Designing Creations

I have moved, my blog that is....

2010-12-14T10:03:00.001-05:00

I've moved to http://designingcreations.wordpress.com. With the intentions to have more posts in there future!

Class Project

2010-10-13T11:41:00.005-04:00

We had two projects that were due in class. One was the tote bag and the other was a skirt. For class we could choose a straight skirt or an A-line skirt, as long as they both had front and back darts and a seam for the center back. For my pattern I chose Simplicity 4401.

I have to say that I learned a lot of things in this class. A few NEW ways of doing things differently never hurt anyone in my opinion. My instructor was an absolute dream to work with.

I have to apologize in advance because my pics are not great. The sun was bright and I was using an amateur photographer for the day. Maybe I'll do more photo tweaking later.

I am wearing with the skirt the cardigan that I made last year Simplicity 2603.
I removed the sleeves because something happened to them in the wash and the color wouldn't come out! So I turned into a vest and wore it a long sleeve T-shirt that day. You almost didn't notice that they were two separate pieces.

I will take better pics of the skirt another day.

It's still sewing even if it is for school right?

2010-09-09T16:27:00.006-04:00

Looking over the course syllabus before the quarter started left me a bit wary. Our first class project was a tote bag. I'm thinking OK..... seriously? Then I had to remember that this class was for those who didn't know how to sew. So then my next thought was to test out of the class. Well I drug my feet on doing that and came to conclusion that there was nothing wrong with getting an easy A. So we're in week 8 right now of a 10 week quarter and the tote bag is done and we are working on a skirt. I have to say that learning the technical names of the machines parts is a whole lot better than calling them "thingies", LOL! I liked the tote bag so much i made one at home.

This project gave me the idea of what I was going to do for Christmas gifts this year. I bought around 30 yards of twill fabric. I'll need a 1 yard for each bag. this includes a lining for the bag.
I have already pretreated the fabric and separated them into the sizes that I'll need for each bag. I have straightened the grain of the fabric pieces to ensure they are properly aligned. And they are folded neatly waiting to be sewn for Christmas. I am making these for the ladies in my family. They younger ladies will have a smaller bag. Everyone will have they initials on the bag. Still haven't decided if i'm purchasing the iron-on letters or using stencils and fabric paint.

Burda 7501

2010-05-22T18:26:00.005-04:00

This dress was very easy. Considering it took me two weeks to finish.
I used a canary yellow knit from the last year's Vera Wang Lavendar Collection.

the neckline treatment was a last minute idea. It really added some extra pop to the dress.
I chose view C. I didn't do the gathered sleeve. I also did add a ribbon belt. I used my own belt.

I would recommend this dress to others because it's so easy however, the directions made it seem more difficult that it really was. After a while I stopped looking at the directions.

School is going great!

2010-04-21T14:39:00.002-04:00

I am really enjoying school. I am currently taking Fashion History and Intro to Fashion. Not sure whose idea this was but taking these two classes together is awesome. They really coincide with each other. No sewing still. I actually had a weekend (a couple weeks ago) to sew because I finished all my homework early. Well I blew it on the couch watching TV. So there! I was tired though and was trying to recoup from all the reading and homework. This week is mid-terms and I have one down and one more to go. I am enrolling for the summer break. I’ll just be taking one class, Algebra, and hopefully I’ll have time to sew.

I can’t help but look at all the wonderful things that all my cyber friends are doing on their blogs. I am following you guys, just quietly. I have tons of things that I desire to sew but as soon as I can get my new room straightened out and my old cleaned out, I’ll be ready.

Keep up the good work everyone! I’m still here.

Smooches!

Ummm.... Yeah.... Ok?

2010-02-23T15:02:00.004-05:00

I'm still M.I.A.!
School has taken every amount of energy that I have in me! I'm glad I'm in school but SERIOUSLY!!!!!

I made two jackets on Dec 31, that I forgot to log on my 2009 re-cap. I also made a top last month.

The jacket that i made is Burdastyle 8027. I made two. One is a green & cream ribbed knit. The fabric is medium weight and very cozy. The second was made in a grey jersey, very lightweight.

The top that I made is from the newest Vogue line, Vogue 8634. The pattern runs big. A large was too big for me.

Maybe I can get some pics this weekend since we have the camera up and running again.

Ciao Fashionistas!

Happy 2010!

2010-01-05T09:27:00.003-05:00

I am very excited about this year. Starting the winter quarter for school tonight. Also excited about the sewing ventures for this year.

2009 in review:
Tops - 6
Dresses - 18
Skirts - 3
Xmas Gifts - 16 shaving kits
34 scarves

I'm sure you can tell what is my favorite thing to make. Dresses are extremely easy to make but pants will be a huge focus this year.

Just In Case Anybody Was Looking...

2009-10-21T20:00:00.004-04:00

I'm still here. After we got back from California in August there wasn't much mojo for sewing at all. Then another month passed and I really didn't have much of an excuse by then. I have been keeping up with everyone's blog but not my own. Now I'm in school and I'm really excited, nervous and over-whelmed all at once. I'm in my 3rd week and things are going good except all this homework is truly a new world for me. Hubby has been extremely supportive and helpful, so that's been wonderful! So until I can get a handle on this which I hope is before the holidays. I'll be seeing you all in spirit on your blogs.

