Saturday, July 17, 2010

NO MOJO!!!

Hello all. As you see, I am still alive. I just dont have any inclination to even go in my sewing room. I pass by the door and just keep walking...I am 10 weeks pregnant and soooo tired and nauseated all the time (morning sickness my behind!!!) I cant wait til I get thru this phase and feel like even entering my sewing room again.

Monday, May 24, 2010

Mccalls 6118

MCCALLS 6119


FRONT VIEW


BACK VIEW



Pattern Description: Above, mid-knee length, one shouldered tunics A, B, C gathered into band; sleeveless tunic A has bow tie; tunics B, C have flared sleeves; tunic B has purchased jewels; tunic C has sash.

Pattern Sizing: I made size 18...had to take it in...a lot

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? so simple...like 4 pieces

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I am going crazy for all the one shoulder styles!!!

Fabric Used: Polyester print from Hancocks...I just love these colors in this print

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Well. originally I made the size 18 and then had to take in gobs of fabric from the sides..I means like at least 3-4 inches on each side...can we say tent...anywho, that took care of those issues...Needless to say there was no FBA needed on this one.
Instead of using a narrow hem. I did a rolled hem on the bottom and on the sleeve.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes I will definately make this one again and soon...I am going to lengthen it a little and make it a knee length dress.

Conclusion: Pattern and fabric love!!!

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Mccalls 5850


MCCALLS 5850






Pattern Description: Lined dresses are 4" above knee and have back zipper closure; package features interchangeable components to create your own design; choices include three bodices, two midriffs, gathered skirt, bubble skirt, bubble skirt with hem band and optional bows; included in package are tips for embellishing your finished dress.

Pattern Sizing: I used a size 18 and it was a little big

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Well..I used my own skirt, so only the bodice was from this pattern

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I made this to go to a bachellorette party. I liked the one shoulder option and, of course, the shoulder princess seams.

Fabric Used: Linen blend from Hancocks

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I added 2 inches to the bodice length and did a 2 inch FBA. I added piping to the upper and lower portion of the midrif band. I did not care for the skirts the pattern offered so I just used one of my TNT pencil skirts and added a front vent to it. I also added a stay at the top of the bodice to keep the top from stretching out.




I made the size 18 but I had to take it in some, so next time I will use the size 16.

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

Conclusion: Love it!!! Here are the shoes I wore with it


Saturday, May 8, 2010

SIMPLICITY 2642

SIMPLICITY 2642







Pattern Description: misses dress or daygown

Pattern Sizing: I used a size 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? I just love maxidresses for summer

Fabric Used: Linen print from Joann's

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I did an FBA and also added 2 inches the the bodice length...I added 4 inches to the skirt length.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes...I probably will sew it again

Conclusion: Nice cool summer maxidress

SIMPLICITY 2401


SIMPLICITY 2401







Pattern Description: Misses' dress and jumpsuits designed for day or evening.
I made the dress

Pattern Sizing:
I used a size 18

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Better, I think!!

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Super duper easy

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I think the halter back is pretty cute. I needed some more clothes for my upcoming trip to Jamaica and I love maxidresses. You can look hip and sexy and not show all of your business!

Fabric Used:
Cotton quilting from Hancocks

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I did not like the center front seam so i eliminated that and cut it on the fold instead. I also raised the neckline about 2 inches. I added 3 inches to the bodice length and added 6 inches in length to the skirt and lined it with . I also wanted the ties to be a little longer so I lengthened them about 3 inches each. I did a 3/4 inch FBA and rotated the dart to the underbust gathers.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yepper...this is one of my TNT maxidress patterns and I also plan on sewing the jumpsuit also

Conclusion:
A winner. Jamaica here I come!!

Monday, April 12, 2010


MCCALLS 6083







Pattern Description:
Jumpsuits A, B, C, D, E have side front pockets, elastic casings and stitched hem; jumpsuit B has shoulder straps; jumpsuit C has sash; jumpsuits D, E have bodice with gathered shoulders, narrow hemmed armholes; jumpsuits A, D are thigh length; jumpsuit B above ankle length; jumpsuits C, E are floor length; optional purchased belt.


