tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65308666050568013472024-02-19T07:11:44.980-05:00very blissfulVictoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460172354006273941noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530866605056801347.post-6307589814431640272014-08-07T11:28:00.002-04:002019-10-31T09:22:20.075-04:00Very Blissful has MOVEDVisit <a href="http://www.victoriabeppler.com/">victoriabeppler.com</a> to find new posts very soon!<br />
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Cheers!<br />
VictoriaVictoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460172354006273941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530866605056801347.post-75263898936429885452014-06-24T23:39:00.002-04:002014-06-24T23:43:31.013-04:00Summer Stashbust 2014: Part Two (The Plan) With Links!<b>Another picture heavy post! Nothing too big, though.</b><br />
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Monday I talked about my collection for my <a href="http://thequirkypeach.blogspot.com/p/summer-stashbust-2014.html" target="_blank">#summerstashbust14</a>, and now I want to share the plans I have for most of my fabric. Most of this is tentative, but I am hoping to stick to it.<br />
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<b>The Wovens</b><br />
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<a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0003_zps817a9737.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0003_zps817a9737.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0003_zps817a9737.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0004_zps2c3a613c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0004_zps2c3a613c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0004_zps2c3a613c.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0005_zpsbfc99312.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0005_zpsbfc99312.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0005_zpsbfc99312.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>Row 1: Cherry Vinyl; Rayon Challis 90's Inspired Floral; Rayon Challis Watercolor Print</i></div>
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<ul>
<li>For the Cherry Vinyl I have already cut out a <a href="http://www.missmake.com/2014/03/free-pdf-sewing-pattern-big-blue-ikea.html" target="_blank">Big Blue Ikea Bag</a> to make a beach bag out of. This is actually the same print that <a href="http://www.missmake.com/" target="_blank">Devon of Miss Make</a> used, but I loved it. I plan to use it as a beach bag for our upcoming vacation.</li>
<li>Both the 90's Floral and Watercolor Rayon Challis fabrics will be made into summertime <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/192976211/prefontaine-shorts-bundle-best-women-and?ref=listing-0" target="_blank">Prefontaine Shorts</a>. I am currently sewing up a wearable muslin version out of some Marvel fabric for bedtime shorts. I've really liked the pattern so far. I plan to make my own bias tape for these versions, and I'm a little nervous about that part!</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0006_zpsff212507.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0006_zpsff212507.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0006_zpsff212507.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0007_zps02a96992.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0007_zps02a96992.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0007_zps02a96992.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0008_zps031c2a16.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0008_zps031c2a16.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0008_zps031c2a16.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>Row 2: Some type of floral cotton; Some weird blue pinstripe fabric; Printed Cotton</i></div>
<ul>
<li>I loved this Floral cotton when I bought it, but now I have no idea what to make with it. I'm leaning toward possibly making an apron or two out of it for gifts. It has a bit of vintage flair, which I love. It just isn't my style for a garment (a problem I seem to have when buying things on a whim).</li>
<li>Oh this blue fabric. I bought it from fabric.com about a year ago. It's a weird shiny color that I just don't like the feel of--this means I'll use it as a muslin for my first <a href="http://shop.grainlinestudio.com/product/archer-button-up-shirt" target="_blank">Archer</a>.</li>
<li>This cotton will either be used for another Archer or some type of muslin. I really need to work on my woven fabric buying skills.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0009_zpsdbf54e6d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0009_zpsdbf54e6d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0009_zpsdbf54e6d.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0010_zpsbca0b2a4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0010_zpsbca0b2a4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0010_zpsbca0b2a4.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>Row 3: Light Chambray; Some weird lilac plaid print</i></div>
<ul>
<li>I'm planning on making this beautiful light chambray into a sleeveless Archer for summer! I already have two chambray shirts that have sleeves on them, and I think a sleeveless option would work well. Caroline from over at <a href="http://www.sewcaroline.com/" target="_blank">Sew Caroline</a> has a <a href="http://sewcaroline.com/2014/06/sleeveless-archer-button.html" target="_blank">beautiful version</a> that I really like. I'll probably stick to the unruffled back, though. Stay tuned!</li>
<li>Again, fabric from <a href="http://fabric.com/">fabric.com</a> that I was disappointed in. I'll probably use it as a muslin for a future woven project.</li>
</ul>
That's it for wovens?! Yeah I'm not much of a hoarder on that front.<br />
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<b>The Knits</b><br />
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<a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0012_zpsf4e6483e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0012_zpsf4e6483e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0012_zpsf4e6483e.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0013_zps5f0d77df.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0013_zps5f0d77df.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0013_zps5f0d77df.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0014_zpsf0eef253.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0014_zpsf0eef253.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0014_zpsf0eef253.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>Row 1: Egglplant Waffle Knit; Fox Print on Light Blue Jersey; Feather Jersey Print</i></div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">This eggplant waffle knit is okay. Want to guess where it's from? I'm <i>NOT</i> trying to hate on <a href="http://fabric.com/">fabric.com</a> because they have some GREAT stuff. I just have had some really bad luck with a few items! I'm not sure what I'll make with this because it is really off the grain. I'm thinking a long sleeve top of some kind--casual.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I love this Fox Print so much! It is on lighter blue jersey from <a href="http://www.girlcharlee.com/create_account.php?refid=29555" target="_blank">Girl Charlee</a>, and I think it will make a great top. My mom got me the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sew-Home-Stretch-Sewing-Fabrics/dp/0316118370#" target="_blank">Sew U Home Stretch</a> book a couple weeks ago, so I'm looking for the right top pattern to edit and make it my own!</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Another great print from <a href="http://www.girlcharlee.com/create_account.php?refid=29555" target="_blank">Girl Charlee</a>: feather jersey! Another top is in the queue for this beauty. </li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0015_zps5eae09fa.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0015_zps5eae09fa.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0015_zps5eae09fa.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0016_zps51cf3b21.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0016_zps51cf3b21.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0016_zps51cf3b21.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0017_zps9655b139.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0017_zps9655b139.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0017_zps9655b139.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>Row 2: Cranberry Ponte; Burnt Orange Ponte; Kelly Green Ponte (all from </i><a href="http://www.girlcharlee.com/create_account.php?refid=29555" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Girl Charlee</a>)</div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">In this picture the Cranberry Ponte looks really pink, but in real life it is more of a wine color. I'm planning on making another <a href="http://www.shopsewcaroline.com/product/out-and-about-dress-pdf-instant-download-pattern" target="_blank">Out and About Dress</a> to transition the end of summer into fall. Actually, my plan is for all of these ponte knits to be made into dresses. :)</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0019_zps97a8bfe6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0019_zps97a8bfe6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0019_zps97a8bfe6.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0020_zps0e2b306a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0020_zps0e2b306a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0020_zps0e2b306a.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0021_zps44de7915.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0021_zps44de7915.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0021_zps44de7915.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>Row 3: Scratchy Burnt Orange Ponte; Heather Grey Jersey; Off-White Jersey</i><br />
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Another <a href="http://fabric.com/">fabric.com</a> find that did not meet my expectations. Yikes. I love the color, but I put 2 yards of this in my cart only to be told three days later that they only had one. Very disappointing, but I'm hoping to either make a skirt or a peplum top from this one. No idea on the pattern yet.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">This heather grey find is from <a href="http://www.girlcharlee.com/create_account.php?refid=29555" target="_blank">Girl Charlee</a> and feels so lovely and light. I'm thinking of making a <a href="http://sewcaroline.com/2014/06/freedresspattern.html" target="_blank">Boat Club Dress</a> out of this for our summer vacation. It looks like such a cute pattern!</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">This white jersey washed kind of funny in the wash, and it has a few spots on it. I'm either going to try to bleach it or dye it. I haven't decided yet. Either way I'm going to make a top of some sort--possibly a <a href="http://www.store.closetcasefiles.com/patterns/nettie-pattern" target="_blank">Nettie</a>.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0022_zpse6994e31.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0022_zpse6994e31.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0022_zpse6994e31.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0023_zps60bec0f8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0023_zps60bec0f8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0023_zps60bec0f8.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0024_zps4c563f7a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0024_zps4c563f7a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0024_zps4c563f7a.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
<i>Row 4: Royal Blue Jersey; Grey-Speckled Slub Knit; Grey Stripe Hacci Knit</i><br />
