Denise's Sewing Room

From 1920 to 2020

2020-01-29T16:01:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!!!!

You guys know how I love to buy stuff from 2nd hand stores and thrift stores. This sofa has been in my husbands family for years. His great grand mother worked for Elizabeth Arden and she gave it to her when she worked there. So you know its really old.

They were going to toss it because it was in such bad shape. Of course, I couldn't let that happen. So we brought it home from Charleston. Its been sitting in our basement for years so I decided to finally redo it. My husband kept saying why did you take this if you weren't going to do anything with it. I knew it was hurtful for him to see it like that. So I did the right thing and covered it up (lol).

It got to be the dogs favorite spot when we were in the basement. I was going to strip it and try to bring it back but it proved to be very difficult at best. So I cleaned it up and used my faithful can of spray paint. Deep walnut. I had the fabric and trim in my stash so all I needed was staples for my gun. I did have to reinforce the seat with strapping which I also had.

It turned out better than I expected. My husband, because we put it in our bed room said, "now I can lay on it again" yea that was a joke. Its still 90 years old, and he was 5 when it fit him.

Since I was in a redo mood I also covered one of my sewing chairs with a little left over leopard I had from a dress. Great improvement from before right? Still crazy for leopard LOL.

Check out Utube for tutorials its my go to for everything theses days.

Big improvement right?

LEOPARD the new black

2019-10-31T18:44:00.000-04:00

I was reading a post on Pinterest "Leopard the new black". I though, how true this statement was, as you can never have enough nor is it ever out of season.I remember admiring my moms leopard swing coat when I was was a little girl. Today years later it is still as hot and in style, and looks good on every body type.

Bought

I was in Marshall's and came across a cute leopard jacket (1st one). It was an XS. I put it back on rack without trying it on as I knew it wouldn't fit. As I was leaving the store, I went back to try it on. There was a lady that had it in her hands. I hovered in the area, and watched her as she held it up, just as I did and put it back on the rack and walked off. I quickly grabbed it. Needless to say it was a perfect fit. I don't believe it was an XS because I have never worn an XS (well maybe in high school). It was however a perfect fit.
So I thought I would go through some of my Leopard to see just how obsessed I am. If I didn't make it, believe me I got it for super cheap.

Made Bought

Made

REALLY OBSESSED😖

Bought

Made

Scarf Made

Go through you closet to see how obsessed you are with Leopard. If you don,t have any. Better get some. My granddaughters are telling me they want some and they are 14&16. "I have lots of black too". So I don't feel bad. As a matter of fact I am going to make a long sleeve leopard dress to go with my boots.

The Perfect Jumpsuit

2019-07-22T14:22:00.002-04:00

I have wanted a jumpsuit for a while. There are so many looks on the runway, but there aren’t as many patterns as there should be for the popularity of late. I came across this jumpsuit McCall’s 7910.

The fabric requirement was 4 way stretch. There was no zipper. I wanted to use fabric in my stash, I didn’t have any 4 way, so I use what I had. We all know what I had was Ponte😊. In my research for the perfect pattern I wanted it to fit properly. The last one I made the crouch was almost to my knees.

I did my normal FBA.

I added bias trim (from the fabric), as in the 1^st fitting the girls were highly exposed.

I came in about an inch at the hem and graded back up to my size, for a more tapered look. Most jumpsuits have a zipper in back. I am thinking, who’s going to zip me up in ladies’ room with a back zipper? So I made my zipper on the side. You don't need a zipper if you use 4 way stretch.

Our granddaughters were visiting, the oldest liked the pattern so I made her one as well. She wanted view 1+5 with the wide legs. Her Ponte had a little more ease than mine.

I had issues getting into mine. Thank god for stretch stitch. She had no problem with getting in and out but hers. She said she wanted to wear a tank top with hers.

This is a very easy pattern to make.I realized the possibilities are endless. So stay tuned for my Jumpsuit Craze......

Long Time No Post

2019-07-02T18:16:00.000-04:00

I can’t believe it’s been so long since I have posted. What an incredible 6 months it’s been. I have been dealing with family illness,and flipping houses. Both of which has taken me to total exhaustion. All I have done lately is looked at my sewing room.

