Monthly Archives: July 2011

I actually forgot all about this today!  Fail on my part.  But I think I have a good reason for forgetting.  Yesterday, I submitted my resume to a company that designs and manufactures show choir and color guard uniforms.   They contacted me 20 minutes after I sent my resume.  This morning I had an interview and sewing test with the head designer, floor manager and another seamstress.  This company is a good distance from my house.  By the time I got home I had an email with my training schedule for the next week.  So, I got myself a new job today and I am so excited about it!  I will be making more money than I am currently plus I will be doing what I love, sewing!  Oh and not that I have to mention it, but I get to let my inner band geek out and it will be totally accepted!  I will let you know more about my new job once I start training next week.  My postings may become pretty scarce for a bit while I get accustomed to this new drive.  It used to take me 7 minutes to get to work, now it will take between 45-50.

 On with the show,  Taylor Swift is wearing a D&G floral print dress.  I think it suits her well.  It is young and flirty.

 For the pattern I picked Butterick 5486.  I would pick version B which, in the picture above, is the knee length pink dress with tie at the waist.  I think this would work well, especially if you make that tie in a satiny white like Taylor’s dress.

I am in love with this fabric.  It is on Fabric.com for $8.98 a yard.  It is designed by the fan-tab-ulous Anna Marie Horner and called LouLou Thi Summer Totem Strudel.

Now, where to find that shade of red lipstick?

I am taking a quick sewing pause to bring something to every one’s attention.  I found out about this tragic accident through Facebook and immediately donated $10.  Everyone please ready the story and help out.  The following came from the website.

On July 3rd while returning from an annual family road trip in Colorado back to their home in Houston, Texas the Berry Family found themselves to be victims of a horrific and tragic fatal car accident. Their Minivan carrying parents Joshua and Robin Berry and their children Peter age 9, Aaron age 8, and Willa age 6 was hit head on by another vehicle who had crossed into their lane of traffic. The parents Joshua and Robin Berry were tragically killed leaving their 3 children behind. While the children did survive the crash, both boys sustained serious spinal cord injuries and they are both paralyzed below the waist. The children are currently being treated for their many injuries in a Houston, Texas area hospital.

There is a significant urgent need to raise funds to aid these now orphaned children’s ongoing needs, including medical rehabilitation, physical therapy, psychological support and education.

Show Your Hearts will facilitate the efforts of all people who want to come to these children’s aid and support them in this time of need. Donations will be made directly to the Joshua and Robin Berry Children’s Trust.

Joshua and Robin Berry Children’s Trust
Bank of Texas
510 Bering, 5th Floor
Houston, Texas 77057

You can also text BERRY to 85944 to make a $10.00 donation.  To complete it you will have to reply back to the response.   

 I know I am posting this kinda late in the day.  Better late than never, right?  It has just been a crazy busy day and all I did was run errands.  Blah! Not fun.  I did, however, get my new Michael Kors glasses.  They are fantastic!  As much as I love my contacts I will definitely still be wearing my glasses.  Now onto the feature!

 It is Miss Anne Hathaway!  She is my style icon.  She is a modern day Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly!  She is wearing a white lace day dress with bright red pumps and killer sunglasses!  She owns this look!
 

I think there are a couple of different ways you can go about getting this look.  Vogue 8613, on the left, is for knit fabrics.  While I don’t think Anne’s dress is knit,  I do think that it would work for this.  For that one I would definitely leave off the lapel and add tabs to roll up the long sleeve version.  The second option I would go with Simplicity   Vogue 8613, on the left, is for knit fabrics.  While I don’t think Anne’s dress is knit,  I do think that it would work for this.  For that one I would definitely leave off the lapel and add tabs to roll up the long sleeve version.  The second option I would go with Simplicity 3877.  I would make version D, which is the pink one, with the sleeves of  version A, the tan one. 

Fabric wise I found this stretch lace on Fabric.com for $6.98 a yard.  The description did also say that this fabric does have a scalloped edge but they did not have any pictures of it posted.

I actually, would really like to make this look.  I would go with the Simplicity pattern, mostly because it is in my stash and I have been wanting to make it for awhile now.  However,  I do not think that I would do a white lining like Anne’s.  I think I might try something a little more daring just to make the lace pop!  I would do a dark lilac purple cotton as the lining and the ivory version of the stretch lace.  Both of these are also from fabric.com.  Maybe even rock a yellow shoe and belt with it.

