sewl sista #1

tipping in...

2012-11-07T22:25:00.001-05:00

...still around, still sewing, but I'm getting myself back on track after some 'life stuff'. This past spring (after an awakening at work) I decided to get serious about the job search. I started the hunt this summer, after the wedding thing - which I have yet to update/blog....

Butttttttttttuuuummmmmmm yea......

After many adventures over the past few months, including a bout with vertigo, teenage drama with the firstborn and finding out that I'm becoming an aunt(!!!) I've traded in my 15-minute country commute, sweatpants & hippie dresses, and cushy office for the dirty public transportation (yay MTA), stuffy wardrobe (dress for the job you want, *eyeroll*), and raggedy cubicle with loud neighbors (cubicle etiquette anyone?)

Silver linings? Of course! I'm finally back on my career path/focus, I get to spend more time with the hubby (lunch dates), annnnnnd I am a couple of blocks away from the famous(?) Guss Woolens.

I've read about this store on Miss Celie's blog and was super interested, but I rarely traveled to downtown Baltimore, and figured I would never go. I had forgotten all about it, until my first day on the job and I was on my way to the ~~bowels of hell~~ Lexington Market for lunch and I happened to walk past the store. I was able to make it in today and I was pretty impressed and hopeful.

The store is by no means glamorous or stocked floor to ceiling with bolts upon bolts, to me it's more like a treasure trove. Like, you'll come in from time to time and rummage through the bolts and remnants for that special piece or two. I purchased two remnants of suiting 3.5 yards each for 30 bucks total. VERY reasonable! One piece was Hugo Boss according to the clerk (HB was written on the fabric in chalk, along with the price $15, lol)

enough rambling on this ~~worthless~~, picture-less post. Just want to say heeeeeyyyyy!!! and let you (and me) know I'm trying to get it together and get back in the swing of things.

tipping out...

Done Deal!

2012-06-12T14:02:00.001-04:00

The wedding was June 10, 2012!

I'm STILL giddy!!! I'll be back with the good ~~the bad and the ugly~~ in a bit. Let me catch my breath.

Kiddo's Dress Choice + DIY Maxi

2012-04-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

Kiddo chose Simpliciy 1876 to wear to the wedding so we took a trip to Joann's to get fabric.

We found a pretty floral satin print.

With the sale at 50% off, plus and additional 20% off coupon, I spent about $22 for 4 yards of fabric. Awesomeness, right??? Now we can ~~maybe~~ splurge a bit on her shoes.

I found my shoes on clearance at Marshall's for $18, I wasn't even looking!!!

I JUST HAD TO make a DIY maxi skirt, inspired by Adrienne, EricaB and MimiG, the sewing gurus.

Got a new ~~hat~~ wig too, lol! I'm having fun with it!

...peace...

McCall's 6507

2012-04-13T11:33:00.005-04:00

Finished the dress!

I added a review on PR as well...

McCall's 6507

Pattern Description:
Dress has fitted, bias front bodice with cowl neckline, single layer overlay (wrong side of fabric shows) with tucks, invisible back zipper and baby narrow hems. Designed for soft lightweight wovens.

Pattern Sizing:
6-22, I made 16

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes!

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes & no.

The pattern was well drafted, but my print had a couple of errors. The "back" bodice was labeled as "front", and there were no sizes marked for the tucks on the overlay (there were two sets of tucks, I had to figure out which set to use)

At that point, I decided not to use the instructions, especially since they told you to sew the tucks down on the overlay before you attach the bodice. I think that would have caused the tucks to get caught up in the waist seam. I made the skirt and bodice separately but I did not stitch down the tucks until I sewed the top and bottom together. (hope that made sense)

I also believe the bias finish at the waist could potentially be bulky (or messy if you used a slippery fabric). My fabric was stable enough to serge clean, but had I used a lighter fabric I would have installed a waist-stay instead.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
It's a beautiful dress. I made it to wear to a bridal shower. For a semi-different look, I think the external tucks could be turned into internal pleats and the dress would still have a pretty drape for the overlay. Using a sheer fabric for the overlay would be cute too!

I also like the draping at the neckline and back out and it's not too low cut on either side. The way the sleeves fall is nice too. Sexy, but demure!

Fabric Used:
Polyester Simply Silky Print from Joann's

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
none

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I thought I wouldn't make it again, but a solid color would be a great wardobe addition. I don't see this dress as trendy, but a classic look that you could wear for a good while.

The problem area was fixed after some steam was applied. Washing it didn't make the pleats fall, I guess they were pressed in good!

side view... I will have to steam these wrinkles out before I wear it.

