I have my latest FO, which I finished on Sunday evening. It is the first non-knit fabric that I have used to create something since many moons ago. This was the first time that I have used a gauze material, despite buying yards and yards of it over the last year. This particular gauze fabric is very airy and I ended up doing a fair amount of handwork to make the project work.
I have have this pattern for a while and have seen great reviews on Pattern Review for every other view, but not this one. I realized why when I went to make it. It calls for three different types of lace, which don't typically come in a lot of colors. Not to be dissuade, I put down the intended fabric (which was a beautiful purple knit fabric) and ran over to Yardage Town on my lunch break (yes, I cut fabric on my lunch hour) and purchased the natural color fabric and the lace. The lace includes crochet lace, regular lace, and eyelet lace. I am glad it worked out so well. I think it is very romantic and updated Victorian. I was so into making this project, that I even kept the insides neat. I almost NEVER worry about how the insides come out. Since I have a serger, it often looks fine, enough - but for this project, I actually did the facing by hand so that it would cover up the lace work on the top portion. I used a rolled hem for the side seams and the hem.
FYI - my Denver Fabrics yarn came in and I will have to start thinking up projects for my newly added stash.
In other sewing news, I started tracing the pajama pattern from the latest BWOF, October issue. I plan on using a comfy knit fabric to make it weekend lounge wear instead of sleepwear. Other than that project, I only have plans for the crisp, white shirt in the Plus-Size section of the catalog. Here's hoping I'll have more to love in the December issue.
Oh, I forgot - I went to Sew Hut, the local Bernina store to get help on making better button holes. They really showed me how to complete the 4-step process properly along with the which attachment I need to use for my machine. With the small chisel I bought at Home Depot after reading Dawn's Fat Max post, I should have a profession pair of pants coming up in the next few days...or early next week.
I have completed a new dress using Vogue 1020 pattern. This is my third Vogue pattern and while I'm always nervous before starting, they have all worked out well. This was a quickie to make, even with me using a Lycra, 4-way stretch material. I traced, cut, and sewed all but one sleeve in one evening after work. I finished the last sleeve last night. Boom, voila! I used a print similar to Vogue’s model on the cover, but will also try this one in a solid – similar to the shirt version on the pattern envelope. Because of the fabric, this fits very snug and sexy. I made a size 18 and the fit is perfect. I like that it has a tigeresque feel, but the color makes it a bit of a twist. Actually on the pictures it comes off as a cross between the ocean and animal print. Either way, I'm diggin' it.
I only two changes to the pattern. I eliminated the zipper (based on almost every single review on the Pattern Review site) . The joy of using knits is for the stretch and therefore a zipper is pointless. I also made full length, more fitted sleeves. That’s it! It’s been only a week and a half on Medifast and I’m already a bit slimmer, so I know I’ll be ready to look all sexy in this thing in another few weeks! Lol.
My next two projects are already under way. I have traced and cut out the McCall 5388 top using an airy gauze. I will trace and cut out pants using the Simplicity 2654 pattern. I haven’t seen any reviews on this one yet, so I’ll have to be the test rabbit, I guess. Stay tuned for more……
Have a happy weekend everyone!
I finally have a favorite. I am in LOVE with this top. I usually go for printed fabrics, which I love to rock - but this heather gray, comfy t-shirt/light sweats type of fabric has me swooning!
I had this Butterick pattern for a while and had even traced it out many moons ago. Yesterday I decided to dig it out and give it a try. A marriage made in heaven. There isn’t anything to really dislike about this project. I made it in one evening while catching up on a few shoes (House Hunter, Property Virgins, & Law and Order). Not one person at work thought that I made this one. When I divulged that I made it last night, two co-workers went as far as to tell me they had been certain that this was a store-bought purchase. I'll take that compliment! The only alteration I even had to make was shortening the length for the version of the pattern that I picked (version D). I also used 1/8" elastic in the sleeve casing instead of 1/4" because I used my last bit on my New Look Tunic.
I also had a blast taking a 10 minute break with my co-worker Carol from Cece's Closet to take a fun parking lot photo-shoot. Since I didn't get a chance for lunch today, that break was exactly what the doctor ordered.
Tonight I will try to reorganize my patterns. I have been taking them out of their spot and stuffing them in different doors, bags, closets, and purses. I know there are a hefty amount that I have on my list that I won't ever get to if I keep loosing them around the house. lol
Here is a new FO that is successful! Yup, I'm back on a roll. I have had my eye on this pattern for a while, but just didn't get around to it. I really like the shape and the elastic around the sleeves. Also, the band on the bottom is a great shape "assistor". This is another old fabric purchase that I dug out of my stash. It is also from Fabric.com, like the last project. This is a polyester/Lycra called Athena Royal. I purchased 1.5 yards from Fabric.com back in April for $8.97. I'm wearing it with my leggings McCall Lycra that that I made a while back. They are still wearing well and no issues with the elastic rolling either.
I have been trying to be good about not purchasing too much fabric, especially since I tend to shop as a stress management outlet. Needless to say - the stress has gotten too strong to resist. I managed to dive into a new fabric venue - Denver Fabrics. I read many blogs that had great FOs using their fabric, so I took the leap and purchased 4 or 5 different items. I'll show you once it arrives.
