My 2014 Sewing Goals

I know we're about to step over the threshold into February and the "Fearless February" challenge I've mentioned in the last 2 posts. But for the record I realized I need to mention my OVERALL sewing plans for the 2014 New Year. I'm all about resolutions! As the old saying goes "If you don't aim for something you'll hit NOTHING everytime". Well I've got some high aims. For ease I'll just list them. Again, I'm happy I get to tackle some of these in my fearless February challenge. So that's automatically a great way of starting the year off right. It's going to be a PHENOMENAL year!!!! I look forward to reviewing my accomplishments at the end of this year!!!!

2014 Sewing Goals

• Sew faster! I plan to switch over to using my Industrial Sewing machine for most of my sewing.  I'm learning how to drive that thing better. It's FAST! But that's exactly what I want. 
• Sew for my Husband-Want to make him some shirts & a jacket.
• Teach myself draping- I've already begun. I plan to make myself at least 10 draped pieces this year!!!
• Sketch more- I just purchased the book 9 Heads & 
• Make coats for the whole family
• Do more Special Occasion sewing- I have at least 2 Prom Gowns lined up and another "Daddy/Daughter Banquet" dress for my daughter.
• Find & enter a Sewing Competition
• Teach more BurdaStyle Webinars---already taught one on yesterday & will teach another one next Thursday.
• Attend a sewing conference or two---I'll be going to the Original Sewing and Quilting Expo in Atlanta and possibly Lakeland, Fl since Mr. Jim (my tailoring instructor) will be teaching there.
• Take a fabric trip out of town--- There's a fabric store in Atlanta I plan to visit next.
• Re-Stock my wardrobe basics---I need more skirts, cardigans & pants---all in neutral colors.
• Of course log my 1000+ hours as required for my 10,000 Sewing hours challenge!!!
• Participate in a sewing related charity or give Pro-Bono lessons
• I'd love to meet up with some fellow bloggers! Hmmmm....let me see who I can contact and what we can arrange:)

Ok, there's a few more but I'll reveal those a bit later. There's LOTS to do this year! Thanks as always for following me on my sewing adventures! Ok, I'm switching gears to my Fearless February sewing........

My Fearless February Sewing Goals.......

Wow, I'm really inspired by all of you who are planning on joining in on the Fearless February Sew-Along I detailed in my last post!!!! I could just feel all of your exciting energy leap off the page when I read each and every one of your comments! That's the spirit!!!!! Your drive, courage and tenacity are palpable. I can't wait to post pics of all of your attempted/finished projects. If you're interested in joining along feel free to leave a comment in my last post.

Well I wanted to announce my Fearless February sewing goalsand yes I intend to sew "around the clock" especially in February. It's time to be FEARLESS and get alot done.  I don't have everything ironed out but here's what's on the list so far.......

#1.  Make my Hubby a Jacket!

#2.  Make my daughter this coat! Butterick 5946

#3. Make another pair of pants for myself!

Style Undecided

#4. Make a coat or jacket for myself!

Style Undecided

#5. Drape a top for myself!

Style Undecided

#6 Finish draping the gown from this POST on my half scale form.

Ok, here's what I've got so far. I should have all of my decisions made by February 1st.  From the sounds of the last blog post most of your own Fearless February plans were coming along well. I hope they continue to do so. Again, if you're interested you're welcome to join. Just mention it as a comment in the last blog post. I look forward to seeing/posting all of my and your finished pieces!!! Happy planning!!!! Ooops....BTW, please allow for me to do a shameless plug. I'm teaching another Burda Webinar on this Thursday, Jan 30th entitled "CUSTOM ORDERS: CONTRACTING WITH CLIENTS FROM CONSULT TO FINISHED PRODUCT" if you sew for others or are planning to in the future this webinar is a MUST. It will be chalked full of invaluable info. Check it out here.....http://register.burdastyle.com/Course?CourseId=9000-38. 