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">The blue jersey is so pretty and feels great. I'm torn between a Nettie or maxi version of the Out and About Dress. Decisions, decisions!</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">I bought this grey-specked slub on a whim from <a href="http://fabric.com/">fabric.com</a> and I actually really like it. My thoughts are leaning toward a <a href="http://grainlinestudio.com/2013/08/05/hemlock-tee-pattern-its-free/" target="_blank">Hemlock</a> or something from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sew-Home-Stretch-Sewing-Fabrics/dp/0316118370#" target="_blank">Sew U</a>.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt=" photo IMG_0027_zps5a8e5147.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0027_zps5a8e5147.jpg" height="200" width="200" /> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0026_zpsdbc47990.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0026_zpsdbc47990.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0026_zpsdbc47990.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0025_zpsbdffb5c3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0025_zpsbdffb5c3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0025_zpsbdffb5c3.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>Row 5: Pink Horse Print on Jersey; Orchid Swim Lining and Black Lyrca; Stars and Stripes Jersey</i><br />
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">I almost didn't post the horse print as part of my stash because it is for a secret project (read: not for me). Stay tuned.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Swim Lining and Lycra? You guessed it. A bathing suit. I'm going to try my hand at making Bombshell bottoms like Paunnet did <a href="http://www.paunnet.com/2013/06/bombshell-swimsuit-bikini-bottom.html?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+Paunnet+(::+paunnet+::)" target="_blank">here</a>. I like the idea of having a suit that I can wear a ton of different tops with. We shall see about that. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Finally, it's all about America. I bought these two fabrics together in anticipation of sewing something for Fourth of July this year. I'm also hoping to enter Girl Charlee's contest--I just don't know what to sew quite yet.</li>
</ul>
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That's all, folks! All of my fabric and all of my plans. I'm really excited about this summer. Like I said in my last post--after Thursday I don't have class to worry about. Plus, I have these things turning in my head, things I'd like to wear on vacation, etc. I'm SO ready to go! </div>
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Any suggestions for anything?</div>
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Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460172354006273941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530866605056801347.post-69112511525339017002014-06-23T16:22:00.000-04:002014-06-23T16:52:09.109-04:00Summer Stashbust 2014: Part One (The Collection)<b>WARNING: This post is<i> pretty </i>photo heavy! </b><br />
<b><br />
</b> Have you heard about the <a href="http://thequirkypeach.blogspot.com/2014/06/summer-stashbust-2014.html#disqus_thread" target="_blank">Summer Stashbust</a> that Sally from <a href="http://thequirkypeach.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">the quirky peach</a> announced last week? If not, you should check it out. Basically it is a challenge to sewists to get through their fabric stash between June 21 and September 21. That means no buying new fabric until you get through what you have!<br />
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When I first read the post I thought, "YES. This is exactly what I need!" Even though there was a litttttle voice inside me saying, "but Victoria...you budget everything. You don't need to NOT buy fabric. Plus, Girl Charlee will miss you!" Baha.<br />
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In all reality I have too much fabric. Not truck loads, but a lot. A lot that sits around and doesn't get used because I'm too busy buying new fabric for other projects and then the same thing kind of happens to that fabric. It is a <b>vicious</b> cycle. So I have vowed not to buy any fabric until I get through my stash. What's in my stash, you ask? Great question! I've documented all that I have (not counting scraps/RTW refashions) below. My next post will be a planning post about what I want to do with it all this summer!<br />
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<b>The Collection</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0001_zpsc39d6a3a.jpg.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0001_zpsc39d6a3a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0001_zpsc39d6a3a.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So. Much. Fabric.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<b>The Wovens</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0003_zps817a9737.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0003_zps817a9737.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0003_zps817a9737.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0004_zps2c3a613c.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0004_zps2c3a613c.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0004_zps2c3a613c.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0005_zpsbfc99312.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0005_zpsbfc99312.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0005_zpsbfc99312.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Row 1: Cherry Vinyl; Rayon Challis 90's Inspired Floral; Rayon Challis Watercolor Print</i></div>
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<a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0006_zpsff212507.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0006_zpsff212507.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0006_zpsff212507.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0007_zps02a96992.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0007_zps02a96992.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0007_zps02a96992.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0008_zps031c2a16.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0008_zps031c2a16.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0008_zps031c2a16.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Row 2: Some type of floral cotton; Some weird blue pinstripe fabric; Printed Cotton</i></div>
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<a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0009_zpsdbf54e6d.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0009_zpsdbf54e6d.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0009_zpsdbf54e6d.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0010_zpsbca0b2a4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0010_zpsbca0b2a4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0010_zpsbca0b2a4.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>Row 3: Light Chambray; Some weird lilac plaid print</i></div>
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<b>Thoughts:</b> I recently (well not so recently--more like in November) fell in love with sewing knits, and a huge chunk of my fabric stash is not woven anymore. While a few projects have gotten me to fall in love with wovens again, a lot of my stashed wovens are sub-par. Looking ahead, I plan to only buy woven fabric online from trusted sources. I was buying from <a href="http://fabric.com/">fabric.com</a> because of the great shipping deal ($35 & over free), but the fabrics haven't been that great. I got the beautiful 90's floral/watercolor from <a href="http://wanderlustfabrics.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">Wanderlust fabrics</a>, and I really like them. Lesson learned: always touch your fabric and know what you are buying. AND buy for a project/wardrobe addition in mind and NOT just for the fabric!<br />
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<b>The Knits</b><br />
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<a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0012_zpsf4e6483e.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0012_zpsf4e6483e.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0012_zpsf4e6483e.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0013_zps5f0d77df.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0013_zps5f0d77df.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0013_zps5f0d77df.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0014_zpsf0eef253.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0014_zpsf0eef253.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0014_zpsf0eef253.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>Row 1: Egglplant Waffle Knit; Fox Print on Light Blue Jersey; Feather Jersey Print</i></div>
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<a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0015_zps5eae09fa.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0015_zps5eae09fa.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0015_zps5eae09fa.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0016_zps51cf3b21.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0016_zps51cf3b21.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0016_zps51cf3b21.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0017_zps9655b139.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0017_zps9655b139.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0017_zps9655b139.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>Row 2: Cranberry Ponte; Burnt Orange Ponte; Kelly Green Ponte </i></div>
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<a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0019_zps97a8bfe6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0019_zps97a8bfe6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0019_zps97a8bfe6.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0020_zps0e2b306a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0020_zps0e2b306a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0020_zps0e2b306a.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0021_zps44de7915.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0021_zps44de7915.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0021_zps44de7915.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>Row 3: Scratchy Burnt Orange Ponte; Heather Grey Jersey; Off-White Jersey</i></div>
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<a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0022_zpse6994e31.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0022_zpse6994e31.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0022_zpse6994e31.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0023_zps60bec0f8.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0023_zps60bec0f8.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0023_zps60bec0f8.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0024_zps4c563f7a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0024_zps4c563f7a.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0024_zps4c563f7a.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
<i>Row 4: Royal Blue Jersey; Grey-Speckled Slub Knit; Grey Stripe Hacci Knit</i><br />
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<img alt=" photo IMG_0027_zps5a8e5147.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0027_zps5a8e5147.jpg" height="200" width="200" /> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0026_zpsdbc47990.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0026_zpsdbc47990.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0026_zpsdbc47990.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a> <a href="http://s1060.photobucket.com/user/victorialynne89/media/IMG_0025_zpsbdffb5c3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img alt=" photo IMG_0025_zpsbdffb5c3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i1060.photobucket.com/albums/t450/victorialynne89/IMG_0025_zpsbdffb5c3.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>Row 5: Pink Horse Print on Jersey; Orchid Swim Lining and Black Lyrca; Stars and Stripes Jersey</i></div>
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<b>Thoughts:</b> As I stated above, I l-o-v-e knits. And after discovering <a href="http://www.girlcharlee.com/" target="_blank">Girl Charlee</a> my stash started to grow uncontrollably. A lot of the projects I've done I haven't documented (boo), but I have gotten through a lot of the stash before this challenge. But I am going to have the same goal as with my wovens: I want to buy for the project as well as my wardrobe.</div>
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I'm really excited about this challenge. I really think that it will help me get through my stash as well as get me to blog even more this summer. On that note, after this Thursday I am <b>free</b> of grad school until September! Now is the perfect time to start. You'll see lots more soon, I promise!</div>
