I'll Be Back

So I know that it's been a minute on my posts, but I promise , I will be back very soon. I have a few projects that I am working on. But, between work and school being back it, blogging has been become put on the back burner. But, I'll be back..........

Happy Memorial Day!!!

Happy Memorial Day!!!!

Thanks to all that have served and are serving!

Playing Around w/ Polyvore.Com

This site is way coooooool!!!

Get the impression I really like the Naughty Monkey shoes???

One Down, Many More to Sew

My linen skirt, Simplicity 4036, is all done. I was finally able to sit at my machine and stay awake long enough to finish it. I know that was a simple pattern, but as I have said before, I want to focus more on fit. I ended up making it in a size 18 w/ no changes. My first trial was too big in the waist and hips. After some adjustments, I figured out the correct size. My photographer fell asleep on me, so I hope to have some pics of me wearing it soon.

Ramblings....

So it's obvious that there has been no sewing going on around here. I clearly need a twin just to run errands.

I'm down to ramblings at this point....

How come I want to sew but every time I sit at my machine, my eyes get heavy??

Why is it that my son won't ask dad to do anything and comes straight to me??

How come dad doesn't offer when he asks me??

I really want to do some planting this weekend, I hope the weather behaves.

I made two cakes two weeks ago and I will never do that again. I keep reminding folks why cake decorators charge the way they do. It's alot of work in the details.

That's all I got for now...


Happy sewing....

Status on WIP

So my simple skirt has been a challenge for me. I made my muslin using a size 18 waist and graded to a size 20 in the hips due to my measurements. WELL......the skirt sat a little lower than it was supposed to. It's supposed to sit about an 1" below the natural waist. This was lower that than. I also had a bit more room in the hips that I liked. So... back to the cutting board. I think I may need the size 16 waist and grade to a size 18 in the hips.

I did say that I wanted to sew better pieces, right???? Wish me luck.......

Happy sewing

My WIP

With spring right around the corner, I have some really cute pieces that I would like to add to add my closet. But instead of turning out something, that will "just do", I want pieces that have better fit. I really don't have a lot of staples in my closet, so that's where I want to start. I have a pencil skirt pattern that I've made twice, but I wasn't quite satisfied w/ the fit. So, back to the drawing board with that and to the bookstore.

Right now, I am working on Simplicity 4036.

I have some fabric in mind for this skirt. So, before I jump in, I decided to make a muslin. I know this is a simple pattern and for some, it may not warrant a trial run, but for me, I have to. I have some curves that I have been playing around w/, so I hope to get the pattern grading just right. From what I have been able to determine from my measurements, this skirt will be graded from one size at the waist to another size at the hips. I found this tutorial, so I think that I am on the right track.

On the first run, the fit in the waist was just right. Now, I need to get the grading on the hips. Back to the drawing board. I hope to have this worked out by the weekend, so I should have my skirt soon. One of my goals for 2009 was to learn to insert an invisible zipper. So, I figure that I may as well get this down, too , while getting the fit of the skirt. Wish me luck!!!

Happy sewing

Purse Challenge

It's finished! I know, I know another purse, surprise. This was for the Pattern Review Challenge

The pattern used was McCalls M4400 McCall's Fashion Accessories.

Pattern Description:Bags, Hat and Accessories

Pattern Sizing:No size

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were easy to follow. I had to read one step twice before I had that AHA moment when sewing the gussetts of the lining.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I didn't like the hand sewing when it came time to attach the lining to the purse.

Fabric Used: I used a quilted fabric from Joanns. The handles were made from a UFO that was still on my machine. The fabric kind of looks like suede.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I didn't make any changes this time. If I make it again, I will add more pockets to the inside.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?Maybe, I think that my mom would like it.

Conclusion: Overall, a really cute purse and I like the look of the handle on the side. It's not just your usual tote bag.