Leaving you with a few quotes/thoughts that are helping me right now:
There is only one success - to be able to spend your life in your own way. - Christopher Morely

The deepest personal defeat suffered by human beings is constituted by the difference between what one was capable of becoming and what one has in fact become. - Ashley Montagu

The foundation of anyone's ability to cope successfully is high self-esteem. If you don't already have it, you can always develop it. - Virginia Satir

Until next time,

Christy

Simplicity 2603

2009-08-19T21:53:00.004-04:00

This cardigan and tank were extremely easy and fast to make. I wore this cardigan as my jacket every day that I could in Cali.

can be worn open and the long ends to get caught up in your legs

sleeve cuff

lettuce edging from the serger

Stone Mountain & Daughter Fabrics

2009-08-19T20:27:00.009-04:00

Here is where I spent my last day @ Stone Mountain & Daughter in Berkeley, CA.

Here I've purchased a pre-ruched piece of fabric that all I need to do is stretch to my size and then sew the one seam. Since I've made a couple of these before I'm going to make staps to ensure that it stays up. It can be annoying constantly pulling on the dress during the day.

Another pre-ruched piece of fabric. More of a tie-dyed look.

The three pieces below are some really nice cottons that I scooped up!

This one is an unusual eyelet fabric. close up

here is a beautiful eyelet fabric

close up a very sheer cotton with come wacky designs

I also bought a double tracing wheel and a Making Trousers for Men & Women its David Page Coffin.

BWOF 07-2009-124B

2009-08-19T20:06:00.003-04:00

So I got a tan!!
Here is the dress that I was too embarrassed to wear. It's came out very nice but I don't like how it looks on me. Since it doesn't flare at the bottom it makes my hips and butt look larger than they are, lol! Another reason I didn't wear it in San Fran was because it was too windy and cold for it. I wear try to find somewhere to wear it to, maybe to the EnVogue concert next weekend @ Chastain... although I would to have a nice pair of shorts for the concert since it's outside.

front

back I used Tany's idea for the back because it did sit too low for me.

We are back!

2009-08-19T13:39:00.002-04:00

We arrived back in Atlanta on Sunday at 4:30am EST! I know right, redder than red-eye!
I will be posting pics today just have to get them from hubby's laptop to mine. I only got around to making BWOF 07-2009 124B & the Simplicity cardigan, that I love so much and will be making another very soon. I feel like I'm leaving something out! Oh well maybe I'll remember when I'm posting this evening.

Quick sewing update before vacay!

2009-08-05T14:54:00.002-04:00

Hi All,
Just wanted to let you all know that have sewing my butt off for my vacation this coming weekend.
So far I've made Simplicity 2603 in a cream lightweight knit, the cardigan and the tank. I'm currently sewing BWOF 07-2009 124B in a fushica and white knit and next up is BWOF 07-2009 124A in a white with purple print knit and after that is Simplicity 2579 View C in a pink and white poly blend. This past weekend I was trying to make a pair of shorts an OOP Butterick pattern and I'm having too many fitting issues to where I may not make them at all. I'm also going to see if I have some time to make another Simplicity 2603 in a moss green knit.

All pictures will taken in sunny (and maybe windy) California, will try and post them as I take them but hey I'll be on vacay so no promises!

Until next time!

Looky what came in the mail today!

2009-07-27T22:08:00.004-04:00

I love international sewing magazines especially when they aren't printed in English (don't know why just do).

Now I may have found a new one

this is the site that I frequently buy my Knipmode mags from is now selling F.I.M.I.

Here is the site that I get them from, the cool thing about the F.I.M.I. mag is that it's like BWOF, Knipmode &Ottobre.

Client Dresses & Skirt done!

2009-07-27T21:45:00.003-04:00

I made a few casuals dresses for a couple of ladies.
Here they are modeling and a few close ups of the details.
Sorry I took quick and candid shots.

Going on vacation in two weeks and I can't wait. Now the question is if I can make a few quick items before I leave.

I'll be in the SF Bay area on Aug 8, what is there to do out there?

I ran out of steam!

2009-07-09T16:35:00.003-04:00

I have so much going on right now that I just can't do it all, especially this weekend.
Those five dresses are going to have to wait right now. One is almost complete however I don't like it. Mom says it looks ok but she did just say "ok" and not "cute". You know the difference as well as I do and that's why I'm going to finish (I promise) but it probably won't be worn except for the picture to post. I have 3 dresses and a skirt that I'm working on for clients.
That's pretty much what I have going on right now. Just moody right now (DH, no comment!? ok??). Not sleeping all that great (stupid hair rollers).

I'll post everything when I can.

Quote for the day:
Nothing is a simple as we hope it will be!

Tracing is Done! Cutting has begun! Still no sewing YET!

2009-06-24T15:43:00.003-04:00

All 5 dresses have been traced out.
4 dresses have been cut. I am still having a hard time trying to decide on the fabric for BWOF June #107. I don't know why it's a hard decision but it is. Maybe because I think that it will look beautiful in white could be the reason why...
Something else I noticed is that Knipmode's pattern layout is not based on the best way to save fabric (if that's how you say it). The Big 4 pattern companies provide the best way to lay fabric out saving as much fabric as possible (their general goal).
Knipmode's 05/2008 #13 dress says that it's supposed to use a little more than 4 yrds of fabric. Of course this was a chore looking for fabric in my stash were I actually purchased more than 4 yrds other than the holidays for gifts. I found one and still only used 3.5 yrds. Their layout was not pattern piece/fabric conscious at all, there were large areas of fabric were other pieces could fit nicely and I took advantage of that. Oh well... you live and learn... I guess I was lazy at the moment, I could laid it all out and judged from there...
I plan to start sewing tomorrow even if I haven't made my final choice on the last BWOF dress.