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Next up: The Plan. I want to have a general plan for each of these fabrics before I dig in--I think that will be a great way to help me get through what I have! Are you stash busting this summer?</div>
Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460172354006273941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530866605056801347.post-41537852495338263632014-06-03T22:33:00.000-04:002014-06-04T14:56:20.255-04:00Life Lately: Lane Raglans GaloreLife lately has been busy, but it's been a good busy. While I don't have a lot to currently update (big plans coming in the future, but I always say that! I really do mean it. Really.) I do have proof that I've been doing some sewing. Specifically, I've been sewing a lot of <a href="http://www.heyjunehandmade.com/lane-raglan.html" target="_blank">Lane Raglans</a>:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0isv6mO5k2BY-7gl5hUhEodkJP2wNr531VhbV8N4W9c5NExzCuQK6m0QKfnbWDlx8-LqXuLCAbxUlJ70MKALoYYHAHaNVPscA5P-T5VYZM57fQ2Ql1qvRngCSMDwySCvSPW3cdSXloOU/s1600/LaneRaglan-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0isv6mO5k2BY-7gl5hUhEodkJP2wNr531VhbV8N4W9c5NExzCuQK6m0QKfnbWDlx8-LqXuLCAbxUlJ70MKALoYYHAHaNVPscA5P-T5VYZM57fQ2Ql1qvRngCSMDwySCvSPW3cdSXloOU/s1600/LaneRaglan-7.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lane Raglan v1: All That Glitters is Gold</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcP1IdcX-WAfaWe0OenWqUHDbbysSRLVS55xfq7cnshn9VqDjr8yoxAPPQ8uzvlO6yR6GPa9P7ZlmUcmIokiggvTFms9RGR7SzpiXhTAqbZeGMV17nveOX5y-fNzSbj46kIiKmSQ61O50/s1600/LaneRaglan-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcP1IdcX-WAfaWe0OenWqUHDbbysSRLVS55xfq7cnshn9VqDjr8yoxAPPQ8uzvlO6yR6GPa9P7ZlmUcmIokiggvTFms9RGR7SzpiXhTAqbZeGMV17nveOX5y-fNzSbj46kIiKmSQ61O50/s1600/LaneRaglan-5.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lane Raglan v2: Sweater Weather</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUZ6FqlhWpyDEiym0phSCk-1T_WPUeiKFFuqiN9RjwX1QK51QvaokJX5C1GxXBIm2iZdWijdUtUxB74u-qhyRqiVpqNFf0TNVtaSBkuNl_gRATvwBKs9uZy8pwWVmhlHoHQVZw1wXvQY/s1600/LaneRaglan-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUZ6FqlhWpyDEiym0phSCk-1T_WPUeiKFFuqiN9RjwX1QK51QvaokJX5C1GxXBIm2iZdWijdUtUxB74u-qhyRqiVpqNFf0TNVtaSBkuNl_gRATvwBKs9uZy8pwWVmhlHoHQVZw1wXvQY/s1600/LaneRaglan-14.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lane Raglan v3: Another Floral Lane</td></tr>
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Excuse all my different photo locations. I'm trying to find "my spot" like so many sewing bloggers out there have. It's hard! ANYWAY. This pattern is the bomb dot com. It's an easy sew with a serger (or even a regular machine!), and I made TWO in one afternoon. That's including cutting out my fabric! The best part? No hemming required! You just have your collar piece, wristbands and waistband. Of course if you wanted the look of a true raglan tee you could opt to hem the sleeves/bottom, but I wanted some comfy sweatshirts.<br />
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I wanted these to fit more like sweatshirts rather than your standard fitted tee, so I upped the size a bit. You can see in my All That Glitters is Gold version that the one armpit looks a little big, but other than that it fits great. Perfect for summer nights, beach evenings and bonfires!<br />
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There are at least one or two more Lane Raglans in my future, but I'll probably size down depending on the fabric. I highly recommend this pattern whether you have worked with knits before or just want to get your feet wet! Have you made a Lane Raglan yet? Do you love it?!<br />
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Until next time,<br />
<a href="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb357/vkamicker/victoriasig_zps3cac36d5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb357/vkamicker/victoriasig_zps3cac36d5.jpg" /></a>Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460172354006273941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530866605056801347.post-40978975629668775082014-05-05T22:34:00.001-04:002014-06-03T22:52:07.970-04:00Meet Brinkley!As if I've been MIA enough since February (eek!) I have good reason...at least for the last week or so.<br />
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Meet Brinkley:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbzt8UXhFOsAubuk8EwEuTdCi5U9XAL28eR31-xFG-l_dhfyCWQNq5f3VcQvKY_v-t0nepyKRpmAYuJPPvlN5BuXuSRGGYWSr_y95JP7cYs8394EQGD-dkCE4AvtQQjw4a55DsFDJ3WE/s1600/photo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjbzt8UXhFOsAubuk8EwEuTdCi5U9XAL28eR31-xFG-l_dhfyCWQNq5f3VcQvKY_v-t0nepyKRpmAYuJPPvlN5BuXuSRGGYWSr_y95JP7cYs8394EQGD-dkCE4AvtQQjw4a55DsFDJ3WE/s1600/photo1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yes, he's real! The newest member of our fam doesn't look like an actual dog and has been called a Boyd's Bear, but he is as real and puppylike as they come. I am SO excited to finally have a dog. It's definitely been a whirlwind, and he is a handful. BUT he's ours and I love him so.</div>
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Despite having a crazy past couple of months I have had some time to sew, pattern test and more. I hope to have more details soon. In the meantime I'll be working on the blog's design, tags and editing what I have to work with.</div>
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Happy May!</div>
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<a href="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb357/vkamicker/victoriasig_zps3cac36d5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb357/vkamicker/victoriasig_zps3cac36d5.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460172354006273941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530866605056801347.post-79014357010619287482014-02-19T18:12:00.000-05:002014-06-03T22:49:15.809-04:00Out and About Dress - Party AnimalHave you checked out the <a href="http://sewcaroline.com/2014/02/outandaboutdress.html" target="_blank">Out and About Dress</a> pattern from <a href="http://www.sewcaroline.com/" target="_blank">SewCaroline</a>? If you haven't you should. It is a fantastic pattern for sewers of any skill, and it is <b>so</b> versatile. I made my first Out and About Dress last week, and I can't wait to make many, many more.<br />
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Drumroll for my first finished project in months...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKBFyCMhHypI6lUxF5BCSMiiA-V8Ui6MIr5t24D3woTHI6mybc2LQPMv76_TC-IavFeXP5BYqT96aSiICdiRjhclrrs-OWFuVY4_6PSZF6DJEUabKqiO8DcyP8W2ydfEx_6AqfxhrkZY/s1600/outandaboutdress1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKBFyCMhHypI6lUxF5BCSMiiA-V8Ui6MIr5t24D3woTHI6mybc2LQPMv76_TC-IavFeXP5BYqT96aSiICdiRjhclrrs-OWFuVY4_6PSZF6DJEUabKqiO8DcyP8W2ydfEx_6AqfxhrkZY/s400/outandaboutdress1.jpg" /></a></div>
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While I am not much of a party animal I feel like this dress deserves the name! I finished it last week to wear for my birthday date with Josh. It's a quick sew, and I love everything about it. It's easily transitional between winter tights and spring shooties, and it looks great with any solid scarf I have. It truly is an out and about dress...I can wear it to work (like I did today!), out to grab brunch with friends, running errands...it can be dressed up or down. So. Great. I'm really excited to make a couple more for an upcoming travel trip I have--this can definitely be packed without worry of wrinkles!<br />
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I found the fabric back in early January at Hobby Lobby--it was on clearance for $3.99 a yard. I bought three yards and originally planned to make a knit Laurel. My plans soon changed when Caroline mentioned on her blog that she was planning to release the pattern in February. I am <b>so glad</b> I waited! I've been eyeing up those Lady Skaters some bloggers have been putting out, but to be honest I was looking for something with a fuller skirt.<br />
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Honestly I can't even say enough about this pattern. From the ease of use to the directions it is just top notch. I bought the pattern the day it came out, and the only downside was that the yardage was printed wrong (you need about three yards for a large, not two). BUT that's okay. I could always use some more knit fabric for fun tops and the like. I already have a few more dress ideas in the works, too! One in (almost) every color sounds good to me.<br />
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Also, I feel a little famous, but I already made the Out and About Dress Pinterest board since I posted my photo to flickr! I'll take it. ;)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AKhsDqj72CeLX42j4lBtSN6pX9IUMYuT7pOZyBzn4YkoLLZYEpMrgmnrZCsYQxvCDbDTAdmfMxBC5QptBunhEz_IVxhR6auGYIW9LFmC17q6OKJnd1EYyD-l7wRcwXPGrz6pTFAiAoQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-19+at+6.07.10+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9AKhsDqj72CeLX42j4lBtSN6pX9IUMYuT7pOZyBzn4YkoLLZYEpMrgmnrZCsYQxvCDbDTAdmfMxBC5QptBunhEz_IVxhR6auGYIW9LFmC17q6OKJnd1EYyD-l7wRcwXPGrz6pTFAiAoQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-02-19+at+6.07.10+PM.png" height="587" width="640" /></a></div>
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Look at all those other fabulous dresses! Moral of the story? GO DOWNLOAD THIS PATTERN. You won't regret it.</div>
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Stay tuned for more exciting things! </div>
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<a href="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb357/vkamicker/victoriasig_zps3cac36d5.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb357/vkamicker/victoriasig_zps3cac36d5.jpg" /></a>Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460172354006273941noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530866605056801347.post-53847450653710815252014-02-14T11:37:00.000-05:002014-06-03T22:48:56.336-04:00Turning 25: Looking Back and Moving ForwardTODAY I turned 25. I went from being 24 to 25 at 5:30 a.m. (I think) My mom always tells me the story of the day I was born (not the gore guys--ew). She said she told my dad at around midnight that it was time to go to the hospital, and he said they had plenty of time and went back to bed! Four hours later they welcomed me into the world. Weird.<br />
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Unlike a lot of people I know (or at least read about on the internet) I am pretty excited for the occasion. Twenty-five isn't a quarter-life crisis for me. Instead it's cheers to another year of life, which has been pretty great lately--even if I've been MIA on here. <br />
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I wanted to look back because a year ago I made a 25 before 25 list. Let's recap and see what I did/didn't do.<br />
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1. Travel to the Pacific Coast<br />
<b>Check! Josh and I traveled to Newport Beach, CA in June. It was fantastic to dip my toes in the Pacific ocean and experience the West Coast!</b> </div>
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2. See Ben Folds live<br />
<b>I didn't get to do that when I was 24, but I <i>do</i> get to see him live at 25. He's coming to play with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in June, and Josh and I are going as our anniversary present to each other. So. Excited.</b> </div>
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3. Find my style<br />
<b>I think I will always be trying to find this. I'm not there yet, but I am definitely on my way.</b></div>
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4. Make a dress I love<br />
<b><a href="http://very-blissful.blogspot.com/2013/05/super-sunday-floral-laurel.html" target="_blank">Floral Laurel</a> = check! And many more to come.</b></div>
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5. Adopt a dog/puppy<br />
<b>Still working on this. I would loooooove to adopt a dog that doesn't shed (Josh is allergic).</b></div>
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6. Celebrate Hubby's 25th in a big way<br />
<b>I surprised him with friends and family at a Pirates game. Check and win!</b> </div>
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7. Reorganize <i>everything<b><br />Well, </b></i><b>we did just move, so I am in the process of organizing everything. I think that counts.</b><i><br /></i></div>
