Thursday, August 6, 2009

Simplicity 2593 - Cynthia Rowley

My first adventure into sewing with silk actually turned out better than I thought it would. I picked a simple tank with some fun details to it. I chose the View A


I bought the pattern that went up to the 14 and should have bought the one starting at a 16 I think. I did a muslin and cut a 14 in the body and a 10 in the neck and shoulders. It fit pretty well but was a little snug so for the real blouse I added a 1/2 inch to the sides but still cut a 10 through the neck and shoulders. That little trick is a miracle for me. I just started doing it and wow...what results!

However, after seeing it on me, which I didn't notice in the muslin was that I should have done an FBA. My gathers are pulling in front. It could be the way I was standing, it's late, tired, etc. I guess it's no worse than RTW but it could be better. And damn, I should have put sleeves on it which I guess I could still do...Who's arms are those anyway in my blouse??? Blech!



Monday, August 3, 2009

Yeah, My new sewing space!






Well I didn't get any sewing done this weekend but I got this new space nearly finished and organized. Now if I can just keep it that way.
The last picture I'm actually standing out on the beam across the room to get it...

I'm still contemplating thread storage. I'll probably put up a rack behind the desk. I have all my BWOF's stored in hanging file folders in the desk which is awesome. I'm going to copy the line drawing pages from each one and put in a binder so I can get a quick reference. I get so frustrated remembering I saw a pattern I liked but can't find it and having to search through them all!

The sewing table is completely open so it takes up a lot of room when in use but it should be fine when it's down.

The computer area is required but if this works out I may invest in a nicer corner style desk for the area. My husband is happy I found a place for his pride and joy file cabinet and and wonderful new use for his jelly cupboard.

Thanks to everyone on PR for all their suggestions and inspirations!

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Simplicity 2593

It's amazing how much sewing I can get done while the men in my household are off fishing!!! I hope this becomes an annual trip.

Next up a Simplicity. I know I'm new to sewing but in very short order I got frustrated with the Big 4 and their fit. BWOF and Burda just fit me so much better. Well, Joann's had Simplicity on sale, and despite saying I wouldn't buy any more Big 4, I did. I really like these Cynthia Rowley designs...so cute!

So up next, something simple for some pretty silk charmeuse. I've never sewn silk so this will be a new experience. I did a muslin out of some cheapy Joann's silky just to get an idea of how it will work. It fit pretty well. I bought the size that goes up to a 14, but I probably needed a 16 so I may let the hips out a smidge. I cut the shoulders and neck a 10. Wow, what a difference in how tops fit when I do this. One of the many things learned on PR. I don't think I'd still be sewing if I hadn't found that site.

Hopefully I can finish it today between my other tasks to get ready for the men to return...

Forgive the picture quality. This is a cell phone picture. The cord to get the pictures from the camera to the computer is with my husband. The fabric is a pretty cream color with midnight blue dots.

Friday, July 31, 2009

Version 2: BWOF 5-2009-114

Ok so I think this is becoming a TNT dress for me. This time I didn't try to use a zipper but cut the back pieces on the fold. I used a sleeve pattern from another BWOF pattern (2-2009-121) that ties. This is a beautiful lightweight cotton sateen with some stretch from Gorgeous fabrics. I bought it to make a skirt but really thought it worked well in this dress.










Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Snoop shopping vs. BWOF




I'm on a roll (or otherwise called bored at work)...


BWOF 8-2009 is really on target with current trends. I saw this dress in the issue and really want to make it, not sure though if it will work on my body type. I'm trying to branch out though so I may make a muslin.

And then I see this on net-a-porter at nearly $2k...ouch!



I never do this - BWOF 8-2009-117

I got my BWOF for August in the mail on Monday. I traced and cut out a pattern the same night. I finished it last night (would have finished it Tuesday if I hadn't thought I made a dumb mistake and ripped it out, only to find out I hadn't made a mistake....double dum dum).
It's my first foray into sheers and it wasn't actually that bad. I used my rolled hem foot (new toy) for the flounce

BWOF 8-2009-117

I normally don't wear blouses but absolutely loved this. I made it in some cheapy Joann's red tag fabric as a practice shirt. It turned out decent and I think I may upgrade to some good fabric. Pictures to follow...DH is out of town with the camera ;-)

Look what I just found on net-a-porter in their new arrivals...
Sonia by Sonia Rykeil Silk ruffle-neck blouse
$440


Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Trying to revive this thing...

So, I've obviously proven I had no stick to-it-ness for blogging! Shoot I can barely get a pattern review done. I guess I'll try again.

I have actually been sewing lately.

I really hate my pictures...blech!

http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readreview.pl?readreview=1&reviewnum=41535