Who's on board with the Fearless February Sew-Along???

It's almost that time again!!!! I'm glad to announce the 2nd Fearless February Sew-Along. This is one cool Sew-Along!!! Read about the purpose of this Sew-Along HERE.

The rules are simple---BE FEARLESS!!!

 Use this month to tackle the following project(s):

-Anything you've been putting off sewing!

-Anything you've been AFRAID to sew!

-Try pattern draping or drafting

-Sew with a fabric that's intimidated you in the past.

-Recreate a garment of interest.

Again, read more about the challenge purpose HERE

Last year was great and you guys really stepped up to the challenge!!! I was pretty proud of my own accomplishments HERE. I'll list my challenge goals in the next post. I've got some exciting plans! I intend to MAXIMIZE the month and get alot done!!!! I can't wait to share!!!

Again you decide what you want to do. Let me know if you want to participate---(it starts Feb 1st and lasts the entire month). I'd love to highlight your finished product(s)!!! Ok, who's interested in participating?????

McCall 6844---The "It's-Not-a-Bathrobe-Peplum Cardigan"

Maybe it's the fact that I spent all day Saturday sewing and wearing my lavender bathrobe, but that was the first thing my daughter said this cardigan reminded her of. My hubby said it reminded him of the same. LOL!!! For the record I had a very productive sewing day in my bathrobe---I made this top and did a load of client alterations LOL!!!!. Either way they LOVED this cardigan and I do too!!! I found this awesome orchid colored sweater knit on the discount table in Jo-Ann's. Unfortunately the right side of the knit fabric was too fuzzy for my taste so I just made the cardigan on the "purl side".  It turns out that Radiant orchid is Pantone's 2014 color---this isn't the same shade but it's close. The color is absolutely gorgeous---just brightened up my day. Here's the pattern review.....

McCall 6844

Time to Sew:

2 hours---very easy

Sewing Ease (scale 1 easy to 10 difficult):

2, again very easy

Pattern Description:

Cardigan with peplum and collar band

Pattern Sizing:

Size small

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!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I LOVED the overall style!!!

Fabric Used:

Orchid colored sweater knit

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

Removed 1" center back for my short waist measurement. I always stabilize the shoulder of my knits with clear elastic. Since this knit was pretty stretchy I also stabilized the waistline with clear elastic too. I also shortened the sleeves since I ran out of fabric. I prefer shorter sleeves anyway.

What would you do differently next time?:

I would edgestitch the back of the collar so there's no risk the seam will roll forward.

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

YES!

Wardrobe Versatility:

It will go with leggings or a skirt, etc.

Conclusion:

Cute cardigan!!!!

Gingher Applique Scissors

 I've got myself a pair of "fancy scissors" LOL! For some time now I've wanted a pair of applique scissors you know for those "close to seam trimming" that needs to be done in sewing. I know they're used alot in applique work---hence the name. I especially use them to trim the excess hem material after coverstitching. These are great! And on top of that they're Gingher's---my very first pair!!!! I don't own a ton of scissors since I'm more of a "rotary cutter type of girl" but I definitely respect quality. And the name Gingher is no doubt synonymous with that.

 I was suprisingly able to scoop this little baby up at my local Jo-Ann's fabrics. I have no idea when they started carrying Ginghers (I knew Hancock fabrics did) but I think it's great. I got them for 50% off and I think and additonal discount. They ended up only costing $17 which is great. I plan to collect an 8" Gingher Dressmaker shears sometime in the near future, just for collection sake. I've always wanted one and now I don't have to pay big bucks for it.

 (Note: These work great when you are actually careful enough not to cut through your fabric. Here I am trimming extra hem off coverstitched jegging leg. Put a hole right in. Sometimes I just amaze myself (rolling eyes). Definitely user error---LOL!!!)

What about you, own a pair of applique scissors? Are you a big Gingher fan???

