Sew Silly

New Look 6097

2012-01-31T08:03:00.007-05:00

I saw this pattern and had to make it. I love the wrap top and the pockets and the skirt...great dress!

Well, it was a bit frustrating trying to pick out a size. I measure for an 18, but 18's never fit me. So, usually I make a 14 or 16 and then cut a smaller shoulder/neck area since I am short waisted. I don't sew too many New Look patterns so I'm not sure if this is standard or not, but it had seperate pieces for about 3 sizes. So cutting out a 16 through the bust but 14 in the shoulders would have been tricky. I think the 16 top pieces had the 12, 16 and 20 on it. I usually grade the shoulders to the smaller size.

I was really torn on the 14 or 16 for this. The bust finished measurement is only 1 inch ease if I remember correctly, so the 16 measured 39 inches. But the waist measurement had, I think, around 5 or 6 inches of ease built in. Then I realized the waist had an elastic casing in it to snug it up. Now to me, the dress looks all across rather form fitting. I don't get how the elastic waist with that much ease would look. Long story short, I decided to cut the 16, even though when I put the Vogue 8379 bodice piece that fits me great(which is similar) on top of the 14 and 16, it matched the 14 pretty well. Doh!!!

So, I'm wishing I would have cut out the 14. The bodice is droopy and has gapiosis, but if that was gone there would be excellent coverage. Now, I'm not sure, but this could be a technique issue. They have you fold a neckline facing piece, stitch it on then understitch. It seems mine got stretched out in the understitching even though I had the tension and everything correct. It got kind of wavy. I thought I had pulled enough "extra" through on the bottom of the bodice when I basted it but it still gapes. I don't feel like I'm going to expose myself though and with a cami on under it, it looks ok. Next time, I will skip the facing and just fold over and use clear elastic.

Next time, despite the finished measurements, I will cut out a 14, or if I cut a 16, I will take up the shoulders a good inch! There is a lot of extra room in the bust, even on me!

The pockets are another issue though. They have you stitch them then topstitch them...wavy!!! I though about sticking some clear elastic in between before the initial stitching and wish I had.

And the waistband, they have you create a casing when you sew the skirt to the bodice. Then, to secure it they have you tack it at the sides. I went ahead and created a casing by folding up the seam allowance instead. There is a seam line visible but I didn't want the casing flipping around on me.

All in all, this is a nice dress. This one is wearable but if I make it again I will tweak a few things. I think the lines of the dress are slightly different than what is represented on the drawing and picture. The picture seems very form fitted but I think if sewn up according to the pattern it would be less fitted.

I skipped the belt too.

Playing Catch Up

2012-01-29T09:01:00.008-05:00

I've been too busy to blog lately and I was reminded by someone that I hadn't updated my blog in awhile...lol! So here is a quick pictorial update of what I have been sewing.

I have been participating in the Fabric Stash contest but really just don't have time to document everything with reviews. But, at least I am sewing stash fabric.

First up...Dress up clothes.

Midi Length bias cut skirt..McCalls 6438. I modified it to cut on the fold and bias. I'm not sure if it was the changes I made or the pattern but the waistband didn't match up right. It's just kind of an ok pattern. I cut View C.

It's an ok skirt. The fabric was cheapy stuff off the red tag tables at Joann's but it's really soft. Not my most stellar work.

Butterick 5243:

I've had this pattern for years. I think it was one of the first patterns I bought. The fabric was a Fabricmart mystery bundle cut. I don't know why I haven't made it. I'm glad I did now. I made a straight size 14 and it fit well, except if I make it again I will add an inch to the bodice. It isn't a hard pattern but the collar adds some time to it as does all the gathering for the sleeves. I think I might make this again for summer with the short sleeves. I really like the lines of the pattern.

Next Vogue 8581

Once again, another stash fabric and pattern I have had forever. I have been tormenting myself with gathering!!! Both the neckline and sleeves are gathered on this. I made a second one which I don't have a picture of with casings and elastic on both instead of gathering. It is a slightly different look but went together so much faster. I will be making this for summer too in the short sleeved version. I really like it. My favorite thing is the high armcyes! It's a peasant top but it doesn't look like I'm swimming in it.

Elepant Skirt...I think it's Butterick 5466

I think I have a couple more things to post but need to take pictures. The sewing room is going to get broken down and minimized to put the house up for sale. So the sewing will be less...

Dress Up Clothes

2012-01-11T18:34:00.005-05:00

Ok, well I'm going to give these a try. Some of this fabric is going to be hideous to work with but it doesn't have to be gorgeous.

I picked up a pattern for 99 cents at Hobby Lobby, McCalls 5732. Despiste the horrible pictures, it has a couple cute dresses.

Here are the lovely fabrics.

From L - R: Poly charmeuse, open weave crochet in pastels and glitter, purple poly charmeuse, lavender acetate lining, turquoise poly something, some poly chiffon stuff.

Green poly stretch velvet...ooooh

I think I'm going to start with the green stuff and View B on the pattern. Kind of going for the medieval princess thing...then if that works I'll go on to some of the other fabrics.

Wish me luck!

Fabric Stash Contest

2012-01-05T14:55:00.004-05:00

Well, I entered! I'm not sure how much I will sew up but I will try. I'm out of town one weekend and another weekend is my son's first gymnastic meet. I think I will be saving all my hand sewing for that weekend.

I do have two pairs of PJ pants for him completed.

Up next is a bias cut plaid flannel skirt I've had cut out for awhile. Then I think is a pencil skirt out of this fun fabric I've had for quite awhile.

I was doing a Fabric Fast as well and doing pretty well...for me at least. I bought one piece of fabric, some special Milly Peacock fabric from Gorgeous Fabrics that I could not pass up! I bought some back in November from FabricMart and while I had been able to control myself in December, I fell off the wagon today! FabricMart had a some nice things on sale, then threw in a 10% off coupon on Facebook, then there was the free mystery bundle for a $75 purchase...damn, well I caved!

Oh well!

I was going through my stash and pulling out fabrics I would never make anything wearable out of for me. I started thinking about fun play/dress up clothes for kids. My good friend's daughter loves dress up so I think I'm going to make some things for her out of it. Maybe some fun twirly skirts, a cape, and maybe a dress.

Crazy Pants (or how to embarrass a kid)

2011-12-19T15:58:00.005-05:00

"Are you actually going to wear those in public?" asked my son. "Why yes," I replied. "In fact, I am wearing them to work tomorrow!"

I was feeling like a lazy sewer for awhile and I decided I needed something a tad more involved to sew. I have been loving the new fringe trend of printed pants. I've always been a sucker for printed pants ever since I was a little girl. Just ask my mom about my 7 Up pants! My favorite pair of pants had 7 Up logos printed all over them. Even in high school I had some crazy pants. My favorite were pink and purple floral pants from Benetton.

You Look Fab wrote a Blog Post about them and I obviously vote YAY on them.

You Look Fab

This fabric was an original purchase about three years or so ago from my local indie...Fabric Gallery. I thought for sure it would be a coat or jacket but it's been screaming for me to make it into pants for the last couple of months. I guess it would be considered a brocade. It frayed horrible when I sewed it but other than that it was great.

I've been doing my best to utilize stash patterns and fabric. I really wanted to order the new Colette cigarette pants but I was good. I found this pattern and always have great luck with Burda pants and these were no exception.

I wasn't sure about the added bulk of the gathering on the waistband so I left it off. I'm glad I did. The reviews for the pattern are less than stellar but that's mostly due to Burda's crappy instructions which is normal in my opinion. I didn't even use them at all. As usual, I followed Sandra Betzina's Flyfront Zipper Tutoral...it never fails! I left off the little pocket in the back, just a waist of time I think. If you don't need instructions or can find them elsewhere, these are wonderfully drafted pants. They aren't so skinny that I look like an apple on a stick. They are more straight legged. I shortened them a smidge so they hit right at my ankle. I think they are meant to be a bit shorter though.

I really like them with this shirt.

Below are pictures of my practice pair. These are a cotton blend I think. There was three yards in a FabricMart mystery bundle. It is wonderful fabric. I have enough left to make a straight skirt at a later date. I wore them today so they are wrinkled. After wearing them, I think they might have some wool in them.

This pair I cut out a size 42 and only took 3/8 inch seams on the side seams. I am usually a large 42 or a small 44...kinda in between. This pattern only went up to 42. I found them to be pretty generous this way and did a straight 42 for the crazy pants. These are really comfortable though and I will get a ton of wear out of them. I wore them all day today running errands. A great alternative to jeans which I am liking less and less as I get older.

Kwik Sew 3561...A Montage

2011-12-13T18:03:00.005-05:00

My life has been in quite the turmoil lately. I feel like George Jetson screaming, "Jane, stop this crazy thing!"

But nonetheless I have wanted to sew. I'm not in the mindset for anything complicate or new at the moment. There is something to be said for TNT patterns that you love and are totally versatile. I call it "Idiot" sewing.

I was going out of town and I wanted some comfortable and verstile dresses. Jeans take up so much room and I really don't find them all that comfortable anymore.

So I made three versions of my favorite dress...Kwik Sew 3561

Version 1: This is the regular shorter length pattern. The fabric is a wool jersey blend but it is so soft and comfy. I feel like I'm wearing jammies. It kind of has a mottled but not quite tiedyed look to it. I skipped the facings and created a neck edging. I serged it on with clear elastic then folded it over and used my double needle to finish it. Love it! Next time though, I will angle the neck edging so it's slightly smaller on the inside and lays better.

Version 2: This is a rayon knit. For this one, I did the same neckline treatment but cut it cross wise so the stripes were opposite. I made sleeve cuffs and a hem cuff in the same manner. I wanted this one a smidge longer.

Version 3: This was an afterthought. I finished it the night before I got on a plane! I bought this gorgeous scarf and wanted to wear it (sorry not in the picture) so I needed a dress. I had this purple that matched it well so I whipped it up in the short sleeves version for something different. I also decided to cut the back in two pieces for a CB seam. It enabled me to curve it along my back for a nicer line. I think I will do this from now on. I really like it.

Before making these I tried to experimenting with other patterns before going back to this one. I did the McCall 6335 but found it ran huge!!! I would need to go down two sizes to get it to fit right. I salvaged the one I made to be wearable but I don't think I'm a fan of it.

I also tried an Onion pattern, the number which escapes me, but it is a raglan sleeved shift dress. It flares more. I kind of like it but my fabric was super stretchy and I think it needs a bit less stretch to hold it's shape. I might finish it. It was practice worthy fabric so no loss.

These were all made back on October, that's how bad I have been at posting. I did do another round of TNT patterns featuring Vogue 8597. This is another pattern I've made before, but about two years ago. I made three versions. Two tops and one I lengthened to a maxi dress...it looks awesome. I made it for my BFF for her college graduation. I did take pictures of me in it so my next post will be of those. I need to take pictures of the tops.

Vogue 1247 Leather Skirt DONE!!!

2011-11-23T21:24:00.003-05:00

This was a tuffy! I cut it out and after I did I had major second thoughts. I made some changes, namely moving the zipper to the side so add that to the laying out of leather and I was really unsure what I was doing. I did end up with one blemish in a noticeable spot but oh well. I sewed the pockets on and they didn't really want to lay right. I was very worried they wouldn't work. This is kind of a tricky pattern too with the pockets and there are no second chances with leather.

I sewed in the zipper which actually went in very nicely. The photos look a little wobbly but I think that's glare on the leather from the flash. It actually lays pretty nicely. I sew the other side and the zipper side the rest of the way which is the last blog post.

Last night I started on the lining. I hate doing linings but figure it was a must for this. I started out with some Bermberg and about screamed...I hate working with that stuff. I remembered I had some of this funky charmeuse in my stash. I used it to line my biker coat awhile back. Speaking of which, bet that will look great with this skirt. I self drafted a lining and it worked out nicely. I put the lining and the waistband on last night.

I finished up tonight by hemming the lining and the worst part of this whole process was putting a closure on the waistband. My poor hands are so sore and beaten up.

Someone asked in another post about hemming leather. First off, yes, I only turned it under once and left the edges raw. IMO no need to finish them. Second, I have no idea if what I do is right. I tend to make up my own rules!

So after being unsure about it, I do love it! It turned out like I had hoped it would. It's fun and funky but still work appropriate if I want. Forgive the thrown together look. I was in the PJs sewing and threw something on for photos. I can't wait to play with different looks for it.

Progress on the skirt - Vogue 1247

2011-11-18T20:59:00.004-05:00

I know I was teasing with the last post and no pictures. Well, it's together, mostly now. I changed it to have the invisible zipper on the side so there was elss stress on it. It went in beautifully!!! I really like sewing on leather.

I was really wondering how this would turn out. Those pockets are tricky to get to lay right and you only have one shot with leather. Luckily leather really molds to your body and some things smoothed out. I made this version a big snugger than my other one.

I need to put on the waistband on and hem it. I am going back and forth about a lining....ugh...I hate sewing linings. But I should on this one. I just wear a slip usually.

You all have me considering another skirt now ;-) I don't know....maybe. I bought the larger cowskins for some pants. I really want some leather pants. My birthday is coming up soon so maybe I'll ask my Mom to buy me some leather for another skirt. She usually buys me a gift certificate for fabric.

Sorry about the quality. Quickie photo on my phone.

Vogue 1247 in leather (In progress)

2011-11-18T14:22:00.003-05:00

I am such a blogging slacker! I have sewn, in fact, I sewed up three dresses and one sweater last month. I have two blog posts in draft form just waiting for pictures that I haven't taken yet.

In the meantime, I finally cut out the Vogue 1247 in leather the other night and have started on it. The day after I cut it out though, I found a skirt pattern I liked better...never fails. It's Burda 7311.

I love the version they show in black leather. I tried to find more leather on FabricMart where I purchased all of my other leather and their prices are "normal" now, not bargain basement. So, I will have to wait for another leather skirt. I do have a a couple cowhides at home too but they are black also. I don't think I need two black leather skirts.

Sorry for the tease...I will post some pics of the skirt soon!

The LRD - Vogue 1250

2011-10-16T17:20:00.004-04:00

It's a twofer day!

I have been contemplating a Little Red Dress for a long time. I bought this silk jersey over the summer from FabricMart with the intention of making Vogue 1250 out of it. I wasn't sure though about it because I didn't figure I had anywhere to wear it. It's not a work dress that's for sure! Well I decided to make it anyways, hoping I would find somewhere to wear it.

The silk jersey is almost too drapey for this believe it or not. This is fairly thin fabric though. I made this dress out of a heavier cotton knit and I think that works better for it actually.

As I was making it, I wasn't sure it was going to turn out. It's kind of sad droopy but after I pressed it, it seems better. It definitely flows nicely and skims your body. I put a full slip on underneath it to reduce the static it creates and it lays much nicer now. The back seam kind of puckers but I think it's the weight of the fabric. It was hard to get the side seams nice too. I took them in a bit more in this version that I did the cotton knit one. I wanted this to fit more through the middle. I might have been able to take it in more but I stopped at this point, about a 1/2 inch extra on each side. I made this with the faux FBA again by sliding the fold away from the edge down the front about 1/4 inch. I also have the bodice length shorted for my short torso.

After it is all done now, I do like it. It's fun to have a sexy red dress...now just to find a place to wear it!

It's really windy here today so the dress isn't laying very well.

Edited to add:

Here is a comparison from my previous version and this version. I see a difference since I started running.

Vogue Knitting - Grey Tunic

2011-10-16T14:43:00.003-04:00

First off...Thanks for all the nice comments on my red skirt! Second...I did not make this! I can knit a scarf, that's about it. My mom is the knitter and she made this for me along with another sweater I need to post pictures of.

Well, I absolutely love it! I have about 4 pairs of boots that will go great with it, thigh high socks, tights, leggings, etc. It's very versatile. I can wear it with jeans, jeggings, leggings, and so forth...even a long skirt would look cool with it.

I don't think this look would go for work but throw a black knit skirt under it and it would work.

Vogue 1247 - Orange Skirt

2011-10-14T17:38:00.003-04:00

Love this skirt! I lengthened it about 6 inches, then took it up 1. I'm short and this original would be very short on me. If I was 15 years younger, I'd wear it that length but not at this point in my life.

The instructions were good. I did not so the binding. It just seemed like a whole heck of a lot of work. If I make it again, I might do it.

I am seriously considering making this out of leather. I need to look at zipper options though. I don't want to do the invisible zipper for it and am not sure how to do a lapped zipper. I need to practice first.

Sewing Hiatus

2011-10-10T20:28:00.002-04:00

Hi All!!!

I've taken a bit of a sewing break. I've had a lot going on lately and sewing has taken a back seat. I am working on Vogue 1247 skirt in a great red/orange stretch sateen. I'm almost done with it and will post a review shortly. I think I might make another one in black leather. Great skirt!

I have also unintentionally started a fabric fast. The last order I placed was August 10th from FabricMart. Two whole months! I almost blew it too and placed an order yesterday with the "Free Bundle" email. I came to my senses though and cancelled the order. I did it partly because I wanted to keep up the fast and secondly because there is a big move in my near future and I want to de-stash as much as possible.

Tonight I went through some of my fabric and threw away a lot of remnants and am starting a donate pile. If it's decent, I can put it up here for grabs if anyone wants it. I will try to do that in the next couple of months. I need to reduce my patterns too. So keep watch for the giveaways!

Kwik Sew 3561 Revisited

2011-09-16T17:15:00.004-04:00

I made this dress a couple years ago for a party with some gorgeous fabric from EOS. It sat in my closet because I thought it was too dressy for work. Well, I loved it so much I pulled it out last winter and ended up wearing it quite a bit.

