Pattern of the Year and the Blue Bear

I have lost track of how many of these tops I've made, but it seems like I've been wearing one every day. The Textile Studio Santa Monica Tee: My Pattern of the Year for 2015. Incidentally, I'd have to say their Monaco tee was pattern of the year last year.
I'm holding a little bear I made for Hospice of Michigan. They are sewn by volunteers from the clothing of a person who has passed away and given as a keepsake to the bereaved family. God has given sewing to me as my gift to serve others and I hope to make many more  bears this next year.

Its true, what they say

About how everything comes around again. I bought this pattern in 1994 when it first came out. And now, in 2015, I can jump on the high-low hem wagon with it.

5 feet of fierce!

I will tell you I bought it because that girl on the envelope is just plain fierce!
Too bad I'm not 6 feet tall like her!

I do like it though and think I'll make it again with some black Sophia double knit. This time, though I made it with some incredibly unnatural double knit polyester. (there was a note on it saying it was from Carol B. So, Thanks Carol!)

The pattern is intended for a woven, but I think it worked out great with this stable knit.

back in action

I've been back in the sewing room with one of the truest of my TNT patterns: the Textile Studio's Santa Monica tee. I just can't stop making these!

Black Stretch Velvet

Jersey from Fabric.com

ITY from Fabric.com

I've been sticking to the tried and true just because it's a bit easier for me for right now. And I love this pattern anyway. I feel like I have most of the dexterity back in my hand. Except for one thing. You know how you can just tell if you've got the right numbers of layers under your hand, headed for the needle or serger blade? Well, I can't. So I keep accidentally sewing an extra bit of something where it doesn't belong. I know I just need to slow down and pay extra attention.

And the other thing: I was never a good typist and I'm even worse now. Thank God for right click and replace in Google Chrome. Thank God for many things!!!

Finally, here are a couple of things I made before the Stroke but never blogged about. Too cold to wear them now. Both fabrics are a really light weight cotton with embroidered dots from JoAnns.

vogue8657

 I am so happy and grateful to be back sewing and to all of you taking the time to read my posts!!