Saturday, January 22, 2011

I am not my hair...but it is awesome!!!

One year ago today I did the big chop and cut all my hair off.  I remember that first shampoo and laughing hysterically at the shampoo bowl as I felt water hit my scalp for the first time in ages without first having to wade through a mass of hair.  I remember Baby Sister being quite upset with me for cutting my hair off and seriously not talking to me for a few weeks.  (Well she talked to me on the phone but she refused to come and visit me and was conveniently gone when I went to visit her and the Momma.)  I knew my hair was growing but looking back through pictures from the past year really puts it into perspective.  I officially have an afro and the Momma's boyfriend who isn't her boyfriend has taken to call me Michael Evans from Good Times.  

Here is a look back...





And here is my hair today...










 Can you tell I am exited!?!?!  I have been asked if I would do it all over again and the answer is a resounding YES!!!  I love my natural hair and often think back to why I didn't do it sooner.  Oh well better late than never.



Monday, January 17, 2011

Bed, Bath, & a Dress

Ok so my sewing mojo is slowly creeping back and I am so proud of my latest project!!!  I have had McCall 5972 in my stash for a few months now contemplating what to do with it.  I knew I had to make view C but that was a far as I got.  I love the gray color trend right now so I decided to try something along those lines.  I searched and searched and couldn't find a gray fabric that I liked and then there was the issue of a fabric for the contrasting ruffles.  I knew gray on gray would be depressing, so what was I to do?  Well walking through the store recently I spotted gray sheets and an idea was born.  I had read reviews where sewers used sheeting as fabric for a dress so I knew it was totally doable.  A little more searching and I found a sheer black window panel on clearance and I was off!

Pattern Description: Fitted dress, with lined bodice, darts, neckline variations, waistline seam, back slit opening, side zipper closing and above mid-knee length.  I made view C with the contrasting neck ruffles.
 Pattern Sizing:  Available in 6-20.  Based on finished measurements I cut a 16 in the bust and graded to an 18 in the hips


Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?  The drawing yes, the photo no, lol. 
Completed dress

Were the instructions easy to follow?  Very good and well written.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I love the end result but didn't like how the inside was finished.  I would have liked to not have to use bias tape on the armholes especially since the bodice was lined.
Back view

Fabric Used:  A gray sheeting fabric for the bodice and skirt and a sheer window panel for the contrasting ruffles.  The weight of the panel fabric was heavier than that of most sheer fabrics and brought a nice balance to the dress. I feel like it was also easy to work with as it was less slippery than the chiffon I have worked with in the past.
Back ruffles

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:  As previously stated I used contrasting colors for the dress.  I finished the ruffle edges with a rolled edge on my serger which was a real time saver.  Also because of the thin weight of the sheeting I doubled up on the fabric and lined the skirt.  I could have used a lining fabric but in retrospect I am so glad I didn't.  The two layers of sheeting was much easier to work with than the lining fabric I used on the bodice.  The skirt is essentially straight but for a woman with a few curves I didn't find it flattering.  I cut the skirt with room for the hips and to add more definition to the waist.  I accessorized with a skinny black belt to bring balance to the ruffles as well as break up the gray.
view without the belt

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?  I am thinking of making view B but that remains to be seen.  I do recommend this to others.  It makes a fabulous party dress.

Conclusion: I am thrilled with the end result and it was perfect for dinner out.  I had intended for this to be my anniversary dress.  Technically it still is/was although I didn't wear until a week later when we actually got to celebrate our anniversary.  Also this was also the first piece I made that included my labels!  Double the excitement!!


My Labels

Bottom Line:
Fabric:   Twin size Gray sheeting: $4.96
              Sheer Black Panel: $2.00
Notions: thread from my stash; I used my bias tape maker and leftover sheeting to finish the arm holes and stitch witchery for the hem

Total: $6.96



Wednesday, January 5, 2011

I'm late but...

Happy New Year! 

First Night Raleigh

I haven't really blogged since early November in which time I only managed to finish one sewing project before going on our cruise and then injuring myself.  DH doesn't take very good pictures so as soon as I can get Caroline dressed I will post pics and a review of McCall's 5972.

Here is a quick update on what I have been up to.  DH and went on cruise in the Southern Caribbean  for our 4 year anniversary. 

In St. Maarten

St. Lucia

Aruba


2010 sputtered to an end an unfortunately 2011 hasn't started off all that great. I lost an Aunt just before Christmas and an Uncle on New Year's Day.  I also found out I was allergic to our new laundry detergent so I spent days unsuccessfully trying not to scratch so hard I drew blood.  A mysterious bruise appeared on my leg and I was afraid I had contracted something serious.  Fortunately that was not the case.  My sister slipped and fell on some ice and while she didn't break anything still ended up with a nasty bruise of her own and a few days off from work. 




We spent Christmas morning at home with my Mommy and sister and that evening at the in-laws. I am so thankful that my Husband has a large family as there was never a dull moment and it really helped to keep me from getting too down.

It was also hard to be too sad when we got our first white christmas in forever!  It didn't start to snow until late on Christmas but it still counts, lol. 

  We spent NYE volunteering and then rang in 2011 at my BILs house.  It was a quiet celebration and a good thing because I was asleep by 12:30am

On the plus side, our first great nephew was born just before Christams so there was something to celebrate in all the madess.    Somewhere in there I turned 28 and went out to celebrate with dinner and party with some of my closest friends and sorors. 

BTW thanks for the birthday wishes and get well soon messages.  I haven't responded to you indivdually but I really appreciate it.