Pleated Maxi Skirt for Silent Auction

Our Church is having their annual Prayer Breakfast tomorrow.  Normally I am a Vendor and have a booth set up and sell my infinity scarves and clutches.  But this year I decided that I didn’t want to do that.  I have been sewing my butt off doing client work, and this year I decided to participate in the silent auction instead.  

I wasn’t sure what to make for the silent auction, but I figured it was Church, and the ladies in our church love skirts.  So I had this cotton polka dot fabric that was just sitting there in my stash, and I had not earmarked it for anything in particular so I decided to make a pleated maxi skirt.  I used a contrasting waistband, just for interest.   I didn’t finish the skirt so it could be custom to whoever ends up winning it.  I tacked the hem and pinned it on my mannequin.  It still needs to have the zipper inserted and the waistband secured.  Hopefully someone will like it enough to bid on it. 

Happy Sewing!

Wool Circle Coat Vest DIY

Hi everyone.  Hope everyone is enjoying life and getting in the Holiday Spirit.  I've been eyeing this particular style Circle Coat Vest.  I've seen them all over Pinterest and Instagram. I've been stash busting and I remembered I had about 6 ards of this really rich wool I was gifted by a friends Mom who stop sewing a few years back.  I love to sew wool, but I don't enjoy wearing it so much.  This wool, is itchy to the touch but has a nice flow and very soft.   I recently purchased some very nice wool blend and I will be using that to make a few more customers. 

Here is my inspiration off of and Pinterest:

The DIY for this Vest is located here: inhonorofdesign

Here is my version which I made a little shorter.  I will definitely make a longer one in the future.

Happy Sewing!

Plaid Drop Waist Skirt.

Smashing my fabric stash this month.  I have had this beautiful plaid sitting in my stash for a couple of years.  Its a very nice Homespun Cotton Plaid Red/Green fabric from Joanns.  It has a very small mechanical stretch and the color is very vibrant.  This picture truly does it no justice.  I paired it with 3 tops that I got a thrift store, and I love each look. 

I used McCalls 6842, View "C":

Quick Review:

Ease of Use:  Very easy pattern, came together nicely,

Time:  From cut to finish (No zipper or Hem), about an hour total.  I did not match my plaids, though it came out ok.

Recommend:  Yes, highly recommend.

Fabric:  Homespun Cotton Plaid Red/Green from Joanns 

Notes:

Problems:  None

Happy Sewing!

New Look Chiffon Chain Neck Halter Gown with detachable Sleeves

I am so very glad to be back to sewing for myself.  I have so many UFO's on my sewing project list to finish.  

I literally started on this gown a few months ago. I was really excited about getting it done for my upcoming fashion show that happened in early November, but it just didn't happen with all my client work.  I am very pleased with how it came out, and I lined it with a tricot knit.   

 I used New Look 6372 to achieve my look., and added detachable sleeves with small snaps.  

It was a really quick make and I probably could have finished in a day.  

Happy Sewing!

New Look 6223: Silver/Grey Fit and Flare Dress

I was invited to attend a celebration in honor of one of my clients who is a Pastor.  The event was semi-formal but since it was a church event, I didn't want to wear and or make anything that was to blingy or too formal.  I wanted something I could integrate into my normal everyday wardrobe.  I just didn't see the since in having another formal/semi whatever dress or outfit that would just sit in my closet.  So, I decided to make a dress with some fab Brocade fabric I have had in my stash for at least a year.  I used a pin striped silk fabric for the lining and pockets.  I normally do not line anything, because of this Florida humidity, but decided since this was formal affair I should. 

I knew I wanted it to be dressy enough for the occasion, but not overdressed and uncomfortable, as I find formal dresses to be a pain.  I am really laid back and formal to me would be a swing dress with sexy heels.  Formal to the floor gowns make me feel like I am in a straight jacket, and I am severely claustrophobic.  Hence my love for all things flowy and unrestricted.  I do love maxi skirts though, so I guess its just my crazy in the head kind of way of thinking. 

Here is my New Look 6223:

The Silver belt and sparky pumps is how I styled it for the event, though my shoes don't look very sparkly in this picture, I think the belt and shoes complimented the dress well.  

The black pumps and skinny belt is how I plan to wear it to work and or church.  Easy breezy and quick.  I lined the bodice a pinstriped silk lining and used that fabric for the pockets as well. 

Quick Pattern Review:

Fabric:  Brocade 

Ease of Difficulty:  This pattern is so very easy to make.  I didn't even follow instructions, I just kind of made the top, and then pleated the skirt, to fit the bodice.  I Lined the bodice only so I wouldn't have to worry about hemming edges. 

Modifications/Changes:  None

Would I Recommend:  Yes. 

Happy Sewing!

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!

McCalls 6706: Hi Low Floral Pleated Skirt and Cowl Neck top

Good afternoon.  Hope all is well in Blogland.  It is rainy and dreary in Central Florida.  

This past weekend my Godson Kaiden was christened and his family wanted everyone to wear a shade of blue.  I bought the floral sateen this past weekend at Joann's.  I had a coupon for 50% off and it expired on last Saturday.  I cannot pass up or let a 50% coupon expire, I have to buy something if its nothing but a yard of knit.  Immediately when I saw this fabric, I knew it would go with a top had at home, so I purchased my two yards and rushed home to make my skirt.  I actually started on it Saturday night at 10:00 p.m. and was done by 1:00 a.m.  I made the top a bout a year ago, to go as a shell under a blazer, its a perfect shade of Royal blue Ponte.   I don't even remember the pattern I used for the Top.  I also made a quick little floral lapel using a thin strip of the skirt fabric.  Just twisted in a circle, hot glued it together and pinned it on. 

I just love how beautifully it came out, I am so pleased.  I didn't get a picture of myself in it as everything was moving so fast on Sunday.  But here it is:  

McCalls 6076 (View "C"):

Happy Sewing!