Making Progress: McCalls 9147

I have decided that this pattern will be used  to several tops in different variations and colors and I can't wait to make them.  It is very simple and and straight forward pattern.  The "Tucks" at the waist as they are called, not "Darts" are awesome and can be adjusted to make the fit more flattering on the body. 

I am not done, it still needs to be hemmed and an the bottom added but I wanted to share my progress and I am so excited about this particular top.   Here you can see the phases as it take shape.  

I can't wait to show you guys how I plan to style it, so stay tuned. Happy Sewing!

M6841 - Proof I do Wear What I Make!

Its usually weeks after I make a garment that I actually wear it.  I don't have a camera man on hand most times either, so I never really get quality shots of myself.  So of course we get a nice bathroom shot.

I am so in love with this blouse that I knew I wanted to wear it immediately.  I still have to hem the red pants that I made to accompany my blouse, but I will get to them hopefully by the weekend.

Happy Sewing!

Wardrobe Busting/Creating - Work Wear March

I am a very impulsive person, and when I make up my mind to do something, I usually go all in.  Really I mean to the point, I am scratching my head thinking what have I done.  After standing in my closet last week way too long looking for something to wear to work, I decided I need to revamp my wardrobe.  

Well this weekend I did just that, in one of my impulsive moments I decided to clean out my closet and get rid of anything I haven't touched in the past year.  I just started loading garbage bags with clothing, not really even paying attention to what I shoved in the bag.  I will donate these items to the Women's Shelter very soon. 

I did have some exceptions though.  A lot of my clothing is what I call forever wear.  Those are the items that will always be in style and classic (in my eyes anyway).  I do not prescribe to a certain type of style I am just simply me doing what I like.

I have known for awhile that I needed to work on my work wardrobe, because I wear the same items pretty much in my rotation.  I always knew this would be a great way for me to get busy and push myself to sew more.  

So, with all that being said, I decided to make March my Work Wear Month.  Where I will create items I can wear to work and maybe even transition into casual.  I work in a law office in a very large Bank Building.  I like to look classy but I want to be comfortable as well.  Spending more than half of your day in an office building, yes I have to be comfortable. 

So this weekend, I started with my first wardrobe addition:

The pants are New Look 6191 which are the same pattern I used for my camouflage pants.   I used a linen/cotton blend.  The fit is not as good as with the camo pants but I do like them.  I think I may tweak them a little to get the fit I want.  

The top is McCalls 6841.  Now I am very pleased with with how it came out, and I can see a few more in my immediate future.  The fabric is from FabricMart.com and its a light silky jersey knit, that flows very well. 

Happy Sewing! 

McCall's 6650 - Animal Print Pussy Bow Blouse/Top

I have always lovde the "Pussy Bow".  It is just something about it that is almost regal to me.  I've been holding this pattern for months and I knew immediately when I saw it I wanted to make it.  I had cut out a beautiful yellow rayon fabric with a paisley contrasting fabric for the bow. But I was perusing another blog, and spotted a Pussy Bow Blouse, and I knew this pattern would be perfect.  I wanted something soft but with an edge, and so I decided to use an animal print sweater knit I had in my stash with contrasting black bow and cuffs.

I made a few modifications:  omitted the placard in the back and added contrasting cuffs.  I love how it came out, and I can see myself with a couple more of these.  What do you guys think?

 

Happy Sewing!

Arrrrrrrrrrrrrgh! Sewing Silks and Slinky Fabrics.

Arrrrrrrrrrrrrgh.  And again, I say "Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!

Remember that episode of the Cosby Show when Denise made Theo a designer shirt.  The infamous Gordon Cottrell (may not be spelled correctly), yep that is what envision every time I attempt to sew something silky.  

 

I am not happy right now, it’s the end of my month of sewing Tops/Blouses, and I have only completed (hemmed and wearable), three tops. Actually that is good for me considering the month that I have had and the little sewing time that I was able to take advantage of this month.   My goal was 5, so of course I want to rush and try to finish these two I have on my table.  I am OCD, so I must get them done by tomorrow or I will turn into a pumpkin.

This post is about my inability to sew a straight line and or have a decent hem on anything silky and or slinky.  I have watched the videos, read the books and practiced (boy I need more practice).  I have not yet mastered this concept.  I have a closet full of knit tops, nothing silky or slinky because I am deathly afraid of what the outcome will be once I get on the hemming end. 

I have a Janome 6600 Professional that came with a walking foot.  I use it every time I sew something silky and it still comes out wonky.    I am determined to get this even if I have to glue my butt to my chair and sew silk remnants until my freaking fingers bleed (no not really), but I let nothing conquer me. 

Help please!, LOL, “NO I MEAN IT”. 

Wardrobe Building - More Work Attire

I can never have enough work clothes.   It seems as though I wear the same thing over and over.  So I made a conscious decision to make more work attire.  I really like how this blouse came out.  I can see it with a cute pair of white pants and or a long black skirt.

Simplicity 2594

Quick Pattern Review:

Pattern:  S2594 (I chose View "A")

Sizing: Various 2-16, (I cut a 12)
Fabric Used: Rayon Challis
Complexity: Very easy from cut to finish.
Changes Made: None at all
Will I redo:  Yes, I think I may make it in red but use a Knit because I do not sewing Challis at all.

Happy creating!

Monday Morning Blues - NOT!

Monday mornings are usually daunting for me.  I usually start off whining and complaining about another start of the week and how much work I have too do and how much I haven't gotten done from last week.

But today for some reason, I feel energized. I took my nephew to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Friday night.  We had a great time and I enjoyed watching all the little children fill their candy bags.  The fireworks were marvelous, and believe it or not, it was actually organized.  This is a picture I took of the castle, It may be hard to see but it was so very beautiful at night.  

 I slept all day on Saturday, didn't get anything accomplished, because I did not leave my bed. No TV, no telephone, and no sewing.  Just slept my little bitty life away.  I enjoyed every single stinking minute of it too.

I was productive on Sunday though.  I went to Church, made dinner, cleaned a little and made a blouse.  I really like the way it came out.  Its a little snug, and the sleeves aren't long enough for my liking, so today I think I will make a couple of adjustments and re post pictures.  So check back later for the updates.