Living My Life Like It's Golden-M6884

Hi! Remember me?
On July 27, I was made redundant. It was the day before my birthday. Since it was my birthday week, I did something enjoyable every single day. The following week, I concluded that I didn't want to go back to corporate life. So, after 36 years I decided to return to school. I'm pursuing a degree in counseling psychology. I thought on line classes would be easier but I'm in accelerated program. Five weeks per class. That means I'm in class everyday for several hours. That leaves me almost no time for sewing. But I did manage to make a Galinda dress (M7271 bodice, S1093 neckpiece  & S1876 skirt) for friends birthday. She won first prize! More details to come when I get her professional pictures.

I had a function to attend in Texas a few weeks ago. The theme: Living My Life Like It's Golden. Everyone was encouraged to wear, all shades of yellow. Or gold. I made this dress a few hours before my flight. I worked with view D, leaving off the tie and using the sleeves from view B. I re-drafted the front without the opening, but created a side opening in the underlay. I didn't want any leg showing, but I need to move and dance!

 

 

 

 

I Need to Get Out of the Red!!!

 

Yes, I've got to get out of the red. The numbers reflect fabric that has been added to my stash this year and doesn't include the 14 yards that was just delivered to my office. I haven't sewn one item in May. Surely, I should be able to knock out a skirt or two before the month is over. I'm suppose to be on a fabric diet! There's a Stash Contest on PatternReview.com. No it's not for who has the biggest stash! I'll be sewing from the pile located in the left corner of the very last photo. I've got thirty days. This should be interesting. Here's a few items in my stash. You've heard of SABLE, right?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vogue 8930

 

 

Pattern Description: Very loose-fitting, wrap jacket has front extending into collar, and narrow hem. A and B: single-layer, wrong side shows, and inside/outside pockets. C: lined, side pockets. B and C: shaped hemline.

Pattern Sizing: XS-XXL. I worked with view C. I cut the small, but I could have gone down a size.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes. I also added a belt. The belt loops are made from braided serged threads inserted into the side seams with a tapestry needle. If I choose not to wear the belt, the loops are "visible".

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, they were.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? No particular dislikes. I wanted something with a dramatic flair. Something to wear to the theatre and dimly lit restaurants. (smile)

Fabric Used: Boucle and poly charmeuse from FabricMartFabrics. I used the wrong side of the boucle. The right side had too much greenish iridescent. The wrong side has just right amount of sparkle to achieve the look I was going for. I was concerned the print would show through, even though the boucle is densely woven, so I underlined the lining in the back and sleeves with a flannel backed tricot I had in the stash. In this weather, I'm glad for the additional warmth.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I added 4" to the length of the sleeves. After doing a 1.25 inch hem hits my wrist bone which is the length is perfect for me. I did a more traditional hem on the sleeve, so you get a glimpse of the lining.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I doubt I'd sew it again, but if I do, I'll go down a size. I do wonder what it would look like as a floor length overcoat in a very lightweight fabric. I would recommend it to others.

Conclusion: Though it does take 4 yards of fabric, it sews up quickly.

M6844-Again

 

Pattern Description: MISSES'/MISS PETITE CARDIGANS: Close-fitting cardigans (do not meet at center front) have collar extending into front band, and narrow hem. A and C: shaped hemline, wrong side shows

Pattern Sizing: Y(XSmall-Small-Medium),

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. This is the second one I've done.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This was very easy to put together. Finished it before I went to work.

Fabric Used: Knit jacquard

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: A narrow shoulder adjustment. I am going to add a hook and eye closure.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Absolutely!

Conclusion: I'll be making at least two more. I need a basic black sweater.

The Honorable Woman- V9788

My entry for the PR Bargainista Contest. Details coming soon.

 

 

 









Wardrobe Architect 2015-My core style

You would think at my age (53) I could define my style. Articulate it so clearly that there would be no misunderstandings. After struggling with some health issues that included weight gain I am just coming to terms with my new body. So there are a lot of things in a state of flux. I came across the WA project last year. I even created a note book. But that is as far as I had gotten. But I am bound and determined to get this wardrobe thing down pat. I always say I’ll start with the basics, then I’d bail. Too boring! But there are days when I regret not having a beautiful white shirt or a perfect pair of black trousers in my closet. I have a few don’ts/won’ts: trainers, puffer coats, jeans (trousers style, ok) sweat pants. And I have a few absolutes: gele(headwrap always), leopard anything, wax print anything, heels.

Inspired by Najah I'm embarking on the Wardrobe Architect 2015 Challenge. I’ll start with the exercises.  My style icons are/were: Josephine Baker, Marlene Dietrich, Naomi Sims, Diana Ross, DVF, Kate Beckett from Castle though I find myself drawn to Martha Rodgers' arty-eclectic style more and more. Judging from these photos, my style hasn't really changed in five years. I don't know if that is good but I think I'd like to get a little edgy. This should be an interesting journey.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Wearable Wadder OOP V7342

Happy New Year and all that jazz!!!
Once again Ann is hosting Jungle January. I think this is the first time in I've done an entry with time leftover to make something else.
I've had this pattern in my stash since it first came out. In 1988! I've always wanted to make it in animal print. Some sort of faux fur. But seeing it made up 27 years later leaves me feeling kind of meh. It is wearable and kinda cute; I just feel "matronly" in it. Maybe when I'm buffed and coiffed I'll feel differently. It's made from Velboa (was that around 27 years ago?)  A long time ago, I bought two yards of this print. Then in 2013 I decided I wanted to make a car coat, so I headed to Joann's with a swatch. They didn't have a perfect match, but what they had was workable. I used it in the under collar.  Maybe it's the half inch shoulder pads the pattern called for. Yes, I inserted them. I should have altered the sleeves to accommodate a smaller pad. I should have bagged the lining to save myself all of the hand stitching required. Maybe it's the seam that runs down the centre of the upper collar. The under collar is all one piece. I wanted to sew this straight out of the envelope and it took me the better part of the weekend but I was determined to complete it. Looking at the photos, I can see the collar is wonky. I assure you it's sits straight-I was in a rush to have the photos taken, but seeing her on display like this, I like they way she looks. Can't promise that I won't add to my stash this year, but I am going to keep the UFO's at bay. Complete it or toss it in 2015 that's my motto.