Handel Messiah

Our choir is singing Handel Messiah for Christmas this year.  Note: I am not that great of a singer, but I enjoy being in the choir.  This production is not the WHOLE choir, just those that volunteer.  So I volunteered...not realizing how HARD these pieces are.  All I could think of was the Hallelujah Chorus, I figured this would be a great opportunity of learn how to sing it correctly.  Oooooh weee!  There are a couple of other chorus' we will be doing.  Thank God for YouTube.

Anyway, we are black formal dresses with a single strand of pearls.  Cool, easy...I have both.  Well I tried on the dress I already have last week.  I was just going to make a bolero jacket to wear with it...but after trying it on, I realized...I need to make another dress.  The one I have is not quite church appropriate, just a little tooooo low cut in the front.  Sure, if I was a "B" cup I could get away with it, BUT...NOT!

So, it's on to plan "B".  While I was looking for patterns for the jacket I saw this dress.  I plan on altering the pattern so the the back is not as low and I will not be sewing the drape onto it.

Perfect....EASY!  Just so happen JoAnn's had their Vogue patterns on sale for $3.99 Saturday.  So I was lucky enough to get the only, the last of this pattern they had in the drawer.

While I was there, I looked at fabric.  The pattern calls for fabric with a 4-way stretch.  I did not want to sequins or anything shinny so I looked at velvet.  They had a few options of crushed velvet, that was very reasonable ($5.99-$9.99) that also happened to be 40% off.  But I did not like the look of them.  They had that cheezy "renaissance fair" look to them. After about 30 minutes wandering up and down the aisle, I rand across a beautiful stretch velvet.  The bolt said $7.99 AND it was on sale.  Perfect...almost too perfect right?  Right! Got up to the cutting table with it and um yeah too perfect!  It was about a yard and a half of stretch velvet that was on the wrong bolt. :-/ The fabric that I wanted was $16.99 and that was all they had of it in black.  Well, at least I figured out what kind of fabric I wanted to make the dress out of, so it was not a complete fail.  Oh and I got my pattern.

Later in the week I went to Hancock's to see what they had.  I love the fabric at Hancock's, I always find what I'm looking for (plus a few of things I did not know I was looking for). LOL  Not only did they have the stretch velvet I wanted it was $14.99 AND 50% off!!!  I plan on lining it with tricot.

Love it when a plan comes together!  I wanted to cut out the dress that night, but did not get a chance to.  Which is probably a good thing.  In the meantime, I thoroughly read the directions and I've been reading a few articles on sewing velvet.

Pattern Review: Simplicirty 7084

Today was "Pink Sunday" at church. I made this top (Simplicity 7084) with some fabric I had in my stash. It feels like a light weight crepe.

Pattern Description: Top with various options.

Pattern Sizing: I cut a size 20 

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? It was very easy to construct.

Fabric Used: Not sure exactly what it is, it was some fabric I had in my stash. I think it was a crepe.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I cut the neckline for view A and used the sleeves for view D closing them up. I also added 2" to the length of the bodice and the sleeves. And instead of facing it, I added bias to the neckline. 

Would you sew it again? Yes, I will definately sew it again.  It is a great wardrobe builder.

Would you recommend it to others? Yes

Pattern Review: McCalls M6797 Top

Pattern Description:
 Pullover loose fitting top
Pattern Sizing:
I cut in XL
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?
It was easy to sew and went together quickly.
Fabric Used:
I used a rib knit that I purchased online for $1.00/yard.  This was made as a "wearable muslin" that I will probably wear to lounge around the house with yoga pants.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
None

Would you sew it again? 
Yes, I plan on making this again, in a better fabric.  I make make some alterations to the draped side of the top by removing some of the drape and adding a little more structure to it.
Would you recommend it to others?
Yes I would.  It was an easy top to make and is very versatile. You can dress it up or down depending on the fabric you use and how you accessorize it.

Pattern Review: McCalls Quick & Easy Skirt 3830 (Pencil Skirt #1)

This is probably the oldest pattern in my stash...its date stamped October 2004!!! So yes, I have had this pattern quite some time.  Sad thing is, it only took me a couple of hours to cut it out and sew it!

Pattern Description: Skirt in 5 lengths. I decided to sew view E, which is knee length.

Pattern Sizing: 16-22

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 this pattern. Very simple and easy to make.

Fabric Used: Black/Off White Geometric stretch Poly Twill Sateen 46W purchased from FabricMart.com.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: No alterations, however...instead of putting in the waist yoke, I added lining.  I made view D which is a knee length skirt.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will definately sew it again. This pattern can be to base for sew many skirt options. Highly recommend you give it s try. I've had it for almost 10 years and McCalls still has it available for purchase, so the right there lets you know it a popular pattern.

Conclusion: LOVE IT!

Pattern Review - McCalls 6243 Dress View C

McCalls 6243 View C

This is one of the submissions that I will be entering into the Mini Wardrobe challenge on Pattern Review. What I like about this dress is that it is perfect to transition into fall.  Here in Texas we really won’t start getting cooler weather until probably mid to late October.  And once the temperature drops, I can easy pair this dress with a light weight jacket complete the look.

Pattern Description: Above mid-knee, straight dresses A, B, C have diagonal seams in front, back exposed zipper and extended shoulders, forming cap sleeve; dress A has front cut-out; dress B has diagonal, exposed decorative zippers; dress C has top-stitched seams.

