Yikes, I need a LWD (Little White Dress) ASAP!!!

Ok, a week ago I was just complaining about not having a LBD (Little Black Dress) and I just found out that I need a LWD for a wedding I'm invited to on Sunday. Heck, I don't have a LBD (I used to but I wore it out), let alone a LWD. Hey I don't get invited to those fancy "shin-digs" that require all white outfits. Plus I honestly don't like to sew all white clothing. One of the reasons I usually refrain from sewing or wearing white is mainly due to its potential to get dirty and how bad wrinkles look in white.  My issues aside, the wedding calls for everyone to wear white so I don't want to be the one standing out!  What am I going to do??? I did a quick Google search on LWD's  but all I got was a ton of wedding related dresses. So I decided to skip the internet search to find inspiration. Plus, it's already Monday, and it would be better if I could find the fabric and pattern in my stash so I can begin the dressmaking process.  Well I searched through the fabrics in my stash and needless to say I didn't have much to choose from. I had a few yards of white stretch poplin, some other mystery stretch fabric, & what looked like peachskin type fabric. After seeing the white peachskin, I began feeling somewhat hopeful. It's a polyester fabric that has a great drape and has texture similar to the surface of a peach (which I think it's name is derived, but don't quote me on that). Furthermore it's not too heavy or too light and it's pretty wrinkle resistant. Now I had to find the perfect pattern for it. That's when I thumbed through my pattern binder and ran across Butterick 5212. The drape of the fabric would be perfect for this dress!

By the look of this pattern everything seems pretty straight forward. My only issue is the back of the dress which is cut low for my taste and given the occasion. I'll have to figure out a way to modify it so I can wear a regular bra with it. Anyway I've got much work to do with this new dress and I still have to wrap up a few other projects and tasks. So please pray for me. I'm going to have to be on the grind this week. I'll keep you posted on my progress (wink)!!! And for curiosity sake, I just have to ask "Do you have a LWD"? I hope I'm not the only woman out there who currently doesn't have a LBD or a LWD! LOL!

Kwiksew Swimsuit Update.....

Hey Everyone,

Just wanted to drop in real FAST and give you an update on the swimsuit that I'm sewing, a project that I mentioned Here. Well I'm happy to report that I'm nearly done. I just have to add the elastic to the legs and waist and I'll be finished. Hopefully I didn't jinx myself by making that declaration. It was my intent to make multiple posts detailing my progress but things have been so hectic due to this holiday weekend especially since I'll be hosting out-of-town guests. I'm one of those weird people who takes being hospitable to the next level! So with all my running around I couldn't post like I wanted. So I'll have to clump my posts into one big one but I'll be sure to include lots of pics and everything I did step-by-step. I have to admit, sewing my first bathing suit was a great adventure and I can't wait to share with you. I go to the beach tomorrow and should post no later than Sunday.  Ok, gotta run! Gotta go grocery shopping, pick up the little one, pick up my guest, cook, etc.......and finish my swimsuit. Lord give me strength!!! LOL!  Have a great July 4th weekend.

Sewing my First Swimsuit......

Well after receiving several inquiries from Serenity Love Sincere Peace Earth about the swimsuit I planned to sew for this month's goals, I knew it was time for me to get to work so I'd have one before the month's end. Thanks SLSPE for the swift kick in the butt:)

It just so happens that I have family coming into town for the July 4th holiday and we're planning an especially fun trip for them to the beach. What better time would it be for me to debut my newly sewn swimsuit. Although I don't need it until next weekend, I've got lots to do until then. I also plan to hopefully sew another maxi dress (from my last post), provided I can settle on the right fabric! I really want a pink paisely printed knit!

 In regard to the swimsuit, I've been doing a good deal of research for the last few days and have gathered all of the supplies I need. Here's my pattern, fabric, lining, and stretch twin needle. I plan to use my serger to sew my swimsuit and attatch the elastic and my twin needle to do the topstitching. I would like to add cups to this swimsuit although there are no instructions in this pattern to do so. I'll just have to rely on the info from a few books I have. From what I can tell it shouldn't be too complicated......I hope!

