Time to gear up!

I have been on a hiatus since mid-November due to strong antibiotics taken for a tooth infection.  I ended up with clostridium difficile and candida.  Hence, my time has been spent researching the best courses to take to tame candida as the Lord took care of  "c. diff." and He is giving me insight on candida.  I have seen a naturopath for a great start on the battle.   I am really feeling great and am eating very healthy.  I did lose 20 pounds at the start and haven't gained any back.   I have had to drop a couple sizes and am adjusting my wardrobe so I don't look so thin.  Layering really helps in cold weather and adding bulk.


Anyway, I am eager to sew some new things and will share them soon.

Interesting comment on attire

This lovely dress can be found at  "As Lilies Sewing."

I have been reading Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church by Paul Washer.  In the Eighth Indictment:  A Silence on Separation, Mr. Washer, speaking about not just giving our heart to Jesus but our whole body and life as well, quotes his wife:  "If your clothing is a frame for your face from which the glory of Christ springs forth, it is of God.  But if your clothing is a frame for your body, it is sensual, and God hates it.  The nature of God guides our decisions in every detail of our conduct."  That pretty much sums it up. 

New Ideas for Fall Dressing

I have been busy canning and haven't been able to do any sewing, just dreaming about a short length of time to fit some in.

I love the fall colors and this season of the year.  We are heading towards colder weather, yet there are some beautiful crisp days that give a lilt to the soul with the vibrancy of color and the expectancy of change.

I have left-over fabrics from previous autumn purchases that I hope to sew one or two before winter arrives.  These are cottons and some challis prints that I can put over layers of warmer undergarments to keep warm and yet have the swishiness that I like of fuller skirts and comfortable dresses.

I have found a few new sites that offer some cute patterns.

This interesting dress is from Sew Serendipity.  It shows possible combinations of fabrics in complementary ways.  Sew Serendipity has a jacket pattern that could be transitioned between summer-fall-winter using a variety of  fabrics.  She also has some nice skirt patterns and a dress that one could possibly add sleeves to for cooler weather.  Her patterns are inspiring uses of fabrics.

Burda Style offers a very easy type of dress that would work well with heavier fabrics for fall and winter.  One could put a turltneck top under for extra warmth around the neck.

This is another Burda Style  that is more classic and one could easily lengthen the skirt for a twirly feel in lighter weight fabrics.

lisette has a dress called "itinerary dress sewing pattern" that would be easy to adapt for making the skirt longer or even making it slightly flared.  I like the yoke look, especially with contrasting trim and matching obi sash.

If you like the much looser tops, lisette has one that might work out in heavier fabrics for a layered look.

lisette also offers "travelers dresses", being the classic shirtwaist.  Amy Butler also has a classic shirtwaist top that could be lengthened and perhaps widened.

Ringger Clothing  has some great classic dresses to choose from.
These are just a few ideas for fall sewing.  There are so many rich and varied hues of the fall colors that can be used:  the darker greens, burgundies, reds, red-oranges, purples, golds, browns that would work in patterns or solids.

I am hoping to get a dress done to wear for a "Pretty Dress Day"  before the weather gets too chilly.

Summer has been a very busy time and I have had little time to post the thoughts and ideas I had planned to put in  this time of year.  I will do some catching up in the near future, Lord willing.

I do want to mention an article from a blog I thought interesting and very succinctly put.  You can find it here:http://wwnh.wordpress.com/2011/09/11/1382-old-school-female-strategy/

Great Summer Reading

I was gone for 3 weeks this summer to help my daughter-in-law after she had her latest blessing--a boy-- which makes it number seven in their busy family. During the time when all were in bed and I had a few moments, I started my latest purchase, The Beauty of Modesty by David Vaughan and Diane Vaughan.  I found it to be very thorough and  thought-provoking.  I will add more comments later, but I do want to encourage you to check this one out as soon as you are able unless you have already read it and would like to add your comments. This has been on the market since 2005.

How about a "Pretty Dress Day" Challenge?

                                               Women Walking on the Beach
                                                Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida

I have noticed that a lot of housewives, homemakers, and women in general wear very casual outfits when they shop in town. Even those of us who wear dresses and skirts tend to be quite casual. The only ones that are dressed up are the working women who have a dress code requiring a skirt and perhaps heels. However, yesterday I noticed a few ladies wearing dresses with a variety of summer shoes. I decided to wear a hat with my skirt and top and found it very comfortable to keep the sun off the face and eyes. I did notice another lady weating a nice long denim dress with a hat, so it must be the season for hats.

Summer will be here in another week and in our part of the country we are just starting to warm up. I have seen females of all ages bring out the skimpy summer dresses. They just don't cut it when it comes to propriety and I think that as Christian women, we can make a statement that says we can be modest and proper and pretty at the same time.

I would think it would be a fun idea to put on a pretty spring or summer dress or outfit and do our shopping with a smile. It may be a an opportunity to show that we care enough to dress with a purpose and enjoy being a woman who can do so without feeling overdone.

It is very difficult to find dresses that are modest. Many companies advertise "modest" clothing, but form-fitting, low-necks, sleeveless, and short don't exactly qualify. To be truly feminine it seems that a dress or top and skirt would show some shape, be fluid enough to move comfortably, no clinging or see-through fabric, and cover enough arm and leg and torso so that when it is worn one feels free of any hindrances, if that makes sense.

This is a dress that would be appropriate and is found at Blair.

This is a wonderful example of a modest summer dress appropriate for shopping, church, and visiting and it is found at sewladylike.com.

Cool spring dress ( My two-hour dress!)

NORTHERN LIGHTS

This pattern is from Dana Marie Design Co.

(Originally  under  Paw Prints Pattern Co. name)

 I have found a pattern that works decently for me.  I have had this pattern for a long time and finally got around to sewing it up.  It is very basic with just a simple bodice with no darts, no collar with either a v-neckline or a jewel neckline, short or long sleeves, nipped in at the waist comfortably, with gathered skirt.  I made side seam pockets instead of the patch pockets. I have noticed that it is on sale for $5. while supplies last.  It is easy to sew.  The other pattern (below) #1008, Jumpsuit & Jumper
is also for sale for $5.  It is the same but without the appliques. 

In order for me to sew it up in two hours, I had my pattern cut out, thread on the sewing machine and the serger and the ironing board set up.  I notice when I have something I just want to get done, there seems to be no end to interruptions!  All the family was gone and I had two hours.  My only glitch came when I ran out of bobbin thread and didn't notice it until halfway around the waist seam. 

The other step I didn't do was to line the bodice.  My fabric was heavy and I just cut some bias from scraps and sewed it around the neck to finish it. 

I also made a placket for the skirt instead of buttons down the front.  It saves time and not having to sew the buttonholes and buttons on the skirt.

I did not include sewing the buttons  and waist hook on in the two hours.  It was basically machine sewing. 

Actually, it was fun to beat the clock and not get too many interruptions.  It inspired me to get a few more dresses cut out and have ready to sew.

Here is my dress: