May was a challenging month. I didn't think I'd have any progress to share for this month's PHD update, but I pulled off a finish at the last minute.
I added one project, a Forever Neverland panel quilt.
I added two sets of borders to project 11, the race car quilt. It still needs two more sets of plain borders and a pieced block outer border. 
I did finish item 9, one clothing item. I made the Caprice Skirt from Love Notions. This pattern has lot of options. I made view D, the tiered skirt (center skirt in bottom row).
My fabric ended up being more challenging to work with than I'd anticipated--it is a poly/cotton poplin blend. I keep thinking of Maria making the kids clothes from the curtains in The Sound of Music. 😆 Part way through construction, I actually thought that the skirt wouldn't fit at all and I was not feeling happy about it. My measurements easily fit in the size I made and the finished measurements were adequate, but it looked small. To be sure, I basted the sides and tried it on and it fit. So I continued.
This skirt has pockets. I found the pocket position and the finished area a bit weird. Love Notions patterns are tested pretty extensively, so maybe I misunderstood or missed something? I don't know. Something isn't right.
There is a gap in the waistband above the pocket on each side. You can stick your finger in there. I'll need to hand-sew these openings shut.
I also added a partial slip using rayon challis and Sew Mary Mac's instructions. I found the challis hard to cut out. It's pretty stretchy. It held a press really well though. 
The skirt fits. It's not the most flattering thing. I need to make the elastic in the waistband smaller; it's way too loose right now. That might help. I think I would look better in a skirt that doesn't have a seam right at my hips. I also wonder if the challis slip is adding to the bulk in my already pudgy tummy area. Maybe it's just my body. LOL. The length feels nice--not too revealing--but I think a shorter skirt might suit my build better. I have a denim jacket and some navy shoes I could add to this outfit. I'm still dealing with the foot issues, so I can only wear my tennis shoes with a carbon fiber plate added in at the moment. 
So what else have I been up to? This arrived.
My husband found me a used intelliQuilter at an amazing price, so once we get past our last-ever robotics event this weekend (which I think we are woefully unprepared for, particularly since our team is hosting the event), hopefully we can get the second machine and the iQ hooked up and into service.
I'm slowly making progress on client quilts. I quilted Calder on Terry's Harmony quilt. She left it up to me and I thought the curves and angles played well with the piecing and fabric. 
I quilted Cakewalk on Marilyn's Star Pop (by Quilty Love) quilt. 
She picked Midsummer Dream and requested thread to match her dark green fabric on her Knitted Star quilt. Have you ever pieced one of Lo and Behold's patterns? I haven't, but I've quilted several. They look challenging!
Jae decided on In the Swirls for this bargello quilt. 
My daughter has recently picked up crochet after we bought her a Woobles kit in the Jo-Ann's clearance sale. Here is her first project.
She bought a second clearance kit and successfully finished that. 
I sent her several Amazon knock-off kits and those aren't going as well. The thread snips that were included in one of the kits look nice but don't actually cut. The instructions aren't as good as the Woobles kits. Oh well, gives her something to complain about.
Anyway, she inspired me to get out my knitting bag and start working on this baby blanket again. We all laugh about this project any time it resurfaces because it was originally intended to be a gift for a co-worker's first child. I saw there was no way I'd get it done in time and made a quilt to gift instead. We think the child is eight or nine now! 😂
I did end up going to the orthopedic walk-in clinic to get my foot check out last week. The provider I saw thought it was a repetitive motion injury. I have to wear the carbon fiber insert I mentioned above in my tennis shoe to stabilize my foot (and wear shoes all day). They referred me to podiatry. I took the next available appointment, which is in late August. 😒 I really hope this thing heals up well before that. I'm trying to take it easy, but I am really missing my nightly walks. I walked 7.64 miles less than normal last week. It will be worse this week.
Linking with Quiltery, My Quilt Infatuation, and Alycia Quilts.
Your skirt is really cute! So summery and fresh looking. Getting the elastic waist tightened up a bit is all that's needed.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your blog. I've been reading a while but never comment. I like the way you add stories about your family and your life outside of the sewing room as well.