Vogue 8724

It has been a while, but with me these days, you all know that's no surprise. This heat has not been helping either. I was going through a dry spell for about 2 weeks where I had no mojo and then a little birdie by the name of Cennetta tweeted in my ear by calling me up and telling me to get stepping "Just cut something". I went through the motions and cut out Vogue 8724.

The fabric is from Spandex House which I purchased in June on one of my excursions to NYC.

This baby is a lot more colorful than I'm use to but, I've been trying to put more color in my life. When Mr.D first saw the fabric he was like "wow babe, I don't know." After all was said and done, we both liked it. The back of the dress consists of 3 long pieces. The center back and 2 side pieces.

That for me was different but I like how it turned out. The pleats in the center were a nice element to the design of the dress. In sewing them I had to do a bit of tweaking but it worked out okay.

The different cup sizes were a nice bonus to the dress pattern as well. For an added touch, I added a large button to the center of the pleats. Originally I picked out the button in the photo above but I wasn't crazy about the size so I went bigger.

Pattern Description

Close-fitting knit dress with custom fit cup sizing in two lengths with overlapping front pleats.

Pattern Sizing:

I made the 14.

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

Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

The instructions were very straight forward and I had no problem with them. This particular pattern has different cup sizes for you to choose from. I cut the B Cup. I did have a slight issue working the center pleat, but I worked it out and placed a large button in the center for embellishment.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I actually do not dislike anything about this pattern. The dress is very comfortable to wear. The way this dress is designed it hides my flaws pretty well.

Fabric Used:

Rayon/Lycra knit I purchased from Spandex House in June.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

None. I worked it straight out of the pattern envelope.

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

Yes, I want to sew this one again, if not just to work the 2 center pleats out better than I did this time. I would recommend this pattern to others. The dress is very flattering on.

Conclusion:

I have worn this dress several times now, and each time I get a compliment. It is definitely a keeper.

Vogue 1250

My last and final dress for the Stay Cool Stitch Up A Dress Sew-a-long is Vogue 1250.

Now, there are many reviews on this dress and I figure, what's one more.

I love drape necks in blouses, dresses whatever. I think it's a flattering look on anyone. When I saw Carolyn make this dress, I ran to Joanns and picked up the pattern. Hey, the woman's made 4 of these dresses already and all I can say it, I right behind her. I have another one planned in a solid teal color. I have been dying to make this dress up for over a month but I was being very particular about my fabric choice and the print because I wanted something very summery looking. I purchased this fabric from Fabric Warehouse a couple of months ago and thought it fit the bill. Let's just say I'm Very happy with the outcome. If you don't have this pattern, please go out and get it. IT IS A MUST HAVE (Sheila, Karen are you listening?) The pattern consists of 2 major pieces and a facing for the back neckline and sews up in roughly 2 hours. The pattern drafting on this is genious. It gives the illusion of being tight fitted, but it really isn't. It just conforms and drapes around your body,

and it also helps that the dress is very, and I mean very comfortable.

Here's my review of the pattern:

Pattern Description:

MISSES' DRESS: Close-fitting dress.


Pattern Sizing:

6-20. I made a size 14.

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

Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Yes, the directions were very easy to follow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I LOVE the construction of this dress. It has two major pieces and a facing piece for the back neckline.

Fabric Used:

Cotton Lycra Knit which I purchased from Fabric Warehouse.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I added two inches to the length of the dress. I also finished the sleeves by hand as sometimes depending on the fabric you use when you hem sleeves in knit, they sometimes get a ripple look from serging them and then sewing them. Doing it by hand took care of that problem for me.




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

Yes, I"m going to make it in a teal blue. I think everyone should have one of these in their closet.

Conclusion:

This is an awesome dress and I really love it.

Vogue 1179

The first time I saw this dress was on Eugenia blog, and I thought to myself, "I like that". Then, she went and made it again, and then I was like, "I want that." Originally, I wanted an all black version, but I didn't have enough fabric to complete the dress so I opted for what was in my stash and went with a gray herringbone with black. I love this dress, and let me tell you, on the days I feel like wearing something loose, this wardrobe piece fits the bill. Plus, it doesn't hurt that there are only 3 pieces to this pattern, and it works up really fast. Here's my PR review on the dress:

Pattern Description:

DKNY, very loose-fitting, pullover dress, above mid-knee length, has pleated front, cowl collar and wide stitched hem.