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8. Write more<b><br />Another goal to work on in 2014!</b></div>
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9. Create my own tutorial(s)<b><br />Still working on this, too. Hopefully 2014 will bring some good ideas!</b></div>
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10. Visit Laura in NYC<br />
<b>Still need to head to the Big Apple. </b></div>
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11. Go to Mood in NYC<br />
<b>See #10.</b></div>
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12. Start and keep an inspiration journal<br />
<b>I've been keeping a notebook for ideas in my purse, and it's been really great to have!</b></div>
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13. Explore Pittsburgh<br />
<b>I can get to Squirrel Hill without using a GPS. Definitely working on this!</b></div>
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14. Blog every day<br />
<b>HA. Jokes. Too much.</b></div>
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15. Volunteer<br />
<b>I've been doing things here and there in our community, and I plan to continue that in 2014.</b></div>
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16. Learn my camera/Take more pictures<br />
<b>This will definitely be something high on my priority list in 2014. I did okay with this, but haven't been taking as many pictures as I've wanted!</b></div>
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17. Design a line of cards<br />
<b>I've made a lot of cards, but no design line yet.</b></div>
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18. Start a monthly boardgame night<br />
<b>We do play a lot of board games (see future pics of our living room builtin), but no monthly night yet. </b></div>
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19. Go on more dates<br />
<b>We went on a ton of dates in 2013. Excited for 2014!</b></div>
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20. Create monthly meal plans/budgets<br />
<b>Failed miserably at this. It's definitely something I hope to get better at--it's so difficult for me.</b></div>
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21. Read at least 10 new books<br />
<b>Failed at this too. Definitely want to read at least one book a month starting this month.</b> </div>
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22. Send birthday cards this year<br />
<b>I did <i>okay</i> at this. I didn't get a card out to every single one of my friends, but I did do my best.</b></div>
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23. Make (sew) something completely different/out of my comfort zone!<br />
<b>I started an Archer button up (totally out of my norm), but its a WIP. Pants are definitely on my sewing goals list this year!</b></div>
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24. Run a 5k<br />
<b>Check! I ran my first 5k (non stop--no walking) in August and hope to run another this year.</b></div>
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25. Lose 25 lbs.<br />
<b>This didn't happen either, but my health is definitely a focus for me this year.</b><br />
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It's great to be able to look back and know that I did <i>a lot</i> in 2013. Now I'm looking forward to a new year with lots of exciting things in store. I mentioned that I've been reorganizing after a move, and that's because <b>we bought a house</b>! That means in addition to my usual sewing/life posts you'll be seeing a lot more DIY home action around here. Sewing/hobby room transformation anyone?</div>
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The process for moving in and organizing is definitely take a lot longer than I expected, but it is so wonderful to be able to come home to something that is [our] own. I can't wait to share more! </div>
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Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460172354006273941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530866605056801347.post-30664744390207356392014-01-07T19:00:00.000-05:002014-06-03T22:48:28.567-04:00Happy 2014: Sewing Goals for the New YearHappy 2014! I can't believe it is the new year already, and I've been blogging for over a year now. That's not to say that I have been blogging as much as I want to/should, but I'm excited for a new year full of new goals to start with. There have been a <b>lot</b> of super exciting things happening in my life lately, and there are definitely some exciting things to come within the next couple weeks. My husband and I have been so busy with MBA classes (we hope to be finished in JUNE!) that I haven't been able to sew as much as I want/need. Even still, I'd like to share a few of my sewing/blog goals for 2014!<br />
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<b>1. Review my wardrobe, purge, take inventory and sew the staple pieces I need. </b>I am hoping to start on this one as soon as possible. I'm like a lot of people who have a lot of clothes, but I only wear a few key pieces. It's time to really get rid of what I don't wear--no matter how much I tell myself I will wear it in the future.<br />
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<b>2. Sew a pair of pants. </b>Pants seem scary to me, but I'm up for the challenge. If anyone has any pattern recommendations I am all ears!<br />
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<b>3. Make something for Josh.</b> I've been sewing for over a year now, and I'm sad to say I haven't made anything for my dear husband! I'd like to make him something (anything) as I move forward in my skillset.<br />
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<b>4. Sew a coat. </b>I've been pining over all of the Minoru jackets out there, and I really want to challenge my skills in 2014.<br />
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<b>5. Blog more!</b> When I started this blog I think I said I wanted to blog daily. Looking back, I think that makes me sound pretty crazy! However, I do want to blog more. I want to blog more of my projects and I want to create a few tutorials. I want this blog to be great, and that means I need to commit to blogging much, much more than I did in 2013.<br />
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There are a few other goals that I have in my mind, but I think starting small is key. You'll [hopefully] start hearing much more from me. I hope you had a fabulous Christmas and holiday. Cheers to the New Year!<br />
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<a href="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb357/vkamicker/victoriasig_zps3cac36d5.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb357/vkamicker/victoriasig_zps3cac36d5.jpg" /></a><br />
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Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460172354006273941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530866605056801347.post-24553396158920106082013-11-05T07:48:00.000-05:002014-06-03T22:47:46.042-04:00Four Simple GoalsIt's November--I can't believe it! It seems like just yesterday it was June. And now I'm here.<br />
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I was inspired by <a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2013/10/four-simple-goals-before-2014.html" target="_blank">this post</a> on the A Beautiful Mess blog to create four simple goals for the end of 2013. While posting them November 1 was my goal, November 5 isn't <i>that</i> bad. So here we go.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0Jw9pjdSkeS6o7xFcTUc_CYojtRCRCk3LL3qM5i0Dny3C1A_PvnW3wlYbMsRejmopeWMrpmZHHqP9oKDSBFTpkR9U3__c4Fy4Mrufr6DyW6NdbxTaQbdQUb6_37Xd4Offao-sqWPSJ8/s1600/Guatemala-69new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0Jw9pjdSkeS6o7xFcTUc_CYojtRCRCk3LL3qM5i0Dny3C1A_PvnW3wlYbMsRejmopeWMrpmZHHqP9oKDSBFTpkR9U3__c4Fy4Mrufr6DyW6NdbxTaQbdQUb6_37Xd4Offao-sqWPSJ8/s640/Guatemala-69new.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>1. Practice yoga three times a week.</b><br />
When I decide to do it I really do love yoga. With two grad classes this 8-week session it is going to be tough to accomplish, but I think I can do it.<br />
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<b>2. Create bi-weekly meal plans.</b><br />
While I love to cook I am the <i>worst</i> at planning meals. In an effort to help our budget I want to start getting into the habit of meal planning. I did a pretty good job this week, so hopefully that will continue!<br />
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<b>3. Start at least two new holiday traditions for just me and the hubby.</b><br />
I made the mistake of having kind of a Scrooge-like attitude about the holidays, especially Christmas, last year. Though I want to blame the retail hours hubby had I know I can't. And I shouldn't. So to make up for last year I want to start some new traditions as we get ready to enter into 2014.<br />
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<b>4. Finish two sewing projects by the end of 2013.</b><br />
This goal can<i> definitely</i> be accomplished--I have THREE projects in my queue, and one of them has to be finished before Christmas.<br />
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I have no idea what my "rewards" will be for meeting each goal (the original goals post says they can be big or small) but I am excited to start this week. I'm also going to go out on a limb and say I may or may not be retiring my <a href="http://very-blissful.blogspot.com/search/label/25%20before%2025" target="_blank">25-before-25</a> list. Looking at it now there are a lot of things that <i>can't</i> happen on that list. This list of goals is much more reachable though.<br />
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Do you have any plans to make some simple goals before 2014? It will be here before we know it!<br />
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Happy November,<br />
VictoriaVictoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460172354006273941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530866605056801347.post-56118259015627408712013-10-24T17:00:00.000-04:002014-06-03T22:52:33.785-04:00The best is yet to come...I promise!<br />
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So I've been MIA for three months now. Life has just been so crazy lately, and I'm sure you can relate in one way or another. Between July and now I've traveled to Guatemala (such an eye-opening experience), ran my first (and probably not my last) 5K, started MBA classes again (just finished one, and the hubby and I start TWO more next week) and just enjoyed a lot of time with family and friends. <br />
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Now I am on to cleaning my craft space (the second bedroom in our apartment looks like a tornado whipped through it) and planning more projects. I am hoping to finish another <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/laurel" target="_blank">Laurel</a> and a couple of <a href="http://shop.grainlinestudio.com/product/scout-woven-tee" target="_blank">Scout Woven Tees</a> (I just purchased the pattern yesterday) within the next month and a half. If it is anything I say I need more of, it's dresses and tops!<br />
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I'll be back soon. Until then, here are a few pictures from my trip to tide you over until next time:<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/victoriabeppler/9427090494/" title="IMG_0123.jpg by victoria_lynne, on Flickr"><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/victoriabeppler/9424302129/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_0017.jpg by victoria_lynne, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0017.jpg" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7392/9424302129_a341c314c5.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our view from the center we stayed at.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/victoriabeppler/9427111506/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_0315.jpg by victoria_lynne, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0315.jpg" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2893/9427111506_18e20e8350.jpg" height="333" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We visited a local village, and the views were just breathtaking.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/victoriabeppler/9427088554/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="IMG_0115.jpg by victoria_lynne, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0115.jpg" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7341/9427088554_4c3cee0c2f.jpg" height="374" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had the opportunity to share one of my favorite loves (CRAFTING!) with the kids in Patzun.</td></tr>
