Merry Christmas - Belated!

The past couple of days have been a whirlwind for me.  My sons are home, one from the Airforce and the other from college.  My son BJ's girlfriend is also here from college.  So we have been celebrating our boys homecoming with family and friends, so not much sewing or creating the past couple of days.  Just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. 

Playing Catchup.

I've been extremely busy with my sons basketball games, trying to full fill all the pre-holiday orders I so not intended to take on.  Its been a busy life, but I am glad to be alive so I won't complain.  Today, I finally got in the mail a package to a friend that I have met on a Face Book group I participate in called, Sew Up.  We share Ideas, our talents and support one other.  We decided to have a gift swap and this what I made for my new Sewing Sister:

Boy I hope she like it.

Prayers! Horrific Tragedy in Connecticut.

I am tired.  Its been a long day.  The horrific news of today's shooting in Connecticut sent me in a whirl of confusion and sadness.  I just can't and will never understand.   I know this person who committed such a heinous crime may have been ill, crazy sick, or whatever.  Right now I don't care, why or about his disposition.  I can only feel ill about how the family's of the loss lives must be feeling right now.  

It is being reported at this hour that those bodies are still lying in the school.  It is still an active crime scene.  So not only do you know that your love one is gone, your child, as to the adults, maybe your wife, mother, sister, etc., but you know they are still lying there.  You can't see them, hold them touch them, all you have are your memories and your unanswered questions.

I wish we could pray this away, but we can't.  Please hug those you love today, please call those who you haven't spoken too and miss, please say a prayer for those affected.  Godspeed to all affected by this tragedy.  

The Party Dress!

Well here we are at the final hour and I've been so busy getting ready for the holidays, work, and preparing for the boys (my young men's) arrival that I have let the end of the week sneak up on me.  I finally decided on a dress for my holiday party, McCalls Fashion Star M6553.  I like it, but not sure if I love it. 

 

I wanted something a little more fitted, maybe a little more dramatic though the party is semi formal.  I choose this pattern for the looseness.  I can get my dance and my eat on and not worry about popping a button or a ripping a zipper. 

 

It is cut out and laying on my table waiting to be finished, yep, my party is Saturday evening.  It will get done today, after work and dinner is prepared. 

 

Here goes:

This will be my first Fashion Star pattern.  I cut out the 18, which now that I look back on it, I should have probably done the 16, I understand from reading other blogs there is a lot of ease in this pattern.  I read Mimi G pattern review (Here).  She is such an amazing dressmaker, and makes everything she wears look beautiful. 

I am using a red Ponte Roma Knit from Joann's.  The color is rich and beautiful and has a sheen to it on both sides. I have not decided on a shoe as of  yet, but I am sure that will be the least of my issues.

Diaper Clutch/Wristlets!

More gratifying sewing.

Diaper Clutch/Wristlet - Grab and Go!

Pamper Clutch. If your on the run, Grab and Go! Just need to take a few pampers, binky, wipes, wallet and keys.

Made this for a co-worker to give her nephew and his wife as a baby shower gift.  I really hope she likes it and mostly, I hope the parents to be love it.  

Running Out of Time! What to Wear to the Holiday Party!

I just realized that I am running out of time. I have a Holiday party coming up on the 15th of this month.  Its Semi Formal, and I have absolutely nothing to wear (that I want too, LOL), in my closet.  Oh my, I guess that means I have to go out and buy something.  Yeah right, that will not be happening.  I want a little black red dress.  I've been searching the web, and the different pattern companies, but I haven't found that ONE yet.  You know that catches your eye and puts you into shock.

This is what I am looking for EXACTLY.  I could really dress this simple dress up to my liking:

I have a couple other options I'm considering, the first:

Basically the same dress at the top, but more fitted with a little light ruffle action.  I would use a nice sparkly silver vest and clutch and instead of boots some pointed two pumps.

I'm liking this outfit minus the jewelry as an option as well.  Simple enough to make I think.  I'm thinking some silver bling bling would be nice instead of the jewelry here:

Phoebe Bag - Done. I Really Hated Selling this One!

