Amy Butler velvet skirt

I have had this book Sew What! Skirts by Francesca Denhartog and Carole Ann Camp for a few years.  I made a straight skirt pattern a few years back and have done several variations.  Today, the one I made, I think is my favorite.

I know, i should have cleaned off the mirror.  I was running out of time.  
It is an Amy Butler velvet and I wanted to use it for a skirt to wear during the holidays.  I am so proud because it has a GREAT invisible zipper.  

I altered the pattern to have a back zipper instead of side.  I also made the facing for the waist, and added darts for fitting purposes.  I used the serger for the side seams and used a fun, decorative stitch for the hem.  Next up is a blouse from the BurdaStyle magazine.  I have the charcoal gray silk ready to go... I just need to find the strength/bravery/confidence to cut into it!!!!

Also, the shoes are my new seychelles flats--they are so comfy and I love the color and the pewter accents.  If you haven't tried seychelles, then you should.  They are very comfortable and well made.

I also made another set of dinner napkins yesterday for Erin.  When we were doing some holiday shopping she mentioned that she didn't have any.  So we remedied that!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Pinwheel quilt, NTC challenge and gifts galore!

I have had this pinwheel quilt for a year, it was just sewn to the point of half triangle squares.  Now the top is complete and I am waiting for the middle part to arrive--i don't know why i can't recall what that stuff is called... just make a note folks, this maybe the onset of dementia or I may be having a stroke... eek!  i panic when i can't find the word or throw in the incorrect word. Having worked with seniors, i am well aware of the signs, and unfortunately I exhibit them, frequently.

Here all the rows were done, however not sewn together.

This is the completed top.  I only have one pinwheel that isn't as neat and tidy as I would have liked, but all the rest look good.  corners are square, etc. I think that is thanks to the amazing Rowenta iron my aunt sent me--it is like a spaceship but makes pressing a breeze! thanks, Ann!

I also made some fun napkins for my mother in law.  (I don't think she reads the blog regularly).  Her birthday is the weekend of thanksgiving and she is hosting thanksgiving, so I thought it would be a fun gift.

I am also working on a few other gift items and will share upon completion.  I am almost done with xmas shopping and now have to stay on task for the made items. :) 

I am loving the #NTCNOVEMBER30 challenge.  it feels great to be strength training again and it is a nice change up from all the running.  I am loving the break and know that when I begin training for my next half or full I will be stronger and motivated.  I have been also spinning for 45 minutes per day.  it has been a fun way to do cardio--i mix it up and use music to amp me up.

A side note:  my studio is coming along!  the did the plumbing, water, sewer, gas and the headers for windows, took out a garage door and installed double french doors, and this weekend the massage room and bathroom will be framed and sheetrocked!!  Then it all gets mudded, painted and flooring!!! :)  Now that it is really moving along I am very excited.  It was hard to feel excited when I was applying for permits, etc.

who else is doing the NTC challenge?  A special thanks to Karen for starting it!! :)

are you up for a challenge?

Karen Poole of the blog: reason to play , has created a training challenge.  The challenge is 30 minutes/day of #NTC (Nike Training Club). This is a FREE training app complete with video/pics/etc.  It is amazing and has TONS of workouts and then bonus workouts you unlock the more minutes you log.  Tweet it out if you are up for the challenge! #NTCNOVEMBER30 and instagram it too!  

I logged 60 minutes today since I didn't do any NTC yesterday.  It was great to get back into it.  Each workout has variety and it can be as difficult as you are willing to make it.  

This is a great way to get ahead of the weight-gain game during the holidays.  Check out K's blog because she is offering up a prize!!!