So, one project is not enough. What next?

What next, you ask? Good question. Based on my last endeavor, I'm still intent on sticking with something simple, but upping the bar a little bit. I know, I'm a little nutty challenging myself so quickly, but I think that's part of what makes it more interesting for me. I won't learn anything unless I challenge myself.

Thus, I've been thinking about it quite a bit. And I decided that I wanted to do another project from the S.E.W. book. So I looked through the book, and thought about what I wanted to make that was not a one-spool (easy) project, but something that was two spools (intermediate beginner), the next level up. I wanted to make something to wear this time, and again, keep it simple. I've been eyeing the tunic in there, the pattern aptly named, "Tunic, or not Tunic?". Before even taking the pattern out of the pattern envelope in the book, I decided to read the pattern fairly carefully, to make sure I wasn't biting off more than I can chew. Well, there's only 6 pieces to the pattern, and less is more that way, so Diana Rupp the S.E.W. goddess says. Makes sense. Having the knitting background I have, looking at the pieces and looking at how the pieces go together, it totally made sense. That part is a piece of cake. I think the challenge will be getting the neckpiece/collar working. We're not talking a normal collar-- it's simple enough. It's just a V piece with the back piece, but getting some zigzag stitching in there and attaching it to the main body of the tunic will be the tricky part. That and the armband parts too. The other trick with this pattern is that the largest size is still too small for me, so I'm going to still have to figure out how to make adaptions. :-S Yikes! I'm not panicking yet. I think it will only be making it a little wider, not so much the longer part. So, I've got that on tap.

I went out to JoAnn's Fabrics, as that's the main and pretty much only fabric shop around here. (Okay, there's a Calico Corners Home down the street, but that's not for the stuff I need.) I am such a smart shopper for the most part. One of the things I mentioned the last time was the need of a magnetic seam guide. Well, I searched the store, and I finally found one in the quilter's section. It was smaller than I expected, but it was only $1.59. Sweet! I'm not sure if it's the right thing, but I decide that I'll take my chances. Eventually, I find the "regular" one in the "regular" sewing section. It's by the same manufacturer, and lo and behold, the only thing that's different is the packaging-- and the price! The "regular" one is $4.59! It's the same exact thing! So yeah, getting the cheaper one was a good idea. I also got interfacing that the tunic pattern required, but found out after I got home (but fortunately before I opened the package) that I got the wrong kind. Oh well! I'll go exchange it tomorrow. I also got some dressmaker's pattern paper, so that way I don't have to totally destroy the patterns. Of course, having a tracer do-hickey would help! I'll have to get one of those tomorrow as well.

Then, I did it. I've been eyeing this canvas-like striped fabric for at least a long time, well before I even started sewing. I've wanted to make some curtains for my kitchen that would coordinate with the plans we have for our kitchen and family room. It incorporated all the colors we've talked about along with some contrasting colors at the same time. It looked like the bolt was almost done, so I bought all that was left, about 2 2/3 yards. Okay, it's way too much fabric for what I need, but I love this fabric. I can probably make some new pillow covers (the old ones are the same as the main fabric of my tote bag) with it, and perhaps some extra tote bags too! LOL So, it looks like I might be making some valances soon as well. Hooray! I hope to get the hang of this enough to make some new mini sheers for my front door soon. The ones that are there are fugly, and were left with the house, but they don't go at ALL with what we have here. I think I've seen some Christopher Lowell sheer fabric with some embroidery that was affordable and would go, so I'll have to work towards that.

So, I have two projects ahead-- a tunic, and some valances for my kitchen. It think it's a plan! Now, to get started...pattern nerves ensue again!