Mocha-Style'.........style that flows

NL6488 | Shoulders Out!!

2017-06-03T15:05:00.000-05:00

Let's be clear, shoulders are out!!

Everywhere you go, shoulders are on display. Lately, all the Big-4 pattern releases
are keeping us on trend, and believe me I've coped just about every version!

My collection of cold shoulder, off the shoulder, one shoulder and just shoulder collection is getting real serious. 😀

For the most part, this pattern was easy to sew up, I used a 14 and made a few alterations.

When I tissue fitted, I didn't like how short the flounce or ruffles were against my chest, so I added 2" to the ruffles, all the way around. I also added 2' to the dress length, it's short now, but was even shorter. There's an invisible zip center back and a tie neck closure.

I purchased this lovely print fabric sometime last year from Gorgeous Fabrics, along with several others. It was my first purchase from there, after admiring her fabrics for so many years, ~~being cheap~~ I mean frugal. The color is more darker in person, I think my exposure is too light in my camera settings, oh well. 😕 It's a crepe de chine and really sews up well

All versions are really cute and simple, and doesn't take very long to sew up! I don't know how long this trend will last, but I'm digging it!

Till my next post,

C-ya!!!

B5758 | Ombre Racerback Dress

2017-05-26T10:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Fri-yay!!

I hope you've had a productive week, and great sewing plans for the weekend!

I'm sure there'll be a lot of fabric sales with the holiday approaching and I've been trying hard not to purchase fabric lately. I've put myself on a fabric diet,

and I haven't made not one purchase this year! (yay me!🙌)

But, sometimes I feel myself slipping tho......

I'm trying to work down my stash, (but its calling me...📣) and I found this really nice
tye-dyish spandexy type knit in the closet!

Unfortunately, I had less than 2 yards, so not enough for a maxi, but just

enough to squeeze out this OOP racerback dress! As you can see, not quite enough

to pattern match my side seams, but ehh.

The bodice is self lined and came together pretty easily, but the instructions for
attaching the racerback at the neck portion was very confusing. so of course I had to improvise and get her done. The skirt portion is fine, with pleats in the front and back but could've been fuller,
bonus if it had pockets, double bonus if I had more yards!! 😝
She's cute tho!

I'm happy, because this print makes me happy, and it's just in time for the southern
heat that's once again upon us!

B5758

How's your stash looking, or do you sew as you purchase?

What's a stash?

Till my next post,

C-ya!!!

M7579 | Nicole Miller Asymmetrical Seam-Detail Top

2017-05-19T13:00:00.000-05:00

When I first saw this Nicole Miller top in the McCalls spring release, I knew almost

immediately that I was making it! I love practically all her patterns,

Not only did the silhouette of the top catch my eye, but the pants were cute too!

However, this top is pieced together with 15 pieces, so be prepared!!

I was unsure if it needed any adjustments and if so, how the heck do I do that?!

I just sized up from my usual 14 to a 16 and hoped for the best. I just couldn't do a

muslin and cut this out twice. No way!

Despite taking the risk of not making a muslin, it turned out pretty good!

I used a lightweight rayon/poly fabric from my stash, with a nice flow. Now if I

decide to make this again, I will have to figure out how to lengthen it a bit.

The pants are very cute with a fly front closure and detailed top-stitching seaming.

I think they would look great with a color combo. I sewed a size 16 which is what I normally

do, but these are really huge on me! I am literally swimming in these. I think my fabric selection didn't help either, even tho I used a ponte stable knit.

It's pretty hard to see the seam detailing with this print, but it's there! Amazingly, it

went together seamlessly! I originally made this

top as part of Faye's "Tops that Pop" challenge.

Thanx Faye for the kick!📢

I've already managed to tighten up the pants to alleviate the excess fabric in the thigh

area and the pooling around the knees. I'll make them again too!

In conclusion, I'm very pleased with both pieces. When I usually purchase coordinates patterns,

the pieces don't always compliment each other. This set worked great together!

Please ignore the afternoon bath of my furbaby Smokey, he owns that window!!😼

The gem is always in the technical drawings, busy fabric can hide those great details!