Burda 7053- The Two-Tone Curvy Knit Dress

I was all too excited to cut this dress out on Friday and sew it up quickly on yesterday! This dress has been on my sewing list since the Summer. I'd hoped to make it in some bright colors or prints (I still plan too) but I'm happy I was able to slip in this version. I bought a gorgeous shimmery stripped ponteroma knit from Jo-Ann's a couple of months ago and really wanted to use it for something non-formal. I though pairing it with a black ponteroma knit with make it suitable for normal wear. I love the final results!!!

Burda 7053

Time to Sew:

About 2 hours.

Sewing Ease (scale 1 easy to 10 difficult):

A 2, it was really easy.

Pattern Description:

Close fitting dress with unique seaming.

Pattern Sizing:

I cut the size 12 for the bodice and 14 for the waist and below.

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

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I loved everything!

Fabric Used:

Ponteroma knit with shimmery gold, blue, black stripes and a solid black ponteroma.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I added 4" to the length and added sleeves---I used the sleeves from Vogue 1020.

What would you do differently next time?:

Nothing.

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

Yes and Yes!!!

Wardrobe Versatility:

This is a cute dress! It can be worn with boot, sandals etc. I think a cute fur vest on it would work too!

Conclusion:

Lovely dress!

Hancock Fabric Skype session to Pick out Buttons????

We all know how great technology is in making all of our lives function alot easier. Who knew a little Skype session between my Hubby and I would make button shopping so easy for me.

Last weekend I had to finish up my black twill jacket, posted about HERE, and I desperately needed buttons. Well I was trying to finish up my daughter's top asked my Hubby to go get some for me.  I know what you're thinking, how can you send your husband to pick out buttons. Well I gave him EXPLICIT instructions. I wanted 3/4" black buttons.  I didn't want any buttons that were too flashy. I also asked him to pick out 5 different styles for me to choose from (hey, I'd at least like one of them, right?)  I asked him to take pics of them and text them to me. Well he went a step further and Skype with me. Yes my WONDERFUL HUBBY who I love ever so dearly Skype'd me into Hancock Fabrics and helped me pick out buttons. I can't believe I was able to shop for buttons while I sat at home 30 min away in my house coat and head scarf sewing a top for my daughter while watching "How to Catch a Millionaire" on Netflix. LOL!!!! My Hubby did all the work and Skype made it super easy!

 (Screenshots of my Skype session. Notice my head scarf and bathrobe. I was in the middle of watching my movie too! LOL!)

Truth be told the Skype video wasn't the clearest but I could get a good idea of what he was picking out and he did a GREAT job!!! I LOVED every button he bought and had a hard time narrowing down my choices. I don't think I ever loved technology more then any other moment!!! Something tells me this won't be the last time I send him on a run to a fabric store for me. Have you done anything like this???? Used Skype or something similar to assist you with purchasing supplies???

BTW, I'm glad I was able to stay home and sew. I enjoyed watching "How to Catch a Millionaire"! I grew up watching some oldies but don't recall this one. The fashions were just divine!!! Just jaw dropping! I forgot how spectacular the fashions were in the 50's.

And Marilyn Monroe killed it in this dress!!!!! GORGEOUS!!!

McCall 6827 ---The Zigzag Top

I saw this top and LOVED it! It's so my daughter's style!!! I know what you're thinking, she's only 6 but yes she has her own style. She's a little fashionista in the making! Remember THIS dress? Well I used it for the front part of my daughter's top and a gray and black ponteroma knit for the back and sleeves. This turned out great ---a piece of cake! Here's the quickie review!!!

McCall's 6827

Time to Sew:
A little over an hour.

Sewing Ease (scale 1 easy to 10 difficult):
Definitely a 1

Pattern Description:
Girl's pullover top with longer back hem and tie belt.

Pattern Sizing:
I cut the size 7 for my daughter.

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!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Loved everything!

Fabric Used:
Rayon knit blend diagonal print fabric and black/gray ponteroma knit for sleeves and back.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
None

What would you do differently next time?:
Nothing, planning to make a few more in different prints/color combos.