Cheers!!!

TNT - BWOF 09/2006 #115

2009-06-17T18:42:00.007-04:00

Here are the two dresses that caused me loose my focus on my current plan.
I love this pattern! You can literally make this dress in one day, 4 hours tops!

Dress #1 in a purple knit from Fabric.com's recent sale.

I didn't use the facing or collar. I topstitched with a tri color thread.

Here is the thread I used for topstitching.

Dress #2 in a bizarre knit print. Purchased from a discount fabric store a few years ago. Made a Burda top out of it the first time and still had enough for this dress with 1 yd left.

armhole zig zag stitched

a close-up of the bizarre print. I love the colors in it which is why i bought it.

I'm done tracing and right now I'm cutting out the patterns and organizing to prepare for the next step. After that I'm going to press the pre-washed fabric and wash the rest.

Still Tracing!

2009-06-15T09:59:00.003-04:00

I would have been done by now if I hadn't gotten distracted and made two dresses. I forgot about a recital on Saturday and that was it after that. I will post those pics soon.

So far three of the five dresses are traced out and maybe more can be traced out today when I get home.

What's Next

2009-06-09T10:25:00.011-04:00

If you hadn't noticed I LOVE dresses! I believe that dresses are the absolute easiest thing to slip on and go when you are trying to get ready for work. Especially for those of us that don't iron clothes at night (just can't do it)! I have a long list of dresses lined up and probably won't be posting for a while because I have A LOT of tracing to do!

Dress #1 - Knipmode #13 May 2008. Haven't decided yet which fabric or color that I'm going to use yet.

Dress #2 - Knipmode #21 June 2009. I am going to make this one in tan w/black contrast in linen.

Dress #3 - Knipmode #1 April 2009

The great thing about this dress if you notice in the next two pics is that this dress can be made out of cotton or knit, gonna have a ball with this one! I have chosen either my pea green knit (which may be too bright) or my sage green knit or my tan knit, so may options!

Dress #4 - BWOF June 2009 #107 - I have not decided what color this dress is going to be in yet. This looks like it will be cute in white or tan...

Dress #5 - BWOF June 2009 #110 - I have chosen a fuchsia cotton with a black cotton skirt to go on underneath (model is wearing a skirt under the dress).

I plan to put a pattern together for mom tonight while we are watching the game and then maybe I can trace at least one out after that.

That's all for today I know I've said a mouthful!

Three More Dresses!!

2009-06-07T12:55:00.007-04:00

The gold strapless dress was a success. I got tons of compliments. I hemmed it on Friday night and it didn't look right when I pressed it. So on Saturday morning I serged the hem and removed the stitched hem leaving the edges with the serged stitching.

I'm ashamed to say that I could have made these two dresses a long time ago. These two are made of fabric from cotton and pre-ruched at the top. All you do is select the right fit by pinning it on and then sew it up, and that's it!

Here is the second dress made from this pattern except I changed the neckline to scoop from the original v-neck version.

Next up I'm deciding between three dresses from Knipmode's May 2008, April 2009 & June 2009. We'll see!

And It's almost Done!!

2009-06-04T22:41:00.004-04:00

All I have to do now is hang it and hem it tomorrow.
Also I cut the skirt in quarters, it was much quicker. There is elastic in the bodice top which I also lined.

here with a belt, I'm wearing gold sandals to match

Graduation Dress Mock

2009-06-03T21:21:00.005-04:00

Here is the mock-up of the dress for this weekend. I love how it turned out! I love this fabric but it's initially made for athletic wear (cotton lycra) and it has a yellow line going down the front & back. Not too flattering IMO. I'll wear this around the house and maybe for food shopping & etc with some cute flip flops. The skirt is a circle skirt and since the fabric that I was using is around 180" wide I had no problem cutting the half circle on the fold and having the seams on each side. In order to make this in regular fabric I may have to slash the pattern and cut in quarters and have seams in the front, back & sides (not my favorite), either that or spread the fabric on the floor and cut it that way (back won't allow it). We'll see and I will be pondering on this tonight and while I'm at work all day and will have made my decision by the time it get back home. Until then folks have a great night! Thanks mom for taking the pics!

Another Graduation Dress

2009-06-01T09:24:00.005-04:00

Hubby is graduating this weekend and here is a dress that I'm making this week.

This dress is actually going to be strapless. I'm going to secure the top with a piece of elastic that I will conceal into the top facing of the bodice. The skirt is a circle skirt, a little longer than knee length. Now I need to think about a crop jacket or bolero to make for it so that I can dress it down for work next week. I have a white knit that has brown & green circles or squares (or something going on it) that will be very cute with this style. I will post pictures when this is done and I will also post pictures of another dress that I made last week when I was on holiday break.

Knipmode Magazines - Have Been Sold!

2009-05-28T09:32:00.008-04:00

I am selling Feb, Mar & Apr 2009 issues of Knipmode for $45 (includes shipping anywhere in the US).

These magazines are brand new, I just got them in the mail on yesterday.

If you're not familiar with Knipmode's mags they are in the same style as Burda except they are printed in the Dutch language and not in English. I use the Google translator to help me if I have any problems.

I'm selling them on PatternReview.com. I am accepting payments through paypal only!

