Client Showcase: Off the Shoulder Wrap Top!

I love what I do.  When a client sends me a picture of a design they like.  I love that I can give my clients a replica of their desired look. This was a simple and fun top to make.  I literally just draped and sewed it together.   Tameka is a great client, she always gives me cute ideas.  Her style is effortless 

Happy Sewing!

MYSTYLE: Ruffle Front Top Burda 6456

This is one of my favorite items this spring.  I love it, just the simplicity of it makes it adorable.   I can dress this sleeveless top up or down.  With dress pants, shorts, or a skirt.  it is so very very versatile.  Its made of a lightweight shirting from Joann Fabric.   

Very quick and simple top to make. 

Happy Sewing!

MYSTYLE: Floral Jumpsuit Burda 6408

My Anniversary jumpsuit.  I managed to make me a cute jumpsuit for my anniversary trip to Miami while sewing client projects. I wanted something cool and comfy to walk down south beach in and I didn't even get to wear it.  I wore shorts the whole time, and even when we went for dinner I ware a cute little dress.   I have since had several opportunities to wear it and it is going to be a great addition to my summer wardrobe.

The fabric is from Hobby Lobby, and its a a really nice rayon with a bit of mechanical stretch.  When I make it the next time, which I plan too.  I will take about an inch and a half front he waistline.  I have a short torso, so I had a little more fabric in that area.  I also made the straps a little wider so that I can wear a full bra.  

Happy Sewing!

The Day and Night Dress Challenge: Coffee & Cocktails

This is my second time participating int he The Day and Night Dress Challenge.  I was particularly happy about it being about Coffee and Cocktails as I love the both.  Elizabeth of Elizabethmadethis is the gracious host who is such an amazing sewist. 

For my coffee look, I chose Burda 8072 in a lightweight linen.  I loved that pattern had such a vintage feel to it, and I love anything vintage.  This dress was very easy to make and I didn't need to make any modifications.  I know I will get a lot of wear out of it.  It comes highly recommended.

For my Cocktail look, I used McCalls M7722 in a awesome textured knit from Stylishfabric.com.   I was so impressed with the quality of the knit.  It was so soft to the touch and flows amazingly.

I decided to make my Cocktail dress with a little asymmetrical details.  I omitted and only did a peakaboo sleeve on one arm "View B".  I also added a flounce at the hem for a little zip.  I thought it came out very very lovely.    

Happy Sewing!

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MYSTYLE: McCalls 7722 - Camo Print Sleeve Head Shirt

My now favorite top.  This top was such a quick and easy make.  I love everything about it.  I decided you to use some of this knit camo I found at Walmart a couple of months ago with a nice Ponte Roma Knit.   I knew it would be perfect for a pair of black jeans and boots.  I also paired it with a pair of pumps for a little date night action. 

Happy Sewing!

MYSTYLE: NewLook 6351 Pants and NewLook 6231 Jacket

One of my favorite TNT's for pants is New Look 6351. My motto has always been, do not reinvent the wheel if you don't have too.  I try to find patterns that fit me as close to possible, that I can tweak and make my own.  With a simple adjustment I can make these pants flare leg or peg leg.  I love that they can be worn very casually because they have a straw string or you can pair them with a jacket like I did here and make it a little more business casual. 

The Jacket I made several years ago.  I absolutely love yellow and will wear yellow whenever I have the opportunity to do so.  I added a little navy tank top and some comfortable NineWest heels and my look is complete.   

Happy Sewing!

MYSTYLE: McCalls 7255 - Poncho

I don't get to make and or wear much fall clothing living in Central Florida. We've an expectionally colder winter this year.  A few weeks in the 30's and 40's.  So I couldn't wait to add a little fall to my wardrobe.

This was such a quick make, it literally took me a litte over an hour from cut to hem.  I used a light weight sweater knit, it was a remnant from a local fabric store.  I had intended on using it for a sweater vest, but I'm so glad I made this Poncho.  

Happy Sewing!

Simplicity 2893: That Sewing Blab - Sewing You think you can sew contest submission

I participated in That Sewing Blabs “Sew You Think You Can Sew” contest.   I won the first round, see here, blog post:  Peplum belt, but did not win the 2nd round.  The host provided us a mistery item and we had to open it online.  The mistery gift was a shower curtain. Yes, this is a shower curtain.  I immediately knew what I was going to do with  it when I opened the box.  It was a beautiful hombre shower curtain with a linen feel to it. 

Elizabeth Farr   "Elizabeth Made This" was the winner of the contest, and she made an amazing quilted coat. Check it out, she is a very talented seamstress and crafter.  

My submission:




I used a vintage pattern, Simplicity 2893.  It was very very simple.


Happy Sewing!!!

2017 Gone but Never Forgotten - The Losses are Huge

2017 to say the least was a very hard year for me and my family.  My Stepfather (DAD), gained his wings this past December, after long battle with COPD, Massive Heart Attack and several strokes.  My favorite uncle, also gained his wings 6 days before Dad, after a long bought with cancer.  My Mom and her Sister loss their husband's within 6 days of each other.  Though we expected my Dad to go any day while he in Hospice care, but we were not expecting my uncles sudden passing.  

