SewCool21

Pattern review: The curvy clutch/ Hand Felted clutch

2013-02-27T17:50:00.000-08:00

I made this clutch in my textile class last year in December. I used the Curvy clutch pattern I found on Etsy to create it. I was so busy last year with finals that I never got to show off my work that I made in class.

Inspiration for clutch flap

Size: This Pattern was easy and quick to make. The pattern comes in three sizes small, medium, and large. I made the small clutch.

Fabric Used: I had so much fun creating this pattern. I hand felted the outer fabric for the clutch with Alpaca fibers. The inspiration for the flap design was a maze. I created it by cutting the design out of a sample piece of felt, then I needle felted the design to the clutch. The lining is quilting cotton from Joann's

Alteration: I changed the strap and sewn it to the clutch instead of inserting a D-ring. I also did not do the top stitching because the fabric was to thick for my sewing machine.

In conclusion: The pattern is great for beginners. I would defiantly make it again in a satin or taffeta for special occasions.

Thrift-O-Rama

2012-09-23T06:55:00.000-07:00

This week I went thrifting for some furniture for my sewing/ bedroom. And Oh my gosh, I could not believe all the amazing things I found. First I walked in the store and the first thing I seen was this lovely bookshelf. I purchased this bookshelf for only 18 dollars!

I loved their stash bin. The store had a small bin filled with fabric. I had went crazy, all the fabric was a dollar a yard.I felt like the luckiest girl in the world at that point. I purchased majority of the fabric that was there. Anyway here's everything I purchased.

I purchased my first knitting needles this week,because I have been learning how to knit at school. So I was excited when I ran across 4 bundles of yarn for 2 dollars at the thrift store.

Last I purchased this cute teddy bear tin.

Check out my etsy

2012-06-17T07:11:00.000-07:00

I am currently selling vintage sewing patterns on Etsy for a reasonable price. I would love for you check it out.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Sewcool21

Janome Sew Mini review

2012-04-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

This is the Janome sew mini. This is a sewing machine my parents bought for my younger sister for Christmas. I use this machine to teach her how to sew. The sewing machine prices from 50-70 dollars.

Features
- drop in bobbin
-4 Straight stitch lengths
- 3 zig-zag widths
-Straight stitch also available in left needle position.

Things I like...
-I like how light weight and portable this sewing machine is. This sewing machine is small enough to fit on my sisters desk and still have enough space to maneuver the fabric.

-The sewing machine is quiet.

-I does its job, the stitches are neat and the machine runs smoothly.

-Awesome beginners sewing machine, great for small projects.

- kid friendly, my 12 year old sister loves it and makes doll clothes all the time on it!

Things I don't like...
-The stitches are very tiny. Stitch D looks like a basting stitch on the machine but I could not even get my seam ripper under it. I was very disappointed about the stitch length.

- small foot petal. I wish they made it a little bigger.

-no seam guide

Update 2/27/2013
A year later the machine has stopped working; My sister was using the sewing machine daily to sew felt and cotton for her beginners sewing class. I would recommend this sewing machine for scrapbooking and lightweight fabrics only.

Here is an image of the Stitches

Mccall 6327

2012-04-29T09:38:00.002-07:00

This is McCall 6327 in view A. It is a simple elastic skirt with an asymmetrical overlay. This skirt is perfect for the spring/summer time.

Pattern size: I made a size 14, which is one size smaller than the recommended size on the envelope. The fit was perfect.

Fabric used: I found some lilac cotton from Joann's and thought it would be perfect for this skirt.

pattern alterations: There was no pattern alteration. This pattern was really quick and easy to sew. I finished the hem with a serged narrow hem.

Conclusion: This is cute and easy pattern to sew for the summer . I enjoyed sewing it and will probably make in again in a print.

College color blocked Jacket

2012-04-28T13:30:00.001-07:00

This is color blocked jacket I made for my school fashion show. The theme of the fashion show is 60's mod, which was the style I was trying to achieve with this jacket. I made this jacket from some mystery fabric at Walmart on sale for two dollars. The jacket was made from a size 10 sloper my teacher created. The only changes I did to the sloper was lengthen the jacket by six inches and add button loop.

Problem with the Jacket

The only problem I had was all the puckering in the sleeve area. Easing the sleeves was a pain in the butt.I had to ease the whole sleeve in to the armhole. I did everything I could think of to reduce the puckering. It was just way to much ease in the sleeve. Other than that, the jacket came together well.

