MAKE UP POUCH

This was the first item I sewed on my new machine, using fabric I bought when I was 15 and had never touched! I used a thick satin for the lining that I had left over from a Halloween costume quick fix. I think it came out pretty good as I wouldn't have picked black but it actually contrasts great with the red. This was pretty straight forward under the guidance of my mother in law. I've been looking at sewing manuals since I can't find a class in NYC that fits in with my work hours, but I'm unsure which will be the best investment since I know a little more than a complete beginner but still need the basics like sewing in elastic. 

The gingham dress is coming along, I measured and cut the bodice pieces, as it turns out there were multiple parts to the bodice which I hadn't noticed, which presumably enables the bodice to lay right and not flat across the bust but I will see when I start fitting which is the next step. The apartment decorating has also moved forward, Husband surprised me with what he calls "Easter eggs" all over the apartment he had made the improvements I needed like hanging my mirror and coat hooks in the bedroom and fixing the curtain rail in the living room so the curtains I had re-hemmed were the right length. I'm so lucky to have such a great Hubby!

EXPANDING EMPIRE LINE WAISTS

Well I bought the fabric for the dress, a mint gingham cotton that is perfect for the summer. I decided to go for a sweetheart neckline and just figured out how to sew the seam so it will lay flat, by double lining the bodice I can sew the seam best sides together and have a cleaner edge. Let's see if it works in practice! Luckily I have a sweetheart neck maternity dress that I can copy for the bodice. I promised myself I would start this weekend, as this really shouldn't take so long, I'm just scared about fitting/sewing my first elastic waist and elastic back. The curtains are still not underway because I need Husband to hang the curtain wires before I measure out the fabric. To try and feel like I am actually getting something creative done I tried some new recipes and a favorite trusted one. These shortbread hearts are really easy and taste delicious, Husband loves them. The apartment is still coming together, although the heat is bound to slow down the progress, pictures coming once the painting is done and the last furniture piece built but I'm thrilled so far. 

PROGRESS AND PREGNANCY!

Things have been pretty dire on the sewing front.... I made a couple luggage tags (pics soon) and bought fabric for curtains but that's about as far as I have gotten. The swing dress had to be halted after I cut the muslin as I couldn't fit it properly due to the fact that I am preggers!!!! 19 weeks now and the bump is looking quite impressive! I bought a few maternity dresses and empire line dresses, the simpler of which I'm hoping to copy (pictured above) but not sure yet how to go about it. I also moved into a new apartment in Park Slope so curtains and cushion covers need making too!