The Creative Jones

It's a Blackout!!!

2008-07-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

Viva Vogue Italia!!!! I just want to scream that you must run out and get the July issue of Italian Vogue. I mean RUN, don't walk. The issue is dedicated to Black models!!! http://www.lerockbox.com/?p=437. I heard about Vogue dedicating the whole July issue to Black models due to the disapearance of Black models on the runways in recent years, I think about a month ago. So July 1st I started scouring the bookstores for it, but sadly to no avail. I found that I was actually rapidly becoming obsecessed with it. It got to the point that the salespeople would see me and before I could even say anything, they would say we still don't have it yet Ma'am. So last night my friend calls me, because I have told practically everyone that I know that I have to have this issue of Vogue Italia, short of hopping a plane to Italy. You know I figured the more eyes out looking for it the better. Well to my great pleasure my friend told her friend about it and last night he bought it for moi!!!! So in my eyes he is the MAN!!! So now I have it in my hot little hands I just have to say that the magazine is way FABULOUS!!! I think that I might even sleep with it tonight

New Vogue Patterns

2008-07-11T10:56:00.000-07:00

I just noticed that the new Vogue Fall patterns are out. Of course they came out after the sale was over!!! I think that they do that on purpose, I swear! Anyway I am going to hold out until they go on sale again, because I refuse to pay full price for patterns. Anyway I picked out a few patterns that I really like. I picked out these patterns because in the Fall I really want to concentrate on making suits, so I can build my business/work capsule wardrobe.

Vogue 1063

Vogue 1064
Vogue 1065
Vogue 1066

A Little Animal Magnetism

2008-07-10T19:22:00.000-07:00

I really love prints, especially animal prints because they go with just about everything at least in my closet. Luckily I had enough of this leopard sort of print that I bought a while ago to make Vogue top 8419 View A. It was really simple to do. This sleeveless top has front and back waist darts and and then upper back darts, pleats at the neckline, and a back zipper closure. Surprisingly I was able to make this top in just a few hours.

These are the cute little upper back darts
Back view

The apron that wasn't

2008-07-08T09:36:00.000-07:00

Well I did it again!!! I have been planning to make this incredibly simple apron for the 4th of July for the last 5 years and once again I didn't do it. As you can see it is a very simple panel, so I really have no excuse. All I had to do was cut out the ties and apron, finish the edges with a 1/4 inch hem and then attach the ties to the top and sides. It probably would have taken 30 to 45 minutes tops, but did I do it? No, I didn't. So since I could not get it together again this year, what I have decided to do is to go ahead and make the apron now and then just put it away until the next 4th of July. So look for this apron next year, because I will be wearing it on July 4th, 2009!!!!

Skirting the issue

2008-07-07T07:48:00.000-07:00

After tending to my backyard for most of the weekend I ended up only making one skirt New Look 6163. This is one of my favorite skirts to make because it always turns out well. It is a simple A-line skirt. I used a stretch twill fabric in a black and white floral print. So now I have a new outfit to wear to work this week. I am going to use this same pattern to make a white linen skirt, but I will add a lining to that one. Oh how I wish that I didn't have to do anything else, so I could just sew all the time.

Happy 4th of July!!!!

2008-07-01T21:42:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!!!!

Have a great holiday!

First comes the Tops

2008-06-30T23:06:00.000-07:00

I made a couple of tops and a jacket. First up, I finally made the top and jacket from Simplicity 3800, both pieces are made out of a black knit. I think that Erica B. used this same pattern a while back. I got the idea to make the top and jacket from her, because the ones she made came out so cute. This pattern is part of the Threads collection, but I think that it is actually out of print now. However I always say better late than never. I wonder if it would be possible to sew all of the the patterns that I have at least once before they go out of print. Hmmmm......I don't think so!! I have way too many patterns to even attempt to try such a feat.

The second top I made is New Look 6753 View C. I bought this fabric back in March I think during PR weekend and since I had so much left over I plan to make a dress out of it also at some point. This upcoming 4th of July weekend I am planning on making a black and white skirt and a solid black skirt to go with these tops and maybe a few other things if I have time.

Fair is fair

2008-06-24T08:23:00.000-07:00

I decided to make a dress that I can wear to work, since I made a dress that is just for the weekends. "It's so easy" Simplicity pattern 3724 is so easy!!!!!! I made View B, which is the shorter length dress. I think that I could whip out a couple of these suckers in a matter of hours. I used a linen mix cream and black fabric that has been in my stash for 2 years!! Ahh....... now I have one less item in my stash and one one in my closet. As an added bonus the dress goes well with my Vogue 2817 wardrobe pattern jacket. I might be getting my mojo back after all??

It's been a while

2008-06-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

It's actually been a long long while. I sort of lost interest in my linen wardrobe that I was making, so I stopped working on it and pretty much everything else. I will go back to it before the summer is over hopefully otherwise it will go into my UFO bin. Oh no Oh no!!! The truth is I haven't really been sewing much. In fact, I have only been sewing about half as much as I normally would. I have cut out several patterns, but that is about it. I don't know if it is the lazy days of summer that got a hold of me or what? Anyway, to get myself going again and in honor of summer, I decided to make a weekend dress to lay around in, do whatever in or here's an idea...........maybe I will sew in it! I made McCalls 5653 View A. I used 7/8 in slate blue grosgrain ribbon to make the button rosettes and then sewed decorative buttons on top.