Since summer is here, fall will be here very soon. I love fall and winter, it really gets my creative juices going. It puts me in a sewing mood. I have been looking at the latest fall 2019 runway trends for inspiration.

Any way this is what me and hubby did in between house flips.This is our deck after we took up all the planks.

We tore up our old deck and rebuilt a new one. Just in time for the 1st heat waive.

Finished product not bad for amateurs.

I found this inspiration picture on Pinterest. Our house is close to our neighbors house where we can have a conversation across the fence without yelling. They also have little ones and I am often inappropriately dressed on my deck. So we needed a privacy wall. We have to wait a month before we stain it. Just in them for 4th.

Holiday party time and of course nothing to wear

2018-11-20T15:48:00.001-05:00

Every year Craig and I go this this ball at the Georgia Aquarium. Of course I didn't have anything to wear. I was watching Breakfast at Tiffany's (for the 14th time) a few months ago and decided that I would try to something close to Hollys dress. I have always thought it was very elegant.

I put together 2 patterns the front I used Butterick 4056 which I have had forever. I made the top longer in the front I love the shoulders on view E.

For the back I used McCalls 7506. Hollys dress had a waist in front and back.I made a very long split in the back. My fabric was a polyester crepe from my forgotten fabric stash😌.The dress is also fully lined, also from stash.

I had the trim in my stash as well. I purchased it while I was in living in NY years ago. I didn't know what I would use it for at the time. But I had to have it.You know how that is.

I purchased the gloves at my local beauty supply store the only issue is, they would not stay up. The next time I wear them, I need to put a tuck up top. I was surprised to see that a lot of women at the ball had them on. They have them in all colors for about 10.00.

I have on a wig because my head stays super COLD...........👀.

Mc Calls 7480

2018-11-02T16:41:00.000-04:00

So I had been eyeing the Meghan Markle coat. You know the one she had on when they announced the engagement . I guess everyone else’s was as obsessed with it too. Someone posted a similar coat pattern online McCalls 7480 claiming that it was her coat but it was not.

I should have known something was up when I didn't find a review for it. I always check Pattern Review before I use a pattern for the first time. I cut the medium. I should have cut the small as it is huge on me. I am the same size as my form. Even with cloths on its large.

I did not make a muslim which I should have done. I always cut a muslim when I am using a new pattern. I have some off white cashmere (like Meghan's) in my stash purchased while I was in NY, I am so glad I didn’t use it. The pattern that is closer to the coat is the one below. You have to do a little alterations to the collar but other than that its a total match.There are 2 pieces for the front and two pieces to the back which I believe will offer a better fit. You can put the pieces together I made this back in 2013.

It’s bad when you have so many patterns that you forget what you have and end up buying patterns again. So if you’re thinking about making this type Coat (which is a must for fall) don’t use the McCall’s pattern you’ll be very disappointed as I am.

It's amazing that this coat has been around for so long, and I only have one. I have been obsessed with this coat for a while. Maybe that's why I used the blue😌

My Fabric Organization

2018-10-11T16:08:00.000-04:00

I was looking through a magazine for inspiration. I found a dress I want to make for this ball that we are going to next month. I told my husband I was going to go buy the fabric for it. He says, please don't take this the wrong way😅 but why don't you use the fabric you already have? I gave him a look like "No You Didn't". He came back with. "I appreciate that you make your clothes, you save us a ton of money, but you are always in the fabric store. I hated to admit it but he had a point. My fellow sewer friend Faye turned me on to this fabric store. I just love going in there. I have never walk out empty handed.

What a mess I had. It took me 2 days to go through all the fabric. Some I totally forgotten that I had, and why I purchased it. There is another cutting table around the corner.

I went online to get tips on how to organize fabric and they were all for quilting squares. So I decided to post this.

I had some plastic bags for my jewelry making, purchased at Michaels. Some of the swatches would not fit so I used Ziploc sandwich bags. After separating all the fabric. I made labels after seperating. I notice I had more ponte than anything, some were different pieces with different textures but same color😑.