Go over there and check them out.

Thanks!

http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/readclassified.pl?ID=7541

You can still buy them from me without having to go to the site, just send me an email to designncreations@bellsouth.net and let me know you're interested.

Thanks again!

I know I didn't have this posted for very long but this seems to be a hot commodity!

A Great Weekend and Lots of Pics

2009-05-24T08:30:00.009-04:00

Here is the Midriff Dress from PMB. As you can see I am wearing a tank top underneath. The reason for this is because I drafted the neckline too low! So today I'm fixing that issue and making a new dress. I will wear this one again but will have to wear a tank on underneath.
Also when I fix this issue I'm going to go with a scoop neckline because for some reason I have the hardest time sewing V-necklines. As much as I love them I just can't seem to get it right without having puckers. Back to the old drawing board on that one.

Front View

Back View

At the graduation wearing a short sleeved blouse on top

We are are so proud of her

Closing out with pictures from the wedding that Hubby was in earlier this month in NC.

We had a friend take some pics, too bad you can't see the fly shoes I wearing (4inches high).

My next project is the same dress again except with a scoop neckline in a brown and cream knit print.

Dress plans

2009-05-20T09:50:00.005-04:00

I'm not going to make the McCalls dress for this occasion. After thinking about it long and hard I'm going to need something that's going be comfortable and breathable. The graduation is outside at a stadium.
Last night I used my PMB software to draft a simple v-neck midriff dress, maxi length.
I printed the pattern out and taped it together while watching the basketball game and cut it out.
Tonight I will test out the fit and fabric choices. I have a few to choose from.
Sorry I couldn't make the pictures any bigger. Since I'm planning on using a knit fabric there will not be a zipper closing in the back just a seam.

BWOFJune 2009

2009-05-15T09:37:00.006-04:00

I am so excited about this next issue. I want to make just about everything in this book it's not funny about how many items in this issue that calls out to me!

I'm not going to waste space with all the ones that I love so when I'm ready to start making them I'll do a collage.

My step-daughter is graduating high school next weekend. The ceremony is outside so I'm going to make a dress that will be comfortable for the occasion.

Here's what I'm thinking about... I like the long version. I'm hoping that my laundry room will be fully functional (construction) this weekend so that I can pre-wash some fabric choices.

Blogger Buddy Award

2009-05-14T10:06:00.002-04:00

Thanks Faye for the nomination!

In turn here are my nominations:

And the winners are... (because only 3 people participated, lol)

2009-05-13T08:42:00.004-04:00

Mimisatin for guessing 104 for total # of shoes
FayeLewis for guessing 25 pairs to give away.

You guys came very close I actually have 103 total pairs of shoes and am giving away 39 pairs.

I'm going to reach out to the both of you so that I can get your mailing address and send you your prizes! Mimisatin send your mailing address information to designingcreation@bellsouth.net.

Thanks to everyone for participating!

Contest Ending

2009-05-12T09:12:00.002-04:00

So tomorrow is the day. I'll be deciding the winners tomorrow morning.
thanks to all who participated and made this fun for me!

2 Contests Pattern Giveaways!!

2009-05-09T13:35:00.003-04:00

This morning DH thought it would be a great idea since I was going through old shoes to pull them all out and find out how many I really have.
We have counted six times and now it's up to you.
Contest #1: If you can guess how many pairs of shoes I own (or come close) then you will win 10 patterns from my pattern stash. I will mail them directly to the winner.

Here are the shoes getting ready to go back into the house.

Contest #2: If you can guess how many pairs that I'm giving away (or come close) you will win 10 patterns from my pattern stash. I will mail them directly to the winner.

I will decide the winner next week on Wednesday on May 13, 2009.

Happy Anniversary

2009-05-08T11:12:00.004-04:00

Celebrating one year of blogging!! Yeah!

Looking forward to another productive year!!

On another note.

I've got a question and have tried searching for this answer and now I'm turning to you guys because I'm stumped.

When making something out of knit, what type of fusible do you use?

I am not terminology savvy when it comes to different types of knits fusibles unless I've bought it pre-packaged and the name was on it already. I use pellon on my woven fabrics and I also have two different kinds of knit-like or stretchy fusibles that I use on my knit fabrics. The idea behind me using these were that I could allow the fabric to continue in it's original state as well as be structured or have structure at the time. Now these fusibles I found at a discount fabrics stores years ago when they were "going of business" something they seem to say years later as well. They were sold by the bolt for either $1 or $2. The don't have a name on them so I'm clueless as to what I'm using. One is a greyish color and the other is black. So I pick either one according to the color of my fabric. I love them but I'm just wondering what everyone uses and if I should be using something else.

Thanks for a great year and let's get ready for another bumpy ride for 2009-2010!

-Christy

P.S.

Positive thought for today:

Allow Your Own Inner Light to Guide You
There comes a time when you must stand alone.You must feel confident enough within yourself to follow your own dreams.You must be willing to make sacrifices.You must be capable of changing and rearranging your priorities so that your final goal can be achieved.Sometimes, familiarity and comfort need to be challenged.There are times when you must take a few extra chances and create your own realities.Be strong enough to at least try to make your life better.Be confident enough that you won't settle for a compromise just to get by.Appreciate yourself by allowing yourself the opportunities to grow, develop, and find your true sense of purpose in this life.Don't stand in someone else's shadow when it's your sunlight that should lead the way.

