Peace, Love, & Namaste

The Why

2011-11-21T20:43:00.002-05:00

Thanks everyone for all the nice comments on the Vogue Vena Cava 1258. It is one of those things that kind of grows on you the longer you have it on.

What I do like:

I love the color.

It's extremely comfortable as I made it in a stable cotton knit.

It has pockets.

It's not your run of the mill dress.

Shoot I made it!!!

What I don't like:

There is some extra puffiness that I'm sure will have everyone asking me at the diner table if I'm expecting. Like it kinds of sits out from the body. Perhaps a slinky knit would have been better.

I wish the ties gave me the ability to really cinch the dress in more, but they are kind of just for show.

The ties are really long.

I did make the bottom a 14 and the top a twelve so I will pick it apart and see if I can reduced some of the extra poof by bringing the bottom closer to a 12. If I were to make the dress again a slight sway back adjustment would also be in order, but I can live with were it is right now.

Tomorrow I will be tinkering around to see if I can make me feel better about this dress, deciding if I can make another dress in two days, or if a trip to the mall is in order :)

We're All Undecided Over Here

2011-11-21T01:14:00.001-05:00

I love it and hate it.
It's cute and it's ugly.
We're all undecided over here.

So October Was a Bust!!

2011-11-02T10:30:00.003-04:00

That's how it is sometimes. Cheerleading just wore me out, but now that it's over I kind of miss it!!

I found out the other day that I will have a hot date for Thanksgiving dinner! Yup DJ is coming home a bit earlier than expected so now I must make something cute for visiting the family in Dallas.

I decided on V1258. It's a knit so it will be comfy, it shows off my good ASSets, and it has all that busy stuff going on in the front so I can eat as much sweet potato and pumpkin pie as I want!! I'm going to use a solid teal mystery knit I got from Hancocks.

I also did manage to get the clover cut out. I just need to interface the waistband pieces. I'm not really sure if I will get to roll over everything I wanted to do in October so I'm just going to commit to doing what I can.

I want to start making sewing vlog videos but I'm debating if I will start a separate channel just for sewing or throw them together with my regular channel. I would be doing the vlog because of sheer laziness. Sometimes I want to talk about sewing but I don't feel like linking and taking pictures so I'm thinking that maybe that will be easier on those days. I can just hold up the piece of fabric or pattern and say "Look" LOL!!

Have a good day everyone!

Decor Help!

2011-10-14T10:24:00.002-04:00

I am in love with grey and yellow!!! So much so that DJ will have to stop me because at the rate I'm going the kitchen, dinning room, living room, bedroom, nursery for any future kids, sewing room, and wedding theme will be grey and yellow. So far he has agreed to the kitchen lol. I would like a word art poster made of this jpeg that I found via Erica B's pinterest. The problem is its not a high enough resolution to make a poster print from. It originates from tumblr according to the pin, but when I try to look at it directly from tumblr it says "access denied". I was hoping that I could get to the source and pay them for a higher quality jpeg. What is my next step? Take it to a graphic design shop and ask them to recreate it? My heart will just crumble if this can not be in my kitchen....not really but I really really really really really WANT IT!!!!!

If you want to follow my yellow+grey-itis you can on this Pinterest board.

And yes Maryland is the South! I know deep South southerners don't like to claim Maryland but y'all can claim me! My grandparents came from the Georgia, Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee. Texas is also considered the South...actually it does a lot better than Maryland.

Have a good day folks!!

Cheerleading has taken my sewjo!!!

2011-10-11T12:32:00.003-04:00

I want it to give it back!!

Cheerleading is now the debil in my house according to me and Madi. Unfortunately or fortunately the other one is all smiles. Honestly Boogie's attitude has never been better. I guess all that jumping and cheering releases some happy endorphins. She got all 90 somethings on her report card. Texas is the best place in the world now. She really liked being here but out of the two her heart was very much still in Maryland. Now I don't think I could pull her away from here.