I had so much lining and interfacing, I never have to buy it again. I used colored bins for those as I didn't need to see through. I collect sea trunks. I have a 2 sea trunks. One with upholstery and a small college trunk full of trim.

I should have know when I had to have a closet made for all my fabric, I was in trouble 😨.

What's Old Is New Again

2018-10-03T19:14:00.001-04:00

Back a few years ago when we gave that fabulous party for my mother in law's 90 birthday,I posted some charis that I covered . I was never quite happy with how they turned out. But they did what I needed them to do, at that time. I had been looking for some new chairs (well not new). I found some on letgo. The seller had 6 chairs and a huge table for 75.00. I didn't want the table. She insisted that we take everything. So we took everything. We dropped the table off at goodwill. Not bad because I get a write off.

Without being long and drawn out, I am just going to show you the before and after.

I had to toss one of the arm chairs because it looked as if a dog chewed the 2 front legs almost off. Far worse than in the picture above (this was another chair which I corked and sanded). I looked online for replacement legs but couldn't find any to match. I took the arms off one of the good chairs this is why I only have 5 chairs instead of 6.

It also matched my table perfectly. I did buy 2 shades of spray paint, in 2 different colors to match the table. I ended up using a dark walnut. BTW the buffett is a dresser that I painted with silver spray paint. I am very pleased with the out come of these chairs. I sold my parson chairs for 175.00.

Five days of travel one small bag

2018-09-18T17:51:00.000-04:00

Those of you who follow me know that I sometimes travel for work.I carry a 20 inch suitcase that can fit in the overhead. I never put it in the overhead because I have toiletries that are larger than 2oz. A friend asked me in one of our T3's (train the trainer), how do I have such small bag. So I thought I would share this with you so, on your next trip you don't have to take a months worth of clothes for a weeks stay.

You will need:
2 Dresses
2 Jackets
1 Top or white shirt (I always take both just in case I spill
something).
1 Pair jeans which I wear on plane and wear to play.
1 Pair pants either grey or black (depending on dress
code) I aways take a pair of grey pants as my office is
usually, very conservative. (I change into my jeans
@ airport if I have time)

Travel Day, you want a jacket as its always cold on the plane or maybe its because, I don't have any hair?

DAY 1 and 2

You would be surprised how you can go in the same office on Monday, and wear the same thing on Wednesday and it looks different.

DAY 3 and 4

There go those infinity scarves remember, I blogged about what to do with those scraps.

Day 5 Travel day .This is where I change into jeans at airport I would have on my grey or black pants for office.

Accessories

Boots, (now days you can wear boots year round). Pumps, Flats Like what I have on for my travel day.

This hand bag is large enough for everything i need.

I either wear flats or boots for travel and play.Pumps or flats for work. These ferragamos have just the right heel for being on your feet all day (best investment I have ever made). I hate taking my shoes off bare feet on airport floor.. But if you do have to take your shoes off wear boots and socks. So your feet don't have to touch the floor of the airport (i'm funny about that).

And it all fits in this tiny, tiny suitcase.
With plenty room to pack what ever you buy on your trip.

The Wrap Dress

2018-09-11T11:51:00.000-04:00

I was watching the Book Club movie and Jane Fonda had on the prettiest leopard wrap dress that look as if it was made from TissueFaille. I started thinking about Diane von Furstenberg and her wrap dresses, that were so iconic back in the 70s. They are flattering to any figure, versatile and easy to pack and style.To this day these dresses are still a staple. This is my version. I had the Jersey in my stash of leopard (yes I love leopard so much until I have a bin of leopard)

I haven’t been sewing lately, and to get me back in the mood I wanted something easy. Looking at Diane’s wraps with a hefty price of 498.00. I used McCall’s7662 pattern. I Glanced at the guide sheet just to see how they were putting the dress together and I lost it 😟, so I had to wing it. I made a few changes but overall I’m very please with the design and the dress.

Changes I made:

FBA, adjustment
Made my belt to go all the way around my waist and wider (instead of the 2 ties).
Didn't add the band on sleeve, Also took out the ease from the sleeve.
Did not add the band around the waist. (probably the reason it was so short)
Did not close the bottom the way the guide sheet said (if you needed to pull the dress tighter closing the bottom would cause bunching of fabric.