My Mom retired and dedicated her life to caring for DAD to the very end.  It was hard watching her again lose a husband.  My Stepfather (Fred) loss his battle with Cancer in 1999.   He and Mom married when I was eight years old.  He was the best to ever happen to Mom and my two Sisters.  He was so loving and caring and never treated us or spoke of us as Step ever.   We have truly been blessed with two amazing men in our lives who stepped in the gap of our biological Father who did not have a hand in raising us at all.   

My uncle James was more of a big Brother than an uncle.  He was a gentle giant who loved uses as his own.  He would do all the special thinks a big brother would do with three little sisters.  Take us to the park, to the beach and drive in movies. My Auntie is my Mom's only sibling on her Mother's side and is 5 years younger than my Mom.  They have a very close bond and live very close to one another.  I am saddened by their loss, but glad that together they will be able to support, love and heal together.   

This year was a doozer, I put away a lot of things like sewing to be there for my Mom and Aunt, but I wouldn't change a thing.  I am so very glad I was able to be there for them both. 

Happy Sewing!

MYSTYLE: Butterick 5789: Draped Vest

Another quick and easy make.  This took me from cut to finish maybe an hours.  It is just a cute little est that I throw on over a tank and some jeans when I need a quick fix or a Tshirt dress and add a belt.  

Pattern Deets:

1.   Butterick 5789

2.   I used Plaid Woven  (Pattern calls for a two way knit only)

3.   I graded the pattern 2 inches to compensate for the woven fabric 

Happy Sewing!

MYSTLE: Butterick 5837: Gathered Bottom Maxi Skirt

Sometimes I want really easy sewing projects.  I wanted something I could throw over my head and keep moving.  This pattern fits the bill.   I made this dress using a very stretchy Jersey Knit.  I was the perfect weight and color for this project. 

I could wear a belt for more of a finished look or just be cool and comfy wearing it loosely.  Either way it can be dressed up or down depending on the look your going for.

Pattern Deets:

1.   Butterick 5837

2.   I used a JerseyKnit 

3.   I self lined top and finished the hems with a coverstitch machine

4.   I add about 2 inches too the side seams of the bottom for fullness with gathers

5.   I would recommend as it is a very quick and easy pattern

Happy Sewing!

MYSTYLE: New Look 6519: Kimono Sleeve Top

I absolutely love the simplicity of this top.  I am really starting to like these simple New Look patterns. They make, making a garment quick and simple with several variations to receive different looks . It was such a quick make I was not even going to post about it.  But I decided to do a quick post because the color popped and the fabric is heavenly.  It's a Techno textured knit.  It is a 4 way stretch that I picked up at Fine Fabrics in Atlanta.    The Fabric is so soft.  

I could literally see a closet full of these tops.  You can dress them up or down, it really is a great wardrobe staple.

Pattern Deets:

1.   New Look 6519

2.   I used a Techno Knit with texture

3.   I hemmed the bottom and sleeves using my coverstitch machine

4.   I added 3 inches to the belt tie so that it could wrap around my body, the pattern makes for it to tie only in the front of the top. 

5.   I also didn't use any facing, I just hemmed the cut edges. 

Happy Sewing!

MYSTYLE: Detachable Peplum Belt

I was asked to participate in a competition with "That Sewing Blab", a Face Book sewing community.  There contest is a 3 Round competition where you receive a mystery item and you have to incorporate it into a garment.   The applique in the pictures was the mystery item.

When I received it, I wasn't sure waht to do with it as it was little large.  I didn't want to just place it on a top or jacket, it is very beautiful, these pictures does it no justice.  So I decided to make me a Peplum Belt, I had saved several peplum belts on my Pinterest board previously so I had some inspiration to work with.   

My belt was self drafted and I used the Applique as a closure.  I made a 4 inch waistband and a made two half circles that I pleated in the front and back.  It was a quick make, and I love the way it came out.  Oh and I won the first challange.


Happy Sewing!

MYSTYLE: McCalls 6084 - Cardigain in Forest Green Ponte Knit

Working on adding some simple but effective pieces to my wardrobe.  This cardigan was very easy to make, about an hour and half from cut to hem.  

I needed something to wear to my Husband's co-worker birthday dinner party which was held at a restaurant.  I always freeze at restaurants, so I new I wanted to wear sleeves, but didn't want to have to put on a jacket or something heavy.  It was a beautiful night and the weather was cool but not cold outside.  

I have had this pattern in my stash for awhile, and I have always wanted to make it and never got around to it.  I got off from work on Friday, and whipped this baby up about an hour before we were due to leave the house.  Gave me plenty time to shower and  fix my face (picutres don't show it though, tee-hee).