Pattern Sizing: I cut out Size 18

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? Yes, although I did not follow them step by step.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? As it was labeled, it was very easy to sew. Did not like the neckline or the length, so I made some modifications to the pattern.

Fabric Used: I used a printed Ponte Knit that was purchased online FrabricMart.com

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: The drawing on the pattern for view C made the neckline look very tight. So I dropped the center front neckline down about 1" and the back neckline down about 1/2". Because I am tall, I added 3" to the length. I also lined the top bodice so that I could have clean, seamless arm and neck openings.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I will definitely sew this again, it was a very easy dress to sew and it is very comfortable.

Conclusion: Very cute dress with endless options for styling.

On the sewing table...McCalls 6650

I've had this organza fabric for quite some time. I love the color combination in the print.  Originally I was going to use this fabric to make a dress, but after some thought decided to make a top instead.

So, this is what is on the sewing table this week.

Hemming

My boyfriend and I were talking over the weekend and he mentioned he had a couple of pair of his work coveralls that were looking "raggedy" because they were too long and the hem was starting to fray.  I'm like, just bring them with you when you come over and I will fix them. 

He's seen some of the stuff I've sewn but has never actually seen me in action.  So while we are waiting for dinner to finish up.  I have him try in the pants so I can see how much they need to be hemmed.  Marked my hem line and headed toward my sewing room. 

So he's sitting in there with me, looking around in awe at all the gadgets and what not.  It was kinda funny because he reminded me of a little kid getting a peek into the forbiden room...you know, "look but don't touch!"  Less than 10 minutes later I have both pair of pants hemmed and ironed.

"Wow! These look professionally done!"  I just smiled and him and replied "They were!  I will send you my bill"  I love my man!

Pattern Review: McCall's 1 hr Cardigan

Here is my review for McCall's 1 hr. Cardigan.  I am currently participating in two challenges.  One of which is www.patternreview.com pattern stash. This is a pattern I have had in my stash for a loooonnnngggg time.  I tend to be cold natured and I thought this is the perfect project to have to lounge in. So this morning when I got up I decided to sew this up real quick

Pattern Description: 1 hr Cardigan
Pattern Sizing: ZZ (Lrg-Xlg-XXlg) I cut the XXL because I wanted this to lounge in. I like to wrap up in stuff.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Somewhat.
Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? It was easy to cut and sew. Just two pattern pieces. Was not pleased with the overall shape of the completed project.
Fabric Used: A light weight knit I had in my stash.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: None
Would you sew it again? No, probably not.
Would you recommend it to others? No
Conclusion: Not quite what I was looking for.


 

Gotta have a plan...

So I have been thinking about the "Sew Your Own Wardrobe" challenge trying to figure out how I am going to tackle this.  At first, I was thinking....just sew outfits.  But I could not quite rap my mind around that one. 

Then I started to think back (realy think way back) on how we had to do our projects in school.  So I decided to do "colllections" or mini-wardrobes. That way I can maximize on my wardrobe potential and have pieces that can coordniate with each other within the collection as well as inter-mix with other collections.  This concept is also called "Sewing With A Plan" (SWAP).

So here's my SWAP...I'm thinking the base for each mini- wardrobe collection will consist of 5-6 peices:

A)

3 - tops

2 - bottoms (any mix of skirt, pants or shorts)

B)

2 - tops

1 - bottom (skirt, pants or shorts)

1 - dress

And then add in a light weight jacket or cardigan for the spring/summer or a coat for the fall/winter.  Plus what ever other outfit, dress, shirt, pants or what every I get inspired to sew through out the year.

2013 Wardrobe Challenge

Melanie posted about the Sew Your Own Wardrobe Challenge that is hosted by Pattern Therapy and The Fearless Seamstress and I knew...this is the challenge for me!I need to build my wardrobe and work on sharpening my sewing skills. The challenge begins on April 1, 2013 and runs until March 30, 2014. Participants commit to twelve months (one full year) of sewing their own wardrobes and not purchasing ready to wear clothing. I'm going to try my best to stick to this plan, which in actuallity should not be to too hard, because I hate clothes shopping.

I am so excited about doing this.  With all the pattern sales that JoAnn's, Hancock Fabrics and Hobby Lobby has had in the last few weeks, I have plenty of outfits to choose from.  I am going to start however with trying to use up some of my fabric stash so I can make room for new fabric.

And soooooo...the challenge begins!

Graduation Outfit

My son graduates next month from basic training.  So my mom, my other son and I will be headed to South Carolina for his graduation.  I am super excited!  But I must find the perfect outfit to wear!  You know mom has to look cute!   There are a a lot of unknowns about this trip.  Being in the south already, I know that weather most likely will be hot and balmy.  And I also know that the graduation will be out doors, weather permitting (translation as long as we don't get hit with one of those crazy summer rain storms), so I need something that is suitable for out door weather.

Last month I picked up a lot of really cute patterns from Hobby Lobby and JoAnn's when they had their sale.  So last night I started flipping through them in hopes to find the perfect dress to sew.

I decided to sew the Simplicity 2178 Cynthia Rowley dress - I am of doing View A minus the strap and the shoulder tie (just a seam).

Here is the Cynthia Rowley Resort 2010 version of the dress (Below). I love the color blocking with the coral and the white.

There a a few reviews of this pattern on www.patternreview.com that will be very helpful when I sew this baby together.  It seems a few people had some little issues with how the bodice, waistband and skirt attach together.  But I don't think I will let that deter me...I love this dress!

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.