The next dress I will add at least 3 inches or make the long dress.I really like this pattern.
I’m thinking I’ll probably make a few long sleeve tops from this pattern for the winter. You can always rock a scarf or camisole under.

What to do about the scraps Part2

2018-03-25T19:09:00.003-04:00

So when we were caring for my my mother-in-law, she wanted to give christmas gifts to all of her nurses and home health nurses at 3 different doctors offices 😉. She noticed that I was wearing an infinity scarf, of course she wanted all the nurses to have one.
I am talking 13 scarfs.

If you buy a yard of jersey you can get 2 scarfs from one yard. I didn't have a pattern but they are 56 by 15 inches. I used invisible thread so that the hand work would not show when sewing the closure.

My Easy Jacket

2018-03-23T21:07:00.000-04:00

So after my last post, Sarah wanted to know what pattern is used for this jacket. I noticed that I never gave any information for my jackets. This is for you Sarah. I used Simplicity 4768 Vintage pattern.

I have made six of them from this pattern, although this Pattern will probably be hard to fine, there are a lot of similar patterns out there. Just look for a raglan sleeve jacket, what I love about this pattern its it has darts in the sleeve. You never know how much that helps with the hanging of this sleeve. One of my favorite Vintage shops is momspatterns if you sign up she has great sales, and she always include a trinket in your order.

The trick with some vintage patterns is they run very oddly. So I would suggest if you’re going to make something with a vintage pattern that you do a Muslim fit before you cut your fabric. I don’t know how sizes ran back in the 50s but every vintage pattern that I’ve tried the fit was all wrong. It didn’t matter if I got a size too small or size too big.

I wanted to share my latest item I made from the same Simplicity 4768. I made it back when I was obsessed with leopard (still am) but never had time to blog about it, nor have I worn it. Its velvet, don't you love this fabric? I purchased the fabric on eBay, it was 30.00 per yard. I watched it for 2 weeks before I broke down and purchased it LOL, I am so glad I did, its perfect for this crazy weather we are having right now..

What to do about all those scraps

2018-03-21T12:27:00.000-04:00

I have been obsessed with this St Johns Jacket, so I finally made one. This jacket was made from Ponte.

If you are like I am you love Ponte knit (it can’t get enough of it). I always buy much more than I need because I love the fabric, and then decide what to make later. With that being said I always have scraps of Ponte left over from my projects. Instead of tossing them I have a tendency to keep them. So I came up with this brilliant idea to make some color block tops.

I made this jacket I had a little fabric left over so I decided to make a T-shirt. The second thing I had to decide was, what color pants would I wear when I wear with this jacket. I had a piece of brown scrap lying around and I’m talking 5/8 of a yard or less. It was the perfect match to my brown pants.

So tell me what you think. Do you have some scraps laying around? Don't toss them, be creative.

No More Leopard

2017-11-28T17:07:00.001-05:00

I found this article in Real Simple and had to share. This is for you Tomasa, LOL.

Simplicity 1779

2017-11-27T16:22:00.000-05:00

Gonna Try at least. I’ve been talking a lot lately about leopard. If it sounds like I’m a little obsessed with it? It’s because I am. Every time I go in the fabric store I’m always drawn to the leopard/animal print. I saw this fabric and had to have it.

I felt like the colors in this fabric would go with jeans and all the different colors i had something in my closet to match. I have on a pair of blue pants. The pictures above don't do this fabric justice.

And its ANIMAL PRINT again..

I have made these bow tie blouses a few times. After I cut it out it only takes me an hour from start to finish. And because the fabric is knit they pack well.

More Leopard

2017-11-25T15:28:00.000-05:00

My last post was about leopard and the great finds on POLYVORE. I found this coat at H&M posted about it back in the summer. It finally got cold enough for me to wear it. I have also been obsessed with Pinterest. For different looks with leopard.

I think basic black works well, for me. I could not have made this lined jacket for 20.00.