I've already cut out a muslin from some burgundy swimsuit fabric I have in my stash. I'd like to test the fit to make sure I don't have to do a shorten the back pattern piece or make any other adjusments like hollow out the armhole or leg holes if they're too snug.
Since this is my first time making a swimsuit, I plan to thoroughly document what I do from start to finish. You know I'm just methodical like that.  I'll post my progress in a couple of days. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Is your Self Healing Cutting Mat Smelly?

 Yesterday, I made a purchase I'd been considering for quite some time. I've wanted a self healing mat the size of my sewing table so I could cut out patterns with my rotary cutter. The thought of using a rotary cutter instead of scissors used to make me nervous but since I own pattern drafting rulers (see pic below), I know I can use them and straight rulers as a guide for my rotary cutter. I was visiting Tany's Blog the other day and I noticed that she had a large self healing mat and used it religiously. I admire her advanced sewing skills (she's an expert in her own right), I felt inspired to get one of my own.

 Now I actually didn't do any extensive research on buying a larger size self healing mat.  I knew they were pretty pricy anyways so I stopped looking for a while. I do own a smaller size olfa mat--the 24"X36" and use it every once in a while for smaller jobs. Well while in JoAnn's yesterday I spotted the 35" X 70" Olfa self healing cutting mat. They're remodeling my Jo-Ann's so this was a new item they'd gotten in. It was exactly what I was looking for.

 Since I'm familiar with the brand I didn't have any questions on how it would perform.  Of course I inquired about the pricing and I won't lie, the $174 price tag was a REALLY alarming. But of course I had a 50% off coupon and in addition to that had a $15 gift card and $55 from doing some clients work (I love clients, they fund my sewing endeavors). So by the time I was done, I only really footed $30 or so for the mats. So in my book that wasn't a bad deal. However, I did note that this mat is sold online for roughly $114 and up. Jo-Ann's inflated the mat price since they offer coupons.

(Various pattern drafting rulers from Fairgate (one's not pictured and somewhere in my sewing room). I bought this set a couple of years ago for when I tinker with pattern drafting. There's a ruler for any curve I may need to cut with my rotary cutter.)

When I did some further research on product reviews I noticed everyone for the most part loved their mat but complained about the awful smell it produced. Some people have compared the smell to that of a skunk.  And true enough, after leaving it downstairs for several hours it managed to stink up the area. So I put them in the garage to air out, as some reviewers suggested. I also plan to do as Olfa suggests and wipe them down with a 1:1 mixture of white vinegar and water. I hope this works. I was shocked that this was a huge problem but when you think about it, it makes since.  Here's what some ladies at Pattern Review had to say about it http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/sewingclasses/board.pl?t=27699&pn=1.

Well, whatever they coat this mat in makes it durable but also really stinky.I've read that most self healing mats have some smell to them. Some mats are just more then others.  Do any of you have one of these mats? Did you notice the smell? Were you able to get rid of the smell? Just curious. I haven't used mine yet but before I do I probably should make sure that I can get rid of the smell. I appreciate any helpful info you can provide.

5/7/11 Update: I should have posted this update alot sooner. Soon after calling the Olfa rep helped lots. She suggested I soak my mat in warm weather and add a little lemon dishwashing lemon. A couple of overnight soaks in the tub helped alleviate that smell!

BTW, I'm currently wrapping up my latest project. Here it is, pattern and fabric. I hope to review it tomorrow since I'll be spending the rest of the day taking my little one to a friend's bday party. At the moment this could very well be a great project or a wadder in the making. I'm not sure yet but hey I'm willing to take the risk. We shall see....