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<br />Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460172354006273941noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530866605056801347.post-45643411808794145152013-07-08T13:31:00.001-04:002014-06-03T22:46:55.316-04:00Life Lately: Checking InIt's been awhile.<br />
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I haven't posted in <b>over </b>a month.<br />
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So much for blogging everyday, right?<br />
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The past month and a half or so has been hard. To be honest, my heart just wasn't in keeping up with everything--and I mean everything. I've been in a bit of a funk to say the least, and I'm hoping to get back to normal soon. While I haven't gotten around to completing the Pencil Skirt Challenge, or anything really, I did have a lot of exciting life events take place.<br />
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Remember my <a href="http://very-blissful.blogspot.com/search/label/25%20before%2025" target="_blank">25 before 25</a> list? Well, I have officially crossed off <i>three</i> things on the list!<br />
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First, I made a dress I love, which I blogged about <a href="http://very-blissful.blogspot.com/2013/05/floral-laurel-in-action.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Then I celebrated my hubby's birthday in a <b>big </b>way. I surprised him with all of his friends/family at the Pirates game that took place on his birthday. Before the game I took him to Primanti's, his favorite comic book store and a few other places to try and distract him. It was a lot of fun and I'm glad I got to share his 25th birthday with him.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLm8kOHV3lPEnAAF0FW8xy8BM67cAwN8uWIcy_LrUtIk3aHOyd0ikfZorcXOHkLzCtm_Y0XxF80TVCLe6U9ARuWxAF6oZm7KstVo1-s_D-NaHUcs2b_-XyfIrurXUJlcLvvNDef4ndkko/s1600/IMG_2115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLm8kOHV3lPEnAAF0FW8xy8BM67cAwN8uWIcy_LrUtIk3aHOyd0ikfZorcXOHkLzCtm_Y0XxF80TVCLe6U9ARuWxAF6oZm7KstVo1-s_D-NaHUcs2b_-XyfIrurXUJlcLvvNDef4ndkko/s1600/IMG_2115.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise!</td></tr>
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And I <b>finally</b> got to see the Pacific Coast! I was traveling out to California for a conference, and luckily the hubs got to go with me. It was such a nice trip, and I really, really enjoyed being on the West Coast. Even though traffic was pretty awful!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYu5AGhwSW9jXh08ch2HoDPoySRxJf7uET_NibYwbV4RhmceEp3loKfoprh208c5eDZlzLxYKJgJ0v8gsAKkrQOLSdaKPGC_PRAm9IxkxopZM0Uh-tfwrtMsBdoMuIHyRehupXH4QLBM/s640/blogger-image-1060260581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYu5AGhwSW9jXh08ch2HoDPoySRxJf7uET_NibYwbV4RhmceEp3loKfoprh208c5eDZlzLxYKJgJ0v8gsAKkrQOLSdaKPGC_PRAm9IxkxopZM0Uh-tfwrtMsBdoMuIHyRehupXH4QLBM/s640/blogger-image-1060260581.jpg" /></a></div>
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I am hoping to continue to blog more often than not. I unfortunately have nothing to post about regarding the <a href="http://very-blissful.blogspot.com/2013/05/new-challenge-pencil-skirt.html" target="_blank">Pencil Skirt Challenge</a>. In the midst of the last month's craziness I just haven't had the time, fabric or energy to devote to completing the challenge. However, I might be posting a fun tutorial soon.<br />
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Next week will be pretty quiet around here though because I'm traveling to GUATEMALA! I have the honor of helping lead a mission trip down there with the university I work at. I'm extremely excited, and I hope to take some great pictures to document my trip.<br />
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Hopefully all is well where you are!</div>
Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460172354006273941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530866605056801347.post-66552192970399957832013-05-21T12:11:00.003-04:002014-06-03T22:46:19.054-04:00Floral Laurel in Action<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been CRAZY here in PA--I really don't know how I finished my first dress/blogged about it last week. Between mother's day, my mom's birthday and my husband's 25th it was a miracle I made it through to say the least. I do have good news though: I celebrated my husband's birthday in a big way, and I can mark that off my <a href="http://very-blissful.blogspot.com/search/label/25%20before%2025" target="_blank">25 before 25 list</a>! More on that surprise in a future post--I promise.<br />
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For now, here's my Floral Laurel in action. I wore it to a wedding this past Friday, and it was SO comfortable! Of course there were little things that I knew about that made the dress not so perfect, but that's okay. My husband was <i>so</i> adorable and kept telling our friends that I made it. I wish I would have made him a matching solid tie, but he looked handsome as always.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPuha8G-rjA9c1pRldwGU-XJpOiKegJ3V3KP6cN69Kyxu7Wy1bKFiqemXbKfZ4T4TKDeS_k837fnQ7VHOggTVor566CGOG9TyIxYAREXN_Z3wekSDJuRoUNoyHIZHdfdSVCNTUWnnUuU/s1600/263349_10200979117907693_447368969_n.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></div>
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Coming up next: my ideas/inspiration for the Pencil Skirt Challenge!<br />
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<a href="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb357/vkamicker/victoriasig_zps3cac36d5.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb357/vkamicker/victoriasig_zps3cac36d5.jpg" /></a>Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460172354006273941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530866605056801347.post-28613505946349805952013-05-12T11:43:00.000-04:002014-06-03T22:45:24.999-04:00Super Sunday: a Floral Laurel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I [finally] have a new project to share! Yes, a <b>finished</b> project. One that will help me with my <a href="http://very-blissful.blogspot.com/2013/01/2013-bucket-list.html" target="_blank">2013 Bucket List</a>. I made a floral <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/laurel" target="_blank">Laurel</a>! It is definitely not perfect--but it is definitely wearable and I love it. My first dress since 4-H? Check!</div>
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The pattern is wonderful. It is easy to understand, and it is perfect for beginners who need to learn how to assemble sleeves and install an invisible zipper. I've definitely fallen in love with it.</div>
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The fabric is beautiful, but it is not something that I recommend working with something less silky for your first go around. I used a silk shantung I got online and it frayed like a beast. Not what you want for your first project.</div>
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Here is my result:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHd70oird8TUTwMj74oy7GNszMGrHW7odyQKkX8RqVHqF5crie0bFfL180Yys5LBYSGfVMXbXAkgSqh3bkjE4W5DHDPZaeqnmwudXIyCGECuegDBCj_O8l8iqDJ8CBY-PvxcRIT9L-mM/s1600/self1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHd70oird8TUTwMj74oy7GNszMGrHW7odyQKkX8RqVHqF5crie0bFfL180Yys5LBYSGfVMXbXAkgSqh3bkjE4W5DHDPZaeqnmwudXIyCGECuegDBCj_O8l8iqDJ8CBY-PvxcRIT9L-mM/s400/self1.jpg" height="400" width="278" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbK3z_rwtff81NXBXS0OJ-hSdVwVGb6WBzSqd7m66ivhZoCEEIw3-duPB1Nw7qNA4CKg6selbiOUMfJTLt9YMPKONOuV-aQpN3CNzzxix_CZsUR6ijBRPr6hiq3mJClh6WualsWMM_oAc/s1600/belt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbK3z_rwtff81NXBXS0OJ-hSdVwVGb6WBzSqd7m66ivhZoCEEIw3-duPB1Nw7qNA4CKg6selbiOUMfJTLt9YMPKONOuV-aQpN3CNzzxix_CZsUR6ijBRPr6hiq3mJClh6WualsWMM_oAc/s400/belt.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
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I belted it against my husband's recommendation, but he really just doesn't understand the green belt vs. a black one. The belt helps define my waist, and the thin belt doesn't make the fabric bulk up. Perfect.</div>
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As far as the dress not being perfect, the finishings of the sleeves, neckline and the hem of the dress wasn't done perfectly. I also have to hand-stitch the end of the zipper because it is kind of wonky.</div>
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Overall I love it, and I am so glad that it is complete! I'll be wearing it to a wedding this Friday (hence the 2013 Bucket List comment). I'll hopefully have some pictures of it in action next weekend. :)</div>
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More things to come. Happy Sunday!</div>
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<a href="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb357/vkamicker/victoriasig_zps3cac36d5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb357/vkamicker/victoriasig_zps3cac36d5.jpg" /></a>Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460172354006273941noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530866605056801347.post-8817238099522186652013-04-30T23:45:00.002-04:002014-06-03T22:44:51.509-04:00RIP Black & White Challenge ProjectSo there are still about 30 min left for the Black & White Challenge as I type this. I had about two hours or so to go when I sat down to see if I could salvage my project before the deadline. I thought I succeeded. I was wrong.<br />
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Doesn't look so bad, right? Well, I got to the end and found out that the sleeves just do not work. They don't fit, and I couldn't even take a picture that wasn't embarrassing to prove it. **Sigh**<br />
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Just a quick rewind: I blogged about my fabric and pattern <a href="http://very-blissful.blogspot.com/2013/03/black-white-challenge-pattern-and.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I always have these visions in my head regarding what I <i>want</i> something to look like, and then the finished product happens and it just doesn't come together. Kind of like on the blog Pinterest fails. If that makes any sense at all.<br />
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I learned a lot from this project, even though it is unfinished:<br />
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<li>I need to have more patience. Goodness gracious do I need patience.</li>
<li>Working on my pattern cutting/prepping skills will help me succeed in future projects. Again: PATIENCE.</li>
<li>Silk Shantung or whatever that lace-like fabric is made from is <b>awful.</b> Not for beginners, folks. Not for beginners.</li>
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Hopefully during the next challenge I won't be cutting it so close and there will be a completed and modeled garment to show.<br />
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I'll be linking everyone else's projects soon. For now--I'm going to bed!<br />
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<a href="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb357/vkamicker/victoriasig_zps3cac36d5.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb357/vkamicker/victoriasig_zps3cac36d5.jpg" /></a>Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460172354006273941noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530866605056801347.post-60687241921826906532013-04-23T17:00:00.000-04:002014-06-03T22:44:22.064-04:00Life Lately: Stocking UpLife lately has been crazy to say the least. Crazy good, though. It's been a whirlwind couple of weeks at work, and then I spent two weekends in a row at my parents' house. Both weekends were full of card making, DIY projects and me stocking up my stashes. Now all I have to do is organize it all! I've stocked up mostly on fabric and my weakness: paper.<br />