Me and Madi though, we don't know how to deal. It's competition time so practice is damn near everyday. Sometimes when practice is suppose to be an hour it's actually 3. We cheer at 2 games on the weekend that are not back to back so we stay at the field all fan freakin day!!! I am know two more shades of crispy than I was before. Have nooooooo energy. I only look at my patterns and fantasize. I was so excited about Clover and the pink fabric Tawana sent me but I have not done a single thing sewing related. Not even cut out a pattern. Of course I did go buy some more patterns, cause I can at least do that right? :)

Every other day they asking for money for something cute. Actually 20 dollars. Everything is 20 dollars when it comes to cheerleading I've come to learn. I think I spent 100 when it was my turn to be snack provider! Did I tell you just to join was $200? No? Didn't think I did.

The good parts:

I'm learning new places and parts of this place that is now home trying to get her to different practice locations.

I'm meeting other mothers. We ain't all buddy buddy chummy but we have nice chit chat while we waiting. One mom I talk to all the time calls me Maryland. I think it's cute.

The team she cheers for is undefeated. It's always good to be on the side of winners.

The squad she cheers with is undefeated at competition. Again WINNNING!! lol

Boogie loves it.

And that my friends is worth a temporary loss of sewjo!

September Report Card and Distrations

2011-10-05T09:38:00.005-04:00

Well folks September was pretty fanfreakintastic sewing wise for me as far as productivity is concerned. According to the side bar I had the goals of 2 Knit Tops, 2 Woven Tops, and 2 Skirts.

I managed to accomplish:

2 knit McCalls 6435

1 cardigan jacket

1 Crescent Skirt

1 woven top S2599

Not too bad if I don't say so myself! I haven't blogged about a lot of these yet because as Serenity mentioned I know y'all want to see them on me and not Diana. After the Clover and last knit top is done I hope to do a kind of fashion show for you all showing my different outfits out of the 6 pieces I made to go together.

I so wanted to finish my circle skirt but once I had the pattern pieces made I was at a lost with how to place them on my stripped fabric so that they would turn out right.

This is about what I had in mind minus the waist area part. I really just could not see anyway I laid down the pattern pieces resulting in this. Maybe it would have and I should have just took a leap of faith. I will be doing a circle skirt soon, I just have to settle on a fabric again.

For October I have high expectations again! I hope to complete my Clover pants, a knit top, a vogue knit dress, and at least conquer the muslins for one jacket and one coat. Yup ambitious!!

However I have recently accrued some new distractions.

Distraction#1

Baby girl is now a cheerleader and practice is two hours in the evening 2 to 3 days a week. Surprisingly even though I am home all day, after dinner is usually when I'm the most productive sewing wise. I will have to try and switch my clock around in the month of October.

Distraction#2

Yup I got me a Mac! So rewrapping my head around a completely different OS eats up a lot of time. For those Mac heads what's your favorite MacBook or whatever the hell they call their desktop model apps?

Ok guys off to change up the sidebars!

Have a good day everyone!

The Best Gee Golly Cardigan

2011-09-25T19:37:00.005-04:00

I love my McCall's 6408 View B so much that I had to share it with y'all before I cut the serger thread tails off!!!!

Yes black is horrible thing to try to photograph.

When I was making this I wanted to make one for every female in my family for Christmas....it's that easy and nice looking on. I made the medium with no alterations.

With this done and the Crescent only needing 3/4 to be hemmed(yes I only hemmed about quarter and stopped lol) I really only have one more knit top and the Clover pants to do and this palette will be finished.

Trying Out Color Blocking

2011-09-25T19:04:00.001-04:00

I raised the neckline like I said I would and lengthen the sleeves.

Release the Hounds

2011-09-22T22:05:00.003-04:00

So I've finished 4 things this month so far but I show you the forth thing first. Silly huh? It's a cute little top made from McCalls 6435.

Pattern Description:
Close fitting, pullover tops have neck and sleeve length variation. A,B: Heart shaped yoke. C,D: Asymmetrical shaped yoke. I made view A

Pattern Sizing:
I made a size 14 with no changes.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes very much so.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes!
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love the sweetheart bodice. Take good look at the neckline and decide if that's the effect you want. I think that the yoke front is too low. It is not reveling but I feel like the neckline should be higher for a more dramatic contrast effect. I have not turned the hem the 5/8 they recommend to not lose anymore of the neckline but surged the edges.
Fabric Used:
Knit poly's from Fabric Mart.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I did not make any changes this time around but I will raise the neckline for future ones.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes it's a very cute top and I would recommend it.
Conclusion:
Houndstooth seems to be all over the place and this is a cute way to add on trend prints. I plan to do one using a cheetah print I have.