Kwik Sew 3561

I decided I really wanted to try and make myself some more basics this year. I tend to make wild things but I really needed some simple things that I could dress up or down and mix and match. I decided to pull this pattern out. It's a great simple dress pattern with all of 4 pieces. The original has facings...yuck...facings on a knit! So I had planned on trying to bind the neckline but decided to go with a fun cowly neck like this Donna Karan dress which was kind of my inspiration. I lenghthened it obviously too. This pattern is pretty short.

My dress is sort of similar but it was the gist I was going for not a total knockoff. I bought the fabric on ebay from High End Fabrics and I love it. It's probably considered a slub knit or a burnout, not sure which. But the base of it is grey with purple bits.

I'm already planning on a couple more of these for layering in the winter. I'm a lot busier in the morning these days with my added workout so I need some quick, easy, stylish things to throw on for work.

Butterick 5677

2011-09-12T19:41:00.004-04:00

Back from the dead...or at least from vacation, a tooth abscess and a crazy job!!! I've been so busy since I got back I haven't had much time to sew but a few minutes here and there. I cut this out before I left.

This took quite awhile. It's easy, but a bit time consuming with all the piecing. I had really wanted to do it contrasting and I might give it another whirl. I like the shape of the dress a lot. I hate the fabric I chose! It's a ponte and we all know all pontes are not created equal. This one is very polyester and the puckering at the seams is driving me crazy!!! I've pressed and pressed but they won't go away.

If I do make it again, I will use something with less poly in it. I didn't line it so I kind of cheated but I wanted to see if I liked it first. If I make it again, I will do the whole thing.

This is a 16, with about an inch taken off the shoulders for my short waist. There is too much stuff going on to do a short waist adjustment I think. And I took in the hips. It kind of had a tulip look to it which I didn't think was right. Easy fix though.

It's a great dress. Lots of bang for the buck and the shaping is very nice. I think I would like to try it in some low contrast fabrics, like a black and a dark blue, or blue and gray.

Scheduled Maintenance (aka Vacation)

2011-08-21T11:08:00.002-04:00

Yeah, a vacation! DS and I are headed off to Gettysburg, PA to tour some battlefields. He's kind of a history fan, but then 9 year old boy, army stuff, not surprising. We are joining some friends for a Flyball tournament in Gettysburg on the weekend but we decided to head out early.

There may be some fabric shopping included, if I can convince the kiddo. There may be some bribery involved. I'm hoping for maybe a trip to FabricMart and the PA Fabric Outlet. I'm hoping to meet up with fellow PR friend and Blogger Melody.

It's actually a perfect time to take a break from sewing. I have a lot of plans for Fall sewing but I just can't quite get my arms around sewing the leather skirt I want or the long sleeved maxi dress with the temps still in the 80's. I do have a dress laid out from the new Butterick patterns. But once again, it's a ponte which isn't really summer friendly.

So, it's a perfect time to pack up my sewing machines and drop them off for some much needed service. Hopefully, they will be done when I get back and then I'll be ready to start the Fall sewing!

Vogue 1224 Again (and some misc)

2011-08-13T20:58:00.008-04:00

I was really on the fence with making the dress again. I made it here. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it on me either. I have worn it and do get some compliments on it though. I found this fabric at Haberman's here in Royal Oak. I stopped on my way to a Girls Weekend, it was on the way ;-). And as luck would have it, they were having their summer sale. This is a Betsey Johnson print. It's a poly knit with some sheen to it but not a ton of stretch. It kind of reminds me of silk jersey. Usually Betsey Johnson is too frilly for me but I loved the print on this and immediately thought of this pattern.

I decided I would not do the bodice lengthening I did on the first one since I think the extra drapiness (or droopiness) bothered me. I did cut an 18 because I didn't want it too snug and with my bizarre weight fluctuations I wanted to be safe. I did add 2 inches to the length. Twenty years ago I would have worn it the length the pattern calls for, but not now. It's still pretty short and I'm only 5'3".

I left off the ties and just completely enclosed the elastic on the top. I don't like the ties on the other one. They kind of annoy me and I hate putting button holes in knits!

I did line the skirt on this one like the pattern calls for and used the casing provided.

Well, I'm really glad I decided to make this again. But, I'm glad I didn't force it. It needed this fabric. I really love this dress and I can still get some wear out of it for late summer, early fall.

Now for the misc. part. I was home with my son last week and while I can get some sewing done, it's gotta be quick, easy stuff. So, in part because I really lack easy seperates and all the "Hey, Mom's" I was bound to get. I decided to sew up some shirts. I had planned on 5, but got up to 3. I did also get 2 skirts out of the deal too though.

All the shirts are McCalls 6078.

I have one View A, which is the criss cross back and two View B which is the sleeveless cowl front. I did have plans for View C but got sidetracked when I decided I wanted a skirt. I was feeling fat and wanted something cute but comfy. I never wear elastic waist skirts, never! They usually look horrible on me but I really like this one. It's drafted well and it flows away from the body nicely. I ended up making two of them.

The skirt is New Look 6816. I bought it for the top a long time ago. I made the top but really didn't know much about sewing knits 2 or 3 years ago and it didn't turn out well. I'm sure it would be better now and may make one up.

Vivenne Westwood Inspiration

2011-08-04T09:17:00.004-04:00

I've wanted a dress like this ever since I saw a Vivienne Westwood dress awhile back. I tried to make the Twister Dress and failed.

I pulled out the LJ Designs pattern called the Seaside T for a shirt a couple weeks ago, I realized I could use that pattern and just lengthen it. It's much more large bust friendly. I found a link for the pattern and it looks like it's still available.

Seaside T

For the shirt version I made, I cut out a Size 3 which is smaller than my measurments but I wanted it to stay up on my hips. For the dress, I cut out a Size 4 because I didn't want it snug and to feel like a sausage casing on my hips. The first picture is the full length, maybe not quite because it still had some droop to go...lol! I cut it long because I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with it. I realized it wouldn't stay up on it's own but I didn't want to do elastic so I made a tie which holds it up perfectly.

Also this pattern calls for the shoulder to have a slit but for this one I didn't do it. On my last version I did the slit.

Previous Version

I absolutely love this dress. I wore it last weekend and got a ton of compliments on it from total strangers.

This week I'm off work. I don't call it vacation because it includes lot's of "Hey Mom, I'm bored!" I have managed to get some sewing done. I'm calling it my Week of Shirts! I've made a top every day since Monday. Albeit simple ones from the same pattern but man I really need shirts. I make too many dresses. Hopefully, I'll get another one done today and one tomorrow and then will post them all at once.

I'm not sure what the issue with formatting is!!! I didn't do anything different but I can't seem to get it right plus I've had about 18 "Whatcha doin's?" during the process of trying to post.

Simplicity 2192

2011-07-27T19:44:00.006-04:00

I bought this pattern way back. Recently though, I saw online a version of a skirt/shorts similar to these from I think Philip Lim or some other high end designer. Of course I can't find the link I found before but oh well. The version I found were probably out of a silk dupioni and super cute. I'd love to have a pair in dupioni but I don't know where I'd wear them or with what. Maybe I'll get some next time Joann's has a coupon. I think they carry it.

So my version is in a lightweight pinstripe twill. It's been aging in the stash awhile. I bought it as a remnant from my local indie. I had originally planned on a jean type skirt with it but I pulled it and really like it in this fabric.

I love the overlay, love it! I thought it might give too much oomph but I really like the line it gives. I probably should have cut out an 18, this is a 16, and the side seams are a bit too far back IMO. I ended up taking out the darts in the back to give me a bit more room and took really small seams in the overlay so that it would fit.

My shape is currently in flux with all this running I've been doing. I've actually put on 7 pounds in the last 8 - 9 weeks. Everyone keeps telling me it's muscle and I will drop the pounds here quickly. But, I went to the doctor for something else and we discussed the possiblity of me having thyroid issues. My weight, despite my attempts to maintain or lose, has been gradually going up over the last year or two. I just figured it was age and/or metabolism but we'll see. It would actually be a relief to know it's the thyroid. I really don't want to starve myself. Shoot, I've been running the last month alone 3 -4 times a week for 3 miles each time and watching my diet, I should be losing weight.

Oh well, I digress, but I think I'm going to switch back to sewing knitwear for awhile til I get this sorted out. But, I do love this skirt. It's basically 3 pieces that remind you of petals where they overlap. It's kind of short but not too bad, I'm short.

Colette Patterns Rooibos Sew-a-long

2011-07-25T10:33:00.002-04:00

I thought this might be coming up since there was a poll about this pattern on their Facebook page. This is another Colette pattern that I've been wanting to make for a long time. I'll definitely be sewing it. I doubt I'll be able to stretch it out for the full 3 weeks but it will get sewn up during the sew-a-long.

Maybe I'll make two ;-)

Vogue 1259 (aka...How to drive a math geek insane!)

2011-07-24T16:05:00.004-04:00

I tried, I really tried, but man if you make one mistake you're SOL on this thing. It's like a game of twister. The pieces have names like "Front and Back" which is one piece. I think, maybe, sewing this with a fabric that has a distinct right side vs wrong side might help. Or maybe I'm just not suited to sewing things like this. I'm not a very good instruction follower, but this is crazy.

Good luck to those who try but I think this type of stuff will be something I splurge on in RTW. I might consider making the skirt in the future but the shirt...nope, no way!

My Boho Skirt - Simplicity 2609

2011-07-21T20:29:00.005-04:00

I bought this fabric last spring from Gorgeous Fabrics. It was an impulse purchase. It's a poly crepe de chine I think and slightly sheer. I've been trying to decide what to make with it. Initially I had planned on a maxi dress last summer but wimped out on making one. Also, I only had a little over two yards and when I ordered it I didn't even think about needing more...oops!

Also, I have sooooo many dresses! I mean, I love them, wear them and enjoy sewing them. But, I really need to expand my wardrobe to some seperates. So, I decided on a simple skirt. I can't do full at the waist so I chose this pattern. I didn't even notice that it had a seam down the middle so I opted to cut the two pieces on the fold. The front and back are the same. I like skirts with yokes because it, I think, helps lengthen my torso. Although with the shirt on you can't really tell. I did shorten the yoke by about 4 inches. It hit my armpits...lol! I also lengthened the skirt by about 6 inches.

I'm in love with the whole sheer maxi skirts they are showing. I like that this isn't super see through, just kind of. I can actually get away with wearing nothing underneath it. I didn't line it. I wanted it flowy and see through. I did make a tube skirt, kind of a straight yoga type skirt with a waistband to go under it. I have it on here. I'm wearing it to work tomorrow and will wear the underskirt for that but if I'm just running around, it'll probably just be some bike type shorts.

I have a sheer maxi dress planned, maybe not next but soon. And another Vogue 1250 in red silk jersey, and...., and....so many things so little time.

The shirt is from a pattern I've had for two years. I saw it online and fell in love. Unfortunately it was sold out everywhere, even the pattern designer. So a two years ago I just happened to find it at the Sewing Expo here in Novi. I grabbed it up. I've made it once and was really disappointed in it. It wasn't the pattern but the flimsy fabric I had chosen to use. It didn't ruche very well and kind of sagged. For some reason yesterday though I pulled it out and wore it and I really liked it. I thought about making another one. When I got home tonight, I pulled out this blue poly and cut it out. It's just a cheap poly remnant from Joann's. As I was cutting it out, I realized it would go with this skirt. Kismet! I cut it out and sewed it up tonight. I spent so much time playing with that Twister dress and could have just used this pattern to make one, which I might just do!

The one shoulder has a tie that cinces it in. I'm on the fence whether I like it or not. There are pictures with both.

Since it's practically nonexistent, this was the best picture I could find.

I had a request from Heather to expound on my shoes. I do seem to get a lot of comments on them. I am quite the shoe-a-holic. I think it's genetic ;-) I'm a shoes sale stalker. I rarely ever pay full price for a pair of shoes. I get an idea of the shoe I want then I stalk every single shoe website I can find. Last year I wanted a pair of flat gladiator sandals and found something similar to these yellow ones in black at about $150. I searched around and found these yellow ones from the previous year for about $35, knocked down from about $100. I didn't plan on yellow but turns out I love them! They are BCBG.

A lot of my shoes are Nine West. I can buy them online and know they will fit. These however came from my local Elder Beerman, aka my lunchtime escape, at their yellow tag sale. I think they were $100 shoes I got for $40.

Run Forest Run...

2011-07-19T10:17:00.003-04:00

Ok, no sewing in this post. I've taken up a new hobby...running. I was always one of those, "I only run if I'm being chased," people. I was a competitive swimmer, lettered in 3 sports in high school, but always HATED running. So when my 9 year old son decided he wanted to run, I, well, um, decided to be a good mom and support him, yeah, that's it ;-)

So, I kept putting off running because of my broken toe, but he kept wanting to do it. So, I laced up the new running shoes I bought and started the Couch to 5K program. Well, mine isn't the Couch to 5K proper. I found this on the ITunes store but you can download it without ITunes.

Podrunner Intervals

And surprisingly, I've made it to Week 7! I can't believe that 7 weeks ago I was hardly able to run the 60 second intervals. I'm up to running 25-30 minutes straight depending on the heat and time of day. I've found that I'm a much better morning runner than evening running. The heat wave has been horrendous the last couple of days and I struggled last night but I still managed to get 2.5 miles in, some walking in there, but I did something at least.

Oh, and ironically, my son has bailed on me. Not completely his fault, since he's had to get used to 9 hours of gymnastics practice a week. Adding running was just too much for his little body to deal with at the same time.

I'm actually looking forward to running. I think aliens have taken over my body. Speaking of the body, I keep wondering how or if this will change my body shape for sewing. I know I'm losing my upper hip fluff, which is a darn good thing to lose! I hate it! The girls aren't going anywhere but I could drop 20 pounds and they wouldn't budge. I'm hoping that it helps and defines my backside more since I'm pretty flat back there. Ironically though, I haven't lost a single pound, not one! I keep complaining to my DH and he keeps giving me the muscle vs. fat weight, yada yada yada speech but darnit, I want to see it on the scale!

I'm really planning on making this a habit. I've already started considering how I can do this come winter so I don't fall off the wagon. I've even been looking at buying some warm weather Under Armor fabric for some running pants. So any suggestions for making my own running gear will be appreciated. I think I will actually enjoy running in the winter. My asthma is giving me fits in the humidity but I do better with that when it's cold.

And since a post is no fun without a picture, he's one of my running route and running partner from Sunday.

Oh, and I am sewing still. I have this cut out in some pretty boho type crepe fabric. Simplicity 2609

Colette Macaron

2011-07-16T20:05:00.005-04:00

I have been wanting to make this pattern FOREVER! I keep pulling it out, looking at it, trying to match it up with fabric. I put it back, wait a couple months and pull it out again. I think the reasons I haven't made it are 1) I didn't feel like tracing it. I didn't want to cut it out in case it didn't fit. With a Big 4, you just wait til they're on sale again, then buy another one for a couple bucks. Can't do that with an indy pattern. 2) I just wasn't sure I could see myself in this dress. The high neck doesn't usually work on my chest. Plus, it's a pretty retro, girly design and that's not usually my style. 3) The fabric and contrast idea was also kind of meh to me. It was almost just a little too cutesy for me. I say that only for me, because I love all the versions I've seen with contrast. They look adorable on other people.

Ok, so I finally decided to just go for it. I do love the shape and was always so enamored of the versions other curvy shaped girls had done. It was so flattering on them.

I bought this fabric on the red tag table at Joann's, yes, another Joann's find. I'd seen this fabric a ton of times before and never bought. Finally, I was there and it was a 50% off day, so I just decided to get it. It is a pretty mid to heavy weight cotton sateen and comes in panels. I bought three panels for $10.50 total. I hoped three would give me some options. I knew a sheath dress or something similar would be cool for the design. I had this fabric out and kept pulling out patterns and nothing worked for me. On a whim, I pulled out the Macaron and ouila...I have a dress I absolutely LOVE!

I made no changes except maybe shortening the shoulders a smidge. I probably should have shortened the back bodice a half an inch looking at the pictures. Oh, and I should have done a slight forward shoulder adjustment. If I stand up straight, it's fine though ;-)! Next time I'll do both. This is an amazingly easy pattern.

I'm so happy with it!

Vogue 1250 Again

2011-07-11T21:49:00.005-04:00

Ok Carolyn, this is for you ;-)

It's another two-fer day with posting. Don't expect this all the time.

I finally ended up making anothe Vogue 1250. I waffled about how it make it fit better and couldn't decide on the fabric. Sometimes I angst unnecessarily over such things. I had remembered seeing a picture on the Sartorialist of a woman in a navy blue dress with leopard print heels and I fell in love. So, in keeping with my trying to get some basics in my wardrobe, I chose this really nice navy blue cotton knit for it. It's heftier than just a plain knit and holds it's shape so far. I'm going to wear a slip under it so it doesn't get horribly stretched out during the day...fingers crossed.

I didn't like the first version because I thought it sat too low for me. The back waist seam hit too low on me and didn't look right or at least I thought so. Plus, I thought I needed more room in the bust.

First Version

I cut out the 16 again, but this time I shortened the bodice at the lines indicated by a full inch or a smidge more. The other thing I did was slide the large piece with the front and lower back away from the fold line by 1/2 inch, giving me an extra inch in the front. I couldn't figure out how to do an FBA and I figure this was the easiest way to get some added without messing things up too much. I think it worked great.

Unfortunately, my leopard print pumps still hurt the once broken baby toe, but I was able to get into another pair of my favorite heels without too much trouble. So tomorrow I will once again try to wear heels to work. I'll have a backup just in case.

