Pattern Review - Butterick B5211 Dress

This is definitely one of those dresses that would not sell in stores.  In the hanger it looks like a sack, but once you put it on it transforms into a cute comfy dress.

Pattern Description: Labeled by Butterick as "Fast & Easy" 1 hour pattern

Pattern Sizing: I cut a size 22, next time I make it I will probably cut an 20 or 18

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? Easy to sew, loose fitting and comfortable.  Can easily be dressed up or dressed down with the right accessories or by constructing with a different fabric choice.

Fabric Used: Unknown, it was a med weight twill with a satin finish I had in my stash. 

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Lined

Would you sew it again? Yes

Would you recommend it to others? Yes, every easy dress to make.

Conclusion: Next time I sew it, I will add 3-4" inches to the length.

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!

The Pencil Skirt

One of the key pieces to any fabulous wardrobe is a pencil skirt.  Pencil skirts are simple, classic and timeless.  And the quickest and easiest way to put together a professional look with very little effort. Your options are endless...a crisp white tailored shirt, blouse, sweater or blazer.  Add a few accessories and you are out the door.

I decided to challenge myself to make at least one (1) skirt a week from now until the end of the year to help build my wardrobe.  The pattern I will use is McCalls 3830.   This is such an easy pattern and there are many ways to alter it and add interest to the look.  

Stay tuned 

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.


 

Fabric + Inspiration = Fabulous Dress

I saw this dress on Pinterest a couple of weeks ago...LOVE IT!  It's part of the Louis Vuitton, Fall 2013 collection.  The mix of the plaid and the lace is what I love the most about it.  So this morning I'm looking through my Style board where I have this picture pinned and it hits me!!!  This fabric is just like one of the fabrics I scored at Walmart last week, at a whopping' $1.00 per yard!

Thinking of using Vogue 8069 View A and making a jacket to go with it. This is an OOP pattern I had in my stash.

Cheers to the freakin' weekend!!!!

Yeah, its Friday!!! You know what that means....MORE TIME FOR SEWING!  I'm so glad I moved my sewing room, it has made a HUGE difference...I have my mojo back!  I have been coming home every day and heading straight to the sewing room.  Good thing it's just me at home, because no one would be eating or getting any kind of attention.  My focus has been totally on sewing!  And I am loving every minute of it. 

I'm getting re-aquinted with my sewing machine and dusting out the cobwebs on my sewing skills.  I even got inspired enought to take my degree off the bookshelf, frame it and proudly hang it on the wall.  Goodness...just think of where my skills would be if I had really really done more sewing when I got out of school.  But anyway...its never too late.  Everything happens for a reason, in it's own due time.

This weekend I am going to concentrate on finishing up the projects I have cut out and partially sewn up.  So hopefully before the weekend it out I will have some pictures up.

Happy Sewing!!!

Fabric Haul

...from Walmart of all places.  I went over to the fabric section looking for ribbon for another project (no luck) and decided to check out the fabrics they had.  I plan on making simple pencil skirts to add to my 2013 Wardrobe Challenge.  So I got 9 yards of frabric for a total of $16!!! WINNING!!!

These two fabrics are winter so I won't be able to wear them just yet.

You can't tell from the picture, but the one on the left is a lemony yellow.  Very sunny and happy!  I will be sewing up a couple of things for spring with this one.  I got 5 yds of it.

 

Once I got the blue dotted stripe fabric home I decided I wanted to make some pants out of it as well, so since I only purchased 2 yds of it, I went back today and got 3 more yards.

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!

Ironing Board Table

I needed some storage in my sewing room as well as a larger ironing area.  So I decided to build an "ironing board table".  I used a combination of a workbench plan and a bookshelf plan I found at www.ana-white.com .  I found the totes at Family Dollar. The larger totes were $3.50 and the smaller ones are shoe boxes that were $1.00.  They hold my interfacing, lining, fabric scraps, zippers, buttons and misc. notions.  In person, the green is not as bright.

The ironing board is 4 1/2 ft long, whcih is about a foot longer than a regular ironing board.  I covered  it in quilted ironing board fabric I purchased from JoAnn's and stapled to the MDF board.  I then picked out a grey damask broadcloth I found at Hobby Lobby to give the table a more decorative look.  The damask fabric can be removed and laundered if necessary.

 

The table is also deep enough were I can place my cutting mat on it and cut out smaller projects.  Although the table is not perfect, it will do for what I need it for.  Now on to finishing getting the rest of my sewing room organized.

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!)