McCall's 2401---The Leopard Print "Knock-Out" Dress!

I don't think I've ever devoted as many posts to a single piece of fabric as I did for this leopard print knit. I got into such a fight with this fabric and was glad to emerge victorious! I won with a "knock-out" LOL!  Thanks so much for the helpful info many of you provided regarding my sewing difficulties (mentioned in my last post). I ended up washing the fabric (although it was cut up and already partially sewn together) to get rid of some of the slick fabric finishing. That actually helped a bit with the sewing but I ended up using my serger and coverstitch machine to ensure non-skipped stitches. For the record I normally prewash all of my fabric but every blue moon I may skip with a polyester. Trust me this wasn't the fabric to skip the washing step on. Anyhow, despite the challenges I was able to sew up a cute dress. And in the end that's all that really matters right;). I picked a very simple pattern so I could showcase the fabric and let it speak for itself. Here's the review......

Time to Sew:

If I hadn't had such a fight with my fabric this would've been done in 2 hours.

Sewing Ease (scale 1 easy to 10 difficult):

Very simple!!!

Pattern Description:

Simple dress with back and front darts and various necklines.

Pattern Sizing:

I cut the size 12 but ended up grading down the bodice and inch or so for a snugger fit.

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

Sorta, I made a few changes to it.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Didn't really need them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I loved the simple style to showcase my fabric.

Fabric Used:

Black leopard print knit with light blue background

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

*reduced back length 1"---short waist alteration.

*ditched the zipper and sewed down the back seam.

*scooped out the neckline a bit.

What would you do differently next time?:

Nothing

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

It's likely. It's a great simple pattern to pair with very busy fabric.

Wardrobe Versatility:

It s a cute dress you can pair with a jacket, cardigan, vest etc.

Conclusion:

Lovely little dress!

Score: Leopard print fabric- 1, Victoria- 0

I guess it's not a good idea to speak negatively about your fabric (as I did about the leopard print in my last post) until you have actually sewn it LOL!!! Looks like the boxing gloves are on and this fabric is getting me back and big time!!! Of course my last post was just in good fun and I was only joking but it turns out I do have a bit of a problem----I'm having a hard time sewing the fabric due to skip stitches. The one way stretch knit fabric has some sort of slick finish/surface which makes it hard to sew through---resulting in skipped stitches. Of course I've tried every sewing needle (upgraded to microtex, even tried a jean needle) to see if I could alleviate the problem.

(The leopard print fabric)

It's not my sewing machine because I was at Mr. Jim's sewing studio and experienced the same problem with 2 other machines. I serged most of the edges which actually worked fine since there's 4 threads involved. I'd just like to sew in all my darts without skipped stitches. So, I'm looking for suggestions/tips please. It's rare for me to have this problem and when I did again it was easily alleviated by switching needles.  I hope to figure this out so I can wear this dress and get back to my other sewing goals for the month. I'm not letting this fabric get the best of me......... Thanks in advance for your suggestions!!! Side seams are fine with my serger, I just don't want my darts to have any skipped stitches.

Have You Ever Tried Arguing with a Piece of Fabric????

Ok, so since reading the book "Steal Like An Artist" (read my last post) and getting the greatest surge of creative energy EVER...... some pretty strange and interesting stuff have been happening. One such thing is an incident that happened the other day. You see I have this cute leopard print fabric with light blue background that I'd reserved for making a peplum and possibly something for my daughter to wear. The only problem is....and I know this is gonna sound a little weird......but it's resisting. That's right, you heard me, the fabric disagrees with my decision. And I must admit quite strongly. It seems to think it would be better suited for a fitted 3/4 sleeve dress. Well, I've never quite experienced this before. Usually the fabric just goes along with my plans but this wasn't the case that particular morning.

(the disagreeable fabric)

I was a bit shocked at this occurrence and after I snapped out of it I tried to hold my ground and forcefully declare my stance. I must declare that things sorta got a little ugly. Voices were raised and tempers flared! I've never experienced such a raucous, especially with a piece of fabric!!!! I finally composed myself and was able to get a handle of the situation. Things calmed down a bit and I was able to call a truce. Come to think of it maybe this fabric would look pretty good as a fitted, 3/4" sleeve dress. Hmmmmmm we'll see real soon....... To be continued.....(wink)....