Lutterloh not forgotten

2008-05-13T13:35:00.000-07:00

Oh Lutterloh I won't let you stump me!!! I refuse to let Lutterloh get the better of me. Long story short, I drafted my first Lutterloh pattern several several weeks ago, but the pattern turned out sort of funky so I just put it away. So much for the golden rule!!! I think that women's clothing sizes were very different in the 60's, which is probably why the pattern came out funky. I think that us Millenium girls have to make adjustments. Anyway, I decided to pull out the pattern that I made and see what I could do to make it work. Actually it has been haunting me for a while. Fortunately, I have been learning a lot about tissue fitting, so I decided to use that method to salvage the pattern. Based on the tissue fitting I added 1.5 inches to the hip area and decided to add darts to the back of the dress. I think that I have made all of the alterations needed on the pattern, so I will be cutting it out this week. However, I plan to add 1 inch side seams for a little extra insurance. No matter what I plan to end up with a wearable garment!!!!

A Dress for Summer

2008-05-04T21:49:00.000-07:00

Once again I was not able to sew much this weekend. I have been slammed lately with multiple assignments, so free time is a thing of the past for the moment. However.........I did work on my in between project, which is a dress that I am making for when the weather gets a little warmer. I am using McCall's 5315 View A. I chose a cotton batik in black and white for the fabric. I was all set to whip this one out, but I did not pay attention to the finished garment measurements for this dress when I cut it out so I have to take in in a lot!!!!! and then reposition the straps. I just pinned it together on my dressform so everyone could see what I have been doing. Hopefully, I will be able to come up for air by the end of the week and actually complete it.

Vogue 2817 jacket

2008-04-27T22:22:00.000-07:00

Unfortutately I did not get much sewing done in the past couple of days but I did finish the jacket from my Vogue 2817 wardrobe pattern. This is a super easy pattern. It just requires a lot of stitching. I just have the skirt and pants left to do out of black linen as well and then a couple of tops in different linen colors. I don't know now if I am still going to make another jacket from the same pattern in the silver foil linen fabric that I bought, because I don't know how much I am actually feeling the jacket. I am going to have to think about it for a little while, I don't know if I should use a different pattern instead. In the picture I paired the jacket with the top that I already made from the same pattern and a black linen embroidered skirt that I made last year. The skirt was my original inspiration for a linen wardrobe. I also paired the jacket with the black and white linen embroidered dress that I just made.

Good Forture

2008-04-22T07:40:00.000-07:00

Last week the mailman came bearing gifts. Caroline, who I met at PR weekend was gracious enough to think of me and to send me her unused Burda WOF patterns. Wow, the power of human connection is great! Woo Hoo!! Thanks again Caroline, they will be put to good use. I promise.

E for Excellent!

2008-04-21T06:06:00.000-07:00

A big big thank you to the wonderful seamstresses Cennetta at the Mahogany Stylist and Pirouette at Krustallos for nominating me for the Excellent Blog Award. I will try to live up to it.

The Fabric That Spoke

2008-04-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

I put off continuing to work on my Vogue 2817 wardrobe pattern to make something out of the fabric that spoke to me. I must say that I just love this dress!!!!! I used Simplicity 2975 View A. The pattern was quite easy to make. I lengthened the dress by 2 inches because I am tall and then took in the side seams at the arm 1 inch so that the armhole did not gape. I plan to get a lot of use out of this dress this summer. I might even wear it to work with a jacket. Love it!!!!!

When fabric speaks to you

2008-04-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

I went to Joann's to pick up some sewing needles and saw some graphic print black and white embroidered linen, of course I walked right past it, because I don't need any more fabric. I mean I really don't need any more fabric. So, I just kept going, but the fabric spoke to me "Psst. Psst". "Check me out." I was strong at first, but it kept speaking to me. "Where are you going?" "Oh come on, come on just come closer." So I did and the voice got louder and more persuasive. "Just touch me." So I did. Then then fabric said "You know you want me !!!" Well somehow I entered into a trance and found myself picking up the bolt of fabric, walking to the cutting table, and then to the cashier. To make a long story short the fabric ended up in my passenger side seat and on it's way home with me. When I got home I riffled thru my patterns and chose Simplicity 2975 to use to make it. This style is actually very popular right now. I have seen it several times in different stores, so I think the pattern was a good choice. I am going to be be making the dress, View A.

PR weekend follow-up

2008-04-16T12:00:00.000-07:00

I thought that I would finally take some time out to say something about PR weekend. In a word it was a blast! I will definitely be going to more of them. I had so much fun and I bought way way too much fabric, but I did not win the most yardage purchased prize, surprisingly. I actually bought so much fabric that I struggled to find a place to put it all. So, it all sat in my trunk until this past weekend. I can't say enough about how much fun I had and how much I laughed and was inspired to sew even more. The best part of it all is that I met a lot of great people, like Krystin, MelissaB, Betsysbobbin, Leslie in Austin, Christina, Cat, dvmcindy, Leslie, Deepika, Markie1, Jeanette, Cidell, and Nancywin. All I can say is that women who sew rock!!!!!