Am I The Only One?

2011-09-20T09:36:00.002-04:00

Do you ever look at people in RTW and want to say something like:

"Honey that crotch curve is much to low/high for you."

"You need a sway back adjustment on that dress like yesterday!"

"You have frowns/wrinkles in your pants....somethings not right."

It's funny that before I could sew or learned anything about fit my biggest pet peeve was people who wear the wrong size. Now even when something fits I'm picking it apart because it's not a fine tuned fit.

But it's RTW Shawnta it's not suppose to fit like it was made for your body.

Oh yeah that's why I sew.

Today I'm going to finish hand sewing my hem on the crescent skirt or watch a video on how to use a blind hem foot that I believe one of these machines should have. I have some beeswax now so maybe the hemming will not be a pain like the last couple of times. I need to post some reviews but y'all know my issue. Maybe I should just drag the dress form outside?

I found a very cool post by Tina of So-so Sewist where she shows how different a FBA looks like depending on the method. It's really neat if you are FBA crazy like me. I haven't made any head way with mine and the only reason is I don't feel like tracing. Maybe today I will download a Burda princess seam shirt or jacket to try it out. For some reason taping feels less like work than tracing. As I type this I realize that is silly and will probably trace.

Why do schools take all your money at the beginning of the year? I've already shelled out for cookie dough fund raiser, pictures, PTA, and spirit gear. They haven't been in school a month!

I have been doing SSS11. I don't leave my house. At this point I'm actually questioning why do I have clothes....cause I don't leave my house.

"Quartz, Parchment, Shears!!!!"

I leave you all today with the funniest thing I've recently seen on Pinterest.

The caption said "Fine I'll just sleep over here then"

Source: helloadorable.com via divinerae on Pinterest

Stuck In 1X

2011-09-17T18:07:00.003-04:00

Signal that is.

For the past week my cell phone has not had 3g coverage at all which makes everything I do on my phone either not work at all or take forever. I do everything with the mobile including blog and reply to other peoples blog through the reader app. If you have missed me that's where I've been, stuck in signal purgatory.

Can I tell you I'm not in love with the new plan B? Sigh!!!! I'm basically three items deep into it though. I like everything I have made thus far but it's just not feeling like a wardrobe. I think I'm going to take out the Beignet and save it for a set that will have this lovely fabric in it.

I also will take out the animal print sweetheart bodice t-shirt and go with the hounds tooth one. Of course Hancocks did not have the new patterns but BMV had a decent enough sale this weekend so I got M6442, M6435, and M6433.

Time to get caught up with everyone!!!!

Plan B

2011-09-11T17:07:00.004-04:00

Secrets for fitting slim pants quoted from the Fall 2011 Sewstylish magazine:

"Stretch is also a key element. Whether your pattern calls for a knit or a woven, be sure your fabric contains 2 to 7 percent spandex. This enables woven fabrics to stretch and helps keep either wovens or knits in shape."

Friends none of my orange material has any stretch to them so no orange cigarette pants for me. :(

I am determined to make those Clover pants and the whole shebang will change because of that determination. Oh and you all should pick up that SewStylish!! It is packed with articles like how to match up plaids, working with fleece, and a cute ruffle skirt pattern.

Anywhoooooo

I'm crossing my eyes, fingers, and toes that Hancocks has the new McCalls on Thursday so I can do the cheetah bodice shirt. I may put on the big girl britches and follow Zo's tutorial if I can't get the pattern. I haven't decided if I will pair the print with the beige knit or the black. There is no black in the cheetah print but I always like the way animal prints and black look together. I think there is usually some black in the prints when they pair those two together though so yeah I've just answered my own question. I can always do the black with some hounds tooth knit I have which is another hot print this season.

The denim Crescent just needs a hem. I really love the skirt but next time I will make it in a lighter fabric. It's cute and comfy though. How about I got it dirty already!!! I was wearing it to decide on the hem and then somebody asked for pancakes.

