McCall 6083---Jumpsuit fever--My 3rd version!

Ok, I think I've officially exhausted this pattern! I have a black and gray version and now a navy blue version. Actually I had the blue version cut out and ready after I made the black one but then go distracted with making the gray one. Things got a little crazy. What can I say, I was suffering from JUMPSUIT FEVER!!! LOL! I've said over and over again how much I love this pattern. This blue version is my last and favorite version.  It's made from a polyester suiting type fabric with  some stretch. My other 2 versions were made from knit fabrics.

(Wore it to church with cute white shrug)

(Again, loved the pockets. And I have no idea why the chair is in the pic! I may need a new camera man. LOL!)

(without the shrug)

(In all honesty, the peacock earrings inspired the whole look.)

Well I think the fever is breaking and I'm coming down from my jumpsuit high. At least with this pattern. I've already spotted another pattern Simplicity 2187. What do you think about that white little number? Cute, huh? I think my temperature is rising again!!! LOL!

Well McCall 083 was definitely my TNT (Tried & True) pattern for the summer. Did you have a TNT pattern this Summer?

McCall's 6326- Mustard Yellow One Strap Top

I just made it back from vacationing/visiting my In-Law's in Florida and I mentioned in my last post, I made a few items to take with me. I took both my black and gray jumpsuits and the below top. 
I first played around with this pattern HERE. I didn't have much success with it due to a bad fabric choice and the fact that I refused to take it apart and make the necessary adjustments. Well I decided to give another view a shot but with a few modifications and that's how I ended up with my top! I absolutely love it! It's one of those tops that I could have 10 of, but I'll try not to go overboard with it.

McCall's 6326

Pattern Description:
Close fitting top with shoulder elastic casing

Pattern Sizing:
I cut the size 10

 (Here's a better view of the color)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, but I made a few modifications which I'll describe below.

 Were the instructions easy to follow?
Pretty much!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I loved the overall design!

Fabric Used:
A lycra knit in a mustard color. The pictures don't do it justice. It's such a great color. Also, the lycra is great because it provides control to such a fitted top.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

1. Slashed and spread the pattern 2". I didn't want the lower half of the top to be fitted. I wanted it to flare out a bit.
2. Lengthened the pattern 2"
3. I ended taking out about an inch or 2 out of the shoulder strap so it wouldn't be loose.
4. I also tacked the shoulder strap to the back bodice piece.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Oh yeah! I have some royal blue lycra waiting to be transformed into another top.

Conclusion:
I love, love, love, love, love this top a thousand time over! It is so my style!

And of course after almost 2 weeks of being apart (she was at Grandma & PaPa's house) I was reunited with my Wee-One! I enjoyed my little break (and got to sew up a storm) but there's nothing better than being a Mom!!!

McCall's 6083 again......another jumpsuit!

As I mentioned in my sewing goals on yesterday I just completed another jumpsuit! I promise you this is the EASIEST thing to sew up. Just takes a few short hours. And it's SO comfortable. You may recall my black version. I've had it cut out and ready to sew for a couple of weeks. I finally was able to stitch it up a few days ago and wear it to a dinner party on last night. It was a big hit!!!  I have Erica B. to thank for the inspiration! I loved her gray version and since I didn't want to make it in another dark color like brown or a light color like white (which is TOO light and a dirt magnet), gray seemed like a better option for me. I think the fabric is a polyester knit in Heather gray. I do have a 3rd version in the works. It's cut out in navy blue suiting (I plan to sew it up before the months' end). I could wear one everyday!!! Ok that's going overboard LOL! You know what I mean.  I Jumpsuits!!!!

(My version is super long so I can wear it with heels. I'm wearing it with flip flops here.)

