Hot for Hoodies!!!

I recently made a hoodie (McCall 5508) for my daughter since Wal-Mart hadn't got their coats in stock and it was beginning to get cold here. Well it ended up being the easiest thing to sew since it only had 5 pattern pieces. It went together in about 1.5 hours and that's with me sewing the hood on backwards and having to pick and restitch. I definitely recommend it!!!!
Here's the "Wee-One cheesin" in her hoodie! She's Mama's little cutie!


I picked up these Blizzard fleece fabrics during the Joann's Black Friday sale. They were $2.99/yd (originally $10-$15/yd). The pattern only calls for 1 yard for sizes 1-3, I think--more for larger sizes. I figure I'll make her another one (or two) and save the remaining fabric for when she outgrows these.

Aren't these fabrics spectacular!!!

Christmas Dresses

It's that time of year again!!!! It's time to sew me and my daughter's dresses for our Church Christmas program. I actually want to be ahead of schedule this year. Come to mention it I don't even know the date of our program. Well I'm thinking I have at least 2 weeks until I start entering dangerous waters. Well here's what I'm looking at for my 2 year old daughter, Reilly.
Here are the 2 pattern choices:


Here are the fabric options. I bought them a year or so ago at a deep discount. I just can't decide which of the four to use. They're all gorgeous--taffeta with velvet embossing. Two are floral and the other 2 have mini scottish terriers all over. I'm leaning toward the terriers--they're quite adorable. Let me know what you think.


So far all I got for my dress idea is a potential fabric. Here it is. The picture doesn't do it justice. It's has a pretty silver background with metallic black flowers. If I use too much of it this could be overkill. I need some ideas and inspiration. Time to do some internet searches. Got any advice?

Some of my previous work.....

Please feel free to check out the link to my sewing portfolio on facebook to see some of my previous work for both my clients and myself. It's here http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=113035&id=644245403&l=bfb472a490 (note: I plan to upload these pics on my blog and include pattern numbers). I guess I failed to mention after I learned to sew (a story I still have yet to tell) that I started my own business in 2006. I named it Tailored Seams by Victoria. My business is centered around doing alterations and custom tailoring for my clients. I even taught classes for a summer to several students. I enjoy having a side business and take great joy in dressing my clients. It's amazing how impactive clothing is to one's self esteem and overall self confidence. Let's just admit it--Women love to feel attractive and clothing is the outward adornement that makes it possible (hopefully its their beautiful personality and demeanor that makes up the rest).

As you can imagine, if you thought sewing for yourself was difficult, sewing for others can be slightly more challenging. I've worked with clients having different proportions, styles, and personalities. It's been a great experience--challenging at times-- but very enriching. Nothing forces you to learn faster that when a crisis arises and you have to work through it. You know how it is. How does the old saying go "if something can go wrong it usually does". Good preparation and skill level helps keep this to a minimum. Ok, I've digressed. Please check out my work and let me know what you think.

My Story Part 1

Ok, to be quite honest with you I don’t know how to exactly begin. I have contemplated beginning a blog for some time but have easily talked myself out of it. Hey, I enjoyed the 10+ blogs I frequently visited and have asked myself “Does the world need another blog?” Would it soon become overcrowded? Would mine sink into the pool of unread blogs? But that’s just how my mind works. It’s typical for me to over think these sorts of things.

I didn’t get my inspiration to begin a blog until I ran across the scientific observation of a neurologist named Daniel Levitin. According to him,”….ten thousand hours of practice is needed to achieve the level of mastery associated with being a world-class expert” (not just good genetics or any other factors). His studies have shown that people who have become extremely successful at a thing have worked extremely hard and was able to master their “craft” just around the time they logged 10,000 quality work hours—which usually amounts to about 10 years or so. Why is this inspiring to me you might ask? Well I’ve always desired to excel and become a great seamstress. Well by “always” I mean since I began sewing just a few years back, but that’s a story I’ll save for a rainy day :).

Now I know the 10,000 hours may seem daunting to some of you and to be quite honest it does, that is if until you break it down. Ten thousand hours a day for 10 years easily breaks down to 1000 hours a year which can be broken down to 19 hours a week or 2.8 hours a day. Not so bad huh? So if I can devote about 3 hours a day to becoming a better seamstress I’ll be on my way to my goal. Thanks for joining me on my journey!!!!!!