Well, it looks like the 3-day Labor Day weekend has turned into SO much more.

Thanks to Gustav, we’ll be home through Wednesday. Wednesday!!! So much for my sewing mojo.

But, on a huge note of relief, the family and friends have all checked in and are all safely away from the Gulf. It’s only the 4 days of residual rains to worry with now.

Some Chapter Headings:
Colors and Fabrics
Window Fashions-A Decorating Asset
How to Make Pillows and Cushions
Room Dividers and Wall Hangings
Children’s Rooms are Special

I liked:

• The nice explanation of special cutting circumstances like fabrics with a pile, one-directional designs, or plaids.
• The sliding fabric panels on page 73. I love these! You’d have to see them, but basically the fabric panels attach to sliding tracks and essential create the impression of a fabric wall when closed.
• The introduction to quilting.
• The folding chairs that are made of 3 covered cushions that are hinged together. They can fold into cubes, chairs, lounges or mattresses.

My dislikes:

• Not really any. I suppose that’s because the decor ideas are what I expected out of an early ’70s book.

Conclusion:
All that’s old is new again–well almost! If you are looking for a great home dec reference, this is it. This book includes great tables and diagrams for measuring and creating lots of basic, timeless home dec pieces: pillows, bedspreads, table runners, slipcovers, etc. I must also add that the chapter in color is wonderful with discussions and examples of rooms done in various color schemes.

And, for an added plus, if you’re looking for some great ideas that translate into wonderful retro and modern ideas, a book published in the early 70s just might be the ticket!

Would I buy this book for myself?
Probably not, but as I “inherited” it, I’m glad it’s in my collection.

Would I buy this book for a beginner?
An old book is a great, and usually cheap, reference for a beginner. Somethings, like how to measure your windows, never change, making a book from a different decade, just as applicable.

I’ve gotten a few personal pieces (as opposed to jon-jons and jumpers) finished over the last few weeks.

This is part of the mini-wardrobe I’ve got planned for the August PR Mini-Wardrobe Contest. He still has 2 shirts and pants coming. Maybe.

I really like this shirt. I did have trouble figuring out which size to make. Come to find (figure) out, the finished garment measurements that are printed on the pattern tissue are incorrect. It was very easy to put together. The wrap-around side seams are great.

As for the pattern: the instructions were wonderful. Just reading them, the zipper installation made no sense, but I followed them anyway. The instructions worked perfectly! I’m thinking of trying this again in a few months with a heavier jersey knit. My review is here.

I’m really beginning to love most Vogue patterns, this one included. I was first attracted to the long, lean look of this top.

This is actually my muslin, but is a quite wearable one. I made my usual adjustments (FBA, sloping shoulders, rounded shoulders). I also used my serger for most of the seams, though, oddly enough, the instructions included no mention of that. I also used a double needle for the hems of the top and armholes. I do think the neck is a little long. (It’s folded down again in this pic.) The PR Review is here.

Vogue 8392

This is my back-to-school sewing. (Not the “wearing back to school” kind, but the “hurray, the kids are back in school and I can sew” kind.) I love this top.

I’ve made view A before. This is view B. I must admit the tiger print is a first for me. I have never worn an animal print before. But, I love this top. (Did I say that already?) It was very easy to make. The instructions are easy to follow. I made a FBA by just increasing the side seams, tapering from armhole out 1/2 inch and back in at waist. I adjusted for rounded shoulders.

Some Chapter Headings:
Create something FUN with paint and markers!
Make some FUN with paper!
Let’s have some holiday FUN!
Go outside and find some FUN!
Sculpt some FUN with clay and beads!
Try something new (it’ll be FUN!)

I liked:

• The supply list listed on page 7.
• The “out-of-the-box” ideas for everyday objects.
• The easy watercolor techniques. (I even trust the 3-year-old to do these.)
• The idea of using kitchen utensils as stampers (page 62-63).
• The “Good Manners Napkins” (page128-129)
• That the book has ideas for young children as well as for middle schoolers.

My dislikes:
None really.

Conclusion:
While not actually a sewing reference, I do think this is a great tool for inspiring creativity in children. This book outlines some great beginning techniques that children can learn. From these, the creative possibilities are only limited by the child (and how big a mess Mom will tolerate!).

Would I buy it for myself (and my kids)? I probably wouldn’t have picked it up for my kids, but Mom gave it to them. We love it. I especially love the fact that their are some techniques that are appropriate for the Little Man as well as my Big Girl.