Avoiding the "Mom Jean Butt"

I was laughing out loud as I read this truthful post from Grasping For Objectivity.  Ladies, please read this one! 

The good:

The bad:

Photos from Grasping For Objectivity blog

I need to go shopping, because I'm already guilty of wearing some offending jeans...I think I own the pair above :)  She went on to test Mom Jeans for Ladies over 50 in this post.  Mom, are you reading?

The Bad:

The Good:

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Photos from Grasping For Objectivity blog

I hope you all get a good laugh from this one :)

Black Striped Knit Top #4

Here it is....top #4 for me!  This is the most practical top I've made so far.  I will be wearing this every week this summer and plan to use this pattern again and again.  The pattern I used was Simplicity 3692, another Built by Wendy design (as was the blue striped tunic) - $1 special I picked up during a JoAnn sale :)  This pattern offers three lengths and 3 sleeve options.  I used view C, sleeveless with an elastic bubble hem. 

The fabric is a nice black stretch knit that I bought at a thrift store and the pink front yoke is an upcycled t-shirt from my stash.  I love the comfort of knits and this top sewed together in less than an hour.  Cheap and fast....what more can a frugal mom ask for! :)

Simple Pattern Weights

Several sewing blogs I read have shared their new sewing weights recently.  These were a new idea to me and look like a great idea.  I really like what E did, covering them with pretty fabric here.

Photo from ~E Made This

 Realistically, I'll likely just raid the hubby's shop and use them like these on The Cottage Home.

Photo from The Cottage Home

Anyone else have ideas for simple pattern weights or thoughts about using them?  They look faster than pinning and I'm all about speed in my naptime sewing :)

Blue Dots Sleeveless Top

This is top #3 for Spring Top Week 2010. Another de-stash project, I used satin fabric I had purchased at JoAnns 2 years ago and Simplicity 2594 view A as a pattern. I really like the neckline variations this pattern provides. With the satin, I chose the drapey neck option. Other possibilities are for V-neck, round-neck and round-neck with a split and two length options. I'm glad I used the longer length and would not make it shorter.  This was my first time sewing satin and it was not easy.  Not really hard, but not at all like sewing knits or wovens like I'm used to.  We'll call this a growing experience...

I'm a little disappointed with this one. I had really high hopes that this would be my go-to spring top. Unfortunately, I don't like where the sleeve lands. I think it accentuates my flabby arms. My hubby likes this one, though, so I'll wear it some :) And, I'm working on toning up my flab before it gets hot! Up next is a knit top.  It's cut and ready to stitch up, so keep watching :)

 The kids and I are having fun with this hat we bought at a charity sale last weekend.  I don't think I'm brave enough to wear it out of the house, though! 

Blue Striped Tunic

If you are new to my blog, I live 3 1/2 hours from the nearest fabric store or metro area.  Since moving to the middle-of -nowhere, OR last summer, I've pledged to use up my stash before ordering more fabric.  I can no longer just run into JoAnn's  when I want something and am learning to get creative with my boxes of hoarded fabric.  I found this little group at Crafting With Cathair that has pledged to De-stash in 2010....




I've had Simplicity 3964 in my stash for several months and was excited to finally make it! The pattern offers a cap sleeve or 3/4 sleeve option and 3 different lengths and optional belt. I chose the tunic length with 3/4 sleeves and also made the belt. The fabrics were a striped shirting cotton and a quilting cotton that I'd purchased last fall on clearance from Sew, Mama, Sew.

This is the most challenge top I have made.  I struggled with the square corners of the inset piece and have slight puckering there.  Thankfully, this top has small gathers along the bottom of the inset and yoke so it's not too noticible. It took me approx. 4 hours to cut & sew this top.  I do really like the style and tie closure in the back.  This top is lightweight and comfy and I'll definitely be wearing it this spring and summer.  

I don't own any leggings, so pulled some stretch knit from my stash and drew up a pattern for my cropped leggings.  A tutorial for these is in the works, so come back soon! 

Heavenly Caramel Twix Bars

I usually put homey posts on my family blog, Lusco Land, but these were so good I wanted to share them here, too!

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 Photo from Taste Buds blog

These bars were as delicious as they look!  I would rename them Heavenly Caramel Twix Bars...they are that good!  I doubled the recipe and used a 9x13" pan. In the topping the recipe calls for (doubled) 2-4 cups of chocolate chips and I used 3 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and they were perfect.  They are a hit with the whole family and have moved to the top of my favorite desserts.  Follow the link above for the recipe and enjoy!

Amazing Giveaway Day Tues 4/13

Tip Junkie is hosting a HUGE giveaway day on Tues April 13th.  I love giveaways :)  They have over $10,000 in prizes and all are valued over $50.  Check out the action tomorrow at Tip Junkie. 

Ruffle Pant Pattern Giveaway

My blog friend, Denise at Whimsy Couture is offering a giveaway for her newest ruffle pant tutorial.  Her original Easy Pants pattern is my go-to favorite and the ruffles make these even more adorable.  Go HERE for your chance to win!

Photo from Whimsy Couture

White Plaid Spring Top #1

It's time for Made By Rae's Spring Top Week 2010!  I looked through the 2009 Flickr pool and was amazed by the lovely tops made last year.  I agree that I need to do more "selfish" sewing, so why not make a few new spring tops?

For this top, I started with one of Andy's dress shirts that he has NEVER worn.  I admit - this was one I picked for him, but I guess it wasn't his style.  Score for me!  I believe every girl needs a peasant top pattern.  They are so easy and comfortable and fun to customize.  For my pattern, I used Whimsy Couture's Ladies Peasant Top. Starting with your dress shirt, simply cut off the sleeves along the shoulder seams, lay out the shirt and cut out the pattern pieces from your dress shirt front/back/sleeves.  I wanted to keep the bottom hem with cute triangle insets, so I tapered it out at the bottom to keep the insets.  Using the extra fabric I trimmed from the shirt sides, I made a tuxedo ruffle and added an extra button at the top.  I also removed the breast pocket and moved it down to the lower right side.  The shirt was a little too big around the middle, so I added about 6" of shirring across the middle back.  I'm happy with the result and will definitely be wearing this shirt when the weather warms up!

Andy was all too happy to take a picture of the ruffle :)  No, I don't usually wear bows, but wanted to dress up my tired hair & makeup.  Notice that long Jerry-curl wisp of bangs?  I need to go trim that right now...This is why I prefer no face shots :)

Linking up at these fun sites:
Made By Rae's 2010 Spring Top Flickr Pool
My Frugal Family: Talented Tuesday
Skip To My Lou: Made By You Monday
Today's Creative Blog: Get Your Craft On
Sumo's Sweet Stuff: Market Yourself Monday
A Silly Little Sparrow: Toot Your Horn Tuesday
Someday Crafts: Whatever Goes Wednesday
Treasures For Tots: Thursdays Treasures 
Little Helping Hands: Hand-Me-Down Rehab