The back I was worried about, I have a broad back/shoulders, but the cut of the sleeves is really flattering, and the flare of the skirt balances everything out.

Me time

2012-04-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

Yahoooo! Time to start sewing hardcore for yours truly!!! The bridal shower is April 28th and we're pretty much prepped so I need to get hot on my dress. I pulled out my fabrics and here's what I came up with:

McCall's 6507, I really wanted Butterick 5601, but I have almost 3 yards of this pretty pretty fabric, and I really want to maximize the yardage (a "silky" poly print fabric from Joann's spring 2011.
Plus, the other hostess is wearing a cowl neck, so that can be our "uniform."

Progress:

Here is the skirt so far. I am not having any problems yet because I am NOT USING THE DIRECTIONS! The directions and pattern markings have a few typos, at least in my envelope.

The back bodice is marked as "front." The sizing for the overlay pleats is missing - like, there are two sets of overlapping pleat markings and I had to figure out which one to use, *eyeroll*. I also really wanna know how I'm supposed to add length at the bottom of the rounded overlay if I needed too....anywayzzzzz...

Additionally, I'm pretty sure that if I stitched down (instead of pinning) the pleats on that skirt overlay before attaching the bodice, it would to get caught up in the bodice when I attached it. I'm going to stitch the pleats down AFTER I put the top on. Duh.

I haven't put together the bodice yet or looked at those instructions, but again, so far so good with the pattern. (optimistic, much?)

Love this print.

I am having a tiny nervous breakdown about how that blasted overlay is ~~laying~~ poofing on the front. Yes that is the front!! I'm hoping that once those tucks are stitched down and I wash away the pressed pleats it will fall correctly.

I believe my fabric does have enough drape, but I would definitely use something a little more "flowy" if I were to make this again. (which I doubt)

Be back with updates...

Halt(er)

2012-04-07T14:28:00.000-04:00

This weekend, I was ready to start fitting the muslin for the dress top. These are the before pics:

For the muslin I just used some more of the flimsy satin from Joann's. The pattern is old - McCall's 3584 I had in the stash from years ago.

Fitting a halter is such a challenge because the patterns are so low cut.
I closed up some of the top - about three inches - just based on the way it looked on the dressform. The other thing I had to do based on the form was pin out some gaping on each side of the halter.

Here is the lace we got from Exquisite Fabrics in DC. It was labelled French lace, I don't know much about lace, but this is really pretty and very comparable to the lace on the skirt.

My plan was to layer the lace over the satin bodice and midriff. I would also like to shape the bottom hem instead of it being straight across.

And now the after...

My sister ended up finding a RTW dress on clearance!!! LMAO!!!! She tried it on for me yesterday before I got a chance to show her the top and get the fitting worked out, so she hasn't seen this part yet.

When I saw her in the RTW dress, I was brought to tears because she looked soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo beautiful!! And I knew that it was THE dress. It is completely different from her original inspiration dress but I think the new one is better.

She really found the perfect dress and I am extremely happy for her. It does need a few adjustments so we'll work those out.

Then it hit me that I WAS FREE from the pressure of making the dress (passes out) and I shed a few more tears -- of relief.

All in all, I'm happy with what (little) I accomplished, and I'm happy that I can get back to sewing things for me to wear (not that I'm selfish or anything.)

(happy dance)

...and BTW Baltimore/DC peeps they have very nice bridal satin at G Street Fabrics in Rockville, pricey, but nice :)

Spring has sprung

2012-04-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

At least at Joann's. Tee-hee :)

I am in LOOOOOOOOOOVE with this fabric. I mean LOOOOOOOOOOVE.

Click for a HUGE closeup of this stuff :)

I wore it pulled up and belted with a black blazer. It actually falls just below my navel. I want to find a different top for this one. Something more t-shirt like.
(Sorry about the dressing room pic. We were in Kohl's looking for an Easter dress for kiddo.)

Too bad it's been chilly again, I wanted to go bare legged with strappy sandals!
(I needed a slip, it was clinging to my tights, lol)

Pattern Used: New Look 6053
The pattern was extremely simple. My only dislikes were the front darts on the waist but that's because I dont have much ~~any~~ waist to hip ratio. Since the skirt is shaped but not super fitted (on me) there is a lttle bit of looseness on the front below the waist and above the knee. Hope that makes sense. it's no big deal because the skirt is cute!

It's about 2 inches over the knee with a side split and invisible zip. I'm 5'6.