The funny thing is that I didn't even realize that I already made this top before - the same version, even. Too many patterns, too little time. lol. It wasn't until I was saving the pictures to my computer that I realized there already was a NL6780 folder. Anywho - for this second time around the bottom is a bit snugger, like I wanted. Not sure what's on the agenda for my next pattern, but hopefully something new!
This post covers all of the recent “goings-on” that I have experienced. Multiple topics, which are not all craft related and probably a bit scattered, but my life in a nut shell.
This weekend was full of ups and downs….literally. I am still trying to buy my first home and the market has been pretty tough. I’ve made around 20 offers, with two different Realtors and only have 3 offers outstanding. I have to have an approved offer by November 2nd at the latest to still get an FHA loan and by October 30th to ensure I’ll get the FHA 8,000 tax credit. Sighhhh. I am trying to be positive and stand on faith – it just gets rough some times. Of course, I was reading some new blogs during my lunch break yesterday and I came across Greener Beginnings. Her blog has a scripture up on the right hand side – Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This is just what I needed to read today. He didn’t bring me this far, just to leave me...
I had both a successful and unsuccessful sewing weekend, as well. I made my roommie a very sexy red skirt, using one of the flounces from the Butterick 5313 dress pattern. Believe me – it looks smokin’ on her…..ahem – photo shoot please...
I started another Simplicity 4075 top. I made one last year, but it was way too short on me, so I had to adapt it to fit my skinny Minnie Sister. I subsequently managed to lose the pattern for awhile, but traced it as soon as I found it – months ago. I added 8 inches to the midriff for length and put it way. Last week I ran to Yardage Town and bought some stretchy t-shirt material and started to make it. Unfortunately the material was too stretchy for this pattern and the end result is not so pretty. Not a person to give up easily, I managed to cut it out on Sunday night in a less stretchy knit fabric. I also cut it so that the back has no stretch and the front has a stretch only across the chest. Perfecto!!!!!!!!!!!!! The material was purchased online at Fabric.com almost a year ago. I got 1.5 yards of Korrina Pink Jersey Knit fabric for $7.17. This is much more fabric than I would need for the pattern, except that I opted to make long sleeves from another pattern (Butterick 5260). I made the sleeves extra long so it will go over my wrists. I really love how the tops looks with this addition. I am able to layer the top for work or go a bit sexy without a tank underneath, while staying warm during the colder season.
I also went off-roading again; this time in the desert. What a trip. Nine hours of roughing it down rocky cliffs and through the desert. At the end of the journey I saw a huge tarantula skipping along and a coyote that crossed my path to the bathroom (while I was still in the Jeep, thankfully). Here’s some pics from the journey including Monsieur Tarantula above. 
I have also started on the Medifast weight plan. I have been up and down with my weight since starting my Master’s Degree program back in Vermont five years ago. One degree later and a huge move across the country to San Diego and I’m still enduring the same battle. I managed to lose 40+ pounds going on the Living Raw Foods diet two years ago, but haven’t had the motivation or resources to keep it up again. Many of the yummy Raw food restaurants and grocery stores in my area have closed since the economy took a nose dive. I am so uncomfortable in my own body that I had to take a new leap of faith. A few people from the local radio station found great results, so I’m up for giving it a try. It’s pretty simple, so I think it’ll be a good choice for me. Of course I will also be going back on my 30 minute lunch walks with my co-worker Carol as well as utilizing my 24-hour fitness membership more. I have also signed up for a free online calorie counter to track my food intake and workouts.
I am also planning on using part of my lunch-time to knit a cardigan from Wendy Bernard's Custom Knits book. I think that I miss my knitting, despite the passion I have been feeling for sewing these days. Why not split my focus and do both?
That’s it – that’s all, for now. I am going to be making a go at an A-line skirt tonight for another BurdaStyle contest. This time, it’s for a new Pfaff sewing machine, along with other goodies. Since I have an FO that I’m happy with, I’m feeling comfortable enough to try this project out for the evening. Hopefully you will be seeing the results in a post tomorrow...
I actually finished this dress on Saturday, but needed to snap some photos to show it off. First off, I am not thrilled with it, but have plans for a restructuring project that will make me much more happy with this piece. The dress is a bit heavy due to the way the directions call for putting the pieces together, but it's not unbearable. I thickened the straps to give it a tad bit more girth. For my second installment, I will make it double the current thickness to allow for wearing a bra with straps.
In different news, I went off-roading at Otay Mountains this past weekend. Man oh man, was I ever nervous! I prayed the whole way up and down those off-road mountainous hills. I mean, seriously - the "paths" if you want to call them that were all rocks and dirt. Also, it was very narrow, and we had canyons on at least on of the sides at all time. Still, it was a blast since I survived. Here's a shot at the starting point of the off-roading venture. Yup, I was so high-up by this point and the scary part hadn't even begun. lol. Here's a shot of me "on location" rocking my new dress! lol. While it might have looked crazy bringing my heels and dress to snap a picture. lol. What can I say...I couldn't resist the scenery. lol.
Here's what my dress will look like after it's shortened and the flounces are moved up to omit the flounce-less area as it is now. What do you think? I plan on using the midriff section of this dress to make a short dress for my roomie. She really likes the McCall leggings I made for her, but would like a flirty, short, flouncy skirt to cover it up a bit, when she wears a shorter top. This pattern is perfect to adapt for that purpose. I'll use one of the flounce pattern pieces and midriff section to draft her skirt. Stay tuned, I think it'll be a winner.