I'm so happy I made another one of these. Oh and my BFF loved the one I sent her. She wore to a wedding recently and I was so excited to see pictures of her in it on Facebook. It fits her much better. She's a bit taller.

I just had to include this one. I thought it was too dark to take pictures so I started out inside. I set up the camera, clicked the delay button, walked to the spot and so did Swiper. He's become such a ham!

Simplicity 3503 Again....

2011-07-11T19:21:00.003-04:00

I've made this a couple of times but never this version. I don't think I've ever reviewed it either because it's one of those patterns that has 100 reviews for it. Maybe I should now that I have a couple of them.

This is View E, which has the neckline double as the shoulder straps. I absolutely LOVE it! I bought this fabric of another sewist online and the minute I saw it I had to have it. It's a gorgeous rayon knit in teal with navy blue hibiscus flowers, or at least they look like that to me. There were 3 yards and I knew it would be my first maxi dress (well as an adult). I've shied away from them being as short as I am but the more I see them on shorter women, the more I realize I can do it too. In fact, it gives you a nice lean look.

I did not do contrasting anything with this. I could have used the navy blue cotton knit that I lined the bodice with, but I didn't want too, plus I had other ideas for the navy blue (A Vogue 1250, which is awesome but yet to be photographed).

After a string of things I didn't love, yeah, they were okay, but I didn't love them, this and the Vogue 1250 have reignited the mojo again. DH and DS are gone all week so after work, I'm in the sewing area. If all goes well, I'll sew through the weekend!!!

When I make this again, I will raise the underarm about an inch. Normally, you could just raise the neck/shoulders but I need the extra length for the bust. I did do a 1 inch FBA as well.

I shortened this by about 5 or 6 inches. I lost count. I kept cutting it off little by little. I wanted to be able to wear it with flat shoes.

Inspiration From Fellow Bloggers

2011-07-07T19:18:00.005-04:00

I love getting inspiration from fellow bloggers. Today Amanda posted these shorts. Amanda's Adventures. I had completely forgotten that I had started making them out of leftovers from my Striped Jacket.

Mine aren't as fitted but I wanted them more skirt like. For the life of me I can't remember what size I cut but I do agree with Amanda that the waist is high. I think I cut a larger size than what I normally would have based on the look I was going for. I did take out a good inch from the crotch length and waistband. I think I tweaked these a bit too, but it's been awhile and I can't remember. Here they are anyway. Thanks Amanda for inspiring me to finish these today! I wore them all day...so exceptionally comfortably AND stylish!

Next I made these shorts from inspiration from Rachel at Be. Mine. I fell in love with the shorts she made based on inspiration from J. Crew. I made mine out of some dusty blue linenish fabric that came to me in a mystery bundle from FabricMart. Iniitially I hated it but I love it in these shorts. I don't normally wear shorts anymore but these are either on me or in the washer!

I cut out a 14 and made no alterations. If you have a waist, you'll need to do something with that. But since I am fairly straight, they work great for me.

You can see they are wrinkled here because they just came out of the dryer ;-)

And Alana from Lazy Stitching inspired me to make Butterick 5327, shown above in the pictures with the blue shorts. I made it out of a yummy bamboo remnant but I'm sad to say that I pulled it out for the pictures here and it's shrunk! Somehow it made it to the regular wash and dry. I thought I had run it through pre-sew but I must not have. I'm hoping with some closet hanging it will stretch out again in the length. Very bummed! I loved this shirt. I did make it in a red but didn't like it as much.

I was really excited to see this on another person built more like me. She really inpsired me to make it.

Lazy Stitching

Burda Magazine 2-2007-123 - From a Distance

2011-07-07T07:32:00.004-04:00

When BWOF became Burda Magazine and reduced their pattern pages and crammed them all on two pages I cancelled my subscription. I couldn't see them to trace anything. I went back and searched ebay and picked up some old issues. This February 2007 was one of them. I bought it specifically for this pattern. I loved the neckline and the shape of the dress. I had really high expectations for it and unfortunately, it didn't live up to them.

I mean, I like it, from a distance. I cut out a 42 which is the largest they have and figured since it ran big, I'd be fine. Well, I seriously should have cut out a 38, mind you I wear a 42/44 in most Burda stuff.

After spending days fiddling with the neckline to get it to fit in some way without looking like I had droopy girls, I finally gave up and decided I had to wear a cami under it. It's a shame because the neckline was what attracted me to this pattern. And it looks rather homesewn at the neck because I had to mess with it so much.

And on top of it, I used some fabric that I loved. Well serves me right for not making a muslin or using crap fabric to try it out. I can get more of it, I think, but I'm on a fabric fast for awhile. Yes, really, it's been a couple weeks ;-)

Oh well, I'll wear it for sure, but it sadly did not live up to my hopes. I might make it again, but I will definitely cut out a much smaller size.

Up next is a TNT, Simplicity 3503, but I'm doing a different version. I'm going to sew View E as a maxi dress.

Vogue 1236 - The White Dress

2011-06-21T10:45:00.004-04:00

I love, love the white trend this summer. I've been wanting to make a white dress since I saw the trend. I know, white is not necessarily your friend, especially when you have a bit extra in spots but who cares!

I remembered this white seersucker type fabric in my stash from about 2 or so years ago. It was a Fabric.com purchase when they had all that Ralph Lauren fabric. I think it was all of $2.99 a yard. It's cotton and was only about 50" wide and I had just over 2 yards. I had initially wanted to make a shirt out of it but I've given up on fitted shirts.

I also really liked this Vogue 1236 from the get go. I should really avoid these dresses without a delineated waistline but I thought it might work because a) it's a DKNY dress and she designs well for curves and b) the fabric had vertical stripes.

This is a super easy pattern but I've been working on it for a week now. Life has gotten in the way of sewing. Between landscaping and my son's new gymnastics schedule, we've been so busy.

This is my second attempt at a dress for my husband's high school reunion this weekend. It's a casual affair or so I've been told, anything goes more or less. I'm not loving it enough to wear to his reunion but I did wear it to work today.

I like the shape, even though it may not be the best for me. I get bored wearing the same thing over and over again. I cut out a 14 which was the biggest on the envelope but probably should have added some width to the sides. It's probably a bit more snug than it should be. It is cotton so it's loosening up as I wear it. I'm also pushing maximum size here and am trying to lose a couple pounds. I love the neckline and shoulders, they fit very well for me.

All in all, this is a very nice pattern, quick, easy, and uses little fabric. A lot of bang for your buck. It's not the best shape for me but I will wear it. I've been trying to make some more basic pieces that I can mix and match. I tend to go bold with my fabrics and need some more simple pieces in my closet.

Swiper joined me for photos this morning. I hit the timer, went to my spot, and he followed me and sat down just right without any prompting. He even did it for the back view. He's a Border Collie crossed with a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and is my social misfit. He loves us, but won't let anyone else (other than my mom whom he adores) near him. I've had him since he was a baby so we think it's a biological thing...something is miswired in him. His littermates are fine.

Holy Frilly Batman!

2011-06-09T12:30:00.005-04:00

Ok, so I didn't expect this to be so FRILLY! Why, I'm not sure. The picture on the pattern is frilly and even the line drawings are frilly. I'm trying to decide how I feel about it. I don't wear frilly stuff like this at all, shoot, not even my wedding dress(es) were frilly. But, I tell you, there is some part of me kind of enjoying it. Shh...don't tell! I need to keep my sexy momma image ;-)

I don't know, I guess "Ladylike" is in so I will probably give this a whirl. I could tame it down a bit like replacing the sleeves with some cap sleeves and reducing the length of the bodice frill. Other than the style things, this is a very nice pattern. I cut out a 14 D cup which was the largest on the pattern and added 1/2 inch to each side. I did forget to add the same to the flounce on the bottom, darn it, so my flounce comes up short where it ties but I don't think anyone will notice. It's a design feature.

So what do you think? I can take it. The household here is split. DS loves the flounces and DH flicked at them and scrunched his face up...lol. So maybe it won't work for his reunion but I'd still wear it to work. I know it's not my style but I think it's a nice dress. I'm going to keep it around for a great woven wrap dress pattern. There's no reason you couldn't leave the flounce off the front completely. It has standard facings, which are flipping btw, but that always happens with me. As I'm wearing it though it's getting better.

McCalls 6024 - Girly Girl

2011-06-07T20:04:00.004-04:00

I'm seeking out that little bit of Girly-girl I have and making a dress with ruffles...yes, ruffles! This is so out of my zone but the fabric just told me it had to be a frilly dress. I love it when material tells me what it needs to be. It takes all the guessing out of what to make with it.

I've had this pattern in my stash since it came out. I seem to buy almost all of the multi cup sized patterns whether I like them or not. I did like this, even though it's not my usual style. The reviews on PR are very favorable even though there are only a few. It does tell you something though when people who do make it, make it multiple times.

I have the bodice mostly done but don't have pictures yet so you'll have to wait for the final product. I am making it for my hubby's 20th High School reunion at the end of the month...I robbed the cradle. Mine was several years ago ;-) The reunion is supposedly casual but darn it if I'm not going to look nice. Here's to hoping it turns out. I'm on vacation this week. I'm supposed to be doing a whole lot around the house but with it near 100 degrees here today, well, not much got done except sitting on my butt sewing in the AC! Crazy weather! By Friday, it's going to be in the 60's!

I'm making the view with the flutter sleeves.

Here's a shot of the fabric from a couple months ago. It's the black/roses with the pinstripes. It's pretty darn shear so I'll need to either make a cotton lawn slip or buy one. Luck would have it that I got some black cotton lawn in the last FabricMart mystery bundle!

Blogger Troubles?

2011-06-04T12:07:00.001-04:00

Is anyone else having issues with Blogger? Over the last week I've tried to post comments on various blogs I visit. Just recently I tried to post a comment to Be. Mine. to tell her how much I loved her latest pair of shorts and it won't let me.

After I type a comment then choose the way I want to leave it, I check the Google account. It kicks me out to Google to sign it, even though I'm already signed it. Then takes me back to the comment but only allows me to post as anonymous or so it seems. I type in the secret word but it won't leave the comment.

This is only happening on some blogs. It doesn't seem to matter if I'm a follower or not.

I tried to comment here the other day too and had the same issue. Knit Machine Queen. I'd love to comment on her dresses but it won't let me....grrrr!

Is anyone else having issues? Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.

Thanks for all the comments on my jumper. I'm really surprised by how much I like it. It's so much fun!

Is it a jumper, a romper, a jumpsuit, or maybe a onesie???

2011-06-03T13:10:00.004-04:00

I don't know what you call it but I call if fun! Ok, so I wore these when I was 9 or 10 so I probably shouldn't be wearing them again. But sometimes I jump on a trend sheerly for the fun of it. I think I made a fairly grownup version so it doesn't look like something either a toddler or a twenty something should wear. I did end up buying some fabric for this instead of making it out of some ugly stash fabric I didn't like. I found a 40% off coupon for Joann's and while I don't normally buy fabric there. I've not had the best luck, but I did find this rayon/lycra knit with some weight to it. I've had their rayon pill horribly before so I'll just have to hand wash and lay it out to dry. It wasn't cheap though at $12.99 a yard. I don't see myself wearing this for too many summers. I'm guessing this is kind of a fleeting trend.

As a reminder, here was the inspiration. Too bad we lost power last weekend. I was planning on doing this as a last minute entry for the PR Knockoff Contest. My pockets are different.

I used the McCalls 6083 pattern then added the ruching pieces. I completey left off the elastic. I just fiddled with them til I got the right size in width and length. I don't think I'd like this with just the elastic waistband. I need more to pull me in and make me look like I have a waist. I say that but I'm seriously considering doing the pants version in some pinstriped linen I have.

The top gapes big time, but, in order to get this on and off, you need it wide there. I just put in a little snap to the front. The instructions may tell you to do that but I didn't even glance at them. The pattern calls for interfaced facings but I blew that off too. Maybe for a woven but not needed for a knit. I just used my double needle.

I wore this around today to run errands and it was so comfy. It was nice to not have to worry about a skirt blowing around in the wind today. If these weren't so trendy, I might actually make another one.

The shoes are just for show sadly. I'm still not really wearing my high heels but I think this will look really cute with my yellow flat sandals from the previous dress pictures. I also have some grey suede flat sandals.

My newest tattoo is peeking out. It's not done yet. It still needs colored.

Vogue 1179 - My Crayola Dress

2011-06-02T09:10:00.004-04:00

This is the fastest dress EVAH! I did cut it out on Tuesday night so I can't count that in the time, but I sat down last night about 7:45 ish and had this done and hemmed by 9:15.

There are three pieces with a some pleating in the front which is super easy. Sometimes I get so confused with pleats...lol, but these were really quick. Baste those up, sew some clear elastic at the shoulders, and serge the sides and shoulders together. The pattern wants you to handstitch the collar down, seriously, maybe I'm just lazy but I doubled it up and serged it. You can't see it when the collar folds down, not even close. I did pin it to make sure. Add a hem and fold over the armholes, I used a double needle, and ouila, instant dress!

I have to say too that Donna Karan is a Goddess! How does this woman draft clothing to be so flattering??? Now mind you, this is a "sack" dress that doesn't have a whole lot of body consciousness to it. But still, for a "sack" it's flattering. The last couple dresses I've made have been either the Donna Karan ones or the DKNY ones. I've decided I'm going to work my way through her patterns. They all seem to work so well.

Finally, this fabric is to die for! No, it's probably not for everyone, it is bright! I showed my DH when I bought it and his response was "OKaaaay?" As in, you're really going to make me be seen with you wearing that? He's a bit more conservative than I am, but he should be used to it by now after 7 plus years, right? ;-) The fabric was purchased on ebay from HighEndFabrics. I've bought a ton of fabric from them and have loved everything. They specialize in organic fibers, bamboos, modals, and rayons. I love their rayons they are so soft. That's what this is, a rayon knit.

I'd been waffling over what to make with this fabric since I loved it so much. I just wasn't 100% sure about this pattern, being rather unshaped as it is. But I'm really glad I went for it. I put a low slung belt on it and it looks cute that way too. Today I have it on with a casual white blazer for work. I'm trying to do the Me Made June but I'm so bad at taking pictures in the morning and I forget when I get home.

Anyhoo, I'm calling this My Crayola Dress. It reminds me of when you were a kid and put the crayon chunks in paper, folded it over and ironed it...this is what you get.

Tohrment (aka Pookie Bear) wanted to be in the picture. I don't know why I'm not smiling in these, I am happy!

Let there be light (and power for my sewing machine)!

2011-06-01T09:09:00.004-04:00

We got our power back on! Yeah! Way to go power company (whom I happen to work for)! Considering all the damage done with this storm, I'm extremely happy to have it back in just two days. So last night I kicked on the AC and turned on some lights and cut out a pattern.

I've been dying to try this one Vogue 1179, another DKNY pattern.

It looks pretty shapeless to me but loads of internet sewers have posted pictures of it and it ends up looking quite pretty on them. Even women built like me! Isn't that the best thing about sharing what we sew, seeing normal women who look like us in clothes we want to make. I rarely ever make things that I don't end up liking, mostly because I can see what it will look like on me through seeing it on others. Of course I have my wadders, but that's usually because I'm taking a chance on something that might or might not work.

Speaking of a chance, I'm also just about ready to cut out McCalls 6083. I just loved that jumper/romper so much. I was going to franken pattern something but then realized I had this pattern which was nearly identical. Close enough for me. I have some cheapy cotton knit that I'm going to try it out with. If I like it, I am going to make it up in some black bamboo knit or something equally soft and breathable for summer.

Vogue 1027 - I was wrong!

2011-05-30T10:12:00.006-04:00

Ok, just a quick post. We have no power, downed lines everywhere and are not expected back with power til Wednesday...Ouch! We had a huge storm move through here yesterday afternoon. Of course, I had finished my outside work and was planning on coming in and sewing. I did manage to finish the Vogue 1027 dress that I complained about. Well, it turned out nicely, even with the fiddling. I think the issues were, 1)This runs HUGE! and 2) My cutting was wonky.

The huge part is that I cut out a straight 14 but should have cut it smaller in the shoulders. Usually, I cut a 16, then cut a 14 in shoulders. I can't say that's all the time as patterns are very different but that's a generality. Then, when I didn't I should have taken up the shoulders more when I sewed them before the topstitching but I didn't. So I ended up with some huge gaping in the front. Despite the size of my bust, my underbust is small, 34 inches. I know, seems crazy, but it's true. So I go get gaping a lot of the time. I ended up taking some darts down near the waist line. It is mostly hidden when you tie it, but it did do a little bit of wonky to the pleats.

I think the hem was messed up because the skirt is so huge to cut out that I think part of the knit stretched more than the other parts with made the skirt out of kilter. I put it on my dress form and laid on the ground and did my best to get it level.

So in the end, I do have a dress I like. So, I might make this again, now that I've worked out my issues with it.

No makeup or hair...sorry ;-) The dress is kind of DVF'ish dontcha think? I bought this fabric oh 2 years ago or so at my local indie. It's VERY stretchy!

So now, here is what I did instead of sewing. This was one of the trees across our road. We have only one way in or out that's paved, the other is a glorified trail but it was blocked too. So out came the chainsaw and the tractor!

RTW Jumper

2011-05-28T21:30:00.003-04:00

I saw this and fell in love with it. It looks so comfy and cute. I'm thinking I might try to knock it off. I've hardly sewn at all. I had plans to do so but as I said before, the weather broke and we were outside. Now, I'm playing catch up indoors. I did sew a bit tonight, Vogue 1027. I'm not in love with it. It got rave reviews, was a top ten a couple years back on PR, but I'm not feeling it. I've had to fiddle a ton with the bodice, the skirt hangs badly and I need to do some intense hemming. I'm going to finish it but It about got shredded tonight!