Pattern Sizing:

I made view c size 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? Super easy

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I saw the jumsuits made by Erica B. and Myraida and I said I have got to have one of those. I wore this on Saturday night to an event out with my husband and it was a hit.

Fabric Used: White linen/rayon blend from Joann's. I bought this fabric on Saturday morning and wore the suit on Saturday night.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I lined the bodice in self fabric and I also lined the pants to mid calf. I made the top a little wider at bust level instead of doing an FBA..I also added 6 inches in length to the pants for my height. I also made the lilttle shrug from butterick 4731.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yep...another one planned in hot pink for my trip to Jamaica

Conclusion: Love it!!!


Thursday, April 8, 2010

Easter Suit


MY EASTER SUIT






Please ignore all of the wrinkles...I jumped back in this suit a couple of days after it had been lying across a chair because I finally found someone who would take my pic.

Pattern Description: Princess seam jacket with Jabot collar and hidden closure























Pattern Sizing: size 38-46
I made the 44-46

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? Ok, we are talking about Burda WOF here, so I guess I can say they were the usual..I just read them about 50 million times and slept with the magazine under my pillow hoping for a little osmosis. What didnt get absorbed thru that I just winged.


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I was looking for a jacket with a little something extra for my Easter suit. I went thru my Burda WOF archive and ran across this pattern from September 2005...(This is why we love Burda, this magazine is 5 years old and still right on time!) I love the tie collar!!! and I love the shoulder princess seams which I love for doing an FBA. The integrated pocket was a nice feature that was pretty easy once I figured out what to do.

Fabric Used:
I used some pale yellow linen blend that I think I got about 6 years ago from Walmart...Perfect color for my Easter suit. I went to Joann's to get some ambiance lining for my jacket and I found a whole bolt in the color called fluff on the clearance section for 3.00 per yard...Score...bought it all!!!

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
The jacket was already 26 inches long and I added 2 more inches to the length to make it 28 inches long. I also added 4 inches to the sleeve length and did a 2 inch FBA

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, this jacket is stylish and right on trend with the tie collar.

Conclusion:
Love i!!!t. The pants are from Burda WOF 12-2005 which I will review soon. Here is a pic of the back view and the shoes I wore with the suit.









Sunday, February 28, 2010

MORE SHOES!!!
We went to Albany, Ga this past weekend and I just happened to be walking by a TJ Maxx and, and, and Ok...see what had happened was....I was uhhh just walking by TJ Maxx and a strong wind came along and opened the door and pushed me in...all the way to the shoe section...That's my story and I am sticking to it!!!


These are Tahari patent leather


Cute lil sandals for maxidress season



Cute...lovin the ruffles



These are just too cute...turquoise stones with crystals...Maxi dresses here I come!!1


These are by Ellen Tracy...Classic with a twist...



OK OK...alright, I agree...no more shoe shopping for this month!!!
Bye!!!




Green Wool Tweed Pantsuit/Simp 2810 and Simp 2562

SIMPLICITY 2810 AND SIMPLICITY 2562









Pattern Description: Misses Lined Jackets Project Runway CollectionPattern Sizing: size 12-20. I used a combination of a 16-18.

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? I did not use them, but they seemed OK

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I bought this pattern when it first came out and I am just getting around to sewing it. I love shoulder princess seam jackets and blouses and this pattern had that plus a single and double breasted versions. Wonderful.

Fabric Used: Wool tweed with flecks of pink, blue and yellow. It has been in the stash for a couple years and I have forgotten where I got it from. I think maybe Hancock's a few years back. It is lined in ambience from Joann's. I used self fabric buttons. I usually use armo tie interfacing to set in my sleeves, but my normal supplier did not have any, so I had to use some fleece...It worked great and also made for a very nice sleeve head. Plus it is much cheaper...

