Hanging out in Burda Land

First off I want to thank all of you who left me comments on my costume in my last post. I am so proud of how it turned out. Since I was on a roll with the sewing, and I was, because not only did I make a costume for myself, but I also pumped one out for a co-worker's daughter in literally 3 days. I was crazy because I still had to make mine and only had 3 1/2 days to do it. I was tired after the fact, but it was well worth it seeing the end result.

In other sewing news, I've been wanting to work on a few new pieces for work, with an emphasis on pants, since I tend to wear them a lot during the winter months. Now I know that a lot of you have been working with Simplicity 2700, and I have that pattern in my stash as well, but a few months ago, I traced out my first pair of Burda pants. Now normally, when I work with the Big 4s I have to lengthen my pants by 2 to 4 inches depending on whether I like to wear heels with them. When I made the Dietrich pants, I noticed I didn't have to lengthen anything at all, and the fit was spot on. I could sew straight from the pattern with minimal or no alterations at all. With that in mind, about a week and a half ago I traced out BWOF 10/2008-132, the pants designed exclusively for Burda by Claudia Strater.

To be on the safe side I added an inch to the length, but in trying them on, I didn't really need to. In hemming the pants I took the more traditional way and did it by hand, using a blind hem stitch. I wanted a more professional look.
I contemplated edging the facing with bias tape to give it a more finished/polished look even though I'd already serged it. I so glad I finally did it. It gives the inside of the pants a more tailored look. I also used the interfacing that I purchased from Pam. Now I know what you all were talking about. THANK YOU!!!

I can tell you now, that I see more of these in my future. I loved how they turned out.

Since I was on a roll with Burda, and I genuinely love the fit, I next cut out BWOF 9/2010-121, the turtleneck pullover.

Karen had made a few and I loved them. I had a chocolate brown remnant that I picked up from Joanns about a month ago. I only had a yard, but I figured it was be nice to try this pattern out. The fabric was a tad short for making long sleeves but I was able to make the blouse with an elbow length sleeve. This was another winner from Burda. I loved that it only took me about an hour to make it once it was cut out. I loved it so much, that I went back to Joanns and purchased more fabric for a few more. I completed the leopard print one you see above to go with the Claudia Strater pants I made. There are definitely more of these in my future as well. This is #3 to the TNT pattern pile.

Now, since I have a blouse and a pair of pants made, you know I have to make a jacket to go with it. I liked the blazer that goes with the pants in the design, but I was looking for a different look. Right now I'm looking at BWOF8/2010-114 which is from the tribute to Jackie Kennedy. I think I have just enough fabric left over to pull this one off. Wish me luck. I'm hoping to trace it out in the next few days, or next weekend. I also have a few other tops in mind from the BWOF 9/2010 issue. #109 and #114. My fabric is washed, I only need to trace the patterns out. I don't know, I think I'm starting to like hanging out in Burda land.

In knitting news, I finished up a test knitting project for Knit Picks last month, and they sent me another one which I am currently working on right now. Sorry I can't show them yet, but I have to wait until they are published in their catalogs. I can tell you this much, I love both patterns and plan to make them for myself.

I'm also working on a hat and scarf set for a co-worker's daughter. Both the hat and the scarf are finished. I just need to weave in the ends and put some finishing touches to it. I am pretty pleased with how they turned out. I will show pics later on in the week after I get it completed.

I hope you all have had a very crafty weekend.

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.

Butterick 5147 with sleeves!!!

Elizabeth, this one's for you. Last month I joined the sew-a-long for the sheath dress from Butterick 5147, but could never get my act together. I showed you all the fabric I was going to use and started it, but to date, it's still in the works. I still need to install the zipper and sew up the sides, but right now I'm just not feeling it. Now, knowing that I still had that to do, I decided to start on Version #2.

I wanted instant gratification and I wanted a new garment to wear to work today, so I thought, knit dress, plus, I don't know about you, but I just have those type of days where I want something comfy cozy to wear. I couldn't think of another dress to try this with except Butterick 5147.

