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

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!!!