Style discovery / Look Book

I just finished cutting out 3 patterns (hoping to sew up a bunch before my vacation--will blog about later) and I thought I'd take a quick moment before bedtime to write a post I've been itching to write for the LONGEST! You may recall in May that I did 2 posts (Style Safari I & Style Safari II) which centered around my  my quest to better understand my style. Well over the last month I must say that I think I've figured it out. Mind you one's style is forever evolving but I really have come to define my style. The following words sums up my style pretty well:

Simple

Feminine

Colorful

Fun

Youthful

Classy w/ a little Sass (wink!)

Effortless

Timeless

Modern

Elegant (on special occasions)

These words definitely describe my style. For the most part you've seen my work. What do you think? Did I describe it well? Am I missing anything? I don't know of any particular style category that I would fit in but I'm not one for categorizing myself anyway. I love what I love. And I love to make clothes that make me feel as I've describe above.

Around the time I was exploring my style I also decided that I would create a "Style Look Book". I have to admit that this project, which will always be ongoing, helped me narrow down my style attributes. I started it about a couple of weeks ago. I had a ton of old fashion magazines that I was preparing to recycle and I'm so happy I didn't. I threw on " The Kennedy's" miniseries on Netflix (I loved watching this. It's interesting to learn from the lives other's have lived, especially such prominent figure) and began ripping out pages and cutting out looks that caught my eye. It was so therapeutic and relaxing and not to mention FUN! I found an old, unused photo album and thought it would be perfect. There's nothing fancy about it's exterior.....it's really boring.....

  

but we all know that the good stuff is inside. Take a look at a few of my pages......

(Cute looks from head to toe)

(Pretty dresses that make me salivate)

(Cool, laid back outfit ideas)

(Summer wear)

I've got tons more pictures and magazines to go through and add. Trust me by the time I'm done, and it may take a few years, there will be no empty spaces left.

I kept the construction and organization of this Style Look Book simple. I organized pictures based  on whether they were full outfits or separates and grouped them somewhat by season and category (fancy, casual, etc.) I have a habit of over complicating things and didn't want to do this with my Look Book. I mostly used old subscriptions of Lucky and Harper Bazaar magazines and found great materials in them. I LOVE my book!!! It's really inspired me to try some new looks and revamp some old ones.  Anywho.....how do you describe your style? Also, how do you get your style inspiration? Do you have a look book or style board?

McCall's 6380--- Jumpsuit for Date Night!

This weekend was a fun one for me! As I mentioned in my last post, my daughter's Godparents kept her for the weekend which gave me an Hubby a "Wee-One Free" weekend. So we definitely wanted to have a fun weekend together. We decided to spend Saturday out and about and Sunday vegging out in the house. So of course I wanted a cute outfit to wear for our outing on Saturday. I'd been wanting to make a jumper for quite some time. I fell in love with the McCall 6083 pattern and figured it would be a good choice. And it was!!! But it almost didn't happen. Half way through sewing my jumpsuit my Brother sewing machine (the one I just sent to the shop early last month) started jamming. I almost panicked but I was determined to finish this jumpsuit--- even if I had to handsew it LOL! Fortunately I used a back up (the first machine I ever bought) whichI hadn't used in 4 years and "she" worked great for me ---and didn't even hold a grudge (smile)! I'm happy things worked out because I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this jumpsuit! I've got a couple more in the works and in different fabrics! So here's my jumpsuit.....

McCall 6083
Pattern Description:

Jumpsuit has side front pockets, elastic casings and stitched hem and sash. I made view C.

Pattern Sizing:
I cut the size 10 for the bodice and 12 for the hips and below.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yep, yep!!!

(Love those pockets. BTW, couldn't wear cute strappy sandals due to a hurt big toe:(

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Super easy!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I loved everything about this pattern! There were no dislikes!

Fabric Used:
Matte jersey

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I didn't have to make any major alterations which was nice. I always get nervous when I'm making pants that I will have to do some major crotch adjustment. None was needed in this case.

1. Added 1" length to bodice----I made a muslin and thought the front and back pieces could use a little more length.
2. Added 3" length to the hem.

(Loved the necklace---black tiny beads with larger wooden beads and mother of pearl shell medallion).

