Knitters Delight

Aurora Top & TNT Leggings - McCalls 6173

2015-10-13T16:56:00.001-07:00

Can't get enough of either of these patterns. Perfect for a casual work environment while steal holding some style.

I have another top that I made this weekend and wire yesterday. Worn with another pair of the same leggings seen a few months back. More to come...

Having fun...

McCall's 7099 - Floral Jumpsuit

2015-09-09T16:54:00.001-07:00

I have jumpsuit fever. Here's a new one for me - McCall's 7099. This was a really quick project. It took 2 hours including cutting out the fabric. I used fabric I purchased for $5.00 total at the National City Swap Meet.

I have another one in the works - I just have to attach the top to the bottom and add the elastic. Stay tuned.....

FO Sallie Jumpsuit from Closet Case Files

2015-08-10T18:26:00.002-07:00

So I recently purchased the new Sallie Jumpsuit pattern and have been having issues with making it work. Before scrapping this pattern, I decided to try different fabric. A little over an hour later and I had an AMAZING jumpsuit. It was the fabric...which I'm still hoping to make work now that one is under my belt.

This is a great pattern. I made minor changes which included lengthening the bodice by 3" and adding room to the armscye to accommodate my ~~guns~~ arms. This will not be the last time I make this pattern. It really is as comfy as wearing pajamas. I made it on Saturday and have already worn it twice....

FO - Baby Roots Cardigan

2015-07-22T16:57:00.001-07:00

I have completed another knitting project! Hooray. I must admit it feels good to knit. This was for a close co-worker of mine who is having a baby girl. Her son and my daughter (6 months apart) are close friends and go to the same preschool. It was nice to make something by hand for her and I am happy with the outcome. Once little girl is out, I will try to get some fun shots.

The pattern is Baby Roots Cardigan by ADHD Knitting, which I found on Ravelry. It was a fun project making me wonder why I didn't knit more things for my little girl. Oh well, this dear girl may reap the benefits from self-proclaimed extra Auntie.

Aurora Top from June Seamworks & McCall 6173 Leggings

2015-06-22T16:29:00.002-07:00

I really have been sewing a fair amount. I am just not posting or taking photos of anything for whatever reason. This is my second time wearing my new top in 8 days, so I had to get my coworker to snap a few quick picks. I paired it with a pair of quick leggings I made last night in-between working on a new Burdastyle Dress pattern from the June 2015 recent issue.

I have actually made 2 additional dresses and a wrap from the Seamworks last two issues as well as knit Yarniad's cowl pattern (I still have to block that one, though). I will try to get some more pictures in of the other items soon. I have been back at it with working out so I think I am also a sweaty, tired looking mess and don't want to publicize all of that. Ha ha. Still, the clothing has been nice, so I will try my best if anyone is still out there to view.

Twirl Me Dress Pattern

2015-04-08T17:32:00.000-07:00

...and sometimes she does sew for her daughter...well not really. I have always had an aversion to this since my daughter was born knowing what she prefers fashion-wise. Mommy does not always hit the mark. After two dresses made over the years the first one was worn for a sewing fashion show while the second one made it to daycare twice. This was not a motivating factor for me. I'd rather knit her a sweater or make her a quilt (and who's lying...I don't do those very often either).

Browsing the blogosphere, I have been silently stalking Debbie from Lily Sage and Company.Her clothing always makes me envious and her fashion sense is enough to make my 4-year old proud. So when she asked for pattern testers, I jumped at the opportunity to try another dress for my daughter. The truly clever pattern is called The Twirl Me Dress and my daughter did do her share of twirling in her versions. Yes, that means I actually managed to have TWO successes!

While it took her a little bit of time warming up to the first one, since she thought she had told me to pick a multicolored fabric, she still told me later how she really liked both dresses. The second version is more fluid and light which she picked as the winner for her Easter dress. I have a feeling this will not be the last of these dresses since her smile and dance wearing them was enough to make this selfish seamstress want to sew for someone else....