Dresses Part 2

2009-05-04T20:15:00.004-04:00

Dress #5 (the one I worse to the wedding rehearsal this past weekend) Pattern Description: Simplicity 3503

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, very, very easy

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? No dislikes

Fabric Used: Poly Jersey from Hancock Fabrics online

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: My normal waist & hip alteration
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Definitely

Dress #6 (the one i wore to the wedding)

Pattern Description: Vogue 8489

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, very, very easy

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? No dislikes

Fabric Used: Poly Jersey from Hancock Fabrics online

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: My normal waist & hip alteration

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

Dress #7 (made this one last year just didn't post it, happened to wear it today)

Pattern Description: New Look 6823

Pattern Sizing: 8-18

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, very, very easy

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? No dislikes

Fabric Used: Jersey I got from my MIL

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: My normal waist & hip alteration

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

Dresses Part 1

2009-05-04T19:54:00.008-04:00

Finally here are the pics as promised. Let me say this... my photographer was not home today and these are not the pics considering I did a poor job even with the tripod.

Dress #1

Pattern Description: Knipmode Fast Fashion #101

Pattern Sizing: Standard European Sizing (like BWOF)

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? The instructions were in Dutch but I managed

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? No dislikes

Fabric Used: cotton jersey

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: Added length to make as a maxi dress

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

Dress #2

Pattern Description: BWOF 09/2006 #115

Pattern Sizing: Standard European

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, except I omitted the sleeves

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes although I didn’t use instructions this time around.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? No dislikes

Fabric Used: lightweight knit that I interlined to added more body to the fabric.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: omitted the sleeves and bond the neckline

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Definitely, already have twice before.

Dress #3

Pattern Description: BWOF 09/2006 #115

Pattern Sizing: Standard European

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, except I omitted the sleeves

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes although I didn’t use instructions this time around.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? No dislikes

Fabric Used: medium weight iridescent denim

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: omitted the sleeves and bond the neckline with the wrong side of the fabric

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Definitely, already have three times before now.

Dress #4

Pattern Description: Vogue 1027

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, very, very easy

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? No dislikes

Fabric Used: Poly jersey from Fabric Mart

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: My normal waist & hip alteration

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

Update before posting pics.

2009-04-29T10:44:00.005-04:00

The Vogue and Simplicity dresses are both sewn. So I've been really busy lately.
So when I do post pics the post will be pic heavy because I will have 6 dresses to post and review. Since I'm in sewing mode I've already started on Vogue 1027.
I cut it out last night and will sew it tonight to wear to work tomorrow, my last day of the week since we will be getting on the road for the wedding on Friday.

I have been sewing!

2009-04-21T10:04:00.005-04:00

I have been sewing. I just have not had any time to stop and take pictures.
I will try to do that soon.

Last month I made a blouse BWOF 10/2008 #113, this blouse was made out of a poly striped fabric.
Last week for Easter Sunday I made a dress from Knipmode Fast Fashion Magazine, this fabric was a cotton jersey print lime, black, white & yellow.
Also last week I made two TNT dresses both sleeveless BWOF 09/2006 #115, one was made out of a pea green knit and the other denim.

This week I'm working on two dresses for a wedding next week that hubby is in. One is for the not so formal rehearsal dinner and then the other is for the wedding.
Help me choose which one to wear for which night
Vogue 8489 view B I was planning on sewing this one in a soft yellow with the midrift in brown or black.
Simplicity 3503 Views A or B this one would just be black.
I don't have time to make muslins. I have plenty of the yellow to start all over again but not enough of the black. And if a problem arises then i will have to go with another color for the Simplicity pattern.
This wedding is going to be outside so i'm making a cotton slip for underneath to keep my embarrassing problem a secret to those who don't know.
I really hope to get some pics up soon. The wedding is on May 2nd and we are pulling out the second I'm home from the salon on Friday morning. So I really would like to have all my sewing done by this weekend because both dresses are going to be sewn anyway but at least to not have a stressful next week before we get on the road.

Denim Gored Skirt

2009-02-28T09:46:00.005-05:00

introducing my sewing assistant: Phoebe

Pattern Description: Self Drafted 8 Gored Skirt

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Since I’ve made this pattern once before I used the same pattern. What I didn’t like was that I forgot to account for the thickness and heaviness of the fabric for the second skirt so the skirt is really tight in the hips.

Fabric Used: Medium-Heavy weight blue denim

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: It was actually DH’s idea to make the skirt wrong side out. I sewed the wrong sides together so that it would unravel on the right side of the skirt. All seams including the hem were topstitched to control were the unraveling would stop. I also sewed the waistband on the wrong side together so that selvedge edge is actually on the outside of the skirt instead of the inside. The end resulted in a reversible skirt that will be worn again in a couple of weeks as if it were new. I will just sew a piece of fabric hiding the zipper.

Would you sew it again? After I make draw another pattern accounting for ease in a heavier fabric, yes.

Would you recommend it to others? Yes

Conclusion: The total time it took to make this skirt including washing, drying, ironing, cutting & sewing was 7 hours to make this skirt last Saturday to wear to a family function that night. (9am - 4pm, function started at 6pm) This was only because of the extra things that was done like the topstitching and putting the seams on the outside of the skirt. My recommendations is to pin a few pieces together to get yourself used to the idea of sewing wrong sides together. Drafting the skirt takes around 45 minutes, that’s the skirt piece, waistband, godet and adding hem and seam allowances. To determine the length of the godet, decide where on your body you would like for your skirt to begin to flare. In my case I choose at the knee. Use a yard skirt and measure from your knee to the floor you have y measurement. You’ll need to add the hem allowance on the bottom of this piece.