Anyway, I'll post pics when I'm done, but here's the adorable jumper. I found it on Gilt but I don't remember who made it.

I think I'll use the bodice of Simplicity 3775. I can even use the waist piece with the ruching and then add some shorts to it instead of the skirt. Not sure what shorts pattern yet. I'll have to look in my patterns.

Phase 2 Complete

2011-05-24T21:25:00.005-04:00

Phase 2 done. Thank goodness the rain is coming for the next couple of days. I need a break!

Diversion from Sewing

2011-05-22T19:53:00.002-04:00

Well I've taken a diversion from sewing. I mean, I'm doing a bit at night, pending how much I hurt. But it's that time of year here in Michigan...the hurry up and get everything done you want to do before the weather turns crappy again time. We've been slowly but surely upgrading our landscaping. We have 8 dogs who destroy the yard. We've been building more fenced area for the last couple years and finally have a special dog area and are upgrading our people area.

Two years ago we started with the flagstone patio.

Then we advanced on to adding some tiers to that area because the slope graded INTO our house! How stupid! We didn't do it that way it was like that when we bought the house. So, the other benefit is water diversion from our foundation.

Now this year we are on to a quasi decorative retaining wall which should also help with drainage and erosion control.

It's actually going a lot quicker than we thought. Thank goodnes we invested in a nice tractor. We could not have done all this without it. I grumble about the payment but it's worth it.

Hopefully I'll be able to squeeze in some sewing.

Knock Off Ideas

2011-05-17T15:24:00.001-04:00

I'm still trying to decide if I want to join the Knock Off contest on PR. I love the contests, they are so much fun. I had some ideas which included a gorgeous Burberry Prosum dress and a black leather skirt. However, my sewing plans and wardrobe options have changed quite a bit with this broken toe. I can't get too dressed up for work when I can only wear Birkenstocks or girly looking flats. So it's a casual work wardrobe for me this summer. The toe is taking it's sweet old time healing up. I'll be lucky to get into heels by Fall I think.

So I've been looking around at some new inspirations. I liked this dress a lot. It's pretty plain but I love the shape of the neck and I think it could be very versatile for Summer casual and work casual. I have some really pretty lightweight linen in kind of a raspberry color.

J. Crew Rumi Dress

I'm thinking this pattern for it.

I found this dress on Gilt one day. It looks kind of old fashioned nurse but if you get close, which I realize you can't here, the back has a yoke and the skirt is gathered up into it. Being rather flat on the backside, I thought this detail would be pretty flattering on me. I'm not sure I'd do the dress in white though. They did have a brown version but it was kind of blah too. I like how it's simple in front with some flair in the the back.

Pinky Woven (Not sure if this link will work. The sale is almost over and you need a Gilt account to get there.)

I was thinking of starting with this pattern. The front is very similar and the back is just a regular shoulder princess seam. The back would need to be redone, at least fron the waist down to add the yoke and the gathered skirt.

McCalls 6116

Something I won't have time to do now, since if I do this for the contest, I will be getting a late start, is this Helmut Lang jacket.
Helmut Lang

I think this pattern would be a good start for it.

Vogue 1164

I have actually been sewing. I made a pair of shorts last week, a skirt and am almost done with a knit top. As I said, I really had to rethink my plans (as loose as they are) about what to make for the summer. First because of the darn toe issue and second because it's been so cold here that I'm still wearing sweaters and jeans. I'm feeling really dreary with all this rain and cold.

Burda Magazine 11-2009-120 Again

2011-05-10T11:39:00.005-04:00

This is my second skirt from this pattern and I think it's a TNT for me. I love the shape of it and the way it sits lower on the hips. Being shortwaisted, I love lower rised things. High waist and I don't get along at all!

This time I made it out of my madras plaid my mom bought for me from Joann's quite awhile ago. It's been aging awhile. I wasn't sure what I wanted out of it.

For this version, I just cut a straight skirt, no pleat. This pattern is quite versatile in that you can do the double pleat, single pleat or no pleat. You could easily modify the pocket style or leave them off completely. For this one I cut the pockets on the bias. I probably should have interfaced them and doubled them but was kind of being lazy. They are more decorative anyway and won't be holding too much weight in them but maybe a lip gloss and a car key.

I love this pattern. This one will be put in a plastic bag and tacked to my corkboard for when I need something quick and easy that isn't a knit dress or top. You could even make this out of a nice wool for winter. I have some drapey wool plaid that I think may end up as this skirt for winter.

The last time I dressed this preppy was probably the 80's. It's fun to watch your fashion life recycle...NOT ;-) However I did pull out my distressed Guess jean jacket circa 1986 from the back of the closet to wear with my super preppy skirt. This is one of the few things I've saved from back in the day. I figured it was a plain jean jacket and someday it might come back in style...lol!

Twister Dress - Final Attempt

2011-05-06T13:41:00.005-04:00

After pondering this yesterday, this is the quasi FBA I tried. It's sort of modelled after the FFRP Kimono sleeve FBA.

Additionally, I added the two inches at the fold and added a good inch and a half all the way up to the arm on the right. But unfortunately, I still don't think it fits they way it should if I didn't have the bust I did. I'm not willing to post the muslins, they were seriously indecent...I felt like a sausage.

This one is wearable, I think, with the right accessories. Plus it's a Tshirt cotton which will stretch out as I wear it. I have a yoga skirt out of it and by the end of the day it's almost dropping off my hips it's so stretched out.

I realized too this morning that I sewed it together wrong sides out. Not enough light in my sewing area. If I cut it open and restitch I'll lose a bit of space but I refuse to pick apart serging for this.

It's just ok. There's still so much diagonal pull across the bust that it pulls the neckline all the way over. Now I realize this kind of garment is not super drafted to fit and you can get away with certain things, but it kind of bugs me.

Now if I pull it and stretch it, it will move over to be even on my neck more.

I made this shirt awhile back and at first I hated it. I was mad that I wasted some really nice tie dyed cotton on it, but now I'm looking at it and it's ok. I don't like that the sleeve flares give no option of finishing. It looks sloppy to me, but the lines of the shirt fit a ton better than the Twister dress does on me. It's the same kind of thing with the one side longer and ruched up.

I think it could be more easily modified to look more like the Twister dress. But don't get me wrong, the Twister dress is adorable and a great little pattern. It's just drafted for smaller figures plus despite having lots of ease on top, it's not real large bust friendly. Look at the picture I posted of the creator, that's how it's supposed to fit and I can't get it to fit me like that. Wish I could though.

I may wear the Twister dress, I may not. We'll see. It was fun to play around with.

Burdastyle Twister Dress

2011-05-05T08:55:00.006-04:00

Here's an image from the creator from Burdastyle

After seeing Ann's review on PatternReview for this dress I fell in love. I downloaded it at about 8 pm last night, taped and cut out the pattern and had two muslin's done by 9 ish. There are only two sizes, I cut out the pattern for the 38-40 size and I'm more of a 42-44 depending on the pattern and fabric. So, I added an inch to the side seam which is on the fold.

Picture of the pattern piece:

For Muslin #1 I only added an inch at the fold, so two inches total all the way up. I figured I could use it in the bust as well. But it wasn't enough, no pictures, they are indecent!

For Muslin #2 I added two inches at the fold, so four inches total. And I tapered it out under the arm to about a half an inch to the hem for almost another inch. I defintely want room, no hoochie mama'ness. It was almost enough room but now the dress hangs funny.

So what I'm thinking is I need to add in the added width in a couple places. Like an inch at the side seam, cut the pattern and add an inch in the middle somewhere, and then add to the other side seam.

Now that I'm looking at the pattern closer, I'm wondering if I shouldn't do an FBA of sorts. Cut and rotate at the armcyce of the right sleeve/shoulder. There's no rule that the fold has to be on a fold, it's just to make it easier. I could cut and rotate then add a seam allowance and stitch the other side seam as well. There is a lot of "ease" for the bust but mine is larger than most and I think it's making the neck pull funny.

The fabric for the muslin I'm using is super nasty. Super cheapy poly knit and is very clingy. I want to make this out of a nicer rayon knit that I think will lay nicer and not be clingy.

I'm not quite sure why I'm bound and determined to make this fit...lol. Any suggestions?

Burda Magazine 11-2009-120

2011-05-03T17:46:00.003-04:00

I finished up the skirt last night. I've been trying to make some more work appropriate quasi casual clothes since I broke my toe and can't wear any of my nice shoes, really anything other than sandals still. I managed to get a ballet flat on yesterday but it hurt by the end of the day. It was only a high of 47 F here today too and I was running around in sandals!

I loved this skirt when I first saw it but forgot about it. Someone on PR made one for the wardrobe challenge and reminded me about it. I cut it out in this Mystery Bundle linen I got from Fabric Mart awhile back. It's very nice linen, probably a blend because I didn't wrinkle like crazy today. The pictures are from the morning though, see the wet hair ;-)

This is a very nice pattern. It has a double knife pleat in the front. The pockets attach to make belt loops, but unless I read it wrong, I didn't see where you added other belt loops. I tend to really gloss over BWOF instructions though. This would be nice if you added a couple more wide loops to it but isn't needed. This skirt could be made easily with one pleat, or even with no pleats and still be really cute. I was going to make it with a single pleat out of the madras but now I'm thinking maybe no pleat at all. I'm not sure how the madras will deal with a pleat.

Great, quick easy pattern with some detail.

Fabric Fast....Maybe for a month

2011-05-02T10:38:00.004-04:00

I really admire all these people who can fabric fast for months or a year at a time. I'm not that strong! I did manage to walk away from the computer on Saturday after the FabricMart sale email with a free bundle if you spent $75. I kept thinking, "They're just toying with you." I really don't NEED any fabric. They do have their leather skins 50% off though and even though I just bought a couple of black goat skins, I was really tempted with the new cow skins they have. I was good though.

So I thought about it yesterday and am thinking I can do a fast for a month. Just a month! So for the whole month of May I will not purchase any new fabric, unless it's lining or something to go with something I already have AND I will not purchase any new patterns! Whew...I'm getting all clammy here and feel a bit of an anxiety attack coming on.

I really need to do this though. I have surpassed all my storage area, claimed new areas under beds and even in my son's closet. I have patterns coming out the kazoo which I don't feel all that bad about. McVogerick has been discontinuing patterns altogether too quickly lately so I grab them up when they come out and are on sale.

So here's to a month of stash sewing both fabric and patterns! Wish me luck and keep me honest if you catch me falling off the wagon!

I have ths skirt from Burda 11-2009-120 all done except for the hem. It's in a navy blue linen. I'm channelling my prepster. I really like how it sits low on the waist. I plan on making another one out of navy/green/red madras plaid. I will only be able to get the single pleat though since the fabric isn't wide enough but it should look cute anyways. I'll post some pics when I'm done. It's a great skirt.

Back to Basics With a Twist - Simplicity 3775

2011-05-01T14:26:00.003-04:00

It's really a shame this has been put to pasture by Simplicity. If you can get a copy and don't have it, do it! It's a great basic dress pattern and extremely flattering. I've made this several times but have never reviewed it or posted it here. Not sure why. It's kind of my "go-to" dress pattern if I want to make something TNT and quick. You can do the whole thing nearly on a serger.

I was inspired recently by a couple blog posts from Fashion for Nerds and Already Pretty about a clothing line called Desigual. Link I immediately loved this dress and started thinking about making one myself. I have so many scraps left from all the other things I've made I figured it would be a fun way to use them up. I'll never look at a 1/2 yard of jersey the same way now.

I think this is either a case of Love or Hate and for me it's Love! I'm going to send this off to my BFF along with the Vogue 1250 dress and see if she likes it. I have lots of scraps to play with and have plenty to make myself another one. My closet is on overload.

Vogue 1250 - Donna Karan

2011-04-19T21:06:00.004-04:00

I've been a sewing fool, then again, I'm into instant gratification and none of these things I've sewn lately is very complicated or time consuming.

This is a great dress! It is 3, yes 3 pieces, no zipper, buttons, very little marking. I cut this out this afternoon and sewed a bit here and there tonight. The only fiddly thing I can find with it is the side seams. They are kind of like darts in that they don't go all the way down and in my fairly sheer, light colored fabric, they were tricky.

This is some poly I bought online somewhere. I think FabricMart. I'm pretty sure it was a nicer one. It definitely feels and acts nicer than some of that $1.99 junk. It didn't shed and was very easy to sew with. It is thin though and required a slip and some Spanx. Otherwise you could see all of my tattoos and every lump and bump I had.

This is a great "going out" dress if you need something quick and easy yet really nice. I will definitely be making more of these. Donna Karan is a genious in how she makes clothes fit women.

For the next version, I will probably shorten it in the waist about an inch. It's too long on me which is not abnormal. Looking at the photo on the pattern, I think the back waist seam sits too low on me.

Stewie says "HI" again! And ignore my lovely shoe....;-) Hopefully, I will be back in my heels soon. I already miss them.

Vogue 1224

2011-04-19T12:28:00.004-04:00

I'm working my way through the newer Vogues. This time it was Vogue 1224.

Another one I loved from the get-go. But also another one that is iffy for my figure. Generally I try to shy away from elasiticized waistbands. They do nothing for me. I need sometthing that delineates my waist between under bust and hip because that's my narrowest. Yes, this pulls in at the waist but it doesn't do much because I'm so top heavy. I did want to try it though as it would be nice for a quick summer dress.

I'm not completely unhappy with it. I did a few modifications like adding an inch to the bodice and adding two inches to the hemline. I bought this cheapy fabric at Joann's, once again, Red Tag 50% off so it was bout $2 a yard. I bought it because I wanted the border to go around the hem. Well, I didn't even check it but this is only 2 way stretch and it doesn't stretch that way at all! So I got creative. It is also supposedly rayon but I'm not so sure on that.

For this version, I cut an 18 which is actually pretty close to my measurements. I don't usually cut it that big because anything over a 16 is usually huge where I don't want it to be, shoulders, back, arms, etc. I figured though with this having elastic in the waist and neckline, I could adjust it easily instead of doing and FBA. I was mostly right. The elasitc is good to adjust it. I should have cut it smaller in the shoulders anyway though. It hangs on me. I think I will add the inch to the bodice but cut the shoulders smaller. It is pretty low too. I could not find any finished measurements on the pattern either so I figured I'd go big and cut down if needed. However, it's pretty comfy and fits ok. I usually have to add to the waist in a 14 or 16 anyways.

This is very short as others have said. I'm 5 foot 3 on a tall day and I added 2 inches to the hem. It hits me above the knee but it's an ok length for me. Two inches shorter and I think it would be too short for me.

I didn't add the lining, I was making a cheapy trial run, so I just folded over the waist seam to make a casing. I like the lining idea if you were making this out of thinner fabric. I just wanted cool and easy for this one.

It's a decent pattern.

Excuse the pretty shoe...I broke my baby toe the other night pretty badly.

Vogue 1228 - Vena Cava

2011-04-15T21:27:00.004-04:00

I fell in love with this dress the minute I saw it. I'm a sucker for 1920's fashions and to me this has that vibe. However, that era was not designed for curvy girls. I still love it though.

I had planned on making it out of this yummy silk from FabricMart that I stashed away sometime last year.

However my concern was that despite the love I had for this design, it would be a travesty on my figure. So, I perused the Red Tag sale at Joann's which was 50% off this week and found this, surprisingly nice, floral rayon. I've been wanting to stretch myself in prints and florals definitely stretch me. Plus, they are "In" this season again. So I picked this up for a whopping $3 a yard and whipped it up. Seriously, this is a super quick, easy project.

There are only five pieces, two of which are the sleeve tabs and the neckline binding. I would say that a beginner could probably handle this dress. It teaches you how to do French Seams, which I had never done. It has some funky pleats in the front and back but they aren't hard. There is minimal marking for this. They want you to put in a zipper...puhlease...zipper??? Seriously??? Nothing cranks me more than erroneous zipper insertion. I'm super busty and did not in the least need a zipper to get this on.

I'm on the fence about whether I will make it in the silk or not. The silk wasn't very expensive, in fact, I don't think it was much more than my practice dress here. However, I do really like it and didn't want to waste it. I'll probably give this dress a run through and see how I like it after I wear it. That is one reason I don't do true muslins, I like to test it out. I'm not sure how to style this oh, and the neckline is VERY LOW!!! I read the one review and did remember to check it, but it is deceiving! I could easily take this up a full inch! There will definitely need to be a cami of some sort worn. I was considering some kind of a lace modesty panel...yeah, lace! Really, this is a stretch for me...I love my harder, biker chick look ;-)

All in all, I'm happily surprised by this dress. I really thought it was going to be a total downer. It has more shape than I thought and isn't a total box. It's not my ideal silouette for a dress but sometimes you just gotta say WTF and go for it.

Sorry you got me with no makeup after a day home alone with nowhere to go but up to my sewing room.

You can see the pleat just above the bust line. You fold it up from the bottom to get the interesting pleat for the sleeve. It's not pulling, that's the way it is supposed to be.

And this here is why I sometimes have a stupid look on my face while I'm taking pictures...the doofus Cattle Dog makes me laugh doing his silly little happy dance!

Another Vogue 8631

2011-04-14T09:50:00.008-04:00

This pattern has turned out to be a favorite of mine. Vogue 8631. This is version 3. I actually sewed it awhile back but never got around to posting pics or a review. The last two times I've made this I used a knit. I wanted to try it in a woven this time. I originally purchased this fabric to make another Vogue wrap dress but used some of it in the lining of my Leather Coat so I didn't have quite enough for the one I had wanted to make.