I Need Some More "Play Clothes"-- May/June 10,000 Hr. Challenge Goals

Whoever coined the saying "absence makes the heart grow fonder" OBVIOUSLY DIDN'T SEW! In my world, absence (from sewing) makes me NUTTY for sure!!! April was a crazy month due to my out of town work assignment to AK. I didn't hardly get to sew anything for my March/April 10,000 Hr. Challenge goals. Out of the 6-8 pieces I was planning to sew, I only managed to get following 4 items done, and one of them was a WADER.


Vogue 8593
Butterick 5225 ---WADER
Simplicity 3867
Vogue 1182 Kay Unger dress

Well I'm definitely trying to make up for it in my May/June 10,000 Hr. Challenge goals. Since the last month was so serious I figure I need some time to play. You know, time to chill out some, sew, and take things a little easy. Well if I'm going to play then I need some PLAY CLOTHES!

Here's some of the patterns I intend to tackle:

 I hope to get at least 6-8 pieces done!

I'm even planning to add a swimsuit or two! Yipee! Here are a few of my fabrics. I especially like the Girl Superhero Comic strip fabric which I've had in my stash forever! How cute would that be in a tankini!

Well this is currently what I'm working on......  Isn't this print just dizzying! That's what I love about it!

Anywho, happy sewing to you! Hope you're able to get alot of sewing done:)

Guess What I'm Working On........

 Yep I got my hands on Vogue 1182 and am in the process of tweaking the fit on the muslin and I owe my decision to the help of you Guys (especially you Megan)!!! When I had trouble chosing my Easter outfit in this Post you Guys chimed in and helped me make a decision. It was weird, but just like that I knew Vogue 1182 would be perfect for my Easter dress.


But there was just one problem----- Vogue 1182 hadn't even made it into stores just yet. So I had to figure out a way to get that pattern here and FAST! Well to cut the story short, I was able to Google the  McCall Company phone number, talk to a rep, and get them to send it to me by priority mail. I ordered it on Thursday and it ended in my hands on Saturday afternoon. Thank you Jesus, and thank you Kim (one of the helpful customer service reps)! That was my first time ordering directly from the Vogue/McCall/Butterick Pattern co. and I sure was satisfied with the level of customer service. I hope this dress turn out well. Keep your fingers crossed for me:)

Possible Easter Dress Patterns/ New Vogue Summer Patterns

Ok--- I finally have narrowed down a few patterns for my Easter dress. A couple of blog posts ago I introduced my Easter fabric. It is......

Now, I feel I have a little challenge with pairing this fabric with the right pattern. The look and feel of this pattern exudes such elegance.  If I pick a pattern that's too elaborate, all the fabric will do is drown out the design elements.So I'm trying to find a pattern that is simple yet elegant.

Well I pulled a few patterns out of my stash that I thought would work. They are......

McCall 6024

(I'm thinking maybe the middle dress with the sleeves)

Simplicity 2888

(....Or maybe the dress on the left)

Simplicity 2926

(The dress on the left and bottom right caught my eye also)

Simplicity 3877

(I love all of these looks but the one on the right would be stunning in this fabric.)

But then I went online to do a few searches too and stumbled on the newest season of Vogue Patterns. Immediately this pattern popped out at me. It's Vogue 1182 and it's Spectacular!!! It's by the designer Kay Unger. I imagine that this dress could look very pretty in a floral print!

 I plan to go hunt it down on Thursday. I hope it isn't so new that I can't get it in JoAnn's or Hancock Fabrics now!

Time is moving quickly and I need to come to a quick decision. I hope to have this figured out by week's end so I can get started. I'll gladly take any opinions!!!

Furlough Day Ends Sewing Withdrawal!!!!

You know you've got a busy work week when it takes a furlough day to help give you some sewing time. Such has been the case with me. I mean I haven't sewn one stitch since Sunday--NOT ONE!!!  Do you know how DIFFICULT that's been for me. There are no words. I feel like a "Sewing Junkie" going through withdrawal symptoms. Ok, so it's not that serious but when you're stressed it sorta feels like it sometime, huh? But thank goodness for my furlough day!!!  Tomorrow I'm going to sew like there's no tomorrow (wink)!!!!

