Bride's Stretch Lace Jumpsuit/ Taking Chances

I mentioned before that I was making a Stretch Lace Jumpsuit for a Bride-to-Be to wear to her own wedding reception. Well we had our last fitting on tonight and I'm delighted (I'm screaming from the roof tops) that she LOVES IT!!! She gets married in June and is going to look so stunning. I just have to do a few small alterations but aside from that it fits her like a glove. I'm really amazed! Thank you Jesus!!! Now I'm not patting myself on the back until I hand her the final garment but I'm relishing in the idea that I was able to take her ideas and marry them with my own to create a one-of-a-kind piece for her. Out of respect for my client I can't show any pics of her in her jumpsuit before her wedding (I'll get the formal one's after the wedding) but here's a few pics of the lace I used......

 (stretch lace draped across my hand. Notice the texture and 2 different colors of threads)

(stretch lace with jet set knit backing) 

(stretch lace draped on dressform)

This lace is 4 way stretch with a floral pattern and has 2 different threads---matte white and a luminescent, shiny type. It's also a bit raised in texture which gives it added appeal. I'm not usually a lace fan. I actually find it to be quite boring. Maybe it was all of the doilys on my Mom's tables growing up. And there were tons of them LOL!  Fortunately I was able to find this particular stretch lace, (after hours and hours of online searches and fabric store search) at Gail K's while in Atlanta for the Sewing and Quilting Expo back in March.

 Of course the lace is sheer so I had to back it with not just one but 2 layers of white jet set--a knit typically used as a lining. I attached the lace to one layer of the jet set and used the other layer as a lining. It added some weight but not too much. Isn't bulky at all. I liked the jet set since it only had crosswise stretch and the lengthwise stretch was stable. It helped support and prevent the 4 way stretch lace from stretching all over the place. 

The overall inspiration for the textured lace jumpsuit idea came from that of  Kim Zolciak's jumpsuit. My client loved the look and wanted something similar but with WAY MORE COVERAGE lolllll!

(I love the textured lace)

(BTW The pattern I used was OOP Simplicity 2401)

Anyhow, I'm excited that she's excited. And I'm ecstatic that it turned out so well! Thank God for keeping me sane through it. Working with white always makes me a bit OCD and skittish!  And to think I had the biggest lump in my throat when she asked me to make this jumpsuit for her earlier this year. I mean I'm alot more comfortable sewing pants for folk then I used to (I've learned some tricks of the trade that I need to blog about) but to make something for such an important occasion definitely added to the pressure. I don't want to be pissing off any brides in Savannah! LOL! So when she  asked I said yes, committed myself to the job and learned alot along the way. This was the first time I made an entire outfit out of stretch lace, my first jumpsuit for another person (I've made plenty for me before) and my first Bride's Wedding Reception outfit (I've made a bridal gown before). Anyhow I say all that to say and to encourage you to take the leap of faith and jump out of your comfort zone. You may have no experience whatsoever doing something but with some grit, focus, resourcefulness and skill you'd be surprised what you can do. I know I usually am. And everytime you try something new you learn more and become a better sewer!!!  I saw this quote on FB and it resonated with me. It's definitely becoming more and more the story of life! Let's get out there and embrace new challenges and opportunities!!! Let's take some chances!

Summer Sewing Workshops with Master Tailor James McFarland!

I know I'm gearing up and beginning to get my Summer sewing plans together. It will be here before you know it. I'm planning attending one or two of Mr. Jim's Sewing Workshops. Most of you know that Mr. Jim is my tailoring teacher sent from Heaven above! LOL! Well that's not far from the truth. I've been learning tailoring from him for a few months now and it's greatly improved my sewing. He's a Master Tailor and with 53+ years of experience there isn't much he doesn't know. It's quite the opposite. He make the most wonderfully tailored pieces. Anyhow he's giving Summer sewing workshops. He's got 4 different workshops lined up and I'm happily spreading the word. I'd love EVERYONE to get exposed to his great tailoring and sewing instruction as I am. Anyhow you can read more about his workshops HERE at this link.....http://finetailoringbyjim.blogspot.com/2014/04/final-dates-for-summer-sewing-workshops.html. The registration deadline is May 20th. Email him for details at GentlemanJimMT@gmail.com.