I still have some fitting issues with this pattern. I cut out a 14 for the woven, which was still big in the shoulders. I had to take it up a good 2 inches because otherwise I get the droopy boobie effect which looks horrible. I am very short waisted though. On the bright side, there is no need for an FBA in this dress. Despite the adjustments, which are simple, I love the silouette of this dress. It's become my go to shape for my figure. It's very similar in shape to the Vogue 1220 dress, kind of tulip shaped.

I wore it yesterday to work and got many unsolicited comments from total strangers, including men, which is odd because they don't usually comment on things like someone's dress. Or maybe I'm just used to my oblivious husband who didn't utter a word about how I looked yesterday....grrrr...well that's a whole 'nother can o'worms!

Anyways, I love this dress and will definitely make more! And yes, I have on blue socks...I was feeling funky;-)

Under Construction

2011-04-13T09:11:00.004-04:00

I've been a bad blogger the last two weeks. After the crazy sewing frenzy to complete my wardrobe I had to step away from the sewing area. I'd been neglecting my hubby, kids, dogs, housework, etc. Plus I was a bit burnt out. It was still pretty cold here and it's hard to get motivated to sew sundresses when it's stil 40 degrees out.

In the meantime, I had been toying with the idea of revamping my sewing area. Almost 2 years ago I moved myself from the basement up to our loft. I lost a lot of room but gained the omnipotent watcher status so I could see and monitor all that was going on in my domain! When you have an 8 year old boy and 8 dogs, being sequesterd in the basement is not a good idea. While I loved the quiet and solitude, the constant running upstairs to see what this crash or that commotion was, got tiresome.

When I moved upstairs, it was a test so I didn't buy a lot of things. I used an existing desk I had bought from Pottery Barn (which I will never do again) that was in my old house but didn't fit anywhere else. I did find a cool little cutting table on Craigslist for $40. But other than that I just got a couple things for organizing.

So this year, my back has decided it needs something better and taller to cut out patterns. I decided to go with two Expedit small bookcases from Ikea and put them on casters for added height and movement. Then DH cut me a piece of plywood to go under a bigger cutting board. I'm going from a 30 by 60 to a 40 by 72 which is the absolute biggest I could fit. At first, this was all I was going to do. I had a desk for sewing, a desk for a computer, and I didn't want to dump a bunch of money in it. Then, as I was sitting there, I realized, darnit, I'm going for it. In total, I think it will be about $500 worth of updates. That doesn't include the extras I bought at Ikea when I was there for other things. Ikea is like a drug....good thing I'm an hour away!

So, here's where I'm at. Here is a just one picture to give an idea. I snapped it really quick this am. Here is also a link of how it looked before in a post I did awhile back.

I'm waiting on the cutting board which is due to arrive tonight before I assemble the new cutting table. Although I do have the Expedit bookcases under the existing table. I have the tables all together and up. I will be purchasing some wall mounts for my computer monitors. I need to put up a thread holder (I think). I love the new pattern storage. Those plastic bins that fit into the bookcases hold a TON of patterns and make them easily accessible!

I still need to reconsider fabric storage. I've hit my absolute limit. I have another 2 by 4 Expedit bookcase being used as a behind the sofa table that I'm replacing with a real table. So that may get moved up to store more fabric. My jelly cupboard may or may not stay. I'd like to put that downstairs with all the other antiques since it is such a pretty piece.

I'm hoping to have it all done by this weekend. Just in time to have to spend every waking moment outside doing Springtime yard cleanup...oh, the irony! And on top of that Little League Baseball has started so lots of practice time which means no sewing time.

Old Sewing Area

Back in the day

2011-04-01T10:20:00.005-04:00

I was driving home last night from work and had this realization about how much my Wardrobe reminded me of my 1988 prom dress. The idea that I have "recycled" is pretty scary.

This was a gorgeous dress if I don't say so myself. My Mom made it for me. I'm pretty sure it was a Vogue pattern but can't be certain. It had a huge pink bow on the back of it. I didn't have a chance to scan a picture of the back. I loved having something totally unique and I guess you can see my tastes haven't changed all that much from 20 plus years ago.

My poor Mom went through heck with this dress and fitting me. I'd been very sick the last couple months of the year and lost about 15-20 pounds. Everytime she tried to fit the muslin, it was too big because I kept losing weight. This was the thinnest I had ever been since hitting high school. I very nearly did not graduate from high school because I missed so much school that year.

Gotta love all that big hair too!

Thanks for all the wonderful comments on my wardrobe. It sure was fun to sew! I fixed the link to the full photo album of my wardrobe on the previous post. Oops!

The Wardrobe That Almost Wasn't

2011-03-30T20:43:00.007-04:00

I started out with a plan, I got derailed and decided not to do the wardrobe. Then, this sort of evolved, first with a dress, then the jacket and I filled in with the shirt and skirt.

We have Vogue 1220.

Vogue 8714 aka Prison Break Jacket.

Add in Jalie 2921.

And last but not least Vogue 1020.

The final garment was a preexisting one in your closet. I chose a pair of designer jeans I splurged on.

And I think I ended up with a pretty fun and unique wardrobe. Some of the combinations are a bit ecclectic but I had a great time putting them together.

Photo Album

Prison Break!

2011-03-26T16:18:00.004-04:00

Good followup to the did a bad thing post, dontcha think :-)

Prison Break jacket AKA Vogue 8714 is almost complete. I still have to topstitch just about everything and add buttons. I am on the fence about lining the sleeves. Turns out the only pieces that use lining are the backs, side fronts, and sleeves. Everything else is doubled with fabric. I did cut out the sleeves in lining and had them attached but they were too tight. I couldn't reach forward. I'm on the fence about doing a arm adjustment on them and redoing them or not. I don't see the need to line them personally. It's unlikely that I will wear this jacket with long sleeves and even if I did, it's rather smooth fabric. I may just slipstitch the lining to the armcyce at this point, wear it a bit, then decide. I could add them later if I wanted.

So far, it's exactly how I envisioned it...YEAH!

I played around with cutting out the pieces and decided on cutting the side fronts on the bias and the bottom peplum cross grain. I think it added some fun to it, not that a striped jacket by itself isn't fun though.

Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing...

2011-03-24T21:05:00.005-04:00

I was going to link the video of Chris Isaak's "Baby Did a Bad, Bad Thing" video but seeing as some people look at this stuff at work I figured I better not. It's a bit risque ;-)

Well I did a bad thing and went off my fabric buying (sort of) fast. I was so angsted about not finding the fabric I wanted for that jacket that I fell off the wagon. I went to Gorgeous Fabrics and a bunch of stuff I wanted was on sale, plus I found that pinstriped double knit that I thought might work for the jacket. So, of course I had to make it worthwhile with shipping and bought some two tone pinstriped denim, and some cotton voile'ish type fabric with roses and pinstripes. See a pattern? I searched for stripes and this is what I ended up with.

I was a little disappointed with the pinstripe black and white double knit. I knew it was a polyester but it's really polyesterey. Otherwise, it's ok. The black roses was worth it all though. It's a gorgeous lightweight cotton, almost a voile, and is going to be amazing in a dress. It's going to the top of my must sew list! The denim is interesting and I'll see how it washes up.

Next then, FabricMart sent out a 20% off our whole site sale. I'd been pretty good but this just threw me for a loop when my defenses were down. I wanted to stock up on some of their pontes, but of course I found some other things too ;-)

The first is a cotton plaid madras. I love madras and purple! The next is a purple ponte, and last is a Marc Jacobs orange wool jersey knit in what they call paprika. It's so yummy! I love orange too and it's a deep red orange color.

This picture has a seriously delicious blood orange cotton stretch sateen. I was just looking at my most recent Lucky magazine and this is the "IN" color right now supposedly. I just love it. The middle is a heathered gray ponte. The last is a rayon jersey in a salmon color.

Now, last but not least, I did stop at my local indie on Monday. I've been too busy to post but I did score the fabric I had been wanting. I couldn't believe they had it. I missed it when I first walked in and asked a bit later after I walked around if they had any striped ponte and she said, "You mean like the stuff up front?" Sure enought they had it in cream/black and a black/cream. One had more black and one had more cream. I chose the one with the predominantly cream one for my jacket but I think I'm going back to get the other one too. It is so nice. It's a rayon doubleknit, no poly! And I added this fun striped cotton knit, in what else, orange!

I have it all cut out and about 60% done. It's coming along great and I'm hoping to have it done this weekend!!!

Plan B

2011-03-21T08:41:00.002-04:00

Well it looks like the fabric I wanted is sold out. I can't find anything else similar online. I'm going to go checkout my local indie and call another one to see if they have anything but I'm not holding out hope. I ordered some of this pinstriped double knit from Gorgeous Fabrics in the meantime.

It really bums me out when I have this idea in my head that for one reason or another I can't execute! I'm sure if this pinstripe fabric will work for the jacket, I'd get a lot of wear out of it plus it would stay in style longer. But...I really wanted a striped jacket like the picture and I'm not paying $400 for one, not to mention they only size up to a 10...SERIOUSLY!

I had hopes I might be able to complete a wardrobe and there is still a small chance. I think I can do it if I can sew one shirt and a skirt which should both be easy but darn it if my house isn't totaly in need of a a full fledged cleaning. I can only ignore it for so long.

I did take a sewing detour for version 2 of the Vogue dress which now only needs the sleeves. I figured I better do it now or I wouldn't make another one.

Stripes! Vogue 8714

2011-03-18T07:45:00.006-04:00

I was looking through some clothing websites yesterday and found this on Piperlime. I love it! I've always had a thing for stripes and love that they are "In" this season.

You can't see it here but this is a bit of a trapeze look to it. You can see more pictures here Link.

I've been wanting this pattern and although not exact, it does have the front collar of the inspiration piece. I like the shape and style of the Vogue pattern better too. With it's princess seams and peplum, it will be a lot more flattering, plus it's a "Custom Fit" pattern with the various cup sizes. The pattern calls for lightweight double knits and looking at the inspiration jacket in the zoom, it looks like a knit to me.

I could not find anything that looked similar but put a post on Pattern Review and someone pointed me to this fabric at Marcy Tilton's website. It's not the beige and black of the jacket, but grey and black, which I think will still look great. It's sturdy enough that you can cut it on the bias so I may play with that for the side front pieces or the peplum. I doubt I will line it. I just want something kind of like a cardigan but with a bit more structure.

If I can get a couple more things sewn, I may just have a mini wardrobe to enter into the contest but I'm not going to hold myself to it ;-)

I'm in love with Vogue 1220!

2011-03-15T18:33:00.004-04:00

I seriously love this dress. It's like the busty girls version of a shirtdress. I can't wear shirtdresses. I look like a box in them but this gives that whole shirtdress vibe but still has some shape. The construction was so much fun, really, it was. I haven't done a Donna Karan pattern before but let me tell you, all the ones from my pattern stash will be pulled out!

I love it so much that I have version two already laid out to cut! There really isn't much I don't like about it. I guess the only thing would be there is some gapiosis at the neckline when you sit. I did bring up the attached fly about an inch or so because of my short waistedness. I could bring it up another inch maybe for the next version. The hem is great even though I had a doh moment with it. I'm very bad at those cut corners but with the pattern of the fabric and the tie or belt covering them, no one but me would notice. If you do it in a solid you'd need to be very mindful to do them nicely.

I folded my tie in half lengthwise and stitched it so it is half the width. I don't need that super wide thing being short waisted nor did I want a big bow. My next version may not even get a tie because the fabric isn't wide enough but a regular belt works fine too.

I plan to do a regular review tomorrow but wanted to get these up tonight.

Vogue 1220 Progress

2011-03-14T21:57:00.003-04:00

For the moment I have given up on the wardrobe challenge. Every time I plan one, I get frustrated and/or bored. I need to stop trying to do these. I sew one piece at a time as the mood strikes me...I am so NOT a planner ;-)

All I could think about yesterday was sewing this dress but I kept trying to make myself sew something in my plan. Well, I gave in and started on this dress.

The pattern calls for stretch woven and this was the only fabric in a stretch woven I had enough of. I do like it though. It's kind of willy nilly circles.

So far it's really been fun to make. This is a straight 16 with no FBA. I don't think I needed one with all the extra fabric in the front. It does look a bit long waisted on me (I am SUPER short waisted) but I think it will be fine once I get the belt on right. My fabric is not the same on both sides so the wrong side shows on the belt. I think I an just going to stitch the belt in half lengthwise and turn it right side out. Being so short waisted I don't need such a wide belt.

Vogue 1220 Look A Likes

2011-03-09T08:52:00.002-05:00

Thank you all for the such wonderful and sweet comments. I promise I will soon be back posting my sewing. You all sure know how to make a girl feel wanted ;-) I do have the blog set so there aren't anonymous postings, these negative comments were a result of the "Open ID" portion of the posting. Basically, they can post with an ID but it's not a Google ID.

I love this dress and laid it out to cut out but put it away shortly so that I can work on a mini wardrobe. I will definitely be making this dress though.

Leather Baby Booties and a Little Break

2011-03-04T10:55:00.004-05:00

I've been busy sewing but just didn't feel like sharing much, sorry to those of you who leave such wonderful comments. It seems that over the last couple months the negative comments I've been getting have increased quite a bit. Now, I know, I put myself out here and should expect it but it still stings. I delete them because I don't want negativity following me. I'm not a thin person, heck, I know that, but the comments about my size really annoy me. I've reached a place in my life where I am happy with who I am and have accepted my curviness and truthfully embraced it. Still no one wants to hear that something looks horrible on them because of their build. Anyway, that's why I haven't been posting much and why now I'm just showing off some baby booties I made for a coworker. I wholeheartedly appreciate all the wonderful comments of so many and will be back posting my garments soon!

I found a free pattern online and purchase a couple lots of leather scraps on ebay. These were so much fun to make!

Vogue 1197 and 8711

2011-02-07T13:26:00.007-05:00

I made this last week. I was looking for something quick. I've had all this Vera Wang poly for awhile and I need to dwindle down some of my stash of it. It slips and slides all over the place in my cupboard.

I've been wanting to make this shirt for awhile and knew I wanted to use this fabric. Unfortunately (or now fortunately) I was so determined to use it that I didn't even lay it all out before I started cutting...doh! When I went to cut out the last piece, I though I only needed one piece for the cowl, but nope, I needed two! I didn't have enough so that's why part of the cowl is in black. Well, turns out, I really like it like this. Sometimes mistakes turn out to be the best.

I made View B with the length of View A.

I finished this skirt last night and will photograph and review it shortly. I actually wore it today but was running late.

Jalie 2679 - Back to Reality

2011-01-31T09:59:00.005-05:00

Oh all this fun thinking about sewing for Spring but yet here it is 15 degrees with a impending colassal snowstorm coming, nothing like back to reality.

Here is the Jalie 2679 fleece coat I made at the beginning of the month. I made it for the ActiveWear contest on Pattern Review. Normally, I'm scrambling to finish a project, but this time I finished it early, yet here I am submitting it on the last day!

I absolutely love this jacket. I bought this fabric, which is the Polartec WindPro 200 from my local indie, Fabric Gallery. She has a variety of really nice fleeces, not the Joann's yuck, but the good stuff. So, I grab it in the colors I like when she gets it in. This version, the WindPro 200, is extra thick and has the added benefit of being water and wind resistant.

Here's the description of it from Seattle Fabrics.

A new revolution in thermal fabrics allows you to forgo the use of a shell in all but the most extreme wet or windy conditions. The tight knit construction of the Polartec Wind Pro blocks 95% of the wind, yet is highly breathable. Polartec Wind Pro fabric features a unique suede velour face and a pebbled back or velour/velour finish. All of this plus a DWR (Durable Water Resistant) finish makes this fabric perfect for outerwear garments. The slightly denser body of the Wind Pro fabrics makes it really nice to work with.

It really was very nice to work with. It is definitely a lot thicker than regular fleece and the suede finish is very nice. It almost has a neoprene type feel to it with it's thickness and drape. This coat is as warm as my heavy Roxy snowboarding jacket!

I left out the side pockets for a couple reasons. One, the fleece was so heavy they just wouldn't lay down well, two, I never use those little pockets and three, I don't need any extra bulk around the middle. The other change I made was topstitching on both sides of the seam. I liked the way it looked.

Now for the "Action" shots for the "Active" wear!

A little Chuck-It with the dogs. Unfortunately they lost both the bright orange tennis balls.

Palette Challenge Fabrics

2011-01-29T10:18:00.003-05:00

I went through my fabrics last night and was amazed at how many I had in this palette. I guess I do love blues and oranges. I was wrong about the silk that had inspired me, it was only orange and cream, no blue in it. I think I was thinking about another fabric I had wanted to purchase but didn't.

From left to right top row: Cotton stretch knit, crepey chiffon that is almost see through, blue ponte, rayon knit
Middle row: white denim, orange/cream silk, blue/green rayon knit, coral polyester crepe stretch.
Second middle: Blue linen, Blue/white polka dot faille
Bottom row: Flowered faille, blue/blue cotton knit, light orange cotton woven

Obviously, I'm not going to sew all these right now, but I just threw them together for more inspiration. Now I just need to match them up with patterns. Right now I'm thinking about using the white denim for a skirt, maybe the blue linen for some sailor pants or shorts, the blue polka dots for a Macaroon dress and the orange silk for a Vogue 1228 out of the new collection. I do need a shirt or two and I'm thinking about a couple I like. I'm going to let it sink in a bit before I decide. Then again, I'm famous for changing things as I go though.