FO McCall's 6797 Easy Knit Top

2014-11-13T16:13:00.002-08:00

So I just can't seem to get it together with blogging these days. I have been on and off with my sewing, but regardless of which, I am off on the blogging end of things. I miss blogging and reading all of my sewing, knitting, and even hair and food blogs. Life happens and we miss out on some of the previous staples of life.

I turn 40 on Pearl Harbor day. I am motivated to take time for me with both my health and hobbies. For the next 18 days, I hope to develop a habit of re-incorporating these things back into my life. I don't want to enter my forties merely focused on work or other obligations. We will see how it goes....

My latest FO is another McCall's 6797 top. I previously made this one last year after returning from my first trip to Australia. It is comfy and versatile, but the casual fabric I chose has not called for the amount of wear I had hoped it would. Here is a dressed up version that is fun and unique. I received many compliments throughout the day albeit I also had a lot of questions about what disco I would be venturing off to, as well. LOL

I cut the size large. It's a bit roomy at the neck, but perfect everywhere else - probably due to the low stretch the knit fabric has in it. I do believe I may make this again, but not for a little while. I have many patterns to tear into during this last bit of my thirties.

New Pattern! FO Sandpoint Top

2014-09-26T17:29:00.003-07:00

So I was a pattern tester for the new Sandpoint Top created by Seattle-based independent designer Helena at Gray All Day. I really love this top! I love how simple it is with the extra design feature in the back. It is very flattering and extremley comfortable. This knit top is a definite staple and not the last one to be added to my wardrobe. I have already cut out a second one to put on my sewing table this evening. I paired it with my go-to leggings, McCall's 6173 in a brown double knit I whipped up while watching Project Runway last night. Stay tuned for version 2!

FO - Koko Top by Named Pattern

2014-09-25T14:08:00.003-07:00

I have been sewing and wearing new pieces, just not taking any photos to brag about them. Here is a new top that I made using the indie company Named. I purchased three patterns from them so far. Here's my first finished piece, the Koko top. I really like the lace insert detailing and sleeves.

This is a comfy top that I've paired with faux leather leggings as well as this circle skirt. Jeans, shorts, or even a maxi skirt would also pair well. I will be making more of these in the future, for sure. The fabric works well enough, but a more stable knit might have worked a bit better. The pattern called for a light knit fabric for the bodice, but I would prefer a bit thicker to cover trouble spots better. Still love it, though!

In non-sewing news, my Mother just left after flying to visit my Sister and I for a women's conference that was being held at my Church. It was an amazing time and I already miss her. She did manage to snag my last two Collete pattern dresses that I made, so she left happy. Of course that means I need to make more. Not a problem...

RTW-Knock Off Made-Maxi

2014-08-21T17:16:00.003-07:00

Here is another maxi dress that I've created recently. My knitting friend Margaret has been learning to sew with me and has really helped with my mojo. She had a few RTW items that she loved, but can no longer buy as they were discontinued. What's a girl to do, but knock it off? While the dress is actually short, I made this version into a maxi of sorts. It's a great black and white striped fabric picked up on a trip with Margaret to Yardage Town.

Nothing more to say about this one except it's comfy and a great addition to my ever growing stash of maxi dresses. Lord knows, I can't seem to get enough. Working late tonight, but still have plans for a jumper if time permits.....

FOs - Moneta and Knit Top with Faux Leather Leggings

2014-08-19T17:41:00.000-07:00

Clearly I have been sewing up a storm. Unfortunately my ability to blog about it is another story. I finally took out some sweater knit fabric and sewed a top. I am LOVING this outfit! I can't lie. From the faux leather leggings using my TNT McCall's 6173 pattern to the easy, two piece sweater using an old pattern I had in my stash but never tried before (McCall's 6204). I have already made another sweater top in a less gauzy, more casual fabric. All fabric from this post were inexpensive finds (think a couple bucks each) at the National City Swap Meet.