Have you checked out the technical drawings, and realized they're better than the modeled pic?

What say you?

Till my next post,

C-ya!!

My World in Pictures

2017-05-18T14:25:00.000-05:00

Hiya!!
I miss my blog family!!😖😭

I realize they got apps for pics, but I wanna unload'em all here.

Yeah I got Insta, but this is my gram!

Mocha-gram!!😃😆

This post is pic heavy and not all sewing related.

Hey Fam!!!✋🙈

Daughter and toothpick......

..........Son & toothpick

Snoop shopping, love this romper

....... more snooping

Love Barns and Noble, always great finds

Cleaning and Organization😎😎😎😎

We make Muslins round these parts

Inspiration for a project!

Special Deliveries

Just Do It!!

Fruit Infused water!

Dorm Raids

Time to re-focus

Grimm Visit

UFO's👽👽👽

My Crew

😆😆😆

Back on the trails

Giving Shade

It's HOT in here!

Kroger fuel points, cashing in!!!💃💃

Got a selfie stick

😍It's DARYL😍

My Shadow

Client"s B-Day

Me and the crew were "Dead Presidents" for Halloween!

Roadtrip!!

Cute Bottle!! 😁

Painting with a Twist! ( uh, were regulars)

I put that sh#@ on everything!

We got a selfie stick! 😆😵

YES, it's a Washateria that serves beer!!🍺🍺

............... well, that's only a portion of "My World in Pictures"

M6752 | Printed Knit Dress

2016-03-09T10:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Hump-day Lovelies!!!

I believe I picked this pattern up in 2013, with the full intention
of making this shirt!

I still plan to make this top real soon, because that gathered zip
thing is soo Boss!!

But once I started cutting all the pieces out, I realized the dress looked

really cute and only had a few pieces to sew up!

I've been passing over this crinkly knit fabric, that's been in my stash
closet for years. I can't remember where I got it, but its sheer, stretchy
and I had just enough for this dress.

It didn't take much time to sew up, no fba was needed, I could've
lengthened it, but hey... I wanted to sew and go!! lol

I used clear elastic around the neckline, so it could lie flat. The shoulders were lightly gathered and the bodice actually has a lot of ease, kinda blousey in the bodice area, so I was unsure if or what
size belt to wear with it! Because I am not about to readjust
the fullness in no way!!

I forgot to add my usual length adjustment, so out the envelope it's kinda short on me, but I improvised...

I lined the skirt with a thin jetset knit from Handcock's, and
did a rolled hem treatment to make up for that short hem.

Worked out fine!

I'm pretty satisfied with the overall turnout, the mishaps were very minor and

I get a lot of wear out of this one, with a pair of sandals.

M6752 for reference

Till my next post,

C-ya!!!

V1236 | The DKNY 1-Hour dress! (2012)

2016-03-08T07:00:00.000-06:00

That's all it took to sew this baby up! Now, were not talking cutting and layout time here,
just actual sewing time. I found this cute seersucker at my local Hancocks,
and purchased what was left on the bolt (which was just enough)!

I have to admit, this is a pretty shapeless dress without the sash or belt, so it's

definitely needed. The dress design is very simple, I adore the pleated neckline and

you know I love a dress with pockets.

This was my first time sewing seersucker and it was a breeze to

work with, it feels so cool and airy. Honestly, I've tip-toed away from this type of fabric
in the past, only because the color selections often seemed too juvenile for me.
Glad I tried it!

I can see exactly why it's a "Best of 2011" on P.R. I mean, no hooks,

no zippers or buttons to fiddle with, what's not to love.

Til my next post, C-ya!

#1| Imma Juz B Honest

2016-03-02T09:00:00.000-06:00

B5950 | Grey and Black Stripes

2016-03-01T10:00:00.000-06:00

I hate wasting fabric....

Everytime I try to take pics for my blog, the phone goes crazy!!!

I mean, it could be worse, like what if this was video!! O-0

I look really wide in Spandex!!!