Disregard the dates. I used my spare camera and it was not set.

The Linen attraction continues

2008-04-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

My linen attraction continues. I finished the second piece of my linen wardrobe from my Adri Vogue 2817 pattern. It's an asymmetrical loose fitting dress. One thing that I found out from this pattern is that you have to make sure that you tissue fit the pattern first because you can not really adjust the pattern after you cut it out. All of the seams are sewn down so if you cut it out too small you will be stuck.

Linen attraction

2008-04-08T20:52:00.000-07:00

Back in December I started to develop a linen fixation. I have been buying yards and yards of linen to the point that I am almost stockpiling it. My thoughts were to construct a linen wardrobe for summer using the Adri Vogue 2817 pattern. So I am still going to go with my original thought. I am planning to make all views in black linen, which I have already cut out and then make an extra top in yellowish green, but I saw some silver foil linen at Joann's and I had to have it so I am going to make a top and jacket out of the silver fabric as well. This week instead of doing the remaining hand sewing work on my Vogue 8414 dress. I decided to start my linen wardrobe. So far I have only made the top which was pretty easy.

New pattern picks

2008-04-03T22:02:00.000-07:00

McCalls and Vogue patterns will be on sale at Joann's during their 3 day sale this weekend. These are the patterns I plan to pick up:

Shorty jacket

2008-03-30T22:45:00.000-07:00

My Vogue 8414 jacket is done. I forgot to take a picture of the back to show the pleats, but maybe I will do that tomorrow. I used some left over black and white tweed fabric that I have had for awhile. It is actually left over from making my staple skirt, McCalls 3038. It looks like a suit when I pair the two together. However, the jacket is supposed to go together with the dress from Vogue 8414, but I am still working on the dress. I used a black cotton stretch rayon for the dress. I am almost done with it, but it seems very rectangular like, so I think that I am going to take in the darts a little more.

Leaf top

2008-03-26T22:57:00.000-07:00

My Simplicity knit top is done. I used Simplicity 4020 view C. This is a very very easy top to make. I actually cut it out in January I think. It sort of has that bumble bee effect, but I like it. I love the fabric. It is a very cool knit. I have been thinking that I might stop cutting out things in bulk, because I end up having several items to make. It does save time when I get ready to sew, but on the other hand when I see my pile of stuff that I plan to make it seems never ending.

A skirt for spring

2008-03-24T21:44:00.000-07:00

I decided to make another skirt (Butterick 5431, view A) for spring because you can never have too many. I made this quick bias skirt with an elastic waistband over the weekend. It was very easy to make because it is only two seams you would think. However, I hung the skirt for 24 hours because it is a bias skirt, and then wouldn't you know I ended up having some issues with the hem. I had to shorten it somewhat in order to make the hem straight, so if I was to make it again I would be extremely careful when cutting it out, because I don't know if I wasn't careful or if the pattern is just jacked up.

Hanging the skirt so the bias can adjust.
Skirt with purchased sweater. I think that this will be a cute spring look.

Sewing again

2008-03-10T22:41:00.000-07:00

Okay,okay I have been off the radar for a couple of weeks, but for good reason. I have been very busy with work and life issues, so I have not sewn as much as I would ideally like. However, despite all that I had to do this weekend and it was a lot, I said to myself I do not care I am going to sew no matter what this weekend. So alas, I was able to finish two skirts. One that I said I was going to make and one I just decided to make on the spur of the moment. I was able to complete McCall's 5430 (view C) that I cut out during my cutting frenzy last month. I used a heavy denim for the fabric, but if I had it to do over again I would use more of a light weight denim, because I had a hard time doing the topstitching. I wanted to topstich this skirt in heavy black thread, but I could not get the tension right on my machine, so I gave up and just used regular thread. The pictures are kind of dark because I took them in the late afternoon.

The other skirt I made was from one of my old Simplicity patterns (5564, view A). I used a red print bottom weight fabric and then added blue piping. I really like the piping detail on this skirt so I might make another one. This pattern was really easy to sew, so I should be able to whip out another one if I want in no time.

Another pants suit

2008-02-18T12:54:00.000-08:00

I finally sewed something!!! It has been a long time I know. Doesn't it always happen that when you really want to do something that all kinds of other stuff come up and prevent you from doing what you really want to do!! Anyway, enough of that. Last week was my birthday and I got a new dressform. I have been wanting a dressform that I could put pants on for a long long time so I decided that turning a year older was a significant enough event to warrant such a purchase. I have to say that I really like it. I was able to fit my pants a lot quicker with this dressform. Right now it is wearing my New Look 6654 suit with the mandarin collar. This was actually one of the outfits that I cut out during my cutting frenzy. I used a navy blue woven fabric for this pattern. I really need to pay attention to the fabric content of the fabrics that I buy in the future. I will never work with this type of fabric again. It just ravels entirely too much. I have navy blue threads all over my house.

Despite navy blue threads all over my house, I think that this suit turned out cute. I like the long, lean look of this outfit, but I am not really digging the jacket as much as I thought I would. The collar stands a little to high I think.