Favorite Summer/Spring Patterns

2012-03-26T10:54:00.000-07:00

This Summer/Spring I have have been amazed at how well the pattern companies are staying on trend. I have nothing to say but good tings about this seasons collection.

Let start with McCall's Patterns.

McCall 6569

You can not start the summer without a great swim suit and I am in love with this one. This is McCall 6569 in view C. What really draws me to this swimsuit is the rouching on the sides to help my slim out problem areas.

McCall's 6562

This summer I have been obsessing over everything that is off the shoulder. I do not think I will make the views with the straps but I do want the other three views in my summer wardrobe. I am already imagining this top looking great with some bold colored skinnies with a great pare of summer flats.

This is McCall's 6518 it is from their spring collection. I absolutely adore this dress , it is so sophisticated and flirty. One detail I really like about this dress is the waist band it really give the illusion of a smaller waist.

Simplicity Patterns

This top is so stylish. I love the shoulder details in view F. One of my biggest fears is sewing knits.Only thing I ever work with is woven fabrics. So hopefully It will work out well and I will be brave enough to sew this Pattern.

This dress was love at first sight for me. I have been searching everywhere for a cute party peplum dress pattern. I just love everything about this pattern. I love the shape of it and I think it would look really cool if it was made with an ombred satin or polyester.

My obsession

2012-02-16T09:50:00.000-08:00

For some reason my mind never stops thinking about patterns. I can sit on the computer all day reading pattern reviews, searching for vintage patterns on Etsy and Ebay, looking on all the pattern sites deciding which patterns I will buy on the next sale. I spend more time looking at patterns then actually sewing. I do not know if I have a problem but my family thinks I am obsessed with my patterns, which there right. I go crazy when my little sisters are looking at my pattern catalog and do not put in back where it belongs. The crazy part about my obsession is I will spend so much time day dreaming about patterns, but picky to buy. I am very selective. I have less than 100 patterns in my collection. I know I cannot be the only one like this. So do you spend more time looking at patterns or reading pattern reviews then actually sewing.

Simplicity 1970- Pleated Skirt

2012-02-11T14:46:00.000-08:00

This is Simplicity 1970. This was my first pleated skirt I ever sewn. I made this pattern with some cotton I purchased from Walmart for two dollars. I did look at the reviews on patternreview before I sewn it and that helped a lot, since most of the reviews said this pattern run big. So I made it one size smaller and it fits perfectly. The only change I made to the pattern was not adding the side pockets, which was not intended. The only reason I did not sew on the side pocket because some where in the processes of cutting out the pattern and laying it out, I lost the pattern piece. I am still satisfied with the finished result.

I finished the skirt with a rolled hem.

How I organize my muslin mock-ups/ Tutorial

2012-01-27T07:42:00.000-08:00

Ever since I started college, I have a growing collection of muslin Mock-ups. I like to keep everything organized and together when I sew. Since I am a grab and go type girl, this works perfect for me. I have all the pattern pieces with the notes I need to sew it on the fashion fabric right at my hands.

Things you will need:

-muslin mock up

-sheet protectors

-hangers

-sewing pattern

-index cards

Step 1: Put the sewing pattern in a sheet protector.

Step 2: Put on one side the index card the patten number and on the other side I put the pattern alterations.

Step 3: Last I put the index card in the sheet protector so the pattern number is showing. You can put the sheet protector on the hanger through one of the holes or pin it to the garment and hang it up.

This month I entered a giveaway on sew well blog for her one year blog anniversary and was ecstatic when I found out I won. I won a beautiful OOP McCall pattern and two yards of black and white lightweight wool.

Sewing 30 minutes a day- 2012 goal

2012-01-12T16:43:00.000-08:00

My only new years resolution is to think less and sew more. I have spent to much time on the computer looking at patterns and dreaming of them being made and ready to wear in my closet. So I have been setting a goal to sew thirty minutes and if I missed a day an hour the next, so far it has been working well. I just got done sewing my first pants muslin. It did not go so well, but I made my self finish it any ways so I can learn from my mistakes. I really think every 30 minutes is bettering my sewing skills.

Mccall 6316 muslin romper

2011-12-26T13:38:00.000-08:00

I have been promising my sister that I will be sewing this pattern for the longest. So since I am on break I thought it would be a great beginners project for me to start. I did make the whole garment as if it was made in the fashion fabric. I am very pleased how the muslin came out.