Pattern Description:
Simplicity 2262:Misses pullover dress or tunic, pull on pants and knit cardigan in two lengths.
Pattern Sizing:
XXS – XXL
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
It looked exactly like it.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
I am not sure as I never once looked at them.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love the yoke on this pattern. I also like that it was a very quick and instant gratification project.
Fabric Used:
I used 2 yards of a very lightweight gauzy cotton. I fell in love with the print and because it is tan and not white it is not as sheer as I thought it might be.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
The reason I never read the instructions, other than it only being 4 pieces, was that I chose to add a facing to the yoke. I thought it was odd when I cut it out that there wasn’t one. I am actually really glad I did add the facing. I also added topstitching around the yoke to help prevent it from rolling. I also eliminated the binding on the arm holes. This is mostly because I didn’t have any and partly because I was too lazy to go get some. Instead I just fold my armhole edges up 1.4″ and stitched. It is not as neat as I would prefer but no one sees that part but me.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would. I really want to make the dress version. I also am planning on doing the cropped cardigan in a yellow knit. Yellow isn’t the best color on me so we’ll see how that turns out.
Conclusion:
I am glad I choose this! All in all it took me under 2 hours to cut the pieces, work out how I wanted to do the yoke and sew it up. Talk about instant gratification! It is a very loose fitting top, that’s why I want to make the cardigan to go over it. I am also on the hunt for a good belt to wear with it so I can give it more shape.  The picture at the right versus the one up top with my hands on my hips are exactly why I and wanting a belt. 

I have been very negligent in getting a picture of the top.  I made it last month and just haven’t worn it yet.  It is my second version of McCall’s 6120.  For it I used the brown and cream polka dot knit I picked up from the remnant bin at Jo-Ann’s last month.  I never did post a review for the pattern.  I may have to do that next.  Anyways, this is a pretty good instant gratification top too.

On a side note, this Friday, the 22nd, is the next Friday Night Sew-In.  The sign up is posted on Heidi’s blog.  I hope that you will join us for a great night of sewing.  I will be working on the Built by Wendy shorts that I still haven’t touched and possibly the cardigan for Simplicity 2262.

For nearly 2 months there have been the final 3 episodes of the Oprah show waiting patiently on my DVR.  I have been putting off watching them because I thought if there were still episodes then her show really wasn’t over.  Today, since it was too hot for me to even think about sewing, I sat down and watched them.  There were a lot of things she said in the final episode that were inspiring to me.  This is one of them.  

“When I started, not even I imagined that this show would have the depth and the reach that you all have given it. It has been a privilege for me to speak to you here in this studio, in this country and in 150 countries around the world on this platform that is The Oprah Winfrey Show. You let me into your homes to talk to you every day. This is what you allowed me to do, and I thank you for that. But what I want you to know as this show ends: Each one of you has your own platform. Do not let the trappings here fool you. Mine is a stage in a studio, yours is wherever you are with your own reach, however small or however large that reach is. Maybe it’s 20 people, maybe it’s 30 people, 40 people, your family, your friends, your neighbors, your classmates, your classroom, your co-workers. Wherever you are, that is your platform, your stage, your circle of influence. That is your talk show, and that is where your power lies. In every way, in every day, you are showing people exactly who you are. You’re letting your life speak for you. And when you do that, you will receive in direct proportion to how you give in whatever platform you have”

“Start embracing the life that is calling you and use your life to serve the world.”

While I am not doing great things for the world yet, I am still contributing in my own way.  Awhile back in I wrote about why I sew.  In that post I wrote, ‘I believe that if you have a gift or talent for something you should share that with others to make the world a better place in your own way’.  This was something that Oprah inspired in me.  There are several projects that I keep coming back to wanting to do as a service to others.  But I have never gotten around to starting them. So that is what I am going to do!  I have known that sewing and creating things is more than a hobby since I seriously started it.  I have known this is what I want my life’s work to be.  It is time I went full force.  I have had a few sales in my Etsy shop but I know that I can do better!  The more successful my shop becomes the more time I will have to be of service to others.  I would love to teach aspiring young sewists.  I have considered doing a fundraiser similar to The Uniform Project, but I want to build a larger following first.  I have also thought about going back to get my masters in apparel design, so that I can teach at the college level.  I also thought about getting my masters in teaching, so that I can teach middle and high school sewing in home ec.  For now, I am doing what I can and working towards those goals.