This time I traced it out in a size 12, because I was working with a knit and drafted short sleeves to go with it since it's getting cooler outside. If you want to try this, you can take short sleeves from another pattern or try drafting some yourself. I'd say it was an easy project all the way around and I was able to work it up on about an hour or so and it fit right out the box. Now in hearing about the armhole area being cut a little to low, I did add about an 1" to the lower area when tracing the armhole out and then graded back to the 12 going up to the shoulder area. I definitely see more of these in my future with different types of sleeves and necklines.

I'm already planning another one with a matching sweater jacket I'm going to design to go with it. Wish me luck, I hope it turns out.

By the way, thank you all for all the lovely well wishes from my last post. Have a great night. I off to go finish dinner and get some crafting done.

It's been awhile

and I don't even know where to begin. In the past month and a half I have been through so many life changes. Just thinking about it is making my head spin. In June I got laid off again. I guess my boss was liking the fact that she didn't have to pay anyone during the summer months. Well, I couldn't handle that and unemployment is so bad, I couldn't live off of that either.

My buddy Karen called me up and asked if I wouldn't mind covering for vacations at her job for 2 weeks. I jumped at the chance. Mind you, knowing that I was only going to work for 2 weeks, I had it in my head that I would start looking for a new place of employment shortly thereafter. Well, 2 weeks turned in to 3, then 4 then, "We would like to offer you a permanent position". You know I jumped at the offer. When I sent the old boss my resignation letter, because I was suppose to go back to work this coming Monday, she promptly called me leaving me a message wishing me well. From her voicemail message, I got the impression that she expected me to work my new job and still work for her. To that, you know I didn't call her back. Anyway, I am enjoying my new job and learning something new everyday as I am now working in the legal field. That was my July. My official start at the job was the beginning of August.

I didn't get any sewing done at all except for starting the Butterick 5147 which is still not finished, but I'm halfway there. I got to hang out with Mr. D a little. He's on the night shift while I work during the day. It's a little hard, but we make it work. Every once and a while we get that morning drive by. We went hiking in Rickets Glen (I'm saving the pictures for another post. The place is gorgeous. I got to see about 20 waterfalls. The hike kicked my butt, but it was so worth it. Let's just say, I started doing Zumba shortly thereafter and have been going strong ever since. I'm going to work up to adding some yoga in this coming week and since it's starting to get cooler, I'll probably add some bike riding in also. I haven't noticed any weight loss yet, but I have started losing inches and body fat.

In shopping new, I know everyone knows about PR day in NYC. I had such a wonderful time. It was great too see some old familiar faces and to meet some new faces as well. I finally got a chance to meet Robin. She and I have been conversing for the last 4 years or so via blog and email. Girl, you are a delight in person. I'd have to say we had a wonderful time in NYC and I'm proud to say I didn't go overboard with the shopping.

I went with a plan for fall and winter garments, because that's just what's on my mind right now. At Metro Textiles I picked up 8 yards of double knit fabric for 3 dresses and 2 pairs of pants (not pictured) and a knit for a cocktail sheath dress. Some leather and a piece of lining purchased at Mood. Trim from Pacific for future project ideas I have in mind and a special purchase from Elliot Berman. The piece on the top is Dolce & Gabbana for a skirt and the other piece is a cotton fabric from Italy for a sheath dress. All in all it was a fabulous day.

Now, this past weekend I'd planned to get a whole lot of sewing done for me. It just didn't happen. Between running around and getting errands done, hanging with family and friends and sewing for other people, it just wasn't happening. On Saturday night I hung out with my girlfriend and did some alterations for her. I also designed and sewed a painting smock for my neighbor's son. He needed it for school and she couldn't find one anywhere. A trip to JoAnn's on Sunday night produced this baby. Please tell me why you can't find cool waterproof fabric for boys? I found plain blue outdoor windbreaker fabric that had a plastic coating on the inside in the discount area, but that was it. When I went to the cutting counter, there was only a little over a yard left, so I had no margin for mistakes or errors. You know I made a muslin first just to play it safe. Now, a 6 year old can not have a plain blue smock. Especially one that's into Ben 10 so I went over to the quilting section to see what I could find to jazz things up. When I spotted the flying saucers and noticed how it matched the blue fabric and orange bias tape I'd picked out, I knew I had a winner. I picked up some plastic for pockets on the front, embroidered he's name on it and we had a winner. To end the weekend out, I did manage to cut out 2 skirts for myself. Hopefully I'll have them sewn together soon. I have too many ideas in my head, and not enough time.

