A Year in Review

Like others out here, I have been inspired to sew more. This year, I have made a few pieces and have actually worn them! LOL. Most haven't been posted, because, again, I am not the most fashion forward person (that's changing) , so those pieces were more functional than fashionable.



For 2009, I have a few goals for myself:

1. Inserting an invisible zipper properly


2. Sew a mini-wardrobe, so that I can have that go to 'fit. I think that I will get started on this pretty soon for Spring.


3. Increase my fabric stash. I did a major purge right before Christmas, so I want to increase it a little so that I will be in a position to rely on my stash.


4. Work more w/ knits. I am scared to death of this fabric and I don't know why!


5. Add more color to my closet. Right now, it's pretty basic and I want to change that.

That's all for now. I think this is a pretty extensive list for me. Wish me luck!!

Happy Sewimg

What Not to Wear

Okay, so I saw a jacket made up at my local Joanns and thought that it was cute. I bought this pattern

and it sat in my stash for quite some time. Hancock's Fabric had fleece on sale at $2.49/ yard, so I snagged a few yards for this coat.

So....
I make the coat. Didn't take long. I tried the coat on for DH and he laughs. He said that it looked like I was going to sing a choir!!. Then, when I added the belt, I looked like Mrs. Claus!! This is definitely a "What Not to Wear"! I have a few tweaks to make to it, like changing the pockets to reduce some of the bulk around my hips. As such, the only pic at this time will be on the hanger.....

Here's my review:

Fabric: Fleece

Pattern Description: Misses' jacket, coat,dress and pants. Unlined jacket and coat have high neck, drop shoulders, loose-fitting sleeves and optional snap closures.

Pattern Sizing:Multi-sized, 14-16-18-20, I made an 18.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?Yes, it did because I made it out of red.

Were the instructions easy to follow?The instructions were easy to follow.What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?I liked the look of all of the pieces. But, when I made the jacket, it didn't work for me. I think this was due to poor fabric selection. Fleece was one of the recommended fabrics as well as woolens. I think I should have used a light weight wool. I made it out of a red fleece, when I added the belt, I felt like Mrs. Claus!!

Fabric Used:Red fleece.Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:No alterations were done. I am going to go back on this one and change the pockets to a lining fabric to take away some the bulk around my hip area. Also instead of wearing it closed, I will be wearing it open.

Would you sew it again? Probably

Would you recommend it to others?It does have potential, just watch the fabric selection.

Conclusion: Overall, not a bad pattern, very easy to sew. I think I will give it another chance, just in a different fabric.

Happy sewing!!

What I Got

DH really surprised w/ this one! I've been wanting one for awhile and here she is.....

I have been playing with it all morning long!! Hope you all had a Merry Christmas, also!

WISHING YOU A.....

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Off the Wagon!!!

Okay, so I know I said that I would stay away from purses, but I couldn't help it. I orginally bought the red corduroy to make a skirt, but , as you all know, plans can change. I had this pattern in my stash for quite some time, just like my others. One day, while picking up my sewing area, I read the back of pattern. Hmmmm.... corduroy, huh?? I think I have that. Now for a contrast?? That took me a minute, but, again, while picking up, I ran across the cotton animal print. Okay, maybe I am on to something. That's when it hit me! Why not not the red w/ the animal print as a contrast? The pattern was Butterick B5109, view D. Well, what do you think??

Sewing for My Little Guy

Okay, so my little guy has really been hinting at wanting a messenger bag to carry "his stuff". We made a make shift one a while back and I hoped that this one would buy me some time. WRONG!! No we all know that children have great memories when it comes to remembering stuff that you said-especially if it something they want, but can't remember you telling them to clean their room! So, I kept my promise and made him the bag. I borrowed the pattern from someone at work and it was a pretty quick sew. He didn't know that I was making it as I wanted it to be a surprise. I had some upholstery fabric in my stash and used some blue fabric to line it. I think it turned out pretty good. The pattern is a See & Sew pattern and the number alludes me at the moment. When I can pin him down long enough, I'll catch a quick pic of him w/ it and I'll post it at a later date along w/ the pattern #. Whatta ya think???

