Sewing..... and more

What is/was on my cutting table:   Vogue 8561 which is a great skirt although I find the pattern pieces do not match up very well.  But it's easy enough to adjust and fix.  Some of the pieces are on the bias, and their  theory is, after they are cut, and the bias is ironed out,  you re-cut to correct size.  Correct size is the question since there is no correct size pattern piece, I just wing it, and recut so it lines up correctly with the corresponding pattern piece.  It does work as I have made this skirt 3 times and love it.  I needed another one for fall in a larger :( size.  This skirt is all done, I just need to hem it (which is another uneven mess due to the pattern pieces not being correct).  The hemming on this skirt definitely needs the ruler from the floor technique.

Also on the cutting table is Vogue 1255 which I've looked at a few times and all the pattern pieces seem overwhelming... all that ruching... so it will be last on my list.  I have it cut out with a nice sheer black cotton.  I think it will be cute for fall.

Then there is McCalls 6433 using a nice red double knit.  This is done except for the hem... and I wish I would have just checked the neckline on this as it is really REALLY low... so I needed to make a small panel to insert (or maybe attached to my bra like those things on the infomercials.  It would have been such an easy fix if I would have taken the 30 seconds or less to check the neckline before cutting... I will never not check the neckline again.  It's a cute dress, came out really nice, but would have been so much cuter if I didn't have that stupid panel there.  

And finally there is McCalls 6399 which is definitely a winner.  I'm wearing it today and was hoping to get you a photo before work, but husband was out talking to a neighbor and I didn't want to yell "hey, can you take my picture before I go to work"....  I love the tucks on this top.

The rest of my weekend was busy... 2 concerts and a trip to Disneyland with friends that swing dance.  Every saturday night at Disneyland in the Carnation Plaza they have a swing band.  I'm convinced... I need swing dancing lessons ... it looks like so much fun!  The concerts we saw were The Doobie Brothers (Thursday), Tower of Power, and Average White Band (Friday).  I told my husband, 3 dates in one week and asked if that was enough for the year so I can get back to my sewing cave.  All 3 were great and it was a fun weekend!

I joined Goldstar and have gotten really good prices on concerts and other events. (I will never pay full price again).   You need to go to Will Calll to get your tickets on the day of the event.  You will not know your seat location until you arrive.  I have been to about 6 concerts the past year with tickets from Goldstar and have not been disappointed.  You'll know the seat section, but not the actual seat locations.   If you are not a member (it's free to join) you should sign up.  You'll receive emails for discounted events (plays, concerts, sports, amusement parks, etc.).  Their pricing is usually 1/2 off the regular price and generally go up for sale a week or two before the event.  We were in the second row for Tower of Power....