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
ABSOULUTELY!!!! I love this jumpsuit and already have another cut out and ready to sew.

Conclusion:
Love this pattern! It's well drafted and the fit is great! I plan to make a few more!

I had a great date with Hubby made better by having a cute outfit to wear which he loved. To close, I

Simplicity 2253-- The Jessica McClintock Gala Gown---Pic Heavy!!!

I had such an exciting time sewing this dress!!! I have to admit that at moments I was holding my breath and sewing an hour before I had to go---I've got to stop doing that LOL! This dress was made specifically for a fabulous Gala we attended. But I was pretty happy with the results. I felt just a tad bit of pressure since I was advertising my business in the Gala souvenir journal. As a "walking billboard" I wanted to make sure I was advertising my skills well. I received numerous compliments and some potential clients.

To change things up a bit I did a quickie photo shoot at our downtown river front area. It was alot better than my backyard (my usual locale). Here's my review and some pics.

Simplicity 2253

Pattern Description:

Evening gown by designer Jessica McClintock

Pattern Sizing:
I made a size 12 for a bodice and graded up to 14 for the skirt.

(Front view: Excuse midsection wrinkles---this dress, like most satin one's didn't recover from me being seated)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Absolutely--it was really pretty!!!

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Fairly so! As previous reviewers reported, the instructions kind of skip all over the place so you want to make sure you are paying attention to the steps.

(Side view: Notice the crazy face--- the wind was overwhelming)

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love the overall style of this design and of course the shoulder treatment won me over. The pattern was absolutely great and there wasn't much to dislike. The only thing I didn't like was that the skirt seemed to run small. I made a muslin to gauge the fit and I ended up just adding and additional 1/2" to the circumference for insurance purposes.

Fabric Used:
Some mystery "midnight blue" satin I bought on clearance at Hancock while out of town in Florida a few years back. I bought 5yds for $1 each. It was indeed a steal since the fabric quality is phenomenal. It's similar to a crepe back satin in that one side has sheen and the other is matte, but it doesn't have the texture though. I knew when I laid eyes on it that it would be used for a phenomenal gown.

(Up close so you can see the weaving.)

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
1. I added 2" to the length of the skirt.

2. As mentioned above, I made the bodice in a size 12 and graded to a 14 mid waist and below.

3. Reduced the back length by about an inch. I'm shortwaisted and due to the back panels was able to do this alteration after the dress was assembled. I simply sewed the seam of the 2 upper back panels (between them) a 1/2" deeper (totalling 1") and phased to nothing at the side seams. You know like making a horizontal dart.

4. Increased hip circumference about 1/2" or so.
 

(Here's the accessories. After I found the sequin clutch, I found some shoes that matched. It wasn't my original intent since I wanted something strappier but it worked rather well. I threw in some faux diamond earring and wore my hair in a side chignon and that was that. I didn't want to overshadow the dress.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Maybe. This is a one of a kind dress but I wouldn't mind making the shorter version in a cotton or linen fabric.

(Me and my Hubby! He's one of my biggest supporters and helps keep me sane! I'm sure he grew tired of all of the fitting questions I asked him about this dress. LOL!)


Conclusion:
This indeed is a beautiful gown that yielded beautiful results! It indeed made my night special and I feel like I looked a "Million bucks" although my dress at tops cost me about $16. I love being able to sew!!!!

Paint my sky "gray" anyday.....

Growing up I usually associated the color gray with rainy days and overcast skys. To me it was kinda like the color of gloom. I noticed that it was used in a lot of business wear. But in my opinion alot of the pieces I saw were boring , too corporate,  and lacked any fashionable flare. I just never really gave the color gray a second glance when it came to clothes. It wasn't until recently that I began really liking the color. It all started with a pair of boots I spotted at the After Thanksgiving Sale. Unfortunately they didn't have my size but I sure was smitten with them.