But all my excessive work has been for a good reason. My research group is going to ALASKA--yah!!!!! I work at an Oceanographic institute and I specifically work with a scientist who studies bacteria in the marine environment. Well we're headed to the Arctic circle (you know where the North pole is)

to check out the bacteria there and see what they're doing up there. We'll be going off and on for the next 2 years. This year I'll be going in a couple of weeks or in August--we haven't decided just yet.  I'll spare you the details but I've been swamped with packing supplies and cold weather gear----because it's a "cool" -30F there--and yes I said "negative 30 degrees F" there right now. But there's one major question I have yet to answer, "Is there a fabric store in Barrows, Alaska"?


Well I've desperately missed sewing and posting as frequently and I need to make up for lost time. Because you know I've got some 10,000 hour challenge goals to fulfill for the month. So with a few days left in this week,  I thought this would be a great time to revisit a beloved pattern I made for the first time in January. Remember this look.....

Vogue 8593

Well I'm feeling a little daring--maybe because of my serious withdrawal but what do you think about it in this....hmmmmmm. I'm loving it!

Gotta get to work on this one to have it ready by church on Sunday.  Hopefully all that pent up sewing frustration from the last few days will work to my advantage and I'll be able to churn this one out quickly.

A Swift (yet gentle) Kick in the Butt

 To myself I say, "Man up, Victoria" or "Woman-up, Victoria" (which is probably more politically correct) "it's time to finish sewing your first pair of pants".


I am just a few scissor cuts and basting stitches short of having what I believe will be my final and more correctly fitted rendition of the Jalie 2909 Trouser pattern (I've done 2 muslin fittings thus far--see a few post back for details). But for some reason, I've hovered around my cutting table, laid out test fabric and pattern but I can't bring myself to begin cutting. I'm just frozen in my tracks. Kinda like a deer in headlights.

Well I know myself rather well and I've definitely been here time and time before. This is the part in my sewing, specifically with something new, where I have to jump over the mental hurdles that cause me to second guess myself and prevent me from finishing my garment. You see I'm an over-analyzer by nature; one of the left brained people who methodically plans there steps and studies meticulously to solve problems. I'm no way far left with this--you know OCD or anything like that. For me I think I spend so much time investing in a sewing project, especially the difficult one's, that it's hard for me to sometimes just throw my hands up and just finish without second-guessing myself. Weird, huh?  Do you ever go through this?  Do you experience simultaneous elation and apprehension about finishing a sewing project?

In order to override this "issue" I find I  just have to turn my brain OFF and as the Nike slogan says, "Just Do It"!!! You know, "Take the Plunge", "Grab the Bull by the Horns", and all of those wonderfully colorful metaphors out there that encourage progress. I have to just finish this! No more over-thinking from this moment on!  It's as easy as that! Just cut out the pants and sew them. No need to make this task harder then it has to be!

Whew--I'm glad that I got that out.   I feel I needed a swift kick in the seat of my pants. I feel somewhat better already. I figure putting myself "out there" would make me stop stalling, face my apprehension, and move forward. Ok--I'm ready to move ahead. The brain is turned off and scissors are in hand---it's time to go cut out and sew some pants.........

McCall 5974 Pics..... Finally

   Sorry, I'm just getting around to posting these pictures of my dress. I had to wait for the rainy weather to stop and for the "other" mother nature to pass (I think you catch my drift). Even with all that time I still haven't hemmed the sleeves or dress yet! Ok I digress.  You might recall that I  posted a review of this dress here a couple of weeks ago as well as on Pattern Review.com. According to my post I wasn't a big fan of the dress because I felt the midriff wasn't very flattering on a short waist-ed person such as myself. A few of you (on both sites requested) that I post pics of myself in my dress (instead of the dressform) so you Guys could see it for yourself.