Also, as you can see from the back the hem is not straight so I am going to have to adjust it and then it needs a serious pressing.

PR Weekend

2008-02-05T15:44:00.000-08:00

I finally registered last week for PR weekend in Los Angeles. I am excited to be able to attend the Couture Techniques Workshop that is going to be taught by Susan Khalje and to meet some of my fellow bloggers!!! I haven't taken a sewing class in a long, long time, so this should be really fun! I have told myself that I will not purchase anymore fabric until PR weekend. Instead, I will attempt to utilize what I already have in my fabric stash, so that I can make room for what I most definitely will buy during PR weekend!

Sewing Mojo

2008-02-04T12:32:00.000-08:00

Somehow, I seem to have lost my sewing mojo this past week. All I was able to complete was a measly pair of pants New Look 6654. Why have I not sewn virtually daily like I normally do? Mostly because I changed jobs, which caused my commute to be longer and more tortuous, which in turn caused me to have to get up one and a half hours earlier than I want to, and so when I get home I am exhausted and want to do nothing. However, this week I decided that I am going to reframe my thinking about getting up and starting my day early. I mean farmers get up early and people in the army get up early, so yes I too can get up early.

P.S.>>>>> If you live in a Super Tuesday state, don't forget to vote tomorrow. Your vote counts!!!!

Oh Lutterloh

2008-01-28T20:47:00.000-08:00

This weekend I decided to see if the "golden rule" really works. So I took a stab at one of my seemingly simple Lutterloh patterns circa late 1960's. According to the golden rule, you only need your bust and hip measurements in centimeters to draft a pattern from the models included in their pattern book and this can all be done in less than one hour. Yet, eventhough I followed the directions explicitly and even watched the video again, I still had a bit of trouble. Now it may be that I was nursing an adult beverage during the process, but I don't think so. I even pulled out some of my pattern construction books for reference, because for unknown reasons the pattern did not trace out perfectly like the model.

In any case, I had to make some adjustments to the pattern, mainly to the bodice. My next step is to make a muslin of this pattern before I cut it out really. I think that I am going to use a black linen for my actual garment fabric and detail it with some heavy white topstitching.

A little knitting therapy

2008-01-23T19:09:00.000-08:00

No sewing for me tonight. I have been sewing almost everyday for the last couple of weeks, but tonight my commute home was horrible because it is raining cats and dogs. It took me 1 hour and 20 minutes to get home tonight and it was bumper to bumper traffic in torrential rain. So I decided to just work on a sweater that I started this weekend and watch Project Runway. The sweater I am making is called the Extra Easy, Extra Fabulous Sweater. It is a free pattern on the Lionbrand.com website. I am using Wool-ease thick and quick yarn in navy.

BWOF 9-2007-101B

2008-01-22T22:25:00.000-08:00

Hooray!! My first BWOF garment is done! I made blouse 101B from the September 2007 issue. There are actually two versions of the blouse (A & B), but I have to tell you that I have no idea what the difference is and the instructions don't appear to give any clues either. So if anyone knows please tell me. I thought the tracing of the pattern was easy so don't be scaarred! I traced the pattern in a size 40 based on the measurement chart listed, but I should of gone with a size 38, because the top is a little big. If I had used the smaller size it would of been okay, because knits stretch. Also the neckline is lower than I thought it would be, so I went back and read the description of the blouse and it says it has a plunging neckline and feminine tie collar. Duh! Anyway, I am not interested in showing all of my goods so I will have to wear a cami with it. Overall, it was a very good experience and I completed resolution #5 of my 2008 Sewing Resolutions. Now I have decisions to make. Which pattern will I trace next? I am going to have to go back through the issues that I have again, but I am thinking either a jacket or another blouse.

Mom's Travel SWAP done!!!

2008-01-20T15:40:00.000-08:00

At last I have finished the travel wardrobe pieces that I said I would make for my mother and in doing so I fulfilled resolution #1 of my 2008 Sewing Resolutions. Everything is already in a box to be mailed on Tuesday. Just for a recap I used 3 different patterns: Butterick patterns 3532, 5948 and an out of print Simplicity pattern (9260) and 3 different fabrics to make 2 skirts, 1 pair of pants, 1 dress, 1 jacket and 2 tops for a total of 12 different looks. Count them. Now I can sew for me!!!

Cutting frenzy

2008-01-19T18:28:00.000-08:00

I have finished everything that I am sewing for my mother except for the jacket which still needs buttons and to be hemmed. I plan to post her outfits tomorrow. This afternoon I decided to cut out another pattern while watching a Lifetime Network movie and somehow got into a cutting frenzy. Of course I really did not need to do so, but cutting out fabric is my least favorite thing to do so when the mood hits me I really need to go with it. It may all seem kind of haphazard, but everything I cut out either goes with something that I already have or coordinates with some other fabric that I have and plan to make later. So I cut out the following pattterns:

New look 6654 (Views A & E) in a navy blue woven fabric. It is actually the same fabric that that I am using for my Mom's SWAP. I bought 10 yards!!!

Simplicity 4020 (view c) pullover knit top in a mustard and black knit.