Funny side story not related to sewing which happened before the pancakes :)

Have you ever seen somebody gunning for you before they get to you? Like you just know they are coming for YOU. The girl scout cookie girl, that annoying mother at PTA that wants to sign you up for a billion things, the religious fanatic that wants to save your soul, you know we've all been there. Well it happened to me this morning while walking Sushi. Mind you it's 7:30 in the morning and I see her a distance away sitting in an odd place for where I live. I throw Sushi's business in the dumpster and as I turn I see her get up. Shit, I think to myself. I could feel her determination to get to me from all those yards away. She was barefoot, in a long skirt and a cut up refashioned top. She had classic rock music playing from who knows where. I'm thinking I have nothing to beat this woman with if things get crazy. Sushi likes people too much so no protection there. She speaks to Sushi first and asked if she's a yorkie. Long story short I talked to this young woman for almost 2 hours outside! o_O

We talked about autism, libraries, OCD, ghost, anime, zombies, breastfeeding, hamsters, mastifs, jeopardy, her soon to be ex husband, Massachusetts, and the economy.

I chuckle at how different it is here.

A Helping Hand

2011-09-08T18:48:00.004-04:00

I want to thank everyone who took the time to comment on my FBA crisis. At the end of it all it seems the only way to see what works best is to break out the muslin. I had planned on doing a muslin, but I wanted my muslin to be right. Silly huh? I hope one day I can just do a FBA like write my name.

Nobody as of yet have said if they thought 6.5 inches was too much ease for the style of jacket, but Alethia over at Sew Much Talent thought that 4.5 was enough.

I order the Fast Fit Sandra B and Fitting Finesse by Nancy Z. I'm in a rush so I'm not even going to pretend I can spell their names. A few comments and emails brought up the issue of bust points, which I don't think my dressform was accurately representing. To get a 38 bust on her, the high bust was always bigger than me. She was helpful in holding things up but not really for fitting . I decided that one of the things I could do was pad her up so that she can represent all of my cushioning.

A Botticelli vision ain't I?

FBA Cry for Help

2011-09-08T10:28:00.002-04:00

I need some help ladies!
I've been studying The Perfect Fit and Fit for Real People for the last three days but it is not clicking, or the practical application is not clicking I should say.
I have come to grips that I need a FBA since my high bust is a 34, size 12, and the full bust is a 38, size 16.
The jacket I am working on, s2056 has a shoulder princess seam and a whopping 6.5 inches of ease. Seems like too much for a jacket that looks semi-fitted but maybe it is not. The size 12 has a finished bust of 40.5, only giving the girls 2.5 inches. Most of the books I have say 4-5.5 inches is the recommended ease for a semi-fitted style.
Y'all with me thus far?
So I also read with the slash and spread method that you add .5 per size over a B cup. That would only be an extra 2 inches overall which would not get me to the recommended ease. I've also seen places where they caution the amount you add. I believe 1.5 inches was max. If you do more than that on a regular basis with good results please chime in.
If I go with that being the max for now that would get me to a 43.5, which gets me in the range of semi fitted ease.
I've seen people just divide by two or four the difference between the two sizes and just add that. For me that would mean making a 2inch space. Anybody do it that way with success? Doing it that way I would get all of the 6.5 that the pattern calls for, but will it mess up the overall look because it's too much?
I saw EricaB just add two inches to the front lapel piece and left the side alone on a shoulder princess seam. Would this be better?
My bust is fuller on the outer edge so would adding an inch to the side front and front lapel be good? I'm figuring I would not be putting too much strain on one piece if you are only supposed to add but so much.
I have also seen no more than .5 added to the bust curve on both pieces. This however I would only give me the 2 inches again.

Come on FBA warriors, give a girl a hand. Even if you don't feel proficient in them please chime in.

Productive Insomnia

2011-09-07T02:48:00.001-04:00

As of 1:35 AM all I have to do is hem the sleeves and bottom of this S2599.
I've also cut out a pattern. The new Simplicity 2056 Suede Says jacket is calling me even thouugh I only have it in a size 12, which is my high bust and only my high bust, will require pattern altering that I haven't done before. A lady with big hips probably has no business wanting ruffles sitting right there....but I do.
And I cut out a denim Sewaholic Crescent skirt.
I didn't start all these things til 9:30PM. Don't know what possessed me, but I'm sure gonna pay for it later on.

