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: Happy Friday Cigarette Pants - Simplicity 1371

I love a cute pair of Cigarette pants, and add some cute heels and top and you have a jazzy outfit.  I made these pants several months ago.  I love them to I can casual them up on or down.  The Cigarette pant is prefect for my body style.  Not much booty but a curvy hip helps give me a silhouette.

I paired my Cigarette pants with a simple white tank top and sleeveless cardigan I made years ago. The pumps are chose are from Goodwill and they are too a couple years old, I don't even know the brand.  

Another Styled option.  With a Dolman Sleeve top I made with Slit sleeves and matching pumps. The pumps are thrifted as well. 

 Happy Sewing!

Fall Wardrobe Essentials: Apple Green Suit, New Look 6481 and 6080

I only own one suit.  I have had it for a very long time.  It is black of course and I haven't worn it in about 10 years. It was basically my funeral suit sad to say.  I have retired it to the back of the closet but not ready to be rid of it as of yet.  

So I need to add some color to my life.  What fall wardrobe doesn't have a cute suit?  Yes, mine and I wanted to rectify that and bring some more color to my life.  I am a Ponte Roma crack addict and I bought 5 yards of this luscious Ponte Roma Knit from  Fine Fabrics in Atlanta last February.  I loved how smooth it was, my crappy camera does not do the color justice.  It is actually a really off apple green color, but again, me and my crappy Iphone camera.

I used New Look 6481 for the Jacket.  After seeing Sew Craft Chemists version of the Jacket and how cute it looked on her, I decided to use this pattern for the jacket.  I liked that it was no fuss and I didn't have to button.  The design aesthetic was perfect and exactly what I was looking for.  For the pants I used New Look 6080 which is a TNT for me.  If I need a quick pair of zip side pants I opt for this pattern as I know exactly how it is going to fit.  It sits on my hips exactly where I need it too and the crotch is perfect.  I also love how the pant leg just falls.  

 

Happy Sewing!

Butterick 4807: Yoga Pants.

When the fabric was born for the pattern, this would be the time.  I purchased only two yards of this fabric from "The Sewing Studio" in Maitland, Florida.  Its a Fabric store that has some of the most beautiful fabrics.  Sometimes they are a little pricey so I usually go once a month and check out the remnant and $5.00 a yard bin.  This particular fabric was $7.50 a yard, so of course I had to grab a couple of yards.  I knew exactly what I had in mind for it when I purchased it. 

Butterick 4807 is one of my go to patterns.  I love the many variations of the Yoga Pant and how you can use them to get several different looks.  I use "View B" for many of my projects as I just love how they fit me.  I have also used them for wovens.  It works really well with a little modification. 

Here are my Yoga Pants:

Another view in my living room:

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!

The Cigarette Pant!

I've been eyeing the Cigarette Pant trend for the last couple of years now. 

Cigarette pants are slim-fitted pants that feature a straight opening at the foot rather than a taper or flare. Also known as “stovepipe pants,” “pencil pants” or “slim-fit pants,” these pants first became popular during the 1950s in both men’s and women’s fashions. While men wore them most commonly in black, women wore them in denim or cropped as “Capri” pants. Since the 1950s, cigarette pants have gone in and out of style throughout the decades, largely following various music movements.

Cigarette pants were particularly favored by such stars as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley and Sandra Dee during the 1950s. As the 50s gave way to the counter-culture of the 1960s, pants with a flare, boot cut, or bell bottom eclipsed the popularity of the straight-legged pant. While flared pants became a staple of 1970s fashion, many of those who were part of the underground punk scene began wearing cigarette pants again. By the 1980s, leggings, spandex, and skinny jeans were all the rage, and especially favored by heavy metal bands.

Article from greekwise.com and images used are from the google.com.

I had originally started making this particular pair last year, but used the wrong pattern I feel to get the results I wanted, Simplicity 1699.  I think there are so many other patterns that will give you the look.  I had to tweak this pattern several times to get it to wear I wanted it. 

Here are my Cigarette Pants using Simplicity 1699.  

Happy Sewing!

Simplicity 1618: Starlite Starbrite Pants!

Cozy comfortable, that's my motto.  I found this fabric last weekend at my local fabric store, The Sewing Studio.  The store is about 20 minutes from my home, but not a straight shot.  I have to travel through a couple small cities to get to it.  The prices are also hit and miss and can be a little pricey, so I only go when I am in that area or if I am looking for something specific.  So, since I had a few minutes last weekend and I was in the area I ran in to see what they had in their remnant bin and came across this lovely fabric. Its a Challis and it wasn't a remnant which I specifically went in to look at, but the price was okay at $7.00 a yard, so I got a couple yards.  

Simplicity 1618 is my TNT for flowy pants.  The legs are just wide enough and the fit is right wear I wanted it to be.  I almost added pockets but I decided against it at the last moment. 

Happy Sewing!