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This week I will be cleaning up my bedroom and organizing my craft/sewing space with a possible reveal this weekend. Hopefully that all will lead up to me finishing my project for the Black & White Challenge and the Laurel contest. They both end next week.<br />
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Life lately in photos:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutmyS1veRV2PPTIyDAN-_cbqb0vfg9Wmv86VdtLock4LbhMjfZgFzunbwpI_raeF9FNoGjM3wVCQ9U4tJ66YHfivrF9g6y9nM9fW55fqDCRWEjr0Ok_npBT6eh7dkVH9kRHAWZzED1Fc/s640/blogger-image-1066721937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutmyS1veRV2PPTIyDAN-_cbqb0vfg9Wmv86VdtLock4LbhMjfZgFzunbwpI_raeF9FNoGjM3wVCQ9U4tJ66YHfivrF9g6y9nM9fW55fqDCRWEjr0Ok_npBT6eh7dkVH9kRHAWZzED1Fc/s400/blogger-image-1066721937.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My weekend DIY: a new tray to add a pop of color to our coffee table. I'm a horrible DIYer though...I didn't take a "before" picture!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZG0Yl3tTT_rAMnzcsym2hN9Bya-eOykOGtSVV3W1_mbG_u_GxAlfan1MlxNb7Fb6NckKIJQ7JzYCPqR376_O4VqfMcAR2tV69LOOuw7pKbhKg2by-fgbLtqzil2AIWGJRo_e39n4qv8/s640/blogger-image-264677932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZG0Yl3tTT_rAMnzcsym2hN9Bya-eOykOGtSVV3W1_mbG_u_GxAlfan1MlxNb7Fb6NckKIJQ7JzYCPqR376_O4VqfMcAR2tV69LOOuw7pKbhKg2by-fgbLtqzil2AIWGJRo_e39n4qv8/s400/blogger-image-264677932.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom and I spent Saturday with a trip to Hollo's Paper Craft in New Brunswick, Ohio. So. Much. Cardstock.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK14G8AYxAhwDM1IdYPirOchKKwMbKtb-Q6lNEYLhUBE_I3R-AOFcg8d916tXuX6M8uPMeYSSGS40gnv_m2aeX4_JEy4rcxp_btOK7aM6g3w3TpB6JWugKAlhDliBl6lp1xchBk-xkCNA/s640/blogger-image--692359572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK14G8AYxAhwDM1IdYPirOchKKwMbKtb-Q6lNEYLhUBE_I3R-AOFcg8d916tXuX6M8uPMeYSSGS40gnv_m2aeX4_JEy4rcxp_btOK7aM6g3w3TpB6JWugKAlhDliBl6lp1xchBk-xkCNA/s400/blogger-image--692359572.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A thank you card I made while at my parents' house.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfX2S4fdKH7ca4ZFoBbtBd17e5R2qY_k2zN3DSAjDDClrmpXSqPe5rJ7XNFJDRJIJKDeE3x9yLNDbbr8O7d_fRj_mkXsxmJz21qBS8gKJ4NvKB5aIdddpfceHp7sy6TpD1_rKfjYP1fWE/s640/blogger-image--1898981448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfX2S4fdKH7ca4ZFoBbtBd17e5R2qY_k2zN3DSAjDDClrmpXSqPe5rJ7XNFJDRJIJKDeE3x9yLNDbbr8O7d_fRj_mkXsxmJz21qBS8gKJ4NvKB5aIdddpfceHp7sy6TpD1_rKfjYP1fWE/s400/blogger-image--1898981448.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm also stocked up on fabric! Between an online deal AND a trip to Jomar in Philadelphia, Pa., I have no excuse to not work on more sewing projects.<br />
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Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460172354006273941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530866605056801347.post-58673975979680023142013-04-02T23:12:00.000-04:002014-06-03T22:43:44.348-04:00Life Lately: April EditionSo I haven't been <i>awful</i> and posting, but I'm still not doing a good job and keeping an up-to-date blog on my life. It's been harder right now because I haven't been doing much as far as sewing or crafting. I started my Black & White Challenge project, and I'm kind of stuck in a rut. The neck binding is giving me a headache even though I keep telling myself <i>I'm a beginner</i>. I've been busy elsewhere though. Here's some proof:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0CHVaHCXeaBmyOp2z6Bi0Dz4Pec6euM1bEOPlg9nIvhGJZ3TUHtXnznGnmUeqUR5PzG-RaQVFqVDCoA_31XD-oCOzuCMbce_3pdlnOLlC5Vp5i9zpnUBKqpoyfV6r3HBbsoCVbmXr2E/s1600/blogger-image-1305377544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie0CHVaHCXeaBmyOp2z6Bi0Dz4Pec6euM1bEOPlg9nIvhGJZ3TUHtXnznGnmUeqUR5PzG-RaQVFqVDCoA_31XD-oCOzuCMbce_3pdlnOLlC5Vp5i9zpnUBKqpoyfV6r3HBbsoCVbmXr2E/s320/blogger-image-1305377544.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRkH5J9-q3YeCdO_wvXdQPJmjP5RB5-axGfKlVbF__jwPWPZ6i21-XM_IUC9TlNCQzNhFUcocf1foSaDRBZxj2qlIm65ou6ljQ2KAVpswuHl_wDsTfjQuPbw7iUN-GmpUep6ljvQ189I/s640/blogger-image-1783050343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRkH5J9-q3YeCdO_wvXdQPJmjP5RB5-axGfKlVbF__jwPWPZ6i21-XM_IUC9TlNCQzNhFUcocf1foSaDRBZxj2qlIm65ou6ljQ2KAVpswuHl_wDsTfjQuPbw7iUN-GmpUep6ljvQ189I/s320/blogger-image-1783050343.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY92k0NsxNxQ1OoB-RsTYrOi4vmHmx5ItLM6IXU4iRFkYn6LaBlxw1MW3VYtNMNo63AG4Q9CelxBHR1_5ttUfrNDtBcdaEgKS9ATVPwM9lyE65TUUnxNWZTbmn4ZiN0OHBgItQz6gkDAQ/s640/blogger-image-899737901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY92k0NsxNxQ1OoB-RsTYrOi4vmHmx5ItLM6IXU4iRFkYn6LaBlxw1MW3VYtNMNo63AG4Q9CelxBHR1_5ttUfrNDtBcdaEgKS9ATVPwM9lyE65TUUnxNWZTbmn4ZiN0OHBgItQz6gkDAQ/s320/blogger-image-899737901.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlXTrgQpuqc3tHuZRN4vClRaXQzFsBTG_IKyF6p8u0mFgUlYFQ2YhV7p1whbtqipsEI8U3QPZz8enjudwm04bGqUtmuyvAaRVNIjx4EdXU_Hp736pK-Db6LyLLznDXHBKj8Sz8wq1Oys/s1600/blogger-image-1560579946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlXTrgQpuqc3tHuZRN4vClRaXQzFsBTG_IKyF6p8u0mFgUlYFQ2YhV7p1whbtqipsEI8U3QPZz8enjudwm04bGqUtmuyvAaRVNIjx4EdXU_Hp736pK-Db6LyLLznDXHBKj8Sz8wq1Oys/s320/blogger-image-1560579946.jpg" width="240" /></a></center>
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Sorry for the poor photos and weird photo layout. Blogger and I are not friends right now.</div>
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On Saturday I made a Peanut Butter Pie for Easter--only 6 points per slice! I got the recipe over at <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/02/skinny-no-bake-peanut-butter-pie.html" target="_blank">Skinnytaste</a>, one of my favorite WW blogs. It was definitely less stressful to know what I was eating for dessert and how many points it was (event though I've had a bad food week). I also went for a run on Saturday because it was FINALLY sunny outside! I don't know if it's been doom and gloom where you are, but it has been so drab here.</div>
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I've been getting into some extra reading for work as you can see. I totally recommend buying at least one book that is in your field to help you personal/professional growth outside of your job. Or, just a book about something that really interests you! </div>
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My Laurel pattern came in the mail last week and I am in the process of measuring and cutting out the pattern. I bought some fabric online (which I hope to show you tomorrow--it should finally be here) to build my stash, and there is a pretty little number I am planning to use for my first Laurel. But BEFORE that I'm <i>actually</i> going to make a muslin! I have some old bedsheets that will work just fine to make sure I have everything just right before I slice into my final fabric. We'll see how that goes!</div>
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I'll be traveling for work next week so I am hoping to get a lot done before then. Hopefully I'll have something to show for my non-blogging habits soon. Maybe I'll even show you guys my terrible top that I am trying (too) hard to perfect.</div>
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Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460172354006273941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530866605056801347.post-53058075503268796782013-03-26T17:05:00.000-04:002013-03-26T17:05:07.725-04:00Thoughtful TuesdayOh hey there. Haven't been back in awhile. Sorry. My apartment is a complete WRECK which means my "sewing" room is even more wrecked. But today will be a day of muslin making and assembling, so that is good news!<br />
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I titled this post "Thoughtful Tuesday" and I really don't know why. Probably because I like alliterations. In all seriousness though I though of a brilliant idea today--brilliant in my mind at least.<br />
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<a href="http://very-blissful.blogspot.com/2013/03/black-white-challenge-pattern-and.html" target="_blank">Remember that time I said those really mean things</a> about people looking at the pattern books during the pattern sale at Joann's? Yeah, me too. Not cool, Victoria, not cool. Well I came up a solution to this problem should it ever happen again. It is kind of obvious and I wished I would have thought of it sooner, but it could solve all of my problems on a busy Saturday sale day at Joann's, Hobby Lobby, etc.<br />
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I made a sewing stack in my <a href="http://www.evernote.com/" target="_blank">Evernote</a> account (if you don't use Evernote you should check it out) and my plan is to organize inspiration photos, patterns I do have, notions I have, fabric I have, etc. all into one place. In addition, I've made a list of patterns I would like to buy. Not all at once obviously--I think it is insane to pay $10+ for a commercial pattern when there are .99 cent sales happening all the time. But I made a note in my "Patterns to Buy" notebook that included all of numbers to the McCall's, Simplicity, Butterick, Burda Style and Vogue patterns that have caught my eye online lately. The best part about this idea is that I have the Evernote app on my phone, so the next time I spot a pattern sale I can be ready and not have to go through the pattern books at all! Genius, right?<br />
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Okay so it isn't earth shattering, but it is a step in the right direction. I scolded myself after posting that rant because it wasn't very nice at all. And now I have a solution to my problem! I've also been able to clip all the awesome patterns I have found for independent designers like Colette, Megan Nielson, Victory Patterns, etc. so I know which ones I would like to take a stab at next.Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460172354006273941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530866605056801347.post-59420725823579470752013-03-22T01:19:00.002-04:002013-03-22T01:21:37.690-04:00Getting Ahead Of MyselfSo on Tuesday night I got all of my pieces cut out for my Black & White Challenge project. I thought I was going to sew it up yesterday (I read the directions and it doesn't seem like it will take <i>too</i> long.), but the hubby and I ended up running some errands. We did not get back to the apartment until after 10 p.m. and I was bushed. I told myself I'd work on it after work today. Enter the 2.5 hour grocery trip--without a list because I left it on the table. It actually was not as bad as it sounds, but I got home and ended up baking cookies and making ice cream for my man. Wife of the year award? I'll take it! (Just kidding. That was out of the goodness of my heart because he is too good to me!) Now I am telling myself that I will get it done tomorrow, but am realizing as I type that I made plans.<br />
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At any rate, I will be up on Saturday to work on this project because it is in my queue. In the mean time I have ordered the newest pattern from Colette Patterns, <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/laurel" target="_blank">the Laurel</a>, for my next project. I am excited to say the least! My vision for this pattern is to make a dress for a May wedding, but I don't have any fabric. I decided to poke around online. I found that the <a href="http://www.fashionfabricsclub.com/" target="_blank">Fashion Fabrics Club</a> has free shipping for orders $50-plus. I ended up coming away with a nice little stash for projects I would like to complete before the start of the summer. Plus, there is a little contest going on to show off the Laurel. My goal is to enter the contest with at least one variation.<br />
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Did anyone else order the Laurel pattern and are you planning on entering the contest? Let me know--I'd love to see what you come up with!<br />
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<a href="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb357/vkamicker/victoriasig_zps3cac36d5.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb357/vkamicker/victoriasig_zps3cac36d5.jpg" /></a><br />