Spring Palette Challenge at Colette Patterns

2011-01-28T13:25:00.003-05:00

Spring Palette Challenge

I'm not much for "Challenges" or "SWAPS" because I'm way to fickle. This one, however, looked like fun. I love the idea of a wardrobe based on a palette and this one was easy, basically no rules...gotta love it! So I played around today, even though I'm hitting the tail end of the submit your palette portion of it.

I went with a palette of mostly blues and oranges which is one of my favorite combinations. I adore orange. Mostly the inspiration came from a piece of orange silk fabric with blue chysanthemums on it that I want to use for Vogue 1228.

I have several other lovely pieces of fabric including some periwinkle/navy cotton knit stripes, some coral crepe knit, white denim for a skirt, and some others I will take pictures of when I put them together with my pattern ideas. I'm on a bit of a fabric diet so I'm trying to use up stash. But I have lots of yummy fabrics to choose from!

But for now, here is the inspiration board. Can you tell I have the winter blahs???

Now, there's no guarentee I will finish but it was fun to plan it out. As I said, there aren't any requirements on how many things you sew.

Butterick 5466...Sort of

2011-01-27T21:39:00.005-05:00

I finished up my skirt tonight. I absolutely love it! It's probably the best fitting skirt I have ever made. Ironically, it started out as Butterick 5466 but by the end was completely morphed into it's own being.

I started out cutting out View C, which in the picture is the green one with the belt. Basically, it's just a pencil skirt with 4 darts in the front and 4 in the back and a regular zipper (I think) up the back center seam.

Well here is the list of what I did differently:

1. I cut out a 14 but really needed a 16, since I bought the wrong sized pattern.
2. I cut the back piece on the fold, in essence gaining the seam allowance it would have had.
3. Instead of the 4 darts in front and back, I put in only two darts front and back. I split the difference between the two that were next to each other and made my own. I am very flat, not much difference between my waist and hip, maybe 7 or 8 inches on a good day. Also, I have a reall flat tummy, thank you plastic surgeon ;-) I can't take credit for it.
4. I moved the zipper to the side, the right side, because of the embroidery. I didn't want to try to put a zipper through it.
5. I used an invisible zipper. I'm pretty sure the pattern called for a regular zipper but since I didn't even glance at the instructions, I'm not sure.
6. I added 2 inches to the length.
7. I added a lining.
8. I used a button on the waistband. I'm not sure how I was supposed to close it.
9. I obviously had to lengthen the waistband, but since it is just a straight band, it was no biggie.
10. And lastly, I cut the fabric the opposit of the grain because I wanted the embroidery to go up and down, instead of around.

Whew...so basically, I'm not sure I can call this Butterick 5466 since I made so many changes. And ironically, I have ended up with the best fitting skirt I have ever owned, made or RTW! When I realized I had the wrong size, I just started flat measuring and making it work. My hips were the right size for the pattern but my waist wasn't. Normally, its easier to fit the waist and adjust the hips, but I couldn't do that with the largest size in this pattern a 14. Even if I had had the 16, I don't think this would have fit nearly as well. For me, being fairly straight up and down with no butt or tummy, all those darts would have looked horrible.

I'm so excited! I have a TNT skirt pattern. I just need to mark all these changes down on the pattern, but at least I have them here for reference. I have another skirt planned, but I want to wear this one tomorrow and see how it fares. You never know til you wear something whether it's true love or just skin deep.

Sorry, you only get the waist down version. I'm business on the bottom, but jammies on the top!

Edited to add more pictures.

Catching Up!

2011-01-26T10:07:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I've been a bad blogger lately. As I said, I did finish my fleece coat and have worn it a ton! Unfortunately, I've been either too busy or too sick to take photos of it. I'm hoping to get out this weekend and take some pictures. I want to take them outside and it's been Arctic up here lately.

I did manage to sew one thing since then. The infamous Tippi Hedren dress, AKA, BWOF 2-2008-103. I started my BWOF subscription in April 2008 so I have been on the hunt for this issue since then. I finally won a copy on ebay, and paid WAY too much for it, but darn it, it's so worth it! I absolutely love this dress! I made a quick, cheap version out of the $1 a yard Vera Wang poly from FabricMart. I bought a boatload of the stuff in various colors just for this purpose, to try out new patterns. This one is a navy blue. I finished it just in time to take a business trip and wore in on the plane down. I have plans to make at least 2 more. Here's the line drawing:

I will definitely make it short sleeved for the summer and am thinking about a leopard print one in some thin sweater knit. I already have a leopard print dress but a girl could use a couple, couldn't she???

Since I got back from my business trip, I've been busy rearranging and reorganizing my house. Winter blahs I think. I hit Ikea and spent way too much money. Part of it was the sewing area, but I still need to finish it. So the sewing area is kind of under construction at the moment. I was stressed out last night though and needed some sewing therapy so I managed to cut out a skirt real quick amidst the chaos.

The fabric is a gorgeous gray wool with blue embroidered flowers. Instead of using the flowers as a border on the bottom, I laid out the pattern the wrong way and have them running up and down. I'm hoping to finish it tonight, then I promise some pictures.

Jalie 2679

2011-01-07T13:00:00.003-05:00

I bought some gorgeous Polartec fleece in December with a gift certificate from my mom for my birthday. It's thicker than the regular Polartec and it's got wind resistance in it. It's also a yummy bluish, teal color, whic is one of my favorites.

I've been planning on making myself a new fleece soon and found out there was yet another contest on Pattern Review for Activewear so what better time to sew it up. Plus, I have so many work clothes now and my closet is overflowing!

I decided on the Jalie 2679. I've had this pattern for probably 2 years and for whatever reason have not sewn it up yet. I had such great success with their scarf top that I really wanted to make this.

I'm pretty sure this is the fabric I bought, in
Aquamarine. I got it at my local indie though.

Polartec

I cut it out the other night and started sewing it up last night. I'm not happy at all with how I put the zippers in for the pockets. To me they just look shabby. I also just realized in reading the description of the fabric from the site above, that I used the wrong side as the right side. I angst over which was which and thought the nubbier side was probably the right side. Well, looks like I was wrong.

From the site: Polartec Wind Pro fabric features a unique suede velour face and a pebbled back

Luckily, I have another 2/3 of a yard left so I can recut out the small pieces for the pockets and redo them. Truthfully, I 'm not a huge fan of those side/front pockets in fleece jackets. I rarely ever use them because I find the placement irritating and I can never get the zippers up/down easily. I may just leave them off entirely. Maybe I'll see if I can figure out how to do an interior pocket instead.

Vogue 8626

2011-01-03T12:46:00.004-05:00

Here is the idea board for the coat.

I've been planning this coat or something similar for awhile now. I waited til December for the Winter Wear Contest on Pattern Review. I didn't actually start it til around the 21st of December. I didn't have time to do any interesting blog posts about my progress as it was put together rather fast and furious. I lost my sewing mojo right after I cut out it, took a break and started sewing again on the 27th. At that time, I realized that my plan of doing bound buttonholes went awry after I attached the facings. I could have done it but it would have been a pain. I then decided on some fun, funky, alternative style closures. I found them on MJ Trim, ordered them, then angsted over their delivery time. You know, contest deadline, massive snowstorm in NYC! Well luckily they came through for me and I got them just in time. I finished it at 6:30 pm on December 31st!

I've been a bit fascinated with steampunk for the last couple months. It started after reading some Steampunk romance books...lol! I know it's been around awhile and that I'm too old to really embrace it. But I still think it's very interesting and am enjoying throwing little bits of it into my wardrobe on occasion.

Here's an up close of the closures. When I ordered them I didn't realize that both sides unsnapped leaving the middle piece completely independent. I may in the future put some JB Weld or something on the one side to make sure they don't come loose. But that would keep them horizontal and now they fall downward when not clipped together. I had to get a leather punch and put holes all the way around each of the tabs, then I sewed them on using button/upholstery thread. My poor fingers are still sore!

It was a great experiences sewing with camel hair. I even ordered more, I liked it so much. My coat so far is warm and comfy. I used the good flannel backed satin but the coat still isn't very heavy or bulky like you would think. The camel hair is thinner than the melton I have at home.

Here's a link to the pattern review I did.

Pattern Review

And here's a link to my Flickr album. My DS, age 8, was enlisted as my photographer. I think he did a pretty darn good job if I don't say so myself!

Photo Album

Party Dress Number Two - Butterick 5559

2010-12-16T07:36:00.004-05:00

I'm so glad I went with my gut. I finished this over the weekend and when I tried it on my husband loved it. Now for most that would be no biggie, but my husband doesn't say much. Usually I get an "It's nice" or "That works" from him, but I actually got a bit of a jaw drop from him which I don't think I even got on our wedding day.

Also, it was a good choice for the party which was last night. There was an array of clothing, from hootchie mamma to matronly and from jeans to sequins, so I fit in the middle nicely. It was also frigid here and this ponte is nice and warm.

I loved this pattern from the minute I saw it. I couldn't believe it was a Butterick. They surely aren't my grandmother's Butterick anymore. This dress is very fitted and pretty darn sexy if you ask me. I don't usually make things with that high of a neckline but I went for it. That neckline usually makes my bust look huge. I'm going to say that it definitely didn't minimize it but I don't think I look any more out of proportion than I normally do ;-)

The pattern itself is actually quite a simple pattern. You do however need to be patient enough to mark all the lines and the darts reasonably carefully. The goal of the dart placement is so that it hides underneath the folds of the lines. I have one that is slightly off but you can't really tell too much. Ponte is such a great fabric is you can wear poly, it hides so much.

Below are the pictures of the marks. I marked both the lines and the darts on the wrong side but should have done the darts on them on the right side. It was a "doh" moment. It ended up working out ok, just took a bit longer to pin them.

Front

Back

You do need to stretch the garment while you are stitching the lines so that when you stretch it to put it on you don't rip the threads. I popped a couple of them while trying it on and had to fix them. Straight stitching and a stretchy fitted garment are not conduscive. A straigter zig zag stitch didn't look right on the folds. I was careful when I put it on last night but it doesn't deter me from loving this dress. If I make it again, I'll make sure to stretch it more when I sew the folds.

I did end up cutting out a 14 and did end up only taking 1/4 inch seams on the sides. It did fit like they said it would. Normally Butterick has quite a bit of ease but this didn't. The shoulders fit me great in the 14 but I should have cut the sides from the bust to the hips in a 16. It would have given me bigger seam allowances and been easier to sew but I think the sizing ended up roughly the same. I don't know how I would have done an FBA on this and didn't even try. Ponte is quite a forgiving material so I just went with it. I didn't have any funky pulling across the front really, maybe a smidge but it loosened up as the night went on. This is quite a fitted dress though.

I'm actually extemely happy with the dress. I love the royal blue ponte, I love the fit and the style. I can see me making this again. I don't think it would work in a lighter weight I think the dress needs some heft to it. I might try it in a stretch woven though. Ponte is one of my favorite fabrics. I know lots of folks don't like poly but this one is a nice blend of poly/rayon/lycra from FabricMart. I bought it in just about all the colors they offered it in. I still have about 2 1/2 yards of this blue left too.

I wish you could see the details better. It was hard to get a picture of. Usually I take them until I get one I like but DH offered to take the picture and wasn't really patient in getting a good one.

Plan B

2010-12-10T10:41:00.004-05:00

Well I made a practice dress for the McCalls knit dress. I liked it, but didn't love it. I think it was the fabric I chose. It was just some thinner rayon knit and it kind of drooped in the bodice on my. I cut out a 14 based on reading reviews that it ran big, yes, it does run big. I will definitely cut a smaller size in the shoulders on the next one. My practice dress is very salvagable but at the moment it just didn't interest me. I thought maybe once I got started on the good stuff I'd be happier. I laid it out all neat and was about to cut into it but just couldn't. There was that little voice in the back of my head telling me it wasn't right...ok, so maybe I'm crazy but whenever I have ignored this little voice, I don't like the garment. So, I listened this time instead of cutting in to the gorgeous silk jersey. I folded it all up neatly and put it away for future inspiration.

So, it really wasn't that I lost my mojo, it was just not the right pattern or the right fabric for the moment. Instead, as I told my husband, I was more in a $5.99 yard poly/rayon/lycra mood versus the $30 a yard silk jersey mood. I cut this out last night. It's Butterick 5559. It's not a neckline that I normally wear and may stretch it out a bit into a boatneck but I'm waiting to give it a try first. But holy darts and lines Batman! It looks like an easy pattern but there is a lot of prep to mark all the darts and folds. I cut out a straight 14 with no FBA. The measurements say it's 38 1/2 inches in the bust finished which is a smidge too tight for me, but I find that Butterick runs larger than they say IMO. I'm going to take 1/4 seams instead of 5/8 inch seams and then take in as I need to or not. I don't even know how I'd do an FBA on this. It has side darts on both sides of the front but they aren't even and there are three darts on one side but only one on the other. I have the front and back bodice marked and will take a picture before I sew them in.

And just to make things difficult, the pattern did not include one of the facing pieces in size 14. There were two size 16s. I even laid them on top of each other and they were the same. Printing error! So I had to grade down the 16, hopefully it will be right. It's just the facing so I can tweak it if necessary. I may end up redrafting them anyways if I make the neck more boatnecky.

Pictures to follow tonight.

Here's the fabric. It looks like it's $6.99 a yard but I got it on sale at FabricMart.

Party Dress Number Two

2010-12-07T09:27:00.002-05:00

I seem to have lost my mojo...oh were did you go mojo??? I have a second dress to make for my husband's work party. But having found out that jeans are acceptable to wear, I'm wondering now if I'll be too dressed up. It's in a big ballroom and an event center. I guess there were several people who complained years past that it they didn't want to dress up. Well I just don't get it, I guess to each his own though. There will be several hundred people there so I'm sure there will be a variety.

At this moment I've decided on McCall's 5974 - Palmer Pleitsch Perfect Knit dress.

I didn't even have this pattern which is strange for me. I buy so much when they are on sale. Luckily, Joann's had a sale this past weekend. Someone brought up this pattern as a copycat for the Kate Middleton engagement dress. I'm not trying to copy it, especially since my fabric is a light tangerine color, but I thought it would really do the silk jersey justice.

I like to make a practice dress out of a casual/work fabric. I hate making muslins, especially for knitwear, but do make some for fitted things. So instead, before I cut the good stuff, I make a practice one I know I will wear. I don't doubt I can get it to fit and that I will like it. I just want the experience of making it once before I used the $30 a yard stuff for it ;-)

I've been working on a vest as a third piece in the Endless combinations but it's not going well and I got frustrated. So, I'm going to put that down and work on the dress. If I get the dress done, which I also need by the 15th, then I will return to the Endless combination contest. If not, then oh well...

It's so cold here that I will likely move on to my winter coat!

Burda Magazine 10-2008 Issues for Sale

2010-12-06T12:34:00.002-05:00

I ended up with three copies of this issue. I have two complete issues that I want to sell. Now I think I've used all the issues, long story!, but nonetheless each one has all their pieces. The pattern sheets have all been removed from the magazine but are all there, however a couple may have been cut in half for ease of tracing.

$10 per issue not including shipping. Actual shipping charged but I have no idea what it would be.

Link to the archive on the Russian Burda site.

10-2008

Party Dress Numero Uno

2010-12-04T09:57:00.006-05:00

It's finished and I wore it last night. I couldn't have been happier with how it turned out. This is a great pattern and I can't believe it doesn't have 50 reviews on Pattern Review. I found it shearly by accident. I was trying to figure out what to make and was perusing through the old Burda's I have. I need to pick up some more back issues. Anyway, this dress jumped out at me from the page because it was made out of metallic jersey, which is the exact fabric I was looking at making the dress out of. There were only two reviews on PR for it but both were good. So I made a practice version. I knew I would like the style and pretty much figured it would be flattering so the one I made was out of some nice fabric from a new to me ebay seller, High End Fabrics. This is some of the European Viscose fabric. This print is gone I think but the fabric was wonderful!

This isn't hemmed yet since I put it aside to work on the party dress. I didn't have enough fabric for the inside bodice piece so it is some grey poly. However, I think I laid out the pattern wrong. When I laid it out on the party dress fabric I didn't have enough either, but when I went back to the picture of the layout and actually followed the instructions, I had enough. I SMART! It really didn't matter though because you can't even see the inside bodice at all in the finished dress.

You can see here how it pulls a bit on the sides. This is why I added a little to the drapes. My party version did this too though, but not quite as badly. The other reviews mentioned something about this too. The dress is pulled together at the waist and over the bust by the drapes so I think this is just a bit inherent in the design.

Edited to add a picture of me in the print dress. I finished up the hems on it tonight. I see this as a major go to dress. I can see me wearing it a ton! It's that great combination of feeling like you're wearing jammies, being stylish and flattering all at the same time. A win-win dress!

I find I don't photograph well in prints. I'm pretty unphotogenic to begin with though. Despite the photos, this dress is probably more flattering in person than the party dress is in my opinion.

For the party dress version I did a bit of an FBA on this which amounted only to adding 1/2 inch to the drapes. The bodice underneath is plenty large enough without any additions. My party version is fully lined with either a nude color poly (at the bodice) or power mesh. The fabric was very thin and while I don't think it is see through, I think the lining makes it lay a lot nicer. If you hang the dress on a hanger, the front pulls the sides forward. Even though this looks like it should be wrong, it's not. It's the design of the dress. But as I said, I did add 1/2 inch to the drape side for myself as an FBA. You also might need to fiddle with how they lay. The first version I didn't have any bulging out of the drape, probably because it was tight. On the second version, the spot where the top of the drape attaches to the side bulged out a smide. This is the side where the drape is on top. The other side, the drape is buried underneath the other drape. I just pulled the edge a little tighter before basting down the sides.

