My Interview with the Lovely Faye from Faye's Sewing Adventures!!!

April is almost over, can you believe it? I couldn't keep up. I promise you my absence from blogging has been due to some big projects in the works. I'll share more soon! I didn't mention I'm making a prom dress too in the middle of it all. LOL! Gotta love life. There's always an adventure around the corner! I'm extremely honored that  Uber Wonderful and Gratious Faye over at Faye's Sewing Adventures interviewed me and posted it on her blog. You can see the Interview HERE! She's been doing a series of sewing interviews on some talented sewers we all know and love and they're very insightful! Check them out! Thanks again Faye! It's a pleasure to posted on your wonderful blog! Well I've got to get back to work. Happy Sewing to you all!!!!

Chasing the Rabbit Down the Rabbit Hole

I don't know about you but chasing the rabbit down the rabbit hole has always been a little scary. If you think of your creativity as that rabbit then you know it can potentially lead you to some unfamiliar and strange places or some cool one's. I'll admit, I'm often  a little bit nervous for that adventure. The main reason is I don't know where I'm going to end up! Sometimes that's a little too risky for me.  And when trying to explore my creativity directly affects a big project, especially a client project, I get even more nervous. Truthfully none of us want to make any creative decisions that lead to ruin or as I like to joke "the point of no return".  So the question is how does one chase the rabbit down the rabbit hole without getting into hot water? How does one explore the creative urges and inclinations without creating too big a mess? That's the biggest question and anybody's guess. Exploring your creativity is always a bit risky!  But one have to admit, if Alice hadn't chased the rabbit down the rabbit hole she would've missed out one of the biggest adventures of her life. She ended up in some really cool places! So to some degree our ideas can take us to some unexpected places and we just have to take the risk of following them.

A clip from a beloved classic. I found a little humor in this. Alice said it "Curiosity often leads to trouble!" . But she kept crawling! Glad she didn't let that thought stop her! LOLLL

The Father/ Daughter Banquet dress I made for my daughter (in my last post) proved this truth to me. I usually try to play things a little safe with my designs. But with my daughter's dress I felt compelled to do something different. The worst part was I didn't know what that was exactly but I have to admit I had the courage to jump down the rabbit hole this go around. And for that I'm proud! There were several days where I just couldn't figure out what I wanted to do---even after visiting a few fabric stores a few times looking for trims and notions. But I kept at it and like magic I found the faux leather/chain trim and the ideas flowed from there to include the chocolate brown tulle. I then played with the asymmetry of the dress to shape it just the way I wanted. So for this project the trip down the rabbit hole actually turned out to be a fun trip! This dress revealed several things to me....

1.  I needed to trust my gut more. I'm an artist and have good instincts--- instincts I'm learning
     more and more about each day.
2. You don't always find what you're looking for but if you persist in your search you can make
     magic happen. Patience and persistence are key!
3. The truest creativity happens when you think outside of the box!
4. Don't let fear or risk stop your creativity! Otherwise you'll live a very boring life!

Again I'm glad for this project and how it stretched my creative muscles a bit more. This dress if by far my favorite of the 6 dresses I've made for her for the event. So from this day forward I vow to make a regular habit following my creativity no matter what it leads me. In the rabbit holes I'll go.....How about you, been down any creative rabbit holes lately? How did things turn out for you?

TV- vs- SEWING

I have established a TV Ban.........in the sewing room that is! I've been teetering with this idea for a while but it's about time I do it.


Yesterday was the last straw! I was sewing my Cynthia Rowley dress (almost done by the way) but I wasted so much time doing that and trying to watch a movie. Then I got turned around on a step (a simple one) and got sooooo frustrated and just stopped for the night. I mean I wasted a good bit of time on something so simple. I know if I had just limited my distraction I would've finished my dress last night and saved myself the added frustration.

As with anything in life, sometimes you have to sacrifice a little for the sake of the greater good. And in my case that would be faster sewn garments (wink)!

With this said I take the following pledge:

 In an effort to maximize my sewing productivity,

I, Victoria, pledge not to watch TV while

actively sewing on a project.