Pattern Sizing:

6-12 or 14-22.

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

Yes it did.




Were the instructions easy to follow?

This is a very easy pattern, and a good pattern for a beginner to work with.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

It's a DKNY pattern. Anything designer is good.

Fabric Used:

Sweater knit in a herringbone pattern that I purchased from Fabric Warehouse a couple of years ago.



Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

The pattern called for a drape type knit. I was a little worried about using a sweater knit, but I used 1/4 seam allowances instead. I probably still would have been fine sewing 5/8 seams, being that this is not a fitted dress.

I jumped right in and made this dress before reading any reviews on it. A few reviewers had complaints of the armholes being a little tight or snug. I would agree with that, but it's okay. I am working with it, and I know for the next dress, I'll just cut the armhole slightly a little larger.

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

Yes, I plan on making it again for Spring/Summer in a much more slinky knit.

Conclusion:

I love it, plus I'm wearing a designer piece for mere pennies of what it would have cost in the store. You can't beat that.


On a closing note, these pictures were taken at like 2 am in the morning, hence the shiny makeup, plus I'm really tired. The little boy(one of Jack's various nicknames) was missing me and had to get in on the photo op. Or more like just wanted some loving.
Happy Sunday everyone. More reviews coming up!!

A New Hobby!!!!

Over the last 4 weeks I've been taking a silversmithing class from Ria. It is something that I've always wanted to do, but could never find the time nor a teacher in my immediate area. I was at my local train station waiting to catch my ride to go into the city and found an ad posted on the wall giving classes. Since my boss was laying me off again for the summer, I thought it would be a perfect time for me to start classes.

Week 1: I learned how to saw into metal. Let me tell you, this can be a little dicey. I kept think I was going to cut my fingers while doing this, but I got lucky and didn't. Here's my first project.

It's very simple, but as they say, you have to learn the basics first.

Week 2: I learned how to solder metal at 1300 degrees. Very cool, I didn't burn my fingers off. I made this pendant for Mr. D which is a little too big.

He wants it turned into a key chain of some sort.

For the past 2 weeks I've been working on a ring for myself and I finally finished it Wednesday night. Let me tell you, it was so worth the work and the classes. Ria is an awesome teacher. Here's my ring. I am so very proud of this piece.

Karen took a picture of me wearing the ring but it's a little blurry Here it is anyway.

I also started a matching pendant to go with it, but I have to still set the pearl and polish it up.

I'm taking a few weeks off but hope to finish it soon.

In sewing news, I worked on Vogue 8379 last week.

I wanted this pattern for a very long time, but every time I went to JoAnns, they were sold out of my size. I don't know why I've never made a wrap dress before, but this baby is going in the TNT pile. That's right I said TNT (this is my 1st one for the pile). I love it, and can see more of these in my future. First off, once cut out, it only took about an hour and a half to sew this up. It took longer than I expected but that was because the original fabric that I had chosen went and ran on me when I started sewing. Another bad piece of fabric purchased at JoAnns. I'm so not happy about that. Oh well, back to my stash. I ended up picking a piece of fabric that I purchased from Fabric Warehouse about a year or so ago. Here's the front view back view. Please excuse the hair. Very bad hair day. It looked great when I left the house but once I left the house, oh well. I guess I'm going to have to start using hair spray with this heat. I'm not a big fan.

Over the 4th of July weekend I worked on BWOF 07/2008-117, the Marlene Dietrich Trouser.

The pattern calls for a more light weight fabric like linen, but I went for a cotton twill in a dark blue that I purchased at Walmart for my first pair. I did my muslin on Saturday and learned that I didn't have to add any length to the pants. Major plus for me. I'll start to use Burda patterns more often knowing that. I always have to add at least 2 to 4 inches on the Big 4 patterns. Sunday I cut my fabric out and started working on the pants. I finished them up on Monday. Here are some close-ups of the front, (Sorry for the wrinkles. Pictures were taken after wearing them all day.)

zipper insertion,and my first attempts at using the hook and eye closers that I purchased from Greenberg and Hammer back in November when I went for PR Day. There's nothing better than taking a hammer to a pair of pants if you've got issues on your mind. Once I figured out how to use them, it was smooth sailing. I like the look, and I makes my pants look a little more store bought. All in all, I like the way they turned out, and they are wearable. I really need to make pants more often instead of being scared. Now I need to work on a few PR reviews, I'm so behind with that. What are you working on this weekend. I'd like to start on Simplicity 2648. My fabric is cut. I just need to mark everything and start sewing.