Now for the party dress. Sadly, these pictures don't do this fabric justice. And these pictures were taken at 11 at night after the party. No wrinkles, stretching, etc! It's from EmmaOneSock and is the most gorgeous cream/gold metallic jersey. It's soft and yummy! It was a big seller on her website a year or so ago. I missed the first batch but then she got some more in and I grabbed it. It's been aging in the stash for awhile for the perfect thing to make with it. I was considering a shirt like the Jalie tie front top but then thought about a party dress out of it. I think she actually as some more on her website now.

I'm pretty sure this is the same fabric.

Metallic Jersey

Some interior shots.

A skirt, a wadder and a party dress

2010-11-29T11:06:00.014-05:00

The Skirt: Vogue 8603 View A (without the back ruffle)

This is piece 2 in the Endless combinations contest. Great, easy skirt pattern. Despite the fact that I measure for an 18 in Vogue, I usually cut out a 16. It was kind of iffy with the finished measurements that were listed but I'm glad I stuck with the 16. The 16 is still a bit big on me. It's supposed to be a fitted skirt but I have a bit more room in it that I think I'd like. I did not line it since the fabric has some stretch to it. It's a beautiful wool stretch remnant I got from Fashionista Fabrics probably last year some time.

The Wadder: Butterick 5564

Wow, what a disappointment. I really thought this was a cute pattern but man did it look bad on me. I made it out of a slub knit rayon from Fabric.com and maybe that was part of the problem. I have decided I hate this stuff. Nothing against the quality, etc, but it is slippery, thin, and just a bear to work with. Oh, and the pleats in that thin fabric...wow, no fun at all! No more slub knit rayon for me. The shirt looked so sad a droopy on me. I felt like an old woman in a cartoon who's chest had drooped to her waist. I pitched the whole thing, pattern, fabric, and instructions into the trash. I've never done that before but there was no salvaging this. Now, though looking back, maybe it's that "Rose colored glasses" thing, but I wonder if maybe in a beefier fabric it would look better. I really do like the idea of the pattern, maybe it's just three strikes on it for me, bad fabric choice, bad shape for me, and my large chest didn't work together.

I'm so sad...:-(

Party Dress: Burda 6-2009-129

This image was taken from Fehrtrade who made this dress already. I apologize for using the photo and wanted to give her credit. The archive for Burda for this magazine issue does not exist anymore and I couldn't find a photo, at least on the German website and we all know how wonderful the US version is...NOT! Sorry, tangent :-(

Yeah, I found them, on the Russian website. How sad that they can't make it easy. The German site only has archives back through mid 2009 now.

If you remember, I have two parties to go to and one dress was going to be out of the metallic jersey from EOS, shown below.

Well I looked around and decided that I wanted something more figure flattering and was just perusing my patterns when I found this one in the June 2009 issue. I made a "practice" version which I absolutely loved. So I decided to cut into the good stuff. I'm about halfway done and tweaked it here and there with some lining and skipping the facings which I hate! All in all, it's coming out quite nicely.

Some in progress pictures. I've lined the whole thing so far instead of the facings. In the back and on the front skirt, which hasn't been attached yet, is a powermesh and on the inside bodice piece it's lined with some Vera Wang nude colored poly knit. I've had to rethink things quite a bit to get it to work. The shoulders are just basted together right now. I basically put the back shoulder piece around the front shoulder piece then flipped it right side out so you won't be able to see the seams. I don't normally make things with linings so I don't have a clue if I'm doing this the way I should be or not, I'm just making it work.

Anthropologie Knockoff Done and Piece 1 of Endless Combinations

2010-11-22T16:25:00.005-05:00

Ok, well I'm not sure you can call this a true knockoff because it's definitely not exact. Maybe more of an inspiration piece. I think it would have been closer if I'd use the true fabric, a boiled wool. I didn't get the softness of a cardigan out of the melton, even cut on the bias, but I'm happy with it as a jacket. I've had this fabric for probably over two years and I've only been sewing less than three so I thought it was time to use it. I've been on a stash busting goal for awhile. Now that doesn't mean I'm not buying fabric, but I'm trying to use up some of my older and bulkier fabrics.

The collar was actually a lot quicker than I thought once I got going on it. I haven't knit anything since last winter so I had to pull up a couple of Youtube videos for reference. The hardest part was figuring out how many stitches to cast on. I knit about 8 inches in width, then folded it over. At first, I knit only 4 inches and even cast off, then I realized I needed to have it folded over. Well, that was fun, picking out the casted off ribbing...NOT!

I took some creative license and left off the pockets and the waist strip. I pinned it on and didn't like it as much with it. Maybe I'll change my mind but for now, I like it as is. It's definitely tricky to get it on if you're wearing a knit shirt since it's not lined, but it's cozy and warm. I left the front pieces unhemmed but decided to fold over a small hem at the bottom and the sleeves.

It was really quite an easy pattern to modify. I really love how this pattern fit me without any alterations. The only thing I did was slightly pinch out some in the back where it bunched. I will definitely be making this pattern again as it is. I love these multi cup sized patterns.

And this has inspired me to try and do the Endless Combinations contest on Pattern Review. I'm not planning anything out...I'm just going to sew something that goes with the previous thing I've made and see what happens. I do need to do a party dress in there though so we'll see how far I get. I'm thinking about a grey pencil skirt to go with this coat, maybe something also Anthropologie inspired as a theme.

Anthropologie Knockoff

2010-11-18T07:34:00.005-05:00

And this is why I shouldn't make plans! I had planned on sewing some simple, easy basics this week. I had a couple t shirt dresses in the works, a skirt, and then a sweater dress but no, I had to go and get all creative and decide to knockoff this Anthropologie cardigan.

Best of the Bunch

I Googled it and found a ton more pictures and personal blogs of Anthropologie fans who bought it or tried it on and reviewed it. I found one in particular who was built like me and it looked really nice on her so I decided to go for it.

I didn't have any boiled wool, but I had some thinner melton that had been aging in my stash for 2 years or so that I got inexpensively from Fabric.com. I pulled it out and washed it in Eucalan, then dried it on low heat. Yes, dried it because I wanted it to get softer and look a little more like boiled wool and a bit roughed up.

I had just bought this pattern without any thought to use it for this but it was one of the multi sized bust patterns of which I buy just about every one now. I can't get the picture to upload but here's the link.

Simplicity 2284

The only changes I made to the pattern were to the front center pieces. I started with Version E I believe which is designed for front buttons but no overlap. I doubled this piece for the underlap and then copied that piece and slashed/spread it for the overlap piece. I just eyeballed it really and then laid them on top of each other and did a bit of tissue fiddling to see how much bunching I wanted. I'm pretty darn sure I don't have as much as they do but my fabric is a lot thicker I think and I didn't want the extra bulk. I'm still getting the idea of the jacket. You can slash and spread as much or as little as you want to get your desired effect. Also, I cut out one version on grain but decided that I wanted a bit of stretch so I cut out another version on the bias. I like it a lot better.

Here are some in progress pictures. First off, my dress form does not fill out my clothes the way I do. The jacket/cardigan actually fits me pretty snugly. I am waiting to tweak the waist fitting until I get ready to put on the buttons. I'd also like to have the collar on before I do too much more. The shoulders fit very well. I pinched out the sleeve cap ease as I was inserting the sleeves, wow, that makes such a difference. Not more easing sleeves! I also narrowed the sleeves down, they were more full than I wanted for this jacket. I like the two piece sleeve construction. This is a nice pattern.

Second, I still have quite a bit of overlap on the fronts, moreso than I want in the end. The RTW version only comes over to halfway on the front center pieces. I'm waiting to decide how far I want mine to come over.

I hit the yarn shop yesterday and casted on the collar, twice, man, this knitting will take me three times as long as the sewing did. I'm a very novice knitter and I need to do this on round needles which I hate! The collar itself is around 33 inches which is too long for regular needles. I still haven't quite figured out how I will attach the collar. I'm going to finish the sleeves edges, they look bad without finishing. I think the RTW version is unfinished.

Well hopefully this will turn out decent. I love this cardigan but no way was I spending $230 on it and likely it wouldn't have fit my bust anyways.

Meet me in St. Louis and some new projects

2010-11-10T10:33:00.004-05:00

On a sewing vacation after the leather jacket. Not that I needed it since I really had a blast sewing it but it's time again for my other hobby, Flyball. Tomorrow morning we are heading down to St. Louis, Purina Farms outside of St. Louis to be exact, for the United Flyball League, Int. yearly Flyball Championships. We will get to race some of the top Flyball teams in North America. We also get to compete in an amazing new building designed specifically for canine competetion. We are coming up in the world. Usually we are in a dank, roughly concreted building with a tin roof on some fairgrounds. This is going to be wonderful!

Event Center

And when I get back, I have a couple projects planned. The first is a dress or maybe two for some parties we are attending this holiday season. I'm trying to be good and not buy any fabric (teehehe...we'll see how that goes). The first is probably going to be out of this gorgeous muted tangerine colored silk jersey. The second (if I have enough fabric) will be out of this metallic jersey that is so pretty. I've been sitting on it since last fall waiting for the perfect thing to make out of it. It seems to be a waste to make just a shirt out of it. It needs something important.

Then it's time to make a winter coat. I have this luscious olive green camel hair that's all prepped and ready to go. There's a winter wear contest on Pattern Review that runs from Dec 1 to 31 and I'll probably wait to cut it out until then. I haven't yet decided for sure on the pattern. It'll probably be the Vogue, but maybe the Simplicity. I like the back of the Vogue but the seam across the front of the Simplicity...decisions, decisions.

Leather Coat is Done!

2010-11-07T15:58:00.006-05:00

It's done, it's done! I bought this leather in the spring when the McCall's patterns came out. This pattern came out and FabricMart had their leather skins on sale for 50% off at the exact same time...kismet! I only paid roughly $65 for the leather for this jacket. It's McCall's 6171 Made for You pattern, meaning it has prepackaged for cup sizes A through D.

I was all excited to make this then as the summer progressed, I got cold feet. I had already made up most of a muslin but didn't like the sleeves. There was way too much sleeve cap ease and I was leary to try and reduce it. It's not something I've done before. About two weeks ago, after I completed my Halloween costume, I pulled out the muslin and decided to try again. I wanted to make the jacket but I didn't think I'd go through with making it out of leather. Well, long story short, the sleeve modifications worked out very well so I decided it was time to be brave and use the leather. My new motto this year has been now or never!

I modified the zipper and took it all the way to the top. I actually stitched the zipper in up to the collar then when I turned over the collar with the lining, I didn't like it. Luckily, I was able to take out the first zipper and put in zipper number 2 in all the way to the top of the collar. I think it looks cleaner.

Here are some pictures. I plan on doing a review on Pattern Review here shortly to describe more of my modifications and working with leather. Leather turned out to be quite fun to work with. I'm even considering trying to make myself some leather pants.

Pattern Review Link

My dress form doesn't fill out the coat as well as I do.

I used glue I purchased from my local indie to secure the hem. I had tried it on some of the seams to hold them in place while I stitched them but I didn't like it. I ended up using pins, yet pins, and some clips. The hem is stil a bit tight but I believe it will loosen up as I wear it.

Costume Version 1

2010-10-30T10:07:00.004-04:00

So I had two parties to go to and didn't want to do the same exact thing for both. I used the bustle and skirt last night and made myself up as a Steampunk. It was fun. A person who really dresses steampunk probably would have called me a poser, do people still use that term??? Oh well, it was fun anyways.

I am sewing too. I got up my courage and cut out my leather jacket. I'm surprised by how fun leather has been to work on. I have some in-progress pictures I can post later. I'm at the stage to either put in the zipper or attach the sleeves and I haven't had any quiet time to sit down and do it. There's no undoing what you do to leather. The Oolong dress is hanging and I haven't had the gumption to hem it yet. As soon as the leather jacket is done I'll finish the dress up.

Yeah Halloween!

2010-10-23T21:39:00.005-04:00

I haven't been to a costume party in 20 years and just last week I find out I'm going to two! One is with the hubby and we brainstormed the easiest costumes based on what we already had. We decided on a cowboy and a saloon girl. Well, he had just about everything cowboy and well, all I had was a corset. I figured I could come up with something easy. Yeah, right ;-) Of course I had to start looking for patterns and the first place I thought of was Laughing Moon Mercantile. I have a corset pattern from them but have yet to make it. So, I bought their Saloon Girl pattern.

Saloon Girl

I have to tell you that this has been the most fun sewing I've had in a long time. The pattern was awesome, clear, easy to follow and wonderfully drafted. I hit Joann's yesterday and browsed their "special occasion" fabric. Wow, I can't imagine making anything special occasion out of it except for Halloween. I settle on this black on black stuff of which I have no idea what to call it and a lining of purple with black polka dots. My corset is a reversible black and purple number. I started sewing yesterday and finished tonight.

I made three pieces, the bustle and drape which I guess is one, bloomers and a chemise. The first two are from the Laughing Moon pattern and the chemise is a modified Simplicity 2593. I added some width to the center front and back and lengthened the straps. I added the eyelet edging instead of binding the edges, then I stitched using elastic thread to get it to gather slightly.

I have yet to put some of the finishing touches on it like some ribbons like the pattern shows. I'll probably do that tomorrow.

Colette Oolong Progress

2010-10-21T22:00:00.002-04:00

This dress has been like a monkey on back for the last two months and I finally have it nearly together. As of this moment, I will never make a bias cut dress like this again....

Pictures here are hanging on a hanger. It won't fit on my dress form and I forgot to take pictures when I was trying it on. All I can say is thank goodness I picked this print, it hides everything. Sleeves go on tomorrow, then it hangs for a day then a hem.

Oh Jalie scarf top, how I love thee!

2010-10-19T10:44:00.007-04:00

I really needed this...a success! I was so frustrated with the fitted shirt fiasco that I needed something that worked well straight outta the box. I have several Jalie patterns that I bought back when I started sewing two or three years ago, but I've never made them. I don't know why either. I think all those lines and sizes worried me, but no more! I bought the Scarf top pattern after seeing Eugenia's Version. Isn't it gorgeous? I had seen the pattern before and truthfully, it never did much for me until I saw her version.

I've made two versions now. The first one is this purple/blueish slinky knit which is actually a wonderful fabric for this top. It was in my mystery bundle from FabricMart awhile back and was in my pile of chosen fabrics for this Fall.

And the second version is in this crazy printed rayon knit I bought at my local indie. It's pretty bright but I loved it. Gotta step out of my gray rut occasionally and make something bright!

On the dressform to get a better idea of the pattern.

Seriously, I can't say enough about this pattern. I made a straight Y size, no FBA, no shoulders to take in, nuthin'! The front isn't pulling and the shoulders are at my shoulders, and the armcyces are where they are supposed to be. I have one more version of this planned but need to change the serger to do it. I have some of the much coveted gold sparkly and cream colored knit fabric from EOS that I've been waiting for the right pattern for. This one is it!

On a sadder note, both the chiffon and the blue sateen I ordered from FabricMart was sold out so I didn't get it. On a nicer note, they still included my Free Mystery bundle since it wasn't my fault. I've gotten some nice things, including the blue fabric above, in them, so I guess all is not lost.

Up next is the Colette Oolong dress. I've had it cut out for ages but just couldn't get up the gumption to sew all those bias pieces together. It was such a chore to cut it out. I guess I needed a breather.

Oolong

Last but not least, it's getting cold here and we have no furnace yet. Ours died in May and we've been saving up for a Geothermal system. It's in progress but not done yet. So, we've been having fires a lot. And where there is warmth, there is at least one Staffy Bull...

My New Accessory!

2010-10-15T13:29:00.008-04:00

So I did order one of these lovely harnesses from Audra Jean's etsy store. Here's the link to the store Etsy Store I asked him to customize it for me with the shoulders hitting a little further to the sides to accomodate my chest and had him make it in the gunmetal grey. I love it! You know, you only live once and I figure I might as well wear what I like. I know that someone as large busted as I am probably shouldn't wear it but I will. I think when you are large busted, no matter what you wear, unless it's very fitted, makes you look larger than you are due to your bust size. I like that I can adjust this harness so it sits under my bustline at my slimmest point and pulls in the eye to that part. It's thin enough that it doesn't impede too much with my short waist. I especially like it with the longer top shown below. I'm going to have a lot of fun playing with it.

Here are couple pictures of it. This first are just from yesterday right when I got home. I had to try it on.

The next two here are how I wanted to wear it today but I thought it was too much for work yet. I need to ease my coworkers into it. They think I dress strangely anyways so I just need to acclimate them to it. I guess one of the good things about working with a bunch of engineers is that they don't normally notice things. Please excuse the wet hair. If I blow dry it, I look like Rosan Rosana Dana!

This is how I ended up wearing it. I've actually gotten compliments on my outfit today too. It's just peeking out enough.

I'm sitting here at work right now with my coat off at my desk and nobody has said anything but then again I haven't seen anyone yet. My company is pretty conservative, very traditional and well, stuffy. Most of the women here fall into two categories, the standard work uniform of black pants and a blouse or those who haven't gotten out of the 1990's a la Kate Gosselin hairdo and twinsets. I don't fit the mold here at all.

And finally, I gave up on my fitted shirt again. Making one of those is like eating tomatoes for me. Every so often I try tomatoes and every time I try them I hate them. I keep wanting to make myself like them but I can't. At 40, you'd think I'd give up. I'm like that with this fitted woven shirt. I keep thinking I can make it work but the bottom line is I can't. I mean I could probably get it so I could wear it but I just don't think I'll ever be happy with how it fits.