I didn't use an invisible zip on this one but I still think it turned out OK.

I'll prolly wear it like this or with a black button down blouse. Or with both if this weather doesn't get right :)

This is what I saw in Kohl's that I can't get off my mind.

LC Lauren Conrad Chiffon Blazer.
This was so cute, the chiffon was just the right weight. I didn't like the color so much, I want to try and emulate this in solid black, IF I can find the right fabric.

Fabric Hauls (catchup)

2012-04-05T07:00:00.000-04:00

I wasn't able to sew *for me* during Feb/Mar but that didn't mean no fabric shopping was happening. Lemme show you.

Fabricmart haul

Pink/blue/gold floral cotton, possibly for a maxi skirt or dress like Butterick 5755 or McCall's 6558, view D
Pink/Blue cotton madras for a shirt dress. I really like M6520, view A
Black polyester matte jersey for Vogue 1250, this will be my first LBD! I want to make it in time for the wedding rehearsal dinner. Time and energy willing.
Blue/black/gray abstract ITY knit for a DVF style wrap dress. I'll prolly remake B5030.
Black and white cotton seersucker for B5647, view B.
Graphic floral cotton twill for either a blazer or a pair of pants. If I can get to it by summer it'll be pants inspired by these beauties that I pinned.
Magenta r/p/l ponte. I got it with B5752 in mind. Then I saw Mimi's SMOKING dress and I knew I made the right choice! (my other option is a sleeveless B5559)

Joann's mini haul

Joann's has some really beautiful prints this season. I'm really in love with their "Global Traveller" collection. I purchased these "Simply Silky" cuts in February and got to cutting AS SOON AS I finished them dang bridesmaids dresses!!! As of Sunday night, they are sewing up beautifully! I am making two New Look 6053 sweatshop style. I hope to be wearing these bad girls ASAP! (*note. I scheduled this post earlier this week and have since finished the skirts! I'll take pics of and post them tomorrow.)

annnnnnnnd I forgot my Blogger Anniversary like I do every year. Happy 5 years to me.

Yes to the dress (so far)

2012-04-03T00:00:00.000-04:00

The wedding dress remake is going great so far. The hard part is done, meaning deconstruction. The dress came apart so easily! I can breath now.

Here is our starting point:

After a fruitless wedding gown search, sis found this dress in a vintage shop - when she wasn't even looking for a dress. Talk about meant to be!

Not sure how old this dress is, but it was definitely custom made (no tags, unfinished inside seams). Style-wise I'm thinking more than 15 years old but less than 25.

The dress is really long so the bride must have been a tall girl, which is perfect for my tall sister. So thanks, to whomever passed this one on.

This pic was taken before we got it cleaned. The bodice is unusable, the beading has faded and fallen off in between the layers of lace. I thought the beads were bugs at first, lol!

The lace is beautiful! It's ivory with random gold tones. Hard to capture with my camera but TRUST.

Here's what I've done so far:

I removed the bodice and added a 3 inch waistband. That's it, lol. Seriously though, I was soooo nervous. First of all, I was really nervous about taking it apart but I held my breath and got to seam ripping, eventually I just ripped it apart manually once I saw that it was attached with one seam! All of the original seams are either enclosed in organza, or pinked. The skirt was gathered separately - with super sturdy seams. I was so worried about re-gathering all that fabric.

For the waistband I ended up using ~~flimsy ass~~ satin from Joann's, It was the best I could get my hands on at the time, but it will not be visible since we are doing a two piece dress. This is not a great pic, but you get the gist.

I need to "re-enclose" the lace overskirt hem. Not sure if re-enclose is the correct term, but the lace hem is wrapped in what looks like organza strips. Of course there was none in Joann's and I refused to use their tulle/netting fabrics. Whatever was used originally on this skirt has stained to brown in some spots so it has to go.

The last thing is a couple of small tears in the netted part of the lace, I'm hoping to repair that with invisible thread and some fine mesh from G-Street or Fabric Place.

I had to hand sew!!! Hell to the no!!!!!
Only for my sister though. I chose a zipper closure since this will all be hidden.

Again, not the best, but it will not be seen.

Skirt innards: Not sure what the content is but the satin is very heavy/sturdy. All the original seams are sturdy and the fabric has held up beautifully.

What's to come:

The bodice. She has decided on a halter style bodice. At this point, I am mulling over pattern options. I need to make a decision by the weekend. I want to be done completely by mid May - my own deadline. I will be making a trip to A Fabric Place, hopefully this week, to pick up some real satin for the bodice, and organza for the hem.