Speaking of video, how many of you guys vlog? Is it

instructional, more lifestyle, mixture? Is it easy?
There was a discussion on Periscope about reinventing the wheel.
Basically, is there an over-saturation of the same video, done over and over again.
For instance, the circle skirt tutorial, the tulle skirt tutorial or the invisible zip tutorial etc...
Or maybe your viewers just want to see your way, or how you do it!!?

I been thinking, I been thinking...

I ordered this fabric from Fabricmart a few years ago. It's actually a spandex/lycra

fabric, although I thought I was ordering ity knit...
~yep ~

I got a closet full of, "I thought I was ordering......"

This was just an OK pattern for me. It's kinda blahh on me, maybe it's
the fit or just the fabric selection, dunno...

It went together pretty decent til I got to the skirt section. I had difficulty understanding
the pleating, do I leave the stitching in or nah, pleat going up or down?
Whateva! Done and done!

The pleats seemed to emphasize my kangeroo pouch instead of minimize.
Maybe I can save the bodice, and redo the skirt portion, trying to think...
I just can't make myself like this dress. Complete fail!!

Yep, will be donating this one.;-(


B5950 for Reference

How's your week going?
I sew appreciate you stopping by, til my next post

C-ya!!!

S1610 | Floral & Leather Dress

2016-02-26T12:00:00.000-06:00

Hellur, Happy Friday!!

I made this dress about 3yrs ago, it's been in draft mode waiting to be published. :-(
I posted this photo, in the FB group showing how I was attaching my faux leather trim..
It was extended, to make ties, but the pleather was stretchy.

The issue I was having was, whether or not to use hooks in the back, ties or
just close it up. I wanted it to be thick enough to hide my bra strap, and not to worry
about the ties wearing out over time from retying it. Well, ......I just closed it. I pull it over
my head first, then zip! lol

I used the top from Simplicity1610, the seaming made it easy for
me to do my usual FBA. I extended the upper back, by 1.5" to make sure
my bra wouldn't show from behind. My girls need support at all times,
which is why I love being able to alter to fit me!

I decided to just draft my own skirt, and omitted the skirt with pockets
included in the pattern. I wanted it to be more fuller, for complete
twirl-ability situations!! lol (yeah, I made that word! #twirl-ability)

I lined both the bodice and skirt portion with simple

white Kona cotton, which I keep on hand by the bolt!

I purchased this beautiful stretch sateen fabric from
High Fashion Fabrics here locally. Wish I'd
gotten much more for a Blazer tho. (live and learn :-( )

I paired it with my most favoritest belt, (yeah made that one up too!)
since the trim is leftover fabric from my obi anyway...

The back is just the continuation of the neck trim. I tried it on, measured,
sewed it up, works pretty comfy since it stretches.

All n all, I'm pretty satisfied with how this Frankenpattern turned

out, just as I envisioned it!

S1610 for Reference

Thanx for stopping by, til next time,
C-ya!!!

Mo Camo!! | Circle Skirt and Mesh Tee Dupe

2016-02-24T12:00:00.000-06:00

Ok, we've all established my love for camo right?!! Here, and here.

I bought a lot, since I love it, lol. May as well make as many separates and
interchangeable pieces as I can.....huh!?

Camo is kinda like a neutral, like leopard right? Well it is for me, lol.
I can't help it!!! bwahhh Dress already done, leggings coming up!!

I made this circle skirt with a zip, based on my own measurements.
I've seen soo many tutorials all over YouTube, Mimi has one
that's pretty easy to follow.

The top is a oop T-shirt M6658 that was made from stretch mesh that I
picked up locally from Fabrictopia. I copied it from another similar T I loved that now fits
extremely snug. I made the bling wording with my Silhouete Cameo, man I
luvs my Cameo! (I've made soo many great bling and vinyl T-shirts)

This T-shirt pattern is an oldie but goodie, that I've made
quite a few times. My t-n-t. It goes together pretty quickly, all done on the
serger! I always apply the sleeves using the flat method, much quicker!

I know camo ain't for everybody, but I'm a stickler for fancy hunting prints
I guess!

M6658 for Reference

Thanx for stopping by, Til next time,

C-ya!!!

M6612 | Cowl Maxi

2016-02-23T17:00:00.000-06:00

Hey Guys!! Long time no see, is it March yet? This year is moving too fast, gahhh.