The Wrap Runway

2009-02-23T19:28:00.003-05:00

Finally I get some photos of one of the wrap dresses that I made last year.
Were at a baby dedication yesterday evening and Hubby was snapping away.
We didn't get any photos together. Maybe next time.

Pullover and a Skirt

2009-02-10T11:32:00.008-05:00

Here is one of the pullovers that I made last year with this one.

The skirt I made a couple of weeks ago. This is an 8 gored skirt that I drafted with godets. I drafted the skirt for floor length and designed the godets to start knee length (20 ins).

The pullover is made of a charcoal knit & the skirt is made with a black denim, very lightweight. So I can get away with wearing denim and it's not even Friday.

A huge shout out to my co-worker for taking the second pic of me in the ladies restroom.

Pullover Mania!

2009-01-30T11:09:00.008-05:00

So I got carried away with the pullovers that I made last year. It's Butter ick 5100.
Originally I made the blue sweatshirt version linked above along with a dark grey & a navy blue. I never got around to taking pictures of the other. Just kept forgetting whenever I'd wear them. Well needless to say I've made four more all the tunic length. I really wish I could have taken pics of them on the days that I wore them but the camera and the tripod weren't home at the time. So I took them all this morning wearing a pair of jeans. But I'll describe what I wore with them to give you an idea. I sewed them all this week one for the next day to wear to work.

I made this fleece backed knit on Sunday night for Monday morning.
With this I wore a brown turtleneck & brown pants that I made in PMB3.

Then Monday night I made this beautiful Ivory knit. I bought this later at a discount fabric store and it was on sale. It's from the Liz Claiborne collection. I wore this with a black long sleeved v-neck t-shirt and a pair of black pants that I made from PMB3.

On Tuesday night I made a brown knit pullover and wore it with a olive boatneck long sleeve t-shirt and a a-line skirt that I made in PMB4.

Then on Wednesday night I made a black pullover in knit but this time I left off the collar and finished the neckline with facing. I wore this with a grey long sleeve v-neck t-shirt and some grey w/black pinstripe pants from Express.

I got lots of compliments on tunics but I received more compliments from the ivory & the black pullovers. More so from the black because it didn't look like the rest of them. Anyway I think that I'm done for now unless I can find another color I may want. Moving on to something else right now just not sure what yet.

I have been nominated

2009-01-26T13:51:00.006-05:00

Thanks to Bonnie D & Aminat for nominating me. I truly don't know what to say but THANKS. I don't get very many viewers and this is much appreciated from the few.

Now to nominate other wonderful Kreativ women is going to be hard since there are tons already that have been nominated. So forgive me if I've chosen you and you have already been chosen.

Here are the rules for this award:
Copy the award to your site.
Link to the person who nominated you.
Nominate 7 other bloggers and link to them on your blog.
Then leave a message on their blog notifying them you have nominated them for this award.It would be easy to list more than 7!! I tried not to nominate people who had already been nominated.

Jackie http://sewingbyjackie.blogspot.com/

Debbie Cook http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com/

http://sewhooked.blogspot.com/

http://sewshy.blogspot.com/

http://sewable.blogspot.com/

These are ladies that I could find that weren't already nominated.

Happy New Years Day Everybody!

2009-01-02T08:04:00.005-05:00

I decided to make a list this year, I like to call it my "Plans of Action". One for personal and one for my sewing goals.
I'm not going to bore you with all the details but here a few from both lists.

Personal:
1. Listen more / Speak less
2. Stop putting too much thought into things

Sewing:
1. Sew a wardrobe (either mini or large)
2. Sew more (using more of my current stash of fabrics and patterns
3. Complete more projects
4. Buy fewer patterns this year

So I just need to decide which of my projects that I've been wanting to do is more important than the next.

Leaving you guys with a positive thought for the day:
Until today, you have been waiting for someone to tell you something or give you something that would make you feel okay. Just for today, give yourself permission to be okay with yourself. Accept that who you are and where you are - is just right! - Iyanla Vanzant

Wishing everyone a very happy and prosperous year!
Until next time!

We are back!

2008-12-08T11:06:00.003-05:00

And boy am I tired!

We went to Hubby's hometown this past weekend and we got back last night.

There was no sewing go on this weekend. We drove across on Thursday night and got there Friday morning. We stayed with family and had a ball!

I'm a Drama Nerd

2008-11-24T11:20:00.000-05:00

What Be Your Nerd Type? Your Result: Drama Nerd You sure do love the spotlight and probably have a very out-going and loud personality. Or not. That's just a stereotype, of course. Participation in the theatre is something to be very proud of. Whether you have a great voice for musicals, or astounding skills for dramas/comedies; keep up the good work. We need more entertainment these days that isn't television and video games (not that these things are bad, necessarily.)
Literature Nerd
Artistic Nerd
Gamer/Computer Nerd
Social Nerd
Science/Math Nerd
Musician
Anime Nerd
What'>http://www.gotoquiz.com/what_be_your_nerd_type">What Be Your Nerd Type? Quiz'>http://www.gotoquiz.com/">Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Blue Tunic

2008-11-15T18:01:00.006-05:00

This is a pullover sleeveless tunic from Butterick's last fall/winter season.
It's B5100, it comes in 3 sizes.
I made version A. I made three different colors, sweatshirt blue, navy blue & dark grey.
They are great to wear and they are versatile and easy to mix and match with jeans for slacks.

