MYSTYLE: McCalls 7382 - Summer Work Wear

I'm so in love with dress.  The fabric is a really soft Challis from Fabricmart.  I purchased the fabric some ago and wasn't sure what I was going to do with it, because it was very busy.  I though a nice pair of Palazzo pants or wrap skirt.  I didn't imagine initially it could be a dress let alone a long flowy dress.  The fabric was just way to bsuy for me. 

I actually went against the grain on this one literally, I mean the pattern called for a Knit, but I decided to give it a try with this fabric.  I really didn't know how it would turn out, but thank goodness it turned out even better than I expected.  

Quick Review:  McCalls 7382:

Was it Easy:  Very
Modifications:   I used a challis instead of a Knit
Sizing:   True to size (I went up a size because of the non-stretch of the fabric).
Would I Make Again:  Definitely
Do I recommend:  Highly
Notes:  This is definitely and TNT for me.

Happy Sewing!

This was on my vision board to do early in January, but with obligations and life situations I never got to it.  I was deteremined to atleast get it cut out and started.  Who knows when it will be done, but I am hoping within the next week or so.  

I always try to get a pattern cut and started, that way I am forced to look at it constantly and reminded that I have posted about it, so I need to get it complete.  

I really like the lines and style of this pattern.  The fabric I chose is floral  lawn form Fabricmart.com. I have actually had it my stash for over a year.  This fabric was originally going to be used to make a spring clutch purse, and that this why I only purhased 2 yards.  This pattern requried a little over 2 yardsfor the size I cut, but as always manage to make it fit.  Wooo and I mean I had no room for error. 

Progress Pictures: 

It is coming together nicely so far, even though the insruction and pattern pieces seem to be a little more than required for the button plackard, Once it is complete I will do a quick review.  I am really liking how it is coming out and excited about finishing it up and styling, so stay tuned. 

Happy Sewing!

Fall Wardrobe Essential - McCalls 6886

I had this fabric in my stash for over a year.  I found it on sale at FabricMart.com, and I initially purchased it to make a blazer.  Of course as usual I never got around to it, and so I packed it away with my winter fabrics.  Its a double knit, so I could have used it for something like a pencil skirt  but since it was spring/summer sewing it got packed away.  

Working on my fall wardrobe and making sure it is filled with easy transitional essentials I pulled the fabric out and immediately ran to my quickie go too McCalls 6886.  I needed a dress to wear to church.   I woke up a few hours early and quickly put it together, and was out the door and on time for church.  Yay me.  Because it was already cut out, and used so many times, it was put together in about an hour, hemmed, serged and all.

  

As you can see I paired it with a cute little sleeveless knit vest and belt.  I also can wear it without a belt and love that look as well.  I think McCalls M6886 is used a lot in sewing blogging land, so not much to say about it other than its a quick and easily modified pattern that is supper versatile. 

Happy sewing.  

FABRICISTA CHALLENGE, WEEK 2 SUBMISSION: Not Sew Traditional Trench Coat.

When I received the email for the email for the 2^nd Challenge I was perplexed for a moment.  I have made several summer/spring coats, but never have had a need for a full coat living in Central Florida.  In late December early January through mid-February the temperature can go as low as 30 degrees, but those days are far and few between.   The last couple of Christmas’ have been in the mid 70’s to 80’s and we here in sunny Florida are still wearing shorts, straight through the winter months.

After reading the email I immediately went on line to read up on the history of the Trench Coat and too look for inspiration.   I knew I didn’t want the traditional Trench Coat as I am top heavy and all those buttons on the traditional Trench freaked me out.   I also knew I wanted something in darker denim, something I could wear on a cool winter’s night to the movies, or to work on a casual Friday.  So I found these three designs that I absolutely loved:

So armed with my inspiration pictures, I hunted for a pattern that had at least a few of the details in my inspiration pictures.  I chose McCalls 6442 which had the basic design features I was going for.  I really liked that it had darts both front and back to bring in the silhouette a little.   View C had a full Label and the perfect length which was a requirement for this challenge.

My Trench is fully lined and inset pockets with some beautiful whimsical cotton fabric I found at Walmart.  I purchased the whole bolt.  The fabric has a really cute French City Part theme.  I thought it was a perfect contrast to the darker denim I used for the Coat. Also fully serged all seams on the inside of my coat. I omitted lining the Sleeves to prevent bulk in the arms.  I also added ties at the wrist to give it a Trench feel.  The bottom half of the Trench has a lot of fullness which I love because it hides a lot of my imperfections in the lower half of my body.    

I am extremely excited about Week 3’s project and hopefully I make it to the next round.  Happy Sewing! 