I cut out the Jalie scarf tie shirt last night and have it partially sewn. I'm sticking to my knits and looser fitting woven shirts!

Julie's Picks FabricMart

2010-10-13T13:12:00.003-04:00

Ok, I've been trying to be good with my fabric purchases. I've been sewing a lot, albeit somewhat simple things but using up some of my stash nonetheless. Lately when I am buying fabric, most of it seems to come from FabricMart. I like their flat rate shipping, their quickness in delivery and the fact you can get 1/2 yards versus having to buy in whole yard increments. Lots of times too they have the same stuff my local indie has except much less expensive even factoring in shipping. I still do support my local shop!

So, I decided to go ahead and sign up for Julie's picks for next year. It's $50 up front but you get a $25 gift certificate and access to a lot of special picks along with swatches every month. When I got to the website today, they were having a 20% off the whole website sale and if you spent $75 or more you got a free 10 yard bundle. Well, of course I had to get up to $75 so I bought something I've been eyeing for a while and a couple other things.

This is a 3 yard piece of silk chiffon that I've been drooling over.

I saw this picture on The Sartorialist of a woman in a dress made out of something like and think it might even be the same fabric. But of course I can't find it right now...

I also bought this for maybe a sheath dress. It's a Calvin Klein stretch sateen.

And then some of this poly knit which looked fun.

I worked on my button down shirt last night. I pulled the collar off of it, it was HUGE, so I just have the banded collar on it now. Which in truth I like better anyways. I have the sleeves sewn up but now I need to attach them. I think I'm going to need to let out the darts a bit, it's a smidge snug and the back is bunching up because of it. Otherwise, it seems to be coming together reasonable well.

It's McCall's 5630 which is now OOP.

Oooh, my pretties...

2010-10-11T12:15:00.003-04:00

Must have these...

I love these too...

and these...

Hello, My Name is Kim and I have a problem...

Too many shoes!

It's been pretty boring at work today so this is what I do, shoe shop, or fabric shop. I'm currently working on another attempt at a fitted woven button down shirt. It's kind of going so-so at the moment. It's not perfect but getting there. I'll post some pictures when I get the sleeves on hopefully tomorrow night.

Silly skirt

2010-10-08T10:43:00.004-04:00

I'm definitely on a skirt kick. This fabric was a total impulse purchase at my local indie last weekend. DH and the kid were gone, I was on my own and that always spells trouble! I walked in and saw it and HAD to have some of it. It just looked too darn fun to me.

Here's an up close picture.

Basically, it's just a super stretchy polyester with this chiffon-y type ruffle to it. The ruffle is only about an inch and it does lay down quite nicely so it doesn't add too much volume at all. I bought a yard and just made a simple rectangle skirt. I used some double knit to create a waistband instead of trying to do a fold over elastic waistband. It would have been a pain to do that. There is no hem, I just cut it off under the last ruffle.

I really hesitated to wear it to work, but then figured most everyone there thinks I dress strangely anways. So, I wore it but dressed it down with a simple black top. Everyone loved it and I got a ton of nice compliments on it. I was told it made me look thin and gave me a nice line, surprising with the horizonital stripes. I left the skirt a bit longer, to mid calf which I don't usually do. I sewed the skirt to just beyond clingy, so as to let my shape show but not "Show." I wish I would have taken a picture of it as I was wearing it but darn my mornings are insane!

Here it is on the mannequin.

Skirts, skirts and more skirts

2010-10-07T13:40:00.009-04:00

I haven't had much urge to make anything too difficult lately. I have a muslin mostly together for a leather jacket but I need to play with the sleeve cap ease and I just can't get into it.

I've been working through the stash of fabric I pulled out for Fall clothes. I'm about halfway through it actually. I've made several dresses and now skirts. I have at least two more jackets to make and have already made one, the onion coat earlier.

I pulled this pattern out of my stash the other day and made two skirts in two days. I've already made the top and the dress previously. I love the assymetrical hemline. I've always had a thing for them and according to Imogen from Inside Style, they are a good look for my body type.

OMG...I won something!

2010-10-03T09:36:00.004-04:00

So Maria from ShopOnion called out to post pictures of your most worn/loved Onion pattern on Facebook. I posted my beloved Pipe Collar coat, which is probably my most favorite item I've made so far. It's out of this amazing wool denim from Gorgeous Fabrics that was really wonderful to work with.

I think it was just a randomly drawn contest to win 2 Onion patterns from her shop with the English translations. I have to admit I got a bit frustrated with ShopOnion last summer with their shipping and communication but I'm happy to say they have fully rectified the issues they were having. I ordered some new patterns from them and got them in 10 days from Denmark. Pretty darn great! I'm so excited because I really like Onion patterns.

So, I think for my winnings I'm going to choose a couple simple dresses. I have so many coats from them already.

And there's another one that's just a simple raglan sleeved A line dress but I can't get a picture of it.

Here's the ShopOnion website link.
ShopOnion

And here's the Facebook page.
ShopOnion On Facebook

Onion 1032

2010-10-02T14:01:00.009-04:00

I splurged on this boiled wool last year at the American Sewing Expo. I bought this pattern for it but held off on making it. Once I got the pattern, I just wasn't feeling it. A couple weeks ago I found another Onion pattern that I thought would work better so I ordered it. I was cutting it out and realized it just had holes for sleeves, not real shoulders, etc. I decided I didn't like it and luckily the part I had cut out was a big rectangle so I could reuse it. I do see myself making that pattern as a shawl thought.

So, I went back to the original idea. Onion 1032.

The hood on this coat is big and pointy. I can pull it all the way over and look like I belong in The Lord of the Rings ;-) It'll be great for Fall soccer games.

This pattern has lots of darts. It really gives it a lot of shape. The back has 5 long darts and the front pieces have 2 darts.

The other change I made was that the ties are supposed to be in the front darts. I decided I wanted more substance in the ties so I put them in the side seams then tacked them down into the front darts.

I originally started out to make this unfinished on the edges but didn't like it so I adlibbed on finishing it. The inside of the hood and collar shows so if the fabric is obviously different it looks funky. I ended up doubling the hood so it didn't look funny. My beef with the collar is that it wants to flip over and you can see in this picture the way it keeps flipping. I even understitched it and it still keeps doing it.

Also, I need to put a snap or hook where the bottom of the collar meets.

Limiting Factors with Fashion

2010-09-30T08:18:00.002-04:00

I am sewing...I swear! I'm almost done with my blanket coat and will post pictures later. But this post stems from lunch on Tuesday with my BFF from middle school. We've known each other from over 25 years.

Anyways, we were discussing our "styles" or lack thereof. We used to be fun, unique, stylishly dressed women when we were younger. We wore things others wouldn't and definitely had a style even in high school when it wasn't cool to be different. You couldn't really group us with other groups as we did our own thing and didn't even dress like each other, but ourselves.

We're both 40 now, with kids. She works at her own business from home and I work in a very conservative company and even more conservative department. She lives in the land of "Juicy" across the butt and I live in the land of holiday sweaters. We're both curvy girls. I'd say I follow trends more than she does, although I like to do them in my unique way. She is pretty edgy and rock n roll'ish. We were trying to figure out how to get back our styles with our limiting factors.

Age, size/shape, opportunity, geography, motivation!

I may be a bit further ahead in getting out of my rut because I work outside the home. For me, I notched up my dressing a bit. Instead of wearing jeans somewhere, I would put on a skirt. I always add accessories now, whether it's a scarf, belt or jewelry that's fun. I read up on the rules for my body type so I know better how to dress it. I follow blogs and snoop shop for inspiration. At this point, I feel pretty comfortable with how I am dressing. Now that I know the rules though, I'm having fun breaking some of them. I'm not dressing as fun and edgy as I'd like to be but once again, there are those limiting factors. I don't want to dress like everyone else but I don't want to look like an idiot or be inappropriate for my situations either. But more often than not these days, I remind myself that I'm 40. Not in the sense that it should be limiting, but that it should be empowering! Do I really care what anyone thinks anymore? If I'm not going to do it now, then when will I do it? I figure as long as my son isn't horribly embarrassed by what I wear, then I'm good ;-)

For example, I want one of these harnesses so bad I can taste it...

Here's the shop link AudraJean Etsy

I found them on the Fashion For Nerds blog. She wears them, her husband makes them. And she wears them amazingly well! I just keep wondering if I got one, would I wear it or would it just sit in my closet while I look at it. I don't think I could wear it to work, soccer practice, the grocery store??? I guess I said that too about all the dresses I have now and I wear them now, everywhere.

Oh well, enough deep thoughts for the day. Off to finish my coat!

A diversion from sewing...Flyball

2010-09-24T10:32:00.006-04:00

As I have said, besides sewing, dogs are my major passion. We have a houseful, 8 total, some rescue, some not, all loved. Here is my canine family:

Widget (Border collie mix)

Swiper (Border Staffy) in action

Tohrment (Border Staffy) trying dock diving

Stewie (Cattle Dog) and Vivid (White Staffy)

Swiper in the most coveted spot in the house!

Flea (Rescue rat terrier)

The Old Girls - Gracie and Treacle (Staffy Bulls)

No sewing today since I'm readying for the tournament this weekend. We host two a year and this is our annual End of Summer Slam as we call it.

Slammers Flyball

And to see Flyball in action, here's one of my favorite YouTube videos. This person out in Oklahoma does the most amazing job editing videos of Flyball tournaments. Watch your volume, it's set to music but the dogs are barking, and yes, it's this loud and more at a tournament. Any dog can play from Yorkies to Newfies, and Mutts. The reason I became involved was because I had a mixed breed dog about 15 years ago and it was the only sport that allowed them at the time.

Runnin' on Tulsa Time

We'll be heading out to St. Louis in mid-November for the U-Fli Championships at the Purina Farms! Can't wait!

Another Simplicity 2369

2010-09-23T16:34:00.004-04:00

I couldn't resist and made another one. I really like this pattern. I don't normally make two in a row of anything. I'm fickle and lose interest quickly but I REALLY like this pattern. This time I did the length of B, the sleeves of A (more or less) and the ties for C...got that? There will be a quiz ;-) And I also lengthened and tapered the cuffs for the sleeves. I wanted to try a bit of the leg o'mutton look that I wore to death in the early 80's. Alas, it is back in style again. I would have liked to add even more length, but I was scraping the bottom of the barrel for fabric as it was and this was all I could get. I like them though and I figure if at a later date I don't, then I can just hack them off and hem the sleeves like the previous version.

This is a wonderful lipstick red (pictures are off a bit) ponte from Fabric Mart. I 'think' it is a cotton blend. It was wonderful to work with and luckily very wide so I was able to get the whole dress in 2 yards of 60" wide. Fabric Mart has quickly become my favorite online store.

I'm experimenting with taking pictures using my timer. One of my problems is that my house is full of warm woods and nothing looks good photographed against is. Outside on my porch works well but I need a volunteer, preferably a somewhat interested one, to get decent pictures. I put this blue fabric (courtesy of a mystery box), up on the door and I think it helped. I like how I look much better in these pictures than in my other ones.

If you look close you can see some of my poison ivy!

I've been slacking on my self stitched stuff. I was home sick yesterday and now I'm on vacation for the rest of the month. I did wear one of my Nancy skirts to the store yesterday, but nothing self stitched today unless you count my modeling.

Simplicity 2369 and SSS20

2010-09-19T20:50:00.003-04:00

This went together so quickly. What a great pattern! I made View B but subbed in View C's sleeves. I was so happy with it till I saw the pictures. I really hope that I'm THAT unphotogenic. I must have some serious body dismorphia or something because I don't think I look that much like a brick! I think (hoping) that it's because these pictures are taken straight on and all you see is my top heaviness. But this is why I get frustrated with blogging and doing pattern reviews :-(

Anyways...I ad-libbed a little with the facing. It's supposed to be turned back down and topstitched but I liked it like this.

And I'll be wearing it tomorrow.

SSS16, 17 and Grumpy photographers!

2010-09-18T12:26:00.009-04:00

I managed to get my tempermental photographer to snap pictures of me in the morning. Day 16 turned out ok, but Day 17 was pretty scary. Gosh forbid I have to ask him to take a second picture...no, not him, he's too busy and important. I need to teach one of the dogs how to take pictures for me ;-) I've tried the timer but it just doesn't quite get a good picture. Oh well...

Day 16 - My one and only shot with the skirt riding and the lining showing. This is one of the new Vogues for fall - Tracy Reese 1203. The skirt is super easy and flattering. I'm planning on making at least one more.

Day 17 included this shirt, my olive green cargo pants and my new boots!

Up next for me is Simplicity 2369 View B with the sleeves from C. I didn't plan on sewing this next or using the fabric I picked out but sometimes you just gotta go with the flow. I have it all cut out and ready to sew. I think it will be a quick project (knock on wood).

Burda 7442 Done

2010-09-15T21:13:00.004-04:00

Well, I'm not quite sure what to say about this one. I like, I don't love it. I started sewing it and about halfway through I thought, nope, not gonna like it, so I ended up getting kind of sloppy in my sewing. At best, I get a C+ on the technique for this. It's an odd pattern. There are no facings. The top is doubled completely and the skirt is supposed to be lined. It does give it a more polished and finished look on the inside I will say, but dang is it a lot of fabric! I'm still not quite sure of the purpose of the skirt lining to be honest. The upper edge of the skirt is designed to be unfinished but I put a narrow hem in mine. I can never get a neat enough cut. The skirt then goes over the top of the top to create a casing for the elastic, which is really fiddly to do. I also used a thicker elastic. I wanted something heftier.

The armcyes were too low for me but I didn't catch it until it was too late. And IMO there was way too much sleeve cap ease to pull in the sleeves to get them to fit. I'm becoming more a believer of reducing sleeve cap ease.

The sleeves are SUPER long even with the elastic in them. I could have cut off several inches and it still would have worked.

I'm not in love with this right now but it is growing on me. It's not my normal color so this was an experiment and since green is in this season I thought I'd give it a shot. The fabric I used was some of the Vera Wang poly knit from FabricMart Fabrics and I think it was either in the $1 or $2 a yard section. I bought it in just about every color they had. I don't mind the poofiness of the pockets, in fact, that's what makes this dress. I would definitely make sure you make it out of something drapey or you'll look like an Oompah Loompah no matter how tiny your hips are.

SSS 15

2010-09-15T17:57:00.002-04:00

A quickie post for the outfit of the day.

Burda 5-2009-114 Dress which even though it was a practice dress out of cheapy Joann's shirting material is one of my favorites. I had a big wide red belt on over the cardigan and my fashion consultant (aka DS age 8) didn't like it so I took it off. It was very Mad Men'esque but accentuated my curves substantially ;-)

Self Stitched September 12 and 13

2010-09-14T16:13:00.005-04:00

As usually I was running late on a Monday...I didn't get to snap a picture of my outfit but I will try to piece it together for Day 12:

Here's the skirt Burda 8-2009-122 in denim.

And I've been playing with Polyvore...what a fun thing and here's the outfit I wore (more or less). It's the exact shirt, very similar shoes, except mine are 9 West and the jewelry is pretty close.

Day 13 - I managed to snap a shot. The skirt is what I made. It's a Burda mag skirt but I can't remember the number. It has a tulip shape and is made out of high quality quilting cotton in a tie dyed fabric. I was running late (no!) and told my DS who is 8 to pick me out something. He came back out of my closet and said, "How do you feel about something bright?" I said sure and he picked out this skirt.

Self Stitched Days 7, 8 and 9.

2010-09-11T09:31:00.003-04:00

Before I post these, mind you my photography is an 8 year old boy who reluctantly takes these for me.

Day 7 - Top is the sadly out of print Simplicity 4020 in a lovely silk jersey is super happy colors. I'm sorry the photo didn't turn out well here but the fabric is seriously fun. I bought it from Fashionista Fabrics awhile back. Sorry no longer available as far as I can tell. The pants are a Burda Magazine pattern 7-2009-102 out of black RPL from Gorgeous Fabrics.

Day 8 - I hope this counts. The skirt is a hand knit present from my mom. It's a gored skirt out of variegated silk/cotton yarn. Everything else is RTW.

Day 9 - Burda 7-2009-109A. This is a big tent but has some great sleeve details. I like this dress despite it's 'tent-ness.' It does not photograph well at all. I really don't think I look this huge in it or at least I hope not. Everytime I wear it I get oodles of compliments. It's a great seasonal transition dress. In the winter I've worn it with tights and long sleeved blouse under it.

Day 10 is yet to be photographed...running late in the morning and Day 6 was a bust. I was home cleaning house.

New Burda Envelope Patterns

2010-09-10T09:26:00.002-04:00

I was at Joann's yesterday and couldn't believe my luck when I saw they actually had a pattern book and the new patterns. So I bought a couple. I wasn't even planning on buying any of them from this fall's offer but these grew on me. These are the one's I bought. I love the fact that the models have some curves. I don't think I would have bought these if the model had been rail thin. Seeing her on the cover with the curves made me think I could wear these as well.

This one, the dress version, I already cut outlast night in some of the emerald green Vera Wang poly knit from Fabric Mart. It was one of their $1 or $2 a yard sales so I figured if I didn't like it then oh well. I think the pockets will lay down pretty nicely with a drapey fabric. I love the jumpsuit but I don't think I can pull it off. The top is doubled and the skirt is lined. I'm afraid this dress will end up extremely heavy. I'm going to try and not line the skirt and see how it goes. The construction should be very quick and simple. There was a lot of cutting out though.

I am seriously considering this one. I have some fabric similar to the short version of the dress on the envelope package that would look wonderful.