Heaven on Earth

Early last week I went to a training class that I needed to attend for work. It was held at ESPN Zone. At the end of training, we were given game cards. I couldn't stay and play as I had to return back to work. Saturday, I took Chipmunk and JC there for lunch. Afterwards, he and JC hit the arcade. JC really had a great time. As we were heading out, Chipmunk didn't take his usual route. **SIDENOTE**I read a post on Real Life: Live & Unscripted. In it, Adrienne mentioned one of her favorite fabric spots to visit in Atlanta- Gail K Fabrics. I told Chipmunk about it and that I would like to go there one weekend. What I didn't know was that it was so close to where we had eaten lunch.

This place is AMAZING!! I walked in and was speechless. Unfortunately it was close to closing time, so I couldn't look around like I wanted to. I will definitely be going back there. It's not too far from where we live, but when I go back, I need to make sure that I have my game plan, because it's not around the corner like Jo-Ann's or Hancock Fabrics. I did find some really pretty fabric to make Simplicity 2816, View B.

Thanks Adrienne for sharing all of blog world with this piece of heaven on Earth!

What I Have Been Reading Lately

For a long time I was stuck in a rut. Didn't care about how I looked or what I even wore to work. All of this came about after having my son, because my body changed. As he got older and started participating in activities, I started noticing how the other mothers would come dressed to events. Did I look like that? I asked my husband one day this question and he answered, "Yes, unfortunately". It was right then and there that I decided that I needed to do better. That was over 4 years ago.

While I don't feel that I have fully arrived yet, I am getting closer every day to the way that I want I look. My closet isn't brimming over with clothes, and from what I have been reading, it doesn't need to. Just having the basics and filling in , can get you some great looks.

I recently purchased The Science of Sexy by Bradley Bayou. His approach is simple and easy to understand. The book was really a quick read and I found quite a few discoveries. With this knowledge, I now know "what not to wear".

So, the old me is out and I don't want her to come back, ever!

Sew Much to Sew and Sew Little Time!

Okay, so I've made a few pieces to get my feet wet. And, to my DH's surprise, I haven't made any purses or hats. But, I do have one purse cut out......



Any way, I have been eyeing the latest Anthropologie, and I have figured out that I need to get on the ball. Looking through it got me to thinking of what I would like for Fall/Winter. I don't know if I will be able to sew all of these pieces, but I will definitely give it a try. Here's what I have come up w/ so far.



something in a berry color, possibly a skirt

a sweater/knit vest type, possibly in an argyle print

a pair of winter white pants, wide-leg w/ a cuff

a winter white skirt

a black jacket-there are so many great patterns out there right now, I just can't decide



Now, I know that this list is kinda ordinary, but for me and what I have in my closet, it works. I have gotten a lot patterns, some inherited, so hopefully, some things will actually make it to my closet. I have other pieces I would to add, but I think this is enough to get me started. My patterns seem pretty easy, so I hope that I don't get too confused when I get started. I have been lurking, okay, stalking, other blogs and have truly been inspired. Wish me luck and I hope to have some pics soon.

My First Jacket

I started this jacket about two weeks ago and I can honestly say, I am hooked on jackets. The pattern is Butterick B4865-

Unlined raglan sleeve jacket has collar, sleeve and length variations

I made view D using a wool blend with grey, yellow, burgandy and turquoise stripes. I wanted to make this jacket out of this fabric so that it would work with other pieces in my closet. It's still too warm here in the South to wear this just yet, so I can't wait until that first cold day! Until next time, happy sewing!!

Fay's Gone Away!!!

