this life changing event. Here I am at 22 weeks and 3 days.... just yesterday. I now look pregnant and not just like I've eaten 1 too many snacks at work.... thank goodness. Who knew I would be so happy to have a big 'ol belly.
Perhaps now, I will actually finish project 56.

49. baby bibs: create using leftover fabric

It has been a while.  I know.

About a month ago, I started another project on my list.  It wasn't exactly an unfinished project, but it is something I have wanted to do for a while.  Create baby bibs to give away as gifts.  The trick is that I only allow myself to use supplies that I currently have on hand.  I find that when I approach a project in this way, I tend to get more creative.

So, while my project is not finished, I did make a good start.  I cut and pinned together 15 bibs.... using up 1 fabric and a good chunk of another.

Here is a shot of where I left off.

Sadly, it is still in the middle of my small living room.    Next time, there will be binding... and they will be FINISHED!

#54, #55, & #56

After being sick in bed for a good three days, and having my messy house driving me crazy for the awake hours, I got in a busy cleaning mode this weekend.  Just the usual... laundry, piled up dishes, cleaning out forgotten items in the fridge, etc.  However, the usual turned into a pre-Spring cleaning of my wardrobe.  It was great tossing some in the trash-- If I shouldn't wear a pilled shirt, then someone purchasing at AmVets shouldn't either-- and adding to my donations bag.  Of course, I came across a couple items that need to be added to The List.  

#54.  Brown striped pants.  The hem had fallen out a couple of years ago, and so they just need to be mended.

#55.  Green & white striped T-shirt.    I bought this shirt at a cheapy store, and it held up OK, but now it is really beyond wearing.  I will be cutting it up to make a pattern, and sew a new one.  It was such a good fit for me.

#56.  Baby Quilt.  I proposed the idea to my Mom that we start meeting to quilt once a week... just a little project to help each other use up our piles of fabric-- we are only allowed to use fabric we have on hand-- and to have a set time to meet once a week.  I am planning on making a bow tie quilt similar but not exactly like this.  Oh... and the reason I am making a baby quilt is not in anticipation of growing our little 2 person family, but because I am trying to start out with a manageable project... so that I will finish it!

#46 Yanessa's Birds

Again... another project that took way too much time.  The pattern was by far the most complicated part.  I probably made about 8 different patterns, and I still feel like the final pattern could use a little tweaking.

Luckily, I had a little helper... aka The Husband... Here he is at the main event... The Wedding that the birds made their debut.  He really can take credit for getting the slope of the back and head right, as well as bending the wire legs.  The design of the legs was referenced from Peonies Blog.  She had good insight and ideas on how to build these cute little creatures.  

The Husband also made a pattern of his own that I am very excited about making up... it looks more like a pigeon... a cute pigeon.

Here are a few shots of the little guys.  They are, of course, styled after the Ann Woods Birds, at the request of the Bride.   Actually, she really only asked me to help her figure out the pattern, but it took way too long, so I just said I would make them up for her.

The night before the event, I called on another helper... my Mother (not pictured)... and I am so glad I did, as Yanessa would not have had her birds... I am most certain about that.  My Mom is much more crafty than I, and so had all the special glue and know-how.  We wrapped the wire legs in brown floral tape and then covered them with this bronze glitter glue.  We used glass head silk pins first just as place holders for what would become the eyes, but then decided we liked them better than any other options.  The noses were shaped from clay, and baked.  She made about 8 noses, and broke 6. Ughhh!  I know all that doesn't sound like a lot to do in an evening, but it took 4 hours to complete the legs, make and apply the nose, flowers, and wings, and glue in the eyes.

So... at 12:45am, on the morning of the Wedding day... the Birds were COMPLETE.

They really were pretty fun to make... once the pattern was complete that is....  I now want to make a couple just for myself.  

I'll add that to the bottom of The List.  

One Down and... How many to go?

So I finished #47 Oga Cupid Dress, a ballet costume.  Yeah!  It feels so good to be finished.... (or almost... I actually still have to finish the edge of the hem once they decide on the length, but that really should only take a few minutes.I don't know what it was with this project, but it just wasn't going smooth.  Partial ill planning on my part, and partial... well... Ok, all ill planning on my part... and serger not cooperating.  Hours passed by while I tried to set my machine up to coverstitch... and then eventually had to settle for a crooked edge.  ughh.

Thank goodness this is a costume that will be seen from afar.  I think the owner of the costume is happy... but I see all the random mistakes or uneven stitches.  I may have to make another on my own terms to see about a better construction technique.

So, here is a close-up of the top of my version... it is still a little rough (ie. pins).  Little Dancers Mom added embellishment later.

Here is the Russian made costume I had to reference:

In the end... I am happy that I made the costume.  It was so fun to get to know the little dancer and her Mother better... both so cute.  It also got me back into sewing... since I really haven't made anything in a while.

Now, on to #46 Yanessa's Birds, which is a project where I will be copying, sort of, these birds, that sell out way too fast... or else she would be purchasing.  I hope they turn out cute enough.... they will be going on her Wedding cake.  Should be fun.

Why do I agree to do such things... ughhh

So, I agreed to help someone make a ballet costume.  "Oh sure!" I say.  "It shouldn't be that difficult."

A few hours into it, and I am cursing, and making my husband promise to remind me never to agree to such projects ever again.  These kinds of projects ALWAYS take longer than I or anyone else anticipates. 

... so... 15 hours into this "project" and I am still hours away from being finished.  

I'll post a picture of the finished project.... hopefully soon... this torture will end.