My September Recap

I apologize for my absence but as they say, I took a blog vacation. I didn’t mean for it to be so long, but time got away from me. I have been a little busy though. I even met up with a few of you for the shopping day in New York. Here’s the loot to prove it.

This is what I got from Metro Textiles.

From the top row, the corduroy is from Mood, the two knits in the top row are from Spandex House. The bottom two fabrics are from Elliot Berman.

Sorry I didn’t take any group pictures, but my main reason for going was to buy lace for my skirt project that I talked about in my last post. Let’s just say trying to find 6-7 inch black woven lace is not one easy task. I was a little discouraged as I wanted to start on my skirt right away and then realized it had to go on the back burner. Anyway, I was able to find two different designs at Pacific Trim, and one oddly enough on Etsy.

It’s recycled but I don’t care. I think it very pretty. Here are my choices. The 2 on the top on Pacific Trim and the one on the bottom is the reclaim lace.

Let me know which one you like the best. Here is the picture of the skirt again.

To take my mind off of the skirt I decided to design a dress for my four year old girlfriend who lives across the street from me. She told me she wanted purple and I said okay. She even came over and helped me mark up her dress. Of course I marked it first and she went over the lines I had already made. I had the idea of making a romper so I purchased Simplicity 5489 which is a basic romper pattern that I picked up at Joanns. The corduroy fabric is from Joanns as well.

I decided that I wanted to place a bunny rabbit on it. That’s when the wheels started turning. Instead of placing a patchwork type shape of a rabbit on the dress, I decided to make it a pocket.

I found a picture/outline of a rabbit online, blew it up, traced it on to tracing paper and then outlined it making it bigger because it wasn’t big enough to use as a pocket. I cut 2 pieces of fabric, interfacing one of the sides to make it sturdy. After attaching the rabbit pocket on to the dress, I thought it looked a little plain so I added a ruffle to the top of the romper.

Since my little buddy is still getting use to buttons, I tried to make it easier on her since she is dressing herself and gave her snaps to close the romper.

Now to complete this outfit, what rabbit would not like something to snack on between feedings. Let’s just say the dress was a hit and my dear little friend ran off to go and play with her dress.

In knitting news, I did finish my sweater and got a chance to wear it before the cold wave set in.

It was a hit and I got a few offers but I stayed strong.

This baby is for me, and I love the yarn I used.

Up next, some more knitting for others and a new dress, McCalls 6118 to dance my butt off in.

It's Maxi Time!!!

Believe it or not, I haven't sewn anything for the past 2 weeks, but I was thinking about this fabric,
and the maxi dress that would come out of it the whole time.

Now that I think about it, it might even be more like two weeks that I've been thinking about this dress. Isn't that sad? I think so.

I purchased this piece back in June at Spandex House. When I saw it. I t was screaming/whispering to me that it wanted to be a maxi dress. Anyway, I got busy doing other things and then when I had the time, I either thought about something else or looked at other patterns. I was also trying to figure out what pattern I wanted to use. I have a few tank top patterns that definitely fit the bill but in the end, I narrowed it down to Simplicity 2189. What helped me with my decision was that I didn't want darts in the bodice, and I wanted a no brainer as I was sewing this baby up after work Friday night for my company outing on Saturday afternoon. By the way I didn't look at the directions, I just did my own thing. Plus the dress is simple enough that you really don't need them. By the way, excuse the hair in these pictures. It's looking a hot mess. These pictures were taken after my job's summer outing and the weather was not the best. Let's just say Saturday was the precursor to Sunday's torrential downpour.

I cut out the size 14. I cut the neckline lower by about 2 inches because I wanted a lower neckline and added about 10 to 12 inches to the bottom flaring is a tiny bit. In the end I removed 3 inches from the bottom of the dress. That worked out perfectly because I used it for the armhole bands.

For the neckband I cut a long strip of fabric about 2 inches wide.

I sewed one shoulder seam leaving the other one open and attached the neckband to the dress before sewing the other shoulder seam closed.

This fabric was a little on the thin side so I lined it with tricot.

Overall, I'm very happy with this dress and would make it again. Here is my pattern review which goes over in detail what I pretty much just summarized.


