Underway

So the process has officially but unofficially begun. I attended an event on Friday to gather more information and met my running mate. Scheduling conflicts on both sides forced us to move the next phase from this coming Friday to the next but all seems to be well. Conversations during the event have led to me believe that the outcome will be positive but of course the process is still necessary and one that I look forward to.
I cannot even begin to tell you how long I have wanted this. I have admired this from afar and finally my time is coming. I am proud of myself for going back and at least attempting to finish things I once left incomplete. I cannot do that with everything but this is one of them.
Yes I know this is another cryptic post but I promise that in due time I will be able to explain everything. I've waited 7 1/2 years so what's the rush : )
I can say that I have already seen a difference in myself. I hugged my father-in-law for the first time EVER this past weekend. Why, I have no explanation, I just felt moved to do so.

Vogue 8379 view B

Here is a picture from view B of my TNT Vogue wrap dress. You can see my review of view A here.

Vogue 8379 view A

Pattern Description:
Wrap front dress has soft pleats, side tie, and sleeve variations


Pattern Sizing:
BB(8-10-12-14), FF(16-18-20-22) I cut a 14 since my fabric had some stretch to it and it fit great.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes! I'm very happy with the result.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes I didn't have any problems with them.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This is a fantastic pattern-what's not to love about a wrap dress?!? I would caution about not shortening the bodice to much or you run the risk of it hitting you too high above your natural waist. I don't have much of a torso so it was a non-issue for me but it it is something to plan for.

Fabric Used: ITY floral jersey from denver fabrics

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I shortened the bodice. I didn't shorten the skirt as previous reviews mentioned that it was already on the short side. That and since I shortened the bodice I figured I probably didn't need to take any more length off the skirt. It hits me perfectly just at the knee and I'm 5'3.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I already have! It's a great pattern that is so addictive! You can make a wrap dress for every season and never get tired of it. I would highly recommend this to others. Seeing that it already has so many reviews on PR it looks like I'm behind the curve but still ; )

Conclusion: If you don't have this pattern yet GO GET IT!

rolled hem of sleeve

Oh Brother!

I am seriously in love with my serger! It's a Brother 1034 and I keep thinking, what took me so long to buy one? It has cut my sewing time in half for a number of garments. Def a good way to get back into the sewing groove. I love how clean the insides of my garmets look and that rolled hem has been a life saver!

I finally got around to sewing Vogue 8379 which is easy and dare I say the perfect wrap dress! I hadn't even finished one version before I stopped to cut out another! I've promised myself I will stop (temporarily) at 3 and move on to something else. I've been in such a zone that I haven't even stopped to take pictures!

So this week I had made:
NL 6823 view A-rust matte jersey
V8379 view A-blue/black floral jersey
V8379 view B-purple/blue jersey
cut V8379 view A-turquoise matte jersey
cut M5323 view A-red crepe
cut out the pattern for M5752 view C-cream/black jersey

Hopefully I can knock out the top in time for dinner on Saturday. If it starts to take to long I will just finish up the turquoise wrap dress and call it a day.

New Look 6823 view A

***Edited to include Pics ***


Pattern Description: Misses Knit Dress with 4 different views

Pattern Sizing: 8-18

I ended up cutting the entire dress as a 14, did a FBA, and made adjustments in the waist during construction.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow? I didn't really follow the instructions this go round since I had made this dress one time before. I only glanced at them for guidance on the collar. I found the instructions to be good from my first dress.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This view went together with little trouble. I really like the collar on this version and think the color I used really makes it pop.

Fabric Used: Rust colored matte jersey from Denver fabric.



Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I lengthened the bodice due to how high it was on my last version. Technically I only lengthened the bust area and forgot to do the same for the collar when I was cutting it out. I had to end up going back and sewing some scraps together to get the collar length right so I could cross it over. It looks ok but you can see the seam if you are standing close to me.














I also top stitched the collar which I think makes it lie down better. I shortened the length so it would hit just below the knee, and raised the back darts as well.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I think I'm done sewing this pattern although I may make view B if I find a fabric I like. I would recommend this to others. It goes together fairly quickly and it a good wardrobe builder.