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Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460172354006273941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530866605056801347.post-69497779062743160292013-03-15T16:45:00.000-04:002014-06-03T22:50:18.586-04:00Friday Faves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy Friday! I'm starting a new "series" if you will called Friday Faves. Nothing earth shattering or different, but I'm hoping it will motivate me to blog more. This will just include some favorite moments of the week or whatever is current in my life. Interested? Read on, my friend, read on!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhP6XfFz6jgM0Frix19d2Jl3ol67AP2O6-ahfmm9DzrptJYzgPVKHEI2LsTa15z0SrseotpM-6lS4UoLAdWVQR44BxAAgI_TyPMKmRxdkBWiOC56NMKm_Y7WCCZX-s9wuM4Hk9MrKTqM/s1600/fridayfaves.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhP6XfFz6jgM0Frix19d2Jl3ol67AP2O6-ahfmm9DzrptJYzgPVKHEI2LsTa15z0SrseotpM-6lS4UoLAdWVQR44BxAAgI_TyPMKmRxdkBWiOC56NMKm_Y7WCCZX-s9wuM4Hk9MrKTqM/s1600/fridayfaves.png" /></a><b> </b></div>
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<b>1. Homemade <a href="http://86lemons.com/chocolate-peanut-butter-breakfast-bars/" target="_blank">Chocolate Peanut Butter Breakfast Bars</a></b> from 86 Lemons via Pinterest. First of all, can I tell you all how much I <b>love</b> Pinterest? I'm sure you do too, but seriously. I love being able to search for things and create curated lists. It's fabulous. ANYWYAY, these bars are a little steep at 8 points per bar (IF you cut them into 16 squares from your 8 x 8 pan) and they are pretty tiny for a breakfast bar. BUT they are 100% homemade and unprocessed. And they keep me full in the morning! Check out the recipe--you can add and take away things that you personally like--and give it a try. It's been a great grab-and-go staple to have with my coffee this week.</div>
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<b> </b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScpht0Ri4tLm7H1aClid5aGAxMeZsBf2Yc0oMRDNyCdzTHLzLj7aZLRZIri91uh4hiGua5st-IRI2uUxTcNxv71RBmRynSPbT9oz3bNw7abSVD4Vnaz1ZvPnWod9pFrzoXGkVh4TicXg/s1600/bb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiScpht0Ri4tLm7H1aClid5aGAxMeZsBf2Yc0oMRDNyCdzTHLzLj7aZLRZIri91uh4hiGua5st-IRI2uUxTcNxv71RBmRynSPbT9oz3bNw7abSVD4Vnaz1ZvPnWod9pFrzoXGkVh4TicXg/s1600/bb.png" /></a></div>
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<b>2. Organization</b>. I had the opportunity to organize my stamping/card making materials this week (even though my craft area is still trashed) and I came up with the perfect solution to my pile of clear stamps that I use with stamping blocks. I had some small envelopes left over from our wedding that we couldn't use. I had <b>no</b> idea how to use them, and then it hit me: put stamps in them! The stamping on the front of each envelope corresponds with the stamps inside them. Now they are all in one place instead of in an unorganized pile.<b> <br /></b></div>
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<b> </b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0g90N9GkrcwSg6Vlx79JvkTePJ1Q6ji4FKir1BWSsuEK39BN-CQxWpSjAB2g-gyvZWnyy_VDjxfOBgWGdjypPKBp9-EVdvsfYDX7U4cKzcqBiFwyiulpGQ11uUx8Ez-eBkJ-5OZDVnU/s1600/stamping1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0g90N9GkrcwSg6Vlx79JvkTePJ1Q6ji4FKir1BWSsuEK39BN-CQxWpSjAB2g-gyvZWnyy_VDjxfOBgWGdjypPKBp9-EVdvsfYDX7U4cKzcqBiFwyiulpGQ11uUx8Ez-eBkJ-5OZDVnU/s1600/stamping1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>3. Continuous weight-loss. </b>One item on my <a href="http://very-blissful.blogspot.com/2013/02/25-before-25-and-new-name.html" target="_blank">25 before 25</a> list is to lose 25 pounds. Being the sweet person she is, <a href="http://vintagezest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Diane</a> from Vintage Zest pointed out that it's not about the numbers on the scale but how you treat your body. So true! One thing I've really come to terms with, especially after putting that on my list, is the fact that I haven't been treating my body very well over the past 3-4 years. I'm grateful that my doctor didn't find any major problems at my check-up last December, but he did tell me that I was overweight (in a very nice way, of course). I tried to make excuses. I tried to blame my thyroid (family history). But guess what? It tested clean. So it was up to me to start making changes, and after starting WW last month I have <i>slowly </i>started to see a decline in my weight. The most important part is that I <i>feel</i> better. Even with (what I think) is a measly weight loss number for four weeks, I feel it. And it's awesome.</div>
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That's all I have for this Friday Faves! I hope to take some great pictures over the weekend from the Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival and I <i>hope</i> to cut out my pieces for the Black & White Challenge. And I have another project I started and never finished that I will be revamping. It's a full weekend, as always!Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460172354006273941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530866605056801347.post-87502406971405092662013-03-14T17:00:00.000-04:002014-06-03T22:43:58.211-04:00Goodbye, Google ReaderIf you are like me, you catch up on a lot of your favorite blogs via Google Reader. It's a great way to stay up-to-date and gather inspiration. I haven't been a huge Google Reader user until I started this blog and discovered the online world of sewing bloggers. However, once I did I was hooked. Unfortunately I went to my Reader feed this morning, like I do every morning when I sign into my Gmail, and I got this message: <i>Google Reader will not be available after July 1, 2013. </i>Not cool, Google, not cool.<br />
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The first thought that came into my mind was "what am I going to do?" I don't have any of the blogs I follow really written down anywhere else, so I was almost panicking (which I realize is kind of ridiculous). But then I remember a <i>free</i> app that I downloaded in January to get my feed on my phone: <a href="http://www.feedly.com/" target="_blank">feedly</a>. <b>This is not a sponsored post.</b> Really, I just want to make sure that Google Reader users like me know that there are alternative, almost better, options. There's a great <a href="http://blog.feedly.com/2013/03/14/google-reader/" target="_blank">article on the feedly blog</a> about making the transition from Google Reader to feedly.<br />
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<a href="http://www.technologytell.com/gadgets/files/2013/03/feedly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.technologytell.com/gadgets/files/2013/03/feedly.jpg" /></a></div>
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feedly has different views, one of which has a magazine-like feel to it, and the best part? <b>If you sign-up and sync to feedly with Google before July 1 you are good to go</b>. No downloading your subscriptions or importing them to another site. It will (hopefully) be a very smooth transition.<br />
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So if you are looking for an alternative to Google Reader I would highly recommended checking out feedly before July 1. They also have a free iPad and iPhone app for iOS, and it is a great way to keep up with your favorite blogs and news on the go. Additionally, I use Flipboard for my iPad to get all of my social media, blogs and news in one place when I feel like flipping through it all at once.<br />
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<br />Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460172354006273941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530866605056801347.post-37586602730065317852013-03-13T17:01:00.003-04:002014-06-03T22:43:26.293-04:00Black & White Challenge: Pattern and FabricOver the weekend the hubs and I went up to my parents' house to visit since it is pretty rare that he has an entire weekend off. Luckily this past weekend was one of those rare ones. My parents live about one and a half to two hours away (depends on who is driving-ha!), so needless to say it is hard to make the trip up with our schedules.<br />
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On Saturday my mom and I traveled across the PA line into Ohio so I could weigh-in at Weight Watchers. (<b>Side Note</b>: I've been <strike>trying</strike> doing Weight Watchers at Work, but while I was traveling I missed the meeting. I'm pretty serious about it, especially since it is coming out of my paycheck, so I found a place to do my weekly check-in.) After that pit stop we had breakfast and geared up for some shopping. Tuesday Morning, Hobby Lobby, the Mall, Joann's, Ulta...it was a full day. But I <i>love</i> shopping with my mom--we work so well together. We can be shopping together or go our separate ways and meet up in the middle. It's perfect.<br />
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My initial plan was to buy fabric and possibly a pattern at Hobby Lobby for the Black & White Challenge. Unfortunately I didn't see anything I liked there, and there was no pattern sale. My mom was looking for yarn and didn't find anything either! Except we both did walk away with the same embossing folder that was under $5. You can't beat that.<br />
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I figured I would try my luck at Joann's since they were having a coupon commotion this weekend. (Spoiler Alert: Of course everything I ended up buying was on sale and I couldn't even use a single coupon, but I still got some good deals.) I ended up finding this really pretty black/white "fake lace" fabric on clearance for $6 a yard.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSlipIzjZu7Vw0iEgKDNx-rKxmT-WYfaM2d8YLeHDaNrofoJ5swiglSBAgCzMR9Af1t4gmilVOrjJ5r-Z13-g1lhB_EQphWy2G89tpooi3wY2WFNE3nXBQXsI0_j4UNVN-ic0sDszseI/s1600/fabricforchallenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSlipIzjZu7Vw0iEgKDNx-rKxmT-WYfaM2d8YLeHDaNrofoJ5swiglSBAgCzMR9Af1t4gmilVOrjJ5r-Z13-g1lhB_EQphWy2G89tpooi3wY2WFNE3nXBQXsI0_j4UNVN-ic0sDszseI/s1600/fabricforchallenge.jpg" /></a></div>
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There was also a Butterick pattern sale going on (5 for $5), but they only had two books available to look at. I went to grab a book by a grandmother like woman and politely asked if I could look at it. She flat out closed what she was looking at and said "no." Um, OKAY. The other book was being hoarded too, so I waited. And waited. And I finally got to look at the book, write down five patterns I liked, and then I couldn't get to them because one of the ladies must have chosen 20 patterns to get out of the drawers. And she wasn't even really looking for them--I could tell she was going through each of the rows. They're numbered for a reason! |END RANT|<br />
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Sorry about that! It was just really frustrating. I actually ended up scrapping the Butterick patterns I found because I wasn't <i>completely</i> in love with them--I just wanted them because they were a dollar. The pattern that I ended up buying for the Black & White Challenge is New Look 6148:<br />
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<a href="http://www.simplicity.com/images/product/medium/6148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.simplicity.com/images/product/medium/6148.jpg" /></a></div>
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It seems like a very versatile pattern, and depending on how I like it I might do a few variations. For example, you could make the yolk part of the shirt a pretty lace or eyelet.<br />
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For the challenge I'll be going with look E. The clearance fabric I purchased will be the top portion of the shirt, and I have a black poplin for the bottom half. I decided to go with a shirt because I am <i>always</i> in need of new shirts to wear. Seriously, if you entered my apartment before the end of the day or in the morning you would hear me crying to my husband about how I have nothing to wear. Which is ridiculous, but that is a tale for another day.<br />
