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: 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: When In Paris Skirt.

I have fallen in love with skirts all over again.  There, for a very long time, I wouldn't wear skirts.  Not sure why I gave up on them, I guess I just went through a frumpy phase and only wanted to put on pants.

This particular skirt was made with fabric I found at Walmart.  Yes, for $1.00 a yard.  Its very light and I did not line.  I added pockets, because, I add pockets to everything.  I need pockets in my life always.  The skirt is pleated with an invisible zipper.  I paired my "When in Paris Skirt" with a sleeveless cross body top and denim bolero.  My shoes are nude pumps by Jessica Simpson.

Happy Sewing!

High Waist Floral Skirt with Front Slits.

This skirt was inspired by a skirt I saw while perusing Instagram one day.  I don't really wear many skirts and definitely not maxis.  I have a few knit ones that I wear from time to time.  It was self drafted.

Happy Sewing!

More for Me: Self Drafted Gathered/Pleated Midi Skirt with Pockets.

This skirt is by far one of my favorite creations.  It's rather simple and took me all of about 1 hour to make from cut to sew (haven't hemmed yet).  I have had this fabric in my stash for about 3 years or more.  Never knowing exactly what I was going to make with it.  I actually initially thought about making some kind of  handbag, but I thought it was just too pretty and deserved to be something more than a bag.  But I didn't think I had a enough fabric to be much else. I think I may have right at a yard.  My buddy Kay actually cut the skirt and showed me that it could be a pleated skirt.  I was like wow, I didn't see that.  I needed to use a contrasting waistband, which I used a stretch cotton and contrasting pocket. 

The fabric is by Alexander Henry and its called "La Dolce Vita", from 2008.  The print and details in the fabric are amazing.  Its a retro print which makes it even more funky. 

I really love how it turned out. 

Happy Sewing!

Self Drafted Batwing Top - Thanksgiving

This top was actually made in November, but I'm just catching up on my blogging.   I was inspired by my friend Shari Williams of My Daily Threadz.     

When I saw hers on her blog, I knew I had to have it.  I wanted something cute that I could wear on Thanksgiving day with my family.  It was a cool day, in the mid 50's which is cool for Florida especially in November.  I don't get to wear fall gear that much because of our weather here, but I look forward to those cool days and nights when I have an opportunity.  

Added my favorite pair of Steve Madden Boots and my ensemble was fashionable and functional:

It was really quite simple to make.  I just used a top I had already, folded it and traced it on the fold.  I added the cowl neck and sleeves, and walla!!!!!  

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!