So I also have been in love with making Colette Patterns lately. Here is my first Moneta. It will probably be one of several. I also made a top using Colette's Myrtle pattern. Pics to come once I wear it to work. I love the neckline (hard to see from the picture) and the in seam pockets. It is comfortable and a great wardrobe addition for my casual workplace.

Anywho - time to run, here's to getting my sewing mojo back *squeal*.

FO Myrtle by Colette Patterns

2014-07-25T09:55:00.000-07:00

I have been sewing more these days, but still have not been blogging. This dress is too cute not to post, however! I snagged Myrtle by Colette Patterns during their recent online sneak peak preview sale. While I really do like the hard copies of their patterns, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one to work on immediately.

This is a fast project that I did in a few hours over two nights. The lined bodice gives the cowl neck a great drape and the elastic waistline is encased in fabric giving a clean finish on the inside. I am going to the National City Swap Meet tomorrow with a friend, so I plan to grab some woven fabric to make another version. I also have the Moneta dress pattern and the Mabel skirt. I have plans to use stretch leather for part of the skirt if I can ever find it in my stash.....

FO - Linda Stretch Pant from Style Arc

2014-03-18T16:33:00.000-07:00

Say it ain't so? I have finally made a pair of pants that I am going to blog about. There was the great leggings adventure of 2013 that never made its debut which is crazy since I made over 20 pairs of leggings counting the 8 I made for my sister. I digress...here is a pair of pants sewn yesterday evening that I am actually posting on my blog today. Score one for Susan.

This is my first pattern from Style Arc. I made the Linda Stretch Pant in a size 10, omitting the optional 2" elastic in the waist band. I think I should probably serge the waistband in a tad since I did find myself hiking up the pants a few times during the day. All-in-all this is a great pattern that was quick and easy to make. They are comfy and stylish at the same time.

The fabric is also from Style Arc. It's their stretch bengaline. So far so good, other than a bit of wrinkling in the front after a full day's wear. There are only three pattern pieces and other than topstitching the waistband, this was all completed on my serger. With three more pieces of fabric, there are several more of these pants in my very near future. Stay tuned...(I also type that? lol)

FO McCall 6398 Tunic and McCall 6173 Leggings

2013-11-08T10:57:00.002-08:00

I made this tunic and leggings a few weeks back, but didn't have a chance to post. The leggings don't have the right amount of stretch, so I'm going to make another grey pair, but the pattern is still my go-to for leggings.

I made the tunic with sweater knit fabric. It's comfy and a quick throw-on outfit. The back at the top could be taken in a bit, mostly due to the top fabric choice, over pattern issues. My family and I don't actually celebrate Halloween, which can be hard on the younger ones. My current tradition is to take the day off and go to the San Diego Aquarium with my little one. This year, I took my Sister's youngest son also. Here is a picture taken by Dawson during our trip.

Next up, a bias cut top and more leggings. I'm back onto working out so I don't want to make a bunch of structured outfits that I can't wear after losing a bit of weight. Leggings and tunics are perfect while I transition back to my desired size.

FO McCall 6205 Printed Tunic

2013-10-03T16:58:00.001-07:00

My latest FO is McCall 6205 Tunic. I'm pairing it with my new go-to-leggings pattern (McCall 6193). This is very different from my usual projects. I bought the fabric on a National City Swap Meet Run with my friend Latrice a while back. I found the fabric in two fabrics and was so excited at the opportunity to mix them into one garment.

This is a huge departure from my normal sewing choices, but such a great top. It is flowy and comfy, while still offering some style. It does run a bit large so I made the small size and then used a woven fabric instead of the knit fabric it calls for.