FABRICISTA FASHION CHALLENGE WEEK 2: TRENCH COAT

First I'd like to congratulate the winners of the first challenge, they did a marvelous job.  To see who Week 1's winner were, check out the Fabric Mart Blog Post: Challenge 1 Winners

A little history about this weeks challenge:

The trench coat was invented by Burberry and Aquascutum back in the 1850s. Later it was used as a raincoat by the British and French soldiers in WWI. The name "trench coat" came to be because it was used by Army officers in the trenches. During this time, the design was modified to include details such as shoulder straps and D-rings, all added for specific reasons. The wrist buckles, for example, were added to keep the rain out when using binoculars. A classic trench coat was usually made of a waterproof fabric such as a heavy gabardine, leather or poplin. It could have a removable lining, raglan sleeves and ranges in length. It is double-breasted with 10 front buttons, wide lapels, a storm flap, belt and pockets with button closure.

While we probably don't use trench coats for these reasons today, we still see a lot of these features on trendy coats of this time.

This week's challenge is to sew a trench coat to fit your personality. It can be a classic trench or a more trendy one. You can use classic fabrics or live on the edge with a unique fabric. It can be lined or unlined. The only thing that is a requirement is that it goes past your bottom so that it resembles a trench coat in some way. There should also be some type of lapel, whether it be classic and tailored or loose and floppy like trends you see today. There were some interesting takes on a trench coat at Stylecaster.com. Be sure to tell us a little about your personality, too!

If you are interested in learning more about the Trench Coat, see Wikipedia

Remember you can sew along and submit your entries as well and win 3 yards of this beautiful fabric for yourself. Makes sure you use #FabricistaFabricMart on Facebook and Instagram and all submissions are due by Friday, September 23, 2016.  For more information:  FabricMart.

Fabricista Challenge, Week 1 Submission: Sweater Knit Duster and Matching Pencil Skirt.

Here she is guys:  

I was very pleased how it came out.   I paired it with a matching pencil skirt, jeans and a black sheath dress (really a tank and pencil skirt).  I love how it came together.  Immediately when I got the fabric, I knew what I was going to do with it.  I am overwhelmed at the response I received on my social media sites.  The other constants did a wonderful job as well, and I am amazed at how one fabric could produce so many different looks.   

Remember you can sew along and submit your entries as well and win 3 yards of this beautiful fabric for yourself. Makes sure you use #FabricistaFabricMart on Facebook and Instagram and all submissions are due by Friday, September 16, 2016.  For more information:  FabricMart.

I am really excited about the next challenge too.  It will really push me to think outside my comfort zone.  So stay tuned!

Happy Sewing!

Fabricista Fashion Challenge Week 1: Geometric Sweater Knit

Even though I received my fabric last Thursday, I did not cut in to it until late yesterday. When I received my email that the fabric was shipped and it included a picture, I had an immediate vision of what I wanted to make.  

I changed my mind several times, but always came back to my original vision.  Once I received the fabric, it was clear I had to keep to my original vision.  When I tell you this has to be one of the nicest and softest fabrics I have felt in a long time, believe me.  This fabric is like butter. 

It has a really great stretch and recovery, which is really important when working with Knits.  Though I am a Florida girl and do not get to wear much fall items, I love them.  I love the fall colors and for a brief moment, I think about living in a cold environment so I can rock nice coats and over garments, then, I snap back to my senses.  

The submission is due Tuesday, September 13, 2016 which happens to be a very special day for me and my family.  It's my favorite Nephew's (only nephew) birthday.  This child was born a permie with several major health issues and has had several major surgeries, so we are so very blessed to see him turn 12 years old tomorrow.  

Remember you can sew along and submit your entries as well and win 3 yards of this beautiful fabric for yourself. Makes sure you use #FabricistaFabricMart on Facebook and Instagram and all submissions are due by Friday, September 1, 2016.  For more information:  FabricMart.

I hope you guys like my final submission.  I think it is absolutely fabulous.  Stay tuned and Happy Sewing!

Fabricista Fashion Challenge 4 Contestants Have Been Selected!! And I am one of them.

I couldn't wait to share my the news.  Can I tell you how excited I am to have been chosen to be one of the 6 contestants.  My mind has been on creative overload ever since I received the congratulatory email last week.  I was actually out of town with my family when I received the email and was beyond overjoyed I couldn't be still.   This is really huge for me because I had always wanted to participate but was reluctant to do so for so many reasons.  When the initial announcement came out asking for applicants, I immediately sent in my packet in the same day.  I am so glad I did.   

You all are welcomed to participate and follow along.  Here is the website information:   Fabricmart Fabricista Fashion Challenge 4 Information.

Happy Sewing!