Vogue 8414 misses's dress and jacket in a black stretch cotton rayon and black and white tweed for the jacket.

McCalls 5430 (view C) in a dark blue denim fabric. I am going to use this skirt to coordinate with some of the stuff that I will make later for Spring.

A little bit of Spring

2008-01-17T12:21:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the sun was shining and it was windy, but still warm so I decided to go out and before I knew it I ended up at Joann's. Now mind you I do not need anymore fabric, but I could not resist this fabric. I immediately had an eye lock on it the moment I walked into the store. I think it was the green in the print. I really am finding myself really attracted to green lately. Anyway, I have decided to make a dress out of it (McCall's 5516, view B). I have some blue lightweight linen that I have had in my stash for at least three years that I am going to use with it and if I have enough fabric left I think that try to make another Built by Wendy top, but in a different style.

Of course I will not start any of this nor my BWOF top until I finish all of the items that I am making for my mother. That would be 2 skirts, 1 pair of pants, 1 dress, 1 jacket and 2 tops to be exact. I have completed 2 skirts, the pants and one top, so I am well on my way. Yet, I have to say that I am finding it a little hard to sew for someone who is not physically here. Normally when I sew for myself I constantly try on whatever I am making to make sure it fits, but I don't have that option right now. I just have her measurements to guide me, which I hope is enough.

Pattern Review's Best Patterns of 2007

2008-01-15T20:39:00.000-08:00

My Built by Wendy Simplicity 3835 top was featured on Pattern review's Best patterns of 2007!!! I am so excited. I absolutely love this top. This is such a great pattern. I recommend it to every one. It will go great with jeans or a simple skirt. It is such an easy and quick top to make that you just have to make it! I plan to make a jean skirt to go with it for my Spring/Summer wardrobe.

UFO done

2008-01-11T19:41:00.000-08:00

I finished my Simplicity 9630 pants suit all except for the sleeve hem , which I will do while I am watching TV this weekend. Overall it was very easy to sew. The jacket is lined, collarless and has a tie belt and the pants have a side zipper and tie waistband. I made the pants super long so I can wear them with my sandal heels. I always have a hard time finding RTW pants that are long enough, so when I sew pants I always make them super long. I used a lavendar/lilac linen blend fabric for this suit, so I will probably use it for my spring wardrobe.

This is the close up. I really like the overall look of the suit.
........ and finally my crazy dog Lola who was very interested in my dressform and suit.

Bummer

2008-01-08T22:13:00.000-08:00

In the mail today I got a letter from Sew Stylish magazine. The letter states: Unfortunately, economic realities and marketplace conditions make it impossible for us to continue publishing Sew Stylish as a subscription-based publication. Our last issue will be December, 2007 (Winter). As a result, we are no longer taking subscriptiuon orders for Sew Stylish and are returning your original order request and check. I love this magazine, but I ususally buy it from the bookstore. However, last month I finally decided that I was going to just subscribe to it. So I finally subscribe and now the magazine is kaput!!

UFO progress

2008-01-07T08:08:00.000-08:00

I really did not get as much done this weekend as I wanted to, but I did progress. I finished my Simplicity dress minus the hem. However I still have much to do on my Simplicity suit. I still need to add a zipper, the waistband to the pants and hem them. Then I need to add the lining to the jacket, make the belt, add the collar and facing and then hem the sleeves and bottom of the jacket. My goal is to wrap it up this week so I can start sewing my Mom's pieces and my BWOF blouse. Wish me luck.

Questions & Answers

2008-01-05T21:34:00.000-08:00

Pirouette asked where did I get my designer's hip and crotch curves from? I got my Designer's curves and Tailor's curves from Design to Fit Patterns. The designer's curve is for above the waist and the tailor's curves are for below the waist. I haven't used them yet, as you can tell because they are still in the package, but I am planning on using them when I sew my Lutterloh patterns. Cidell asked about the weights that I use to cut out patterns. The pattern weights that I use are called O-weights and they come in a package of four. I really like them because they have little prongs on the bottom to grip your fabric and they are pretty heavy. I bought them years ago at Joann Fabrics. I don't think that they carry them any more, because I haven't seen them in the store for a while, however you can order them from Baer Fabrics. Kasizzle asked where did I get my butcher block paper from? I bought it from Smart & Final, which is a warehouse store. I think that I paid $24 bucks for 1000 feet. Can you believe that?

In a tracing mood

2008-01-04T18:32:00.000-08:00

It was pouring rain today, so I decided to pull out all of my pattern making supplies that I have been accumulating in preparation to start making and tracing patterns. My supplies include a 1000 foot roll of white butcher block paper, a set of french curves, a pattern notcher, 2 B-oleyar designer's curves, a tracing wheel, a quickline ruler, a quarter inch seam guide and 2 different compasses that I am going to try to use to make my seam allowance.

Then I decided to trace the BWOF #101B blouse from the September 2007 issue as my first BWOF pattern. It should be a piece of cake right? It took me all of 1 hour to trace and add the seam line. Cidell was right. It was really quite easy. There was no need for the compass. Instead, I ended up using my quickline ruler to make the seam line because it has a 5/8 in marking. My newly traced pattern is all ready to be cut. I am using a rayon spandex knit in deep teal for the fabric. I am so excited!!!!