I hope everything is going great for you in your sewing lab, my cave stays busy!! Unfortunately, I just can't seem to find time to blog about it!

I'm still sewing tho, and I've got quite a few post in drafts that I'm committing to publishing, starting with this yummy fabric.

I purchased this fabric some time ago from Fabricmart. It's a designer fabric, but I can't remember the designer since I purchased it a few years back, yea I kno....

The hand is so yummy, it's a knit but unsure what kind, and it's pretty heavy too!

I used McCall's 6612, and it's such a simple pattern. It was only 3

pieces, so of course that alone made life simple.

I had no problem putting it together, I did add 3" to the length for a true maxi experience.

I had to chop 2.5" from the cowl, because it was just too much cowl for me, lol.

Overall, it's very comfy and got plenty wear this ~~winter~~, I mean season.

We didn't get winter this year in these parts, just cool breezes.;-)

M6612 for Reference

Thanx for stopping by, til next time...

C-ya!!!

A Lil Mermaid

2015-09-16T19:45:00.000-05:00

I don't make a lotta skirts, but when I made this one it was sooo comfortable and easy I had to make it again, and again and again......

I've always loved the silhouette of the mermaid dress or skirt. However, I've never
had much success in finding any that flattered my invisible lady humps.
Most mermaid skirts that I've tried on, didn't really fit me, or gave
me that "BAM", I was hoping for, lol.

It could be, because they were made in a woven fabric, and I'm slightly hip-less, I dunno. So basically, over the years I felt like this style wasn't right for my body shape.

Then I came across a blog post, from a fellow blogger Shari over @ MyDailyThreadz. She explained in a video post, how to draft it in a knit fabric based on your own measurements, qeee!!!

I thought I'd give it a try! I mean, if it didn't look right, I could always make it into a pencil skirt, right?! I made my first one in black, and I really loved the fit!

It gave ME, a chic with No Hips, lol, a more curvier silhouette, yay!

Stretch pose

I didn't just stop at that one,

Stretch pose

I made this one....

Stretch pose

....and this one too!

.... and it looked great with my Jalie2804 tops, which btw I have an arsenal of. It's actually my "tnt" knit top favorite! I've made these tops in prints, solids and color blocked. So yeah, my fav!

This skirt wears very comfortably, just slip it on with a tee!

I rock them in my favorite boots or sandals, just sayin!

Much love to you, Shari I'm loving my mermaid skirts!

Thanx for stopping by, til next time...

C-ya!!!

M6696 | A Shirtdress that Fits

2015-08-31T14:00:00.000-05:00

Hey Sew Family, missed you!

I've always struggled when it comes to finding a great fitting shirt, blouse or even

shirtdress for that matter. When you're top heavy or a big busted gal, nothing ever fits right

especially if it buttons up! Off the rack I often deal with the infamous gaping, or have to settle for

a full blousey, or shapeless fit. This is one reason why I love sewing, "fit and options"! When I came across this pattern I immediately loved all the options, full or straight skirt, sleeveless, short sleeve and quarter length sleeves. I love a yoke back but most importantly, "no need to do an FBA"

this baby includes multiple cup sizes!!! What's not to love!

I've had this yellow cotton swiss dot in my stash for a long time, clueless about what to do

with it! I ordered 4yrds from Fabricmart when they were running a sale a few years back, I tend to stash and figure it out later, lol. (I can't be the only one that does this, huh?!)

I love the fitted bodice, no gaping at all!!! No fba's or pattern adjustments on this one.

The only adjustments were adding a lining!

The pleated back is gorg., I like how it's full in that area, yet fitted in the front and did I mention

I have waist definition, yeah!! I originally made this dress for Easter but wore it for Mother's day,

I felt pretty dainty that day.

This fabric sewed and pressed flawlessly. It's kinda sheer, but not see thru,

perfect for our climate. I couldn't button it on the manni, but it fits fine. I've dropped a few

pounds so I need to unstuff her a little, ;-)

I didn't line the bodice, but decided to line the skirt in a thin white cotton I found in the quilting

section at Hancock's. (I buy this by the bolt in black, white and cream for lining purposes,

with my coupons of course, js!)