Pattern Description:

Misses' & Plus Size shirt, pants and knit dress or top.

Pattern Sizing:

I sewed the 14, View A.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes and no. I change the length of the dress to make it a maxi dress.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

I really would not know. I did not look at them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

This pattern looks pretty good so far and there are a couple more items I may make from it. I picked this pattern to achieve a look I had in my mind for a tank maxi dress.

Fabric Used:

Rayon Lyra from Spandex House.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I cut the front neckline deeper by 2 inches and the back neckline deeper by about 1 inch. I also lengthened the dress pattern by about 10 to 12 inches, but then removed from the length about 3 inches. 2 of the 3 inches I cut off I recycled and used for the armbands. I did not use the pattern pieces for the neckband and armband from the pattern. I just winged it.

In putting the neckline and neckband together, I sewed one shoulder seam closed. I left the other one open and pinned the neckband to the neckline, right sides together. Once the neckband was on I serged it, then sewed the open shoulder seam closed. This technique enables the neckband to lay flatter and I like the look much better than sewing both shoulder seams then attaching the neckband.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes. I want to possibly work on the neckline a little bit more and possibly go for a racerback look next time. Yes I would recommend this pattern to others. There are a few more items in this pattern that I want to try.

Conclusion:

I'm pretty happy with the outcome of how my dress turned out. I was winging it and had a vision in my head with what I wanted. I got pretty close to it. The dress is very functionable for those lazy days of summer, and I looked and felt comfortable and chic at my job's summer outing.

Spring is definitely here!!!!!

I can see it. April showers bring May flowers. I don’t know about you, but we have been having plenty of rain lately. Friday was our first break of sunshine in a couple of days, and last week we had a day that hit over 70. Since Faye was having the 15 day Over the Top sew-a-long, and yes, I’m apart of it, I figured I’d better get moving. Last Friday night(that's right a week ago this past Friday) I worked on 2 tops. One isn’t that Springish, but hey, I already had it cut out and I can wear it right now with the weather the way it is, so I worked on it. In fact, I wore it to work this past Thursday. Here is my final cowl for Kwik Sew 3740 .

The fabric is from Joanns, which I purchased back in the Fall before I put myself on a fabric diet. I’m also thinking about using this pattern to make a couple of t-shirts. I really like the cut. I also worked on Simplicity 2283, a mix of views A & D. A few people have done this pattern on PR. If you haven’t checked this blouse out yet, please do. It’s a little time consuming with all the pleats you have to sew in, but the reward and outcome of the blouse is awesome. The fabric I used on this one is remnant that I picked up at Jomars. It’s from Marc Jacobs. Yes I broke my diet for this one. When I saw it, I had to have it. It also didn’t help that it feels like butter. I didn't accomplish everything I wanted to yet and now Faye's doing a Bottom's up sew- a- long for the rest of the month. I figure, I can still get a few tops done and work on some pants as well.

On a totally different note, I want to thank all of you for the comments you left me in my last post. I really appreciate all of you and enjoy going to your blogs. Rachel, Myra and Monique, the shoes are Aldo from last Spring. Carolyn, even though it may seem I don't listen, I do.

Tricia(aka Ms. Clio), Thank you, thank you, thank you. I received the pattern(Kwik Sew 2935) in the mail along with the beautiful charm. I can't wait to work it up for Mr. D. In fact I think we've may have a problem. He asked me the other day even though I already have fabric picked out, if he could go in search of fabric on his own for this pattern as well, and he's asking about jeans, go figure. I barely have time to sew for myself. Oh well, my hands are going to be busy.

Happy Halloween

To all of you!!! I had to sing Friday night so of course I had to make something up for the festive occasion. Simplicity 3629. I loved working this baby up. You can see my review below and at Pattern Review.


Pattern Description:

Misses Costume. I made View E

Pattern Sizing:

Dress 14
Vest 16
Cape 14
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes, most definitely.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

I glanced at the directions but did my own thing mostly.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I like everything about the pattern, and was able to make it up pretty quickly.