Conclusion: A really solid pattern that you can make for any time of year.



Inside sleeve hem














Full view of sleeve

Fashion Commentary

I have refrained for the most part from making fashion commentary on my blog. That seems a bit odd considering the nature of it, but alas all good things must come to an end. I could not let yesterday's fashion highs and lows go by without making some comments. While some of these quotes are my own, I must give credit to my friends for most of them.

First Lady Michelle Obama:

The world had been holding its collective breath in anticipation of what she would wear on Inaguration Day. I must say Mrs. Obama did her thing in her Isabel Toledo ensemble. The color was very refreshing and suited her well. I wasn't crazy about the shoes but I loved the gloves. She is a pro at mixing high end labels with lines real people can afford.

Her Inauguration dress:

I'm still on the fence about this one. She kept it light and airy with the color and flowing design. Also a bold move with the one shoulder but it suited her frame. I guess I was expecting more of a WOW with a bold color choice. It was so so to me but give me another day and that may change. 'I have passed out from utter disgust. The dress was JUST OK. Nothing special for a First Lady.'

I asked my Husband if we will still be that much in love in 30 years. He said yes!

President Obama:

He kept it classic for both the swearing in and inaugaration balls. I loved the white on white tie and shirt he showed the world he's got rhythm. (I wish I could say the say for everyone) I would have been too through if he dipped the First Lady, but the twirls were right on.

'If there was ever any doubt..The President has shown he got SWAG!'

Sasha and Malia Obama:

I thought they both looked age appropriate. Little Miss Sasha with her pink and orange was the highlight for me. It suited her well. And I can just see Malia taking after her Mother and being a fashion icon. I wish I could have seen them in formal duds for the balls but kids do have school.

Jill Biden:

I loved her knee boots but didn't think they were appropriate for the occassion. Don't ask me why but that's just how I feel. I did LOVE her red coat though. I want one now.

Her red inauguration dress was fantastic. The color suited her, the fit was one, and it just flowed. Now if only her husband could dance we would be in business.

'Jill's people got it right. Perfect color , flawless length. Did you see how the dress flowed, looked like she was floating on air. '

Other celebrities:

Alicia Keys-I am glad to see that she is evolving into fashion in her own right but 'is Alicia moonlighting as a maid after the Ball?' I know you want to make your LBD your own but that apron was not the way to go.

Beyonce Knowles-Carter-Okay come on B or Sasha Fierce whichever you are today. I have seen you step out in some gowns that are beyond spectacular. This should have been one of those occassions. I mean really you are performing for THE PRESIDENT AND FIRST LADY. Maybe you didn't want to chance upstaging the first lady but the color, the fit, everything was all wrong. And did you forget your bra? Oh my....

'Beyonce's rag was a mess too. Her roots were flat though.'

Aretha Franklin-aka Bow-retha. Enough said.

Mariah Carey Cannon-Where do I begin? With that too little dress or the fact that you should never sing 'Hero' like that again. EVER.

No I'm serious. EVER!

Mary J. Blige-If you still got it then work it. But honey you were so off key with that last note. My ears are still sore.

Jay-Z-Those glasses will never be fetch. Let it go. 'He looks like an old Jewish lawyer and that's an insult to Jewish lawyers. I'm sorry.'

Photos courtesy of AP and Reuters

Need Motivation...and heat

I haven't posted to this blog in several weeks. I'm not a bad blogger I just haven't had much to share. The weather has turned cold and the temperature in my studio space has gone south. It's right above the garage and isn't very well insulated. Trying to pin and cut with numb fingers is not a good idea. I bought a little space heater and that didn't do a thing. So I'm going in search of a larger one when I get off work in hopes that it will help. I'm going through serious withdrawls. I need to sew something! Thankfully I have been able to devote some time to my other craft of crochet. I started to develop calluses on my finger and palm but found some comfort cushions that have been a blessing to my hands.
I had hoped to finish a simple dress to wear in honor of MLK day or Obama's swearing in but alas I will just have to save it for our next date night.

Stay warm!