I made view B in a size 16 1/2 . The only change I made in the pattern was to take out the exposed zipper in the front, and inserted an invisible zipper to the side. Which required me to sew the lining in last instead of first like the pattern instructed. The pattern instructions were simple but I am unsure if I will be making it in the fashion fabric because my sister ended up hating the bubble butt the pattern gave her . I thought it would make cute pj's, but she disagreed. Even though she was not a fan of this pattern, I am still glad I made it because I got to practice a lot of the basics they taught me in school. Plus I learned a new tip when sewing this. I used to always take forever to turn spaghetti straps, I mean I would pinch the fabric out of the tube till the whole tube is turned. I found that I can use a safety pin to do it. I don't know why it took me so long to find this out, but I am glad I know now.

I purchased one of my must haves!

2011-12-17T20:26:00.000-08:00

I just want to give a special thanks to Bonnie for helping me find this vintage pattern. In August I had made a post about vintage pattern I would die for . This pattern was on the top of the list because I have been searching for this pattern for this longest. I mean I have checked Google,Etsy, and Ebay and had no luck. I did not find this pattern till I seen Bonnie left a comment with the site selling it for around five dollars. I still can not believe I own this pattern. I can not wait to make this dress, I am thinking about making the gorgeous dress in a red satin.

College LBD is done!

2011-12-10T07:58:00.000-08:00

My final for my fashion100 class was to make a little black dress. I had used black poly poplin I got from Vogue for three dollars. This was defiantly not an easy project since I had to sew in in two weeks. The pattern is a simple block pattern my teacher designed, with bust darts and side contour darts. I was amazed because she drafted so many designs from the same pattern. I kept mine as simple as possible because the time we had to make it.

The only embellishment I added to the dress was an iron on applique.

Huge update/ haul

2011-11-10T06:51:00.000-08:00

I have been so busy lately, In two week I have been sewing a muslin blouse for school. This was defiantly a project for me because I had so many firsts. I learned how to do a Hong-Kong seam finish, put in a 6-step buttonhole and sew a collar in. I learned things I have not tried before.I wish I had took pictures before I turned it in, but my camera was down. The good news is I finally got the grade for my skirt this week and I scored a high B. In class we are currently working on making a little black dress. I am thrilled because this is our first project we are making out of fashion fabric. I will be updating you guys through the process.

Now for the haul:
I had shopped at Joann's, Walmart and Vogue this week looking for the greatest deals on fabric and notions, and this is what I found.

This fabric is so beautiful. I fell in love with it the moment I seen it. I really want to make a blazer or Burda 7460.

price- $4.99 a yard

I purchased 2.5 yards of this black poplin for the little black dress I am making at school.

Price- $2.99 a yard

This was some navy blue denim I found in the remnants section at Vogue.

1.5 yards for $4.50

I plan on making a cute summer blouse with this fabric.

I purchased 2 yards for $1.30 a yard.

This is a nude colored cotton I bought from Walmart for $2.00 a yard.

The nude colored lining was on sale for a dollar a yard so I picked up 4 yards.

Last week I purchased three patterns when they were on sale. This was one of my most exciting purchases because I found an OOP pattern.

Homework Craziness!

2011-10-01T14:36:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry for my blog lacking. All the homework I have been getting lately is driving me crazy! I never thought going to college was going to be so stressful and hard. I have a day to learn a new sewing technique, then a week to make the sample using the technique.

I had to have all these samples finished in a week.
The hard part was all the sewing had to be at school.

Right now we are working on a skirt, this is the first skirt I ever made successfully. I could not be more proud of myself, all my seams are finished, I learned how to put in my first lapped zipper, and attach a waistband. Although I learned how to master some techniques, I need to practice on others, like my top stitching.

I know, I still have to iron the wrinkles out!

Ooh! Don't hurt your eyes looking at the topstiching.

I am almost done. The only thing left to do is all the hand sewing.

Vintage Patterns I Would Die For!

2011-08-31T17:48:00.000-07:00

Style 2190

This dress is a absolute show stopper. When I first seen this dress thought it was an adorable after five dress. This dress transforms into more than one look, It is a basic sheath dress with an overskirt. I can just imagine going to a party and wearing this dress, then taking the skirt off and everybody thinking I changed my outfit.

This is the fantacy dress for a little kid. I am not the kind of person that buys tons of kids patterns. Why an I lying to myself. I never buy kids patterns, the only kids patters I own are the ones my litte sisters buy for me to sew for them. I would love to make this dress for one of my younger sisters when they have thier school baquets.

This pattern I can't wait to get my hands on. My favorite part of this pattern is the swirly top with the short pencil skirt. I think the whole outfit is so flattering. The reason why I like this pattern so much is because I never seen a top anything like the one in a picture.