• I got contacts last Thursday.  I love them except that it is now a little harder to read the computer screen.  I will have to talk with the eye doctor about that at my appointment on Friday.
• I was off all of last week and I didn’t do a single stitch of sewing.  How sad is that?
• I did, however, watch 2 seasons of Buffy The Vampire Slayer.
• It’s freaking hot!  I wish I had central air.
• Eric and Jeremy did install a ceiling fan in my sewing room.  It helps a lot, except when laying out pattern pieces.
• I need to jump on the Vogue 1250 bandwagon with everyone else.  Next time they go on sale I will pick it up.
• The month is halfway over and I haven’t started on the second two gifts for my swap partner.
• The Burda shirt I am making for Eric has been sitting halfway sewn and untouched for a week and a half now.  
• The McCall’s shorts for myself are cut out and have been sitting unsewn for two and a half weeks.
• Man, I am behind on my sewing.
• Last week I did order a second mystery bundle from Fabric Mart when I ordered some fabric for another project.
• My other project is big and I cannot wait to share it.  More on it later though.  I am working on collecting everything and all the details for a separate post.

See, my Sebastian really does love the mystery bundle, or maybe he is just waiting for me to empty out the box for him.  Anyways, I got a 2.5 yds of a gauze bright pink cotton, 3 yards of a tan and cream wool boucle, 1.75 yds of a floral printed cotton, 1.5 yds of a teal double knit and 1.5 yds of a purple, tan, black and cream print stretch twill.

• I am not really a fan of the tan and cream wool.  I think I may make some sort of renaissance peasant garment out of it and put it up for sale.  
• The teal double knit is going to become a cardigan of some variety.  I have two patterns I am debating between right now. 
• I think the stretch twill will become a pencil skirt. 
• I have no idea about the floral print,  It’s a little 80’s and a little Asian all rolled into one, plus it is more of a quilting cotton than fashion fabric.  
• The pink gauzy fabric, I am on the fence on.  I think I have enough that I can get some sort of day dress out of if I find the right pattern, but it will definitely need a lining.  For that I am thinking black cotton, just for contrast.  But I also think this fabric would make a cute peasant style top.

This weeks Fashion Friday feature is Olivia Palermo in her lemony yellow chiffon Topshop dress.  I really like the easy of this dress.  It is very loose fitting and the chiffon makes it so light and flowing. Now, I am not well versed in the ways of Topshop since they are a British company, but from briefly looking around their site they really do seem to have something for every woman.  They have so many different styles available it’s fantastic.

Simplicity 2929 view E, which is the red with gold flowers dress, is very similar to the Topshop dress.  This pattern is unlined but I would line it since the Topshop version is made of chiffon.  I think I might actually make the lining more sheath like with a sweetheart neckline. That way when belted you do not lose the flowing look of the dress.  Plus, how cute would a sweetheart neckline be underneath the shear chiffon?

I actually found a couple of options for the chiffon.  First, Fashion Fabrics Club has this 100% silk chiffon for $13.05 a yard.  The color is just the right shade of yellow to work for this dress.

The second option I found on Fabric Mart’s site for $9.99 a yard.  It is also silk.  However, this one has a very subtle sunburst print that I didn’t even notice till I started looking at the other images.  I actually prefer this chiffon over the solid yellow.  I am not a person who can wear yellow, thanks to my Irish heritage,  so I think I would personally pick either an Emerald green or a Sapphire blue.  I really really do love jewel tones.  I think they look best on me.

As far as accessories go you will need to get some great gold shoes.  I love the ones she is wearing.  Her clutch is encased in clear lucite! She belted the dress with what I think is a brown braided leather belt.  Normally, I am soooo not a fan of the braided leather belt, but for this look it really works. I love her necklace as well.  I am really into the multi-strained look that is trendy right now.