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

Wardrobe Versatility:
Leggings and pants

Conclusion:
Super cute pullover top for girls!!!!

Burda 7236--The Black Twill Jacket

I FINALLY finished this jacket! I cut it out in this Summer and got a bit preoccupied with other projects so it got pushed to the back burner. So glad I did, I think it turned out really cute. The good thing about the delay is I got to work with Mr. Jim, aka Gentleman Jim, my tailoring teacher (his blog is HERE) to learn a few of his tailoring tips/suggestions. Overall this was an easy sew. This isn't the first jacket I made but it is the first of this type I've made for myself. There's more jackets planned for my immediate future but more on that later. Here's my review......(BTW I paired this jacket with the leopard print skirt I made HERE).

Burda 7236

Time to Sew:  

Truthfully I sorta lost count since it took so long. I'd imagine it's anywhere from 8-10 hours.

Sewing Ease (scale 1 easy to 10 difficult):

About a 6

Pattern Description:

Jacket with standard collar and yoke.

Pattern Sizing:

Size 12, graded to 14 at the hips.

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?

For the most part. I skipped some of them and used the advice from my tailoring teacher and other sources.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I LOVED the standing collar and yoke and the topstitching around both!!!

Fabric Used:

Black stretch cotton twill (a serious lint magnet) and a multicolored charmeuse satin for the lining.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

-Shortened the center back 1"---my usual short waist pattern change

-Omitted pocket bag and used satin fabric to make welts.

-I made buttons visible.

-Lengthened the sleeve about 3"

What would you do differently next time?:

Nothing, I made all the changes I wanted with this version.

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

Yes and Yes! 

Wardrobe Versatility:

This jacket can be paired with everything from a jacket, dress, skirt, etc....

Conclusion:

Cute jacket!

2013 Recap/ Happy New Year, It's Gonna be a GREAT One!!!

Happy, Happy, Happy New Year! I'm so glad to have crossed over into another year!!! 2013 was a great year. I haven't done a recap in a while but I'm still very much logging hours for my 10,000 Hour Challenge and I was fortunate enough to devote 1235 hours to sewing/sewing related activities!!!! Well over my 1000/year goal!!! For that I'm super excited.  There sure has been alot going!. I'll try my best to highlight the year through pictures here....Here's a few of my favorite looks from the year. You can see all of them and get pattern numbers by visiting my Blog Archive on lower right of my blog.

Most Worn

 

Other Favorites

I Sewed for Others

 (Newborn dress, diaper cover and headband)

(Mother of the Groom Dress)

(Jr. Bridesmaid dress)

 (Savannah State University Embellished bodysuits and Custom Made gauntlets for Homecoming)

(Birthday Girl's dress for Masquerade Ball)

New Purchases

 (My PHENOMENAL double sided cutting table with AMPLE storage)

(My first Industrial Machine)

Other Cool things that happened.....

 (I'm planning on another round for this year. Be ready to tackle your biggest sewing challeng/fear in this challenge)

 (I met James McFarland aka "Gentleman Jim" and has kinda taken up an apprenticeship with him. Learning from a Master Tailor has been amazing. Check out his blog here.....http://finetailoringbyjim.blogspot.com/)

(Hanging with Mr. Jim in his studio)

 (I taught 3 Burda Style classes. I'll be teaching another class this January and one more in February)

(I transitioned from full time work to full time self employment. It's been amazing spending full time focusing on my business of 9 years. Here's my new logo)

 (clothing labels)

(I got to sew a fancy dress for myself!)

(I'm teaching myself how to drape)

Well that's most of my year at a glance. Can't believe how FAST it all went. I'm planning to have an even more SPECTACULAR year this year. I've got some great goals this year and am finalizing them. I'll reveal soon. Can't wait!!!! I hope your New Year's off to a great start!!!! Happy New Year again!