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!