Burda Sewing

I just got a one year subscription for Burda for my birthday from my in-laws and husband. I can't wait! Burda is a magazine filled with patterns. The subscription is something like $80 a year, but with the huge amount of patterns that you receive, it equals out to about 17 cents per pattern. The patterns are in style and not matronly looking at all.
One of my favorite bloggers, Assorted Notions, does tons of Burda so I'm excited to try my hand at it.

I should get my first issue in about a month and a half. I'll keep you all posted.

More sewing projects

Oh geez Martha... you've outdone yourself... I just found even more projects -- "for you", "for the kids" and "for your home".

Summer Sewing Projects

I'm always looking for fun new project... even before I finish the ones I'm doing. I guess that's one of the things I like about sewing. It's freeform, you can start and stop when you want and go at your own pace.

Well, I've found a few other great Summer projects from Martha Stewart -- clothing, outdoor and home decorating.

Has anyone tried any of these? Do share!

Sewing Mis-adventures

I have had it with Simplicity! Why must their patterns be so well, opposite of their name. Unfortunately they are always on sale so I have a few...
My latest Simplicity mishap was with 2702. The neckline is extremely difficult with the facing/placket. perhaps that's why no one has reviewed it on Pattern Review.

Well, I'm having a friend who is an experienced sewer/seamstress help me with that one. I love the finished look... I just need to get there.

In the meantime I'm working on one of my favorite skirt patterns... Kwik Sew 3580. I love the skirt. I wore to a friend's wedding this winter. I'm doing one in a nice light brown, very summery.

I highly recommend this pattern. Well, I'm off. I may be able to finish it tonight.

Manhattan Bistro

My last night in NY Was devoid of plans. I was so excited. I decided
to head back down to Soho. I was exhausted from jet lag and two days
of long but wonderful meeting/conference sessions with my client. I
was alone- one of those single travelers I used to see in restaurants
and felt so bad for. But what freedom it was. I sat in the Manhattan
Bistro, my glass of wine and the rain pouring outside. I wasn't afraid
to eat alone, I embraced it. What decadence. My meal arrived, and I
ordered another glass of wine. What an amazing evening.

The Garment District

Wow. When I touched down on Wednesday in NYC I dropped my bags at the
hotel and went straight to the fabric and trimming stores, passing by
Parsons School of Fashion and under the giant button. In the stores,
women held up renderings and sketches of beautiful outfits - groping
the fabrics and accoutrements to finish the outfits for themselves or
clients. I spent several hours, walking from store to store and
observing. I bought nothing but loved every moment.

Soho fabric store

Purl Patchwork is a cute little fabric store I visit everytime I'm in
NY. While the fabric stores in the Garment District are great, this is
quaint. Not so much a fashion fabric spot, but a great place to find
some Japanese prints, Amy Butler and inspiration. If I ever opened a
fabric store, it would be just like this.