Goodbye Fay! Thanks for the much needed rain here in GA, but like my mom says, "I'm glad to see you come and glad to see you go!" I have finished most of my sewing that I mentioned in my last post, but have been lazy in getting the pics posted. Now that the rain has stopped, I will be getting outside to have DH take the pics of my handiwork. Hope to have them posted soon!

I have been working on a list of pieces that I would like for Fall/Winter, so I will be posting them soon. Of course, I heart Anthropologie but hate the prices, so will be trying to "make the look" as close as I can. Hope to have that soon, too.

Until then, happy sewing!!

Testing the Water...

So I have been away for a little bit, just busy with life.

I've blown the dust off of my sewing machine and decided to give apparel sewing a try. Ever since my mother taught me how to sew, I was drawn to making accessories. One day, I was making a purse (again) and my husband asked me the dreaded question, "Are you making another purse? Do you need another one?" The horror of this man asking me if I needed another purse!

After that moment and much purusing online, I decided that I should give making my own clothes a try. While I consider myself to be at an intermediate level when it comes to accessories, I think that I am some where between a beginner and beginner advanced when it comes to apparel.

Like most us out here, I too, have been inspired by EricaB and Myraida. I made a few pattern purchases as well as fabric. Fall will be here soon, so I am trying to think ahead. I bought three Built By Wendy patterns, Simplicity 3966, Simplicity 4109 and Simplicity 3835.

Now, since this whole epiphany, I have made two pairs of shorts and a skirt, from B3460 and a top from Built By Wendy. While I know that the shorts and skirt may not be the most fashion forward in design, they were made out of some really cute fabrics and they serve my purpose. My next project will be to make this top from Simplicity. The yoke will be made from a black & white print and tunic will be black. I hope to have pics soon. Wish me luck!!!

Matlock revisted-sorta....

My mother was a big fan of a televison show called "Matlock". He was a fictional attorney based out of Georgia. In almost every episode, he could be seen wearing a seersucker suit. With that said, on my last visit home, my mother had some aqua & white seersucker fabric. So of course I took it. And.... made myself a hat. Can't wait to wear this little number when it warms up and stays warm. I have the perfect jeans to wear w/ but the the rest is still up in the air. I have a crisp white shirt w/ french cuffs that I think would definitely work but that to me would be too obvious. Until I run up on the right shirt, I will definitely work w/ what I have. Here she is...

J'ai fini.....

It's done, finished, complete-but not quite right. So I finished my last WIP and I am very disappointed in myself. I hit one part in the directions that I simply could not figure out. I read it, reread it and still couldn't get. So I ended up doing my version of the purse. Don't get me wrong it's still okay, but that was not my goal, my goal was to make view A. I think one of my problems was using the wrong size handles. Mine were about an inch bigger. I have some of that fabric left, so I don't know what I'll do with the rest. I may try another view off the same pattern. Here it is...










I went to Jo-Anns and found some patterns to add to the stash. I have a lot of patterns for purses, hats, etc., but not for clothing. So I went for basics that way when I reach the level of my inspirations, http://www.ericabunker.com/ and http://www.domestichaven.wordpress.com/ , I will be able to switch it up a bit by changing necklines and buttonholes for example. I also have this book in my collection. It's an older book, but I like looking at for techniques that I would LOVE to try.
It's called "Make it Your Own, Personalizing Patterns for Creative Design" by Lori Bottom and Ronda Chaney.

Next WIPs- a hat from some fabric that my Mom gave me and this lovely number, http://maggiewang.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/larue_bag.pdf as inspired from the movie, "The Devil Wears Prada". Hope these turn out better.....

My new WIP

Here's my new WIP....

This pattern has been staring me on the face for quite some time, I just couldn't decide what fabric to use. Will post finished pics soon...

Trying to do better...

I had enough with my hair. I stopped going to the salon many moons ago ,because my purse was really taking a hit. When I stopped doing that, it just seemed like I gave up on trying to look cute and that started to show in my hair and in my clothes.