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That's what's on my sewing agenda! Nothing too fancy, but I am excited to cut out the pattern ASAP. I do have some grocery shopping and cleaning to do after work, but I'm hoping to get everything cut out tomorrow or Thursday. I'm going to the Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival with my mom and godmother on Saturday, and I am going to <i>try</i> to not buy any yarn while I'm there. Here's why:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGe8MHhdlsWLL54u9JWXNN-Rd-xNjcOI4BNT5elguzX7Loy_yjRaihaULPHmg4c393Oh0-OsxLa3TJVoyuHgmXnjPbt83A1780_2YyVocGhVhg5A5R0bcwJ9aaVxucrdKGoZWpPPkQ6IM/s1600/yarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGe8MHhdlsWLL54u9JWXNN-Rd-xNjcOI4BNT5elguzX7Loy_yjRaihaULPHmg4c393Oh0-OsxLa3TJVoyuHgmXnjPbt83A1780_2YyVocGhVhg5A5R0bcwJ9aaVxucrdKGoZWpPPkQ6IM/s1600/yarn.jpg" /></a></div>
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Yeah. (Please ignore my closet mess. This reminds me those garbage bags are full of clothes I need to donate.) I know that may look crazy to you non-knitters. That's why I told myself <b>no more yarn</b> unless I'm making a specific project for someone. But my needles yearn for something nice and new! AHHHH! At least it's color-coded. In all seriousness if you are looking for yarn (color, etc.) to start out with to see if you like knitting let me know. Even if you'd like yarn if you knit already let me know. I'd be happy to send some your way!<br />
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There will be a few new things coming up...if you are reading this on the actual blog you may have seen that I did a little revamp for my header and nav bar. I added a "daily bliss" button that I hope will motivate me to start taking my camera out more. I don't know why it intimidates me so much.<br />
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<br />Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460172354006273941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530866605056801347.post-18543518616445756722013-03-11T22:08:00.000-04:002014-06-03T22:43:04.736-04:00Finally: My First Sorbetto!Happy Monday! I can't believe we are into the second week of March already. I also can't believe that I've been so late on my promises. Sorry! I know I said I'd post over a week ago. But fear not, the wait is over. I'm here to show you my first try at the <a href="http://www.coletterie.com/colette-patterns-news/free-pattern-to-download-the-sorbetto-top" target="_blank">Sorbetto</a> top. It was my first PDF pattern, and it was <i>much</i> easier than I expected! I always psych myself out when I attempt to try something unfamiliar. This pattern had a center front pleat, bias tape edging, etc.--all new to me.<br />
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Okay, okay I won't make you wait any longer. Here are my photos:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKAbq6lEsuP8WCjniWDZYmMQsCk3WJ7G_oqYBqgsjvq1Egfmp74pqmd_GOppDH8tuMLRpm5djwjeoXUZvNKneoCRHIt4bJQ4CTsO65mUEciHjNvxck7bbjhOULUvsAsCAzUSzgzBXMKk/s1600/sorbetto1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWKAbq6lEsuP8WCjniWDZYmMQsCk3WJ7G_oqYBqgsjvq1Egfmp74pqmd_GOppDH8tuMLRpm5djwjeoXUZvNKneoCRHIt4bJQ4CTsO65mUEciHjNvxck7bbjhOULUvsAsCAzUSzgzBXMKk/s1600/sorbetto1.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcbqeEmomhouGf822V197OPbqMybtoEJqMWianhiENlg8P9o9ik851t2sdFiADwsvGlxd8LaOOP6EyOgUHtMj7wW0IsgRw-ZIWl4Cd5cDsFw4kKXT8XUsi6e4GnXtJj7lFpyZwZgLUwk/s1600/sorbetto2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcbqeEmomhouGf822V197OPbqMybtoEJqMWianhiENlg8P9o9ik851t2sdFiADwsvGlxd8LaOOP6EyOgUHtMj7wW0IsgRw-ZIWl4Cd5cDsFw4kKXT8XUsi6e4GnXtJj7lFpyZwZgLUwk/s1600/sorbetto2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Not bad for my first shirt ever and my second wearable garment since my 4-H days, right? I must say, I love this pattern. It's very simple and I can tell the difference in a more customized fit. The only thing I didn't love was the length. It's hard to tell from the pictures (sorry, I'm still working out the kinks to all of this!), but it sits just at the waistline of my jeans. I have a longer torso, and my personal preference lies with shirts that hit just below my belt line but above my pockets. But who knows I could have a totally distorted idea of what looks good on me and what does not. I plan to pair the top with a skirt for work, as it will look great tucked in!<br />
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I cut out a size 10 for this pattern and tried to lengthen it just a tad, but I didn't add enough for my taste. There's always next time. But the pattern truly is simple and easy to follow. I plan to make more for sure! I might even try making my own bias tape to match like the pattern suggests. The options are endless!<br />
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So that is it for my Monday. I'm playing around with a few design elements of the blog this week, and I will also be unveiling my project for the Black & White Challenge that I talked about in <a href="http://very-blissful.blogspot.com/2013/03/friday-fun-sewing-facebook-group-and.html" target="_blank">this post</a>. I found some fabric and a pattern over the weekend, and I will be starting soon!<br />
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Until next time (I <b>promise</b> it won't be as long as the last)!Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460172354006273941noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530866605056801347.post-59111621773427636132013-03-08T19:10:00.001-05:002013-03-08T19:10:00.540-05:00Still MIA...But I promise I'll be back. I thought it would be easier to do both of my new posts on my iPad and did not bring my camera on my recent trip. Oops!<br />
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A preview of my work trip excitement accompanies this post via my iPhone. Lots of exciting things are coming! :) <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7W9u21zaABkZBkeb30llLp1DOukS9PBeMbKddtAYHXna-VWfG65znpeVaZCqR_-t_zRjRFXo2XPa-bVCgFQGjbJk2aE1doiE11X7LkySi-8QPkHtEXYLBgRjbFNBM6A0GvfUStlHUvqw/s640/blogger-image-1894903878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7W9u21zaABkZBkeb30llLp1DOukS9PBeMbKddtAYHXna-VWfG65znpeVaZCqR_-t_zRjRFXo2XPa-bVCgFQGjbJk2aE1doiE11X7LkySi-8QPkHtEXYLBgRjbFNBM6A0GvfUStlHUvqw/s640/blogger-image-1894903878.jpg" /></a></div>Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460172354006273941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530866605056801347.post-80504808535450434972013-03-01T12:35:00.003-05:002014-06-03T22:42:44.491-04:00Friday Fun: Sewing Facebook Group and a Sorbetto Preview!About a week ago, Diane of <a href="http://vintagezest.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Vintage Zest</a> reached out to me about being part of a group for new sewing bloggers who were new to the whole sewing world. I literally <i>jumped</i> at the chance. None of my friends from home sew, and my mom is almost two hours away. Needless to say, I loved the idea of having a way to contact other beginners with questions/experiences/etc. Enter <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/stitchonceriptwice/" target="_blank">Stitch Once, Rip Twice</a>. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDGBLkTR9H7MFiNNXepeKZWjyZjBDe7_jGOIGb9Wn9cuB3zuHcTeOBkuPucSzvedfjN9FqL0Tpq3HYfPnPoPlCAF0OCBiC-VNtuZCuCh_bwQa4RfDJ1jFJ-95YRZG6EbbxYW9YtJU6Ls/s1600/549914_10151476427109904_13333204_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihDGBLkTR9H7MFiNNXepeKZWjyZjBDe7_jGOIGb9Wn9cuB3zuHcTeOBkuPucSzvedfjN9FqL0Tpq3HYfPnPoPlCAF0OCBiC-VNtuZCuCh_bwQa4RfDJ1jFJ-95YRZG6EbbxYW9YtJU6Ls/s1600/549914_10151476427109904_13333204_n.jpg" height="277" width="320" /></a></div>
The idea is to all choose a project/trend/etc. that will allow us to share our results and any issues we have along the way. (If you are interested in joining let me know. We can invite you ASAP!) I am just so excited to be part of a group that will help me stay motivated to start/finish projects.<br />
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<b>Group members:</b><br />
Diane of <a href="http://vintagezest.blogspot.com/">Vintage Zest</a><br />
Kristin of <a href="http://sewclassic.blogspot.com/">Sew Classic</a><br />
Rachel of <a href="http://layerstitchrepeat.blogspot.com/">Layer, Stitch, Repeat.</a><br />
Sabrina of <a href="http://www.sweetfrenchtoast.com/">Sweet French Toast</a><br />
Tiffany of <a href="http://tiffanysnotionsandknits.blogspot.ca/">Tiffany's Notions and Knits</a>
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Victoria (me) of <a href="http://www.very-blissful.blogspot.com/">Very Blissful</a><br />
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Our first project will be different takes on a Spring 2013 trend: black and white.<br />
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I'm super excited, but I have <b>no idea</b> what I'll be doing! I'll have to make a Pinterest inspiration board for this challenge soon. There are so many possibilities!<br />
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Although I am very excited to get this underway, living in a small town is proving to be difficult. There are no fabric stores within 30 minutes, so I unfortunately won't be looking for fabric (and maybe a pattern depending if there is a sale) until next weekend.<br />
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Speaking of fabric, below is a preview of the fabric I used for my FINISHED Sorbetto pattern! Yes, I said finished. I will hopefully post a full review with pictures tomorrow. Lots to discuss!<br />
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The fabric looks a little purpley, but I promise its a royal blue. More on all that jazz tomorrow or Sunday. Tonight I am heading to Pittsburgh to celebrate a friend's birthday and have a bridesmaid pow wow for my other friend's shower in April. I'm really excited, and I hope to have some pictures to accompany a new post series. </div>
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Who else has fun weekend plans? </div>
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Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460172354006273941noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6530866605056801347.post-79510803021906958792013-02-25T23:26:00.002-05:002014-06-03T22:42:11.534-04:00Weekend RecapMy recap isn't much of a recap...more of a hey, I'm still here--and there will be <i>something</i> interesting coming soon.<br />
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While this weekend wasn't full of sewing/project planning like I expected, it was full to the brim with busy errands, family and friends. Unfortunately I came down with something on Saturday morning and after a late night I was down for the count all day on Sunday. Plus the hubs woke up with a fever today, and I'm still stuffy. We make quite the pair!<br />
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I'm not posting this as an excuse as to why I didn't get anything done...but it truly is why I'm still a little behind. But there is good news--and a light at the end of this long tunnel! I have major plans for the coming weeks. Seriously.<br />
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They include:<br />
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<li>Blog overhaul -- I'd just like to play around with the design and such. That's ongoing, obviously.</li>
<li>A Spotted <a href="http://www.coletterie.com/colette-patterns-news/free-pattern-to-download-the-sorbetto-top" target="_blank">Sorbetto</a> -- last week I picked up some very pretty fabric to make a Sorbetto top with. This will be a first for me!</li>
<li>I'm also going to attempt the <a href="http://seekatesew.blogspot.com/2013/02/envelope-clutch-pattern.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SeeKateSew+%28see+kate+sew%29" target="_blank">envelope clutch sew a long</a> from see kate sew before I leave for my work trip next week.</li>
<li>A few possible refashions with two items from my closet cleanse that I didn't want to give up.</li>
<li>And more!</li>
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Speaking of my work trip--I'll hopefully be taking my camera with me to document my travels. I'm still trying to get more comfortable with getting the big honking thing out and not looking like a crazy person. I know I shouldn't care, and I really want to start documenting my life and sharing it on my blog. </div>
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Anyway that's it for me! I'll hopefully be getting a lot done over the next two days. Hope your week is great wherever you are! :)</div>
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Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16460172354006273941noreply@blogger.com0