Getting that Embroidery Mojo

After slaving over the muslin and finished garment of the princess seamed shirt, I was delighted to see a 40% off coupon code in my email for Embroidery Library. Here are my latest treasures:

In-the-hoop pin cushion

The wrist cushion I'm using now was tweaked from a purchased one whose plastic wristband was too tight. I simply attached the cushion to a 1-inch piece of elastic and closed the ends. Problem: the pins go straight through the cushion into my wrist! I look like I did back in the cat owning days! Sooooo, I'm going to make this one and attach it to a plastic disk. I'm thinking of using the lid to one of the small Glad/Rubbermaid containers.

In-the-hoop Small Scissors Case

Just couldn't resist!

In-the-hoop Coffee Sleeve

Yes, I'm on an in-the-hoop mission! Been wanting to make one of these but waited until I had the large hoop (6x12). Fun!

6x8.5 inch design

I'm thinking aprons, here. 

Just a few of my latest purchases. I'll add more later. 

Selected, ordered, downloaded...with a chihuahua on my lap!

The Joys and Sorrows of Fitting a Muslin

I just posted on PR about the inordinate amount of time it's taking me to fit the muslin for this classic blouse. As I said there, today is the second day I've devoted to this project. With so many areas to tweak (forward shoulders, full bust, no waist...and the list goes on), it makes me tired just getting it all out to work on. 


So, why do it?


Any woman who has spent a significant amount of money on a ready-to-wear blouse that almost fits should appreciate the fitting endeavor. The idea, of course, is to painstakingly make and remake this muslin until the final pattern draft can be used many times over. This  "new" pattern becomes a TNT (tried and tested or tried and true). 


Oh, and, heaven forbid, don't lose/gain any weight! The prospect of having to start anew is motivation enough to count those calories. :)


P.S. This kind of project takes twice as much time when you have a chihuahua on your lap.