One night while surfing I ran across www.monicamingo.com from erica b.'s site. Her site is quite a jewel! On it, she talks about her everyday life, just like we all do. Over on the sidebar, she has a topic called 2007 Hair Care Regimen, http://http://creoleindc.typepad.com/healthy_hair_care_regimen/. I clicked on it and began to read. Am I so glad that I did!!!

Through her hair trip, she takes you on her jounery for longer, thicker fuller hair. So, now I am trying to do better. I, too, have started my own hair journey and from what I have been able to find online, this is not a new topic, just new to ME!

Will keep my progress posted. Thank you CreoleinDC for showing and inspiring me to do better.

So I Made A Shirt....

So I have been trying to do better about my sewing and have found inspiration all over the web from http://www.ericabunker.com/ to http://www.domestichaven.wordpress.com/. With that said, I purchased this pattern some time ago with the hopes of my sister making it for me while she was visiting here on her vacay, but she didn't.

So I made it myself!! Mind you this is the first time I have made any clothing in quite some time. I have done it, but was often discouraged by the way that they would turn out. In other words, they would look home-sewn, so I wouldn't wear them. I took my time and I must say, I would definitely wear this one out. Should I make this one again, I would defintely add about 2" to the length as it was a little short for my taste. I also didn't add the ribbions from the view because it seemed a a bit on the junior side and I am certainly no junior!!!

So here it is...

Watcha think???

Shirt + Sweater

So I had a sweater that had a faux shirt attached to it. I liked it but wasn't crazy about it, so I stopped wearing it. One day at my local Goodwill I found a cute shirt in the mens section. I got the shirt home and it fit a little snug across the bustline. Then it hit me-DING! Why not marry the two together? I cut the cuffs off and attached them at the end of the sweater. I then cut a deep V in the shirt w/ three of the buttons buttoned up. I came across the back just above the shoulders. I then pinned it all down and stitched it. I now I have a cute shirt that I am happy to wear. See......

Now I have to decide what to do with the shirt. I think I may turn it into a jacket w/ wide cuffs. So another WIP I guess....

The Orginal Refashionista Diva to Me.......

My grandmother passed away on February 06, 2008. Her health had been failing for quite some time so it wasn't sudden, but I was still unprepared for the phone call that I got at 6:30 pm.

Nanny, as she was affectionately called, was to me, the original refashionista diva in my family. She could take what appeared to be nothing to you and turn it into something beautiful and functional. She could see a picture of a piece of clothing and copy it. She loved to quilt as well as sew. She would make a quilt for you, and if you had a baby, a quilt for him or her. And, if your baby had a baby, another quilt was made. If you gave her a greeting card with a design on the front, that picture would end up on quilt for you- all hand sewn!

I didn't really appreciate her vast sewing skills until I was older. I look at my mother now and see all of those qualities of her mother in her. When I go home to visit, I am joined at her hip to soak up what she knows as far as sewing is concerned. Oh I wish she lived closer!!!

So with that, I know that I need to appreciate what has been handed down to me and keep it alive so that I can pass on what I know to my son. Sewing is a life skill but more so a part of who I am. So for all that sew, embrace it, develop it and above all, appreciate it!

Thank you and I love you Nanny.........

It's Been Awhile....

It's been awhile since my last post. I have had a lot going on like most people. Survived the holidays and now I am trying to get ready for Summer and Spring. I have completed a few projects since my last entry. Here's one of them......

I found these Banana Republic jeans at my local Goodwill and they were my favorite price, 1/2 priced. Got them home, cleaned 'um up, tried them on and they were a little short for my taste. So I cut them just below knee, cut about 3 inches above the hem of the jeans and sewed them together for some denim capris for Spring. I found some really unique buttons to put on the sides for a bit of interest. Can't wait to rock these!!!

I have a few more WIPs to post soon. Right now they are on the floor, on the sewing table and in my head!!!!