As you can see my sis has VISION galore, cause I would have taken one good look at that original thing and turned my nose way up. But working with it I see the beauty and potential. We'll see how this thing turns out. Wish me luck.

The Bridesmaids

2012-03-31T21:04:00.001-04:00

So the bridesmaids dresses have been approved!! And I met my first wedding sewing deadline..

My sis has three Bridesmaids (BM), littlest sis + 2 girlfriends; and two Maids of Honor (MOH), me and the BFF. We are all wearing different dresses, handpicked by the bride. The lineup is stunning!

The BMs are wearing blush colors and us MOH's are wearing champagne gold. I *think* we are all wearing gold shoes-of our choice, and matching brooches. I CANT WAIT TO GO SHOE SHOPPING!!!!!! ok, lemme calm down...

Sis wanted to purchase convertible dresses for me and BFF from an Etsy vendor. Unfortunately, the vendor discontinued her chosen color so I offered to make them. We literally found the fabric on a fluke. G Street Fabrics turned out to be a bust so we were going to order online. I wanted to stop by a local Hancock Fabrics that was closing and stumbled upon this perfect match color for about $4/yard! So 2 bridal dresses for $40 and elbow grease. Let's say it together: SCORE!!!

I used pattern McCall's 6353. It turned out to be a decent pattern to work with. I was annoyed at having to cut the extra long ties on the floor, but in the end they are perfect and not bulky at all.

I am using what I consider medium-weight poly-Spandex knit. Like 10 yards of it had some weight! It has a lot of crosswise stretch and very little lengthwise stretch. My only issues with the pattern is that there are ZERO finished measurements for bust-waist-hip and the ties are the same length in all sizes!!! (I made a 14 and a 24 and the ties are the exact same length, only difference is the width.) I didn't realize it would make a (small but noticeable) difference until we tried them on. It's still stunning on her and fits great, I just wish there was a bit more hang for the larger sized tie. Um, derr, McCall's...

Yes that's a wig... Let's focus on the dress!

My MOH dress back... I feel like a peanut head in this dress. Bwahhahaaahahah! I will probably wear a big flower in my hair to balance me out.
My sister didn't approve my ~~Kardashian~~ style weave idea, lol.

BFF-MOH dress front... I will say this dress is flattering on all sizes!

BFF-MOH dress back view...
We're not 100% sure how we want to tie them yet, but she liked the one shoulder look on her. It was really cute!

I would like to wear mine another way since all of the other BM's have different dresses (theirs were purchased in various places).

Here's me in my ~~new hat~~ wig. I've only worn it once, just for fun.
Not sure if I can make it a regular thing, gotta get used to it, lol.

Wedding dress update next post...

Inspiration

2012-03-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

Spring/Summer "trends" I like

2012-03-26T10:13:00.001-04:00

I've been loving the lace dresses I've been seeing in the editorials and in the online shops. This backless style is very sexy, but not over the top!

Cropped blazers.... I wasn't sold at first. But with a baggy pant, they look super cute! I need to try one on to make sure it suits my figure.

You know I love printed pants, having made a couple of pairs last year.
This year they are looking great in all shapes from wide leg to slim. I definitely want to make a silk or cotton pair for the upcoming summer. Those polyester pairs I've done have my knees sweating!

I've always loved angled and rounded hemlines so all of the asymmetrical hems I've been seeing are right up my alley.
look 1, look 2, look 3

What's on your radar?

McCall's 6570

2012-03-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

How cute is this!!!

via McCall.com

Inspiration

2012-03-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

Rachel Zoe blouse

Why do we try

2012-03-20T13:13:00.002-04:00

I'm ~~a copy cat~~ inspired again, this time by:

FROM THE REZ TO THE CITY!!

Source: fromthereztothecity.blogspot.com via Nikia on Pinterest

I really LURVE (stole that word from Adrienne :) Kiah's blog overall and I get "style" and "life" inspiration from her regularly. Plus, we almost have the same first name, what's not to love? Check out her site!

So, I'm blogging my look from today (first day of spring!) because I reviewed New Look 6802 eons ago and I don't think I've ever posted it so here goes. (Old pics on flickr)

Dress: New Look 6802 (the long sleeve is tapered)
Fabric: Joann's Fashion knits

I made this dress almost two years ago and I still love it!

PS: Confession: I have made a lot of things over the years and not blogged/reviewed them so you have and will be seeing some things not recently made.

PPS: My sister says I can show what I've done so far on the wedding dress!! Yahooo!!! I finished the skirt so I will get that up very soon.

