Winter Coat Update

Hope everyone had a Happy Holiday!! I know, I know.....I've been gone for a while, but I've made a little progress on my coat. I finally had to bury my old computer that was 5 years old. It got to the point where I couldn't even work from home because it was so slow!! We had our good times and bad times. I just got my new computer last week and still trying to get comfortable with it (Windows Vista). I'm excited again since I can post on my blog. Although my computer was out, I was still able to view all of my fellow bloggers and their creations from work. Thank you guys for leaving words of encouragement on my blog while I was out of commission. Also, I'm looking for a new template for my blog so if you guys know of any free template websites, please let me know. Now, back to the coat.

I've completed the shell of the coat, but still working on the lining. So far, I'm not loving it, but maybe after the lining is in, buttons are on, and a good pressing, I'll feel better about this piece. I welcome all suggestions and constructive criticism for this coat. Ok, so here goes........

Excuse the strings and the crookedness(?). I tried to pin the coat closed so you guys can get an idea.

I loved the standup collar in the version I'm making but I think it's too high. When I tried it on, it reminds me of Count Dracula!!

I Need a Coat!!

This weekend I've decided to get all of my coats and jackets out of storage to get ready for the cold months. Well, what do ya know!! I can't fit any of my coats. I usually go to Target(Tarjay) to get my coats. Target clothes are generally very stylish for the fraction of the cost. So as I was heading to Target, I came to the realization that maybe I can make my own. I made a beeline to G Street Fabrics an went back to the $2.97/yd trusty clearance table and Voila! I found a wool that I feel I can use for my first coat.

This wool is very plain to me, so I decided to use this graphic print fabric for the lining. I've had this fabric for a while now and didn't know what to do with it.

Hancock is having a sale on McCalls, Butterick, and Vogue Patterns this week, so I bought 2 patterns: V8438 and B5145. The Vogue pattern is my favorite out of the two, but I decided to do B5145 since it looks a little easier. Wish me luck!!!

Fast and Easy! B5247

At least thats what the pattern says. After pulling out my fall/winter wardrobe, I realized that I don't fit any of my "transition" clothes anymore. My transition clothes is what takes me into the next season without looking too crazy (D.C. weather can get kinda iffy). I picked up this pattern and gave it a whirl since I don't own any tunics and I guess it helped that it said 1 Hour Express!LOL!

It actually came out kinda cute. It took me more like 2 hours from start to finish (sunday night football), but I'm sure the more experienced sewers out there would've finished it in under an hour. If I make this again, I will make the short-sleeved version a little longer. I still have the hemming to do on the blue/green version, but wanted to post tonight since I'll be working long hours this week. I would definitely recommend this for a beginner since it's only 4 pieces and doesnt have any pattern markings(darts,etc.). I actually found this easier to make than my pajamas.

Elementary, My Dear Watson!!

I'm working on getting a better camera!!

This is what I like to call my Sherlock Holmes capelet. I picked a wool blend plaid fabric from the clearance table at G Street Fabrics. I'm really pleased with how it came out except for the matching of the plaids in the front. As I was cutting it, I was so focused on matching the front with the back, that I completely forgot about the collar. I would definitely make this capelet again, but with a heavier fabric and a stiffer interfacing. I would like to start a coat for winter that is very sleek in a solid wool fabric. Do you guys have any recommendations on an easy wool coat pattern that you guys tried before?

Yay!! My first pair of pants!

DISCLAIMER: Please forgive me for my horrible pics. :-)

I've been in a sewing rut since I'm working more hours at my job. Since my job is the cause of my stress at times, I decided to make items for work. I picked up some weight recently and only a few pair of pants still fit, so I've made two pencil skirts and pants to wear to the office since my last entry. I chose a basic pattern from Vogue that I felt I could accomplish pretty quickly. G Street Fabrics is the closest store to me and also my favorite. They're pretty pricey and rarely have sales, but they have a great selection. The first area I go to is the clearance table where you can get everything for $2.97/yd!! It ranges from cottons, wools, silks, etc. Considering their fabrics range from $17 all the way up to $99/yd, it's a steal. The instructions were very easy to follow and came out decent for my first pair. Since I don't have any experience with alterations, I experimented with the crotch of the pant to eliminate some of the extra space that's usually in the front of pants. I scaled down 2 sizes on the curve and it worked great for front of the pants. The back was a different story as it caused the pants to "scoop" down a little by a inch or so.