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I did my usual 2 inch FBA then added another 4 inches at the lower edge. I added 3 inches to the sleeve length at the lower edge, but I forgot to add the other additional 3 inches at the elbow (of course I discover this after I had attached the sleeves!!!) (Yes, I have REALLY long arms!) What to do? I cut off each sleeve about 3 inches up from where the vent ended...I then cut out another lower section of sleeve adding the necessary 3 inches in length...It turned out to be a "design element"


Lining




Would you sew it again?
Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I will and I will also try the single breast version. This is going to be a TNT for me. I wore it this weekend and received lots of compliments. The trouser is simplicity 2562 that I have reviewed previously.

Conclusion: A very nice pattern that made a very nice suit.































Sunday, February 21, 2010

MOMMA GOT SOME BRAND NEW SHOES!!

Ok, so I admit it....I have a thing for shoes (and handbags). I was out minding my own business and these followed me home this month (so far)!!!




These I got at the Nine West outlet in Ellenton, Fl.



These are from Burlington Coat Factory




I walked into the Bandolino store in the mall and saw these..They did not have my size but the clerk ordered them for me and I got them by mail in 4 days.. Ra rahr!!





Ok Sears was having a major clearance sale so I got these...they were $12.99





Sears again....$12.99






One more time for Sears, $12.99








And Sears again...these are Westies (nine west) and they were $14.99









These last 2 pair of sandals are from Burlington Coat Factory...I think they will look super cute with all the maxi dressed I am making for summer!!
















































Tuesday, January 19, 2010

BURDA 8/09 #132


A 'LIL BIT ROCK N ROLL!!!

Pattern Description: Burda says this shirt is a lil bit rock-n-roll.
Pattern Sizing:I used a size 44
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yep
Were the instructions easy to follow?
OK...not really...These are typical Burda WOF instructions. I was confused about what line to cut on...turns out I choose the wrong one. Having done that I had to try to ease in and extra inch in the collar stand...UUURRGGHH!!! Thank goodness the collar and flounces covers it up nicely.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Ok...A shoulder princess seam blouse with flounces!!! What's not to love. I am a fool for flounces and ruffles...When I saw this blouse I knew I would be wearing this puppy. I think everything I make has one or the other...My husband says if they go out of style I will be naked, so I told him no way 'cause I am gonna be wearing ruffles til the day I die!!!...I digress.
Fabric Used: Cotton shirting
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I used the longer length version of the shirt. I added 4 inches of length to the sleeve and I did a 2" FBA. I used my serger's rolled hem function to finish the ruffles and the sleeves.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I probably wont sew it again because it is so distinctive, but if you love all these frilly numbers then go for it.
Conclusion: I love , love this blouse...It never fails to get attention.













Monday, January 18, 2010

Vogue 7975

I needed some more "Sunday go to meetin' clothes" so this is what I came up with.








Pattern Description: Lined jacket in two lengths with high round neckline. A, B: short length, has long sleeves and patch pockets. A: purchased ribbon ties and trim. B: purchased trim on outer edges. C: three-quarter length sleeves, mock welt pockets, purchased trim along outer edges of jacket. D: button front, three-quarter length sleeves and mock welt pockets. E: button front, full length sleeves, patch pockets, outer edges trimmed with purchased fold-over braid. D, E: longer length.



Pattern Sizing: I made a size 18.



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


Were the instructions easy to follow? I did not use them.



What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? No dislikes.. I love the shoulder princess seams.



Fabric Used: Wool Boucle from fabricmart...At least I think it was fabricmart. It was about 2 years ago.



Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I did my usual 1 and 3/4 FBA. I added 4 inches to the sleeve length. As a boucle, this fabric wanted to ravel, so to help prevent that, I interfaced all pieces with fusi-knit. The jacket is lined with Ambiance. I added a pocket from a burda magazine jacket pattern...






I always go thru Burda and copy any interesting pocket patterns and put them in my jacket pocket folder to use for later. The skirt is made from my TNT skirt pattern. The turtleneck is from my TNT turtleneck pattern that I gathered at the neckline.




Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Oh yes...I wore this to church on Sunday and I got lots of compliments. This is going to be my TNT collarless jacket pattern. (Well, at least one of them!!)



Conclusion: Nice, versatile pattern. Here are the shoes I wore with the suit.