FO Overload...Catching Up Some and Australian Adventures

2013-09-29T10:40:00.003-07:00

So I have actually been sewing up a storm. I have gained some weight from all the travelling ~~and eating without exercise~~ so my clothes were way to snug too be work appropriate. I sewed a bunch of maxi skirts to wear to the trade-show I exhibited at in Australia. I also enjoyed some family-time with my friend Brandi when I returned and we were able to get out to her old knitting group and do go fabric shopping for a sweatshop legging adventure. I'm continuing on my legging and maxi skirt kick since it's an easy wardrobe builder while I work on re-losing my once lost weight.

McCall 6797 top at left & McCall 6193 leggings for all three pics
with previously blogged Simplicity 6780 purple top on the right

So I didn't get a chance to meet any fellow craftsters while in Australia, but really did appreciate all of the emails I received with people sending me options of where to go and who might be available to meet. I have another business trip in less than two weeks to China, so I will make a point to get to the fabric stalls, despite the quick 4-day adventure.

This is a simple knit top that I made a few months back for my sister. I can't remember the pattern number, though. I'm also cutting some basic knit tops this weekend to go with the leggings as well.

So here are the four maxi skirts I made using McCall 6654. It's a quick and easy pattern with a narrower version (my striped one) and fuller versions (the other three). I did not manage to get a picture of my red version outside of Brandi snapping me at Yardage Town on our shopping adventure before knitting *don't judge. ha ha*. I have already cut another version so there will be more of these soon.

FO McCall's 6559 - Rainbow Maxi and Me-Made Necklace

2013-09-09T20:54:00.002-07:00

So I have made this maxi-dress over a dozen times. I have actually lost count the exact number. I don't care, it's been a horrible heat wave in San Diego so I've been living in these happily. This one is my rainbow version that I made last night. I have made two maxi skirts this weekend as well, but they are already packed for my business trip to AUSTRALIA! I fly out on Friday evening. So - I'm trying to jazz things up for my trip.

I hope to check out fabric/yarn stores and maybe even meet a Brisbane blogger or two, should the opportunity arise (hint, hint...lol). Anyway, with very little time to go, I have plans for 2 more shirts, 2 pairs of pants, and another dress. Even I'm smart enough to know that won't happen, but at least my sewing mojo seems to be back in full effect.

Oh - in other news, I recently had a sizeable amount of hair chopped bringing me one cut away to fully natural (relaxer free). Now that I have a curly natural cutie, I want her proud of her hair and not to feel like she needs to chemically straighten it to be beautiful. So I'm going lead by example and rock my curls.

FO - Simplicity 2268 with Nilah Photo Dump

2013-09-03T17:08:00.001-07:00

So I am not big on sewing for others.....this includes my own daughter. I am fine knitting for her, but the idea of sewing little pieces of fabric together has never been appealing. Well, I must have been having a Mommy Moment because I bought a few patterns for my 2 1/2 year old toddler and actually sewed one of the patterns this very-same weekend.

The pattern is Simplicity 2268. A fairly easy pattern, that didn't really fit her too well. She is on the tiny side for her age weight-wise, but on the taller side for height. I cut the smallest size (3T) but made it longer (4T). I had to hack off 4" off of each side of the skirt, which is crazy and added three lines of smocking to the front and back to get rid of the gaping. I like how it looks and for just my second hand made dress for her in her life, I'm glad she actually likes this one.

She and I had fun swimming and sewing along with Latrice for Labor Day and even got a new dress for my mini-me (according to everyone, even though I still don't see it). I'm planning on making the cardigan from this pattern as well as a woven, button-front dress for her.....after I sew for me of course. Stay tuned.

FO - McCalls 6559 TNT Pattern

2013-08-21T17:11:00.000-07:00

I made this a month ago and have worn it once a week. This is a TNT pattern for me - McCall's 6559. It's quick and easy and always lands me compliments when out and about. Add a cardigan and it's even wearable to my job, which is a bonus.Unfortunately the fabric pattern went in the wrong direction from what I wanted, so I actually made this with the stretch going lengthwise instead of across my body. Fortunately, I can squirm into it without too much fuss and it is still comfy once on.Considering I purchased the fabric at $2/yard at the National City Swap Meet last summer, it is still a win in my book.