And:

...this song is making my life complete right now...

peace.

Cherish the day

2012-03-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

Have an awesome weekend peeps!

The couple

2012-03-14T12:12:00.001-04:00

Awww.... my boos were featured on The Belvedere Bride yesterday (and I'm just finding out today, hmph.)

Check them out!!!

I can't sew

2012-03-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

Somehow I'm afraid to start up any big sewing projects for me because I have the wedding to sew for and I'm not allowed show you what I'm working on. My first deadline is March 31st for the maid of honor dresses and the skirt of the bridal gown. ~~But, I'm gonna try and sneak some pictures in tho, shhh.~~

Thursday morning I got up at 5am after tossing and turning all night damned insomnia! so I decided that I was gonna sew something new for me. I serged off a yard of fabric for a scarf, and my fuzzy brain handled it well. It was a nice & quick sewing fix and I felt cute wearing it that day. Good enough.

Scarf: "silky" double border print from fabric.com
Dress: Vogue 8679
(I wore it with a boring black blazer and pumps, but I was still cute tho, lol)

Love this print, it's black and white with a pop of coral, red and yellow on each border.

Full shot.
Ehhh, should I stick to wearing dangly earrings with this haircut?
I have on "diamond" studs and I'm looking bare from the neck up, at least in the photo.

Ciao!

Another one bites the dust...

2012-03-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Dear Pinterest

Instead of sewing (for me) I have been pinning/repinning like a mad woman.

But I kinda love it!

Source: shopbop.com via Nikia on Pinterest

Source: houseofturquoise.com via Nikia on Pinterest

Source: afri-love.com via Nikia on Pinterest

Source: fashion-isha.com via Nikia on Pinterest

Source: hwtm.com via Nikia on Pinterest

Get a fashion/sewing fix

2012-03-08T12:24:00.002-05:00

(22 minutes)

(11 minutes)

...And have you check the Simplicity site lately? Leanne Marshall of Project Runway fame has some quickie sewing videos up! (click here)

via Simplicity.com

Inspiration

2012-03-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

Source: shopbop.com via Nikia on Pinterest

Yahoo! Can't wait to make more of these babies (with the front hem taken up some...)

Butterick 5643
via

Inspiration

2012-02-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

Came across this Sunday afternoon.....

Source: shop.msafropolitan.com via Nikia on Pinterest

Sunday night got busy...

(...after Jr decided to give me a 30 minute break from his fever)

I already had the squares cut out and leftover from a quilt I made years ago (did I ever blog that? I can't find a post, anyway....) I serged two rows of twenty squares together, then serged around the edges.

I was gonna hem it but I like the "deconstructed" look of it. I also thought about adding a backing of fleece or jersey, but decided to keep it light, I have enough winter scarves.

Inspiration

2012-02-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Source: garypeppervintage.blogspot.com via Nikia on Pinterest

I am NOT a fan of nightwear as day wear, but this is really cute - and not so obvious!

via

warning

2012-02-23T13:28:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of what I cut off my head.

#whenkeepingitrealgoeswrong

Doesn't look so pretty. LMAO!! People keep asking what I'm gonna do with it, which makes me LMAO even more. It's waste matter at this point so in the trash it goes...

Short hair, don't care

2012-02-23T13:27:00.000-05:00

Here are the pics I promised (late, got the final haircut last night)

It was a shock initially, but I'm glad I went through with it.
I don't miss my locs at all, I just feel a little bare.

The extent of make-up for me is Maybelline Great Lash and Burt's Bees (clear) lip balm.
I let my co-worker talk me into colored eye liner so I'll be playing around with it soon. I have a bronze color on but it's not very noticeable - which is ok with me! As much as I love fashion I'm not into makeup at all -- except nail polish.

...A few days after I chopped the locks off looking....wild, lol!

I was gonna keep some of the length but I got brave and went for it.

I have been itching to to sew but not finding the time. Here's to hoping things slow downnnnnnnnn soon.

sewl sista #1

tipping in...

Done Deal!

Kiddo's Dress Choice + DIY Maxi

McCall's 6507

Me time

Halt(er)

Spring has sprung

Fabric Hauls (catchup)

Yes to the dress (so far)

The Bridesmaids

Inspiration

Spring/Summer "trends" I like

McCall's 6570

Inspiration

Why do we try

Cherish the day

The couple

I can't sew

Another one bites the dust...

Get a fashion/sewing fix

Inspiration

Inspiration

Inspiration

*warning*

Short hair, don't care

warning