Red Hot

edited to add: There is still space in this class!
You could have this skirt in YOUR SIZE!
Call Bolt to sign up: 503-287-2658




Anyone else in the mood for some red hots after this heat wave? Holy cow it's been hot!
Mercifully we have air conditioning (or I would have seriously checked into the closest motel that does!), so I've been working on the class sample for the next class at Bolt.

The fabric is the red silk dupioni that is at the store (near the front door). I had a hard time choosing a color because there are some great choices. But for the heat of the summer, I couldn't resist the red!

Jalie Zippered Skirt
Sundays, August 9th and 16th
4:30-6:30pm
$40

In class you will learn how to properly install an invisible zipper or regular zipper (your choice), how to sew a waistband or waist facing (your choice), and have smooth darts so that your skirt fits you perfectly!

We will also cover blind hems, topstitching to secure a back slit, and working with fine fabrics.

Come check out the sample in the store!

Call Bolt at 503-287-BOLT (2658) to sign up!



I went as far as getting on my strappy heels, so I could take a picture of myself wearing the skirt, but our only long mirror is in the boys' room and the background was cluttered with too many trucks. No sense in squatting down to pick up toys if it means wrinkling the skirt, right?

Feeling the love

...the love for blueberry season!

Me: in Spanish

Well, to be more precise, my Zippered Coin Purse Tutorial in Spanish!
See it here: lasmanualidades.com

And if you haven't seen the new Bolt Neighborhood blog, check it out! The coin purse is over there, and shortly there will be info on upcoming classes!

New summer skirt

This is the Favorite Things Belle Skirt, made in linen.

The slight gathers at the center front and center back give the skirt a little more swing than it would otherwise have. The flounce adds only a tiny bit more twirl to the skirt. If I make it again (this is my second one), I think I'll make the flounce a little flouncier. With this one, I was only barely able to fit all the pattern pieces on the fabric. It's 54" wide, so I knew I needed less than the pattern called for, but I underestimated a bit.

edited to add:

There is a Summer Skirt Sew-Along over at Sew, Mama, Sew.
Check out the inspired ladies and all the skirts being made!

It's been so hot here in Portland that it was almost brutal to turn on the iron, but wearing this skirt totally makes it worth it! I started it last night and in the relative cool of this morning, was able to iron it so I could topstitch it and hem it.

On my work table. And new classes!

Coming soon - the Anna Maria Horner Multi-Tasker Tote!

And this, the table runner that I was able to get finished in time for the bridal shower that I hosted on Saturday! Whew! We lucked out with amazing weather, and our new deck was the perfect setting. The bride-to-be was as beautiful as always! Now I just have to get cracking on altering that bridesmaid dress that came two sizes too big! Oops. Nothing like a little black satin side pleats and boning to get a girl in the mood to sew... Erg.
But first I'll sew up the sample of the Multi-Tasker Tote!

The new class list is not yet available at www.boltfabricboutique.com but classes have been scheduled!
Call to sign up! 503-287-BOLT

Multi-Tasker Tote: Sundays July 26 and August 2, 4:30-6:30pm.

Jalie zippered skirt! Sundays August 9 and August 16, 4:30-6:30pm

Learn to Sew: Farmer's Market Tote: Sundays September 13, 20, and 27, 4:30-6:30

Harvest

The past few days have been a bit cool and today I had a great time watering the garden, with the baby on my hip. Since we were gone for the weekend, it had been some time since we'd really harvested. Here I have a cucumber (the first of the season!), a zucchini, stalks of rhubarb, radishes, blueberries, spinach, and strawberries. Already in the fridge: lots of lettuce. Still in the garden: lots of kale.
Yum.
I really lucked out when I married a wonderful gardener.

Cute Skirts class at bolt!

I am teaching the Cute Skirts class at bolt fabric boutique, starting this Sunday. It is the very popular class that I've taught for a few years now, and EVERY skirt turns out cute. It's uncanny. This is probably the last time this year that the class will be offered. So folks, call now to nab the last space in the class!

bolt fabric boutique: 503-287-BOLT (2658)

class details: Sundays July 12th and 19th, 4:30pm-6:30pm
class fee: $40

Tote-able Towel

A quickie post -- this is the towel that I made for Orion. He is starting swim lessons next week and I thought this might make toting his towel a little easier on us.

It's from Anna Maria Horner's tutorial, modified with a shorter strap, so it just fits over his 4 1/2 year old shoulder. He can also wear the strap across his body, which he thinks is great too!

In other news, my brother and his wife just had a baby girl!!! We didn't know the gender before the birth and we are THRILLED to have a girl in the family!!! Gretel June was born on the 29th, happy and healthy and all are doing well! I'm headed there now to have another visit before we leave town for the holiday weekend!