The Book that Helps you Tap into your Creative Genius.....

I am on a real creative HIGH and don't see myself getting off anytime soon!!! All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you to my dear fellow sewing friend F.T. for introducing me to this book!!! Thanks F.T. you're such a doll!!!  I'd been in a bit of a creative slump for a while and was trying to figure out a way to climb out of it. One thing I know for sure that if I usually have a problem often it starts with a problem in the way I'm thinking about things. That was the truth in this case. This book dispelled the myths I had about what truly being an artist is. I LOVEEEEEEEEEE this book!!!! They didn't have it at my library so I was able to instead borrow it as an e-book (isn't technology grand!). It's not a big book and has alot of drawings/pics so it was a easy read. The messages throughout are just pure brilliance. Not alot of text is needed. The points are clear and just like turning on a light switch my mind turned on to accepting what I'd always heard to be true but was hesitant to accept. I know " Inspiration is the fuel of our lives". And it's how we acquire, process and synthesize this information that's super important. We are made creative through outside influences and inspirations. One I love from the book says it best, "If we're free from the burden of trying to be completely original, we can stop trying to make something out of nothing, and we can embrace influence instead of running away from it". Wow, that hit me like a ton of bricks!!!! That was my struggle! I know now more than ever I need to embrace outside influences like never before. I feel like my mind is unlocked and ideas are spilling all over the place. It happened right while I was in the middle of reading the book.  I pulled out my sketch pad and came up with all sorts of fashion designs that I couldn't get on paper fast enough. I was amazed. It seems that I wasn't short on ideas just needed to let go and open my mind and be free. Anyhow I could go on, and on, and on. Just get this book if you want to be an even better creative version of yourself. I think it's $6 or so on Amazon.com. I also plan to get his newest book "Show Your Work". Anyhow, enjoy. I hope it locks the greatness of the creativity within in you too!

Here's the table of contents.....

One of my favorite excerpts from the book......I LOVE the quote!!!

Extending the Fearless February Sew-Along through March!!!!

That's right! Let's take this Fearless February Sew-Along through another month. Why not???? From what I can tell you guys are doing great progressing with your projects and I'm having a blast working on mine. As I mentioned in THIS POST I'm enjoying taking my time learning new techniques. I'm not in my usual hurry. I think alot can be missed when you're too much in a hurry to accomplish a goal. I really do love all the work you guys are doing!!!! If any of you aren't up to speed check out the FlickR page where people are posting their projects HERE. There are coats in progress, fancy dresses, pants, jacket, etc. I know many of you are posting them on your own blog pages too. When the challenge is all over then maybe the final pics can be added to the FlickR page or you can email them to me so I can include on my blog page.

I'll continue working on my Fearless February list HERE. Plus there's just a few more things going on. The Original Sewing and Quilting Expo will be happening in Atlanta March 13-16 and I'm siked I'll be a part of that since I'll be tagging along with Mr. Jim. If you're planning on being there let me know so we can connect. The Father/Daughter Banquet (remember last year's HERE) will be happening on March 28. So I've got a dress to make for my daughter before then. I thought of this one last year (Butterick????--forgot pattern #) and am considering it again.......hmmmmm......decisions, decisions. The theme is something along the lines of "Coastal Paradise" so this would be a cute one!

Anyhow I'm looking forward to continuing the Fearless February sew along with you through March!!!! Let's make it another dynamic month of conquering our fears!!!!

Simplicity 1622--- Black and Gold Crinkle Textured Pants

Happy Sunday! I crossed off another project from my Fearless February Challenge list. I managed to squeak out a pair of pants in time to wear for church . I cut them out on Friday and sewed them together Saturday. Super easy to put together, especially since they have an elastic waistband. I think I made it know in this POST HERE why I tend to prefer elastic waist pants. I picked a mid-weight black and gold striped polyester fabric I've had in my stash for a good while. I figure it would make a cute pair of pants. In my haste to leave this morning and the cold temperature (I wore a sweater with it) I didn't exactly style this pants the way I wanted. These pants will be cute in the Spring with a cute slouchy off-shoulder tunic, belt and some strap-py sandals. But for the time being the outfit worked and here's the review......