   For some reason I'm still on the fence about this one. I love everything except the midriff band in the front. I'll definitely keep and wear the dress but I do believe a navy blue cardigan will help balance out this dress a little better and give my torso the length is so desperately lacks!  But my opinion aside,  I'm going to let you Highly Fashionable Gals decide. What do you think?  BTW: I took several pics so you could get a good look at the dress. I'm in NO way vain or anything of the sort. If I was so vain my hair wouldn't be so messy--sorry long day at work.  LOL! Let me know what you think. Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Pants Fitting Part 1------Pic Heavy

You ever had one of those week where you know you've been working hard but haven't had much to show for it. Well that's where I've found myself. In the midst of the usual everyday craziness and preparing my tax package for my CPA (which is a little more involved when you have a business) etc, etc, I've been doing alot of fittings and sewing. But despite not having any finished garments for this week just yet--I still have 2 days to go--- I feel that I've made good progress on at least one of the 2 garments I'm working on.

I've been working on the Jalie 2909 Trouser pattern. I made it straight out of the envelope just to see what types of adjustments I would need to make. I had a feeling that it would fit pretty ok since I compared the pattern pieces to a pair of RTW-white-striped- fitted Lerner of New York Capri's that I deconstructed after they were unfortunately ruined when they were washed with a red shirt. I loved the fit of these Capri's and although they were ruined I promised to preserve their memory by converting them into a pattern and remaking them.

 

I actually wore the Jalie trousers in the picture that I took with the New Look pattern I made on last week. I had hoped to have them finished then but they needed a little more work.

  

 From the front, the fit was pretty decent but after really studying it against some of my RTW pants that fit me very well I noticed that the crotch depth and length was way too long for me. I need to take out between 1" and 1.5" and that should eleviate the horizontal wrinkles.

 

The back was where most of the issue really were obvious. After comparing this pattern with my Lerner's deconstructed pair I realized that the Back crotch needed to be a tad bit higher for me and longer in comparison to the front. This makes sense for me because I actually have (which isn't very evident in this pic) what my Mom used to call a "high butt". My waist sits lower in the front then in the back.

 (Here's a pic of my Lerner NY pants on top of my traced Jalie pattern for comparison purposes)

 (Front crotch curve of both. Notice the longer crotch depth and length in the Jalie pattern compared to my Lerner pair.)

(Notice the inverse with the back crotch point. The back crotch is higher in my Lerner paints.)

I think once I adjust the back, as well as front, crotch curves, I'll be able to pull my pants up over my derierre thus eliminating some of those back leg wrinkles. The rest I believe I can get rid of by narrowing the pants leg a tad bit. Just to make sure my fitting ideas were on point I re-made the Lerner's pants and they fit very good except for the fact that they were super tight since using a stretch woven with a lot less stretch then the original pair.

At the same time I've been studying alot of textbooks on the subject of pants fitting. When trying to learn about something, I like to do it in a manner that's very thorough and exact. That just stems from my career in the research sciences. I'm a bit of a book work. Trust me, I've been avoiding making pants (and have been slightly intimidated by the notion) for a long time but now I'm intrigued by the very thought and motivated like never before. I'm really having fun with all of this.

I had some pretty good resources in my library to pull from. Here's a few of my books and dvd's I've been using.

I'm also tempted to draft my own pattern based on my measurements as well. Doing so will allow me to understand the contours of the pattern as well as my body even more. If I do, I'll more than likely use Elizabeth Allemong's book European cut (pictured above) --which have the instructions to draft patterns with more of an European fit instead of an American one--you know like Burda patterns--(and we all know how well they tend to fit).  Fitting pants can be an interesting task especially when dealing with different body types. It's my dream to learn to fit pants really well so I can offer to make them for my clients.

In addition to Jalie 2909 I'm working on the McCall's ----- Boyfriend jacket. I didn't have any lining I liked in my stash for this project so I picked this up at JoAnn's the other day.

