This is MY Confession...

I am a borderline hoarder. I reached that conclusion by taking a look at the last patterns and fabric I just recently purchased. I have no problem with having lots of patterns and fabric if you use it (even occasionally). I have not been doing that. I love sewing but fitting issues have been my deterrent. So since there will always be new patterns and more fabric sales, I have decided to start making things. At least one item a week. I have to justify my purchases to ME. The above statements have no relevance to anyone but me. You do you and I will do the same. As matter of fact I love reading sewing blogs and seeing other people's stash, but I also know that I love even more looking at the garments that they create from their purchases. I need to stop hoarding and start creating!

So, I spent Sunday afternoon considering what to sew next. I decided to watch the Mimi G's DIY Strapless Jumper tutorial. After watching it I thought about trying my hand at a simple down and dirty maxi skirt. I wanted to make one with the fold over like on yoga pants. I went to you.tube and rediscover a young lady whose DIY peplum skirt video I had watched. Her name is tglashen and I fell in love with her. Not only is she very creative but she teaches the obvious without you feeling like duh… What I love the most is that at the beginning and end of each of her videos she displays bible verses. I love, love, love creative people who know from whence their talents flow!

So I went to my basement fabric stash and found some striped knit fabric I was gifted from my mommy. She no longer sews and she has begun sending pieces my way(adding to my hoard stash)… (She makes jewelry now). The fabric I picked was very familiar. When we would fabric shop we often would go home with some of the same pieces. I had (many, many years ago) made my youngest daughter a cute little summer top from my yardage (she says she still has it somewhere in her bedroom).

Following most of tglashen’s instructions I made the following two skirts. The striped one for me and the other for my daughter.

 

Even after using the exact same instructions, because of the difference in the fabric, my daughter’s came out a little more form fitting than I had desired. She, however, loved it. My next iteration will fit with more ease.

I really need more light in my house and a camera phone with flash. Sorry again for the not so great pictures.

 

Love and Blessings,

Dawn

The hard and soft of it...

Well, I still cannot get my oldest daughter to pose for a picture in her pleather(purchased from Mood) skirt (McCall's 6706).  And now my youngest is unavailable to pose for pictures in her linen pants(Simplicity 2700). Here are some shots of the two pieces on(and I use the term lightly) Dora. Hopefully I can get a picture of both of them wearing the pieces soon.

 

I used cheap/wrong interfacing (see how wonky waistband looks)

First time using both button hole and button attachments

Leg with ribbon sewn on for a pretty hem

 

Next up is Mimi g’s Regal Maxi skirt. I found this yellow shantung at Jo.Mars in Philly. It fit right into the time of a ministry event that I am part of.

Fail: I am having trouble fitting my large abdomen while making skirts/pants. The trouble I had with was also due to time constraints(I was trying to make it to wear later that day! I am not there yet.. lol ) and I got frustrated when I attached the waistband on upside down. (I was trying to make it to wear later that day! I am not there yet.. lol ) I will finish this…No UFOs in 2013

Love and blessings,

Dawn
 

First project of 2012 (only two months left..LOL)

I let my fabric decide the pattern I chose.

Vogue 1324  Donna Karen collection

Semi fitted, lined tapered skirt has raised waist with band, side panels, no side seams, invisible back zipper and vent. Seams and darts have top stitching and edge stitching.

main fabric -  silk/cotton suiting, cream, metallic silver.. purchase from Fabric Mart

I ordered the fabric online and received it in just two days later.... When I saw it I contemplated returning it . The color was darker than I had expected and the the fabric seemed a little "old" looking. But then v1324 came to mind and I thought that the seams and the edge/top stitching would give the fabric a more modern edge.

I decided to muslin the skirt and I am glad that I did. I had purchase pattern which had sizes 6-12.

I also ran into a problem attaching the waist band as per the instructions.  I check pattern review and there was only one review so far and the reviewer used leather so she had to alter the way she attached the band due to bulk... I decided that I would make it work.

The pattern is advanced( attaching the waistband is the only advanced part IMO) and I am by no means advanced but I am not going to let that stop me!

I "graded up" the pattern to fit my measurements and have started a new muslin.

Until next time!

Blessing,
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