And besides, everyone needs a "sewing vacation". The beautiful Savannah, GA is the perfect place for such! Hope to see some of you guys this Summer!!!!

Mother/Daughter Easter Outfits---NewLook 6196 & Simplicity 1433

Happy Easter/Resurrectionn Day to everyone!!!! Hope you are enjoying your day! Well I've had a wonderful one thus far. Had an awesome time at church (as usual) and am enjoying celebrating a day that is the pinnacle and foundation of my faith! If you're no stranger to my blog you know I always celebrate a special event with a special outfit. For this day I made my daughter and I something to wear. I made myself a top and my daughter a dress. I'd planned on making my Hubby a tie but ran out of time. In the end it worked out for the best since I ended up not using the purple fabric I originally planned to make his tie and my daughter's sash out of. Well I had a very work intensive week and managed to get 2 client outfits out the door which left me little time to make our outfits---and no time to polish my tootsies which meant no cute strappy sandals:( But I made it by the deadline and was proud of the results. I got plenty of compliments which are always nice. Anyhow here's my reviews.....

 Posing together---NL 6196 Top for me and S1433 Dress for my daughter

NEWLOOK 6196

Time to Sew:

Without distractions about 4-5 hours. It took me longer.

Sewing Ease (scale 1 easy to 10 difficult):

A 4. Not hard at all.

Pattern Description:

Cute top with midriff and gathered peplum 

Pattern Sizing:

I cut the size 10. I normally will cut one size for the bust and grade up another for my waist. Should've done that here but since my fabric had some stretch I'd go with one size. Almost a mistake. Fortunately was able to let out sideseams near my waist to give me some extra space.

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:

Cute stretch sateen (I think) in multicolor floral print. I picked up this fabric at Fine Fabrics while at the Original Sewing and Quilting Expo. I think I paid $4.95/yd. My top took less than 1.5yds which made it a very inexpensive top to make:)

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I took out my usual 2" in the center back due to being shortwaisted in the back. I added 1" length to the peplum too, I hate when they are too short. I'm long legged so that's the last thing I need is a short top to accentuate my short waisted-ness. I also ditched the armhole binding and just serged it, folded under and topstitched down.

What would you do differently next time?:

Nothing!

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

Likely yes, it's a really cute top!

Wardrobe Versatility:

You can pair it with nearly anything that matches:)

Conclusion:

Gorgeous top!

Time to Sew:

About 3 hours; less when not distracted!

Sewing Ease (scale 1 easy to 10 difficult):

3

Pattern Description:

Girl's dress with overlap bodice and gathered skirt

Pattern Sizing:

I cut the size 7 for her

 Blowing kisses.....

and doing the "John Cena"---you WWE wrestling fans will understand;)

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!

 Without bolero, front

 Without bolero, back view

....and twirling!!!

Fabric Used:

Same as mentioned above....

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I nixed the skirt lining and tulle regretting that I did. When the skirt didn't have enough flare I tried using horsehair braid (my first time) and it worked like a charm. I only had the 1" width but it did the job:) I also ditched the belt and instead used a chartreuse green satin ribbon that I sewed black trim on.

What would you do differently next time?:

Nothing

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

Probably, it's a cute Summer dress.

Conclusion:

Cute girl's dress!

Well after a week of sewing nonstop I'll take a break today to hang out with the fam! Again I hope you're enjoying your Easter/Resurrection. And I hope you know the ONE who knows you better than anyone, LOVES YOU with the deepest love and who adds immeasurable meaning to life!

Sewing Jots and Tittles 4.18.14

Well it's been FAR TOO LONG since I did one of the posts. There's been lots going on in my world.
Here's a small sneak peek.....