Unfinished Projects the saga continues

2008-01-03T14:00:00.000-08:00

I am really trying to wrap up my unfinished projects and sew new stuff as well. I have a lot of patterns that are completely cut that I haven't worked on yet. I chose two patterns that I cut out probably 6 months ago or maybe even longer, to start working on today. I was going to make Simplicity 9630 (views A & F) last summer. The fabric that I am using is a lavender linen mix. I think that Simplicity 9630 will mix well with Vogue 2817 that I also cut out in a black linen for last summer, but never made. I will use both of them for my Spring/Summer wardrobe. My second unfinished project is a dress. I actually don't remember what possessed me to cut out Simplicity 5049 (view B) in a silver/grey crepe back satin of all things, but I am going to finish both of them to free up some of my sewing pins. If I don't like the dress then I will turn it into a top. I have had the patterns so long that both of them are out of print now.

New dog walking outfit

2008-01-03T13:33:00.000-08:00

I finished McCalls 4261 last night. I just needed to add the zipper to the jacket. This was a pretty easy pattern to make, so it really does not take as long to make as I took. Anyway now I have something to walk my dog in that doesn't make me look like a bum.

Happy New Year

2007-12-31T11:05:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone!!!!! In 2007, I renewed my love for (or became addicted yet again) to sewing and jewelry making and I learned how to knit and decorate cakes. I discovered blogs and I started one myself. I have learned from, been in awe, and creatively inspired by so many of you. This year I hope to learn more, expand my skills, stick to my sewing resolutions and to feed my jones on a regular basis. I especially want to express a big THANK YOU to each and every person who stopped by my blog this year. I hope that you will continue to stop by, offer encouragement and comment on what I am doing or share what you are doing. I hope that 2008 will be both a blessing and an adventure for all of you. So I wish you gorgeous fabric, great sewing experiences, and many many good looking garments.

007 gurl

2008 Sewing Resolutions

2007-12-30T17:13:00.000-08:00

In 2008:

1. I will sew for someone else other than myself.

2. I will start making muslins

3. I will not be seduced by 40% or 50% off coupons at Joann's every week.

4. I will learn to make accessories like purses, belts, and hats.

5. I will start sewing Burda patterns.

6. I will not allow the color of the thread on my serger to determine what I sew. I will just change the thread color on my serger without complaining.

7. I will sew with the goal of building a capsule wardrobe. My ultimate dream is that I never have to say "I don't have a thing to wear".

8. I will attempt to do a SWAP (or actually a couple of mini-SWAPs). I have been thinking that I should do a weekend/casual wear SWAP and an evening wear SWAP.

9. I will learn more about pattern construction. I took a flat pattern making class a long long time ago, but I think that I need a refresher course.

10. I will also learn more about tailoring and acheiving a proper fit.

11. I will do my very best to stay ahead of the season when sewing.

12. I will learn how to do a rolled hem on my serger.

13. Lastly, in 2008 I will sew boldly!!!!!!

Ready to get my sewing on!!!

2007-12-29T18:35:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know I haven't posted in quite a while, but I have a good excuse. I was busy spending time with my family who came for Christmas, now that they are gone I can sew again (I certainly have been thinking about it non-stop). So while I didn't sew while they were here, I did manage to cut out some things which I plan to sew this week. January's sewing will mostly be for my mother because one of my sewing resolutions for 2008 is to sew for other people (I will post the full list tomorrow). So I am getting a jumpstart on it by cutting out several things to sew a small travel SWAP for my mother who is going to Senegal and Paris in February. I also cut out a whole bunch of stuff for myself , but that will be for another posting.

These are the fabrics that I bought to make the garments for my MOM. The main color is navy. So I bought a navy woven fabric to make a long sleeved jacket, skirt and pants out of Butterick 3532, and an additional skirt in the bottom left rayon print, then Butterick 5948 for 2 different tops in the two different rayon cotton prints and finally a dress in the bottom right print fabric using a Simplicity out of pattern (9260).
I still don't know exactly what I am going to do with this tan and navy pin stripped jean fabric just yet.

These are the patterns that I am using for now.

Lutterloh Vintage patterns

2007-12-20T15:29:00.000-08:00

A couple of months ago I purchased some sixties vintage Lutterloh pattern books and this is one of them. The patterns are based on the "the golden rule" in which you only need two measurements (hip and bust) to make a pattern using a special ruler. I love these patterns they are so cute. I have included a sampling of the patterns, but the book has like 400 different patterns in it. I am hoping to make some of them for spring.