On a sad ending note, I had to put my best friend Byron(Mr. D calls him husband #1) down 2 weeks ago. He made it to the wonderful ripe old age of 18 and I am so proud and thankful to him for that. We had 17 1/2 years together and they were a lot of fun. He had a lot of character and everyone that knew him, thought he was something else. Let's just say he acted more like a person than a dog. Anyway, he will be greatly missed and things just aren't the same around here without him. Jackson, my other dog is missing him and it's an adjustment. He has taken to chewing my shoes up and his eating habits have gotten a little flaky, but we're working it out.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend and enjoying the cooler weather. Have a great weekend.

McCall's 3830, OOP Style 2571 and New Look 6457

I had seen many reviews for McCall's 3830.

Everyone that has made it had said that it was a fairly easy skirt to put together and a must have for garment basics. Well I'm putting my 2 cents in on this one. If you need a basic pencil skirt, and you only have a yard of fabric sitting around, this is the pattern for you. I love this pattern and it is so quick and easy too. This is definitely a TNT in my book.

I made View C last Sunday with a jacquard print 100% cotton that I picked up from JoAnn Fabrics. Can I just tell you now that I love this fabric, and the texture is just lovely.

I wanted a top to go with the skirt so I looked through my stash of patterns and found (OOP) Style 2571. I've had this pattern since 1995 and I had never tried it.

The fabric I used is a bottomweight that I picked up from Joanns. It's 97% cotton and 3% Lycra. I don't think Style patterns are around anymore. If anyone knows please let me know what happened to them. At one point, I was thinking Style and New Look were the same company.

Now, this past weekend, I think it got up to 100 degrees here. I've been wanting to make a maxi dress for 2 summers now, but I still haven't gotten around to it. I've been wanting to make this strapless dress for even longer I think. Well, I finally did it on Saturday(I've only had the pattern for like 2 or 3 years now). Last minute Andrea struck it rich with New Look 6457.

I love this pattern and plan on making this dress again.

I picked up about 2 1/2 yards of fabric on Saturday during a lovely visit with the planning committee for PR Philly Weekend and Deepika. A great time was had by all and we were able to bear the heat well.

Here's a little taste of what's up next.

I joined Elizabeth's sew-a long for Butterick 5147. I'm calling it the ultimate sheath dress because Sheila has made it sooooooooooo many times.

Before I sign off for tonight, I have to give a major shout out and Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to one amazing woman. Rachelle a.k.a. Knit Machine Queen of Smoking Needles Fame. A couple of weeks ago I had a give away and never expected to get anything back in return. Well, last week I came home to find this lovely package on the mail. My mouth was on the floor and I was speechless. I've had many friends in my life, but I must say that the blogging community is one very special group of people that I am so honored to be a part of. I haven't met all of you in person yet, but I hope to in the future. Rachelle you are one of those lovely ladies I would like to meet in the very near future. Until then, I will continue to read your blog, email you and and leave crazy messages from time to time. You are one sexy, amazing, cool mama that keeps on ticking and roaring down the road on your 2-wheel demon with a vengeance. Don't ever let anything stop you.

BWOF 07/2008-108

Since I made the Dietrich trousers from the 7/2008 BWOF issue last weekend, I figured, since I had the pattern pieces out, why not trace something else out before putting it away. I always liked 7/2008-108.

I was suppose to make this top last weekend, but never got around to it. My schedule is a little busy this weekend, but I figured why not try to fit it in during my down time.

This tunic went together pretty easily.

The only problem I had was putting in the back darts, since I had no markings for them.

After a bit of tweaking, I think it looks pretty good. I want to make this again,. as this was my wearable muslin. I just haven't figured out yet if I want to make another tunic or the dress version. Oh well, at least I know what I"ll be wearing tomorrow.

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.