Long Time No Contact

2013-08-15T20:04:00.000-07:00

First off - I cannot believe it has been 8 months with radio silence....on my part. I am truly sorry. I have been going through so many things, that I just didn't have it in me to post. I have tried to keep up with my blog reading to the best of my abilities, but I even let that slide....sigh. On a positive note, I am feeling like I am coming out of my black hole and starting to resurface. Please don't get me wrong, a lot of things have been really positive, just overwhelming and time consuming. I digress.....

Here is some of the things that have been made but not posted since the dawn of my hiatus. The picture above shows me in a pair of Silhouette Ralph Lauren pants that I made out of silk for my ETAC challenge. Yes, I made a successful ensemble in October 2012, yet never posted one image. Here's my favorite piece from the challenge. The color is on-trend for 2013 and the fit is amazing. I am holding the book that I one from the fabulous Lauren from Lladybird.com had a giveaway for the Drape Drape book in February and I WON! I have this book out on my table and am hoping to try a pattern before year's end. Thank you Lauren.

This top is New Look 6780. This is my third time making it since first starting to sew. It's comfy with some nice finishes including elastic in the sleeves and a wide band at the bottom. This will be a wardrobe staple for sure. Here's a close up....

The last item I have to show is another TNT pattern I've made several times... These Simplicity pants (Simplicty 7092) are comfy yet work appropriate. For this pair, I completed the hem by hand due to the brocade-type fabric. These wrinkle by day's end, but are rocking for most of the day. Ha ha.

I have several more things to show, but may just leave it to the things I wear frequently....more to come....I hope.

Happy New Year! What I Wore and New FO...a Knit

2013-01-22T14:55:00.000-08:00

I am so sorry for the long pause in blogging. This community has meant so much to me that when I step away, I feel like I'm actually betraying a friend. With that being said, I have been going through a major change in my life....my boss of 6 1/2 years sold the company that I worked for right before Thanksgiving. There has been a lot of transition with that change, mostly good, but still change none-the-less. With this major adjustment, I just didn't have it in me to blog. There are several items from 2012 that I never even managed to photograph, including the fabulous Tasia's Cordova Jacket. I'm actually almost finished my SECOND version and have blogged about zero of it! Major fail [sigh].

Well on a positive note, I have had some knitting mojo of old return. I managed to complete (blocking include) a cute hooded cardi for my little one after seeing Hilary's gorgeous "grandpa" version. This was a quick knit that I mostly did during my Saturday knitting meet-up at Panera Bread on Balboa.

I have also started Miette for myself. A cute cropped cardigan on Ravelry. It's a free pattern and will use up my remaining Cascade Rustic yarn that I used on Nilah's cardi.

As to not forget my past projects, I took pictures of what I wore yesterday to work. The Tomato top was knit in December 2007/January 2008 and the Butterick 4995 Side Button Pants were sewn up December 2009. It was a perfect, easy outfit to wear for a casual work meeting with the new Sales & Marketing Director. Go me!

That's it for now. In other news, I am working out with a trainer as I prepare for a half-marathon and the Tough Mudder mud run. I have a ways to go, but am starting off with a bang. I am also going natural hair wise (meaning I will not chemically relax/straighten my hair anymore). I am 7-months post relaxer and will transition for another 17 months before chopping off the relaxed ends. I may start documenting that process also, but have not decided yet. Either way, please stay tuned.....