I really enjoyed making this bag, it really came out much better than I expected it too.  It was a special order and she was thrilled when she received it.  It really made me feel great when she grabbed it and ran the office showing it off.  

Yeah Me - Making Strides!

Yeah me. Off the topic of sewing, but I had to share because it really does relate to how my clothes are now fitting. I decided to make a lifestyle change earlier this year. I said lifestyle change not diet. I

 

I use to be very active; I ran, worked out and lifted weights. In March of 2008, I had horrific motorcycle accident where I almost lost my right arm, both knees where crushed and my right ankle was mangled. 

 

I had to have emergency surgery to repair/save my arm. I was hospitalized for weeks, but for the Glory of God I am here today to tell you guys about how awesome his is.  I am strong believer.  

 

Anywhoo, fast forward today, I have reached my goal of losing 10lbs, by walking, portion control (I still eat everything I love), lots of water (no sodas or sugary drinks at all), and minimizing carbs. If I eat a burger, I only eat half of the bun (I prefer the bottom).  

 

Yeah me. I’ll share pictures soon, but here is a picture of my bike, that I so loved and miss, and a picture of what my arm looks like inside and out. 

 

Now off to work on my next 10lbs and sewing some awesome stuff to celebrate.

 

 

 

B5420 - View "B" - Review

Another wardrobe builder top.  Its Butterick 5420.  Really simple, from cut to sew up it too me 2 hours.  It could have been less, but I had to seam rip a whole side, not paying attention, and trying to rush through completion.  I love the color though it doesn't look as purple as it really is.  My picture gives it a more of blue tint to it. 

Here is a quick Review. 

Pattern Description: Misses Top – View “B”.

 Pattern Sizing: 8-22.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very easy, didn’t really follow them completely. The pattern was self-explanatory for the most part. 

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like everything.

Fabric Used: Polyester Stretch Knit

 Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: No modifications made

 Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, I plan to make a couple of the other variations provided.

Conclusion: Very early, maybe a couple of hours from cut to finish. It’s a great wardrobe builder.

Learning and Appreciating my Craft.

As I learn more and more about sewing, I’ve come to the realization the value of the craft of a seamstress/clothier/garment maker.  Since I've gotten back into sewing, I’ve learned that it takes a lot of time and delicate attention to detail to make fine clothing. 

It is so very hard to fine quality RTW clothing anymore.  Even the high-end stores seem to sell clothing that is not really well made.  I have bought $200.00 coats $100.00 jeans, and tops I will not name the price, with linings hanging, loose, skipped and missing threads, just to name a few. 

I have also walked into church and sat behind near, or next too someone wearing the same RTW garment.  Which isn't an issue for me, because I understand when they made one, they made a million.  If I liked it, I am sure someone else somewhere liked it as well, or it wouldn't be on the shelf.

I had so many seamstresses in my family, Mom, both Grandmothers, Great Aunt, and Aunt.  I remember them always looking like run way models.  Not only did they sew for themselves, but for others as well.  Church was a show place for their wares. Especially, my paternal Grandmother.  She put the “D” in Diva.  She out shined the whole congregation when she walked into church.  Even the first lady/pastors wife would walk over and gagga over her outfit.  She worked for a very high-end specialty store in Downtown Orlando.  Only the ritziest of clothing was sold there, and were well above middle class to afford to shop there. I remember not being able to go to school and she would take me to work with her and I would lie around and play in the stockroom.   My Grandmother never bought a stitch of clothing from the store, but owned a exact replica of everything in there. 

 

My paternal Grandmother and Great Aunt also made fine lingerie and undergarments.  They bra's, panties and slips. I don’t even think young women today know what a slip is.  I’ve asked and got a very bewildered look.

 

I want to learn so much, I want grasp all there is to know.  I want to be a master craftsman.  I want to look at an outfit and go home and make it, without a pattern as my Grandmother did. 

 

The skill of making clothing is invaluable and I am so glad to be among those that do.  I do not consider myself a seamstress as of yet.  I am getting there though and one day, my passion will be my reward.