Two dresses and a top

2008-11-05T09:39:00.006-05:00

I love wrap dresses! Too much I believe. It's the essential item for the "on the go" woman.
Here are two dresses made from the same pattern. Sorry these are not on me but the next ones will be as they didn't look very nice on the dress form.
The pattern that was used was BWOF 09/2006 # 115 (using #114's collar).
This pattern was easy to sew & serge, no darts and fits like a dream. It's a TNT, must sew over and over and over and over again pattern!
The tan & black herringbone dress is a very fine knit and was very easy to sew on the sewing machine. This fabric does not wrinkle (so wonderful). It's very breathable. Now I must say that I wear a camisole, tank & on Monday and shirt underneath this dress because Burda is not modest with the neckline hear. So if you're wearing this to work cover up! Or there will be a major peep show! As me how i know!

I like to call this one my sacadelic funkalicious dress. For some reason this fabric reminds me of the 70s. Not sure why but it does. I love this one as well it barely wrinkles. I got this fabric from Vogue fabrics last March 2007 and wasn't sure of what to make of this fabric. I contemplated on it for over a year. When I decided on this dress I kept asking my mom if I should use a contrasting color to tone it down and she said no and I'm glad that I didn't.

This one I sewed on the serger after reading a Threads article (summer 2008) on how to sew with a serger. The article is good and is left out on my table for future references.

I love this top. I made this top using PMB4. It's a cowl neck (which i love, and you'll be sick of from me by the end of the week) with dropped shoulders and flared sleeves. The style has a flared waist as well which I'll omit the next time I'm making it because it gave it a maternity look. It's very warm. I used a sweater knit but it pills really bad on both sides. Won't use the fabric again ('m sure I'm out by now I have something else to post later with this fabric) but will definitely make it again. This fabric wrinkles (right out of the dryer) really bad as you can see.

More to come!

Just call me lazy!

2008-11-04T16:43:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone just call me lazy!
I have been sewing but have been too lazy to get someone to take pics of me.
I promise to do this becuase I have made quiet a few items that really need to be seen.
So look for them this week. I'll post them separately so that I don't overload the system.

What I'm planning!

2008-09-25T14:39:00.003-04:00

Here are some items that i'm planning on making for the Fall/Winter 08 season.
All came from BWOF. Some I will actually use the pattern from the mag but there are some that I would try my hand at in PMB.
And here they are. Please click on the image to enlarge.

Where have I been?

2008-09-24T09:55:00.001-04:00

Busy mostly.
Working out at the gym and with my personal trainer. Not too much energy. I made two dresses in the past month so i'll take pics and post them soon.

Not much else is really going on.

Until next time...

Yeah... I didn't like this blouse! BWOF 06/2008/107A

2008-07-15T10:17:00.002-04:00

After messing around with this blouse for a few weeks, I decided that aweek ago that I really didn't like it as much I thought.I cut out a size 42, the largest size and did my waist and hipadjustments before cutting the fabric.

Front View - I played around with buttonholes to see if I wanted to dobuttons or snaps (snaps won).

Front Side View - The pattern called for and elastic side waistband andit was not very flattering to my figure. Pleats went it just fine andwith no problems. Waist and Hips adjustments well, as usual.

Neckline / Collar - Came out fine and this was the easiest part otherthan the pleats.

Sleeve - With the pleats the sleeve hem was tighter than normal. Minoradjustments done to the sleeve. Sleeve needed to be 1 size largeraround the hem (size 44).

Back View - not a very good back view, model is much smaller than I am.It was on the fold and a breeze to sew.

So I'm going to move on. I have a very busy Saturday coming up so I'mgoing to try and get some sewing done on Saturday night or Sundaymorning.I did trace out and cut BWOF 06/2008/#120It's sized for petites do I did my waist and hip adjustments first thenI lengthened the front and back pieces and joined the pleat lines. I have some crinkled brown batitse and as well as some cream eyelet that would make two really pretty dresses. I'llhave pics of that soon.

HAPPY SEWING!!

Sorry no Sewing!

2008-06-30T10:46:00.006-04:00

I didn't get any sewing done this past weekend. Seems like so much was going on. I had to work Saturday and that was most of the day. Then Hancock Fabrics had McCall patterns on sale for $.99 and had to check that out before I went home. So there's one near home so I went there from work. Talked to my mom before Hubby came home and then when he got home we both napped until around 10pm. Then on Sunday we went to see Hubby's best friend's new baby. Maryn (girl) was born last Tuesday (6/24).
So the BWOF 06/2008 #107 is still not finished but I do plan on pairing it with one of these little ditties that I picked up this weekend Skirt #1 or Skirt #2. Both have contrasting hem bands, a feature that I truly love. I'll have to take pics of the fabric that I'm planning on using and maybe you can tell me if I'm going too crazy with the print or not. Would really appreciate your feedback because sometimes i can just over do it and then it won't be worn from disgust. Anyhoo! I'm working out after work today and then there's that pile of laundry to do so we'll see if there will be any sewing done today. Oh! I decided on Sunday when Hubby and I were playing our usual game of Scrabble, that I would do the arm alterations because it's only around 5/8 for the alteration and that's too simple to not do it!