              

Pattern Deets:

1.   McCalls 6084 

2.   I used a Ponte Roma Knit (my favorite choice of knit fabrics)

3.   I hemmed the bottom and sleeves using my coverstitch machine

4.   I cut about 3 inches off of bottom, as the pattern is long and I wanted more of a top than cardigan look 

5.   The pattern doesn't call for it but I made a sash/tie for a different look (didn't use the tie on this particular night) 

Happy Sewing!

Tie Neck Side Slit Floor Length Tunic

This is a piece I made for a very good friend.  Its a design by my very good friend Shari of mydailythreadz.  She also has a tutorial and video on how to achieve this look using McCalls 6650 which is an out of print McCalls pattern.  This is one of my TNT patterns, and I have used it for dresses and tops. 

I have made this piece for myself and others several times.  I am in love with anything with a Pussy Bow.  The fabric is from Joanns and its a light scuba type knit.  It works very well for this particular design. 

I payed special attention to matching up the plaid pattern, something I normally frown on. But it was not hard at all. 

Happy Sewing!

MYSTYLE: Simplicity 1366 - Camisole - Silver Blue

I love this Silver Blue Camisole.  Though the picture looks more silver than blue, it is actually a lovely blue.  Can you ever have enough?  I don't think I can.  I have made several and intend to make several more.  My life will be complete when I have them in every color.  The are perfect for suits, and over cute skirts and jeans.  Very date night easy.

Happy Sewing!

MYSTYLE: McCalls 7601 - Tie Neck Hi Lo Sleeveless Top

Now this will be one of my favorite tops fore sure.  I enjoyed making this and I can't wait to make a few more in solids to wear under a jacket or blazer and or with a cute pencil skirt.  I adore how easy this pattern was and how versatile it is.  I can't get enough of bows around the neck.  

I originally wanted to make this a dress but I was shy about a 1/2 yard of fabric. I think I only had 2 1/2 yards total.  I am almost fifty so I need to leave something to the imagination.  Because I knew I wanted it to be a Hi Lo, also because of how the fabric just flows.  It's a lovely Challis that I purchased from "The Sewing Studio" a lovely fabric shop here in the Central Florida area.  They have some really beautiful fabrics and I couldn't past this by.  

For this photo I paired my top with a pair of skinny jeans and my Steve Madden nude heels.  Really simple but cute.  Ready for whatever. 

Happy Sewing!

MYSTYLE: New Look 6378 - Animal Print Kimono

I really don't have to say much about this outfit . Its a Kimon and it can be paired with almost anything.  I paired it with a simple white tank top, and Ponte Knit skinny pants that I also made.  New Look 6738 is an awesome pattern and I see several more in my future.  

The fabric is a Rayon Challis that I thought I purchased from Fabric Mart but realised later that I purchased it from an Etsy Fabric Store some time ago.  I don't even remember the name. 

My shoes are a few years old by Carlos Santana.  Hope you like my Kimono, I sure do. 

Happy Sewing!

MYSTYLE: Simplicity 8379 - SIDE DRAPE SUMMER DRESS

What an awesome summer dress made of a Jersey Knit fabric from Fabricmart.com.  Another fabric that has been sitting in my fabric stash for awhile.

The dress to make was  Eazy Peazy from cut to sew to include hemming about an hour and half.  Just that simple.  I can see a closet full of these really easy dresses.   They are perfect for vacationing as they don't wrinkle.  I can grap it go.  Add a cute pair of sandals or tennis shoes and I'm off.



Sorry for the blurry pics.  I am working on doing better with the photography.

Happy Sewing.

Client Sewing Showcase

I normally don't showcase my client work.  I try to use my blog for all of my self sewing to keep me accountable and working to improve my wardrobe. But I've been super busy with client work I haven't had much time for self sewing. 

I've working on wedding alterations and client work over the past couple of months .  I decided to do a quick showcase of some of the client work I've done over the last couple of months. The bottom Middle was my favorite as it was for a very special person.  The fabric was an authentic African fabric gifted to her from a student who was from Africa.  It was about yards of Panels, so I had to take extra care to get the panels to line up and balance out the blouse. She wanted a Pussy Bow so I made sure to make it extra large to give her the little pop she was looking for. She absolutely loved it.
Except for the Pussy Bow blouse, I got first fits on all without making an fit adjustments, love when that happens:

Quick Review and Patterns I used: 

Top Left:  No pattern self drafted

Top Middle:  Franken Patterns:  Top - McCalls 7601, Bottom - Simplicity 8093, modifications:  I added an inch to waist of bottom and only one pleat per section on bottom. 

Top Right:  Simplicity 1099, no modifications

Bottom Left:   McCalls 7601, no modifications

Bottom Middle:  McCalls 6650, my favorite TNT for this type of top, modifications:  contoured waist and hips and added a side zipper on left side and enlarged the bow at ends. 

Bottom Right:  No patterns self drafted

There are many more, that was sewn in last few months, but this first set are my notable mentions.

Here a few more:  

Happy Sewing!