So I Really Want to Sew

I know that it's still winter, but ya know, I really want to sew some of my spring pieces. I know, I know, I can if I want to, but, if I make it now, I'll want to wear it now! Sad, I know. I did get a few patterns a few weeks ago and I still have some patterns that are lingering from last year that I would love to make. Maybe I'll get my butt in gear and do some sewing. I am a part of the Pattern Review Challenge for purses (of course), so I have been sewing. I hope to have that done soon. Until then,

Happy sewing!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

&

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SIS!!!!

Letter to Hankcock Fabrics

Dear Hancock Fabrics:

Now last week, I came to the store b/c you had Butterick patterns on sale for $1.99. BUT, you didn't have the Spring catalog in. TODAY, one week later, you have Butterick patterns on sale for $4.99 each AND, it just so happens that the Spring catalog was in. What's up w/ that??

Now, you know that I cannot resist temptation, so I had to get
and


Thanks for being an enabler.

Sincerely,

Happy sewing y'all!!

Do you remember this one???

Takes you back to New Jack City!!!

What a Bummer!!!

So I ran, okay, drove to my local Hancock's Fabrics to scoop up the latest Butterick patterns b/c they were on sale for $1.99 each, limit 10. As you can see, no luck!!! They didn't have the Spring catalog out. I wasn't very happy, but I did manage to get some linen that was on sale at 50% off and stocked up on some thread as well as this was also 50% off. I'm trying to add more color to my rather bland closet, so one of these will be come a skirt. Well, I guess I'll have to wait and see what Joann's has to offer. Hope you had better luck!!!

Happy sewing!!

Flashback-Somethin' Different

Just a little somethin' different. This song is catchy....

Choices, Choices

So, I haven't sewn a stitch in days and I feel miserable. I hope to be back at it soon. I have been working on gumpaste flowers the last few days, so sewing has taken a back burner-GASP!!! I was checking my emails today and received an update from Butterick. Some of them seemed pretty promising for me, especially since I am quite the beginner still.
Now, this pattern I really like. I don't have print in my closet, so this little number would really add some color.
I know, I know, I need another jacket like a hole in my head. But, I like this jacket, especially view B.
Now, I'm not in to the nautical look, but, again I like this jacket. They can keep the skirt, I worn enough of those.

So, I see I'll have to wait for the pattern sales to see which ones I can snag.
What about you??

Flashback Friday

Okay, so where were you when this was hot??

Happy Inauguration Day!!

Happy Inauguration Day!!!

Happy MLK Jr. Day!!!

Takin' Back to the Ol' School

DH and I were talking about this song a few nights ago. Break out your ten-gallon hats and your chaps!!

Back to Basics

I stumbled upon this book sometime ago and got it as a gift.

I just recently "read" it and it has some nuggets of knowledge. One of Katherine Finney's tips is to have a closet w/ what she calls the Perfect 10. This list is as follows:

Black suit
White cotton dress shirt
Pair of plain black pumps
Perfect pair of jeans
Little black dress
T-shirts (preferably w/ some stretch)
Leather tote
Pair of sneakers
Trench coat
Khaki/chino pants

Now from the Perfect 10, there are should be at least 32 different combinations. I strayed away from my list and now I need to get back to it. I am tired of saying I have nothing to wear. Right now, the only item missing from my list is the LBD. I have a few patterns in my stash, I just can't decide which one to make.

So, I tried her theory and what do know, it works! Now, I have some other pieces in my closet besides this, so that really does help. Otherwise, it's not the most exciting. My t-shirts are in other colors besides black, white and blue (but I do have those!!) and they are great for layering. I have a few scarves that I use as well. Where I work is casual wear, but I try to keep it from getting " too" casual.

Some combos I have tried:

jeans+ t+shirt

trench coat(short version)+white dress shirt+khakis

white dress shirt + jeans

any color t-shirt + khakis

Now w/ all of these combos, I play around w/ accessories, shoes, etc.

I am still trying to find my way in this game of style and I know that to each, his own. I once read on www.monicamingo.com, that if you only buy clothes that look good on you, then you only have clothes in your closet that look good (I hope I got that right...) and fit well, also.

Now more then ever, the concept of shopping from you closet has become all the rage. I leave you with this:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Make 2009 your year