SSS11 #5 A Funk and A Refashion

2011-09-06T00:33:00.004-04:00

In a funky mood.
Miss DJ terribly.
Neither Handcocks or Hobby Lobby had the new McCalls.
It's actually chilly!

A day like today calls for simple refashion. It's a blue ombre tube top Maxi dress that no longer fit in the bust. I folded down the band at the top and topstitched to keep it down and neat. I'm getting a bit discouraged with my pictures. I just can't seem to get good lighting. I might end up having to dress up the dressform with my outfits after I take them off!!

A severe case I blahs have I!!!

One of my favorite's from him!!! Sounds like D'angelo is trying to get out of a funk with negative people and thinking in this song.

I should actually be happy that the weather is breaking and actually is a little crisp. That means that my fall sewing will not be too hot or go to waste!!!! The highs are are in the 80's but lows are high 50's to low 60's. Still very nice weather but for cold blooded people like myself that is at least jacket weather in the mornings. Tomorrow I think I will break out the pretty dresses just in case I'm running out of time here.

August Report Card

2011-09-04T20:14:00.003-04:00

Welp I aimed a little low and realistic last month to only work on Oasis pleated dress knock off....and I did work on it...a little.

I was able to make a gorgeous Lonsdale, a cute knit top that I am wearing again today, and mostly finish a S2599 blouse that was in the waddler pile until DJ gave me a pep talk. I also made a real waddler out of a 1970's pattern but somebody enjoys it.

This month I would like to continue to work on separates. I"m not going to get into specifics but I would call September successful if I make two knit tops, two woven tops, and two skirts. Anything after that would be icing on the cake.

So as I mentioned before I have on the same me made shirt I had on yesterday. The ladies at Hancocks thought it was very nice. SSS11 may reveal how much of a fashion rut I can crawl into. In my defense I did wear different jeans and tank top. :D

SSS11 #3 Something Is Better Than Nothing

2011-09-03T22:27:00.004-04:00

I've been at a cookout most of the day so I took this quick pic while trying to not look like a vain fool in front of DJ's family. Oh but don't worry because you will be seeing this shirt again. Everyone thought I had bought this M5271 from the store. :)

If Only They could Tape Themselves Together

2011-09-03T07:00:00.000-04:00

CSSA, FESA, SSS11....we all sound like some secret government operation or starships lol!!

I have finally figured out what I am doing for my bombshell dress!!
I'm not making a dress at all....just the bustier!

It's going to be out of a mustard color cotton. My circle skirt for the CSSA will be out of a linen that has dark stripes that almost resemble denim. See how nicely my challenges are playing with each other!

Now all I need to do is tape the dang-on pattern together. It is rediculus how that step keeps me from doing so much. I have 4 patterns sitting in my printer tray as I type. I got my Scotch magic tape. I got a clear floor. I got time. No excuses at all!!

SSS11 #2 Finding myself making every possible mistake

2011-09-02T17:28:00.002-04:00

McCalls 6083
With this pattern I found myself making every possible mistake.
I had hopes that I would live in this romper for the summer. It was suppose to be about where Ganesha head starts in length, but the raise was so droopy and in my nativity I thought scooping out the seat would make things better. All it did was make the legs shorter. I know now that I should have taking the extra length from the top of pants before attaching it to the tube top part.

I did do that but by that time I had to lose the pockets. It is about the most unflattering thing I have made to date. So it can only go up from here folks. In order to wear it as is I would have to put on some spanx or other support garment because this thing emphases my cesarean pooch. It's just not that dressy for that kind of discomfort. Also to make matters worse the elastic at the top is twisted in the back. The only reason I don't throw it away is because I own two pairs of shorts and 1 pair of capri pants. In a pinch with a shirt thrown over top it is perfectly fine to drop the girls at school or go to Walmart at either 6am or 1130pm....only :D

Colette Fall Palette Challenge Details

2011-09-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

The inspiration board:

The colors:

The fabric:

That one in the far left corner is a maybe. I'm not sure if it is "going" with everyone else. It's a nice stable jersey that I really wanted to make McCalls 6408. I will still make it anyway but it may get selective pairing.