This jacket should speak for itself. I think this pattern is so stylish and the color of the jacket is right on. It is defnitly a trendy coat that will never go out of fashion.

College Story- Day 2

2011-08-30T07:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my second class in fashion100 and I loved every minute of it. I was absorbing as much info as I could. I had learned how to wind a bobbin for a mechanical machine and that took me a couple of tries before I could do it by myself. We also learned how to thread the machine and that made me frustrated, because the instructions were right next to me and could not figure it out for nothing. I had to ask the teacher a question for every step. When I had everything checked and ready to go, the thread came out the needle. At that moment, this machine was my enemy. I did not have a lot of success on the machine, so after I made three stitches it was time for my group to move on to the next step. Next we learn how to add seam allowance to a pattern. We all traced the skirt pattern and added seam allowance to it, this part was so easy and I was like one of the first to finish with no problems.

Fit for real people

2011-08-30T07:05:00.000-07:00

I bought the book for all the raving reviews. When I started reading it, it was like my eyes were glued to the pages. I am a visual learner and this book has great illustrations and tons of photographs. This book is based on a tissue fitting and It defiantly prevent some of the major problems in sewing pattern.

The one thing I love about this book is that they don't base it on skinny models, this book shows a wide variety of models tall, short, kids, and adults. This book covers everything but pants, for pant you have to get Pants for real people.

First day of college

2011-08-22T16:25:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of my fashion class at Harper college. Although it was the first day, it was anything but easy. The class was four hours, so there was ample time today to jump in to the sewing lesson. For the first two hours if felt like time was moving slow. She had the she read over four syllabuses about the class. It was interesting to hear everybody story. After lunch is where the fun began. The teacher taught us how to rip fabric and had us ripping a yard of fabric in to 5x9 squares for sample fabric. Omg, I loved this project just so I can release some of my anger out on that fabric. I am eager to start sewing next week. They are going to educate us on how to sew to use an industrial machine .

New Simplicity Patterns

2011-08-05T12:46:00.000-07:00

I am in love with the new simplicity patterns that came out this season. Some of my favorites are from their new line SewSimple. These patterns are not on the simplicity site but you can find them here.

Yay! I made accessories.

2011-08-04T21:21:00.000-07:00

I made these lovely bangles with three simple things old plastic bangles, E6000, and ribbon. They were super easy to make and I am in love with the color.

I made this beautiful hairpiece from a tutorial I found on Craftster. It was fun and cheap to make. I got all the supplies from my near by dollar store. I am going to experiment with this project to make tons of unique hairpieces. Some of my ideas are daisy and roses or maybe adding feathers to give the project a completely different look.Overall it does not matter how you accessorize these projects they could be made to express anyone personality.

Here is the tutorial

Modaxpressonline.com review

2011-07-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

Last week I was looking everywhere for some inexpensive back to school clothes and got nothing.So I figured I would try this modaxpress . I bought two pairs of pants, a brown pair for eleven dollars and a grey pair for eight dollars. Majority of their clothes are on sale and are reasonable prices. I have to say this is a great site to get teens and kids clothes. The shipping is super fast, I received my order four days after purchase. Here is the site

These are the brown pants I orders and I love them The pants fit me like a glove.

These pants are the grey pants . I think I could have went one size down because they are not as fitted as I would like .

M5850 (Little Black dress)

2011-07-11T23:30:00.000-07:00

McCall's 5850

This is the first dress I made by myself successfully. It is a little black dress. I could not be more proud of myself. I thought the instructions were made easy enough for a beginner like me to understand. This was the first zipper I done correctly after many trial and errors. I made in with black cotton and lined it with white cotton for a contrast. Then I added the red belt for a splash of color.

Size cut- 16

Alterations- I Shortened the dress by two inches and added an inch to the bodice. Instead of sewing the boning to the lining I sewn it to the seam allowance. I also used medium fusible interfacing as underlining

Thing I would change: This pattern runs quite big so next time I will make it a size smaller with alterations.

Lil sister learns how to sew

2011-07-05T08:48:00.000-07:00

Simplicity 9871

Lately my sister is interested in learning how to sew. I have been teaching her how to sew simple projects. So far I had taught her how to sew a pillow and these wonderful pajamas. She was so proud of herself for making these pajamas that when we went on our summer vacation, she wore them every night to sleep in. The pattern was super easy and I was surprised on how quick she caught on. At the end of the day she was telling me how the pattern should be sewn. I enjoyed teaching her this hobby at a young age.