They looked kinda just like these except they had a buckle and chunkier heel and were super SEXY! Since then I've been obsessed with all things gray and it's been popping at me left and right. But I soon began to realize that I don't really even own any gray garments. Just recently I made this dress.....

and of course I love it and would love to add more gray pieces to my wardrobe. It's definitely my favorite color at the moment and I'm plotting on incorporating it in future pieces. So I got to digging around in my fabric closet to track down the gray fabrics I do have. I think I already have enough to get started with.  I read that Allison is sewing a mini gray collection. I'm already liking where she's going with her idea and can't wait to see the finished wardrobe. So here's some fabric I have.

 I bought this gray sateen the other day with the intention of making the jacket in this pattern (BTW: This is one of the jackets in my queue for the Jacket-A-Month Sew Along). I've been wanting to make this for a while and wanted to pick an "uncommon" color for me that I know I would get good use out of.

The idea of the jacket spurred some ideas of some additional pieces like a dress, top, and/or jumpsuit that could go well with this jacket. Here's some other great fabrics I have that show gray at it's best....

The fabric on the left is a peachskin polyester that has an awesome drape. The sateen is in the middle and a poly charmeuse with grays, and browns is on the right. These fabrics would be great paired with the jacket.

This is a sweater knit fabric that has gray intermingled with lilac and green. I'd love to make this into a cardigan and pair it with a pair of gray slacks.

And if I decided to carry the color over into the spring here's a livelier piece of fabric that could make that possible.

It's really nice to be inspired and I must that the color gray is really serving as my inspiration at the moment. I can't wait until I finish sewing up my current garments so I can get started on a few gray pieces. It's funny it used to be the color of gloom but now it's the color of happiness!!!


So I must ask you----what's your inspirational color(s) at the moment!!!!

Vogue 8593........for the third time!

Hey I have no problem whatsoever exploiting a GREAT pattern!!! I bought this great printed Ponte knit print from Jo-Ann's several weeks ago and knew it would be perfect for another version of Vogue 8593. I made and reviewed this dress HERE and Right Here . I love both versions trememdously. But I have to admit that there was something really special about this dress. The fabric feels awesome and is borderline heavenly. This dress is extremely comfortable and I think very flattering. I have to admit though I wouldn't wear this after a full course meal. I'd have to do some serious sucking in!!!! LOL!!!!!

For this version, I only lengthened this dress an additional 2" inches. I was nervous that the thickness of the fabric would creat too much bulk in the pleated neckline. But that wasn't the case. In addition to edgestitching I also tacked down the front facing on the shoulder seams and a inconspicously in a few pleats in the front. As far as construction goes, I inserted the sleeves in flat and then sewed from the sleeve down to the side seam. I'm really beginning to like sewing my knits that way.

So the wrap up is, after 3 times I'm still very much in love with this pattern. I think I may enter it into my TNT Pattern Hall of Fame. I recommend this dress wholeheartedly to others!!!!!

 (My bad posture created these wrinkle. Otherwise it fits me perfectly)

(My fabric upclose)

(My favorite Shoe bootie's)

All I want for Christmas: My Christmas Wishlist 2010

I've been busily planning my Christmas shopping strategy for the kids or "little people" in my family. I'm an Auntie to 9 kids and a Mom to 1 so there's alot of little people to cater to and of course I like to do it in the most budget friendly way.  We usually only buy for the kids which means we don't get things for any other adults in the family. To keep things simple I think I'll make custom Christmas stockings for the little people  and pack them full of treats and a gift card to their favorite store. I'll keep it simple this year and let them pick what they want.

I got to thinking about what I'd like if I had some extra mullah. To be honest my husband got me thinking about it since he's been asking me about what I'd want.

So I remembered that I posted my list on December 22nd, last year and thought I'd revisit it. With the exception of a steam iron, I didn't get anything on my list. So I thought I'd update my list and maybe beginning this year and every subsequent year --little by little---I'll get everything on my list. I'm in no real hurry and I'm pretty patient. As always my goal is to get items at the best possible price.



My SEWING Christmas Wish List consists of........