Instead, I will listen to classical music or audio books

and reserve my TV use for helpful sewing DVD's

or to watch when I'm doing menial sewing tasks, such as hand sewing.

Whew, I feel so much better! Nothing like a good purge! I'm curious, what things have you had to give up (or rules you've had to implement) to increase your sewing productivity?

Survival Sewing.......

Ok, so I'm throwing in the towel so to speak.  It was my desire to get some more spring wardrobe sewing in before my research trip to Alaska but it's not looking like that's going to happen. With my trip less than a week away, a pile of client alterations to get done, and on top of that trying to recover from a nasty stomach virus that's left me bedridden for 2 days--- it's time for a slight change of plans. Remember, when one plan fails, you just make a new one, right.....

So because the mere thought of being unable to sew while I'm in Alaska for a week is overwhelming, I know I've just got to squeeze some in before I leave on next Tuesday. Well since I'm headed to a place that's way colder (today was 2F with windchill) then the 85F weather I'm currently experiencing. So I thought I'd do some "justifiable" sewing. Why not make warm and cozy pajama pants!!!! Heck, it's about time I finally sew up some of that $0.99/yd Warm and Cozy Flannel fabric I collected over the years from Jo-Ann Fabrics Black Friday sales. I could definitely use the warm sleep pants for those cold nights. Here are the 3 fabrics I plan to use........... Aren't they just adorable?

So that's just what I'll do...........

Warning: Watching Kell On Earth may cause Heartburn!!!!!

 Why does it always seem like I need to take an antacid after I watch an episode of "Kell on Earth". Ok so I really don't suffer from heartburn after watching this show, I'm just overexaggerating. But I  have to admit, I was pretty shock and wound up after watching the first couple of episodes. They don't call it "Kell on Earth" for no reason. The situations and people on this show are just so "high strung" and "extremely intense"--but still strangely fascinating--the line of work that is. Have any of you seen this show? It's a pretty interesting reality show and give you a look into the inner workings of the People's Revolution Fashion PR firm. If you haven't seen it, here's what Bravo TV says about it on their website:

According to Bravo TV.com this show is about.......

......a behind the scenes look at the high-powered and fast-paced world of fashion PR when Bravo debuts its newest series "Kell on Earth," featuring public relations guru Kelly Cutrone.
Cutrone has been called one of the "coolest, most intimidating persons ever," and, judging from her frank demeanor and fashion world credibility, it's easy to see why. Bravo takes a no holds barred look into the life of one of America's most legitimate tastemakers as she balances running her wildly successful fashion PR company, People's Revolution, juggling Fashion Weeks in New York and London, with being a single mother and one of New York's most notable women about town.

Well from my opinion, when it comes to describing Kelly Cultrone, the word intimidating is the right one.  I'm not one to usually pick apart people, because we are who we are and everyone isn't "little miss nicey". But based on observations, Kelly is quite the tough cookie. She's a "no hold's barred-take it-shut up-and like it kinda chick". I think it's a combination of the type of work and her gritty personality.

Her hardcore personality is a tad bit humorous and over the top. Her book title (on the right) is pretty interesting too and reveals her personality. I do respect her definitely as a business woman and for the reputation she's established in the fashion world. Hey you can't have a great fashion show without a great PR group. But I have to admit that at times I feel so sorry for her employees because they're always so stressed and overworked and they're always being cursed at and sometimes berated. But maybe it's the nature of the beast and the price to pay for working in that part of the fashion world. Not my cup of tea by any means. I am of the strange notion that one can run a great business while at the same time treat others respectfully and with dignity.

After watching a couple of episodes I really didn't have an interest to check anymore out. Well today I took in another episode and I'm beginning to get used to the brutality LOL!!! It's becoming less shocking especially since I know what to expect now. Hey this was my first glimpse into the world of fashion PR and it's an eye opener--but in a good way. Maybe I expected everything to be a little more "cookie cutter" and that everyone would unite for the sake of fashion and work harmoniously together.  I didn't know what I was thinking. But it's definitely a different world that I imagined and I appreciate the reality check, no pun intended (smile). 

Anywho, if you've got the time to check it out please do. If you have, what's your opinion of this feisty show???