Fabric Used:

I used a suede type fabric from the costume section from JoAnns for the cape and vest. For the dress, I used a full size bed sheet that I purchased at Walmart for $8.00.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

The cape and the vest were suppose to be lined. Since I wasn't sure if I was going to use this costume again, I didn't line the vest or cape. I did reinforce the middle panel of the vest by cutting that piece out twice because I had to install grommets on it.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I might make the Peter Pan costume next year. Not sure yet.

Conclusion:

I love the way this costume came out and it was a big hit.

Jacket Love!!

Can I just start off by telling you now that I'm loving my Simplicity Jacket. I could not have picked a better pattern to work with for my first lined blazer. I'm sorry that this pattern is an OOP because it is a very well drafted pattern and the directions are pretty well written.
On Saturday morning I got up and headed straight for the sewing room. I proceeded to gather the sleeves and ease them into the jacket. Upon trying it on, I realized that the jacket was to big for me and there was some major gaping going on in the back. I have broad shoulders, so I had cut out a size 16 for a more comfortable fit. As usual like pretty much every Saturday morning, Ms. Sheila and I were doing our morning catch up. I told her my issue (more like she heard me cussing while we were talking and she then asked me what was wrong. She then told me to fold the front in by about an inch on both sides and hopefully that would take care of my problem. As I had already sewn the leather trim on the jacket, I had some major ripping out to do. With fingers crossed, and teeth mashing I dove in. I was able to get the trim off. It is so delicate and I kept thinking I might rip it. I then moved the trim over a little more than an inch and then folded the fronts in. I tried the jacket on again, but I still didn't like the fit, so I then pinched the fabric between the back and side back pieces on each side and started pinning. I tried the jacket on one more time, and the fit looked pretty good. From this point. I made notes of everything and did the same adjustments to the lining. I then installed the lining in the jacket, attached the trim to the sleeve cuff area and slip stitched the lining to the sleeve cuff area by hand. This view of the pattern has ties that you attached to the front of the jacket. Because of the trim I decided to use, I thought that the ties would take away from the jacket so I decided to go with a hook and eye closure. Originally I thought about using just regular metal ones but upon looking in my stash, I found some brown hooks that I must have taken off of an old jacket of mine. The weird thing was that I couldn't find any eyes. No problem I decided to try my hand at making one with thread.

For my first attempt I sewed both the hook and the thread eye at the jacket edges where the ties should have gone. I didn't like it very much because it left a gap. I then went in a little on the inside of the jacket and did the thread eye there. This did the trick. It now closes much nicer. I still have to hem the bottom of the jacket, which I plan on finishing tonight hopefully. All in all, this baby is a winner, and I can't wait to wear it.
Next up, Spring Month of Tops. I am so behind. I already have 4 patterns cut, 2 of which are for my mother (Mother's Day is right around the corner). I just have to pick the fabric out. I also am going to try my hand at designing a top. I was with Mr. D on Sunday walking back from the museum and we passed this woman wearing this really cool looking top. I loved it from the start. I've been thinking of how to reconstruct/recreate it since then. Yesterday at lunch I sat and drew pattern pieces using one of my t-shirts as a template. I'm going to try and see what I come up with tonight and tomorrow night. Hopefully, it will work out. I got a box of goodies in the mail yesterday, but haven't tried anything out yet. More to come.

Tonight is Glee!!!! I can't wait!!

I'm in Jacket and Lining Land!!

It is always still amazing to me when I purchase a piece a fabric, bring it home and then cut all these cool and different rectangular or oval shapes out. After doing that, I, take a needle and thread or the faster version (machine) and put everything together. End result, a nice garment to wear outside of the house. How cool is that? Sometimes I take that skill for granted, by not remember how cool it is, and then I get reminded by one of my awesome neighbors. Like yesterday, I was in the house and my neighbor Danielle stopped over for like a hot minute. I was working on my Simplicity 4256 jacket. I tried it on and then walked over to her house. I was like, "what do you think?" She then looked at me as if I had 2 heads and said "wasn't that in pieces a minute ago? That's crazy, but I love it. I think it's so cool that you can do that." Well ladies and gents, I think it's cool that we all have this skill/talent whether it be sewing, knitting or crochet. It's even cooler when you walk outside and know that no one else is going to look like you, because you put your own spin on things.