Source: mccallpattern.mccall.com via divinerae on Pinterest

Next to that is a nice corduroy that I'm thinking of making a blazer or jacket from.
The mustard color is an almost complete Simplicity 2599.
The burnt orange is a stretch sateen for some cigarette pants. Very very tempted to get the Colette Clover even though I already have Simplicity 2315. Yup as soon as I'm able I will probably get the Clover.
The steel blue will be a pencil skirt that I haven't determined and Butterick 5615. Yup copying Trinicity's suit. I have no shame.
Navy fabric will be another Simplicity 2599.
Finally that piece of lightweight knit will be a combination of a T-shirt pattern and McCalls 5853

So there is Colette Fall Palette Challenge part of my plan. I would have included a couple of dresses but my Hancocks takes forever to get new patterns for some reason now. To be honest I think they may be closing. They have not gotten in any new buttons, twill or bias tape, or 22in invisible zippers since I've been here in March. Unless an online sale happens soon no new knit Vogues or that cool looking M6433 for me right now :(
Tomorrow I think we shall talk about Circle Skirts and Bombshells :)

SSS11#1 You Give Me Butterflies

2011-09-01T19:22:00.000-04:00

To make SSS11 a little more interesting I will try to find a favorite song of mine to kind of give a talking point for the garment.

Personally I prefer MJ's over Marsha's and I think she over uses it. I know it's her song and all but it had no business being on her last album because it just seemed like filler. That's DJ's girl though so I better not say too much ;)

Butterick 4800

This is the first garment I made after moving to Texas. I probably got this butterfly fabric in the Hancock remnant fabric bin. I believe it was only 7/8 of a 35" width. Tiny tiny, so the back and lining is white batiste.

Challenge Wh@%$

2011-09-01T09:48:00.005-04:00

I don't know what it is.
I see a challenge.
I must join.
MUST!!!!!!!!!!!!
My name is Shawnta and I'm a challenge-aholic.
*Group says "Hi Shawnta!"*
Here are the current tallies.

Fall Essentials Sew-Along 2011

Gertie's Bombshell Dress Class

Circle Skirt Sew Along with Casey of Elegant Musings

The Colette Fall Palette Challenge....cause all this sewing needs some structure

And last but not least:

Self Stitched Sept 2011

I have my very first self stitched garment that I made when I came to Texas on. I took a picture of it this morning but it was so gloomy out that the pictures looked horrible. The post is already written so hopefully when the mini-mes come home and the sun is out I can get some better shots.

I'll be posting some plans over the next couple of days. This September will probably have the most blog posts I have ever had in the history of the blog! Anybody else a challenge crackhead like me? If you are participating in any of the above link you blog post talking about your plans in case I may have missed them in my Reader. The good thing is that these challenges should intermingle and play nicely with one another..... :-D

Gonna Need All The Help I Can Get

2011-08-29T21:11:00.000-04:00

Madisyn made me a lil sewing Tiki warrior out of my pins and tomato pin cushion. Don't worry I have more pins....all the brand new ones are on the magnetic grabber thingy.

Self Stitched September is two days away and it's looking a little pitiful in the closet. I see 3 shirts, one pair of shorts, a romper, 3 casual dresses, 2 sorta dressy dresses, and 2 special occasion dresses.

Yup all the help I can get.

Redemption in McCall's 5271

2011-08-26T17:11:00.002-04:00

You know how a project can just get you down when it doesn't turn out the way you wanted? Well I had to recover fast before I wallow my sorrows away in cookie dough and apple soda.

That's a RTW tank under it.
My photos will probably all be on Diana till September. I don't want you to get bored of seeing my face before the Self Stitch September Challenge begins!!
McCall's 5271 is an out of print pattern that I was introduced to by this review. Yup another case of pattern envy, but it was exactly what I had wanted. I had been toying around with attempting to grade this Lekala pattern or buying the drafted to your measurements pattern, but the lack of directions held me back. I may still give them a whirl in the future because their designs are really nice.

I made no changes to the size Medium. The arms are a little bit snug but not bad for me. If you can get this pattern it has very nice options and you will probably be seeing at least a couple of these. My fabric was some 1.99 knit at Hancocks that I thought might be too soft to be anything but a scarf. The pattern calls for 2-way stretch and I'm sure this stuff is 4, but I had my heart set on "drappy" stripes for some reason. The next ones I make will be in a more stable knit for sure.

More later!