It took me forever to hem this dress, not because it was hard, I just hate hemming!! It's the

last thing I do, so I tend to procrastinate. Is it awful that I have a closet full of unhemmed dresses?!

:- / Yeah, I kno.......

In the process of applying all 6,756 buttons, I've discovered a genius way of keeping them

put while I sew them all down!

After I've stitched all the buttonholes in, I mark the area, making sure they're lined up correctly....

....then I add some glue on the back with my handy dandy glue stick! Press it down in place

making sure my holes are straight the way I want them, and proceed to sew them one after

another without stopping to adjust or re-align! Genius right!? lol

(M6696 for my references)

Til next time, C-ya!!

S1283| Camo Crazy

2014-10-26T06:00:00.000-06:00

Like many in the sewing community, I was very excited to hear about Mimi G.'s collaboration

with Simplicity! I've been inspired by her creations for many years, and couldn't wait

for the release of her patterns.

S1283

I was very happy, and lucky my local Hancock had both her patterns when they came out,

so I snatched them up almost as soon as they put them on the shelves! What's even more awesome

as the beautiful, hip patterns, was the step-by-step video tutorials released in

conjunction with both patterns!

For the new sew sistas, the visual tutorials are extremely helpful. I'm not a newbie but I really

enjoy learning things visually and Mimi's tutorials always has great techniques, and easier methods plus I always pick up something new!👍

About this ensemble....... Loving it!

I didn't bother reading the instructions, I just followed along with the tutorial. I made a few adjustments along the way. I added 2.5" to the crop top to lengthen it a tad, but still have that crop look! I added 2" to the sleeves, just for assurance sake but really didn't need to. I cut the 14 size for the skirt based on the finished measurements. I normally wear a 16, so I blended up to the 16 waistband for a comfier fit! (didn't want spillage above and below the waistband, lol)

The top was easy to assemble, and I find it's a great staple piece. Now for the daring, you

can wear it as is, "cropped", or you can add a few inches as I did or even a few more and its a great mock turtleneck! I've already drafted a nice dress from this top to wear with my favorite blazer.

I'm also truely diggin this high waisted pencil skirt! Of course I have some already, but I love the fact that I can use up some of my left over fabric, (that I hate to throw away) as the side panels. The possibilities are endless so many design options leather, plaids, piping more color blocking etc.

S1283 for Reference

*********************************************************************************

Camo Crazy

I saw this "Ponte Camo" fabric earlier in the spring at Fabric Mart, and put it on my wishlist that morning. Well, by the time I got home it was only a 1/2 yard left !! I was sick, ... seriously!

A few weeks later it was back in stock, and they had a sale on knits soo you kno

I copped 6yards!! Uhm yes I did,... since I'm Camo Crazy, lol. I made quite a few things with it, and promise to post it later. In the meantime, I've been scouring the net for a cotton blend camo of some sorts to do a peplum blazer. If you come across any, please do share!

Til next time See-ya!!

M6884 | And our Son's new baby

2014-06-30T17:36:00.000-05:00

Hey guys I hope you had a wonderful weekend!!! My family and I sure did.

If you're friend on FB, you may know that my son is in the FFA. Earlier this year

he competed in a calf scramble at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He was able to rustle down a baby calf to raise for scholarship funds. Well, on Sunday he got his calf. Yea!

She's still a baby.

Having a son in the FFA is a lot of responsibility. This aint his first rodeo, tho! lol

We've had rabbits, pigs and now a Heifer. (Insert Green Acres song here) He's been planning ahead for college very responsibly and I'm very proud of him!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I made this dress a few weeks ago and it was pretty pleasant to sew. I didn't have to

alter it in anyway so that's always a good thing for me!

The front is a mock wrap dress, and I made view A. I don't have any yellow in my closet, but this year I decided to try more golds and yellows. I've always had in my head that I was too dark for yellow and orange colors so I steered away from them. I'm still not to sold on it, but I'm trying.