I finally cut the lining out for my Simplicity jacket over the weekend and I marked it up on Monday during lunch at my favorite hangout spot. The Bellvue Food Court. I ate a quick lunch and got busy with my thread and chalks. I had a ball. Yesterday while waiting for my mother, she had a doctor's appointment, I basted my pieces together to check the fit. I can happily say that everything is going well so far. Last night I pretty much sewed the jacket together except for the sleeves. I also pinned the trim (it's a faux leather with cool roping around it) on that I'm going to use. I wasn't sure about putting the trim around the collar area, so I tried it out and then took it off. I thought it was a little too much. I do intend to put it on the bottom of the sleeves though. I hope it give it a nice added touch.
This will be the first jacket that I've ever done with a lining. I'm feeling a little apprehensive about it. That's probably why I've taken so long in making this jacket. This is also the first pattern that I'm working with that has the different bra cup pieces to pick from for your cup size. I have to tell you, I like it, and the fit is nicer.

I did finish hemming the Vera Wang skirt this past weekend. I don't have any pictures yet as I'm waiting till this jacket is complete. I want to wear it with it.

I have been working on some knitting designs and I'm nearing the end on 2 sweaters that I have been working on for quite some time. Hopefully soon I'll show some pictures.
Today I ordered these lovely items from Mary Jo's Cloth Store. Point Presser and Clapper $16.49


Ham Holder $13.49

I don't know how good they are, but the price was right for me. I also purchased a seam roll at JoAnns. They were 50% off if anyone is looking for one.

If anyone is a Christian Siriano fan from his Project Runway days, check him out on Bravo. He has a new how that came on called Christian Siriano, Having a moment. Thanks Victoria for the link. The show is great!!

Crisis Averted!!!!

Everyone I know started getting their April Burda issue last week, but my copy was no where to be seen. I had purchased my subscription through Amazon, and you know I wasn't happy. I spoke to my buddy Karen and she agreed with me that I should check things out because I didn't get a renewal notice and she stated that she didn't think Amazon did renewals. Well my friends, I was freaking out by Monday. I checked my subscription and it stated that it wasn't expired until May 2010. I put an email in to Amazon, who then transferred me to the magazine company that handled my subscription. On Tuesday I received an email back on my inquiry and I was a little upset. I found out that my subscription had been fulfilled with the March 2010 issue, which meant Ms. Andrea was not getting an April issue. Well, we couldn't have that now could me. I was on the phone yesterday morning with a quickness. I found out that Amazon does NOT send out renewals for subscriptions (bad, bad, bad BADDDDD), THANKS Karen for the heads up again. I was able to renew my subscription directly through the magazine company and they assured me that I will now get renewal notices on a yearly basis. I have also calmed down because I was able to get my April issue, so hopefully I'll see that in a few days.
In other sewing news, I finally cut out Simplicity 4256. View C. It's the beige jacket to the far right at the top.

I still need to cut the lining out. I'm hoping to get that done tonight. Then I just need to mark it up and do some thread tracing and I'm ready to go. I'm hoping to get some sewing done this weekend. We'll see.
I finished the Vera Wang skirt except for hemming.
I plan on finishing that up by the weekend as well. I think I might serge and then prick stitch the hem. I haven't done prick stitching on a hem in a long time. I need to bone up as they say on my hand sewing skills.

I also finished the chemo hat that I was working on for a friend. Sorry it's not modeled but I'm sure you can understand. I can tell you this, the hat is sharp when it's worn. My hairdresser saw it Friday night and now she wants one, and personally I like it too, so I guess that will be hat #3 in the works.

I started working out again a couple of weeks ago, and I'm still going strong. I've lost about 6 pounds. It's a slow go but I'm trying. On Tuesday night I took a Zumba class for the first time, and LOVVVVVVVVVVVVVVE it. I am totally hooked. It kicked my butt, and I was crying for the last 15 minutes as I wanted to quit, but there were these 2 older women in back of me, I'd say around the age of 65 and older. I wasn't quitting if they weren't. Plus the class was packed. I didn't want to leave my corner.