Burda on my mind

2007-12-18T06:56:00.000-08:00

I have been watching with great awe some of the people who sew Burda WOF patterns. After seeing so many great BWOF garments, I too wanted to sew Burda patterns. Although, first I had to figure out that they were not regular patterns that could be found in a file cabinet in a fabric store, but instead a set of patterns contained in a magazine. Anyway a couple of weeks ago I set out to look for a Burda WOF magazine and I came up empty. It wasn't at any of the fabric stores (which is kind of crazy!). They had Australian Stitches why not Burda World of Fashion? Next I tried the bookstores and nada! Then Ebay, they had it, but I refused to pay $15.95 plus shipping for a single issue. I didn't even care that when you dollar cost average the number of patterns you get with the overall price, it turns out to be mere pennies. I just could not do it. So while I was lamenting about the whole thing I actually wrote Burda and they said that they would send me a complimentary copy (Yeah!) but being as impatient as I am I couldn't wait and what about that September issue that I desperately wanted? All I could think of is there must be a way and there was! This is where the LAW of ATTRACTION comes into play. While surfing the net, I came across a reply to a comment directing someone to go to a newsstand called Santa Monica World News for Burda WOF magazines! I called them and asked if they actually had them and they did. So I promptly left work (luckily it was lunch time) and made the journey to West Hollywood and purchased the August, September and November editions. Now I have all of the Fall editions and I have officially subscribed to the magazine to boot. So very soon I too will be styling like Tany, Cidell, and Laura in my Burda WOF garments.

Moving On

2007-12-16T21:12:00.000-08:00

After having to make the trek back to Joanns to pick up another pattern, since the one I had was missing in action, I finally finished my Mccalls jacket. I really like how it turned out. I was looking for a feature button to use on it, but I could not find one that I liked, so I ended up making a covered button. I still have to hand sew the hem at the bottom and then it will head to the closet.

Next up is a grey stretch velour sweatsuit for lounging around the house and for running local errands (notice I did not say exercise). I am using Mccalls 4261 (view A & E).

Good intentions

2007-12-15T08:52:00.000-08:00

Wouldn't you know that I got up this morning all set to finish my McCalls jacket 5276. I made some coffee, walked the dog while it was brewing, came back home and poured a cup, sat down to finish the jacket and discovered that page 3 of the pattern instructions were missing. Of course I thought how can this be!!! So I started looking for it. Maybe I put the instructions in with another pattern, mistakenly threw it away or it was not there to begin with. Bottom line I DON'T HAVE IT!!! Needless to say I am not happy about this right now, because now in addition to cleaning up, finally decorating the house for Xmas, addressing some Christmas cards, and giving the dog a bath I have to wait for Joann's to open and go pick up another pattern so I can finish my jacket. Note to self: Always make sure that all the instructions are in the pattern before you leave the store.

Brocade jacket

2007-12-13T10:22:00.000-08:00

McCalls 5276 View B is almost done. I used a satin brocade which I found out ravels alot, but I still love it. I love brocade fabric because it is so very glam and it makes every thing look good! However it shows stitching marks so it is best to use a really small size needle when working with this fabric, otherwise your basting marks will show.

Wrapping up loose ends

2007-12-10T20:30:00.000-08:00

I finished my Built by Wendy top (Simplicity 3835). It is actually the second time that I made this top. I used a cotton batik fabric for both tops to give it an ethnic feel. For Spring I plan to make a skirt to go with each top, probably a white linen skirt and a denim wrap skirt. I still need to map out what I am going to do for spring. Maybe I will do a mini-SWAP. Who knows?

This is the first Built by Wendy top that I made.

This is my finished classic knits tank top in burgundy Woolease Thick and Quick. I am going work on my Bobbalious sweater in black Woolease Quick and Thick yarn over the Xmas holiday and then that will be my last sweater for the season (maybe because knitting is addicting).

New patterns

2007-12-09T12:48:00.000-08:00

These are some of the new patterns that I picked up at Joann's this weekend. Vogue patterns were $3.99 each and McCall's patterns were $1.99 each. I love love love the Guy Laroche suit (Vogue 2752) and the cocktail dress patterns.

Faux snakeskin jacket

2007-12-08T18:31:00.000-08:00

Last week I was perusing the Neiman Marcus website and saw this jacket and I thought the construction looks really simple yet stylish. Hmmm I think that I have a pattern and some fabric that while not leather will sort of have the same effect. I came home and went through my stuff and found a pattern and a cool fabric that I could use for the jacket. Now keep in mind that my McCalls skirt still needs to be altered, but instead I decided to make myself feel better by making a quick jacket. I used a brown and black snakeskin patterned moleskin fabric for this jacket and added a frog closure to the top of it. The pattern is really simple and quick. It was so easy that I am thinking about making the dress (View A) in a brown satin.

McCalls skirt update

2007-12-05T23:44:00.000-08:00

Well my McCall's 5523 skirt is not working out like I would have liked. I am going to make some more alterations this weekend and hopefully I can salvage it. So wish me luck! I am so happy that I used my $1.00/yd mystery fabric, which I actually think is a rayon/polyester with alot of stretch to it. If it doesn't work out then it will become a muslin if I decide to make another one. As it stands now the waist is too big and it just is not hanging right, but the pleats are okay(even though it is hard to tell from the picture). I think that the fabric has way too much stretch to it. I feel like it is a spandex skirt (LOL). I'll do a pattern review this weekend after I figure out how to fix this thing.