I picked this fabric up from Michael Levine, I love their vast selection of knit fabrics. (Just hate I can't purchase 1/2 yards) I had no idea if I'd like this fabric or not til I received it, but I likes it!!

It's a ity knit and feels great. I paired the dress with a pair of gold slings for the

photo, but I'm still looking for something else that will go with this.

Speaking of yellows, I still haven't posted my very yellow Easter dress yet! You

probably noticed it on my dress-form in the background of some of my other post.

That's coming up soon!

Stay cool everyone.

M6884 for Reference

Till next time, C-ya!!

V1027 | Tye-Dye-Ombre' Twirl

2014-05-16T07:58:00.000-05:00

This dress is an oldie but goodie!

I made the longer version for my B-Day a few years ago.

I was influenced by Mimi, to make this shorter version. Her style is amazing!

She rocked it and I loved it, so of course I had to copy!

I purchased this gorgeous tye-dye knit fabric from Michael Levine after seeing

the fabric she used for her dress. It's a crinkly feeling knit, but there's not a whole lotta

stretch to it and it feels like it has a little spandex in it, idk.

I tried a different earthy colorway, that I adore. I knew I should've purchased some of the other colorways

before they sold out! They would make great Maxi's, and you know I lurve a Maxi, lol!

Fortunately, I didn't have to make any adjustments because I made them

previously when I made this dress before. The same alterations were used, a fba, and 2"'

added to the bodice length. Oh, and of course, shortened!

Oh yeah, and it still has some twirl to it!!

Pockets and twirl-ability, my two favorites! (~_~)

Til my next post, C-ya!!

B5206 | Chetta B. in Plaid

2014-05-09T09:24:00.000-05:00

This is a Chetta B. style wrap dress by Butterick, and I love how simple it was to sew up.
It's a faux wrap style dress, without the inconvenience of the skirt part flashing, lol!

This fabric, that fabric, is a gorgeous ITY plaid knit that I purchased from Fabricmart a few years
back. I must say, I'm sick I didn't purchase more. I love it!

The flared skirt, is the perfect width I didn't even bother to hem it. Now the belt took a bit to sew up, only because of the extensive amount of binding required. But the outcome really made it pop!

However, I'm still in love with my other obi, it's a bit more sturdy, hides my
side rolls, and cinches the waist better (for me)!

"There will be cleavage", in this dress. You can always raise the neckline for more coverage or
wear a cami to shield the girls. I opt to pin depending on the occasion!

I chose to give myself a little more room in the bodice by adding 1.5 inches to the width.

I also added 1' of length to the bodice front and back!

I think I like my ole obi better!

This pattern includes a zipper, but I dont feel it's needed. It also instructs you to sew

part of the belt to the dress but, if you like options there's no need there. It also runs a tad big,

I took it in a bit on the side seams, and I cut a 14!

In conclusion, this was so easy to sew, fun to wear, so I may even sew up another one.

When I'm in a sewing rut, I go for easy, so this may be that instant gratification dress for me.

For Reference B5206

Til my next post, C-ya!!

M6570 | Flower Power

2014-05-07T12:05:00.001-05:00

For this skirt, I picked this bold and loud printed fabric, from

the quilting section of my local Joann's. Uh yeah!

I often times don't even go towards that section, unless I'm looking for broadcloth to line

with, a ruler, some chalk or some safety pins.

But sis, it's some great prints in this section, it aint just for quilting, No!

When I first saw this pattern, I thought I saw that cover pic fabric in the quilting section, lol. But, I also loved the skirt itself. I love, love the wide band, it actually wraps around the waist.

I cant tie a pretty bow to save my life!!!!! Ugggh, anyway!

I always wanted to try this framing effect, kinda like framing art in a picture or

blocking, idk. I'm luvin that it has pockets which is always a plus for me.

Can I twirl in it? Check, lol.

This skirt also came with a cute 1-tier petticoat pattern. I followed the pattern and only added 1 row of ruffling for the petticoat, but i think doubling it would look even fuller!

I didnt make the top, but it's cute too! Just paired it with a simple red T-shirt.
I just found a mustard T-shirt that looks great with this too.
Sidenote: I love JC Penny's T-shirts they are so soft and haven't faded!