Bell Bottoms

2017-09-12T20:28:00.000-04:00

I cannot believe how long its been since I have been on Pattern Review. The last review I did was back in November. WOW.
Anyway the grand daughters were here for summer so you know they always get me in my sewing room. We had such a good time. I think I have created a mini me. I started sewing at 7 shes a little older but at the right age. She has the bug. I am so happy for her.

So we made bell bottoms while they were here. Even for the little one. So the oldest one wanted bell bottoms. We made them very 70's look. See pattern review McCalls 7198.

Of course we made an infinity scarf to match. Amiya where are my pictures of your pants😍?

My Leopard Funky Find

2017-07-12T15:16:00.000-04:00

I haven't had a chance to get in my sewing room lately. We all know what I do when I cant sew... Yep I shop. H&M is one of my favorite places to shop. They always have great sales. We went to NYC to celebrate my 60th BD in May. Yep big 60. I found this coat on clearance. It was only 20.00 and there is no tax in NY. Boy did I need it. I carried tank tops and sandals on this trip, forgetting that although hot ATL was really hot, NYC was not.

A few weeks ago I decided to finally read this InStyle mag I had lying around. I was browsing through the pages, and low-in-behold there was a photo of Freida Pinto by her pinto, with my leopard coat on. Of course hers was a "Dior calfskin coat" my coat is just 100% cotton, heavy cotton though, and fully lined.

Hers probably cost "price upon request".We all know I could not have made this coat for 20.00. Gonna wear my coat with some jeans 2. After all 60 is the new 45...

Still Here

2017-05-04T16:10:00.002-04:00

Hi,
I know I have been not blogging of late. I haven't been sewing either. My Mother-in-law (like my mom) was in a horrible accident (not her fault). We have been going back and forth to Charleston to care for her. I have talked about her before she is 94 but was doing everything on her own. All your prayers are needed.

So I am paying bills and I get this pop up from Gilt I was curious about the web site as I have never heard of them. Since I make my cloths all I look for are accessories, shoes and inspiration. They had these gorgeous suede cross over shoes, which are really hot this summer.

I have had my eye on these Naturalizer cross over sandals at DSW. They are 44.95 and they come in beige and black suede. I just got a 10 coupon in the mail for my birthday. So I am going to DSW!!!

I know that we sewers love a bargain so I had to share this find. I hope the next time I post, It will be about something that I have made.

Forever21under 30.00

My Shoe Sickness

2017-03-26T15:46:00.000-04:00

So, I haven’t had a chance to post lately. I started thinking about my obsession with ballerina flats. When I was on the road I was on my feet all day so they worked for me.

Whats my excuse now???

I will buy the most expensive ones to the supper cheap ones. New ones and gently used ones. I just purchased this used pair from Posh for 8.00 + free shipping.

Posh 8.00

And I also got a pair from Walmart the other day for 5.99, as I was buying dog food. Cute right? They have no support what-so-ever. "Insole"

Walmart 5.99

Forever 21, and H&M, even Rainbow are some spots I like.

These are my 'Wish they were Chanel"
JC Penny and Forever 21. I really love the Tan.

I like wearing them in the summer.I have sandals for summer also but if my toes are not done, I can always throw on some flats. These aren’t all of them but I thought I would share them to see if I am the only one obsessed with ballerina flats.

When I buy used ones a lot of times they are too big, so I keep a supply of insoles on hand from the Dollar Tree, and best of all I have a fresh sole.

Upholstered Bench

2017-01-28T18:16:00.001-05:00

So I haven't been sewing lately been on a house decorating mission. I have wanted a bench for the house in Charleston for a while now. I saw this on Crate&Barrel for 799. Gorgeous right?

I look at Pinterest every chance I get for ideas, saw where someone did this. I found a coffee table on Craigslist for 20.00. Sorry I didnt take a before we chopped the table pic. Sort of had the lines. After putting it together I found that I should have purchased the foam in 2 sizes 1/2 inch for sides (or none at all) and 3 inch for top.

The foam cost more than the table. If you decide to do this. When you purchase your foam you need to purchase 3 inch foam for the top and no foam or very thin foam for the sides. I also used quilters batting so that my glue seams would not show through the velvet.