(Although my shirt was pulled up (my camera man didn't tell me), notice the back pants legs fit perfectly. The trick, I used another good pants pattern  to adjust the fit on this one. Will explain in another post)

(Pants upclose)

Time to Sew:

Like 2 hours. Super easy!

Sewing Ease (scale 1 easy to 10 difficult):

2---very easy

Pattern Description:

Elastic waist, full leg pants

Pattern Sizing:

Size 14

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! Don't need them!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

Simplicity--perfect to showcase a nice fabric.

Fabric Used:

Wrinkle textured black/gold polyester pants

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

Nothing major. I altered the crotch curves to look like a pair of pants that fit me well. I left the legs fine.

What would you do differently next time?:

Nothing.

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

Probably so. I need to add a bunch of pants to my wardrobe.

Wardrobe Versatility:

A good deal.....

Conclusion:

Cute pants!

Mentored by a Master.....

We're a little over a week from the end of February and the Fearless February Challenge and I have to say that I'm extremely happy with all I've experienced this month. That may seem a little odd to declare given the fact that I only have one near finished coat under my belt and still have a jacket for my Hubby, something for my daughter, pants for myself, a draped piece for myself and a draped gown on my half scale form to churn out between now and then. But I have to admit things were a bit different with this year's challenge. Usually my agenda is to work as fast as I can and get as much done but I've actually been in the opposite mode. I'm nearly finished with my coat and have delayed finishing in order to be meticulous with the details and expand my understanding of the tailoring process.

(Mr. Jim helping me correct a sewing mistake on my coat)

 As most of you know I have the privilege of training with a Master Tailor (over the last 8 months). I've talked about Mr. Jim, who's affectionately known as Gentleman Jim. For those who've never heard me mention him then allow me to say he's one EXCEPTIONAL Tailor. I guess after 53 years in the business he's earned his mastery. You can read all about him on his blog HERE and of course he's a teacher with his own sewing studio (all of his students adore him) and sells instructional DVD's which I'm glad to have in my possession as well. His work and instruction are hands down phenomenal!!!

Anyway, I've been working with him on the in's and out's of my tailored coat---sneak peek at Flick page HERE. Now true enough the coat I've made didn't require any intricate tailoring--- just some interfacing and the fancy shoulder building supplies (sleeve head, tie interfacing, shoulder pads). But I have enjoyed working along side of him learning his techniques which are surprisingly (or probably not surprisingly) quite different from what the average home sewer does. They're industry standard with his signature "time-saving" changes. So I've enjoyed just "drinking in the information". I've learned so much!!!. Mr. Jim's been EXTREMELY helpful. He's corrected my mistakes, applauded my accomplishments, dispelled alot of those crazy myths I believe about sewing (serger threads have to always match clothes), looked at me crazy when I came up with some lame excuse for a mess up  and gently nudged me when I had moments of doubt and reservation. So believe it or not, at about 19 days into this challenge, without a stack of finished garments to show for, I feel truly ACCOMPLISHED. I feel like I've grown alot and matured in my view of my craft. And I have Mr. Jim to thank for that.

I say all this to stress one importance---Mentorship. I hear countless of sewers express their desire to know more and sew better. I see the efforts so many put forward to gather information to improve in their craft. The blog world and online capabilities have brought information to us in an unprecedented way. All of which I'm thankful for. But I want to encourage those of you who want to grow even more in your sewing to try and find a mentor. I know that may be hard for some of you and I can totally understand that. But if you can directly connect with someone I encourage you too. It doesn't have to be a professional it could be a skilled family member or friend---someone who is better than you and can help you grow. Because a good mentor does just that----they help you grow in ways you can't imagine. They can see the best in you and help weed out the worst. Also, mentorship is a two-way street. Look for ways to pay it forward to others. Get behind someone with a little less experience and help mentor them and push them to their best potential. I truly feel so blessed for all I've learned and continue to learn. I'm thankful to have a wonderful mentor and I appreciate how I can play that role in the lives of others now and in the future. What about you, have you had a  mentor (sewing or otherwise) that made a big difference in your life? How did they impact you?