Top #3- New Look 6964

Top #3 is  New Look 6964; My nautical look! The fabric is a navy blue and white rayon/polyester blend, I believe, bought from Hancock's! I plan to wear this top with white shorts/slacks! I cannot wait to wear it; living in Charleston, SC this is the right look for walking on the Battery! I plan to make this one again, and will sew the other versions as well! I did one modification from the sewing instructions; I added elastic to the hem of the top. I just thought it brought the top "all" together; especially in regards to the sleeves.

Top #2! Vogue 8634

Vogue 8634

I really like this top! I bought the fabric about 1 year ago from Fabric Mart and love the pattern of colors flowing through the fabric. The colors lend versatility to the types and colors of bottoms that can be paired with it. This is the second time (1st time here) that I have made this top; it is easy and provides sewing satisfaction every time!

This is the first time I have used a double-stitch needle! So glad I did; it made the difference in the finishing of this top!

My Plan for "Starting at the Top"!

Hope to post my 1st finished top by Wednesday! I'm excited!

Getting Motivated...

I have been purchasing patterns at every sale that Handcock has had in the last few months, and dreaming about the outfits that I am going to make. I also purchase Susan Khalje's course on Craftsy, The Couture Dress. I have learned so much about making a muslin. Now I am convinced that making muslins are VERY important. I purchased muslin, washing and pressed it. I have my pattern ironed and ready to go. So why and I just sitting around and not sewing?

I spent the morning browsing online fabric stores. By the way, Fashion Fabric Club is having an awesome anniversary sale. I could not help myself from ordering fabric. I am a sucker for a great sale.

Well, maybe I will walk my dog Diggy. He's a Jack Russel with alot of energy. Maybe the walk will get my sewing juices flowing. I surely hope so!

To INFINITY and Beyond: Infinity Scarfs for Christmas

Guess what my the women in my family are getting for Christmas?

The Infinity Scarf can come in many different styles, textures and colors. They can be used to accessorize any outfit, and can be styled in multiple ways. I found selecting fabrics and textures fun. Most I found at Walmart.

The options are "infinte". I was able to make approximately 12 different scarves in less than 6 hours over 2 days. Talk about "instant gratification" sewing projects. As I made each one, I wanted to keep it for myself. In most cases, I bought enough fabric to make 2 or 3 out of the same fabric. Can't you imagine the style potential with each scarf?

Animal Print!

Basic Black!

Butterflies!

 Black & White!

Floral!

I want to keep them all for myself...but it's Christmas.The time for giving! I hope they really enjoy them. I know I did making them!

Making Chocolate and Caramel a Reality!

V8772 Misses' Blouse New Sewing Patterns Vogue Patterns

View C (sleeveless with bowtie) in Caramel!

V8773 Misses' Skirt New Sewing Patterns Vogue Patterns

View A in Chocolate Leather!

B4865 Misses'/Misses' Petite Jacket and Belt Jackets/Vests Butterick Patterns

View D in Chocolate and Caramel Leopard Print!

Now to stop dreaming and to start sewing!

SWAP 2012 - Ready for the Challenge!

I have been contemplating a SWAP for some time now. The 2012 SWAP (Sewing With a Plan) contest on Stitcher's Guild will focus on fitting, and making tried-and-true patterns or in my case figuring out what my “tried-and true” patterns are.


Sewing will begin December 26th, and all garments must be finished by April 30th, 2012. Muslins, pattern fitting and cutting may be started whenever you are ready; so this gives me plenty of time to determine what I would like to consider and develop as my tried and true patterns. I do have a few patterns that I really like, but still have small fitting issues to work out and this SWAP will give me the opportunity to do just that.

Here are the basic guidelines:

Choose any seven garments from this list:

• Button Down Shirt w/Collar  
• Blouse or shirt (collar is optional)  
• T-Shirt  
• Vest  
• Overshirt  
• Dress  
• Jeans 
• Trousers  
• Shorts or Capri Pants  
• Skirt
• Jacket (jean jacket, windbreaker, hoodie, etc.)  
• Coat (suit or sport coat) 
• Overcoat or Raincoat  
• Bathing Suit & Coverup

From those seven, choose four to make twice for a total of 11 garments that will work together. Those four may either be repeated garments from the same pattern, or one each from two different patterns.

It doesn't matter what styles you choose, but these should be patterns you will be using over and over in the future, so keep 'em simple with lots of room for future alterations, changes and embellishments. You will probably want to make test muslin of each pattern, so that any fitting issues can be addressed early on.

For now, I am off to make a calendar to set deadlines. I am actually quite excited!

Vogue 8634 - A Best Pattern of 2010 - I just had to make it!

Front View

Back View

On my way to work



Pattern Description:


MISSES' TOP: Close-fitting, pullover tops A, B, C, in two lengths, have collar and stitched hems. A: short sleeves. B: three-quarter length sleeves. C: long sleeves

Pattern Sizing:

Combinations: Y(XS-S-M), Z(L-XL)

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?

Very easy; simple and quick to sew.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I really like this pattern; the only thing I did no do that was in the instructions was to top stitch across the front.

Fabric Used:

A poylester/Rayon Jersey Knit purchased at Fabric.com.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

None.

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

I plan to make this in a couple of solids. I think that it is a perfect top to wear with separate pieces and under a suit.

Conclusion:

A simple and quick sew; fits well and a great pattern if you are in need of tops to fill in your wardrobe.



Fall 2011 Fashion Colors

Considering a SWAP - Sewing With a Purpose

Here are the basic colors that I am considering.

I am perusing the fabic sites for a splash of colorful patterns and trendy designs to add a little punch to my basic colors. More to come on pieces and patterns.

"My Picks" Fall McCalls (New Patterns to Stash)

 

McCalls 6433

McCalls 6434

McCalls 6439

McCalls 6442

 

McCalls 6443 - Such a cute jacket!

My Pattern Reviews - Kwik Sew 3779

Swimsuit Front

Swimsuit Back

Pattern Description: KWIK SEW 3779


Swimsuit (View B) has a V-neckline, lined upper front with gathers at sides, center seam and bust.

Pattern Sizing:

Misses XS-S-M-L-LX; I made size M.

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

The finished swimsuit look exactly like the photo on the pattern envelop.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

I found the instructions easy to follow; they went step by step.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I especially like the simple instructions and the illustrations given in the pattern directions.

Fabric Used:

I used a swimsuit Spandex Lycra purchased at Hancock Fabrics.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I did not have to make any alterations or design changes.

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

I just purchsed another yard with a different design to make another swimsuit. I am trying to decide between View A or B.

Conclusion:

This was my first attempt at making a swimsuit. This pattern gave me confidence...I will never purchase another ready-made swimsuit again.

My Pattern Reviews - McCalls 5425

Pattern Description:

Misses/Miss Petite pullover dress.

Pattern Sizing:

Sizes (6-8-10-12-14)

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

I made View C, with the length of View A. The finished dress looked exactly like the photo on the pattern envelop.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

The instructions were very easy to follow. I really just scanned them over at the beginning and reaaly did not refer to them during the construction

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

This is a great pattern for making relaxing summer pullovers. It only take less than 1.5 yards to make the view that I did, and this dress can be made in less than a couple of hours. A great project for beginners.

Fabric Used:

I believe it is a polyester/rayon. I purchased on clearance from Hancock fabrics for $2/yard.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

No alterations were made.

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

I have plans to make it again.

Conclusion:

This patterns allows for creativity in creating both casual and formal wear; the selection of fabric makes the style you wish to create.