McCall 5974

 You might recall my last post in which I tried to straighten the grain on a piece of defective fabric so I could cut out a dress. Well it turns out that I was actually able to make it work. I didn't fight with the fabric too much but allowed it to relax and somehow (Thank you God) I was able to avoid the defective portion and get all of my pieces cut out without too much hassle. Thanks to you ladies who gave me such good advice.

So here's the dress. It's funny I went through all that trouble and now I have a "love/hate" relationship with this dress. I love the fabric and design, but I just hate it on me. Unfortunately this silhouette doesn't work to well on my short-waisted frame. It didn't dawn on me that despite the busyness of the fabric that this midriff design would still manage to cut me in half and make my very short waist even shorter looking. That's what I get for being 75% legs and 25% upper body.

 (Here's the dress. I think the flash made it a little hard to see the midriff. I still have to hem the dress and sleeves. Funny this dress looks better on my dressform than me--especially since it has a longer torso.)

 Pattern Description:
Dresses C has wrapped bodice  with front pleats, self-faced midriff, pleated skirt front, back zipper, long sleeves and self ties.
Pattern Sizing:
Size 12
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes it did!
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very much so. Nothing tricky to it!

(Back View. The dress lined up pretty well until I got to the very bottom. You can see the defect of the fabric causing the center back seam to curve to the right.)

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I'm a sucker for wrap and mock wrapped dresses. I liked the ties and how they provided a wider wrap look. This dress came with the Palmer/pletsch fit instructions which I didn't even bother with since I knew I always wear a size 12 when sewing with knits with the Big 4 patterns.
Fabric Used:
Cotton knit with a unique print inn dark blue, gray, and white. I absolutely love this fabric.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I made the view C dress with long sleeves instead of 3/4" and I omitted the zipper since my knit was stretchy enough. I also omitted the self ties. After looking at the print I was working with I just knew they would make the dress just too busy.

(I pinned the side ties on so you could see what I mean. Doesn't that look a bit messy? Maybe it's just me)

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would definitely recommend this dress to other but I won't be sewing it again. It took this pattern to make me realize that dresses with narrow midriff's aren't very flattering on my short waisted/long leg figure. This dress just made me look boxy up top. Then it dawned on me that every dress I've ever made in the past with a narrow midriff's never worked out--they always made me look boxy or even worse pregnant. But I can get away with wider midriff's. So the one good thing that came out of this dress was my "midriff epiphany". This is definitely a good lesson learned:) But I do like this dress and think pairing it with a cute jacket or sweater will help balance out my torso. I'd hate to let a cute dress go to waste.
Conclusion:
Great pattern and so easy to sew. It only had 6 or 7 pieces. I recommend this to anyone who looks great in a dress with a midriff!!!

The Power of Accessorizing....

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of printed fabrics! That’s pretty much most of what I sew! I used to shy away from sewing solid colored garments because in my mind they’d look pretty blaze’. I didn’t have enough "style sense" then to know how to transform an ordinary piece of clothing into something “Va-Va-Va-Voom”. That is until I learned (and am still learning) the power of accessorizing. Great accesories can really take your look further or even be the inspiration for a great look.

Such was the case for my Mother’s day outfit this year. I found these shoes………


Unfortunately this pic doesn’t do them justice but the 3 shades pink, gold-edged rings cascade across the upper foot area while the fuchsia leather straps wrap and clasp around the ankle. I believe they have a 3 or 4 inch heel. These shoes are a slice of Heaven! I would model them for you but my pedicure-less feet would do them a great disservice!

When I bought them I knew I needed to make something that would go along with them but not overshadow them. I came up with this dress…… (I made one time before).....





It's made of a beautiful but simple fuschia pink stretch sateen fabric.

Then I added this necklace and chain belt. I think I wore gold hoop earrings as well.


And since it was low cut in the back with 1“ narrow straps I paired it with a pink crochet bolero just for modesty sake.


So there you have it. I NOW love accessorizing!!!! Costume jewelry is my favorite. I'm starting to develop a "love jones" for belts and scarves too! I think it'll be a while before I go "gaga" for bags and purses--I have a friend who has an obsession that's enough for the both of us. But we shall see.....