BWOF 06/2008 # 107A/B

2008-06-24T10:12:00.006-04:00

I currently joined a sew-along with the Burda English group.
I started on it late because i got my issue late and i had other things going on (who doesn't).
So here is the blouse that we are doing. It's due before the next issue. I can't say with all that I have going on right now that I'll be done by then again but who's keeping count. I'm trying to learn how to play around with PhotoShop or something close to it. So that I can make my wardrobe plans as pretty as some of these other women out there that know a thing or two about it.

I love these two features that BWOF have.
I will be posting pics of the muslin soon. I have also played around with the idea of doing buttonholes instead of snaps. I'll have some detailed photos of that. Also I'm going to try Sigrid's suggestion about the sleeve head. And do an adjustment to the sleeve because it's tight around the bicep.

I love Red! From my head...

2008-06-15T14:07:00.006-04:00

Down to my calves!
This dress is from New Look 6697.
I used red cotton jersery. Check out my review on PatternReview.com.
I also added in the review the problems that i was having with the neckline facing.

What I'm doing

2008-06-09T10:20:00.005-04:00

Hi All!
I'm in the process of trying to loose weight and still want to sew as well. So along with working out i've been working on this dress. New Look 6697 it's a faux wrap dress. This is very quick and simple. I'll be done with it today and will have pics to post. My weekend was ok, hubby had to work and Mom was out so it was just me and Phoebe (dog) all weekend.

What's Upper!

2008-05-27T08:20:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone! Vacation was great! It was so great to not have anything planned. We really enjoyed ourselves. We had a very lovely anniversary last week as well. No sewing took place (yeah, I'm sad about that) but it was for a good reason. Hubby helped me rearrange my sewing room so I'll have pics to post for that. We painted and I was able to catalog (still doing that) and get an inventory of what i have. That was great, it just took a really long time to do it. So all of the fabric is counted I just need to finish stapling the swatches to my index cards and finish the descriptions of everything. Yesterday I helped hubby organized the garage. Tossing out things that we don't need anymore and moving shelves around. Oh well... back to reality! It's early in and early out for me today (doc appt). So I'll get a jump start on everything again today. I have to finish painting my sewing room, we got a really pretty green paint (my favorite color) from the OOPS selection at Lowes. So maybe I'll be squeezing in some sewing this week. We'll see!

Rat Poop!

2008-05-14T14:34:00.003-04:00

Andrea, that was for you!
Our meeting is cancelled! Now what am I going to do? Oh I know I could just finish up the OTHER stuff that I have going on this week. And maybe i'll get a pedicure too. Still looking forward to that vacation!

This weekend...

2008-05-13T12:04:00.006-04:00

This weekend we meet again! I still have slopers to do, a pair of shorts for mom, laundry that just can't wait another day! Today I shall try my hand at these tasks and see what I come up with. Next week I'm on VACATION! It is mine and Hubby's 10 year anniversary! Whoo Hooo! Hubby and I have not planned anything! Whoo Hooo! So I'm planning on sleeping in late (yeah right, the noisy dog) and doing some sewing until I hear differently.

Finished Projects from the Summer of 2007

2008-05-13T11:35:00.010-04:00

I just wanted to post some pics that I found and I didn't know that I still had.

1st here is a lime green skirt that I drafted from PMBv3. This is a flared gored skirt, the flare is set on the highest setting (8). It also has a waistband. This skirt was also done in black. I'll try and get some pics of that one since I'm wearing the black one today. In this pic hubby and I are celebrating his 34th birthday. So I'm rushing because we have reservations and I didn't remember about taking pics until we were about to leave and it was either now or when we got back home and the pretty lime green skirt would have been wrinkled, and boy do I hate being wrinkled!

2nd here is a pic of a skirt that was also done in PMBv3. This skirt is gored with no flare and godets have been added. The godets are in two lengths. The shorter ones are in the front and longer ones are in the back. Note to self: Next time put the longer godets in the front and the shorter ones in the back so that my C-Curve is not as obvious. I know there is no hiding it but GEE just wait until you see the pics from the backview. Also this skirt is not worn in these pics so I'll also snap this one as well. Also check out the details that I did to the hem! I'm so proud! These are just regular stitches that I found on the machine. I used silk thread so that they would shine. I cut the remaining part of the off as close as i could to the last stitch. I didn't put any frayblock on it because this is a denim fabric and i wanted it fray very nice and it does. This one was was also done in hunter green (my favorite) and a light tan (lighter than khaki) that has the prettiest drape. I'll try and get pics of these as well since Hubby bought a tripod, so now I can take pics of myself and not have to wait until Mr. Demille (Sunset Blvd) is up to it.

The Prom Dress

2008-05-09T08:20:00.002-04:00

Here are the pics of the infamous prom dress. I took pics of her in and out of the dress. This dress was made in PMB4. I used the the halter dress with the mid-drift design and made straps to criss-cross in the back, the skirt is A-line and floor length. The dress was made in white crepe and the mid-drift section is made of lime green satin.

Giving it another go!

2008-05-08T14:54:00.004-04:00

Trying out this blog thing again....
I just finished a prom dress. Will post pics very soon. It nearly drained me and I can't see anything in my future except for moving my sewing room around yet again. And then I can post pics of that when I'm done with that. I've got a sewing meeting next week on the 17th and I'm supposed to have some slopers done before. Yeah right! I just can't see doing that right now either, especially if this room isn't done by the weekend.