I've probably committed a sewing sin, but I did not use muslin. The first pair I made were a little too snug around the thigh area but "gave" a little throughout the day.

I gave an additional inch seam allowance and the second pair fit alot better. If you guys have any tips or suggestions on books to alter pants I would surely appreciate it.

Birthday Present Finished!!

I had to buckle down for the past couple of days and finish this top since my friend's birthday is this weekend. I'm pretty satisfied with it, but now I'm not so sure if she will like it. As I said before, she is very picky so I'm having last minute jitters. There seems to be some puckering on the yoke of the top. I put this top (size 12) on a plus size dress form since this is the only one I have. The large dress is causing the pleating to spread apart so I'm thinking this could be the cause of the puckering. Any suggestions on how I can fix this?

Auf Wiedersehen

Unfortunately, I have to say farewell to a dress that I didn't get to wear. I thought that this dress would be perfect for my birthday celebration. This dress would've definitely showed off my long legs and covered my tummy at the same time. I came to the sad realization that I didn't like it! I mean, it's not the pattern at all. I think that it's a combination of the print I chose and the dress doesn't give me a shape at all. I wanted to show you guys this dress because I want to display the good with the bad. I make an effort to finish what I've started, so even though I will never wear this dress, I will make sure to finish hemming it. This pattern was very easy to follow and will consider making the B version of this pattern in a cotton print. This is my first time making a piece that I absolutely hated. Have you guys ever made a piece that you didn't like after you put your sweat and tears into it?

Birthday Dilemma

I have a friend, whose birthday is coming up, who always can pick the nicest gifts for everyone. She's very funny, giving, and kind, but is also very picky! It's difficult for me to find a present for a person that's picky, although I could get her a gift card. I've decided that I would make her an item that she can incorporate into her wardrobe. I would've loved to make her a dress (she has the cutest shape!!), but she doesn't do dresses at all. She's into Ann Taylor type of clothes, but since I'm a beginner(and haven't worked with buttons or zippers yet), I want to make an item that I'm confident in. So, I went to the website and found some great pieces that I think she might wear.

Here are a few that I found on Ann Taylor Loft

So I found a butterick pattern that would look great on her(Drumroll Please!)

I will be making her the yellow/black/white flower print version. Her wardrobe is filled with neutrals and her favorite color is blue. I found this great fabric that has gray/navy/white/black print. Tell me what you guys think!!

Project Runway Endeavor

SIMPLICITY 3535

This is my favorite piece I've done do far. I have followed Project Runway from the very beginning and was excited that Simplicity had patterns inspired from the show. I felt that this pattern would be flattering for me since I have a big tummy. I would definitely make this pattern again, but as a short sleeved top. I would recommend making this pattern a size smaller as it's very voluminous. I got this fabric at the Red Tag section at Joann Fabrics for $3/yard, so I was excited that I made a dress for under $20. What are you guys favorite Project Runway episode?

It's Sleepy Time!

After taking over a month to complete my wrap dress, I decided to sew something a little easier. It just so happened that it was a couple of weeks before Christmas, so I came up with the idea to sew pajamas for my loved ones as presents. I loved this pattern because it was unisex and the directions were extremely easy to follow. It takes me about an hour and a half to complete a pair of these pajamas, so sewing this project 10 times over didn't bother me at all. You can get a pair of pajamas nowadays for $10-20, so it's best to consider the price per yardage of the material being used. I made these pajamas out of cotton knit and fleece that I got from the clearance table at Hancock and must say that they are so comfortable to wear.

My First Project

This wrap dress was my first endeavor in breaking in a sewing machine that hasn't been used in 11 years. My sewing mentor(SM) was extremely hesitant about me using this pattern. After begging and pleading to use this pattern, she obliged(plus I already had bought the fabric). I wish I took her advice, because this too me sooooo long to complete. My SM was with me every step of the way, because I think I was heading for a Gordon Gartrell original. I used over 5 yards of linen fabric that I got from Hancock. I probably wouldn't make this dress again, but I think I did pretty well for my first project. What do you guys think should be the first garment a beginner should make?

Welcome to my blog

I sewed a couple of pieces when I was younger and really enjoyed it. I have started sewing again to relieve stress and forgot how much fun it was. I am looking forward to sharing my trials and tribulations with you guys. Hopefully, I'll be able to learn a thing or two about sewing in the process, so here we go!!