Day to Night Dress Challenge

I was so happy when Elizabeth of Elizabeth Made This contacted me and asked me to be a part of this challenge.  I have had a crazy few months with health issues and other pressing matters, I needed something to get me focused and back into my sewing Mojo so this challenge was just what I needed. 

Please go to her page to get more information about the challenge and others who are participating, and find out how you can participate as well.  

NIGHT DRESS:

My Night/Evening dress is a sheath dress with keyhole opening at chest, neckband and sleeveless made with a textured stretch black Crepe from Joann Fabric. The Pattern I used is a vintage pattern McCalls 1031,by Designer Geoffrey Beene from 1968, which happens to be the year of my birth. So this pattern is almost 50 years old. I have such a love for anything Vintage.  I made no modifications to the pattern.  It was a one size pattern, so the fit was perfect.  I am very pleased how it came out and can't wait to wear it. I didn't want to take away from the elegance of the dress so I kept my accessories simple and my Vintage patent leather pumps were a perfect match.

I definitely see myself wearing this to a special event or after cocktails .

DAY DRESS:

My Day/Work/Play dress is another McCalls pattern, McCalls 7119 from spring of last year I think.  I picked this pattern because of the Raglan sleeve detail.  I have always loved this type bodice because it helps camouflage my rather large bust, I think so anyway.  The fabric I chose is a Rayon Challis from Fabricmart with a small geometric design thought.   I made no changes to the pattern at all.  I paired it with my suede brown boots and gold chain necklace.  

This dress is perfect for a day in the office, running errands, and or having brunch with friends.  

Happy Sewing!!!

Vintage Butterick 3782: Vintage 70's Halter Dress

I've been working on my Vintage Butterick dress for a few months now.  It was going to be a dress I wanted to wear to an event I was invited too, but after waiting to long to get started on it, I didn't finish it in enough time and it ended up waded up in my UFO pile.  I pulled it out again this past week in anticipation of finishing it and wearing it in September for my family reunion reception in Charleston, SC.  I think it will be a great dress for Charleston.  So close to the water and the vintage feel of the city.  I can't wait to show you guys the finish product.   

Here is a picture of top portion:

I have completed the bottom portion as well I just need to add elastic to the waist, hem, and were done.  I can't wait to take pictures. I absolutely love the flounce and "v" neckline and of course anything with pockets is Love with me. 

Here is a picture of the pattern.  

I purchased it on Etsy a few months ago.  I absolutely love the many patterns I can find on Etsy.  I feel like I can always find a gem. 

Happy Sewing!  IMD

I've Been Sewing.

Hi all.  I know it appears as far as blogging goes I've dropped off of the grid.  Life kind of took off for me this past summer, and I have been sewing for clients like crazy.  This Blog was basically for me to chronicle my sewing endeavors and growth.  But since I started sewing for others, it just kind of took off and my clientele has really grown.  So, I am going to try and get back on target and get back to showcasing my sewing for myself.    

I am not really sure where I wan to go.  As my full time job which I actually enjoy pays my bills, my sewing gives me the ability to work out my creativity knots and also to make some extra cash.  I have actually done pretty good sewing for other, well beyond my expectations.  

Here are a few things I that I have done in the last month, that I had not had an opportunity to blog about.  

The green dress is a vintage Simplicity Jiffy pattern, No.  5363 which I purchased off of Etsy.  When I tell you its so simple, it was just to easy and I can see a this dress in my closet in several variations. The Pattern literally has two pattern pieces, and a sash.  I should have added pockets put I guess I was way to excited and forget.  

The other look is a pair of gold wide legged pants I made using a pattern, I honestly can't remember which pattern though.  I do remember adding a casing and elastic, as the pattern called for a side zipper oh and of course a zipper.  The pants are made out of a very flowy challis I found at Fabricmart.com. The black knit top is a Ann Taylor top I got from a thrift store. 

Happy Sewing!

Vintage Vogue 1663 - DVF: My Purple Passion, Beaufitully Flawed!

As beautiful as this dress may look here in this picture, it is flawed.  The collar will not lay flat.  I removed and tried three times to get a better outcome, with no avail.  The dress itself is marvelous, and was actually made for a client who I allowed to purchase fabric.   It ultimately my fault that I allowed her to purchase fabric that was not fit for this type of garment.  At least in my opinion for a structured collar.  The fabric is a swimsuit knit, very spongy and tight. She said she loved it and planned on wearing anyway.  Yikes.

Oh the Color Though!

Happy Sewing!

I was Born in the Wrong Era! MyObsession for Vintage Patterns.

I realize now that I was born in the wrong era.  I was suppose to be an adult in the 1950's, 1960's, and 1970's.  I love the fashion from those time periods.  I find myself perusing Etsy, Ebay, and other sites that sell Vintage Patterns more than I do the newer ones.  I am so attracted to a 1970's Jumpsuit pattern, or a 1960's Dress pattern.  

I adore the huge collars, the classic lines, the wide legs.  All these design aesthetics fit me to a tee. I came across the following patterns on Etsy and I am in love and have to have them all:

Simplicity 9370 is absolutely gorgeous.  I can see this in so many color and print combinations.  I love the clean lines, the wide legs and the bust darts coupled with a wide belt, yes, so me.

My how I love Butterick 4769.  Can't you see this in a light airy linen (yes I am a Jumpsuit Junkie).  Very pretty eggshell white or soft pastel green would rock the heck out of this tailored jumpsuit.  I love the chest pocket, collar and side pocket details.

If you are summer time fine (that would not be me), I can see you lovely ladies strutting into a classy outdoor bistro, sipping wine and enjoying the cool summer nights in this lovely ensemble.  Vogue 8336 has all the Glam 1960's you can handle. 

I am sew loving the huge collars and clean lines on Simplicity 9674.  The short option is so cutesy retro, though not for my thunder thighs, but I can see the endless possibilities.

Happy Sewing!

Inspiration

It's been a awhile since I've blogged. worklife, homelife and just plain life has taken me into a headspin.  I have also started working out and trying to make this healthy life transition once again.  So with all that going on I got a little behind the curve ball.  Hopefully I can get back to speed. 

I needed a little sewing inspiration so while blog hopping I am across this beautiful vintage dress on Karlas Closet. 

Not only does this dress give me sewing inspiration, but Karla gives me workout inspiration as well.