As most sewers know the new Vogues came out today!  They have come out with quite a few patterns that I am going to have to pick up during the next sale!  Here are my favorites.  Be warned though this is a picture heavy post.

V1252, Tracy Reese, I love the draping and ruching.  The garment photo does not do this dress justice, that is why I included the line drawing.  I think this would be good in a solid color to show off all those lovely lines.

V1253 is a Tracy Reese design and is gorgeous as always!  Once again this has wonderful ruching.  I also love the way the skirt hangs.  I think I would actually make this in a gray similar to the design picture.

 V1259 is Donna Karen and I love every single thing about this.  The color of this one is gorgeous!  A long long time ago when I was in school one of the designs I had drawn up was a similar top only in a creamy off white with some brown leather trim going down the ruched seam.  I think I may have to do something like that.

 V1254 is Anne Klein.  While this is very different from the others I selected, I love the crisp look of this one.  The neck detail is fantastic.

V1257, DKNY,  is also a fantastically draped dress.  I love the knot below the waist.

Have you checked out the new patterns?  What are your favorites?

As promised, here is the tutorial for the Santa Sack I made for my swap partner.  This sack is approximately 2′ across by 2.5′ down.  It is completely lined and has two stocking pockets that are perfect for holding giftcards or Christmas cards.  This is a very easy and quick project that will leave you with a great way to tote around all those Christmas presents you have to give out.  You could even use this sack in place of wrapping paper as an eco-friendly gift wrap. 

Materials needed:
3/4 yd fabric for outer shell
3/4 yd fabric for lining

1/2 yd fabric for stocking pockets
2 yds ribbon
2 jingle bells
approx. 400 8mm sequins
thread
stocking template at right.  Print this as a full page.

Fabrics:
Christmas quilting cottons or flannels are great for this project.  You can also use shantung or satin for the outer shell fabric.  For mine this one I choose Christmas quilting cottons.

Step-by-step:

1. Fold your shell fabric in half, lengthwise, right sides together. Stitch stitch side seam and bottom with 5/8’s seam allowance.  Do the same for the lining fabric.  Clip bottom corners of seam allowance for both the lining and outer shell.  Press seam allowances open.

2. Lay out your stocking template on fabric.  This template is at the bottom of the tutorial.  Cut 4 stockings.

 3.  Place 2 stockings right sides together and stitch around entire stocking leaving a 3″ opening in the top.  Do the same for the second 2 stockings.  Turn both right sides out and press. Top stitch around entire edge of each stocking 1/4″ from edge.

4. Place and pin stockings to front of outer shell of bag.  I recommend turning them on a slight angle and staggering them.  However,  it is completely up to you how you would like them placed.

5.  Stitch sequins through outer shell layer and edges of stocking along the top stitching line, leaving the top edge of stocking free from the outer shell.  This will create your pockets. In place of the sequins you can also use ribbon or other trims.

6.  Once sequins are on, place the outer shell inside of the lining, wrong sides together. Make 2-1″ buttonholes along side seam, through outer shell and lining approximately 1 and 3/4″ from unfinished edge.  Press unfinished edge 5/8″ towards linings.  Press edge again 1″ towards lining.  Stitch along bottom fold line as close to opening as possible.  Turn sack right side out and press.

7. Feed ribbon through buttonhole and upper edge. Tie off each ribbon end with a jingle bell. 

 There you have it.  Your very own Santa Sack.  I hope you enjoy this tutorial.  Put your own spin on this Santa Sack by changing what shape you use for the pockets.  I would love to see your version of this.  Please share a link.

This week’s Fashion Friday post is Emmy Rossum’s butterfly dress by Lyn Devon.  I think this dress is absolutely adorable.  I love the shape, it has a retro/vintage vibe.  Because of that I choose a retro Vogue pattern for this look.

   

For the fabric I, once again, choose a woven cotton from Warm Biscuit.  This fabric is $15.00 a yard.  If red is not your thing they do also offer the same print in cream/off-white.  I think I actually prefer the cream to the red.

Now, you just need to get yourself some great white peep-toes and you are ready to rock it like Emmy!
I don’t know if I could pull off this print but I do want to try.  I may have to attempt this knock-off sometime. Do you have any looks that are considering trying?  I would love to hear what your inspiration piece is and how you plan to achieve it!