I love it--but I love most paisleys. But can you believe I'm having second thoughts about using the 14 wale chocolate brown corduroy for this project? I watched the movie "Love Happens"--with Jennifers Aniston-- the other day and saw her in the cutest denim coat with a peplum--similar to the Boyfriend's jacket. So I'm feeling a little torn. I'm sure I'll be able to decide once I've worked out the fitting issues.

Well that's enough for now. I'm back to fitting and sewing. One last request though. If you know of or have any other Pant Fitting books that you think are great please let me know so I can check them out! Of course any tips or observations are appreciated as well:)

10,000 Hour Sewing Challenges: January & February 2010 Goals

Ok I'm pretty siked, no I'm just plain ECSTATIC, about beginning my 10,000 Hour Sewing challenge--specifically about my sewing goals for January and February.

During my first week I have to finish some UFO's ( a dress for me, a hoodie for my Goddaughter, a couple of small pieces, and some client work). BUT THEN........

I can move on to a few garments that I've been wanting to make for quite some time. They are the following :

I need some new black slacks. They're an essential staple for my wardrobe. I'm still undecided on the fabric. I can't decide if I want to do a sateen or a polyester blend fabric with a little stretch. Hmmmmm.....

A chocolate brown corduroy jacket would be nice and great for work! I also need one in black, maybe the same black fabric I use to make the Jalie slacks out of. That way I can create my own suit.

 

I ultimately bought this pattern for jeans but I managed to get some 14 or 17 wale corduroy from Fabric.com for about $2 or so a yard so I decided to make tan and chocolate brown corduroy pants. Pants are so hard for me to find since I have really long legs (34" inseam).

 

I currently don't have a black skirt. Yet another wardrobe staple that I'm in need of. I have a nice black polyester fabric for the job.

 

I love the "orange coat" design and thought it would look nice in a quilted black fabric with a sassy, red satin lining.

 

I thought this would be really cute. I love these little jumpers and I love anything with princess seams for that matter since I like my garments somewhat fitted. I'm hoping this plaid print is small enough that I can get around the idea of matching the print. I'd rather match the plaid in a "non princess seam" garment. We'll see.

 I also have a few "PLAN B" patterns (not shown). These are alternate patterns I'll use just in case my time is minimal or my week is bombarded with things to do. Keep in mind I do work full time, have a sewing business, and most importantly am a Wife and Mother (I try to be good one's). So just like you I have responsibilities that sometimes steal me away from sewing.  But even with life's little interruptions and unplanned events,  I'm determined to stay with my goal of sewing one garment a week, minimal:) So by the end of February I should have 8 garments to show and my sewing plans for the next 2 months. The rest of my Ten Thousand Hours Sewing challenge "rules" are posted on the top right side of my blog page.

Ok, that about covers it!!! Now it's time to step away from the computer and prepare to do some serious sewing. This ought to be quite the adventure!!!! Thanks for coming along for the ride:)

Crazy Busy Weekend........

Wow, this is turning out to be a pretty busy weekend! Well I finally found my Vogue 1020 guidesheet so I can finish up my dress this weekend (if you recall I misplaced it a couple of days ago)!!!! Yay to that!!!! In addition to that I decided to whip my little one up Simplicity 2483 in time for church on Sunday. I made the dress on the left in a cute corduroy print. I'll post pics Sunday. It was so easy that I should've whipped up 3 more while I was at it. I know you're laughing at me but you know I'm "Queen of the Remakes". Hey if I like a pattern you know I'm going to "overuse" it.  You know you do the same thing (wink)!!!!

(I do like the vest and skirt on the right so I definitely have to make that in the future!!!)

In addition to that I've got a few alterations for clients and friends to get done. And on top of all that I'm sitting under a weight of housework. Plus with Christmas next week there's still so much more to do!!! Don't tell anyone, but I haven't even put up my tree yet---what a shame, I know!!! But, I'm not going to get overwhelmed. No sir, I wont! Breathing in and exhaling slowly. Hey I get to spend a good deal of this weekend sewing. That alone brings some calm to all of the chaos. Hope you're able to squeeze some sewing into your weekend.