Saturday, September 24, 2011

Blog Facelift

Since it's been forever since I last blogged regularly, I decided to give my blog a new look. It took me hours to get something that I wasn't embarrassed about, but I'm still not liking it. I wish I wasn't such a computer dummy so that I could figure things out. You'd think that my computer programmer husband would help me with projects like this. No. However, in his defense when my hard drive decided to stop booting up a couple of weeks ago, he did buy me a new one and figured out a way to transfer all my files from the old one onto my new one. I'm still having to load lots of programs and plug-ins, but that I can do. Anyway, I think there is way too much of that bright green in my blog, but haven't figured out a way to change it since it's part of the template and isn't allowing me the option of a different color in some areas. I'll figure it out, just not tonight.

As far as my plans to sew all summer so I'd have a great new wardrobe when school started, well I really didn't sew much at all. I spent such a fun summer doing some traveling to close by destinations like Palm Springs, Las Vegas, and Santa Barbara. I also got together a lot with my other teacher friends. We went to museums, shopping, and even to a concerts at the beach. But what I did most of all was go out to eat. Which led to weight gain. Which led to needing new clothes, which led to me finding lots of thrift stores that sells practically brand new plus sized clothes.

A few weeks ago I went shopping at JoAnn's and found some fabric that I loved. Now you know that doesn't happen very often and I had a few dollars in my wallet so I bought them. One of them was this sort of crepe/silky fabric with a very interesting border print. I loved the colors and the challenge to use the border in an interesting way.


This is what I came up with. The pattern is Burda 7807 which I've had stashed for quite awhile. Mine is going to be sleeveless and collarless. I don't mind that it doesn't have sleeves since I think a green crocheted shrug that I already own will look great with the dress. I'm dragging my feet getting this one finished because I can't decide if I want to fully line it or just the yoke, like the pattern tells you to. Also, the fabric I cut for the facing shrank horribly even before I got a chance to sew it onto the neckline. Thank goodness that didn't happen after the facing was attached. Anyway, this dress is on my short list of things to get done.


 I'm also making some muslins out of a few of Peggy Sager's patterns. This top is made from stretch lace and it's my version of Silhouettes #615--Cathy's Blouse. I'm really happy with the fit right out of the envelope. I didn't make any changes at all and I don't think I will on the final version either. This one is definitely wearable, just not with leggings and turquoise sandals.

One more thing, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who comes here to read my blog. So many of you have let me know that you missed my blog while I was off doing other stuff.  Sewing friends are the very best there is. Oh, and if you missed it, be sure to check out the previous post, it's the tutorial for my floral appliqued top that I promised my readers way back in March. Enjoy and don't forget to leave me a comment. I love to read each and every one.

EDITED: Thank you to those who left me comments on my blog's new look. I really listened and did some research. After working for hours I've finally found a look that is reminiscent of the old look, easy to read, and has an up-to-date modern vibe. What do you think?

Can someone can tell me how to add my Google Reader list on here as the BLOGS I FOLLOW gadget?

17 comments:

  1. Nice to see you back. I do have to say the font is quite hard to read in the main blog posts, but fine in the side bars.

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  2. WElcome back. I am glad you had such an enjoyable summer. Isn't that what it is all about? I recently came across this blogging article you might like. I found it very informative.http://12most.com/2011/07/22/12-overlooked-details-blog-missing/ HTHs...Bunny

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  3. That link - don't put in the HTHs. That's my Hope This Helps.

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  4. One more post - your dress is wonderful and I love that border print. I would have been all over it if I saw it my JAs.

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  5. It is nice to see you posting again. You did a great job on your dress.

    Marie Roche

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  6. You're right about the font. While the artwork is pretty, I don't quite "wee" it as your style.

    I'm glad you were able to take the time to have fun over the summer.

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  7. Great border print dress. And I love your Silhouette blouse I am all over PeggySagers these days. I love her webcasts. They are so informative. Good to see you back.

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  8. The dress is great. Re the blog - I have no problem with the font but do have a quibble about the color. I can see it fine but my husband, who has impaired vision from diabetes, would never be able to read the print on the side bar - not enough contrast between the font color and the background. I know this is something most people don't think about. Love the background on this page BTW.

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  9. so glad your back! I wish my blog looked as good as yours! I just deleted my last post because it was so bad... I agree about blogging friends they are the best ............

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  10. I really like the second iteration, Sherril. Its much easier on the eyes, very pleasant to read. And now that you have done this I will just say, that blogs with black backgrounds or very saturated contrast drive my eyes nuts, or maybe its my brain. They are just hard to read. This version is very pleasant, love it and I think you hit that ball out of the park. I really appreciate all the tweaking as I have gone thru this. It takes a few tries to get things right. I think you are there. I speak for your readers, I am sure, when is say this is much easier to read. Greatly appreciated.

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  11. Your border print dress is lovely, and I can see why you could not resist it.

    How was Palm Springs? I was raised in Redlands and miss the heat, mountains, palm tree's and all of the fabulous places to visit in Calif. Glad to hear you had such a relaxing summer

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  12. I have missed reading your sewing news and am glad you are back. Thanks for the flowers tutorial it is great.

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  13. Nice blog design - I don't know whether you made changes since the early comments, but the text looks fine to me (I'm using Firefox).
    Lovely dress and top! I like the use of the border print. Vicariously enjoying your sewing adventures since I've found no time to sew at all!

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  14. I noticed you left a comment on Dabbie Cook's blog and hurried back here, hoping. . .
    Glad you are back sewing and blogging.

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  15. Your blog looks great. I love the pink and the header! You look great, too!

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  16. Great sewing! I really love the look of your blog and how easy it is to read.

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