Uh Oh Uh Oh - Stop - It's Hammer Time

I've been wanting a pair of Hammer Pants, Drop Crouch Pants, Harem Pants, whatever they are called anymore.  I see so many cute outfits and I thought, hey I can pull that off.  They are comfortable, and a quick fix, dress up or dress down.  I used some Rayon Challis from Joann's and whipped these babies up quickly this weekend.

I have made them in the pass using two pieces a front and a back piece, but never really got the desired look.  I found this pattern one day and saw that there is actually 4 pieces like the traditional pant pattern and I knew this would work far better.

The pattern I used is Kwik Sew 3701.  I made a couple of modifications in the crouch area, a little to low for me.

I am also wearing my Vince Camuto Wiver Platform Sandals that I Love and fit like a glove: 

Together I think they make for a snazzy outfit. 

Happy Sewing!

More Summer for Me!: Linen Pants - Simplicity 1377 Again

I am fiercely on a mission to make my summer wardrobe fab.  Though I have not actually made much to enhance my wardrobe I have made some really fab garments for my clients, and seeing them satisfied and happy helps my sewing journey.  

I made these pants last night and have the matching top which is my go to summer top the infamous McCalls 6359.  I love the simplicity but the ability to upgrade it to something fancier option the top gives.  I live in Florida so our summers are basically year round except for the occasional cold spurt here or there. 

I will do the full reveal, when I finish the matching top this evening, so stay tuned!

Happy Sewing!

McCalls 6968 - Tie Waist Pants

These are very fun pants.  Hubby and I met up with friends Saturday night at Downtown Disney for drinks.  I wanted something quick and easy to walk around on a hot and muggy night, so I searched through my stash, and thought these pants would be fun.  I got quite a few compliments on them.  Though the are a little large.  I did a review below, because though these were simple to make they have a lot of ease and playroom.  I mean a lot.

Pattern Description: Misses' Tops, Skirts, Shorts and Pants (View F).

Pattern Sizing: 6 - 14 (I cut a 14).

Did it look like the pattern photo/drawing on the pattern envelope? Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes.

Why did you choose this pattern? Working on my summer wardrobe.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like that it was super easy I didn't need the instructions at all.

Fabric used? Cotton rayon jersey blend I think, from Moodfabrics.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made. This pattern runs extremely big, I cut a 14 my usual cut of this pattern for pants, the ease measurements put me at a size 6 in these particular pants, but I measured the pattern itself and thought I'd better stick with my regular size 14. They are huge, but I kind of like the fit.

Would you sew this again? Yes, a size or two smaller.

Would you recommend it to others? Yes, highly recommended.

Happy Sewing!

Florida Be Like: More Pants! Simplicity 1618 - View "D".

Summer is upon us here in the lovely state of Florida, and this is about how its going here right now:

It could literally be sunny in one moment, and five minutes later, storming.  

Since the weather has been so muggy lately, I wanted to make clothing I could wear on a hot sunny to rainy day that wouldn't stick and that would breathe.   Since I am going through this pants thing, and learning to make them fit me exactly how I'd like them too, I decided to make me a comfy pair this past weekend.  

Very simple, and the fit is perfect.  I plan to get a lot of wear of these.  Happy Sewing

White Out! Self Drafted (Copied) Linen Pants

I love the look of linen, anything linen, but especially pants.  Summers in Central Florida get so hot and wearing jeans is a no go on a hot summers day for me.  I love the look for a pair of wide leg linen pants that you can dress up or down.  I purchased a pair from NY&CO and they were $70.00 before tax.  I was gasped but they were a great fit and I love the breeziness and the flow of the pants, so I sucked it up.  But I had another thought in mind when I purchased them!  They were going to be used to make a pattern for future pants.

I've been backing off from sewing pants for along time.  I just could never seem to get them right, no matter the style.  Even elastic waist, zippered front, side, back, nothing seemed to totally make me happy.  So I have been practicing and I came across a few Youtube Videos and Websites that showed you how to use a pair pants that fit you well to make a pattern for your pants.

I decided to try this method and it worked for me to some degree.  I did have to make a lot of modifications, and guess what!  I still don't have a pattern because I traced my pants onto newspaper which was torn and ragged so bad I had to toss it. But nevertheless, I am please with the outcome.

Something I learned while working on this project:   Even though I always pressed my seams, finishing them is so important.  Something I did not really get the full concept of until now. 

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! 

Printed Pants

I'm seeing printed pants everywhere.  Just recently I took a mini vacation to Amelia Island.  Amelia Island is located North of Jacksonville, Florida.  Its beautiful and I stayed at the Omni Resort at Amelia Island.  There was a cute little clothing shop on the island (can't remember the name), but they had the cutest printed pants, similar to these: 



I also like these wide leg version as well.

 

 

Here is my version of Simplicity 1699, printed pants.  The picture isn't the best but I will post a picture when I wear them out.   I tapered the legs a little to give me the look I wanted, but these were fairly simple to make.  I also used bias facing as suppose to the twill tape that the pattern called for  the waist.  I like how they came out.

I'm Feeling Those Pants

Boy am I feeling these pants.  I'm thinking I need to have them.  The colors are beautiful too.  Green is such a pretty color and falls in line with my Fall color pallet.