1. Custom dressform from Andy's Dressforms in NYC. Out of everything on my list, this is the one thing I WANT the MOST. Oh how I would love to have the full body form with legs included ----totally made in my size. Even a customized dressform without legs would be great. It would simply be great to have a body double of myself. That would be ssssssoooooo awesome. That would make fitting things like jackets so much easier. Fitting my small back and narrow shoulders would be a cinch.


For some reason my Hubby has been asking me alot about this. Hope that's a sign that one's in my immediate
 future:)


2. A Velva Board . I know you can use self fabric or a towel when pressing corduroy or velvet but I like to collecting nifty pressing tools. I'm planning to make several corduroy pants and skirts this winter so this would come in handy.

(Photo is a Google Image courtesy of Couture et Tricot--the only one I could find on the internet)

3. Blind hemmer since I do a load of hem alterations. Still doing my research and haven't decided on a brand yet.

4. Janome 900 CP Coverstitch Macine I actually have coverstitch capabilities since I own the Husquvarna Viking Husky Lock serger which not only allows you to serge but converts into a coverstitch machine. Howerver, it would be nice to have a separate coverstitch machine so I could serge without having to covert my machine over to the coverstitch option.

 5. Dressform tape for when I experiment with draping. This would be great if I get a custom dressform.

6. Threads Magazine DVD ROM. Who wouldn't want all of the Threads Magazines EVER published???? They've recently updated this to include the 2010 year of Threads magazines. I'm so cheap that I don't want to pay the $149 price tag but for 152 issues, you can't beat the price. It's less than $1 an issue. From that standpoint it's a real value and I'd like to have it.

7. Business Labels from Worldwide Label. I'm just having a hard time deciding on a logo. I think I'll forgo the logo and just have labels with my name.

8.Book Pattern Magic  

9. Book: Building Patterns the Architecture of Women's Clothing. I have almost every popular pattern drafting book on the market (I'm not kidding) but I love to collect. This one come's with high recommendations and I've been stalking it for some time. Hope to get it for less than it's $65 price tag.

10. Burda Subscription: I had a subscription between 2006 and 2008. I wouldn't mind renewing my subscription since I know I'd actually sew up some of the patterns.

11. Gift Cards from my favorite sewing stores:

       * Fabric.com

       *Joann's

       * Fashion fabrics club

Ok, here's my NON-Sewing Wish List

1. A new eliptical machine: I bought one off of Craigslist for $75 and it works great but it squeaks just a little. I'd love to have a fancier one. I used to be a HUGE gym rat back in the day and have slowed down (and gotten lazy) since having my daughter. It's time for me to get back to working out.

2. I've always wanted a Rebounder. NASA uses them in training astronauts.  They're great for your health and stimulate the lymphatic system, etc. etc. They're a low impact way of using the gravitational pull on your body. The only bad thing is these guys can be pretty expensive ranging anywhere from $300-$400.

3. A new vacuum cleaner: A fancy one such as a Dyson equipped with all of the bells and whistles and an awesome Hepa filter system.

4. A year's supply of Justin's Almond Butter: I discovered this stuff at a local health food store and have been hooked. It's sooooo good. I like that it's all natural and combines two great things---chocolate and almonds:) I've also tried the maple almond brand it's just as good. I like to put it on sliced apples to curb my sweet cravings. It's a little pricey---normally $11/jar but you can get  the 3 pack  on Amazon.com for much less (about $8.50/jar) and with free shipping. This stuff is so good that they ran out of my chocolate almond version on Amazon.com. Hope they get it back in soon, I just have 1 jar left.

5. Gift Cards:

    *Amazon.com---- My favorite online site for books, household items, etc.

    * Apple's iTunes---- Music for my IPOD

    * Ross Dress for Less--- I always get Nine West shoes from her for $15

 

Well that's pretty much it. Nothing wrong with a little wishing is there? What's on your Christmas wish list? Well there's only 2 months left til' Christmas. Keep your fingers crossed because you never know what could happen!