M6570 | For Reference

Til my next post, C-ya!!

V8825 | Dupe-de-Duped

2014-05-06T08:38:00.000-05:00

I recently participated in a sew-along where we were all sewing up V8825. To my surprise, when I went stash diving I came across the exact same fabric the model was wearing in my stash!

I'm glad I joined in, or this pattern would've been forgotten amongst the many

others I tend to collect. I probably would'nt know how fab this dress was!

Things I love about this dress: I love the long sleeves with the cuff band, the bodice shaping into the collar. I really love the extra long ties, very flirty! ;-)

You can really see the tucks here, I know the fabric is busy but I like!
Can you believe this was clearance fabric from Fabricmart!

I did, like a few others, stumble a bit on the placement of the collar. It took a

few cocktail breaks to figure it out. Although it didn't appear like it would fit correctly,

I realized just sewing it like instructed worked out just fine!

It wasn't hemmed in the pics, but I serged and twin needle finished the hem. I noted that, everyone's finished version was the length of the models. I didn't add to the length, this is where it stops on 5''9er's out the envelope. Still love it- love it-love it, tho! What a great dupe!

For Reference V8825

Til my next post, C-ya!!

S1365 | WIP's and a photo bomber

2014-05-05T14:17:00.001-05:00

When Simplicity released their Summer patterns, I must admit I didn't immediately

run to the site like I have in past, because lately it's only been one maybe

two I'd purchase. But when I did get around to looking at the summer release,

surprisingly I really liked quite a few of them! Hey-hey!

Original Pattern

Now this one in particular I was very fond of (check out the price). I've had this original pattern pinned on my board forever!!! I was too excited that they re-released it!!!

My search was ova, ya hear, lol!

This reminded me of the good ole seventies soo much! I couldn't even wait til it

arrived in my local fabric store, so I downloaded the PDF! How bout that!

So, I sewed it right up with some old fabric to see if there were any alterations

I needed to make. I traced the size 14 and after sewing it up I had some gaping on the sides.

So I folded out a dart, which you can see below, and that seemed to do the trick.

I wear a DD-cup so it was a little big so you can go from there far as sizing!

I think I will interface the midriff for more stability, so my rolls don't show, lol.

This is probably the only type of halter I feel comfortable enough to wear, I cant

do full belly, No! The peplum covers my tummy perfectly, I can get away with some jeans, shorts or a skirt.

I may need to extend the back peplum a inch or two to close it up a bit, but I'm satisfied that there is no spillage on the sides. I'm a seventies baby, well eighties too, and I love that era of clothing. I plan to remake this in denim & gingham, so I may or may not need midriff interfacing, depending on the weight of the denim.

Oh, and that's my cheesy son doing the, "Nae-Nae" or whatever in the background. Chern I tell ya, supposed to be my photographer. :-/

For Reference

Til my next post, C-ya!!

S2444 | Sew Dolly Clackett!

2014-04-24T11:01:00.000-05:00

Here's my dress for the Sew Dolly Clackett. Better late than never, lol. I finished this earlier

in the week but didn't get to take pictures till I got off work,.....last nite!!

I know, I know, time management.;-)

This sew-along is hosted by Sarah, for all us who stalk Roisin's blog (dolly clackett) as a wedding

gift from the online community. All dresses are inspired in honor of her impeccable style of dresses.

I chose to make Simplicity's 2444 based on her love for this style of dress. I used a novelty

cotton I found at Hancock in this Pirate Skull print that I thought was pretty fun.

I so wish that I could've taken the photo's outside my front door Dolly style, but by

the time I made it home the sun was going down and the moon was peeping out.

So the sewing cave it is!

Instead of lining the bodice, I chose to use bias tape around the armholes and neckline.

I lined the skirt portion in black Kona Cotton. I love the pleating on the full skirt,

which is unseen on this busy print.

I've been stalking Roisin's blog for quite some time, and I adore

her many dresses. (even have a few pinned!) When I heard about the sew-along,

I knew I wanted to join in, but saw the deadline only a week ago.

Check out the pool of all the beautiful dresses created in

honor of Roisin and Nic. My congrats to the couple on their upcoming nuptials!

