Really Jo-Ann...

I went to Jo-Ann's yesterday for their Simplicity and Burda pattern sale. The one Burda that I wanted they did not have and believe it or not, there were not any Simplicity catalogues to browse. I asked several associates and no one really cared about my dilemma. Two went in search of an explanation only to never return! And it was cold outside yesterday.

Even my hubby liked this!

Me, baby bro and my mommy!

My husband, God bless him, is sort of a solid color lover, but much to my surprise, he really loved my dress. I forgot to take a picture before we left for my cousin/godson's wedding but this gives me a chance to show off my mom and baby brother.

The wedding was wonderful, always good to see young people decide to do things God's way for a change.
The dress was Simplicity 3774 view C.  I cut a size 14 but should have went smaller. I will make this version again but will close the "v" up more to make the dress more church appropriate.

I got lots of compliments and request(all of which I decline graciously)

I got the fabric from Gaffney's Fabric in Philly on Memorial (30% off sale). You can always find nice fabric  at a great price there.

God bless
Dawn

Slow progress, but progress none the less...

Just a quick update:

Sewing room.. All the painting is done but I have a lot of sorting and organizing to do.

Dress form...I just received the "Fabulous Fit" system. I ordered it on Monday or Tuesday and it came yesterday!

Sewing Machine... still broken

Sewing progress...made a vest and a pair of pants, the vest is great, the pants not so much!

More later!

God bless
Dawn

"Every cloud has a silver lining" Or "Love the one your with"

Clouds...
My daughter and grandson moved out a few weeks ago. It was not a happy time for me. I really miss having them around ALL THE TIME! But I know that I may have been interfering in God's plans for her.
Silver lining...
How much time do I wait before I start designing my new sewing room. I am very excited about this but I do not want her to feel some type of way about being replace by Dee. Who's Dee? Well she is only going to be my new best friend. She is going to motivate, encourage and inspire me.
Just as soon as I show her some TLC.

She was a $5 yardsale find given to me by my mom. I've had her for a bout 5 years and all the while been dreaming about buying a new dress form. Well, over this past weekend I decided that if I can't be with the one I love, than I should love the one I'm with. I sent my son into the basement to make sure there were not any spiders dust her off.
This will be my first sewing room project. I goo.gled "vintage adjustable dress form" and found a blog called "Re-couture" detailing exactly what I need to do (she had the same dress form and transformed it into a sight to behold).

I will chronicle my journey here.  Btw I have to have my sewing machine serviced, SMH.

Be Blessed
Dawn

"By the Skin of My Teeth" OR " Who Are They and Who Gave Them Authority!"

Well I finished  Simplicity 2633, view with pleated sleeves,  and 5005 and wore them on the last Sunday before Labor Day. I was up until after 1am. And then got back up 11/2 hours earlier than necessary to finish.

I removed the ruined bias binding and only used it along the hem of the jacket and skirt. I made a self belt to wear with it. i had the dickens of a time with the sleeves. I just could not understand the illustrations in the directions. I finally got it and then they went together very easily. 

The outfit sort of makes me look like a church nurse..I think it is the belt that did it.

Whew! I am so relieved that I finished this and wore it on 9/4/10, who knows what "THEY would have done to me for wearing white after Labor day!

Next up... Simplicty 2659 Veiw A

"Long Time Coming" OR "Better Late than Never"

Back in August I made Simplicity 2764, the skirt,  using fabric from Fabric.com. It was one of my first on-line fabric purchases and I must have had it in my stash for around 4 years. You see, I originally purchased it to make an apron but that never happen. Then I saw McCall's 5580  and thought it would be great as a dress, that never happened.
So may I proudly(finally) present... a FO!

I used bias tape for the waist treatment instead of using the facing. I added a lining. It is a little big but wearable.The zipper treatment is not the greatest but I have proudly worn it three times(I wear it as I type this). I was rushed to finish this as I wanted to wear it on a Women's Weekend Retreat that I was invited to three days before the event.

Biting off more than I can chew OR delusions of grandeur

Why can't I just follow the directions on a pattern and sew it as is. You would think that I would learn my lesson from the boxload of UFO's that clutter my dining room.

I decided to finish Simplicity 5005(which only needs the waist treatment and to be hemmed) and to make Simplicity 2633PR to go along with it. I wanted to wear it on 8/1 as we are to wear white on 1st Sundays. I cut the pattern out during the week and decided that I could complete both peices on Saturday.

On Saturday I decided to make bias binding to trim the collar, faux pockets and button placket and the hem of the jacket and the skirt. I have nver made bias tape before in my life and only really used it successfully once.

Needless to say at 11:30pm I gave up. I need to take the binding back off and take me time in reattaching it. I never got to the sleeves, which were what pulled me to that pattern. and the skirt remains in the same state I found it in on Saturday morning.

IN MY MIND I AM A SKILLED FASHION DESIGNER AND SEWIST. In reality I am no way near there yet. But I will keep running the race!



Peace and Love

Dawn