A Thin Line Between Sew & Hate

2012-10-31T10:38:00.002-07:00

I have completed the ETAC challenge and will try to post pictures. Unfortunately my friend's camera wasn't working too well and I didn't bring mine, so I have to reshoot all of the items I made. That aside, sewing as not been my friend these days. I seem to have sewer's block or something. Very little is working out and I am not motivated to finish projects that I start. At least I was able to whip up a quick dress using Pattern Runway's Kimono Dress for Latrice's birthday dinner. She was making the same dress so I decided for us to be pattern twins. (Yes, I am a dork, but proud of it).

I just purchased some new notions, a fabulous fit system to add to my next mannequin, and some new Vogue patterns during their recent sale. I even managed to get in a few of the new patterns, although there wasn't too many that I felt I really HAD to buy. Hopefully my sewing slump will come to an end....

Edited to add: The fabric was purchased at the National City Swap Meet for $2.00/yard. Score!

What the heck are you up to...?

2012-09-30T21:38:00.003-07:00

I can't believe it's been over a month since my last post. This is soooo unlike me. I am sitting here trying to remember all that I have done in a month. Unfortunately, it's too much to recount. I'll just say that after going to my 20-year high school reunion I have continued to try to work out, run after my little one, while still sewing. I have a lot of muslins that I have made for my etac conference. I'll show you one pair of paints that I have made along with a pair of leggings. The leggings and pants are Silhouette patterns. My friend Latrice helped me cut out patterns and muslin fabric as well as make runs out to yardage town for supplies. It has been a productive yet frustrating time.

In more fun news, my Sister visited me for her 40th birthday. We had such a blast. We ate, drank, shopped, worked out, did karaoke, danced, and just had an awesome time. I made her two maxi dresses (McCall's 6559), one that I doubt she will ever get around to sharing a pic with me. At least I know that she has been wearing them both and enjoying them (including receiving a ton of compliments).

I'll stop rambling. I can't remember if I mentioned that I'm taking a dress making class and pants making class which has me pretty busy. I know I'm in for a long semester but feel like it will really help my skills. Next up? More ETAC sewing contest work and my school projects. After that, I hope I'll get some time for fun sewing, including a yellow pair Clovers. Here's to hoping....

FO New Look 6856 - Cherry Red Pants

2012-08-19T10:32:00.000-07:00

So I have made these pants in multiple colors. The thing is, my Mom loved them and so I gave them to her. This is now my first pair to keep. The cherry red color is beautiful and fun, while the gauzy fabric is perfect for the crazy 90 degree weather we've been having in San Diego. This is a 45-1 hr project so it's instant gratification for sure.

While this isn't a huge complaint, I have found that I have very little to wear these days. I have lost additional inches over top of my recent weight loss. I am going to have to go through my closet and make a few trips to Salvation Army, since most of my items are now too big to get away with wearing. Now I need to carve out some time to bulk up my wardrobe in both work and weekend appropriate looks for this weather, while I also work on my eTAC sewing challenge that's happening in October. Time to get moving....or at least tracing. LOL

20-year High School Reunion Dress - McCall's 6460

2012-08-08T22:59:00.000-07:00

So two of the dresses that I attempted to make did not work out for my reunion. I ended up making McCall's 6460 and it was a winner! I was planning on making this dress for my cruise last February, but ran out of time. So, when I was feeling the pressure to make my dress the night before my trip, I did a quick check on Pattern Review. All but one review was positive, but Carolyn was the one that considered it to be mediocre. She is a sewing genius, so I was immediately nervous, until I went back to her post. Her dress looked AMAZING on her, even if she didn't like it, so I went ahead and made it. Well, it was a good decision, since I really love the end result. I do think that the other reviewers are correct in that the fabric choices are what can make or break this dress. Thankfully, I picked well as I already had the fabric from my cruise fabric for the pattern.

All-in-all, it was a fun night and I felt comfortable and pretty at the same time. I made the dress in a size 10 and omitted the back zipper, since I was able to slide it off over my head. I may try this again down the road as a color-blocked shirt....Up next, outfits for the ETAC contest. The five fabrics came in, so now the planning starts.