Sewing, Fashion and Such.....

 I've added this book to my watch list

Found a quaint little sewing shop in my city named Measure. It's been around 2 years and I just discovered it.....

....it's small but cute. Has lots of great fabrics and as a bonus even carries leathers. 

 I've always wanted my own "thread card" so I picked this one up at the expo for $10.....

.....I think it's from an embroidery thread company but I picked it just for color references!

 Yes, if I'm roughly the same size as my client I will try on their muslin to examine the fit. LOL! This one needed the crotch area shortened. I fixed the issue and will start on the real thing next week. It will be my very first Lace-Overlayed-Wedding Reception jumpsuit for a Bride!

 Michael's has some great rhinestone selections! From single stones to strands to appliques. I may need some for some future projects.

 Automobile headline fabric is available in Hancock. Good to know.

 Bought a click eraser (love these, forgot I had one of these years ago) and 2B pencils. Let the pattern drafting I'm learning in my Draping class commence.

 Outfit I just finished for the "Grandmother of the Groom". It's an Off-White Crepe shell top and elastic waist pants. These fit great. Will get pics after the wedding.

Susan, the owner of Quarter Deck Quilts located in Springfill, GA. It's the only place I'll take my Huskyvarna Viking computerized serger to be serviced.  She has an awesome little store where she also sells fabrics, notions, books and patterns. If you're close be sure to visit.

A very cool article in the September 2013 National Geographic's mag. about stylish residents of the Congo who go around fashionable wearing Haute couture and sometimes spending all of their money on it. These boys are pretty sharp. See the dude in the white cape in the back. Sharp in deed!

Got the formal Father/Daughter Banquet pics. They turned out great!!! So happy I got to make my daughter's dress and the Hubby's tie!

Non-Sewing

 Hundreds of tires caught on fire! The amount of smoke they produced was insane and could be seen for miles away!

 I've posted this before. I have it posted in my sewing room! Love this quote. So profound!

 Sardines from Portugal are the best!

 The upset look I get whenever I pick my daughter up early and interrupt her after school playtime with friends. She's not happy! LOL!

MS Walk---walking for a great cause!!!

 My daughter discovered the BabyMouse book series at school. It was the first book she couldn't put down. So what does Mommy do, go out and buy almost all of them! LOL! So happy to find something she's excited to read!!!

 ...They are cool books. They're a graphic novel for girls or boys chronicling the adventures of the main character BabyMouse who has an overactive imagination. Pretty entertaining!

 Silly straw glasses

 I'd never seen blue orchids before. Beautiful! I had to stop, stare and take a pic!

 Someone is training wheel free!!!!.....

......Here with daddy celebrating that victory!

What can happen to a tooth if you chomp down on a piece of ice the wrong way? It can break it. Ask me how I know. Yeah that wasn't a happy day for me!

At the beauty salon getting a relaxer. That's right I'm still stuck on what they call "the creamy crack". LOL!

Ok, that's it for now. I best get back to sewing. Have to finish my Easter clothes!!!

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions....

Forgive my absence but I've been sewing around the clock. Mr. Jim and I had to make more gowns for the Chambermusic Ladies, I had a Grandmother-of the Groom ensemble to make---a top and pants to go along with a RTW jacket my client had, and a dance costume needed for an Easter skit at church. Not to mention I'm doing alterations for clients and making my families Easter outfits----dress for my daughter and tie for my Hubby and I originally planned a dress for me. Well this year I decided to do something a little for myself. I think I'll make a cute top instead. Remember the fabric I'm using (see below) is very busy and bold in color. It's a medium weight stretch woven, almost like a sateen. I LOVE it but want to use it in a way that is a little less overpowering. Here's some top ideas I'm considering. I thought about making a cute blouse or even a jacket but I don't want to put the work into a jacket and not be able to wear it often. Anyhow I'm mulling it over and will decide soon. Easter is after all this Sunday. Well I hope all of your sewing projects are going well.

(My pattern choices)

(The fabric I'm using)