I don't have any pictures yet, but I'm finishing up knitting my short sleeve sweater. The body is completely done and I have the shoulder seams sewn together. I also completed one sleeve during the week and am working on the other one now. I still haven't decided if I want to put the pockets on it yet. Oh well, decisions, decisions. I hope you all have a great weekend. Stay cool. Adelaide, if you read this post, I'm putting my package together for you this weekend for my donation.

What's going on and some INSPIRATION!!

This past Saturday was the 1st day of Spring. It was just a few weeks ago that we sat and witnessed major snow storms and prayed for warmer weather. Well it's here, and so is the rain, but I for one am not complaining. I took advantage of the great weather yesterday and took a short bike ride with Mr. D. Saturday, I slept in really late and then ran my weekly errands and did laundry.It's been a slow go, but I finally got the dress for Vogue 8491 cut out. I still have to cut the jacket for Simplicity 4256 out. I also have the pattern pieces for Simplicity 2406 cut. I have to wash the fabric for it still, but hopefully I should have that done before the end of the week. I'm using one of the Silk Dupioni fabrics that I purchased from Jomars last week for $1.00 a yard. I also purchased denim from Jomars for the Jalie 2908 sew-a-long. I purchased the zipper over the weekend at JoAnns and ordered the rivets and button today from ebay. Can I also tell you that I think these will be the cheapest pair of jeans ever. I got the stretch denim for $3.20 a yard. Since it was so cheap, I purchased 2 different weights. I think one might be a 9 lb. and the other possibly a 12 pound.


On the knitting front I'm still working on some personal designs that have been a slow go, but I like what I'm seeing. I've only been working on them for about a year. There's no rush right?

Over the weekend I casted on for the Not-Just-For Chemo Reversible Cloche by Mary Keenan.

I finished the linen stitch for the brim and am now working on the hat portion.

It's tedious but I like it. I'm making it for another friend, who's wife just started chemo. While I'm on the subject of knitting for other people, I have to tell you that the red slippers were a hit, she loved them. My friend/band mate couldn't wait till his anniversary to give his wife the slippers from my last post. I heard that she is wearing them, and that I'm her favorite person right now.

Until next time, here's the belt I made last night, and wore to work today. I hope you like. I've also been looking at a little inspiration. I see some color, ruffles and embellishment in my future.

New Projects and a Review

One of my favorite things right now is the Chalk Cartridge Set put out by Dritz. I've wanted a chalk pencil like this for quite some time. I saw a similar one in a Threads magazine a few years ago, and said to myself I want that. Well, when I was in JoAnns a couple of weeks ago and saw this baby in the Quilting Section, I grabbed it. I tried it out on my outfit this past weekend, and it's a keeper. I'll be adding this to my wonderful collection of chalks (Love Them) that I got from Greenberg & Hammer. What are some of your favorite tools to work with?

As promised, here's a picture of me in the Valentines outfit from this past weekend. You can read my PR review here.

I've been trying to get in the mood for Spring. With that in mind, and today also being Ash Wednesday, I'm thinking about Easter and what I'll be wearing. Normally I pick out a pattern first and work from there. This time I picked the fabric first. I settled on this recent Vera Wang purchase of 2 yards. I'm hoping it's okay for Spring as the colors are a little Fall-ish.

At first I thought about making a skirt with a matching blazer. I settled on Simplicity 4256 for the blazer. It was either yesterday or maybe the day before that I figured with 2 yards, I could make a dress, so I'm now deciding between Simplicity 2658 View B and the dress from Vogue 8491. I'm leaning toward the Simplicity dress, but my decision isn't final yet. What do you think?

The other project I want to start is pants. I've decided to go with a Burda Pattern. The two that I'm looking at are 4-2009-188 and 11-2009-124. I know I'll probably make both, I'm just undecided as to which pair to make first. I'll probably go with 4-2009-118 first because I keep looking at the picture and I also want to make 4-2009-116 from the same issue and I think they'd go well together.