Knockoff dress

2007-12-03T20:50:00.000-08:00

My Lucky magazine dress (see previous post) is done. It is actually an Alisha Levine dress. I made my Alisha Levine knock off using Butterick 5040 in a grey ponte knit. I think that it is a pretty close copy except the original is a mini dress. Sadly my mini dress days are a thing of the past so my dress is right above the knee. The pattern is really easy. It is basically a lot of gathering. I love ponte knit fabric it sews really well. I will probably make something else in the same fabric because I like it so much.

Gearing up for the weekend

2007-11-29T18:59:00.000-08:00

This weekend my sewing hiatus ends. I plan to watch movies and sew sew sew. Since I have several projects that are already cut out I will sew some of them and then cut out a couple of new pieces. Hopefully by the end of the weekend I will have a few new pieces to squeeze into my closet. Does anyone else have this challenge (I won't call it a problem)? This brings up a great question for all of you fabulously talented sewists that sew on a regular basis. How do you manage your wardrobe if you make new pieces all the time? Do you constantly edit your closet and get rid of items that you have made in the past? What do you do? I am on the verge of being able to open a clothing store myself because I find it hard to edit.

I decided to change up and make a different skirt for once. I bought some black rayon? fabric for $1.00/yd. Don't laugh it is actually a very nice fabric and if I mess it up I won't be mad. I am going to make McCalls 5523 view C.

I love this Built by Wendy top (Simplicity 3835 view C). I made it once before and it turned out well so I cut it out in a pink cotton batik 2 months ago and have yet to work on it, but this weekend I will complete it. It only takes about an hour to actually sew it.
I cut this jacket out 2 months ago also, in a turquoise satin brocade. I plan to make McCalls 5276 view B. I think that it will be a cute dressy jacket to wear with jeans.

I was going through old magazines that I plan to throw away and I saw this dress in an old Lucky magazine (August 2007 issue). I think that Butterick 5040 view B is a very close match so I plan to make it in a dark grey ponte knit.

Vest Progress

2007-11-29T18:55:00.000-08:00

I finished my first vest from the Classic knits book and am half way done with the second vest using the same pattern and same type of yarn (Lionsbrand Thick and Quick) in burgundy. I worked on both sweaters during the Thanksgiving holiday. The pattern is very very easy and that is coming from someone who just learned how to knit. This season I have added 3 new vests (two and a half at this point) to my wardrobe, so I think that I am vested out. I am feeling the need to sew!!!!!

Knitting Newbie

2007-11-20T15:54:00.000-08:00

I have a ton of knitting books and knitting supplies that I have been collecting over the years, but I never used any of them until this Fall. Now I know how to crochet, but I think that knitting sort of intimidated me because it requires the use of two needles and I just could't see in my mind's eye how you could get into a rhythm with two needles like you can with one when you are crocheting. Well let's just say that I am really happy that I forged ahead with my trusty knitting instruction books (which I will post my favorites for you later) and learned how to do this thing!!! My first project was the mini cardigan from Fitted Knits by Stefanie Japel. I actually made this pattern twice the first time that I finished it, althought it was cute it was too small, despite the fact that I did follow the directions. The second time I changed the color to burgundy and yellow and followed the directions for the medium size and while it is a little snug, it still fits.

My second project that I just finished is the Sloane vest from Yarnplay by Lisa Shobhana Mason(another great book). However, I did not use the suggested yarn, instead I used Woolease thick and quick and it still came out pretty good. What I like about knitting is that it is a portable hobby, it's really quite relaxing and like sewing you can make absolutely beautiful pieces for your wardrobe.

During the holidays I plan to finish another vest (maybe two) that I have been working on from the Classic Knits book by Erika Knight. In the book the vest is actually called a Tank top, but it looks like a vest to me. I have been working on it in sky blue using Woolease Thick and Quick yarn again. I finished the back and hopefully I will be able to finish the front tomorrow while I am at the airport. I hope to make another one in burgundy while I am visiting my family since I already have the yarn. Both vests will coordinate with skirts that I have already made using my (you guessed it) staple skirt pattern McCalls 3830.

My Staple skirt

2007-11-19T20:14:00.000-08:00

I love McCalls pattern 3830 . I have made this skirt multiple times. It takes about 2 hours. Whenever I feel like I want a new skirt I make this pattern. It is so easy!!!

A Little Something Extra

2007-11-19T08:19:00.000-08:00

I got up this morning and decided that I needed a necklace to go with my new red plaid jacket that I plan to wear today, so I pulled out some of my red and black beads and this is it.

Unfinished Projects

2007-11-18T21:13:00.000-08:00

This month I made a vow to work on my mound of unfinished sewing projects before I cut out any new patterns. Since my normal work mode is to cut out several patterns at a time, I shamefully have a huge pile of unfinished items. However I am making headway. I finished McCalls 2964 view C in a purple boucle knit and red plaid. This is a really simple pattern to complete, and an easy way to add a jacket to your wardrobe.

Love to create

2007-11-18T20:55:00.000-08:00

I decided to start this blog because I probably have a borderline addiction to making things. So I thought why not chronicle my creative endeavors in a blog. I love to sew, make jewelry, crochet, cardmaking, and I just learned to knit or rather I am learning to knit. The majority of my skills have been learned by trial and error, many many books and occasionally a class. So, in this blog I will share with you the fruits of my labor, although I don't really consider it to be labor because I love to doing it all!!!