Spring 2013 Colors and Trends

This years spring color palette is a mix of vibrant brights and soothing neutrals that will mix well together, but still stand out on their own and demand attention.

I must say the colors that stand out the most for me personally are the Lemon Zest, Poppy Red and Nectarine.  Red and orange have always been very good colors for me to wear, however, this year I really want to step out side the box and try to incorporate the yellow into my wardrobe choices.  I'm just not quite sure how it will work with my skin tone.

I love these looks InStyle published in their April edition.  I think I may do a skirt, dress or a pair of shoes in yellow.  And I love the idea to pair it with orange, navy or purple...I think that is the perfect color combination to help tone it down some.

What's your favorite color for Spring?

Pattern Review: Simplicity 1658 Jessica McClintock Dress.

Pattern Description:  Depending on the view you decide to sew and that fabric you use, this dress can be a nice everyday dress, date night dress or worn for a cocktail or evening event.

Pattern Sizing: 14-22

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

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I loved the simplicity of the dress. I had just the right amount of flair! However, I did not like the flange in the sleeves.  I sewed the pattern with them initially, but went back and removed them.

Fabric Used: For the under layer and lining, I used a light weigh fabric (unknown…something I had in my stash).  For the over layer I used organza.  The skirt was made out of a medium weight stretch satin. The skirt to this dress is fitted and there are no waist darts.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Looking at the pictures and the drawings, I suspected that I would not like the flange sleeves, but cut and sewed the dress according to the instructions.  Once I finished it, I realized I DID NOT LIKE the sleeves for sure! So I took them off. 

I also used French seams and a rolled hem on the organza so I could have clean edges all the way around.

Because of my height (and age). I added about 2” to the hem so the hemline would be right at my knees.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I would sew it again. I needed this dress to wear out last night, and it was perfect for the occasion.  I did make a few mistakes that I need to fix.  I would definitely sew it again, it’s a very cute and comfortable dress.  Next time I make it I will go for a day look. Yes, I would recommend it to others, it was fairly easy to sew, instructions were clear and it is a VERY comfortable dress to wear.  I got lots of compliments on it.

Conclusion: Loved it because I was able to accomplish two things…had a cute outfit to wear out last night, and sewed up about 5 yards of fabric out of my fabric stash!

Location, Location, Location!!!

When I moved into my house last summer, I decided I was going to put my sewing/craft room in the extra bedroom that faced the front of the house.  That way I can see out the front window and all the happenings in the neighborhood.  Needless to say, that room was very un-inspiring.

Last week as I sat at my dining room table hemming some curtains I was making for my niece's bedroom and the thought crossed my mind..."why am I NOT in my sewing room doing this???" As I looked around, I realized what I liked about the dining room was that I could see out my patio door (lots of natural light and a nice view) and that I could see my TV in my living room.  

So I pulled everything out of both rooms and started moving things around. It's still a work in progress, but I feel "inspired" already.  Hopefully by the end of the week I can have all my fabric stash sorted and reorganized.

I took a break or too to surf the net and ran across this contest on Pattern Review. An thought it would be the perfect contest to get my sewing mojo back and use some of the patterns I have that I have not tried yet.

The contest starts March 16th, and ends April 30th.

Vintage Cars

My nephew loves cars. When he was little he loved the movie Cars, but quickly informed me "I'm a big boy now!" So for his room he wants to do a vintage car theme.
Even though my nieces room is going to be a LOT of fun for me because I get to all the pink frilly  stuff.  (I didn't have any girls). My nephews room is going to be a lot easier because I did have two boys... I know boys.
Here are our Hobby Lobby finds (can you tell...I love this place!)

Paris is always a good idea! - Audrey Hepburn

Paris is always a good idea, especially when it comes down to decorating a little girls room. My sister just moved into a bigger place and now my nephew and niece get to have their own room. And my niece being a girly girl that she is, wanted at her room to be pink and princess. After a visit Hobby Lobby she fell in love with all the Paris room decor.  And the "Parisian Princess Theme" evolved.
Here are a few of the things we found that inspired us.