I purchased nail head tack tape from Joanne's so that I could put it around the bottom like my inspiration picture. But my 2 inch foam was too thick on the side for the tacks to be applied. So I decided not to add the tacks on this one.

I had some brown velvet in my stash. I am looking for another table to re-purpose.

Happy New Year

2017-01-04T20:27:00.000-05:00

Well its a new year again and time for resolutions promises and more sewing 😶.
I started my year off making a much needed swing jacket.

I purchased this ponte leopard fabric a while back from fine fabric. I think it was 4.99 a yard. I needed something new to wear to a holiday gathering and I didn't want to wear the usual holiday attire so I kicked up a notch. This is a vintage pattern that I really love, with raglan sleeves, super easy.

If you are a pattern reviewer you can see my review. I think ponte is the best thing ever. Its so easy to work with and it packs very well. When I came across this printed piece, it was a must for me. The black jacket in this photo is ponte also.

Coco decided that she wanted to get in the picture too.

A Night at the Aquarium

2016-11-27T18:14:00.003-05:00

We were invited to an AKA ball at the Georgia Aquarium. What a night. Since we were surrounded by the sea I decided to make a navy gown. I knew in my head what I wanted to make but could not find the exact pattern.
I used the 2 patterns below Butterick 4056 and Vogue 8113

The Vogue pattern I used for the bodice.I also wanted a little back to show so I made the back V neck I wanted the sleeves to be inverted to show my shoulders (Donna Karen says a woman never gains weight in her shoulders). I used the vogue pattern for the bottom.

I trim the neck line with rhinestones. We tied the trim in the back as I purchased more then I needed LOL.

I did the right thing in selecting the blue. What a lovely evening, there was dancing, dinner, cocktails, a silent auction. And all for a good cause. Not to mention my date was looking dashing himself.

Thanks Alex and Andrea for a lovely evening.

Jonesing For a Jumpsuit

2016-10-16T19:09:00.003-04:00

We all know that jumpsuits are back in a big way. I wanted one back when I was traveling but never found the right one. So I browsed Neiman Marcus site for inspiration simple is best.
Jumpsuit's are one of those things that you don't have to think about. You just put it on and go. Or as my wise 10 year old granddaughter says, "I love them, they one piece". Of course she is talking romper. But she was right!

I found this vintage, Simplicity8510 pattern circa 1998. I really like the simplicity of the suit. There was only one problem, it zips from the back! Can you imagine having to go to the potty at a party? So I had to change that.

Back View

I made the back high like the front added an invisible zipper. I did a muslin fit because jumpsuits are tricky with the length. I am short and I didn't want the crotch to hang at my knees. Trying on the pattern doesn't work for me. Does that work for anybody?

To my surprise I did not have to adjust the crotch at all. I had 4 yds of blue ponte in my stash. The muslin was a little snug, so I used my serger, so that I would have a little ease. I also didn't make my legs as wide as the pattern.

I am happy with the way it turned out. I have worn it several times. The fit is so good, I don't have to wear a belt. If I ever get back on the road again, I have to have at-least a few of these.

Dress Form Earrings

2016-10-03T19:30:00.002-04:00

I know it's been a minute since I have posted anything. I have good reasons, but I won't bore you with them.

I had to do a quick post so that you could see my new dress form earrings. I have been getting so many complements.

If you are not for familiar with Janet from LanetzLiving.net you need to be. Not only is the service fast, she always put some little trinket in your order. I don't know if I look forward to the patterns or what surprise she's going to have in the envelope. She is my go to for all vintage patterns.

The last sale, I ordered a few patterns (sign up to receive the emails and news letter. It could be raining out side and she will have a sale lol) any reason. When I received my order it had this cute little dress form. How cute is that? I wanted to put it on my Pandora. But decided it would be too long. So hubby, said "those would make nice earrings". I'm like yeah they would make really cute earrings.

So I sent Janet an email to ask her if I could buy another so that I can make earrings and you know what she said?
She said "no worries I'll just send you another".
Who does that? So when you think of vintage patterns think LanetzLiving.net. The patterns are priced right and the service is awesome. www.etsy.com/shop/LanetzLivingPatterns

Thanks Janet