Til my next post, C-ya!!

V8968| Splattered and Tye Dyed

2014-04-17T12:47:00.002-05:00

This Vogue was rated very easy, but I found myself stumped a couple times.

I chose to do the v-neck version, and that part was pretty easy!

But the hem which was cut on the crossgrain, which you have to cut out 4 times!

Well that somehow gave me the Blues.

It wasnt cutting it out, just sewing it to the upper half of the dress! I had to

rip it apart a few times because the angles or points was not lining up or falling right!!

I had to put it down a couple days and come back to it, wine in hand

and just attach it the best I could.

I'm all about comfort and coolness with the Texas summer approaching, so this

project wasn't going to get the best of me, lol.

After that less than epic battle with tha "Very Easy Vogue" I thought it would look cute with my favorite sunnies. I'm really digging this tye-dye/splatter effect on this fabric and even more-so since it compliments my orangish hair color, lol. As much as I like this dress, nurp, won't be making it again!!

Till my next post,

C-ya!!

M6744 | Ready for Summer

2014-04-15T18:30:00.000-05:00

A couple weeks ago Adrienne posted a beautiful collection of her vacation dresses, and M6744 was in the lineup. I've had this pattern since it came out last summer, but didn't realize how cute it was til I saw Adrienne's.

I knew I had just the right fabric in my stash! A beautiful Oriental Floral Lattice

ity knit, that I got from Fabricmart.

I picked this up with no clue what I was making with it, but I loved it so much. It came in a few different colorways, which I am now considering scooping up.

It looks great with a belt, or self fabric belt, which I forgot to take a pic of. :-/

Had to show my low-key split, lol. The good thing is, it's really not so revealing! I love
how the dress shows the fabric off and the split is just enough sexy without overkill.

Yep, this is going to be in heavy rotation this summer, you know my love for Maxi's!

M6744 (for reference)

*********************************************************************************

I need to improve my pattern cataloging system because I often purchase the same patterns more than once! I have soo many duplicate patterns, and this is one of them! If you don't have this one, but would like to try it I have one up for grabs!! Just comment below, and I will make a selection by 4-22-14.
If the fabric is still in stock, you can get it here, here and here!

Till my next post C-ya!!

Happy 17th Anniversary.....

2014-04-15T13:31:00.000-05:00

.....well belated!

On April 12th, we celebrated our 17 wedding anniversary!

Yay us!! But we've been together a total of 30 years!

Thank you for being a great husband, father, friend, lover, boyfriend, cheerleader, handyman, chauffeur, counselor, mechanic, business partner, coach, bus-driver, financial adviser, once-a-year chef and fabric sponsor, lol!

One thing I've learned that is so important in a marriage is, being right is not more

important than being happy.

Many, many hugs and kisses, I love, love this man!!!

Burda 6919 | Another Little Black Dress

2014-04-14T18:30:00.000-05:00

In the past, I only owned a few Burda Style patterns. But recently I was able to grow my stash when a local Joann's was closing. To be honest my whole Big-4 stash grew, when all patterns were priced at $1.99!!! I was lucky to pick this one up because those pattern drawers were almost empty.

Please excuse the location shots in my sewing cave, my other location is temporarly a gym for now, lol. (I'm on a fitness weight-loss journey, that 40/40 club gotta work-it-out!) More on that later!

I was a little worried about whether or not I needed to add seam allowances, but thank

goodness you don't for Burda Style.

I can't even explain how I mixed up putting the pleated sections opposite each other instead of where they belong according to the instructions. I didn't notice at all until I looked at the envelope. Oh well..... I digress.

Of course the cut out sleeves is what attracted me to this pattern, since I see

it on a lot of RTW

I lucked up on this fabric from Fabricmartfabrics.com during one of their great sales.

I went to order more but they seems to be sold out. It's a Ponte

Knit with a rayon poly blend. Such a dream to sew and work with!

This was pretty easy to sew up, the instructions were very simple to follow. It was great

not needing to alter anything just sewing it straight out the envelope!

Burda 6919 (for reference)

Til next time C-ya!!